Slideshow: Portable Gaming, Sony-Style

The Japanese release of Sony's stylish and powerful handheld gaming system packs a litany of impressive features -- and a few questionable design choices. Chris Kohler goes hands-on with the Sony PSP.
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features astonishing 3-D graphics and an overwhelming sense of speed.Courtesy of Namco

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arcade games on the portable screen.

Courtesy of Capcom
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, the PSP's most addictive launch title, is a puzzle game that bursts with light, color and sound.

Courtesy of Bandai/Q Entertainment
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The standard PSP package includes the system, an AC adapter and a removable battery pack.

Courtesy of Sony
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A size-comparison photo. Top row: the Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance SP systems. Bottom row: the PSP, the PSP's Universal Media Disc, a Game Boy Advance cartridge and a Nintendo DS card.

Chris Kohler
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The PSP's lithium-ion battery pack is removable, so you can carry two or more for lengthy trips.

Courtesy of Sony
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The PSP value pack includes everything from the standard pack as well as a strap, soft carrying pouch, 32-MB Memory Stick Duo and headphones with remote control.

Courtesy of Sony
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Although the Memory Stick Duo included with the PSP is branded with the system's logo, other Memory Stick Duo media, including cards from SanDisk and Lexar, are compatible with the device.

Courtesy of Sony