E3 2003: Sony Goes Handheld! - IGN (original) (raw)

Sony came out swinging today with a major announcement regarding its entry into the handheld market: the PSP. With a screen measuring in at a tidy 4.5 inches, the new device surely must have Nokia, Nintendo and other portable/handheld deck-makers quaking in their boots. In fact, the device is apparently so monumental, it has at least one Sony exec calling the unit "the Walkman of the 21st Century." Additionally, Ken Kutaragi, CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and father of the Playstation commented that the device will be more powerful than the original PlayStation.
And just what makes this wondertoy so appealing? Well, other than the obvious welcome addition to the handheld market, we'd say it's these drool-worthy (and preliminary) specs:

• UMD or Universal Media Device. This storage media is 60mm, about half the size of the traditional CD and has a capacity of 1.8GB. That's right GB. Expect massively complex, detailed gaming (for your handheld anyway). 2.4 inches.
• ATRAC encoding support (Sony's proprietary sound format used in their minidiscs). This could mean it will be a multi-media device.
• Graphics specs are also impressive: NURB technology for rendering with full 3D polygons.
• The unit's widescreen LCD screen (480x272, that's the coveted 16:9 ratio we all love) will be backlit.
• The unit's sound processing will feature full 3D sound, PCM, and will be "fully reconfigurable."
• MIPS 32-bit processor.
• Also, a secure ROM cartridge for anti-piracy efforts.
• Super-one-chip solution for graphics, sound, etc.
• Memory stick will be used for game saves. Also, for GPS functionality.
• Rechargeable battery.
• CPU: 90 nanometers with a clock speed TBD.
• USB 2.0 connection for talking to your PC, cellphone, even your PS2.
• Embedded RAM.
• Supports additional video codecs (other than MPEG 4.)
  We suspect that the PSP will also come equipped with an analog stick and, since the media is disc-based, it may also have a flip-top lid/cover.
  IGN is tracking more info on the PSP and hopes to be breaking more news and details about the unit soon.