Mark: I’ve heard people dis the PSP as “just more power,” like that’s a bad thing. The GBA was “just more power.” Besides, there has never been a popular handheld that could do 3D games justice, much less also play movies and music. That’s more than enough to get me excited.

Shoe: You would get excited at just that? Sounds like the PS1, when things started going 3D and everyone was all geeked about it. I think in the beginning, we’ll see a lot of games designed more to show off that a portable can do 3D. We won’t see the really good stuff until later on. I’m more hyped on the PSP’s physical design—it’s a beaut, with a nice, large, clear screen.

Shane: It’s definitely a beautiful machine, but I fully expect all this snazziness to come at a hefty price: $300. And that price will sting even more when the thing starts skipping and/or locking up after six months.

Mark: True, we’ve all been through our share of shoddy Sony game hardware.

Shane: Still, I’m sure PSP will be a success, although I wish we’d seen some killer original apps. Turn-based Metal Gear looked dumb, and newish versions of Medieval, Twisted Metal, and Ridge Racer had me feeling like I was trapped back in 1997.

Crispin: Shane’s got a point. Think of all the good handheld games you’ve played—Nintendo made most of ’em. Will developers who’ve never worked on portable gaming suddenly give it its due on the PSP?

Mark: Actually, I think that’s a big plus for the PSP. Nintendo handhelds have always offered only Nintendo games or kids’ licenses because of the way they do business and the cart format. With the PSP, we might finally get some games for the Vice City– and Madden-playing wider audience.

Shawn: Back to the whole movies and music bit. Who’s gonna buy an extra copy of their favorite film on an oddball format like UMD? Plus, the battery will die long before the One Ring falls into Mount Doom.

Demian: Not if you cart around the external battery pack, but I’m with you on the UMD—what is Sony’s fascination with trying to start up new media formats? Looks like PSP will have some other, cooler peripherals, too, like the GPS attachment. For when you get lost in the woods.

Crispin: Or a damn cover for the screen. Meantime, I’m gonna have to keep mine wrapped in a sock.

Copyright © 2004 Ziff Davis Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Originally appearing in Electronic Gaming Monthly.