Sony's PSP console features support for the Memory Stick Pro Duo, a model of memory card that allows gamers to save data from games, as well as additional media for their PSP. While gamers can purchase additional memory sticks, there are several problems associated with the format Sony has chosen for storing content.
No Hard Drive
Gamers can download games, music and movies directly to their PSP. The issue is that the current PSP requires a Memory Stick Pro Duo in order for any data to be saved. The lack of an internal hard drive means that gamers must purchase additional memory for their system before they can access all the features associated with the PSP. If a PSP owner does not have a memory stick, he will also be unable to save any game data, a feature other current generation consoles include. Sony's October 2009 release, the PSP Go, is an updated version of their PSP console that features an internal hard drive.
Data
Requiring an additional memory stick also leaves the PSP open to issues with keeping data. PSP owners have reported that their PSP will stop reading the memory stick, effectively stopping them from accessing any data on the card. The solution to this problem requires either reformatting the memory stick or purchasing a replacement. Either solution will cause all data on the card to be lost.
Cost
The need for more storage on your PSP will mean purchasing a new Memory Stick Pro Duo. As of September of 2009, the highest space available on one stick is 16GB. While this card features adequate space for game saves, downloadable movies and games for the PSP can take up over one gigabyte each. As gamers acquire more content, they will need to upgrade their card, each time spending more money on memory for the console.
Internal Processes
Even if a gamer purchases a 16GB Memory Stick Pro Duo, this will have no effect on additional PSP functionality such as the Internet Browser, Skype, or Internet Radio. These features all make use of the limited RAM inside the PSP. Not making use of the added memory from the Memory Stick Pro Duo, the Internet browser will run out of memory attempting to load image-heavy pages and the Internet Radio will not cache any data for quicker loading.
Design
PSP's Memory Stick Pro Duo is not the standard memory card used in gaming or computing. Other current generation consoles such as the Playstation 3 and Wii are compatible with SD memory cards, a less expensive alternative to the Pro Duo. Gamers who wish to use other iterations of the Sony manufactured memory stick will need to also purchase a separate adapter to fir the card into the console. This added cost and the lack of choice when it comes to purchasing the memory stick limits the ability for gamers to save money on memory for their PSP.
Tags: Memory Stick, additional memory, associated with, current generation, current generation consoles, data card