While the PSP is celebrated for its rich catalog of games, many forget that it also marked Sony’s first cendanabet attempt at building a broader entertainment platform within a handheld device. The PSP wasn’t just about playing the best games—it was about delivering a full PlayStation experience that included music, video, internet, and even digital comics. In doing so, it helped shape how modern portable devices balance gaming with lifestyle features.
At the time, being able to store and watch full-length movies on a PSP was groundbreaking. Sony promoted UMD (Universal Media Disc) movies alongside game releases, turning the device into a portable cinema. Blockbusters like Spider-Man 2 and Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children became must-have experiences for PSP owners, not just for gameplay, but for entertainment.
Music playback and photo storage also extended the PSP’s role in users’ daily lives. Unlike most consoles, it became a personal media center—something far ahead of its time. This all-in-one design foreshadowed future Sony strategies with the PS Vita and even bled into how modern smartphones manage digital entertainment.
The PSP’s identity as more than just a gaming machine added to its long-term appeal. It helped redefine what a gaming device could be, making it a forerunner of today’s hybrid platforms. In a landscape where multimedia access is now expected, the PSP was a pioneer.