PSP Game Sharing Information

Function

• The PSP's Game Sharing feature is a way in which one gamer can share one of his purchased games with another PSP owner, without the second person purchasing the software. This can be used to send demos, play exclusive mini-games or team up to partake in the main game. This works by sending a small amount of data from the game owner's PSP and placing it on the RAM of the second player's PSP. All that is required are two PSPs and one copy of a game which features the Game Sharing Option.

How To

• In order to enable this feature, certain steps must be taken. First, make sure the Wi-Fi switch on each PSP is in the on position. This switch is on the bottom of the PSP near the left-hand side of the console. The owner of the PSP game should start the game and select the "Game Sharing" option from the game's main menu. The player without the game should select "Game Sharing" from the cross media bar of his PSP, this will have his PSP search for the game owner's PSP. Once found, the PSP without the game will download a small amount of data after which the game can begin.

Compatability

• The PSP features several games of differing genres that are compatible with Game Sharing. Bomberman allows for up to four players to compete in multiplayer challenges with only one UMD being used. Owners of Every Extend Extra can send a demo of the game to friends, who can then test the game out to see if they would like to purchase it. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops can connect with up to six players to compete in missions based around the main game's storyline. Software that supports Game Sharing will list the feature near the bottom on the back of the game's case.

Advantages

• Because PSP Game Sharing only requires one player to own the game, other players save money by not having to purchase additional software. Also, Game Sharing is a good way for gamers to test out games they don't own, many of which don't have demos available otherwise. Game Sharing also allows for social gaming, with competition among players in the same room. It allows for the same multiplayer experience seen on consoles.

Downsides

• There are a few cons to PSP Sharing. Because the feature doesn't utilize memory cards, as soon as the PSP with the main game is disconnected from the other players, all data is lost. Demos can only be played as long as both PSPs are connected. Also, most games that feature full multiplayer cooperative play do not support game-sharing because of the amount of data needed to play the game. Even if players are able to compete against one another or participate in mini-games, game sharing will never give users the experience of a full game.