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Function
As a feature introduced in the 3.00 system firmware update, the PSP&'s game transfer ability essentially allows the system to play downloaded games stored on the hand-held&'s memory. Due to requirements that the titles be downloaded from the PlayStation Store, transferred games are bound to the purchaster&'s PlayStation Network profile. But the games may be transferred to, and accessed from, up to five PSPs at one time. The later introduction of the PSPgo featured a smaller system without a media drive, making the game transfer capability the sole way to play PSP games on the new hand-held.
Types of Games
Three types of games are available for download and transfer to the PSP: full PlayStation Portable titles, PS One Classics and PSP minis. Full PlayStation Portable titles include games released on UMD, in addition to occasional download-only titles. Select games from the original PlayStation library are represented in the PS One Classics series of games, while PSP Minis are smaller-sized budget titles intended for quick gaming sessions.
Methods
Games can be downloaded and transferred to the PlayStation Portable through three methods: downloading to the PSP system directly, connecting to a PlayStation 3 or using a PC. Any PSP with access to a wireless broadband Internet network can be used to purchase and download titles from the PlayStation Store directly. Gamers without access to a Wi-Fi connection can use a PlayStation 3 or PC to download and transfer games to the PSP system, as long as the hand-held is authorized to the same account as the device used to acquire the games.
Requirements
To use PSP for game transfer, the system must have adequate storage capacity. Insert a Memory Stick Pro Duo for storage with the original PSP and subsequent Slim and Lite models (PSP models 1000-3000). The PSPgo features a built-in hard drive and does not require additional space for game storage, although Memory Stick Micro can be used to increase the storage capacity.
A free PlayStation Network account is necessary to purchase games. PC transfers require the use of the Media Go software, available as a free download from Sony&'s website. Use a USB cable to connect the device to a PlayStation 3 or PC for game transfers.
Benefits
Transferring games to the PSP&'s memory offers numerous benefits over playing UMD titles. First, transferred titles are stored directly on the system, removing the necessity to load information from a UMD, which decreases load times during gameplay. In addition, by not having to power the UMD drive, battery life during gameplay is extended. Finally, storing games on the PSP memory removes the necessity of carrying numerous UMDs with the system, increasing the hand-held&'s portability.