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What Is a PSP Memory Card?

A PSP memory card is a data storage card designed by Sony for their line of PlayStation Portable hand held gaming devices also known as the Sony PSP. The memory card allows the user to store digital data such as music and video files on the memory card and view those files on the PSP itself. The memory card is essentially a memory expansion that can be inserted and removed from the PSP gaming system. However, the memory card is a Stick PRO Duo card made to Sony's specifications, meaning the card must be purchased from Sony, and only Sony memory cards will function in the PSP.

Function
- The Sony PSP memory card is designed to be used as a memory expansion card for the PSP gaming device. It can hold a variety of data files; most commonly, it is used to hold MP3 music files and digital video files, which are uploaded onto the memory card by the user by connecting the PSP USB cable to the computer and to the PSP system. Files can than be moved by locating the file on the computer, selecting it and dragging it into the PSP folder, which should appear on the desktop when connected. The PSP has wireless capabilities which allow it to access WiFi networks, making it possible to download files directly to the PSP for storage on the memory card.
Size
- As of June 2009, Sony currently offers a 2 GB and 4 GB version of the PSP Stick Pro Duo memory cards. The physical size of the cards are 20 x 31 x 1.6 mm, according to Sony Style's website.
Benefits
- The PSP memory card allows users to add their own content to their PSP memory. They can watch movies and listen to music on their PSP by moving these files from their computer to their PSP memory card. Users who can access wireless internet can download files from the internet to their PSP memory card as well. Saved game files and game profiles can also be stored on PSP memory card.
Misconceptions
- The Sony PSP memory card does not accept MPEG-4 video formats, a common format of video files; instead, the user will need first to convert the MPEG-4 format with a video converter. An example of a video file converter is ffmpegx for Macs that can convert files to PSP compatible formats.
Potential
- As memory storage sizes continue to increase as the physical size of the storage container shrink, it is likely that PSP memory cards with larger memory capacities will be introduced in the future.
Warning
- While it is possible to download illegally obtained video and audio files to the PSP memory card, it is not recommended, as this may violate laws in your country of residence. Also some file formats may not function properly on the PSP even if they successfully transfer to the PSP memory stick.
Pricing
- Sony Stick Pro Duo memory cards can range in price from just under $25 US dollars upwards to over $100 US dollars depending on the retailer, memory capacity and memory stick features.

Sony PSP