New for 2005, this Sony-made handheld is more expensive than either of Nintendo's machines, but offers better graphics, a larger screen, and a more versatile feature set. The LCD display is bright and gorgeous, and many of the flashier games look like they wouldn't be out of place on a PlayStation 2. Many PSP games also make full use of the sleek handheld's wireless communication ability.
But the PSP isn't just a games machine. It'll also play MP3s and videos from a memory card or purchased on its special UMD disks. Consider a high-capacity Memory Stick Pro Duo if you're stuck for PSP gift ideas: 512MB or 1GB are both useful sizes (approx. $60 and $80, respectively).
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Grand Theft Auto: Libery City Stories
Bringing the graphically intensive and complex gameplay of the Grand Theft Auto series to a portable couldn't have been easy, but Liberty City Stories actually gains a few things in the translation. It's set in the same city as Grand Theft Auto 3, so fans of that world-changing PS2 release will love the chance to walk around familiar streets from a different perspective. Just don't make the mistake of thinking that a portable console equals kid-friendly games.
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Lumines
Every handheld console needs a good puzzle game and this one's a cracker. Your brain is simultaneously overheated by the block-shuffling action and lulled into serenity by the awesome soundtrack. The only downside to Lumines is that once you get good, games can stretch on for hours -- but you can just flip the PSP off and pick up where you left off later on. Puzzle gaming doesn't get much better than this.
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Wipeout Pure
Who'd have thought a handheld console could put out these kinds of visuals? Wipeout Pure almost shames the PS2 with its speedy and smooth racing. Since its release with the PSP back in March, it's been well supported with downloadable new tracks and crafts. If you know a PSP owner who doesn't own this first-rate game, here's the perfect opportunity to rectify that sad situation.
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Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee
Underneath Hot Shots' bobble-headed and childish exterior lurks a surprisingly solid golf game that'll please adults and kids alike. A range of shot assist functions make it easy on new players, but later courses turn up the difficulty -- and the eccentricity that's a hallmark of the series -- high enough to challenge just about anybody. Even those who normally can't abide golf games stand a chance of getting a kick out of this well above-par release.
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Ridge Racer
Drifting's the name of the game in this arcade racer, and with 24 courses to master you'll have plenty of opportunity to hone your corner-carving skills. Even though it's been on the market for a while, it's still one of the best-looking PSP games around. Supporting up to eight players over wireless, it's great fun with a group as well. Only the most determined hater of arcade racers could dislike this top-quality slab of entertainment.
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Burnout Legends
One thing the PSP is not lacking is great racing games. This is the little brother of the Burnout series of popular crash-em-ups on the larger consoles. Everything that makes the series great is included and the control is razor-sharp. Nearly 200 events mean it'll outlast any tedious car journey or plane ride, and there's a great range of multiplayer modes too.
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Virtua Tennis: World Tour
Easy to learn but hard to master, this addictive tennis game features beautifully balanced controls and excellent graphics. The World Tour mode lets you design a pair of tennis players, one male, one female, and embark on a kind of dual career. By playing a series of addictive mini-games -- like knocking tennis balls across the net to take out aliens, Space Invaders-style -- you can develop their skills, win competitions, and eventually top the rankings. Much as you'd expect, it's even better in multiplayer, and anybody that finds this under the tree this holiday season will be guaranteed a smashing time. Sorry.
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X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse
Patrick Stewart and all, the X-Men somehow squeeze onto the PSP for this action-role-playing game. Although it allows you to mix your team between X-Men heroes and their evil counterparts from Magneto's Brotherhood organization (surely not!), fans of the popular characters will enjoy the authentic atmosphere and value-adding extras. You can develop your heroes' powers as you play, so there's huge potential for customizing and tweaking your team's fighting style.
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Lord of the Rings: Tactics
Perfect for the Ringer in your life, this strategic turn-based game brings a set of battles from the Peter Jackson movies to the PSP. Rather than alternating turns, though, this game has both players moving together, making this more imaginative than run-of-the-mill turn-based games. Clips from the movies enhance the atmosphere, and once again the multiplayer is top notch.
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Infected
Although it might be set during the holiday season, Infected isn't your average Christmas-themed video game. No, this zombie-dispatching shooter exists for one purpose only -- to splatter more blood around the PSP's screen than any other game. It succeeds admirably, and provides an admirably addictive and, yes, humorous experience into the bargain. The multiplayer mode earns extra kudos for the imaginative way in which beating other players infects their game with your customized character.
Editor's Choice
Budget Buys
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Family Friendly
Recommendations with no blood, no gore, and no shortage on fun.
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