PSP Essentials
-Games!
-A spare battery
-A Memory Stick [beware of fakes!]
-Screen Protector
The XMB
The XMB, or Xross Media Bar (pronounced as cross) is the ‘home’ on your PSP. It contains the menus and icons that 
let you get around the PSP and change its settings.
As you can see, the XMB contains functions such as Games, Music, Web, Photos and Videos. A Settings menu is also evident.
The XMB is also found on other popular Sony products like the PS3, the PSX and on Bravia TVs.
The XMB is controlled by the 4 way directional pad, using the keys [X] or [O] to enter menus. [T] can also be used to enter the option menus on some items.
The Memory Stick
The Memory Stick is a portable flash card that most Sony products use. Sizes range from 32mb to 8gb, now that’s a lot of media. The memory stick can store all kinds of things but it’s the game saves, videos and photos that we’re interested in. The PSP accepts Memory Stick [PRO] Duo.
Setting up the Memory Stick [PRO] Duo for the PSP
First you will need to format the Memory Stick for use with the PSP. Here’s how to do it:
1. In the XMB (explained earlier), navigate to the Settings menu and enter it.
2. Scroll down to System Settings and select it.
3. Scroll down until you see Format Memory Stick. Select it.
4. A confirmation will display, asking if you really want to do it, select yes.
The Memory Stick is now ready for the PSP.
Internet and WiFi
The PSP supports wireless networking for access to the internet.
Setting up WiFi networking
The next few steps will how to set up the PSP for WiFi internet connection.
1. Navigate to the Settings menu in the XMB (as above). Select it and scroll down to Network Settings.
2 .Within the Internet Settings, there are two options; Ad-Hoc and Infrastructure. Select Infrastructure to connect to a router.
3. If you don't have a connection already set up, choose [New Connection].
4. Choose a name for this connection so you can remember which one it is. The keyboard will come up. This is like a mobile keypad and is fairly easy to use. When you’re done, highlight Enter and press [X]
5. Next you should see two options. If you already know the details of the network choose Enter Manually, if not choose Scan. Make sure the WiFi switch is on (it is located on the left side of the PSP).
6. The system will scan for available networks. When it is done, a list of networks will show up. Choose the one you want and continue. You may need a password on some networks.
7. Scroll through the settings and you should end up with the Network Settings dialogue. Confirm and you may now test the connection.
Games and the UMD
The PSP’s main use is for games. The format for PSP media is the Universal Media Disc or UMD. The UMD can store up to 1.8gb of data which includes games and video, with video being at DVD-like quality.
Games are inserted into a UMD tray located at the back of the system and this tray can be oped using the eject switch at the top.
The UMD’s graphic side (as in the picture) faces outwards and it is inserted with the round side to the bottom.
When a UMD is inserted, depending on the settings, it may auto-start. If it doesn't, UMD’s can be accessed from either the Game or Video 
menus in the XMB.
Playing Video and Music
A great feature in the PSP is music and video playback. The popular MP3 format is compatible with the console and for video, MP4 is used.
Video and Music both can be accessed via the XMB. Selecting either icon will display the UMD icon or the Memory Stick icon. Selecting one of those icons will display a track listing of what’s available on that medium. Pressing [X] will begin playback.