What's in the Box?

If you're in the market for a PSP, you might want to know what comes in the box before you get to the store, so you don't accidentally come home with a bunch of things you don't really need. Here's a rundown of the different "packs" the PlayStation Portable comes in.

Core System (aka Standard Pack)

This is the basic, no-frills package, without even a set of headphones, but if all you want is a PSP, this might be the way to go.

• PSP hardware
• AC adapter and plug
• battery pack

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Value Pack

This package has everything you need to get started, though if you want to do more on your Memory Stick than save games, you may want to buy a second, larger stick.

• PSP hardware
• AC adapter and plug
• battery pack
• 32 MB Memory Stick Duo
• headphones with remote control
• soft case
• wrist strap

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Giga Pack

This is probably the best deal, though if you aren't going to play music or video on your PSP, you could get by with the smaller Memory Stick that comes with the Value Pack, instead.

• PSP Hardware
• AC adapter and plug
• battery pack
• 1 GB Memory Stick Duo
• headphones with remote control
• soft case
• PSP stand
• USB cable
• cleaning cloth

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Bonus Pack

Cheaper than the Giga Pack, but with not quite as much stuff, the Bonus Pack is so far only available in Japan.

• PSP Hardware
• AC adapter and plug
• battery pack
• 1 GB Memory Stick Duo
• soft case
• PSP stand
• USB cable

Once in a while, there will be special deal releases with a game or other goody packed in (for example, at the PSP's release, there was a pack that included a Wayne Gretzky hockey game, and the first batch in stores had a Spiderman movie UMD included). These can often be good deals, if the game included is one you actually want.