On December 12, 2004, the “PlayStation Portable,” or PSP for short, was launched as Sony Computer Entertainment's first challenge to the portable gaming market. If you're a game enthusiast, you've likely heard the name before. The appearance of this machine was a shock, like a media center in your pocket, offering not just the ability to “play games anywhere,” but also to carry video, music, and even the internet with you. Considering how much of a reassuring partner this small device was to many users in an era before smartphones became widespread, its innovation from that time remains undimmed today.

A major feature of the PSP is its unique media format called “UMD (Universal Media Disc).” Many will recall that distinctive shape: a small, 6-centimeter disc housed in a white, semi-circular case. This style, different from CDs or DVDs, felt incredibly fresh as a means to carry not only games but also video content like movies and anime. While video streaming services are mainstream today, back then, the “portability of video” was realized through the UMD.

The reason the PSP was highly regarded is also due to its multifunctionality. Since it was equipped not just as a game console but also as a music player, video playback device, and even an internet browser, one device could handle many uses. Looking back now, the fact that it achieved such convenience in the era before smartphones is astonishing. For young people who didn't yet own a computer, the PSP may have truly been their first window to connect with the world.

The widespread explosion of the PSP's popularity is inseparable from the existence of a certain software: the “Monster Hunter Portable” series. Especially after the release of “2nd G,” people could be seen opening their PSPs everywhere—on commuting routes, in cafes, and during breaks. Multiplayer using ad-hoc communication reaffirmed the joy of “playing face-to-face,” which couldn't be experienced online. The coordination with friends, real-time conversations, and the shared laughter and frustration in the moment—all of these made the PSP more than just a game console; it was a “tool for weaving memories.”

The PSP did not stop evolving after that. In 2007, the PSP-2000 appeared, and its portability was significantly improved by becoming thinner and lighter. Furthermore, the PSP-3000 was released the following year, with enhanced performance in terms of image quality and response speed. Then, in 2009, the “PSP go” was finally released, which eliminated the UMD and allowed all content to be enjoyed via download, truly bridging the way to the next generation. This progression eventually led to the PlayStation Vita, starting a new history for SCE's portable game consoles.