Specifications of upcoming video-game handhelds

[Eric]

We all know the masterminds at Sony, Nintendo and a few other companies are planning to release next-generation versions of their video game systems.

So far, the most anticipated handheld systems are the Sony Playstation Portable and the Nintendo DS.

For those curious to know, here are their specs and some miscellaneous information below.

Nintendo DS:

Launch Date and Initial price: Nov. 21, 2004, in North America ($149.99), Dec. 2, 2004, in Japan (¥15,000). Q1 2005 in Europe and Australia

Size (when closed): 148.7 millimeters (5.85 inches) wide, 84.7 millimeters (3.33 inches) long, 28.9 millimeters (1.13 inches) tall

Top Screen: A backlit, 3-inch, semitransparent reflective TFT color LCD with 256 x 192 pixel resolution and .24 mm dot pitch, capable of displaying 260,000 colors

Touch Screen: Same specs as top screen, but with a transparent analog touch screen

Wireless Communication: IEEE 802.11 and Nintendo's proprietary format; wireless range is 30 to 100 feet, depending on circumstances; multiple users can play multiplayer games using just one DS Game Card

Controls: Touch screen, embedded microphone for voice recognition, A/B/X/Y face buttons, plus control pad, L/R shoulder buttons, Start and Select buttons

Input/Output: Ports for both Nintendo DS Game Cards and Game Boy Advance Game Paks, terminals for stereo headphones and microphone

Other features: Embedded PictoChat software that allows up to 16 users to chat at once; embedded real-time clock; date, time and alarm; touch-screen calibration

CPUs: One ARM9 and one ARM7

Sound: Stereo speakers providing virtual surround sound, depending on the software

Battery: Lithium ion battery delivering six to 10 hours of play on a four-hour charge, depending on use; power-saving sleep mode; AC adapter

Languages: English, Japanese, Spanish, French, German, Italian

Initial colors: Silver and black

Sony PSP:
# Initial color: Black
# Dimensions: Approx. 170 mm (L) x 74 mm (W) x 23 mm (D)
# Weight: Approx. 260 g (including battery)
# CPU: MIPS 32-bit R4000 (System clock frequency 1~333MHz)
# Main Memory: 32MB
# Embedded DRAM: 4MB
# Display: 4.3 inch, 16:9 widescreen TFT LCD
# 480 x 272 pixel (16.77 million colors)
# Max. 200 cd/m2 (with brightness control)
# Speakers: Built-in stereo speakers
# Main Input/Output: IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi)
# USB 2.0 (Target)
# Memory StickTM PRO Duo
# IrDA
# IR Remote (SIRCS)
# Disc Drive: UMD Drive (Playback only)
# UMD Audio
# UMD Video
# Main Connectors: DC IN 5V
# Terminals for charging built-in battery
# Headphone/Microphone/Control connector
# Keys/Switches: Directional buttons (Up/Down/Right/Left)
# Analog pad
# Enter keys (Triangle, Circle, Cross, Square)
# START, SELECT, HOME
# POWER On/Hold/Off switch
# Brightness control, Sound Mode, Volume +/-
# Wireless LAN On/Off switch
# UMD Eject
# Power: Built-in lithium-ion battery, AC adaptor
# Access Control: Region Code, Parental Control

Accessories:
# Stand
# Headphone with remote commander
# Headphone with remote commander and microphone
# External battery pack
# Case
# Strap
# E3 Prototype Exhibition: USB Camera for PSP
# USB GPS for PSP
# USB Keyboard for PSP

UMD Specifications
# Dimensions: Approx. 65 mm (W) x 64 mm (D) x 4.2 mm (H)
# Weight: Approx. 10g
# Disc Diameter: 60 mm
# Maximum Capacity: 1.8GB (Single-sided, dual layer)
# Laser wavelength: 660nm (Red laser)
# Encryption: AES 128bit
# Profile: PSP Game (full function)
# UMD Audio (codec ATRAC3plus, PCM, (MPEG4 AVC))
# UMD Video (codec MPEG4 AVC, ATRAC3plus, Caption PNG)