Are You Experienced?
David A. Dodson

Nyko's PSP Theater Experience

One of the major selling points of Sony's PlayStation Portable is its ability to play UMD movies and video files. Though the PSP performs this task adequately, it is far from a perfect experience. First of all, the battery in the PSP is only good for one or two movies before it needs recharging. Also, since it is at heart a portable handheld gaming device, there's no way to prop up the PSP for hands-free viewing. Which is a shame, because it gets pretty uncomfortable having to hold the PSP still for an entire feature film. Lastly, the tiny speakers in the PSP aren't really the best for rendering cinema quality sound effects or music. If only there were a way to overcome these minor shortcomings. Well look no longer, for those accessory aficionados over at Nyko have you covered with their Theater Experience for the PSP. The big idea: a rechargeable stand with built in amplified high fidelity speakers turns the PSP into a true mobile theater system.

But how does it sound? Simply indescribable; sound effects, music and dialogue truly come across like a high-end theater system. Every voice is clear and distinct, every explosion actually hits and atmospheric noises finally draw you into the movie like they've never had the chance to do before on this system. And since the Theater Experience's rechargeable lithium ion battery adds seven additional hours to the PSP's run time, you never have to worry about running out of juice mid flick. Yeah, but it must take forever to recharge both your PSP and the Theater Experience when that battery finally dies, right? Wrong… the Theater Experience is designed to recharge your PSP first before recharging itself. It also expends its own juice first before tapping into the PSP's battery when in use.

If only it could do something to extend playing time with games too. Check it out… it can! By running a power cable (included) from the Theater Experience's DC Out port to the PSP you can get an additional seven hours of gameplay before you even start to drain the batteries in the PSP. Anyone who has ever had to power down after just getting into Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories knows that this alone is worth the price of admission.

Watching movies is also a pleasure thanks to the Theater Experience's viewing stand. Simply pop the PSP into the supports and enjoy the hands free viewing. Worried about glare? Don't be; the support stand is completely adjustable so you can work out the most comfortable viewing angle.

The Theater Experience for the PSP also allows you to be the perfect neighbor. Suppose the person sitting next to you at the DMV doesn't want to listen to Kill Bill? No problem, just use the built in headphone jack. But what if the person sitting on your other side wants in on the action too? Good news, the Theater Experience sports a second headphone jack so you can watch and listen with a friend.

Nyko's Theater Experience is also pretty handy to have around even when you aren't watching movies. When not in use, the adjustable supports can be fully collapsed and the shell closed to form a protective case for your PSP. Made of sturdy and attractive brushed anodized aluminum, the Theater Experience guards your PSP in style. And since the interior is lined with form-fitting neoprene, you can get as rough as you want without worrying about your system.

Bottom line is if you own a PSP, then you must get Nyko's Theater Experience; without it you are simply missing out on everything the system has to offer. Movies are better, games last longer and the level of protection is unparalleled. For about eighty dollars you can pick one up practically anywhere PSP accessories are sold or online at one of the dealers listed at www.Nyko.com.