The original PlayStation Portable (PSP), also known as the PSP-1000, had some pretty impressive hardware when it launched in 2004. It was considered the most powerful gaming handheld console at the time, and its advanced graphics capabilities made it a popular mobile entertainment device in an era where smartphones were not as common. Here's what you need to know about the PSP, along with its full technical specifications.

Although Sony's PlayStation Portable was the most powerful handheld game console at launch, it was also the largest and heaviest. It's still one of the best-looking, with a sleek, rounded industrial design aesthetic. The button configuration matches that of its big brother, the PlayStation 2, except the PSP has a single shoulder button on each side and a single analog nub instead of the PS2's dual sticks.

The PSP's screen was larger than many other handhelds of its generation, with a higher resolution, so playing games and watching movies was a visual feast. The stereo sound wasn't particularly loud through the built-in speakers, but with headphones on you could hear every sound effect and crank up the volume.

PSP games and movies were available on Sony's UMD (Universal Media Disc) format, which Sony claimed was DVD-quality. There was also a Memory Stick slot for a Memory Stick Duo or Pro Duo. The PSP could play back audio and video stored on a PSP-formatted Memory Stick, and display stored photos or other image files. Each firmware update supported more audio, graphics, and video formats, expanding its capabilities.