Buying PSP questions

[Lesley Smith]

Hi, I need to get myself a PSP after Christmas (well, asap really) but I only want to buy the console. Does anyone know shops/online stores where you can just buy the giga pack console?

My other query is which is the best version to buy? UK or Japan? I'm more than happy to import but I'm slightly concerned about doing so and then not being able to update the software. Does anyone have any advice.

Thanks

Lesley

[Nu-Eclipse]

You may have to import for a standalone PSP Giga Pack - to my knowledge, no store on or off-line in the UK is selling a PSP Giga Pack without at least two games (don't quote me on that though). Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) seem to have deliberately marketed the PSP Giga Pack with games in the UK for the time being.

The best import places are Lik-Sang, Yesasia & Videogames Plus - Lik-Sang tend to be funny with import tax costs though, so one of the other two may be your best bet.

Either UK or JPN PSP is fine, to be honest. Updating PSP firmware shouldn't be a problem as you can do that wirelessly via the actual PSP with the Network Update function (assuming you're wireless-connected at home) or by downloading the actual UK or JPN updates from official Sony PSP sites or places like PSP-Hacks or PSP Updates.

Keep in mind that SCEE will not guarantee an imported PSP should anything happen to it.

Is the PSP Giga Pack exactly what you want? It may be worth your while considering getting a standard PSP Value Pack (Black or Ceramic White) in my opinion. Only the USB Cable, PSP stand and 1GB Memory Stick would be missing from the Value Pack, but Value Pack PSPs are no higher than v2.00 firmware (I think) and this would allow you to operate the much-hyped homebrew software, if that's your cup of tea...

[segages]

There's also a few in the trade forum here if you want to save some cash.