Get more from Sony's PSP

Tip 3: Get Wireless

Upgrade Wipeout
Wipeout Pure is not only our favourite game from the launch lineup, it's the one that's been pushing the boundaries of wireless gameplay. Aside from being able to challenge other people to battles without being tied up by cables, you can also download new tracks, ships and wallpapers for the game, all for free.

To download all these additions, you're likely to fill up your standard 32MB Memory Stick -- all the releases so far add up to a hefty 28MB. You need to set up your PSP to access a wireless point, be it in an Internet cafe or from one you've installed at home. In your menu system, access the Settings tab and go to the bottom of the list to Network Settings. You'll need to select Infrastructure Mode, name your connection ('Starbucks' or 'Home', for example) and then get the console to scan for local networks. If it's secured (as it should be), you'll need to enter the network key, and when it's set up you're ready to access the network in-game.

In Wipeout Pure, you need to select Download from the main menu to go online and get all the updates.

Go online
Once you're set up on a wireless network, your PSP can also act as a fairly rudimentary web browser -- useful if you want to pick up your emails in the airport, but not much more. Some enterprising developers have also set up portals so that you can play online games or access instant messaging software through the browser -- check out VGSpot for details.

Sony promises that future games will also be playable online -- you'll simply rock up to Starbucks, turn on your PSP and instantly be able to play against people from all over the world, much like with Halo 2 on Xbox or Battlefield 2 on PC now. Keep an eye on our games channel for more information.