I've been wondering the same thing as well. No dice here.

I doubt that there is any difference between the standard and the gaming card. Unless something changes between the Japan version and US version of the PSP, any Memory Stick Pro Duo should work fine in the PSP; whether it be Sony brand, Sandisk or Lexar.

And as always, prices for flash memory should continue to go down, but much less so with Memory Stick media since it's Sony/proprietary. I can only see the demand for the high capacity MSPro Duo going up with the release of the PSP; for example you'd be hard pressed to find 1GB Memory Stick Pro Duo media anywhere right now.

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fab

I don't know what to believe at this point. The Sandisk rep could've been BSing for all I know. I have also noticed that the memory card that comes with the PSP has a PSP logo on it and says "Memory Stick Duo", indicating that it may be different from standard memory sticks and you won't get the fast transfer speed, since it lacks the pro designation.

From what I understand, the following are compatible with PSP:
Memory Stick Duo
Memory Stick Duo with MagicGate
Memory Stick PRO Duo with MagicGate

It looks like the "gaming" version of these are simply color-coded Memory Stick PRO Duo. The color coding probably helps you identify which stick has which savegames on it because there's no room for a label (e.g., you have your savegames on the red one and your mp3s on the green one).

I've already got mine pre-ordered at my local Gamestop. Since they weren't roping me into buying any bundles I promptly gave them $200. Next I'm going to return my DS to Wal-Mart and take the $150 and use it towards 3 PSP games.

I'll wait to get a DS again until Castlevania comes out.

Good job

I went ahead and pre-ordered at my local EBgames. It was only $20 vs the $50 at Gamestop. The manager told me that he thought the second shipment would be only one week after the first. I will probably apply the deposit from the another store to another game. I am going to wait a month or so before I get another memory card. I believe the prices will be coming down as soon as the demand is high.

I was wondering if you guys can help me. I pre-ordered with EB for the second shipment. Does this guarantee me a PSP? Do I have to call everyday to check to see if it is it in? I dont want to rely on them to call me as they will be very busy I am sure. I was debating saying screw it and get a PSP Japanese model here in NYC's Chinatown just to avoid aggravating myself. Maybe I am a baby but the most irritating thing in the world is to have some clerk tell me something I want is sold out.
I work so I dont really have time to stand in line or stuff like that like I used to do years ago. The only thing holding me back is that A) I cannot play American UMDs on my PSP. That is not a big deal as I am will beign a process of 'PSPing' my movies to memory soon anyway. I do fear that one day Sony will decide to region lock the games. Is that a rational fear/expectation? B) The price of the American Value Pack is actually a good value v. the import. The difference in price would be a game.

It's just that the PSP is so damn sexy and it's causing me confusion...what should I do? Wait or buy now?

I would wait. 1.) Buying US you get all the warranties without hassle. 2.) The US model has been improved (Square button response).

I also preordered with ebgames and I'll just wait until March 24th, then call them to see if I can collect it. Lol I'm not gonna start losing sleep over it.