Hey dan
your getting a psp?! Good thinking
Yup games are free of any region lock but movies aren't, not too bad.
Online games are not coming thick and fast but I know the majority have some kind of download content option.
I take extreme care of my PSP, I keep it in the pouch provided and always clean it with a glasses cloth. It seems pretty sturdy but as the others have said, it has been known to be a little fragile with a short drop, but who drops it anyway
Good luck, it would make a perfect Christmas present. Good ole santa..