Handheld gaming consoles are getting bigger and more powerful, but there’s something nostalgic about a simpler, more pocket-friendly alternative.
The Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 are changing what portable gaming can be with their impressive capabilities.
Yet, in pushing the boundaries of what a handheld can do, they also challenge the very idea of what makes a console truly portable.
As a result, many gamers are turning back to a classic: the PlayStation Portable, or PSP.
Once a pioneer in mobile gaming, this compact device is making a quiet comeback, proving that sometimes, smaller is better.
Launched in 2004, the PSP was Sony’s ambitious foray into the handheld market. With a stunning widescreen display, multimedia capabilities, and graphics that rivalled the PlayStation 2, the PSP was leagues ahead of its time.
At a time when the Nintendo DS was its only main competition, the PSP positioned itself as the sleek, new, and modern alternative for those craving console-quality experiences on the go along with, at the time, modern media format in the form of the Universal Media Disc or UMD.
Over the years, Sony has released several iterations of the PSP that refined its design and capabilities starting with the PSP-1000, as the first model of the series which was affectionately known as the PSP Fat, was the original launch version.
Its solid, sturdy build and large widescreen display introduced gamers to high-quality handheld gaming, and while it was revolutionary at the time, it was relatively bulky compared to later versions as evident in the PSP-2000 which was referred to as the PSP Slim and Lite.
This iteration was noticeably thinner and lighter, making it more convenient for on-the-go gaming, which was further refined in the PSP-3000, which featured a brighter, more vibrant screen with improved colour contrast and reduced motion blur, making gameplay visuals even sharper.
Additionally, other features include a built-in microphone enabling players to communicate in online multiplayer games that support them, to the use of the iconic PlayStation icon as its home button that helps set the foundation for the control layout in the next generation that many gamers are now accustomed to.
Breaking away from the traditional PSP design with the UMD drive being the centre of the console was the PSP Go.
Promoted as a radical departure that embraced a digital-only future, the PSP Go featured a compact sliding mechanism that made it the most portable version of the PSP to date.
While many consoles in the current age have forgone the physical format in favour of digital downloads, the release of the PSP Go did not go well with gamers at the time as most are still content with the knowledge of owning physical games.
Similarly, the PSP-E1000, commonly referred to as the PSP Street, also suffered the same fate as it was designed as an affordable entry-level model that features a more basic design with a matte finish and lacked Wi-Fi connectivity, limiting its online multiplayer and digital store capabilities. However, in retrospect, these controversial releases were perhaps too ahead of their time as these digital-only consoles, especially the PSP Go, are now the more sought-after consoles of the PSP lineage as modding and hacking by the dedicated communities have helped breathe new life into these ageing consoles.
For those in the loop back in the day, the PSP was plagued with rampant piracy through homebrew and modding.
While this does mean lost software sales for the console, it has helped drive sales of the console itself to more than 76.4 million cumulative worldwide hardware unit sales recorded by Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2012.
While Sony officially ceased support for the PSP years ago and has moved on the release and discontinued its successor in the form of PlayStation Vita, the PSP has remained alive and well, thanks in large part to this vibrant homebrew community.
Despite its age, the PSP remains a beloved piece of gaming history, and its resurgence is a testament to its enduring appeal. Gamers are slowly rediscovering the magic of an era when games were less about massive open worlds and more about tightly crafted, engaging experiences.
Well-known franchises such as God of War: Chains of Olympus, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, and Monster Hunter Freedom Unite released over the years showcased the PSP’s ability to deliver immersive gaming experiences.
Coupled with a robust and often overlooked UMD (Universal Media Disc) library and the ability to store digital titles, movies, and music, the PSP became more than just a gaming device – it was a multimedia powerhouse.
With the modern gaming landscape shifting towards bigger and bulkier handhelds in the pursuit of computational power to run the latest AAA games, the PSP stands as a symbol of a bygone era, in which handheld consoles where true portability and innovative game design reigned supreme.
For newcomers, the PSP offers a unique opportunity to experience a different side of gaming – one that isn’t tied to modern gaming expectations such as constant updates, in-game purchases, or live service models.
Games on the PSP serve as a reminder that sometimes, the best gaming experiences come from simpler, more focused titles that can be enjoyed anywhere without compromise. – Daniel Lim
