PSP and PS Vita: Sony's handhelds still thriving

Sony discontinued the PSP then the PS Vita, but their communities are still active. These two handhelds are among the most pleasant consoles to modify, to play their library in better conditions or transform them into emulation machines.


PSP: custom firmware, a classic

The PSP was one of the first consoles to benefit from a very active scene. Today, custom firmwares like PRO or ME, and permanent solutions like Infinity, allow you to launch homebrews, plugins and saves of your UMD games from the Memory Stick. MicroSD to Memory Stick Pro Duo adapters give these consoles a second life.


PS Vita: HENkaku, Enso and company

On PS Vita, HENkaku opened the way, h-encore extended possibilities to other firmwares and Enso makes it permanent on compatible versions. The must-haves:

• VitaShell, the essential file manager;
• SD2Vita: an adapter that replaces expensive Sony memory cards with a microSD;
• Adrenaline, which runs the PSP environment on the Vita;
• well-optimized retro emulators for the first Vita's OLED screen.

Our advice

Check the firmware version before anything: it determines the method. Avoid updates, and keep a backup of your data before installing anything.

Find the guides in the tutorials PSP and PS Vita, and the tools in the downloads PSP and PS Vita.