Learning how to PlayStation Portable isn’t difficult once you understand the basics. Sony’s PSP remains a beloved handheld gaming device, and many players still enjoy its extensive library of games today. Whether you picked up a used unit or found your old one in a drawer, this guide covers everything you need to know about using a PlayStation Portable.
The PSP launched in 2004 and sold over 80 million units worldwide. It offered console-quality gaming in a portable format, something revolutionary at the time. Today, the PlayStation Portable continues to attract retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors. This article walks through setup, interface controls, gaming features, and maintenance tips to help anyone get the most from their PSP.
Key Takeaways
- Charge your PlayStation Portable fully (2-3 hours) before first use to get 4-6 hours of gameplay per session.
- Insert UMD game discs with the label facing outward and use Memory Stick Pro Duo cards (4-8GB is typically sufficient) for saves and media.
- Navigate the XMB interface using the D-pad to browse Settings, Photo, Music, Video, Game, and Network categories.
- Extend your PlayStation Portable battery life by lowering screen brightness, disabling Wi-Fi when not in use, and playing digital games instead of UMDs.
- Keep your PSP in good condition by cleaning the screen with a microfiber cloth, storing it in a case, and replacing degraded batteries when needed.
Getting Started With Your PSP
Before playing games on a PlayStation Portable, users need to complete a few setup steps. First, charge the battery using the included AC adapter. A full charge takes about 2-3 hours and provides 4-6 hours of gameplay depending on settings.
The PSP uses a proprietary battery that slides into the back of the unit. Make sure the battery clicks securely into place. Some older batteries may have degraded over time, so replacement batteries are available from third-party sellers.
To power on the PlayStation Portable, slide the power switch upward and hold for a moment. The first boot prompts users to set the date, time, and language. These settings can be changed later through the system menu.
Inserting Games and Memory Cards
PSP games come on Universal Media Discs (UMDs). Open the disc tray on the back of the unit by pressing the release button. Insert the UMD with the label facing outward, then close the tray until it clicks.
The PlayStation Portable also accepts Memory Stick Pro Duo cards for saving games and storing media files. Insert the memory card into the slot on the left side of the device. Sony offered memory sticks up to 32GB, though most users find 4-8GB sufficient for game saves and a few movies.
Navigating the XMB Interface
The PlayStation Portable uses Sony’s XrossMediaBar (XMB) interface. This menu system organizes all functions into horizontal categories with vertical sub-menus. It looks simple, and it is, once you spend a few minutes with it.
Use the directional pad to move between categories. Press left or right to switch between main sections like Settings, Photo, Music, Video, Game, and Network. Press up or down to scroll through items within each section. The X button confirms selections while the Circle button (or Triangle in some regions) goes back.
The main categories on the PlayStation Portable XMB include:
- Settings: System configuration, display options, sound settings, and security features
- Photo: View images stored on the memory stick
- Music: Play MP3 and other audio files
- Video: Watch movies in MP4 format or from UMD discs
- Game: Access UMD games, downloaded games, and saved data
- Network: Connect to Wi-Fi, access the PlayStation Store (now discontinued), and browse the internet
The PlayStation Portable interface responds quickly to inputs. Users can press the Home button at any time to return to the XMB from a game or application.
Playing Games and Media on Your PSP
Games are the main attraction on any PlayStation Portable. After inserting a UMD, the game appears under the Game category on the XMB. Select it and press X to start playing.
The PSP features a D-pad, analog stick, face buttons (Triangle, Circle, X, Square), and shoulder buttons (L and R). Different games use different control schemes, but most include a tutorial or control guide in the options menu.
To pause during gameplay, press the Home button. This brings up a menu with options to continue, adjust settings, or quit to the XMB. The PlayStation Portable also supports sleep mode, slide the power switch up briefly during a game, and the system enters standby while preserving your progress.
Playing Music and Videos
The PlayStation Portable doubles as a media player. Transfer MP3 files to the MUSIC folder on the memory stick using a USB cable. Connect the PSP to a computer, then go to Settings > USB Connection on the XMB. The device appears as a removable drive.
Video files require specific formats. The PSP supports MP4 files encoded in H.264 or MPEG-4 AVC. Place video files in the VIDEO folder. Some users convert movies using free software like HandBrake to ensure compatibility with the PlayStation Portable.
The screen measures 4.3 inches with a resolution of 480×272 pixels. By 2004 standards, this display looked fantastic. It still holds up well for gaming and watching older content.
Essential Settings and Customization Options
The PlayStation Portable offers several settings worth adjusting. Access these through the Settings category on the XMB.
Display Settings let users adjust brightness. Higher brightness drains the battery faster, so consider lowering it when playing for extended periods. The PSP offers four brightness levels.
Sound Settings control volume limits and dynamic normalizer options. Headphone users can enable the dynamic normalizer to balance audio levels between quiet and loud content.
Power Save Settings include options for auto-sleep and backlight dimming. Setting the system to sleep after 3-5 minutes of inactivity helps preserve battery life on your PlayStation Portable.
System Settings contain options for nicknames, date/time, and system information. Users can also check the current firmware version here. Sony released firmware updates throughout the PSP’s lifecycle, with version 6.61 being the final official update.
Security and Parental Controls
The PlayStation Portable includes parental controls for families. Access these under Security Settings. Parents can restrict games based on ratings, disable internet access, and set a passcode to prevent changes.
Users can also set a system password to prevent unauthorized access to the entire device. This proves useful for those carrying their PlayStation Portable while traveling.
Tips for Extending Battery Life and Maintenance
Battery life matters on any portable device. The PlayStation Portable typically lasts 4-6 hours on a full charge, but several factors affect this number.
Reduce screen brightness to extend playtime. The backlight consumes significant power, so dimming it makes a noticeable difference. Turning off Wi-Fi when not needed also helps, wireless radios drain batteries even when idle.
UMD games spin the disc drive frequently, which uses more power than digital games stored on a memory stick. Users who want longer sessions should consider transferring games to the memory card where possible.
Cleaning and Storage
Keep the PlayStation Portable screen clean with a microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals: slightly dampening the cloth with water works fine for most smudges.
Store the PSP in a case when not in use. Dust can enter the UMD tray and cause reading errors over time. If the disc drive struggles to read games, compressed air can clear debris from the lens area.
Batteries degrade with age. If a PlayStation Portable won’t hold a charge, replacement batteries cost between $10-20 online. Third-party options work well, though capacity may vary slightly from original Sony batteries.
Clean the analog stick periodically. Grime buildup causes drift and unresponsive inputs. A cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol removes residue effectively.
