PSP Modder Turns the Handheld into a Home Console

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A talented gamer has created a mod that converts PSP handhelds into a home system. The modification is impressive, giving PSP players the opportunity to use any Bluetooth controller with the system and easily connect it to a TV or other screen.

The PSP, aka PlayStation Portable, was Sony's entry into the handheld market in an attempt to compete with the likes of Nintendo. While the device saw several iterations and some success, its follow-up, the PS Vita, didn't perform as well as its predecessor and was ultimately discontinued after the Nintendo Switch hit the market. However, there are many out there who still love their PSPs, and for those gamers, this might be a mod to look into.

Retro Mod Works has introduced a way to turn the PSP into a console. Dubbed the PS Placeable, the mod houses the PlayStation Portable inside a miniature version of a PS2 that can easily be connected to a TV. Even PSPs with broken screens can be utilized in this way, giving the systems a second life when they might have otherwise been thrown out. The setup also allows users to use a Bluetooth controller with the PSP, rather than having to use the physical unit as a controller while it's connected to a television.

One of the core reasons behind Retro Mod Works' creation is apparently due to the modder's dislike of digital games and the "need" to purchase a second copy of a game one already owns. While many PSP games have moved to other systems over the years, the propietary UMD format can't be used on any modern system. The PS Placeable maintains access to the UMD drive, so users can just pop in any game they own and enjoy it all over again.

Retro Mod Works offers two ways to get a PS Placeable; a basic kit that users can build their own with, or a full device with the PSP already included and built-in. It appears that the PS Placeable is quite popular, as the complete version with an included PSP has sold out, and the build kit has been placed on pre-order due to overwhelming demand. The kit varies in price from $39.99 - $69.99 depending on the pieces the user needs, while the complete build costs $274.99. Considering the PSP originally sold for $249, this seems like a good deal for fans of the system. Those who already own a PSP and don't want to build their own can get in touch with the modder, who is willing to install customers' PSPs into the device.

While the PlayStation Portable is currently out, rumor has it that a new PlayStation handheld is in the works. Fans will have to wait and see if such a device emerges, but for those who want to dust off the original PSP, this mod seems like the ticket.