The PlayStation Portal is getting another purpose as it can run PSP games natively on the device, and this is because of the Android base of the handheld gaming console. Through a mod created by several users, the PS5 Remote Play-exclusive portable console can now play PSP's retro titles but would only center on these backlog games rather than modern ones.
Nevertheless, this gives the PlayStation Portal a newfound purpose, especially as it was regarded negatively as an exclusive $200 Remote Play device.
PlayStation Portal Mod Brings PSP Games Natively
Andy Nguyen shared a PlayStation Portal mod to the world that now gives the latest Sony handheld console a purpose apart from mirroring the PS5's games. The modder claimed that they hacked the PlayStation Portal to install the PPSSPP app to run natively, getting help from two other collaborators who helped deliver this successful modification.
Initially, the modder claimed they ran into some problems, initially seeking answers from other X users about bypassing the "INSTALL_FAILED_BAD_SIGNATURE" error on Android.
Nguyen claimed that this mod brings the renowned Android PSP emulator to the Portal, showing capabilities to play retro PSP games, particularly with Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories on the new Sony handheld.
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How was the PlayStation Portal Mod Done?
Nguyen shared that this was possible by hacking the Portal and bypassing Sony's custom code to avoid said hacks. More importantly, it was possible thanks to the PlayStation Portal's Android base, and after its successful hack, Nguyen could install the APK emulator.
However, storage is a problem for the Portal as it only has 6 GB available, with Sony designing it this way as it was only meant to mirror the PS5.
PlayStation Portal: Sony's Remote Console
Massive excitement rushed over the world when Sony first introduced the PlayStation Portal, initially thought to be the next-generation PSP that would possibly compete against the rise of handhelds in this era. The competition is stiff, especially with the existence of the Nintendo Switch, Valve Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and more, which offer a special portable experience for gamers.
However, many were disappointed when Sony detailed the features and experiences here, with the reviews talking about how it is only a "window" to the PlayStation 5. Sony meant the Portal to be a PlayStation remote-play accessory, and it would only stream games that are on the PS5, owned and downloaded by the user, also requiring a stable internet connection for it to work.
The remote console got a bad reputation from the public, and many considered this to be a waste of money as they expected it to rival Nintendo's renowned Switch, which can play offline games and run these titles onboard. The latest mod for the PlayStation Portal gives it a new lease on life, allowing gamers to re-experience the PSP thanks to its Android base, which is available offline.
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