PlayStation Modder Builds the ‘Ultimate’ PSP

gamerant.com:

A well-known PlayStation hardware modder has combined some exciting PSP mods to build the 'ultimate' version of the handheld console. The PSP first launched in December 2004 as Sony's first handheld gaming console, and this project proves how it's still an icon of the industry.

The PSP (PlayStation Portable) was a veritable revolution in handheld console technology during its time. It may have been directly pitted against the legendary Nintendo DS, but the gulf in power between the two was simply massive. Not only was the PSP vastly more powerful, but it also had a wider, crisper main screen, a sleek design, and better controls. Over its life, the PSP grew a robust library of iconic games, such as Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, God of War: Ghost of Sparta, Ridge Racer, and many more. Twenty years later, many still hold the PSP in high regard. However, technology marches on, and the PSP's limitations can only get more apparent.

Enter Macho Nacho Productions on YouTube, who identified some of the most sought-after PSP mods and amalgamated them into a comprehensive, definitive package. The PSP's original screen is binned in favor of a significantly brighter IPS display that alleviates the ghosting effect of the original. HDMI connectivity is also on the table now, as the souped-up PSP can be directly hooked up to a TV, with three image scaling settings.

These enhancements do come with a compromise, though, as they leave no room for the UMD disc drive, rendering the 'ultimate' PSP a digital-only machine. The problem was mitigated by installing custom firmware with a MicroSD card, which can potentially be more convenient as it won't need constant disc-swapping, but physical media and original firmware are out of the question for this build.

While these upgrades are undeniably tempting for anyone still holding on to their PSPs, it's important to note that they involve modifying the handheld's internal hardware. Soldering is a required skill, and a lot can go wrong there.