Summary
It’s been nearly two decades since the release of thePSP, but its GPS app surprisingly still functions. NostalgicPSPfans might not even recall that the handheld had any navigation capabilities, as it never quite caught on and became mainstream. Between smartphones and in-car navigation apps, standalone GPS devices are already beginning to feel like a thing of the past, much less when attached to a game console from several generations ago.
Despite Sony no longer partaking in the handheld gaming market, aside from the recently released PlayStation Portal device, the PSP is a fondly-remembered console that also proved to be a commercial success. While thePSP didn’t sell nearly as well as the Nintendo DSfamily of consoles, the PlayStation handheld did prove that there was a market for more powerful, portable gaming devices. Its successor, the PS Vita, never quite found its audience, however, leading to Sony more or less abandoning the handheld gaming market altogether.
PSP’s GPS Still Works In 2024
Outside of retro gaming enthusiasts, it looks like the PSP still has a practical function in 2024 as a GPS device. Instagram account real_rodeo shared an image of a PSP serving as a GPS on a car dash, stating that the app is still functional.
When Sony launched the PSP, the tech company touted the portable as an all-in-one media device. In addition to serving as a GPS, the PSP also played music, movies, and TV episodes. Because the technology was a bit delayed in the US, and the fact that it required an expensive add-on, the navigation functionality of the PSP never quite caught on. That said, thePSP’s excellent library of first-party gamesmade the portable console a must-own for PlayStation fans back in the day.
Aside from forgotten apps, one PSP title is having a bit of a resurgence soon.Persona 3, which was technically a PS2 game first, is getting the full remake treatment from developer Atlus. This time, however,Persona 3: Reloadis expanding past just PlayStation hardware. In fact,Persona 3: Reloadis one offour games already confirmed for Game Pass in February.
Additionally, there have been some rumors thatone classic PSP franchise could be making a comebackinPatapon. While footage ofPataponsurfaced in a Sony trailer from CES 2024, it’s still unclear what a return for the fan-favorite franchise might look like.
PSP
The PSP, or PlayStation Portable, marks Sony’s first leap into the handheld gaming space, usually dominated by Nintendo. Their compact system featured small discs and featured quite a few PSP-exclusive titles during its run. Its direct competitor was the Nintendo DS during the seventh-generation of console wars.
