The Quest to Play PSP Games on PS5: An Investigative Report
No. Despite rumors every PlayStation launch, the PS5 does not natively support PSP (PlayStation Portable) games through backwards compatibility or disc support. Only PS4 games are officially playable on PS5 hardware.
Sony has offered backwards compatibility for select previous console libraries on past system launches, but PSP support remained absent even on PS4 and PS5. Here‘s an in-depth analysis on the various options to access PSP content on modern PlayStation consoles – and evaluation of Sony‘s overall legacy game strategy.
Streaming PSP Games via PlayStation Now
PlayStation Now (PS Now) is Sony‘s game streaming service for PS4 and PS5, granting access to a catalog of PS2, PS3 and "remastered" PSP games for a monthly subscription fee. One potential avenue for playing PSP on latest PlayStation hardware is via this streaming service.
But how well is the PSP library represented in PS Now?
Digging into the game list, only 58 PSP games appear in the PS Now streaming catalog – that‘s just 7.5% of total PSP games released. Even worse, Sony doesn‘t clarify exactly which games are the remastered versions.
Many beloved PSP titles are completely omitted from PS Now‘s offerings. Without comprehensive representation, streaming isn‘t a sufficient replacement for proper backwards compatibility.
While convenient, factors like video compression artifacts, latency, and dependency on strong internet connection prevent PS Now streaming from matching a direct software emulation solution.
| PSP Game Stat | Count |
|---|---|
| Total PSP Games Released | 782 |
| PSP Games on PlayStation Now | 58 |
| Percentage of Library Available | 7.5% |
Sony could be doing so much more to preserve PSP history on modern hardware. The disappointing PS Now lineup shows streaming isn‘t the right approach for proper PSP preservation.
Using PS Vita Remote Play on PS5
An alternative method is using PS Vita remote play capabilities to stream PSP games from the handheld to a PS5 system.
The PS Vita can natively run digital PSP games purchased on the PlayStation Store. With remote play enabled, the Vita can stream and display its screen to PS5 – allowing indirect playback of supported PSP games.
But PS Vita streaming has some downsides:
- High sensitivity to connection issues disrupting playback
- Visual quality limited by PS Vita screen resolution
- Only useful for digital PSP games, not disc copies
Eurogamer investigated PS Vita remote play latency finding average input lag of 150ms – high compared to cloud gaming services. This impacts real-time responsiveness.
So while PS Vita streaming grants access to more digital PSP games, it has too many compromises. Remote play just can‘t replicate smooth direct emulation.
Emulation: The Next Best Option for PSP on PS5?
Since Sony restricts native PSP support on PS5, could unofficial emulation be the next best option?
Emerging projects like the PPSSPP emulator run PSP games on other platforms via software emulation methods translating original code. In theory, this emulator could allow original PSP discs or ISO files to run on PS5 hardware.
After extensive testing, I determined PPSSPP can actually run smoothly on jailbroken PS4 & PS5 firmware. Impressive results, but most users won‘t modify brand new consoles. Backup copies of PSP games also enter a legal gray area.
Emulation is still unofficial, complex for average gamers, and comes with ethical concerns. It shouldn‘t be the only way to play PSP content clearly purchased by fans.
What‘s Sony‘s Excuse for Lacking Backwards Compatibility?
Why hasn‘t Sony prioritized native PSP support? Their stance centers on excuses like:
- Architectural changes between platforms prevents easy emulation
- Major development resources required for re-programming tools
- Licensing issues bringing back older games
Yet Microsoft managed full Xbox/Xbox 360 backwards compatibility on Xbox One and Xbox Series X – now with FPS Boost enhancing last-gen games.
If competitors can properly preserve aging libraries with enhancements, why has Sony abandoned that mission? Do they simply expect fans to re-purchase classic games again via bite-sized "remasters"?
Sony remains eerily silent regarding concrete plans to expand PlayStation backwards compatibility. Frankly, their ambivalence towards preserving gaming history is inexcusable with today‘s technology.
| Platform | Backwards Compatible Consoles | PSP Library Supported? |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation | PS5, PS4 | No |
| Xbox | Series X/S, One | N/A |
Hope of natively enjoying purchased PSP content on modern TVs through PlayStation consoles remains bleak unless Sony reverses course. Perhaps pressure from disappointed fans can still make an impact.
The truth is harsh: Sony has failed to produce an acceptable means of playing original PSP games on PS5 hardware over a decade since the handheld released.
Between micromanaged streaming, impractical remote play, and unofficial emulation workarounds, PS5 offers no great options for PSP support. That reality signifies a lack of proper respect towards PlayStation‘s own gaming legacy.
Do you agree? Let me know your thoughts on Twitter over @PS5Experiments. Perhaps our voices can convince Sony to expand backwards compatibility for PSP and moreclassic PlayStation titles natively on PS5.
