What WiFi does PSP support?
To clearly answer the question upfront – the PlayStation Portable (PSP) gaming handheld supports Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11b and WPA network security encryption. It does not have compatibility with the now-common WPA2 encryption standard that started entering widespread adoption after the PSP‘s original release window.
The PSP‘s Initial WiFi Capabilities
The original PSP-1000 model first launched in Japan in December 2004. This version included WiFi b/g support with a proprietary WEP key system for security:
| Launch Year | 2004 |
| WiFi Standards | 802.11b/g |
| Security Encryption | WEP |
At the time, this allowed innovative connected features like multiplayer gaming on ad hoc networks.
WPA Security Added via Firmware Update
Support for the more secure WPA encryption standard was later added to PSP systems via a v2.0 firmware update alongside the PSP‘s North American launch in March 2005.
Owners could update for stronger security than outdated WEP standards. But the upgrade stopped short of including WPA2 support prevalent on today‘s networks.
| Firmware Version | v2.0 |
| WPA Encryption Added | Yes |
| WPA2 Encryption | No |
Why WPA But Not WPA2?
The PSP likely only offered compatibility for WPA and not the later WPA2 standard due to timing constraints around launch:
- Development began years before WPA2 debuted in 2004. Long hardware design lead times limited ability to tweak WiFi specs nearer release.
- WPA was fully ratified shortly before the PSP‘s launch. It made sense as the latest and most secure widely available option.
- WPA2 did not reach finalized ratification until September 2004, too late to meaningfully integrate.
In essence, supporting cutting-edge WPA2 would‘ve required postponing launch by a year or more – a tough business decision!
Connecting a PSP to WiFi in 2023
Fortunately, those still gaming on a PSP in 2023 have options to get online, albeit limited to networks utilizing WPA:
- Check router admin settings for a "WPA" mode under security protocols. Enable this if available.
- Temporarily change your network‘s encryption to WPA if capable.
- On networks supporting both, connect to the WPA one specifically.
- Buy an older refurbished router still supporting WPA networks.
Getting connected allows using online PSP features in 2023 like:
- Downloading digital games from the PlayStation Store
- Multiplayer gaming sessions
- Surfing the web browser
- RSS feeds of news, weather, and more
Of course, hundred of single player games shine bright too – no WiFi needed!
Fond Memories Gaming Offline
Like many PSP faithful still playing past the device‘s heyday, I have great nostalgia for epic single player adventures without any WiFi:
- Grinding for rare loot drops in Monster Hunter Freedom Unite with not an access point in sight!
- Losing track of time on long family road trips as I explored Liberty City Stories.
- Mastering combos among God of War: Chains of Olympus‘ lush vistas absent any networks.
In 2023 and beyond, the PSP‘s offline gaming catalog holds up incredibly even if online features fade away for good.
Could Future Emulation & Rereleases Enable Updated WiFi?
While currently functioning PSP systems remain limited to WPA connectivity, there is speculation that future emulation efforts or even potential rereleases in newer hardware could re-enable more modern WiFi:
- If original code bases are used, supporting WPA2 may prove difficult without custom firmware and modifications.
- However, rebuilding PSP experiences natively for new hardware could perhaps utilize newer encryption standards by default.
Of course for now this remains purely rumor and wishful thinking. But with retro gaming seeing a resurgence, could Sony revisit the vaunted PSP library someday? We can hope!
In closing, hopefully this guide gave PSP fans both useful connectivity tips and a fun nostalgia trip! Keep enjoying your PSP for years to come whether on original hardware or potentially a re-release down the road. Game on!
