PSP

The Sony PSP (PlayStation Portable) is Sony's answer to the Nintendo DS. It offers a wide variety of games, played either via UMD (a small disk format) or via download to the memory card via the Playstation Network.

There are 4 primary versions of the PSP. The original is the PSP-1000 (PSP "Phat"). This is the thickest of the three systems. In late 2007, the PSP-2000 (PSP "Slim") was released with video out capabilities. The PSP-3000 (PSP "Bright"), an updated version of the Slim came out in late 2008. In 2009, the PSP Go was released, which removed UMD, has a slider screen, and other features.

PSP-1000

If you have an original model PSP-1000 (PSP "phat"), you're going to need some extra equipment, since there is no video port on the system. There are two options: direct and indirect recording. The direct feed method is similar to how you would record on the newer PSP or other consoles and is preferred. The downside is that it costs more and requires taking your PSP apart and thus voiding the warranty. Indirect recording is essentially a hack: a fixed, mounted camera that attaches to your PSP and records what it sees. This is admittedly much better than the typical DS solution, but it can't compete with direct recording.

For direct recording, the de facto device is the PSP2TV from Team XTender. Take a look at this review and guide to setting it up and some more information.

Some devices for indirect recording are the Innovation PSP TV adaptor, Nyko Play On TV adaptor, PSPonTV, and so on. Chris 'Satoryu' Kirk used the Innovation adaptor for his Mega Man Powered Up runs, if you want to check out results.

PSP-2000

If you have a PSP-2000 (PSP "Slim"), the system normally can only output in component progressive, which means most DVD recorders are unable to record the gameplay. Most PSP Slims are hackable using a Pandora Battery (the Datel TOOL Battery is an alternative option). Using this, you can install custom firmware, called M33. If you install this, then update it to at least 5.00 M33, then you can install iRShell. With this installed, you can allow the PSP-2000 to output video in interlaced mode. The video option must be changed, along with the CPU speed to 333 MHz. If you don't change the speed, games may experience lag. Running it at 333MHz solves this.

PSP-3000

If you have the PSP-3000 (PSP "Bright"), you have the easiest way to record. This version of the PSP supports recording in both component and composite/S-Video. Simply get the appropriate cables needed for recording. No hacks are required - just pick up and play!

PSP Go

If you have the PSP Go, you also have it pretty easy. This version of the PSP supports both component and composite/S-Video via it's own cable (it is different then the cables used for the PSP-2000 & PSP-3000). Simply get the right cable for recording!