Homebrew Galore

The range of available homebrew is huge, extending the PSP's functionality in ways ranging from game playing to dice-rolling. The range increases as more programmers begin to produce homebrew, creating both specialized and general programs. As one example, a program has been created to allow use of the PSP as a remote control for a Sony television. New games include Pong and chess are also available. An inventive Dungeons and Dragons player created a character generator, finding it useful for his needs.

This level of creativity is unrivalled in the handheld world, and is self-perpetuating, as its initial successes lead to more experimentation and development. With the range of functionality provided by wireless network access and the firmware itself, homebrew programs such as Internet browsers and radios are being produced. As the range continues to grow so too does the demand.

LucasArts' Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade

In fact, it is not only the home programmer that produces homebrew. LucasArts' famous SCUMM VM has been ported to the PSP, offering the ability to play such classic point and click titles as The Secret of Monkey Island or Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade on the PSP.

Super Nintendo Emulation, yet another homebrew application - albeit with a large border.

As the quest for gaming nostalgia continues, we also see available emulators for the most popular obsolete consoles, such as the SNES and Mega Drive. These operate with varying degrees of success, with some requiring over clocking of the PSP processor. Obviously, these are only legal as long as users own the original game cartridge and system.

The dynamic ability for Sony to stop piracy through updates has become a somewhat moot point, with programs being created to trick UMD games into believing the firmware is a different version. This allows users to have huge choice, making the PSP a versatile machine. With this firmware trickery making upgrading an unnecessary hassle, Sony is compelled to offer new features to owners.