As we commemorate the 20th anniversary of its release this year, the PlayStation Portable retains a largely ignored feature that’s unexpectedly still active.

Despite it being almost two decades since the debut of the PSP, its GPS application is astonishingly operational. Enthusiasts of the PSP, immersed in nostalgia, might have forgotten that this portable gaming device included a navigation tool. This feature never gained widespread recognition, overshadowed by the rise of smartphone and in-vehicle navigation technologies. GPS gadgets, particularly those linked to an older generation gaming console, are increasingly seen as relics of a bygone era.

Sony has stepped away from the portable gaming sector, except for the recent launch of the PlayStation Portal. Nonetheless, the PSP remains a cherished console that achieved notable commercial success. While it didn’t reach the sales heights of the Nintendo DS series, the PSP demonstrated the demand for more robust handheld gaming systems. Its successor, the PS Vita, however, failed to capture a significant market, prompting Sony to gradually exit the portable gaming scene.

Beyond the realm of vintage game enthusiasts, the PSP’s utility as a GPS device in 2024 is noteworthy. The Instagram user real_rodeo posted a photo showing a PSP used for navigation on a car’s dashboard, confirming the application’s functionality.

When the PSP was introduced by Sony, it was marketed as a versatile media device. Besides its navigational use, it could play music, films, and television shows. Its navigation feature didn’t gain much traction in the U.S., partly due to its late arrival and the need for a costly add-on. Nevertheless, the PSP’s impressive library of exclusive games secured its status as a coveted item for PlayStation devotees then.

In addition to these overlooked applications, a PSP game is poised for a comeback. Persona 3, originally a PS2 title, is receiving a comprehensive remake from Atlus. This time, Persona 3: Reload is not limited to PlayStation platforms. It’s among the four titles announced for Game Pass in February.

Speculation is also rife about the revival of a beloved PSP series with Patapon. Sony’s CES 2024 trailer featured Patapon footage, but details about how this fan-favorite might make its comeback are still unclear.

Source: GameRant