So my obsession with Sony’s hardware design is no secret, especially when it comes to the PSP. When I compare it to the handhelds released around that time, it just kinda…kicks butt.
I thought it might be nice to write up an article on both my experiences buying a cheap PSP from Japan (listed as “junk”…which to be fair in Japan has a totally different meaning!), and detailing how to do the same if you’re looking for reasonable quality and prices, in 2026.
In the end, mine arrived with an ancient jailbreak from 2009 already used. And since writing and posting this (my will is weak), I’ve already ordered another, in excellent condition and complete-in-box.
Anyway, if you want to read along with my adventure, read my tips on how to buy a cheap PSP in 2026, or just share in some PSP nostalgia, then as ever my article is here:
https://gardinerbryant.com/i-bought-a-junk-psp-from-japan-heres-how-it-went/
PSP is peak retro tech. The disk drive mechanism is so satisfying to open and close, popping out the UMD cartridge…
But yes, Japan preserves their old tech, books and games by default. Used items are almost always immaculately kept and sent cleaned up. It’s pretty reliable to buy used in Japan.
Damn I feel old that it is now considered retro. I got one new in 2005 and it was the coolest piece of tech out at the time. It was like if a smart phone relied on CDs to play media and games.
That retro futurism it evokes was the prod for me to compile all these images for a PSP ‘scrapbook’ a little while ago
https://gardinerbryant.com/my-psp-scrapbook-part-retrospective-part-collage/
It is such a beautifully designed machine!
Beautiful! Love those billboards. Also reminds me to check out a PSP Go, I bet the slide-out design is cool in person.
Anbernic made their own version a little while back too!
Fascinating. Definitely still prefer the Go for retro futurism, though.