Retronauts is Down with PSP

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Ladies and gentlemen, it's time once again for an episode of Retronauts that will make you realize something which shouldn't be old actually is. (This may be a recurring theme from here on out.)

Yes, we're quickly creeping up on the 11th anniversary of the PSP's launch in America, giving us a chance to sit back and ponder what life before smartphones could have possibly been like. Prior to the age of predatory free-to-play games pimped by slumming pop stars, you needed a dedicated device to game on the go, and Sony did their best to prevent this act from looking incredibly dorky. As video games shed their "just for kids" stigma in the aughts, the PSP existed as a testament to just how cool gaming could be. Along with its notable library, the PSP could also play videos, mp3s, and help you surf the Internet—everything necessary for your way past cool mid-00s lifestyle.

It didn't take long for the magic to fade, though: The PSP had roughly three years of relevance before releases slowed to a trickle—even if we'll see one new game for it in 2016. Piracy, the rise of smartphones, and aging hardware eventually sunk Sony's first portable, but since it had the luxury of existing when handheld systems truly mattered, the PSP saw an incredible collection of games in its 11 years and counting. Along with introducing the world to Monster Hunter, the PSP was home to an incredible collection of RPGs—though we'll have to wait for fan translations to play some of the later ones that never made it to the States. Simply put, there's a whole lot to unravel with the PSP, so that's exactly what we did for 90 minutes. Hope you don't mind.

Joining us on this one is Mikel Reparaz, who hosts the Vidjagame Apocalypse podcast, and our old friend Ray Barnholt. As always, you can keep up with the latest Retronauts news via our Twitter and Facebook accounts, and check out some of our video content over on our YouTube page. And, in case you forgot, Retronauts is fully funded by our Patreon campaign, so if you can afford to donate even a dollar a month, please consider it! Every little bit really helps our cause.

Musical Selections

17:02 - Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker - Main Theme

31:42 - Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII - Main Theme

45:13 - Loco Roco - Bu Bu Poruche

1:08:07 - Monster Hunter - Proof of a Hero

1:29:25 - Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker - Heavens Divide

Download Links

Libsyn (1:32:56 | MP3 Download | SoundCloud)