The PS Vita and the PSP are two of the finest handhelds Sony ever built — and both are enjoying a second life thanks to refurbishing and custom firmware. Here's an honest comparison to help you choose.
The screen
The PS Vita Fat (PCH-1000) has a 5-inch OLED screen — one of the best ever fitted to a handheld. Deep colours, excellent contrast. The PS Vita Slim (PCH-2000) switches to an LCD that is slightly less striking but still very good, with better battery life. The PSP offers a 4.3-inch LCD that was fine for its time, but clearly falls behind the Vita.
The game catalogue
Once flashed, both consoles open up thousands of games. The PS Vita can emulate PS1 and PSP games on top of its own catalogue — Persona 4 Golden, Gravity Rush, Uncharted Golden Abyss… The PSP remains unbeatable for its native classics: Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, God of War Chains of Olympus, Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII. If you want the widest possible catalogue, the PS Vita wins clearly.
Custom firmware
Both consoles benefit from stable, well-documented custom firmware: HENkaku Ensō for the PS Vita, PRO-C or ME for the PSP. At Yochamida the firmware is installed, configured and tested on every console before shipping — there's nothing for you to do, the game library is ready to go.
Ergonomics
The PS Vita adds a second analogue stick (essential for shooters and 3D games), a touchscreen and a rear touchpad. The older PSP makes do with a single stick — some ports suffer for it. For modern comfort, advantage Vita again.
Price
A refurbished PSP is generally €40 to €60 cheaper than a PS Vita. On a very tight budget, or as a first step into portable retro gaming, the PSP is still a solid and charming option.
Verdict
For the best mix of catalogue, screen and ergonomics: the PS Vita, ideally a Fat for its OLED screen — our top 10 PS Vita games will give you a taste of what's waiting. For a small budget and pure nostalgia: the PSP.
