"Today, we're looking at the PSP Drop-in IPS mod, a solution that should fix up any issues you have with the original PSP display."
The PSP’s Original Screen Was Incredible For It’s Time, But Age Has Revealed Its Flaws. This New IPS LCD Kit Breathes New Life Into Sony’s First Handheld!
In the early 2000s, handheld game consoles continued to rise in popularity, with systems like the Nintendo DS selling millions of units with ease. While most well known for their home consoles, Sony decided to step into the ring with their first portable device, simply called the PlayStation Portable. The system was originally released in 2004, and while it didn’t catch on as quickly as some of the competitors, the PSP was still thrilling for fans seeking a higher-end gaming experience on the go.
With its large, vivid screen and an industry-leading focus on impressive graphics, the PSP wowed consumers despite some of its issues. Today, we’re looking at the PSP Drop-in IPS mod, a solution that should fix up any issues you have with the original PSP display. While the original PSP screen was good enough for its time, let’s see how well this modern modification brightens things up.
"Re-assemble the casing and make sure the screws are tight, and admire your handiwork, as the installation is now complete."
The PSP Drop-In IPS LCD Mod & How to Install
The drop-in IPS mod for the PlayStation Portable works on the 1000-series model, taking your original PSP to the next level. While the original PSP display was great for its time, it wasn’t perfect, occasionally showing signs of ghosting and dead pixels. This IPS LCD mod looks to repair those issues, offering a much clearer and vibrant display. Included in the IPS kit are three items: the screen itself, a ribbon cable adapter, and a foam gasket. Generally speaking, this mod is pretty simple but requires a bit of soldering, so be aware of that before attempting installation.
Like other drop-in IPS kits, installing this mod on the PSP is easy enough, requiring you to pop open your console and switch a few elements around. The first step is to open up your PSP casing, so start off by removing the handful of screws in the battery compartment and on the back of the console. Once you are able to remove the front faceplate, pop off the lower button bracket and detach the ribbon cable. From here, you can free the original display from its metal housing, remove the two ribbon cables underneath, and detach it from the device.
There are two small pads that you’ll need to bridge before attaching the after-market ribbon cable adapter, so refer to our in-depth video tutorial for reference. Once you’ve installed the adapter, you can attach your new LCD screen and place it back into the metal housing. Install the foam gasket, re-attach the lower button bracket, and you’re pretty much done! Re-assemble the casing and make sure the screws are tight, and admire your handiwork, as the installation is now complete.
"Additionally, the installation process requires a small bit of soldering, which might turn off modders with less experience."
The Pros and Cons of the PSP IPS Mod
While the PSP IPS mod doesn’t have any notable bells and whistles, the quality of the screen is very nice. The first thing you’ll notice is the brighter display, which is leaps and bounds better than the original. Long gone are the distracting instances of ghosting, as the new LCD has a much higher refresh rate. You should also notice brighter and more distinct colors, replacing the occasionally washed-out visuals of the original screen. As an added bonus, this PSP IPS kit is surprisingly affordable, so you won’t have to break the bank to upgrade your display.
Overall, we really enjoy the drop-in IPS mod for the PSP, but there are some slight issues to be aware of. While the new LCD screen offers a clear and colorful display, the lack of additional features makes this a somewhat shallow mod. Additionally, the installation process requires a small bit of soldering, which might turn off modders with less experience. Considering the lack of extra features and the slightly advanced installation process, this PSP IPS kit might be more trouble than it’s worth. As a replacement for a busted screen, we definitely recommend it. However, if you’re trying to take your PSP gaming experience to the next level, this IPS kit offers some slight improvements, but not enough to truly stand out.
