The 20 year old PSP can now connect to WPA2 WiFi Networks

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Technical feasibility of WPA2 on PSP

  • Several comments clarify that WPA2 usually requires firmware (not special radio hardware), and the PSP’s Wi‑Fi chipset already supported the necessary crypto.
  • The PSP uses a Marvell Libertas 88W8010 + 88W8380; datasheets show 802.11i/WPA2 capability was present but unused by Sony.
  • WPA/WPA2 sit above the physical layer, so encryption can be done in software or firmware; newer devices just add hardware accelerators.
  • The new plugin reportedly patches the PSP’s WPA kernel module (pspnet_apctl.prx) to call the chip’s native WPA2 functions instead of WPA ones, mainly changing management frames and key exchange.

Homebrew achievement and reverse engineering

  • Commenters are impressed that this feature was “so close” for 20 years and only now enabled.
  • Old-timers recall early PSP firmware reverse‑engineering, exploits, and community tooling, and see this as a continuation of that collaborative tradition.
  • Some express interest in a detailed technical write‑up of the WPA2 work; current understanding comes from commits and scattered discussions.

Wi‑Fi limitations and 2.4 GHz discussion

  • PSP remains 2.4 GHz only; commenters agree this is a hard hardware limit.
  • Discussion notes that even early PS4 models were 2.4‑only and that 5 GHz wasn’t common in consumer gear at PSP’s launch.
  • A few speculate whether the Marvell radio could be swapped for a 5 GHz‑capable sibling, but this is purely hypothetical.

Nostalgia and perception of the PSP

  • Many recall the PSP as mind‑blowing for its time: near‑PS2 graphics, movies, music, web browsing, and a strong homebrew scene.
  • Others argue it was less impressive, with many “diet ports” and a fragile‑looking form factor, though some defend its physical robustness.
  • Specific titles (e.g., Monster Hunter, GTA, Wipeout, God of War, AC: Bloodlines) are cited as standout experiences; opinions differ on overall library quality.

Homebrew, services, and longevity

  • PSP homebrew is credited with getting people into programming, emulation, and security.
  • Some still daily‑drive modded PSPs or use them offline; swollen batteries and cheap replacements are mentioned as maintenance issues.
  • There’s interest in PSP‑side homebrew stores; one existing online repository with an installable channel is linked.
  • Multiple people wish for similar WPA2/WPA3 hacks for DS/3DS, but note tighter hardware/firmware coupling makes it harder.
  • A closing reminder asks people not to badger developers for install help since the WPA2 plugin is still under active development.