What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
As of October 7, 2026, you can’t make a new game purchase through the PlayStation Store on a PSP. You can still redownload eligible games you bought previously from the PSP’s Download List. Sony also said in 2021 that PSP content still listed on PS3 or PS Vita stores could be purchased there, but that was never a guarantee for every game or region, and those stores now have announced closure dates.
What can you do on a PSP today?
The answer depends on whether you already own the game digitally, can find it in a legacy store, or are willing to use a physical UMD. Sony’s UK PlayStation Support page says the PSP Store closed in 2016 and that its remaining search and in-game purchase features ended on July 6, 2021. Store offerings may vary by country or region.
| Option | What it means | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Redownload a previous purchase | Sony says previously purchased content can be downloaded from the PSP Download List. Sony PlayStation Support | This applies to content already purchased; it is not a way to buy a new license. |
| Look for a PSP game on PS3 or PS Vita | In 2021, Sony said PSP content still available in those stores could be purchased and played there. Sony PlayStation Support | Whether a specific game is listed depends on title and region, and the stores have announced closures. |
| Play a UMD | A used PSP game on UMD avoids the need to make a new digital purchase. | Requires a PSP model with a UMD drive; PSP Go has none. Condition and availability vary. |
Can you still buy PSP games on the PlayStation Store?
Not through the PSP itself. Sony’s April 19, 2021 announcement said, “PSP commerce functionality will retire on July 2, 2021 as planned.” Its later support notice gives July 6, 2021 as the date PSP searching and in-game purchases ended. These refer to different milestones: the announced retirement date and the end date Sony lists for those remaining features.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Sony said in 2021 that PSP content still available on PS3 or PS Vita stores could be purchased and played there. Treat that as a conditional legacy route, not proof that a particular game is currently for sale. Check the relevant store for your account and region before relying on it.
#1 Best Overall
- Go faster than ever on much longer streets, reaching scary speeds
- Get from checkpoint to checkpoint while you outmaneuver aggressive, alone or in multiplayer mode
- New Garage Mode for adding high-end customization to your racing machine
- Add style to your ride, with wheels customized with parts from Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Ducati and more
PS3 and PS Vita store closures
Sony announced on July 1, 2026 that PS3 Store closures would begin in selected markets during 2026. In other countries, PS3 and PS Vita stores are scheduled to close in July 2027. Sony says previously purchased PS3 and PS Vita content will remain downloadable for the foreseeable future after closure, but does not give a fixed end date. These announcements concern PS3 and PS Vita; they do not guarantee that every PSP game can be transferred to a PSP or that PSP downloads will remain available for a specified period. Sony’s store-closure announcement
How to redownload a PSP game you already bought
- On the PSP, open the Download List and check whether the game appears under your account’s previous purchases. Sony identifies this as the route for downloading previously purchased PSP content. Sony PlayStation Support
- Confirm that the PSP has suitable storage available. Sony’s PSP manual describes saving downloads to inserted Memory Stick media; PSP-N1000 series systems can also select system storage. Check compatibility for your exact model before buying storage. PSP User’s Guide: Downloading products
- If the title does not appear or the download does not work, check the account and the device’s current prompts. Some content requires an activated PSP. Sony’s older manual documents PSP and PS3 download and copy workflows, but those legacy instructions do not establish that every transfer method still works today. PSP User’s Guide: Downloading a game
A Memory Stick, USB cable, or manual transfer method cannot restore the ability to buy new PSP games through the PSP Store.
Rank #2
- Playable Jedi warriors
- 16 new locations and never-before-seen Star Wars environments and graphics
- Track your stats, join a clan, and find your comrades when playing online
- Upgraded AI
Is a physical UMD the practical alternative?
If you do not already own a digital license and the game is not available in a legacy store for your region, a used UMD is a straightforward way to play it on compatible hardware. Before buying, confirm that your PSP model has a UMD drive and check the disc and listing details. PSP Go has no UMD drive, so it cannot play UMD games.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesQuick Recap
Best Value
- Great Travel Carrying Case for Sony PSP 1000 2000 3000: Designed specially for PSP, ELIATER portable case offers you a safe solution to store and carry your PSP game console
- Max Safe Protection: Protective polyester material to protect your PSP game console from bumps and drops greatly
- Suitable Capacity: It can offers enough space to carry PSP console and memory card
- Ultra-Portable Design: With the extra high-quality carabiner, you can easily take this case in your backpack for visiting vocation or hiking
- Great Gift for Game Enthusiast: This protective case is stylish and slim and has plenty of space to fit your console and its accessories
Rank #4
- Playstation portable game
- Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
Rank #3
- Tear it up in more than 30 unique environments.
- 6 distinct terrain types including snow, dirt, mud, ice, water and grass.
- Multiple player capable using PSP wireless multiplayer connectivity
- See from both first and third-person perspectives
- Several race modes such as race, freestyle, career or any of the various mini-games
Digital entitlement or UMD?
- Choose the digital route if the game is already in your Download List, or if it is currently listed for your account and region on a legacy store.
- Choose a UMD if you have a UMD-compatible PSP and can find the specific game in acceptable condition.
- Check your hardware and storage before acting: redownloading requires a suitable storage destination, while UMD play requires a drive-equipped PSP.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
