Released in 2004 in Japan and in 2005 in the rest of the world, the PlayStation Portable (PSP) was Sony's first portable console. And for a first attempt, it was a success: the console sold 80 million units (or even 82 million, according to some sources).

With graphics well ahead of its time and an original game format, UMD (Universal Media Disc), the PSP won over many gamers. It was also able to build on a catalogue of high-quality titles, drawing on PlayStation's iconic franchises.

Produced for 10 years, until March 2015, PSPs still in production are now beginning to reach the end of their life. As with all older-generation handheld consoles, those still in circulation are becoming increasingly difficult to repair.

The main problems are often with the screens or game buttons, which make the console unusable despite the hardware and software still working. Aware of this situation, Retromodwork came up with the idea of giving these faulty models a new lease of life in an original way.

The recovered PSPs have been transformed into home consoles. To achieve this, a number of modifications have been made:

• a Bluetooth motherboard for connecting PS4 DualShock controllers and ‘other compatible devices’;
• a TV output has been added to broadcast the image on a screen;
• a 3D-printed shell, inspired by the design of the PlayStation 2, houses the modified PSP.

It is important to note that the consoles used in this kit are unusable in their original portable form, due to faulty components and modifications. Nevertheless, the consoles can play digital games and UMDs, with the player still accessible and functional.

Priced at $274.99, this redesigned version of the PSP (PSP 2000 or PSP 3000 models) has been a huge success. Barely 24 hours after pre-orders opened, more than 100 units had already been snapped up. This success came as a surprise to the creator, who has no official supplier and has to look for PSPs that are out of service but still usable in order to transform them.

The project has won over fans, particularly owners of the original PSP. As well as being innovative (it's rare to see a portable console transformed into a home console), it's also part of a healthy approach to recycling machines that were originally destined for the scrap heap.

Photo: Macho Nacho Productions