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PlayStation Portal hacked to run GTA Liberty City Stories via emulation, thanks to the PPSSPP emulator

The Play Station Portable is reportedly able to play GTA Liberty City natively, thanks to fresh hack. (Source: Andy Nguyen via Twitter)
The Play Station Portable is reportedly able to play GTA Liberty City natively, thanks to a fresh hack. (Source: Andy Nguyen via Twitter)
In a significant breakthrough in console gaming tech, hackers claim to have unlocked native gaming capabilities for the PlayStation Portal system originally designed for streaming content from the PlayStation 5 console. With the potential to run select titles natively, the hack opens up new possibilities for gamers while raising concerns about system security and compatibility.

A recent development in the console gaming world has revealed a potential breakthrough in the PlayStation Portal system, offering gamers an alternative way to enjoy certain titles natively. The PlayStation Portal, designed as an accessory for the PlayStation 5 console, enables users to stream content onto its portable screen, providing flexibility and convenience for gaming on the go.

However, reports have surfaced regarding a significant advancement in hacking capabilities for the Portal system. According to claims made by Andy Nguyen and his team, they have managed to hack the system to run games natively via emulation, bypassing the need for streaming. Nguyen shared a screenshot demonstrating the system successfully running Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories through the well-known open-source PPSSPP emulator.

Unlike other handheld gaming devices such as the Steam Deck, which relies on powerful internal components for native gaming, the PlayStation Portal takes a different approach. Sporting a large 8-inch screen, larger than the Deck, and a 16.6 Wh battery, it utilizes the Qualcomm SG4150P chip, enabling real-time decoding of streaming video and facilitating wireless connectivity for controller feedback to the console.

Although Andy Nguyen has pledged to share a video showcasing this achievement, he stresses that there is still significant work to be done before the hack is ready for public release. Updates on the project may be sparse in the coming weeks as the team continues to refine its efforts.

The development of this hack opens up new possibilities for PlayStation Portal users, offering them the potential to enjoy a broader range of games without the constraints of streaming. While it offers the lucrative prospect of expanding the range of playable titles beyond the streaming limitations, the reality is that only a select few games may be compatible with the hacked system.

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Thanks to Andy Nguyen and his team, the PS Portable can now run some titles natively. (Source: Andy Nguyen via Twitter)
Thanks to Andy Nguyen and his team, the PS Portable can now run some titles natively. (Source: Andy Nguyen via Twitter)
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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2024 02 > PlayStation Portal hacked to run GTA Liberty City natively, thanks to the PPSSPP emulator
Sambit Saha, 2024-02-20 (Update: 2024-02-20)