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Sony PSP Connected to Linux Systems?

I want to transfer music and movies to my Sony PSP, on my computer I'm using Suse Linux 9.2. What kind of program or software can I use? The problem is that my computer can't find the Sony PSP when I plug it in the USB port.


Dave's Answer:

I dug around and found a couple of interesting solutions that illustrate the bridge between Linux and Sony PSP. Most relevant to what you're asking about is the Linux PSP Manager. The developer describes this program as "a program for Linux, using the QT API, to manage and transfer from the computer to the PSP homebrew binary files, saved game backups, video and audio files."

There are screenshots at the Sourceforge site for the Linux PSP Manager, but they add more confusion than anything because they make it appear that it's more to do with game saves and game emulation than transferring files between your Suse Linux box and your Sony PSP. A bit more digging suggests that it's actually focused on PBP (boot) file transfer. Try it, see what kind of results you get.

Another program in this general area is the PSP Linux Project, focused on actually migrating the Linux operating system itself onto the Sony PSP. Does that make sense? I dunno, but it's interesting to think about, a PSP that lets you run Linux while, presumably, also being able to restart into regular PSP mode and run all the games and videos you like.

Finally, though there are millions of Sony PSP units sold, and some percentage of them must be to Linux owners, but so far most everyone I've talked with plugs their PSP into either a Macintosh or a Windows XP box.

I'd be most interested in hearing from others about this topic too, including particularly pointers to other Linux programmers who are working on this problem.


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Reader Comments To Date: 6

Scott said, on September 29, 2005 6:39 PM:

The person with the PSP question needs to recognize that this is a multistep process. I also am running SUSE 9.2, on a dual boot system. USB recognition is a sometimes thing on my system when tring to get k-pilot to sync with my Palm. Data transferral is an attempt after recognition! I do not know if this is a distro situation or if it is a statement about the development state of Linux/Linux apps. Hotplugging adds another step also.

bryan said, on October 2, 2005 4:34 PM:

i dont know how to save eboot on my memorystick duo media!!!!!!!

Mairin Duffy said, on October 17, 2005 6:50 AM:

The PSP functions as a mass storage device over USB. When I plugged my PSP via USB cable into my Fedora Core machine, an item on the desktop popped up for it ("32MB Removable Media" since I only have the 32MB memory stick.) I can double click this icon and browse the contents of the memory stick using Nautilus. I can drag stuff out of it and drag stuff onto it no problem.

Soooo... you might want to consider an "upgrade" from Suse to Fedora :)

Horus said, on October 25, 2005 7:00 PM:

Love is the law love under will.

Maybe you should try Manriva 2006(Mandrake), always a nice and easy option as USB connection is possibly the most user friendly, if not you are only a Kedit away from success.

There is no law beyond do what thou wilt.

DJKMan said, on March 19, 2008 6:28 PM:

Simple. Update to Ubuntu 7.10 Gutsy and problem solved. I am able to connect to my PSP from my dual-boot laptop.


Signature: http://pspadvice.googlepages.com

TeddyB said, on November 8, 2008 8:35 PM:

Debian Etch mounts the PSP just fine. gives me a pop up just like windows, I expected to atleast have to mount it in a shell. but it said, what you wanna do. and gave me a browser and everything. mounted it under /Media

mounted as an usb hard drive.

Starbucks coffee cup I do have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but first I'd like to say thank you, Dave, for all your helpful information by buying you a cup of coffee!

I do have a comment, now that you mention it!











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