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What kind of Memory Stick can I use with my Sony PSP?

I'm confused. Can I use my older Memory Stick Duo devices with my Sony PSP, or do I need to go and buy new Memory Stick PRO Duos?


Dave's Answer:

I'm also a bit confused by the many different names of Sony memory devices, actually. According to the Sony PSP manual, all of the following types of memory sticks will work with the device:

  • Memory Stick Duo
  • MagicGate Memory Stick Duo
  • Memory Stick Duo (MagicGate / High Speed data-transfer compatible)
  • Memory Stick PRO Duo

Sony generally talks about the "Memory Stick", but it encompasses all four of those formats.

Oh, and did I mention that they're different sizes too?

Here's a picture that shows the Memory Stick PRO Duo from Sony and the Memory Stick adapter so you can get a sense of the relative sizes:

    Memory Stick PRO Duo

Wondering about what MagicGate is all about? It turns out it's a copy protection mechanism. Here's what Wikipedia says about it:

"MagicGate is a copy-protection technology introduced by Sony in 1999 as part of the SDMI. It works by encrypting the content on the device and using MagicGate chips in both the storage device and reader to enforce control over how files are copied."

Having said all that, I still recommend you stick with Memory Stick PRO Duo devices are explicitly indicate that they're Sony PSP compatible. I have heard of some reports of problems with devices that weren't specifically indicated to be PSP compatible...

Hope that helps clear things up!









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Comments

How do I Put the update 2.6 to my psp and Videos to My memory pro stick

Posted by: Wilmir Thomas at February 5, 2006 9:59 PM


Hi Dave,

Can you tell me please I need to buy a Memery Stick, can you advise please what I should know/check to decide what to buy. Thanks

Posted by: Peddy at August 21, 2008 5:22 PM


Hi Dave,

Can you tell me please I need to buy a Memery Stick, can you advise please what I should know/check to decide what to buy. Thanks

Posted by: Peddy at August 21, 2008 5:25 PM

what memory card is good for a sony psp?

Posted by: chantal' davilas at December 10, 2008 2:58 PM

g'day dave I was wondering if you can put movies on a psp, how big a memory stick you need and if I do need a converter which would you recommend?

Posted by: jesse at March 14, 2009 6:11 PM

thx alot
you are the best

Posted by: ammar halloush at May 10, 2009 10:38 AM

Hi Dave,

Ok I understand that the memory stick has to be Pro Duo and by Magic Gate. Well I went out and got another stick that is by Lexar it is a Pro Duo as well with mark2 labeled on it and Magic Gate. But the problem with this is that my psp won't read it so I can't format or put anything on it. Is this not compatible with sony psp or do the company name does not matter?

Posted by: C.T. at November 27, 2010 12:44 AM

hey dave, i have a sandisk (magicgate) 4gb memory stick pro duo and my psp or computer will read it. whats wrong?

Posted by: seth at March 6, 2011 10:53 AM

i was just wondering if it has to be a sony magic gate memory card or can i use another type of memory card?

Posted by: Drakiz at June 20, 2011 4:04 PM

I have bought a psp 1003 and running software 5.00. I bought a lexar 8gb memory stick pro duo but the psp wont read it. I have tried to format it but keeps saying " no memory card inserted" can anyone please help

Posted by: Kris at July 1, 2011 8:07 AM

i have a micro sd adaptor and it wont work what do i do

Posted by: shay at January 13, 2012 10:56 PM

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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 for all your efforts on this Web site by buying you a cup of coffee!

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