"Cross-Platform Homebrew: From Linux to Handheld Iron"
A collection of PlayStation Portable (PSP) homebrew projects and tutorials using C, SDL2, and PSPSDK. This repository demonstrates low-level development with a cross-platform mindset—compile and test on Linux for speed, then deploy to a real PSP for the authentic experience.
The PSP features a MIPS R4000-based CPU and a dedicated Media Engine. These projects leverage:
- PSP GU (Graphics Utility): Direct access to hardware 3D rendering and texture mapping.
- SDL2 Layer: Unified API for input and 2D rendering, making code portable between PC and console.
- Native SPU Audio: Direct PCM/WAV streaming alongside
SDL2_mixer.
| Project | Description | Preview |
|---|---|---|
| Hello World | Minimal C and PSPSDK implementation. |  |
| 3D Cube | Renders a spinning 3D cube using PSP GU. |  |
| Texture Mapping | Demonstrates hardware-accelerated mapping on the GU. |  |
| SDL2 Image | Loading and displaying PNGs via SDL2_image. |  |
| SDL2 Mixer | Background music logic with pause/resume support. |  |
| OpenGL Triangle | OpenGL-style API implementation on PSP hardware. |  |
| Audio SPU | Native audio playback for WAV/OGG/MP3. |  |
| SDL2 TTF | Rendering TrueType fonts for high-quality UI text. |  |
| Input Debug | Reading controller state and drawing dynamic shapes. |  |
| Sprite Logic | Handling positioning and movement of 2D assets. |  |
| SDL2 Squares | Basic square rendering and input loop handling. |  |
| Basic Geometry | Drawing primitives (rectangles) on a clean background. |  |
To build for the console, you need the PSPSDK.
- Follow the pspdev/pspdev instructions to install.
- Ensure
psp-cmakeis in your system PATH.
For fast iteration, build these projects natively on your desktop:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install build-essential cmake libsdl2-dev libsdl2-image-dev libsdl2-mixer-dev libsdl2-ttf-dev
sudo dnf install gcc make cmake SDL2-devel SDL2_image-devel SDL2_mixer-devel SDL2_ttf-devel
sudo pacman -S base-devel cmake sdl2 sdl2_image sdl2_mixer sdl2_ttf
- Navigate to a project:
cd psp_projects/hello_world_psp - Generate Build Files:
- For PSP:
mkdir build && cd build && psp-cmake .. - For PC:
mkdir build && cd build && cmake ..
- Compile:
make - Run:
- On PC: Run the resulting binary:
./hello_world - On PSP: Transfer
EBOOT.PBPtoPSP/GAME/PROJECT_NAME/.
PSP development often feels like a "lost art" due to fragmented legacy toolchains. This repository serves as a modern bridge, allowing developers to use contemporary tools like VS Code and CMake to breathe new life into this legendary handheld.
Special thanks to the Pikuma courses and the PSPDev community for the foundational knowledge that made these modules possible.
Happy Hacking! *Created by Robert Fernandez*