Tutorials · PlayStation
PSP: use TV output on a compatible model
Want to play PSP games on a television, but the cables look similar and model support differs? Identify the console and TV inputs first. Then check the menu, sound and a game before treating the connection as complete.
Before you start
PSP-2000, PSP-3000 and PSP-N1000 (PSP go), with their model-specific cables. PSP-1000 is excluded from this native video-output procedure. Hardware modifications and PC-based output are not covered. For PSP games on PSP-2000, you need component video and a television supporting progressive input. Have a game already working on the PSP screen and the TV’s input information ready.
1. Identify the model and cable
Read the console’s reference before buying an accessory. Sony’s compatibility table distinguishes PSP-2000/3000 cables from PSP go cables; they are not interchangeable. The listed video cables exclude PSP-1000.
- PSP-2000/3000: Sony lists PSP-S150 for composite and PSP-S180 for component video.
- PSP go: corresponding references are PSP-N150 and PSP-N180. Check the console-end connector.
On PSP-2000, displaying the menu does not prove that PSP games can be played through that connection. PSP games require progressive output, which composite and S-Video do not provide. PlayStation-format software is a separate case in the manual.
For PSP-3000 and PSP go, Sony also documents composite output. S-Video is not offered for PSP go. Component generally gives a better image, although television processing also affects the result.
2. Connect the PSP to the television
Read the socket labels rather than relying only on colour. With component video, Y, PB/CB and PR/CR carry the picture. Left and right audio connectors are separate, so a red audio plug does not belong in the red video socket.
- Connect the cable intended for the exact PSP model without forcing its connector.
- Connect the video plugs to their matching TV inputs and the two audio plugs to the corresponding audio input.
- Select that input on the TV: component/YPbPr for component, or AV/composite for a composite cable.
If the TV only has HDMI, this direct connection procedure is insufficient. Independently check a converter’s support for the exact signal before buying. This guide does not validate any converter model.
3. Switch the picture to the television
Turn on the PSP and hold its display button for at least five seconds. This is the screen-related button, not HOME/PS or the sound button. The picture should switch to the TV. Press the display button again to leave external output.
Output options are also under Settings → Connected Display Settings. First obtain a readable menu before changing several settings so you have a clear reference point.
4. Select the signal and aspect ratio
With a component cable, open D-Terminal / Component Output. Progressive is usable only if the television supports it; Interlace is the other mode. On PSP-2000, selecting interlaced output does not make PSP games playable through an input lacking progressive support.
Set TV Type to 16:9 or 4:3 according to the display. This controls proportions, not additional detail. Black borders can remain.
5. Check a game and the audio
Expected result: the menu is readable, sound reaches the TV and a supported game starts with a stable picture. Check all three before considering setup finished.
Sony notes that some game display formats are predetermined. A black border does not necessarily indicate a fault; avoid stretching the picture simply to fill the screen if it distorts characters.
Keep a note of the console model, cable, TV input and working signal mode. These details help reproduce the setup without restarting all the experiments next time.
If there is still no picture
- No menu picture: check the selected input, cable seating and whether the display button was held long enough.
- Menu works but a PSP game fails on PSP-2000: check component cabling and the TV’s progressive support.
- Picture but no sound: check audio plugs and TV volume.
- Distorted picture: compare TV Type with the display’s proportions and scaling settings.
- Connector does not fit: stop and check the console and cable references before forcing anything or ordering another accessory.
Redownloading a digital purchase is separate from TV output. Use the PSP tutorials hub for that workflow.
Sources and scope
Translated from the French guide based on official documentation checked on 2026-10-15. This guide does not claim physical testing on your equipment. LODEX’s preparation and result checks are practical advice; follow any warnings shown by your device.
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