How to Transfer a Game to a PSP Memory Stick

by Andrew Mikael
PSP systems play downloaded games from the internal memory as well as connected memory sticks

PSP systems play downloaded games from the internal memory as well as connected memory sticks

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Sony's PSP portable gaming device plays UMD game discs and also connects to the PlayStation Network for downloading games. Downloaded games are stored in one of two locations: the system's internal memory or a connected memory stick. If the internal memory fills up, you can transfer a game to the memory stick to free up space for additional downloads. If the game was downloaded on a PC using Sony's Media Go software, you can transfer it directly to a memory card in a connected PSP.

Transfer From System Memory

Step 1

Open the slot labeled "M2" or "MemoryStick DUO" on the PSP and insert a compatible memory stick. Ensure the stick has enough free space to store the game you wish to transfer. Games range in size from only a few megabytes to over a gigabyte.

Step 2

Turn the PSP on and wait for the system to boot up. Highlight the "Game" section of the main menu.

Step 3

Open the "System Storage" folder and scroll down to the game you wish to transfer. Press the "Triangle" button. Select "Copy" and confirm the operation to begin the transfer.

Step 4

Open the "Saved Data Utility -- System Storage" section of the Game menu. Scroll down to the saved data corresponding to the transferred game and press "Triangle" and then select "Copy." This data will only exist if you have played the game and created a save file.

Step 5

Repeat the above step for any remaining saved data items. Some games only use a single save file while other have several files for multiple saves, customized elements or downloaded additions.

Step 6

Open the "Memory Stick" section of the Game menu to play to the transferred game. If you wish, delete the original copy from internal memory by returning to its icon in the "System Storage" folder, pressing "Triangle" and then selecting "Delete."

Transfer From PC

Step 1

Open the Media Go software and connect the PSP to the computer system. If you don't have Media Go installed, download the installation files for free from Sony's website.

Step 2

Start USB mode on the PSP by highlighting "Settings" in the main menu and selecting "USB Connection." The PSP, alongside any connected memory sticks, appear in the left frame of Media Go.

Step 3

Click "Store" to access game downloads. Click the "Download" or "Buy Now" button on a game's page to add it to the download section of Media Go. You will need to enter your PlayStation ID and any downloads will tie to the account.

Step 4

Right-click on the finished download and highlight "Add To." Click the "Memory Stick" option to transfer the game to the PSP's M2 stick. An animated icon will appear next to the PSP in the left frame to indicate an in-progress transfer.

Step 5

Disconnect the PSP system when the transfer is complete,or press "Circle" to exit USB Mode. Open the "Game" menu on the PSP and select "Memory Stick" to view and play the game.

Warning

  • PSP memory sticks do not use the standard SD or microSD formats used by other devices, but rather a specialized M2 format designed specifically for use with the device. Other memory cards will not interface correctly with the system or allow you to transfer games.

Resources

About the Author

Andrew Mikael began writing in 2010. His articles appear on various websites, where he specializes in media and related technology. Mikael has a Bachelor of Arts in film from Montana State University.

Photo Credits

  • BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images