Battery replacement
Lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous. Never puncture, bend, or crush a cell. If a battery is visibly swollen, do not charge it or force it back into the bay — set it aside in a non-flammable container and replace it.
When to replace the battery
A tired PSP battery shows itself clearly: short runtime, sudden shutdowns at "half" charge, or a back cover that bulges because the cell has swollen. Original packs are well over a decade old now, so replacement is one of the most common PSP jobs.
Choosing a replacement
Aftermarket batteries are inexpensive and widely available. Look for a capacity rating in the same range as the original and avoid suspiciously high numbers, which are often exaggerated. A reputable mid-capacity cell will outlast a counterfeit "high-capacity" one.
- Power down and openSwitch the PSP fully off, slide the battery cover latch, and lift the cover away.
- Remove the old cellLift the battery out by its tab. Inspect the bay for corrosion or sticky residue from a swollen pack.
- Seat the new batteryAlign the metal contacts and press the new cell flat into the bay. It should sit without force.
- Close and chargeRefit the cover, then charge fully before first use to let the gauge calibrate.
After fitting
Run the battery down and recharge it once or twice so the percentage reading settles. tip Recycle the old pack at a proper battery drop-off rather than household waste.