Shell replacement
A full shell swap means fully stripping the console. Take photos at each step and keep screws sorted by location — they differ in length and the wrong one can punch through plastic.
Replacing the shell
A new shell transforms a scratched or cracked PSP and is a good excuse to clean every internal part along the way. Replacement housings come in the original colours and plenty of custom finishes.
Match the model exactly
Shells are not interchangeable between the PSP-1000, the Slim models, and the Go. Buy a housing made for your specific model, and confirm it includes the small parts you need, such as button sets and the battery cover.
- Full teardownRemove the battery, then work from the back: lift the cover, extract every screw, and separate the halves.
- Transfer the boardsMove the mainboard, screen, and drive into the new front half, reconnecting ribbons carefully.
- Refit buttonsSeat the face buttons, D-pad, and triggers with their membranes before closing the shell.
- Reassemble and screw downJoin the halves, return each screw to its original hole, and refit the battery cover.
Final check
Before declaring victory, power on and test the screen, every button, the analog nub, and charging. tip A creaking shell usually means a missed screw or a pinched ribbon.