Pairing Guide
This page is dedicated to helping users pair a controller for the first time. Scroll down to find pictures and instructions that will walk you through the pairing process.
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Keep in mind that the buttons on the base of the shell are only used when, Pairing a controller for the first time, Updating the BT motherboard, Setting custom button mappings. After you have paired the controller you handle powering the system on and off by turning your chosen controller on and off.
You PS Placeable and a controller
Grab your controller of choice. I always use a dual shock 4 since it has all the PS buttons and makes playing games so much easier. However any BT controller will work. Including Xbox's adaptive controller more on that below.
Base of the PS Placeable
(Update 2/16/25 - There is a new shell model that has only two buttons on the base or two on the front of the shell. The M or X button are going to be the MODE button which is needed to switch between pairing and bluetooth modes. The rest of the set up is still the same)
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All PS Placeable have buttons letting you access the buttons on the BT mod board. Each does something different but the one we are talking about here is the mode button. This is how you will pair a new controller.
Connect your system to power
Remove the magnetic top from your Placeable and connect all your OEM cables. The video cable can be snaked out the gap in the back then the top can be closed over it. This lets you move the console any time you want without messing up your whole setup.
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Plug in your PSP charging cable, to the barrel connector at the back of the PS Placeable.
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Please keep in mind the PSP has quite a few after market cables and we do not recommend them. OEM will always work and is the best solution for any potential connection issues.
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Once plugged in a single short press the mode button to start the pairing process. You should see the LED blink twice and pause then it will repeat that blinking pattern. This means the Placeable is in pairing mode.
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(Update 2/15/2025 - The newest mod boards do not have LED's be default so if you are soldering your own kit. Connecting the LED is now a required steps. Pre-soldered kits have the external LED connected.
Put your controller in pairing mode.
Each controller is different for this step. Find the pairing button or look up how to put your controller in pairing mode. A dual shock 4 is put in pairing mode by holding the PS button and the share button until the light at the top starts flashing.
Don't forget your memory card!
All STL files include the memory card holder and if you bought a shell or a full prebuilt it should be in your kit, or the battery compartment of your PSP respectively. Slide the memory card into the holder matching the logo or words with the magic gate symbol printed on the holder. then slide it into your PS Placeable. When you want to take it out just push on that part and it will pop out for your to grab.
Put your PSP in sleep mode
When you are done playing simply turn off your controller and your PSP will go into sleep mode. This is perfect since the PSP is no longer running on a battery so you can pick up your game where ever you left off. Turning your controller back on will wake up the PSP.
You are all set
That is how you set up the console for the first time and how to manage all power on and off functions for future use. There are troubleshooting steps for anyone who might need help found here.
End of the guides
This is the end of the guides. If you just want to plug and play you are all set and ready to go. The link below is for setting custom button mappings! This is a big part of this project. There are so many fun things you can do with custom button mappings.
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We have left PSP L trigger bound as the L2 or second left trigger on any controller as a way to encourage people to explore button mapping even if its just to change that binding to L1.
Last thing I want to mention is something a commentor on YouTube brought up. This project will let people with Xbox adaptive controllers play PSP games for the first time ever. It is really cool IMO that there is a chance to play a totally untouched market of games potently for the first time. So to everyone who has bought one or supported the project this far thank you so much. Please remember Stephen has done so much work to make this project. The button mapping page has a place to leave a nice comment for Stephen please show him some appreciation. It has been a blast to work on it and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.
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- Dan
