Multiplayer restricts 333MHz PSP CPU back down to 222MHz

Initially seen as a boon for developers trying to get the most of PSP, it's become clear there are some complications surrounding Sony's decision to remove the software lock on the full 333MHz frequency available from the PSP's main processor.

As released in the 3.50 firmware upgrade and being utilised in forthcoming games such as God of War: Chains of Olympus and Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow, the tweak allows developers to gain access to all the available processing power from the CPU, which was originally locked to 222MHz. Theoretically this should enable better looking games, as well as other benefits such as more advanced physical modelling (as in the case of Logan's Shadow).

The change, which is officially termed the new Clock Control Function, also enables developers to lower the frequency should they want to; something presumably useful in terms of prolonging battery life.

However, the Beyond3D website is reporting that the full power option can't be used in conjunction with Wi-Fi. Simply put, if the PSP's Wi-Fi switch is on, any game is limited to the original 222MHz processor clock speed. This is most likely to be because the PSP's CPU is used to handle some of the networking processing required for wireless connectivity (as well as, possibly, being a battery life related decision).

It does create potential complications for developers who want to use the full CPU power for single-player games, however, as they will have to turn down the available power for their multiplayer modes, either resulting in lower frame rates for online games, or lower resolution graphics.

As a single player-only game, God of War: Chains of Olympus won't be affected, of course, but it will be interesting to see how the developer of Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow, which promises multiplayer modes, decide to deal with the issue.