If you use an Android device for your retro gaming needs, then it's likely you've heard of iiSU; it's a popular Android frontend for retro emulation that's inspired by Wii U design. It blew up recently due to its impressive user interface, advanced customisations and ability to pair with a range of Android emulators in order to create a silky smooth gaming experience.
Not only that, it came with retroachievements, profile customisations, galleries and community tabs that turn your Android device into a completely new console. Thousands of downloads later, it's one of the most popular frontends to ever be developed, even if the lead developer took a step back after some controversy before launch.
The lead developer was known as UsagiShade, a remarkably talented individual who has a history in motion graphics, and he's paired that talent with app development to be one of the most unique builders in the retro handheld space. Well, he's back with something new.
UsagiShade has uploaded a new teaser for an upcoming Android front end inspired by Sony's XMB layout that was featured on the PSP, PS3 and PS Vita, with a unique user interface, all-new design and added features. It will feel like iiSU in many ways because he was the lead developer of that project, but pairs the iconic software design of Sony's most impressive handheld device.
It comes with Retroachievements tracking; it can log your playtime, houses your screenshots in Sony's format, shows what friends are online and, like iiSU, comes with a highly customisable profile for you to show the world your achievements and retro gaming library.
The teaser isn't long and only shows a small ammount of the upcoming Android frontend, but it's clear more announcements are on the way, with a first look trailer diving into more detail coming next month, and a full presentation in November sometime. "The PS icons are simply placeholders since updating them is not a priority at the moment. Also yes, the app is already functional and most of the features we want are already working. All that's left to do is polish it all and give it that Usagi magic, but I'll do that after a short break" states UsagiShade.
Discord followers of UsagiShade can apparently get a first look at this if you're willing to download the Alpha and likely experience a few bugs, but that's expected in an Alpha! We're excited to see this develop and will undoubtedly keep PSP retro games intrigued until its official release.
