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 a pivotal team member took a step back after some controversy before launch (more on that at the bottom of this article, which I only just learned could be deeper than we all thought).
This team member was known as UsagiShade, a remarkably talented motion graphic designer who has a history in app development, and he's paired that talent with frontend emulators to be one of the most unique builders in the retro handheld space. Well, he's back with something new, with apparently a heavy hand from AI, which is surprising to see.
UsagiShade has uploaded a new teaser for an upcoming Android front end inspired by Sony's XMB layout that was featured on the PSP and PS3, 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.
Update: 27th August 2026 16:20 - It has been brought to my attention that there are allegations against UsagiShade from a number of acquaintances of his from years ago that state he has assaulted people verbally/physically alongside potential grooming of a partner of his who was under the age of 16 at the time. There is a video here that covers some of these allegations; there was also a video from UsagiShade defending those allegations, but it was removed.
I am not a detective, and the allegations are incredibly complicated, from random usernames, burner accounts, lack of proof and more. There have also been no charges, police reports, or criminal records from these allegations, but I thought it was right to let you be aware of this and to see the ongoing allegations against him so that you can make your own decisions on this. The internet is a crazy place, and this story is something many of us outsiders will never understand, but it's happened and, as my nan used to say, "there's no smoke without fire". Thank you to our community for making us aware of this.
