We've featured a lot of MrRubik's launchers recently, and many of you have enjoyed exploring them, seeing as many of them are available for download for free on the Google Play Store. Well, there's more on their way, and this time featuring one of the most iconic handhelds ever made, the PSP, being called the "PocketDeck" when it launches in the coming weeks.
The PSP's UI was unmatched, simple, to the point and spacious. The handheld felt easy to explore, and the icons felt like floating planets or bubbles in a way, ready to open up a whole new world in the palm of your hands, and that's what this launcher plans to do. If you're new to Android launchers, they are simply Android applications that can be installed that take your smartphone's UI and convert it into that of a PSP or a PS Vita, for instance. Changing icons, typography, widgets, clocks and more, all in the theme of Sony's portable handheld.
It is worth noting that we are unsure if MrRubik's uses AI to create these launchers. Which we are fine with if AI is assisted to develop non-infringing code, but if there's generative AI involved, then we'll likely take down this post once the developer himself responds to our comments. There is some controversy in the Android development space about this developer, even if he has been making these types of applications for years, but I'll try to keep you updated.
As of 3rd July MrRubik's has shared his next launcher via YouTube, focusing on the PSP and PS Vita UI, which you can choose from in the same single application. The launcher features include:
- PSP-style launcher interface
- PS Vita-style launcher interface
- Installed Android app catalog
- Local PSP and PS Vita game library support
- Emulator shortcut support through external apps
- Custom folders for apps and emulation games
- PSP theme import support
- Custom page backgrounds and Vita-style color themes
- Custom app icons from local images
- Icon pack support
- Controller and gamepad-friendly navigation
- Sound, haptic feedback, and launcher customisation options
- Local photo, music, and video gallery sections
- Offline by design — no accounts, no analytics, no tracking
My personal favourite feature of the application is the fact that you can create emulator shortcuts that look like boxart which can be accessed via the homepage on your new PSP-looking Android smartphone, jumping straight into your favourite games, if you have enough CPU power.
There's also a wide range of customisations such as app icons, colours, themes, music and more, all accessible without having to create random accounts. This looks like a fun, likely free way to transform your Android into an iconic Sony handheld, which will be available to download over the coming weeks. Let's just hope there's no GenAI used!
