It has emerged that the PSP can only run at its full 333Mhz processor speed while its Wi-Fi functionality is disabled, so networked play will be limited to 222Mhz.

The news was uncovered by 3D graphics resource Beyond 3D and has been confirmed by Sony Computer Entertainment America's director of corporate communications, Dave Karraker, who said, “The article is correct that increased CPU speed cannot be used with the PSP's wireless feature"^†.

Why the full processing power of the PSP will remain locked during online play remains unknown. It may be to conserve the PSP's battery, which is already drained by the handheld's wireless functionality.

The limitation may prove problematic for developers. Networked games may need to have a dulled 222Mhz clock speed for multi-player mode, while single-player mode runs at the higher speed. Alternatively, developers may opt to stick to the lower clock speed to avoid the added complication.

The increased processor speed was unlocked with firmware update 3.50 in May, with the speed previously having topped out at 222Mhz. God of War: Chains of Olympus has been confirmed as making use of the unlocked processing power.

^{†Source: GameDaily.biz
Source: Beyond 3D}