PSP Hacks and Firmware

Do you want to be able to run ISO backups of any PSP game? Do you want to be able to run homebrew applications like emulators and media players to view downloaded movies? Get the latest hacked custom firmware files to unlock the great potential of your PSP or PSP Slim.

PSP Downgraders and Unbrikers

Does your new PSP or PSP Slim refuse to run game ISO’s and homebrew? Restore your PSP to an earlier firmware by using PSP Hacks online. Did you brick or are you scared that you will brick your precious PSP by using hacks? Fear not, with hacks like Pandora’s Battery, you can reset any PSP or PSP Slim back to an unbriked state by access its service mode.

PSP Emulators and Roms

Searching for the fastest and most compatible emulators for the Sony PSP? Get emu’s for NES, SNES, Neo-Geo, Sega Master System and Genesis. Also, don’t miss out on MAME for the PSP. Get all the arcade hits, literally thousands of your favorite vertical and horizontal shooters, beat ‘em ups, and quarter-stealing classics. Get play almost any past console on your PSP and download thousands of ROMs.

PSP Homebrew Apps

Want to get the most out of your Sony PSP? Find thousands of useful and entertaining homebrew apps that’ll let you use the PSP for a whole lot more than just gaming. Surf the web, instant message, use a scientific calculator and run programs totally unrestricted on the PSP.

PSP Cheats

Tired of not being able to pass a certain level in a game? Simply given up out of frustration? Use PSP cheat hacks to get unlimited lives, or unlimited powers in all your favorite games. Similar to the Gameshark, or Game genie, PSP cheat software will get you past your obstacles so you can go back living your life!

PSP Accessories and Mods

Find all the coolest mods, hacks and accessories currently available for your PSP. From Tokyo to New York, get access to limited production custom skins and hard to find stylish sleeves. Be on the forefront for all the latest gear and accessories for your pocket console today!

The PSP2’s form factor and spec sheet shows nothing revolutionary, and frankly it lacks innovation.

But it’s the only mobile gaming device that contains all the essential ingredients that hardcore gamers are looking for.

If might take a few years, but the PSP2 with be a success – probably a big one.

The biggest strength of Sony’s next gaming device is that it caters to hardcore gamers. Its competitors – which now include Apple’s iOS devices, Android smartphones and tablets and the Nintendo 3DS – cannot fulfill the needs of this crowd because they all lack certain hardware features.

There’s No Room in The Market For The PSP2?

It is absolute nonsense to say that casual games on casual gaming devices will kill off high-end portable gaming – the tens of millions of gamers who religiously play Halo and the Call of Duty series are all potential customers for the next generation PSP. With no other offers on the table (where are you Microsoft?), the PSP2 has the hardcore gaming market all to itself in the mobile space.

In fact, the PSP2’s closest competitor could be the home consoles it tries to emulate. If you can jump into a large multiplayer game of Battlefield Bad Company 2 from the convenience of wherever you happen to find a wifi network, how many PSP2 owners will continue investing in a home console — an appliance that’s hopelessly shackled to a single TV in their house?

To be fair, there’s a huge difference between the PSP2’s 5-inch display and your living room’s 50-inch TV, but I’m willing to bet that if enough of the home console experience can be preserved on the sub-tablet sized screen, gamers won’t care. Sure, you won’t be having a Wii-like social experience with your PSP2 on the coffee table, but how many real gamers actually find themselves in this situation regularly? The benefits of having a go-anywhere device that gives a home console-like gaming experience is a combo that spells winner!

Casual Gaming Does Not Equal Portable Gaming

It’s ridiculous to say that a portable gaming device shouldn’t try to emulate the home console experience — I read this all the time and it makes no sense. Why should a mobile device, if it’s capable of rendering high quality 3D graphics and features dual analog sticks, be limited to playing screen-tapping timewasters like Angry Birds and generic tower defense style games?

Many users of the PSP and Nintendo DS – perhaps the majority of them – set aside committed and deliberate gaming sessions, that go well beyond a brief gaming stint waiting in line at the super market checkout. In fact, many smartphone users now spend a considerable amount of time gaming on their phones indicating, if anything, that there’s still a healthy market for those that want an even better and more dedicated gaming experience on the go.

If you’re a fan of first person shooters, you already understand what I’m getting at. Imagine playing the latest Call of Duty with friends in the same room, who also have PSP2’s, as well as even more players over the internet.

Everyone gets their own screen, their own audio, with the only compromise being the size of the screen, which game developers will hopefully take into account in their game designs. No one’s asking for straight ports, just hardcore gameplay suited for a powerful mobile device.

Myth: Hardcore Gaming is Only For Home Consoles

We’re a society that’s shifting toward mobile devices. We’re buying smartphones, tablets and notebooks — not bolted down desktop computers. I believe hardcore gaming will follow this trend as well. The scene has just been waiting for the right technology to come about.

I like to divide the PSP2’s features into two categories: stuff for hardcore gaming, and everything else. The cameras, touchscreens, gyros, etc. are all nice as add-on gimmicks for casual gaming or tablet-like computing, but it’s the quadcore processors, dual analog sticks and 5-inch display that separates the device from smartphones and it’s closest portable competitor, the Nintendo 3DS.

With the hardware to deliver a home console style gaming experience, I have no doubt that hardcore gamers will prefer this device over any other portable gaming offerings.

PSP2: Powerful Hardware Makes The Difference

At its heart, the PSP2 has the CPU and GPU horsepower to run home console quality graphics. Contained to a 5-inch display, I have no doubt that its smartphone innards will produce graphics that PS3 and Xbox 360 owners will not see as greatly inferior. With it’s quadcore processors, the PSP2 is at least a generation (at the time of its launch) ahead of smartphones, and will hold on to this lead so long as battery life remains the bottleneck for all mobile devices.

The defining feature of the PSP2 is its inclusion of dual analog sticks. This long-awaited control scheme is a must-have for hardcore gamers. Sony has placed the analog controls on either side of the screen underneath the D-pad and face buttons, which will hopefully provide comfortable ergonomics when the device is held. (I’d still rather have an Xbox 360 like controller, with the sticks a bit higher up.)

The PSP’s 5-inch screen is a wise choice by Sony, balancing screen size with portability. With noticeably more screen real estate than, say, an iPhone, this should give players a more engrossing experience and will allow game designers to put more information on the screen. And considering the fact that most PS3 and 360 games display around 550-580 vertical pixels, the PSP2′s screen size and resolution might not seem like a step down at all.

Conclusion:

I can’t wait to get my hands on a PSP2, but I also know that the device will be only be as good as the software that runs on it.

Looking at what Sony has done in the past, I am a bit nervous for this device’s upcoming launch. Sony has a history of releasing amazing hardware without the killer apps to really support it. I can only hope that one or two amazing first or third person shooters will be available for it at launch, and that these titles will support a great multiplayer experience over the internet.

Don’t let me down, Sony!

PSP Hacks and ISO Compression

Using the DAX or CSO formats, UMD games have been compressed to fit in smaller memory storage. These compressed files must use DAXZISO and DEVHOOK respectively, to allow for the games to run.

PSP Firmware Downgrader – Version Changer

Many PSP games require the PSP to run at a certain firmware version, and not any lower. Because higher versions of firmware tend to block access to many useful homebrew applications, there has been great effort to circumvent these mandatory upgrades.

Downgraders can safely set the firmware version to appear much higher than it actually is, tricking the game into running without prompting for a firmware update. Another type of bypass is software that simple disables the request to update any software. After the game is run, the PSP is restored to its actual, lower, firmware, ready again to run all your favorite homebrew hacks.

DevHook Hacked Firmware Loader

Some games require that a certain firmware version is present to run. Firmware loaders are designed to temporarily load a specific firmware version to run, only for when a particular game needs the version. Devhook is a popular firmware loader that can load version 1.5 to 3.11. DevHook has been a popular firmware loader for several years, however, recently, new PSP hacks have made DevHook mostly obsolete, as SE, OE, LE, HZ, and M33 hacked firmwares allow direct loading of game ISO’s right from the XMB.

The Pandora Battery

The Pandora’s Battery project was first started under the Prometheus banner, and was worked on by hackers from the groups Noobz, C+D among others. To create the unbriker capabilites of the project, they first had to reverse engineer the service mode. This was no small feat. Next, they had to find a way to modify the PSP battery so that it could trigger this service mode. This involved careful manipulation of the battery’s EPROM. Finally, they had to innovate a method to allowed the unsigned code to be recognized as being authentic. At no time during its development did Pandora Battery’s hackers have access to official PSP developer documentation or hardware. Their achievement ranks as one of the cleverist PSP hacks to be seen on the handheld thus far.

Unbricker Development

Unfortunately, during development, a portion of the unfinished source code for the unbricker was leaked, resulting in various commercial devices using the code, marketed in expensive products. PSP owners earger to find a way to hack their console back to an unbriked state bought these devices. The PSP hacks community responded by releasing the hack for free, and ever since, Pandora’s Battery has been one of the greatest contributions to the PSP hacking scene.

PSP JigKick Battery Hacks

A JigKick Battery is an innovation that can unlock the service mode of a PSP, allowing a hacker to downgrade any PSP including the PSP Slim. In addition, it can fix any PSP that is currently in a bricked state, thus it is known as a universal unbriker. A JigKick Battery is created when the EEPROM chip on the battery is manipulated in such a way that the PSP receives a message to go into service mode.

After firmware version 2.00, Sony released the PSP Internet browser. The browser supports standard web features like javascript, cookies and CSS. Firmware version 2.70 supports Flash 6, which is old by PC standards, but still allows viewing of many Flash applications. Tabbed browsing is also supported, and further eases the web browsing experience on the PSP.

PSP Hacks For Remote Play

With the launch of the PS3, Sony pledged to bring both their living room and handheld consoles together with information sharing technologies. Because both devices support WIFI networking, the PS3 is able to use WLAN to allow the PSP to connect and access its files. Furthermore, the PSP is able to control the PS3 like an elaborate remote control, and can adjust volume and turn the PS3 on and off.

PSP Downloadable Games

Games demos can be downloaded by the PC or PS3 and transferred to the PSP on memory stick. The PSP can also play some original PlayStation titles via emulation. With PSP hacks, the PSP is also able to run backedup UMD ISO’s, with full games running off of the memory stick. In addition, PSP hacks also allow access to homebrew applications, including emulators.

PSP Homebrew Apps and Hacks

Soon after the PSP was released in North America, its firmware, file system and OS were exploited to run unsigned code. This resulted in homebrew applications running on the PSP. Currently, homebrew has brought Ogg Vorbis audio playback, emulators for many consoles, including the NES, SNES, MAME and Sega Genesis, and many other useful programs that are not authorized by Sony. To run homebrew code, a PSP hack must be employed to downgrade or alter the standard PSP firmware.

PSP Hacks and Colors

The PSP comes in nine different colors, although not all colors are available in all regions around the world. These colors include lavender purple, mint green, icy silver, deep red, ceramic white, champagne gold, felicia blue, rose pink, and the original piano black. Most of these models, unfortunately, are only available in Asian countries. Most users running PSP hacks just have the regular black variety of PSP. In addition, many of these colors were only available as special edition bundles with games such as Daxer, Star Wars Battlefront, God of War, and Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops. Rare colors currently fetch for high prices on the used market.

PSP Slim

In the fall of 2007, Sony released the PSP Slim. The unit looks nearly identical to the original PSP, but it is 19% thinner and 33% lighter. These design modifications, while not particularly impressive on paper, do offer a noticeable portability advantage in real world use. In addition to these changes, the PSP Slim supports composite TV out, USB charging, more internal RAM (64 MB) and a superior screen. The UMD cache has also been improved, so that more information can be stored in memory, thus improving battery life by not having to spin the disc as much. It would of even been better, however, had Sony opted for leaving the UMD out of their new PSP.

PSP Hardware Specs

At the core of the PSP lies a 333 MHz MIPS R4000 CPU. The chip has 2 MB of VRAM running at 166 MHz. Due to battery life concerns, Sony originally stunted the PSP’s operating speed to 222Mhz. Any higher CPU speeds were only available with firmware hacks and homebrew applications. One such popular app is a PSP hacks application for SNES emulation, which allows the PSP to run at its full speed to better play Super Nintendo ROMS.

PSP Hacks For Undiluted Platinum

The PSP Undiluted Platinum modchip came out in 2006. It’s main feature is that it allows a system to run two separate firmwares. One firmware is run on the PSP, and the other, only on the modchip. Because of this duality, it allows a bricked PSP to be restored from transferring a healthy firmware from the modchip to the PSP. The Undiluted Platinum can use custom firmware known as Epsilon Bios. The modchip is not so easy to install as it requires skillful soldering, and thus, puts the receiving PSP at risk. Use caution with this PSP hack.

PSP-Devolution

This newer modchip will run on newer PSP motherboards, and is the successor to the Undiluted Platinum. Unfortunately, with the released information of how to create a Pandora’s battery, all modchips, no matter what their capabilities, are probably obsolete.

PSP Hacks: iR Shell

This popular homebrew hack turns the PSP into a powerful Infared trasmitter, capable of controlling many types of IrDA consumer electronics. Furthermore, iR Shell can replace the PSP’s normal XMB interface. The iR Shell GUI is much more powerful, and can multi-task, play MP3’s and overclock the PSP with ease. In addition, the software is able to unzip and unrar files, open PDF files and launch the web browser.

CWCheat Cheating Program

This app allows game players to cheat while playing games loaded from the UMD, memory stick (ISO) or downloaded PSX games. The homebrew app is very similar to the classic Game Genie, or Gameshark. The software is also the only method of converting PSX memory card files into the format used by PC-based PSX emulators. This allows saved game transference from the PC to the PSP

Lua Player

This player runs Lua scripts, and is a popular way to program for the PSP. People have successfully produced games and applications with the Lua programming interface.

Time Machine

This software allows booting of different firmware versions by using the Pandora’s Battery hack.

PSPTube

This popular homebrew app will play Flash video files, like the ones streamed off of Youtube. The app can playback and save videos from such websites as: Stage6, Onsen, YouKu and DailMotion. The homebrew is also capable of searching for videos through keyword inquiry.

Skype

This popular VOIP phone service is now available for all PSP’s. The official software can be downloaded by North American PSP owners.

Homebrew Games

Many homebrew games have been released for the PSP and PSP Slim. These games are normally programmed by independent game developers and are released as downloadable content for the PSP. To run homebrew games, a PSP needs to be hacked to run custom firmware that is able to execute unsigned code. Homebrew games are freeware, or open source, so you do not have to pay any fees to play them.

PSP Home Control Hacks

With the right setup, it is possible to control even the XBOX with the PSP. Using a device known as the WACI NX, you can turn on the TV and XBOX, and set the TV to the right AV input, all from a single button press on the PSP. Furthermore, you can control devices like TIVO, DVD or Blu-ray players and even control the lights in your house! Using the WACI NX in combination with the PSP produces the ultimate remote controller for your modern living, and only requires downloading small hacks to setup the box.

WIFI Sniffer

Ever been walking around and wanted to know how many WIFI networks were within broadcast range? Now, with this PSP hack called WIFI Sniffer you can! Just load it up with firmware 1.5 and let it scan the airwaves for open networks. Could be very handy if you want to go online and check the news.

PeP Viewer

Do you like to read Japanese Manga? Of course you do. With PeP Viewer, a PSP hack that is made specifically for comic viewing, you can zoom, rotate, and scroll your way thru countless adventures involving cyber cowboys and blue haired girls.

AFWIM

This very handy homebrew application is a universal instant messenger. Hop on MSN, AIM, ICQ and other services on your PSP and never feel disconnected from your friends. This is one handy PSP hack that is definitely popular amongst the hacking community.

PSP-httpd

This awesome app turn your PSP into a web server. Now you can share your PSP’s files with any wireless devices nearby. Or go to a public area and broadcast pictures of your ex-girlfriend to anyone interested. You will need firmware 1.50 to get this running. So get ready to hack your PSP!

PortableVNC

Use your PSP to control your PC and other computing devices with PortableVNC. This can be great for when you are in the living room and you want to check something on your bedroom computer. This PSP hack uses the PSP’s WIFI connection.

PSPRadio

This nifty music player can playback MP3’s. It can also be used to access streaming music off the Internet, which I guess is why they call it a radio. This PSP hack uses the wireless capabilities of the handheld.

NES – Nintendo Entertainment System

NesterJ is the most popular NES emulator that will run on hacked PSP’s. The emulator supports the full library of NES games and will run them at fully at their original speed.

PSP Hacks: SNES – Super Nintendo

The best SNES emulator for the PSP is SNES9x. This emulator has wide support for most popular titles and will use the PSP’s hardware capabilities to its fullest producing good framerates, but not always perfect. Because of this, SNES9x has options to overclock the PSP’s CPU, and also skip framerates when needed, giving a well-rounded SNES experience on your PSP hacked for homebrew.

N64 – Nintendo 64

With Daedalus, the PSP is able to emulate a Nintendo 64. This achievement has resulted in such popular titles as Super Smash Bros. and Super Mario 64 to run a playable speeds.

Monkey 64 is the best N64 emu available right now. Although it is a work in progress, it shows much promise and should be able to run classic titles like Mario 64, Mario Kart, and Smash Bros. at acceptable framerates.

Gameboy and Gameboy color

Gameboy emulation is thankfully pretty easy on the PSP. Using a homebrew emu app called Rin, you can run almost any Gameboy and Gameboy color ROM with this program.

GBA – Gameboy Advance

PSPGBA is a decent emulator that will play most Gameboy Advance titles, but not always at their intended speed. However, options in PSPGBA will allow you to tweak settings to delivery the best possible experience.

Sega Genesis

The best Genesis emulator for the PSP is PSP Genesis. This program has been decently coded to give full frame rates and great graphics on your handheld. This is one of the best PSP hacks out there for Sega fans, like my friend Arnold.

Another great Genesis and Sega CD emulator is PicoDrive. The latest version of PicoDrive plays ROMS faster than ever, and also allows for black level adjustment. Unlike older emulators the Genesis, PicoDrive can now emulate the SVP (Sega Virtua Processor) which will allow it to play games like Virtua Racing that were some of the earliest truly 3D games.

Atari 2600

Looking for the classic console gaming? Grab a copy of the ever popular homebrew emu StellaPSP to play old school Atari 2600 games. The great thing about this platform is that many games are now absolutely free.

C64 – Commodore 64

Almost everyone of a certain generation owned a C64, and now you can bring back those sweet memories with a Commodore 64 emulator. C64PSP is a PSP hack that will run games at their full speed. The latest version of this homebrew runs great on even higher than 1.x firmware.