PSP Slim/ Fat Service Centre

PSP Custom Firmware 6.35 PRO-A Released

2011-02-15T22:32:00.001+08:00

6.35 PRO-A Features (readme.txt translated via Google)

Support all types of PSP, which PSP-1000, PSP-2000, PSP-GO is strictly tested
Support the unlock 52MB of memory, has reached the level of the times 5xx
The NP9660 has a built-in and March33 ISO driver to support more games
XMB ISO has indicated support for ISO & CSO
Has nodrm engine, support for direct reading of the DLC and the decrypted EDATA / PGD file
With VSH MENU, you can view or change system settings, etc.
Redesigned NID Resolver, support more home-made software, including CMFr21c
Has a variety of patches, such as brightness and video resolution four other patches
Support version.txt, put it in ms0: / seplugins / version.txt to take effect

PSP Official Firmware (OFW) 6.37 Released

2011-02-15T20:44:00.000+08:00

Sony makes a move… Available now via Network Update is a new official PSP firmware version — version 6.37. Whatever you do — do not update — not yet.

What’s new? This, apparently… “This is a minor update that improves system software stability during use of some features.” Yeah, eh.

We’ll keep you posted.

Update: Mathieulh shares some insight on 6.37…

To all the people that care about kernel mode on psp, the scepower exploit is fixed in the 6.37 firmware . Avoid the update.

“Signed” usermode apps just run fine mind you. (although they fixed a couple of (now useless) usermode exploits.)

This means signed [user-mode] homebrew still works on firmware 6.37; ISO loaders and other kernel mode dependent homebrew will not … for now.

PSP Firmware 6.31 Released

2010-08-02T13:04:00.000+08:00

Right on schedule — Sony releases PSP Firmware 6.31. I reckon you don’t update. We’ll keep you posted on any findings.

I repeat: DO NOT UPDATE. If you update you will lose all homebrew capabilities. No homebrew, no plugins, no nothing. I would only suggest you update and check it out if your PSP is Pandora-enabled.

PSP Firmware 6.30 Released

2010-07-02T10:49:00.001+08:00

t’s been awhile since Sony pushed a PSP update. That is until now… Fresh off Network Update: PSP Firmware 6.30. Quite frankly 6.30 is nothing to get excited about. Read on…

Main Features Revised in Version 6.30

Games can now be grouped and displayed in folders based on format under [Game].

And don’t let this go unmentioned: Patapon 2 Demo Save Data Exploit Patched! That means no more Half Byte Loader.

If you really, really want to upgrade, then go nuts. But we suggest you don’t.

Update: Whoa… Hold up! Maybe 6.30 is something worthwhile. I was thinking to myself, big deal, sort by game format; how many game formats does the PSP support? PSP, PSOne, and minis. But maybe not — maybe I’m wrong… Check this out; folders for NeoGeo and TurboGrafx-16 (or PC Engine) have turned up! Then again — it’s nothing we can’t already achieve by way of homebrew and emulators.

Update: More 6.30-related news! Remember Datel and their Action Replay software? Homebrew that somehow functioned on all PSP models, up to firmware 6.20, without the Patapon 2 loader. Yeah, well that’s been patched too. It no longer works.

Another “Hello World” Save Game Exploit for Firmware 6.20

2010-03-23T00:01:00.000+08:00

This save game [user mode] exploit you’re about to watch is as real as it gets… I’ve been fortunate enough to try a few different exploits and I can tell you they’re no doubt legit. None however, as far as I know, have led to kernel mode access, which means no chance for custom firmware or downgrading — not yet anyway.

There you have it; another save game exploit courtesy of maku. The game demo remains unknown [to me] at this time. Feel free to speculate unless you have firm evidence to back your claim up.

Now that’s all fine and dandy, but really, what I am wondering is: what’s taking Sony so long? Look at pspjoke’s save game exploit for example; he said he’d release said exploit once Sony patches it. Well it’s been ~ 6 weeks now and still no patch. That sure wasn’t the case with this one. Sony patched it almost immediately with the release of 6.20. So now you have to wonder, what’s Sony up to? Are they prepping for a bigger and better update that’ll not only patch these holes but also add some much-needed awesomeness to the handheld? Perhaps… Anyway, whatever the case, take this post as a reminder: do not upgrade should Sony issue a new firmware update anytime soon. Stay at 6.20 or earlier if you can, unless of course you don’t care to hack your PSP.

PSP Custom Firmware 5.50 GEN-D3 and 5.03 GEN-C for HEN Released

2009-12-16T13:03:00.001+08:00

Signed, sealed, and delivered fresh from Team GEN: PSP Custom Firmware 5.50 GEN-D3… And not only that — drop the 3 and flip the ‘D’ to a ‘C’ — you get 5.03 GEN-C putting 3000/TA-088v3 back on the map, baby.

Now I’ll let you get to know each other while I do the same… I’ll report back momentarily. Enjoy!

CFW 5.50 GEN-D3 / 5.03 GEN-C:

Ability to run 6.10 + games without having to patch (UMD or ISO)
Ability to run games protected as Gundan vs. Gundam Naruto for example (UMD or ISO)
To launching PSN demos requiring 6.10 + without having to patch

Team GEN on Custom Firmware 6.XX; 5.50 GEN-D3/5.03 HEN-C Release Imminent

2009-11-30T00:02:00.000+08:00

It’s useless, there’s no point… That’s straight from Team GEN.

Development has indeed begun on custom firmware 6.XX; however, Team GEN was struck with the realization, “is it really worth it right now? 5.50 GEN / 5.03 HEN already provides the necessities.” Real recognize real. So the current game plan: continue releasing 5.50 GEN (for PSP-1000/2000) and 5.03 HEN (for PSP-3000/2000 TA-088v3) updates. And with that said we can expect 5.50 GEN-D3 and 5.03 HEN-C in a few hours.

What about CFW 6.XX? Is it happening or what? What’s the deal?

It’s simple really… Sony has structurally changed the firmware in a number of ways prohibiting current homebrew in its current state. If custom firmware 6.xx were to happen right this day then developers would need to adapt their homebrew to the 6.xx kernel. Not to mention other functions would remain broken too. In the end it would be somewhat similar to the 1.50 to 3.xx transition we experienced way back when. So lets stick to the game plan and these regular 5.50 GEN / 5.03 HEN patches are likely to accommodate what’s needed; i.e. compatibility for games requiring 6.20 or higher. Lets just hope we’re back on PSN with GEN-D3/HEN-C, and then we can save Custom Firmware 6.xx for another day.

PSP Firmware 6.20 Released

2009-11-19T23:19:00.001+08:00

You may miss it if you’re using 5.50 GEN-D2… That reports the latest version of the system software is already installed, which is no longer the case… Firmware 6.20 is live right now.

What’s new? Straight from Eric Lempell:

Digital Comics Reader – PlayStation Network Digital Comics is a new service launching in December. It will allow you to download hundreds of classic and new comics from the PlayStation Store and read them page by page or frame by frame on your PSP system. Firmware update (v6.20) includes the Digital Comics reader application, which you’ll find under a new section called “Extras” on the XMB. Please note, the comic reader is an additional download; once you’ve loaded (v6.20) onto your system, simply click on the comic reader icon under “Extras” to download it to your PSP. In addition, you’ll be able to try out a free digital comic sample from the service soon. Visit www.playstationcomics.com for more information.
Export video/photo playlists – This is a new feature that allows you to export your video and photo playlists from your PC to your PSP system through Media Go. Download the latest version of Media Go (v1.3) for this and a few additional enhancements.

PSP Custom Firmware 5.03 GEN-B Released

2009-11-05T20:39:00.000+08:00

PSP-3000 and TA-088v3 owners — it’s your time to shine… Or at least I hope it is… Yoshihiro and Team GEN have released their highly anticipated PSP Custom Firmware 5.03 GEN-B for all ChickHEN enabled PSPs.

Core features:

Play games (UMD or backup) requiring firmware 5.50+, including 6.xx
Play games that introduce their own cfw detection / protection
Play PSOne games
Access to the VSH and Recovery Console

Known bugs:

MGS demo refuses to run
The Recovery mode menu is “mixed”

PSP Custom Firmware 5.03 GEN-B Coming Soon…

2009-10-27T02:39:00.000+08:00

Attention PSP-3000 owners, or those less fortunate sporting a TA-088v3-enabled 2000; a new custom firmware has been scheduled for release come Halloween day. I’m talking about Team GEN and CFW 5.03 GEN-B.

PSP Custom Firmware 5.03 GEN-B will feature:

PSP-2000 v3 and PSP-3000 support
PS1/PSOne game compatibility
Run protected UMDs/backups
Run 5.55+ required UMDs/backups
GEN VSH MENU
Recovery in VSH

PSP Custom Firmware 5.50 GEN-D2 Released

2009-10-24T18:01:00.000+08:00

Yoshihiro and Team GEN follow up with the quickness and release the Quick Updater for the much-anticipated 5.50 GEN-D2.

And the change log says…

Evangelion anti-CFW patch fix
Fix Wlan TKIP in game loop: pes 2009, fifa, motorstorm, GTA:CW etc.
Fix video output with 5.5X and 6.X games like GTA Chinatowns War
Fixed recovery menu with make Pandora and make battery normal
Removed splash screen http://www.pspgen.com but you have another spash screen in red color for let you know if the decrypter work

And a few notes concerning select games:

If Evangelion doesn’t work: Skip the intro.
Use your own ISO and not a downloaded/pirated one. They’re gutted and often crap.
If Full Metal Alchemist doesn’t work: At first launch create your profile. When done, choose an option like “free Battle Mode” and you are then returned to the start menu with an alert “Caution.” At this point, quit and relaunch. All works fine now because the profile was created.

PSP Custom Firmware 5.50 GEN-D Released

2009-10-24T07:43:00.000+08:00

Bang! Pow! Boom! It’s Team GEN who makes the scene pound; Yoshihiro, GENyUS all around in surround sound. So get up out your seat and put your hands together for Custom Firmware 5.50 GEN-D.

Don’t let the earlier 5.50 GEN-C release scare you now… Quality assurance ensures GEN-D will knock your mismatched socks right off your stankin’ feet. Or at least we hope. Updating now… I’ll keep you posted.

All right, all right… Everything checks out… The install went smoothly; mind you, my settings (flash1) were reset… Perhaps that’s because I updated from the dreaded 5.50 GEN-C. Nonetheless, my games and homebrew continue to work; MotorStorm UMD and others requiring 5.55+ run without any patching… Woot woot.

CFW 5.50 GEN-D Features:

All features of 5.50 GEN-B2 are available.
Ability to run 5.51+ games without having to patch them (UMD or ISO).
Possibility to launch PSN demos requiring 5.51+ without having to patch them (as MGS for example).
Possibility to connect to the Playstation Store by using MEDIAGO, to retrieve games and goodies without having to install Fake USB or other complicated stuff.
Possibility to use the XGEN Updater to install the official firmware 6.10 (use it only if you have a Pandora XGEN to be able to return later in Custom firmware)
480×272 AVC Videos are supported

The option to accelerate memory stick access is coming… As well an iR Shell patch, I think.

PSP Custom Firmware 5.50 GEN-C Released

2009-10-24T07:42:00.000+08:00

Update: Ok, so 5.50 GEN-C is cursed… GENyUS and Yoshihiro are working to get GEN-D out the door. Don’t turn that dial; stick around.

Update: Way too many problems… Download pulled. 5.50 GEN-C2 coming soon.

My PSP just finished flashing Yoshihiro’s 5.50 GEN-C… Sadly PlayStation Store access remains blocked. Otherwise, it is what it is… Play 5.55+ required games without the tedious prerequisites — decrypting, patching, rebuilding… You know.

Note: If the XMB freezes after installing this update, boot (holding R-Trigger) into the recovery console and browse to Advanced -> Format flash1 and reset settings.

Another note: Personally, I don’t recommend updating just yet… Refer to the comments to see what I mean. Although, you can be a sport and install it, report bugs you encounter, and Pandora back afterward. Expect a patch or two soon as well as an option to speed up memory stick access.

PSP Firmware 6.10 Released Updated

2009-10-02T12:15:00.000+08:00

Sony is preppin’ to release their 6.10 firmware update, which is of course aimed towards new PSPgo owners. Check it, from the L-Man himself:

PSP update (v6.10) will be available soon. This is a big update for us in preparation for the launch of PSPgo. New PSPgo owners should make sure to download the update to ensure full compatibility with MediaGo and with all PSP titles. Here are some of the key features we’ll be introducing:

SensMe

SensMe channels is a new music application for PSP that uses Sony’s proprietary 12 Tone Analysis technology to evaluate music tracks that have been imported from Media Go application on your PC to your PSP. The application automatically categorizes the tracks into 12 channels such as “Relax” or “Newly Added”. Check out the walk-thru demo to see how it works.

PSP Firmware 6.00 Released

2009-09-15T12:13:00.001+08:00

PSP Firmware 6.00:

PlayStation Store Games can now be grouped and displayed in folders based on their expire date under [GAME]
Importing of playlists from the Media GO! applications is now supported under Music
Under [Settings] > [Network Update] has been changed to [System Update]
The number of Colors that can be selected under [Settings] > [Theme Settings] has been increased
The PSP GO! system can now connect to the Internet via a Bluetooth modem such as a mobile phone

And furthermore…

Revisions to strengthen security has been added. (Internet Browser)

PSP 3006

2009-07-19T13:42:00.001+08:00

We are able to modify all PSP, fat or slim to CFW! Drop us an order form if interested!

PSP 2000 with TA 88v3 Motherboard

2009-07-19T13:40:00.002+08:00

Those with PSP 2000, TA 88v3 motherboard, we are able to mod your set to Custom Firmware! Do drop us an order form!

PSP 3000 Hacked!

2009-06-08T16:49:00.002+08:00

Great news to all! We are able to hack PSP 3000 already! Do drop us an order form if interested!

We'll try running games on the set after modding, with regards to compatibility issues we'll still test it out.

Custom Firmware 5.03GEN-A [ Released: Support for the PSP-3000! ]

2009-06-08T16:48:00.000+08:00

Booyaka! Just what you’ve been waiting for… No, it’s not the next M33 CFW — it’s Custom Firmware 5.03GEN-A for Team Typhoon’s ChickHen It offers all the benefits of 5.02GEN-A, plus the following –

PSP-3000 and PSP-2000 v3 Support
PSOne Game Support
ISO/UMD Backup Support
GEN VSH MENU
Recovery in VSH available (some bugs remain - see the README)
Access to PSN

Latest PSP Slims bought from shop cannot be modified

2009-05-17T16:40:00.001+08:00

Do stay tune for further updates.

PlayStation Portable (PSP-3000 series)

2009-03-08T02:58:00.001+08:00

Currently to date, this series cannot be modified/ downgraded. Stay tune for further updates. We'll be providing services for it soon!

Quoting John Koller –

The LCD screen will have a wider color gamut and higher contrast ratio to deliver deeper, more vibrant colors, as well as anti-reflection technology so you can see the screen more clearly when playing outdoors. As you all know, the PSP’s screen is a key strength of the hardware, and this update adds an absolutely dazzling LCD screen to the handheld.
A built-in microphone allows for Skype calls and multi-player gaming communication directly from the hardware - eliminating the need for attaching a separate headset.

JellyCar v1.1 Released

2009-03-08T02:51:00.001+08:00

Its initial release elicited quite the positive response with many saying it resembles Loco Roco to some extent; however, this ain’t no Loco Roco… This is Walaber’s JellyCar ported to the PSP by Drakon. Watch…

JellyCar v1.1 changes:

10 new levels
Map reverse — press X while playing
Best jump record — when jumping in the air — jump length will be counted
Car skins — dress the car in some nice skin (skins can be easily add by user)
2.5D — no more flat 2D; we are going in 2.5D

To add your own car skin: prepare 4 images — big car, small car, big tire, and small tire; put these in Assets/Car_Skins. Next add one line to car_skins.xml; i.e.) –

Enjoy.

Download: JellyCar PSP v1.1

PSP Firmware (Official) 5.03

2009-03-08T02:50:00.000+08:00

Sony has officially released PSP firmware 5.03. Now there isn’t much detail at this time.

According to Eric Lempel, “this is a small update that improves system software stability during use of some features.”… Yeah, I bet.

We’ll keep you posted.

Custom Firmware 5.00 M33-6 Released

2009-03-08T02:47:00.001+08:00

This new version attempts to increase read access, hopefully reducing the lag in heavier titles when playing from the memory stick, and in general, speeding things up all around.

Changes in 5.00 M33-6:

Fixed a bug that made unbootable psp without memory stick or with a bad one.

Rubik’s Cube v1.3

2009-03-08T02:46:00.001+08:00

EXTER re-enters the spotlight with a Rubik’s Cube update. I witnessed a good friend of mine solve this last weekend, and with the quickness I must say… Me, I still suck; however, holding L+Start in a stealth-like manner while randomly rotating the cubes axes works rather well.

Rubik’s Cube v1.3 changes:

Back and Back Inverted moves.
Cube solve and scramble animations.
Move counter at the top right of the screen.
Session saving.

Download: Rubik’s Cube v1.3

PSP Filer 6.0 Released

2009-03-08T02:38:00.001+08:00

Take a moment, pause Kill Zone 2 — it’s time to update your memory stick with Mediumgauge’s latest version of PSP Filer. Like I’ve said before, PSP Filer does everything you’d expect from a file manager: move/copy files around, dump UMDs, preview text and other binary files… All that and more direct on your handheld.

PSP Filer v6.0 changes:

fixed a bug wrong free area was shown when using large (>4G) MS Duo.
added a feature to show GB mode. And, even in larger scale mode, small files are shown on smaller scale.
fixed a bug USB connection was failed on kernel3 using under FW 5.00.
fixed a bug at ripping UMD, to be frozen, when MS Duo was full (that happened depending on CFW version).
fixed a bug to be frozen when finishing built-inn OSK at 333MHz.

Download: PSP Filer v6.0

The latest PSP-3000 cannot be modified till date

2009-03-07T15:50:00.002+08:00

Those having these sets cannot be modify till further update. Stay tune.

We are back doing PSP-Services!

2009-03-07T15:27:00.001+08:00

Sorry for the long replies to all.

PSP-Services WILL BE BACK SOON

2008-08-22T17:56:00.000+08:00

Sorry all for late replies etc, due to personal commmitments it has been down for sometime, we'll be back in action real soon, stay tune

PSPVC v2.7 Released — PSP Video Converter

2008-06-10T16:03:00.000+08:00

Looking for a simple means of converting just about any video format for playback on the PSP? Then look no further — Nick has a new version of his free PSP Video Converter set for download.

PSPVC requires .NET Framework 3.0 and the Combined Community Codec Pack.

PSPVC v2.7 changes:

A new version of FFmpeg and Avisynth has been added
Improved internal commands for increased image quality
Added support for .ass/.ssa subtitles (Substation Alpha)
Improved “UPLOAD” feature
Added a PSP-n00b folder check, if the VIDEO and/or MUSIC folder is missing, it will automatically be created on your PSP before upload
Added video-download stats showing the progress in MB
Fixed a video-download bug that caused PSPVC to crash
Fixed an AUTO-resolution bug
Misc small improvements + a small facelift as a little extra

Download: PSPVC v2.7

PSP Ad Hoc File Transfer 0.7

2008-04-19T08:40:00.001+08:00

The name speaks for itself — transfer files via Ad hoc from one PSP to another: one-to-one or one-to-many (up to 6).

The coolest part — if the receiving PSP doesn’t have Minerva’s homebrew installed, you can transfer said tool using Sony’s official game sharing. Then the rest is all gravy, baby.

Download: PSP AdHoc File Transfer v0.7

Custom Firmware 3.90 M33-3

2008-04-03T02:32:00.001+08:00

CFW 3.90 M33-3 Update:

March33 noumd driver compatibiilty has increased to support games like Coded Arms, Patapon, Harvest Moon Innocent Life and probably others affected by same errors.

PSP-Maps v0.7 Released

2008-04-03T02:31:00.001+08:00

Royale has a new version of PSP-Maps out… The must-have homebrew app supporting Google and Yahoo Maps, as well as Virtual Earth.

PSP-Maps 0.7 changes:

added Windows version to the release
added Google Maps and Yahoo Maps! hybrid views
added Virtual Earth hill view
added a list of available views in the menu
new icon and screenshot
joystick should be less sensitive and more precise
added optional on-screen informations (lat/lon/zoom/view)
geocoding now uses maps.google.com (and not .fr)
load balancing between Google Maps servers
menu updated (smaller font, nicer coding)
readme file was updated

Download: PSP-Maps 0.7

PSP-Services Up Time

2008-03-29T19:39:00.002+08:00

PSP-Services will be closed from 30/3 - 2/3.

All emails will be replied on 3rd of April. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

PSP Filer 4.9 Released

2008-03-20T08:26:00.001+08:00

One of the most simplest effectual homebrew apps for the PSP — Mediumgauge’s PSP Filer. Now sitting at version 4.9.

You already know what it’s all about; but if you’re a new reader –

Mediumgauge’s PSP file management homebrew app for managing both files and directories on your memory stick, UMD drive, and flash0/flash1. PSP Filer also includes a set of integrated applications — rip UMDs directly to your memory stick, view pictures, text & binary files — WAV playback, read-only RAR support… And much, much more…

PSP Filer 4.9 changelog:

added Bulgarian mode.
added a feature to change length of drawing file name (short, middle, long).
removed a feature to mark/unmark all of sub-folder’s files by analog left/right.
changed to ignore extract-memory-size written in a RAR file because Filer could not extract it that expects more than 22MB.
fixed a bug that Filer could not play low sampling rate WAV files correctly.

Download: PSP Filer 4.9

PSP Official Firmware 3.93 Released

2008-03-20T08:25:00.000+08:00

Sony PSP firmware 3.93 is now available via Network Update. The update seemingly isn’t much; quoting John Koller –

…users of the PSP Internet Radio feature will find 20 new internet radio players to enjoy. The new players are organized into more specific styles of music so that PSP users can easily find what they are looking for and listen to their favorite genres.

And the usual — expanded support for PLAYSTATION Network titles.

PSP Custom Theme Pack — 50+ Themes!

2008-03-16T13:07:00.001+08:00

Tired of that?

Want a little more of this?

Then you best be downloading this CXMB package with 50+ themes. Add a whole new look and feel to the XMB.

To install: copy the themes, poisonhzkj’s cxmb prx plugin, and backgrounds to the corresponding directory on your memory stick. The extracted file structure is self explanatory — just be sure to not overwrite ms0:/seplugins/vsh.txt if you have other plugins installed; instead, add the appropriate line manually, “ms0:/cxmb/cxmb.prx.”

Set your new custom theme by browsing to System -> Theme Settings. Enjoy!

Download: PSP Custom Theme Pack (50+) with CXMB Plugin

- source: 2alien.net

PSP-Services Closed from 3/3 - 4/3

2008-03-02T16:52:00.002+08:00

PSP-Services will be closed from 3rd of March - 4th of March. All orders/ enquiries will be replied on 5th of March, sorry for any inconvenience caused.

In the meanwhile do stay tune for updates too!

Watch DivX with PSPTube!

2008-02-29T14:35:00.000+08:00

This was just brought to my attention… Whether or not you knew about it — PSPTube is capable of DivX video playback!

It’s simple –

Download PSPTube 2008/02/28 and install it; if you haven’t already
Copy DivX video file(s) to PSP/GAME/PSPTube/favorites; ensure the video file extension ends with .divx
Start PSPTube and cycle to favorites by pressing Select

Again, confirmed working on my Slim. I’ve only tried smaller sized videos — no full length features or anything of that nature. Try it out and let us know your experience below.

- source: P1@ystat&0n Un]erGr0un]

PSP Filer v4.8 Released

2008-02-22T03:16:00.001+08:00

PSP Filer fanatics know Mediumgauge’s last release was somewhat problematic when dealing with certain RAR archives. According to the latest PSP Filer change log, many RAR-related bugs have been corrected in version 4.8. Enjoy!

PSP Filer v4.8 changes:

added Hungarian mode.
fixed a bug that some kind of file in RAR was considered as a directory.
fixed a bug that Filer was crashed when it tried to open an encrypted RAR archive.
fixed a bug that Filer was crashed when it tried to open a RAR archive on few memory.
chased to fix that extracted files and folders from archive files would be ReadOnly and could not change nor delete anymore under CFW 3.90 or later.
fixed a bug that Filer was crashed when it tried to rename a long file name (more than 128bytes).

Download: PSP Filer v4.8

PSPKVM v0.1.0a: Play mobile java (j2me) games on the PSP Updated

2008-02-20T03:14:00.001+08:00

Update: Quick bug fix…

Limited the heap size used by sound font to fix a crash bug.

Sleepper has released PSPKVM v0.1.0 — a JavaME VM capable of running mobile j2me apps/games on the PSP. Once you get the hang of PSPKVM’s control scheme, you’ll no doubt find games much more enjoyable than using your phone’s keypad — especially those still sportin’ the Nokia 3650.

To use: start PSPKVM and select a “.jar” file. The default device is the SE K800i; press Triangle to cycle through available devices. The last selected device will be loaded on the next boot.

Stay tuned for improved versions of PSPKVM; it’s said the author of pspME, M@x, will be merging his project with Sleepper’s in effort to provide a better Java Micro Edition Virtual Machine for the PSP.

Download:
PSPKVM v0.1.0a
PSPKVM source

- source: pspkvm.com

TimeMachine v0.1 Released

2008-02-20T03:11:00.000+08:00

Not only does Dark_AleX hold the PSP championship belt of awesomeness, he probably has your girlfriend washing out her panties in his reverse engineered Maytag. Hitting hard yet again with a fresh new release — TimeMachine v0.1.

The timemachine is useful to run software that is not supported anymore, and also as a way of booting psp’s even if the internal firmware is destroyed. It can also be useful for developers to test their homebrew in different firmwares.

The packaged readme details the available installation options, usage, known problems and considerations; I strongly encourage you to read that over before you begin.

TimeMachine v0.1 currently supports the following:

Original 1.50 — can only be loaded on the phat
1.50 with some 3.40 hw modules — can be loaded on both, phat and slim
3.40 OE — can only be loaded on phat
3.60 M33 — can only be loaded on slim

Other firmwares are said to be added in the future.

Download: TimeMachine v0.1

Custom Firmware Extender v2.0

2008-02-20T03:10:00.000+08:00

Still rockin’ Custom Firmware Extender (CFE) 1.9.2? If so, it’s time to update… Cpasjuste has released CFE version 2.0, adding support for Dark_AleX’s latest work — both custom firmware 3.90 M33 and TimeMachine.

As the name implies, “Custom Firmware Extender” is a collection of useful 3rd party plugins, which in effect extend the functionality of whatever custom firmware you may be running. Full feature set can be read on the download landing page.

CFE v2.0 changes: (from the README)

Removed usb/wifi ISO streaming for multiples reason, principally it was not the goal of cfe at the beginning. There is now “USB ISO Loader” by psp.padawan that will do the job well. You should soon be able to grab it from http://www.mydedibox.fr/~psppadawan/
390m33-2 and 150_340TM custom firmware now supported (cfe should now work on any firmware), note that on the 150_340 time machine firmware, the ftpd server will not work, and remotejoy under ISO/HOMEBREWS won’t work too for now. All other functions should work well.
Time Machine compatibility: You can now reboot “on the fly” from one time machine firmware to another, just edit the cfe.config file under “ms0:/seplugins/cfe/” to choose which firmware you will reboot to by pressing a combo button. Format is the same as the original time machine configuration file. Default configuration is NOTE+LEFT => reboot to 150_340 firmware, NOTE+RIGHT => normal reboot (NAND).
Remotejoy fixed to work on both slim and phat psp, without savegame bugs, so it should now be completely usable for gaming and recording.
Tested on 390m33-2 and 150_340TM firmware on SLIM and PHAT psp.
And more, can’t remember all the work i have done on this

Download: Custom Firmware Extender (CFE) 2.0

PSP Filer v4.7 Released

2008-02-14T07:20:00.001+08:00

Click-click-pow! Mediumgauge has released PSP Filer version 4.7.

PSP Filer bundles a whole whack of useful features and functions — rip UMDs directly to your memory stick, manipulate various types of flat and binary files, manage homebrew apps/games, etc… Follow the download link to learn more.

And the 4.7 changelog says…

mutes sound while CPU is busy.
added a feature to create a directory in copy screen.
added a feature to access RAR archive file. (read-only)

Download: PSP Filer v4.7

Custom Firmware 3.90 M33-2 Released

2008-02-14T07:19:00.000+08:00

3.90 M33-2 changes:

Improvements in plugins loading code:
- Fixed some problems with problematic cards due to file system not mounted.
- Now plugins should read the faster.
- Problem fixed with lines with spaces at the end.
Added the rest of regions to the recovery option fake region.
(PSP SLIM): Added patches in nand ipl to allow Booster multiiplloader and TimeMachine iplloader to boot from nand.
Note: only 3.90 M33-2 and higher can be booted from nand in slim with those ipl loaders, not official Sony firmwares or previous versions of M33.

Hexaxis XXI Update #9 Released

2008-02-11T13:12:00.000+08:00

Earlier today Tim emailed informing us of Hexaxis XXI Update #9. While the timestamps show otherwise, number 9 is new and more dope than ever. A few weeks back Tim added these 3 major features:

Help System: The help system is accessible anytime during play by pressing select. If you select the standard mode, it will already come up. To navigate simply use the left trigger and right trigger. There are 13 steps in the how to play steps. To hide simply press select again.
Pulsating Combo Dice: When you create a combo, the dice pulsate both in color and size to show when they are going to switch to red. This will help people to plan out their moves a bit more wiser.
3 MORE LEVELS for a total of 7:
- Space Dye Vest
- Vertere
- Sleepy Spudgy
- Tornado Card
- Re-added Hippie Tie Die (Tie Die Hippie) with slightly different look
- Re-added Mercury 42 with slightly better look
- Added Big Business (one of my favorites!)

So now it’s released and here’s the video –

Download: Hexaxis XXI Update #9

Happy Chinese New Year to all

2008-02-05T14:32:00.000+08:00

PSP-Services would like to wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Year 2008!

PS: LiveHelp will be not be up as often during this period due to festive seasons, but not to worry, email response will still be replied within 24hours. So do drop us a mail if you have further queries.

iR Shell Firmware Patch — Now Working with 3.90 M33

2008-02-04T09:23:00.000+08:00

Good news on the homebrew front… Over at irshell.org are instructions to remove iR Shell’s firmware check, thus enabling itself on custom firmware 3.90M33. But wait — there’s more! Further instructions here detail the necessary steps to get ISOs/no-UMD mode working.

How to remove iR Shell’s firmware check using a hex editor:

irshell/bin/irshell38x.prx: offset 0x284e, 0x82 -> 0x00 irshell/bin/irshell38xs.prx: offset 0x28da, 0x82 -> 0x00

Or download the already patched files below. Have fun!

Download:
iR Shell 3.9
iR Shell 3.90 M33 Patch

- source: irshell.org

Karaoke Machine for the PSP!

2008-02-02T13:42:00.000+08:00

Transform that PSP of yours into a portable karaoke machine! Now make a fool of yourself wherever, whenever. Marvin’s PSP Karaoke supports MP3+G playback; that’s 2 files, a .mp3 accompanied by a .cdg.

The background can currently be customized by replacing BG.PNG with your own image.

The player will play songs from the MP3G folder. The songs have to be named m1.mp3, m2.mp3, …mX.mp3 with a corresponding m1.cdg. The ‘1′will be used as the song number.

Alternatively, you can populate an sqlite3 database (kpl.db) which allows you to forgo with the naming convention and store MP3G files in different locations on the memory stick. Note that most MP3G files on the internet don’t have mp3 id tags. The sqlite database has columns for artist names and song titles.

This is a concept beta version with the following features:

Play+ CDG Format
Add songs to queue
Play Pause
Skip to next song
Sqlite3 songs database

Controls:

TRIANGLE - Show song number input
UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT - Input song number
CROSS - Add song number to the songs queue
SQUARE - Skip to next song
CIRCLE - Play / Pause

While the readme says “psp slim & lite”, I’ve confirmed it working on my PSP Phat with 3.90 M33.

Download: PSP Karaoke (Concept Beta)

- source: marvin.mindhyve.com

LOAD Magazine Issue #10

2008-02-02T13:39:00.000+08:00

Get it while it’s hot — LOAD Magazine Issue #10…

We’re back in 2008 with our biggest issue ever.

Maxing out at over 70 pages, issue 10 is the best yet, featuring J.J. Abrams’ fantastic new monster movie Cloverfield. With an in-depth timeline, looking at all the important events since its creation only February last year, and the plethora of online viral marketing. We review the film too.

Also on the cinematic side of life, we’ve got opinions on the latest and greatest films of 2008 including The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, Be Kind Rewind, cult Spanish horror film [REC], No Country for Old Men and new Britflick horror/comedy The Cottage.

To mark the glory of film, we have a special art spread, taking a look at some of the finest films and cult images through the eyes of cell shading.

Moving to music, we talk to Long Beach’s finest new talent We Barbarians, also reviewing them mesmerising debut EP. Hot property Operator Please’s debut also gets the critical eyes alongside new albums from Lightspeed Champion, Vampire Weekend, Hot Chip and These New Puritans.

With season 4 of LOST impending, we’ve got the lowdown on the mysteries you should be looking to solve plus for you gamers, PS2 classic Okami, now due for Wii, is given some overdue space. With the PSP dragging its heels, we see if Jeanne D’Arc is the game to get it back on track, plus we go drumming on the DS.

Visit loadmagazine.co.uk for the PDF-formatted version.

Download: LOAD Magazine Issue #10 (PSP)

Minor PSP UAE4ALL Changes…

2008-02-02T13:37:00.001+08:00

Amiga fans — get your game on. With John’s latest release you may notice a possible speed increase and improved stability. Developer FOL, fromPSPUAE.com, shared a tip to boost the emulator’s performance.

John has recompiled PSP UAE4ALL with this change; he reports –

…there is a speed increase! Okay, it’s really only a very slightly speed increase and some maybe won’t even feel any improvement at all, but there’s more to it: Paradroid 90, one of my favorite games of all times, always locked up after a couple of “droid-control-battles”. Not anymore!

Another minor but notable change to the control scheme: hold L-Trigger for slow mouse movement with the analog stick. Hold R-Trigger for fast movement.

Download:
PSP UAE4ALL r1 (TTYman’s)
PSP UAE4ALL r1 Mods — Kernel Build
PSP UAE4ALL r1 Mods — User-mode Build

Custom Firmware 3.90 M33 Released

2008-02-01T07:19:00.000+08:00

Update: And, for us fat users only, the 1.50 Kernel Add-on…

Dark_AleX with the quickness — custom firmware 3.90 M33 is here!

3.90 M33 changes:

3.80 -> 3.90
March33 NO UMD: fixed (yet another) bug related with exiting with home. (infinite semaphore wait)

M33 Updater changes:

The degeneration check and correction of IDS keys happens too in 3.71 now.
Added code to download 3.90 PBP from net via wifi. Note that his code is not yet 100% stable, it may crash when selecting AP. In that case, re-init the installer.
L+triangle has been restored as method to bypass battery. If you already have 390.PBP keep those buttons pressed until you see “Veryfing 390.PBP”. If the 390.PBP is being downloaded via wifi, press those buttons at the end of download until you see the previous sentence.

PSP Firmware 3.90 Released

2008-01-30T13:36:00.000+08:00

Sony has released firmware version 3.90. Those sleek Slim owners now have official Skype support; while us Fat lamers, including myself, only get added support for PLAYSTATION®Network titles. So what, big whoop, wanna fight about it?

Stay tuned for more updates. You know the usual routine. Firmware is released, later dumped and decrypted, Skype support ripped out… Yadda, yadda, yadda…

Download: PSP Firmware 3.90 Update

PSPTube 2008/01/29 Update

2008-01-29T14:45:00.000+08:00

Yet another PSPTube homebrew update from developer SofiyaCat. This January 29th release is now working with the PSP Fat again. Other changes improve the Slim’s TV out support.

Here, once installed, add this URL: http://youtube.com/watch?v=pGva3yU8RZw

Download: PSPTube 20080129

iR Shell 3.9 Released

2008-01-29T14:42:00.000+08:00

All good things must come to an end… Ahman, developer of iR Shell — probably the best homebrew to ever exist for the PSP — has waved goodbye leaving behind one final release.

iR Shell is literally packed with a remarkable feature set for both Slim and Fat models — listen to MP3’s while in-game, multi-task between UMD/ISO/homebrew and any of iR Shell’s built-in functions, enjoy 2 player PSOne games wirelessly with another PSP, etc… The fun never stops!

If you’re a newcomer, I suggest you download and open the included PDF-formatted user guide to get started. You won’t be disappointed.

New iR Shell 3.9 features:

Added support for 3.80M33-2, M33-4 & M33-5. Pls note M33-1 & M33-3 are not supported due to some technical issues which I’m lazy to resolve.
Added support for 3.80 Popsloader Version 2. Version 1 isn’t supported.
The 1.5 Kernel Addon for 3.71M33 & 3.80M33 has caused some incompatibility issues with fw 1.5 iR Shell. This is now resolved.
Enhance PSP ISO compatability. Previously failed ISOs will probably work in this release.
For slim only, the nethostfs MAX mode is now compatible with WPA.
Some older firmware supports have been removed to reduce the distribution archive. This version has support for fw 1.5, 3.10 to 3.80. Also, directories EXTAPP15 & EXTAPP3X have been combined into a single EXTAPP to save space. Each APP# directory has 2 EBOOTs, with EBOOT.PBP for fw 3.x and EBOOT15.PBP for fw 1.5.

Farewell Ahman. We at PSP Hacks wish you success in your future endeavors.

Download: iR Shell 3.9 Link 1

Download: iR Shell 3.9 Link 2

PSPTube 20080127 Released

2008-01-28T15:39:00.000+08:00

Equip your Slim and grab those component cables because SofiyaCat has released a new version of PSPTube with experimental TV out support. In addition to that; the [translated] changelog says…

Experimental version of video out.
- TV output cables are required.
- CFW3.71 PSP-2000 (Slim) or later only.
- Win, Tails of Shh adults only, please use at your own risk. (???)
- Video out specifications:
  - screen size is 720 x480 16bit color
  - video out version of the operation is heavy
  - test is not INTARESU

“Win, Tails of Shh adults only, please use at your own risk” is likely to spark some interest as well… I’m not certain what it actually refers to, but we’ll soon find out.

Download: PSPTube 20080127

Furikup v0.1.12 Released

2008-01-28T00:40:00.000+08:00

Chris Swindle releasing an updated version of Furikup — that is Team Noobz’ open source homebrew alternative to Skype on the PSP.

Make phone calls to/from your PlayStation Portable using Furikup, access to a Wi-Fi spot, and any local SIP-based Voice-over-IP (VoIP) provider. Even those 1-976 numbers may work.

Please read the included documentation before use.

Furikup v0.1.12 changelog:

Logging to file is now possible using logfile= in sipcfg.ini
Network selector now added
Fixed to strip off trailing spaces in username/password entries in sipcfg.ini
Fixed to allow quitting even when it does not login

See previous Furikup news coverage here.

Download: Furikup v0.1.12

PSP SaveGame Utility v1.0

2008-01-25T10:38:00.000+08:00

Those who enjoy the simpler things will definitely have use for Reineborn’s PSP SaveGame Utility…

Manage your PSP save games in an easy way. Plug in your PSP to the PC or use a memory stick reader. Start the program and it will find the savegames automatically. You can backup selected or all your savegames to your PC. You can delete them in a fast way compared with the XMB.

There is no installation program — just download and unrar to your choice of folder.

And that’s that. Enjoy it.

Download: PSP SaveGame Utility v1.0

PSPIRC: IRC Client for PSP v1.1.2 (keyboard fix)

2008-01-24T16:11:00.001+08:00

Hi All,

PSPIRC is a basic IRC client for the PSP (see Internet Relay Chat).

What's new in this version ?

- No more lag/issue with IR keyboard !
- /notice message are now properly displayed
- Add /clear command

Credits and license :

It is mainly based on the IRC engine written by Danzel, and the user interface i wrote for PSPSSH.

The IR keyboard support is based on the work of Harald Fielker.

Thanks to Snaap06 and KookBott for their work on previous eboot icons and graphics.

If you like Hookbott graphics you can still download them here : pspirc-skin.zip

Big thanks to Delight1 for her graphics, help, support, ideas, comments, beta testing, and for her good mood and kindness.

This software is distributed under GNU V2 License, see GPLV2.txt file for all details and information about it.

It has been developed on linux for Firmware 1.5 and 3.71-m33, and for the IR keyboard part it has been tested using a Targus Universal IR Wireless keyboard.

How to use it ? Everything is in the README.txt file.

Download :

A binary version for firmware 1.5 is available here :
pspirc-fw15-v1.1.2.zip

A binary version for firmware 3.x is available here :
pspirc-fw3x-v1.1.2.zip

Sources are here :
pspirc-src-v1.1.2.zip

CFW 3.80 M33-5 Released

2008-01-21T13:14:00.000+08:00

It’s time to update those hand helds. DA has just released 3.80 M33-5. You know what to do. Enjoy!

3.80 M33-5 changes:

Fixed custom CPU clock not working in games
CPU clock has never (in any SE/OE/M33) be set at all in games that restarted using sceKernelLoadExec to use a subgame or reload themselves, after said restart happened (e.g. Castlevania). Fixed.
Added setting to recovery to hide PIC0.PNG and PIC1.PNG in the XMB game menu. By default off, when on you will probably notice a faster browse in XMB games. This setting only applies to any kind of apps/games (pbp, iso) that load from MS, but not to UMD’s.

Yacc 0.4.0.3 Released

2008-01-19T17:34:00.000+08:00

Ah, compress it — compress it reeeal good. Oooh, baby, baby. Baby, baby. Kapoue3 has a new version of Yet Another CSO Compressor (YACC) for download. Compress those chunky ISO images to BOOSTER’s CSO and/or Uncle Jam’s JSO format. CisoPlus! is supported as well.

YACC 0.4.0.3 changes:

Russian translation by In$ane
Greek translation by koutsou.
Added the dummy boot.bin option in CisoPlus configuration panel. Save some kB or MB when you create your CSO.

Download: Yacc 0.4.0.3

PSP UAE4ALL r1 — A New Amiga Emulator

2008-01-17T08:52:00.000+08:00

TTYman’s got a brand new bag. And by bag I mean an Amiga emulator for the PlayStation Portable. Now before you start chopping heads in Barbarian, you’ll need to obtain the Amiga Kickstart 1.3 ROM. Use those crafty Google skills of yours for that. Have fun!

PSP UAE4ALL r1 highlights:

Based on latest Chui’s Dreamcast UAE4ALL and notaz’s uae4all gp2x v0.7.2a optimized blitter routines;
Maximum speedup hacks using single precision math hardware support;
Full screen hardware scaled support;
Fixed Overclock to 333 MHz while emulating, 222 MHz in menu;
Only 546KB kernel build version (1.7MB user mode build).

More features, how to work those, and all that — see readme-psp.txt.

Download:
PSP UAE4ALL r1
PSP UAE4ALL r1 Source

CFW 3.80 M33-4 and PopsLoader Released!

2008-01-17T08:50:00.000+08:00

Update: M33-4!

galaxy.prx was changed to a new version that is giving problems with slow memory sticks. Reverted back to previous versions. This didn’t only affect decrypted isos running in NP9660 mode.

Just when you thought DA was gone, he’s back on. 3.80 M33-3 and compatible PopsLoader (PSX/PSOne emulator) has arrived. Need I say more?

3.80 M33-3 changelog:

Fixed synchronization issue that plugins check code caused in PSN NP9660 original games (fixes 0×80010013 error)
Added a couple of libs to the nids resolver.
Added some internal changes required by incoming 3.80 popsloader plugin.

Charge Control 0.1.0 — Take Control of the PSP Battery Charge

2008-01-16T09:13:00.001+08:00

Another from developer Weltall… Charge Control is an extremely simple plugin written for your convenience. It’s responsible for two functions: disabling & re-enabling the PSP battery charge.

When disabled and using the AC adaptor, your PSP will not charge the battery — for whatever reason you may have. The charging status will remain set until the PSP is powered off completely.

Disable: L TRIGGER + R TRIGGER + VOL down
Enable: L TRIGGER + R TRIGGER + VOL up

Features:

[ALL] First release
[ALL] Builds for 3.7x and other firmwares
[ALL] Works at low priority and combinations are checked one time every second
[ALL] It’s possible to enable and disable battery charging immediately

Download: Charge Control 0.1.0

CWCHEAT 0.2.1 Released

2008-01-16T09:10:00.000+08:00

Do you suck at any particular game? No longer feel powerless and incapable when it comes to defeating that final boss; just feel ashamed you had to cheat instead. That’s right — cheat any PSP game, even PSOne-emulated games — all with Weltall’s universal cheating device known as CWCHEAT.

Weltall’s crafted an email summarizing the changelog (it’s a big one…) –

I’ll start with the most interesting addition of this version: A dynamic clocker. What does it do? Starting with the cpu load, which you can see by enabling it in the setting menu, it will dynamically change the clock of your cpu up and down with up to 8 variables managing it. So you can make new more or less aggressive plans for it, just by editing the cwcheat.ini file. When the dynamic overclocker triggers, if you have the fps counter enabled you will be able to see also the change in clock. In this way
you will be able to gain minutes (maybe hours depending on the game) of gameplay from your battery :D

Another interesting thing is a fix on the informations functions for > 4gb sticks so you will not get anymore your memory stick space less 4gb.

The memory editor and disassembler were fixed to work in the memory space of the psx in pops mode and not going out of the mapped area, plus now they able to generate correct codes for pops games.

For Swedish users thanks to tostoo it’s available a new translation for that language.

And last but not less important are major changes in the pointer codes which let you do a pointer copy byte and a multi address pointer write plus some more addition to the base type. For more informations check the changelog or the cwcheat wiki.

Three important notes, also stated on the changelog:

If you use 3.80m33 it’s suggested to update to 3.80m33-2 and use the 360- / MS_ROOT builds
set bus at 166 if you want the dynamic clocker to be able to go up to 333
if you use a language file update it as the old ones won’t be compatible anymore

Wanna know more? See README020EN.TXT and other included documentation.

Download: CWCHEAT 0.2.1

PReSS v0.2 Released — An Alternative RSS Reader

2008-01-16T09:06:00.000+08:00

Should you find yourself unsatisfied with Sony’s RSS implementation, have a gander at this — The Underminer’s PReSS. You may recall its initial release back in November of 2007. If not, check it out anyway.

PReSS v0.2 changes:

Image full screen - Handy for comics or another way of browsing topics
Added new category under catalogue
Added links to browser bookmarks (clicking a link will add it to the browser’s bookmarks)
Auto-update (Updates will be posted on the PReSS updates feed)
Font size
Hide feed view
Feed update combo
Prev/next unread topic button combo
Faster saving/loading feeds
Fixed leftmost pixel column bug: the leftmost column is simply not blitted anymore, which would display improperly sometimes
Added activity indicator for feed download: if it doesn’t move for 5 seconds; it never will
Parallel feed downloading cuts waiting time
Improved unreadable character replacement

Plans for v0.3:

mp3 download and playback
google video download (possibly playback)
speed-up
Slim support
personal feeds
real favicons instead of generic rss logo

1.50 Kernel Addon for 3.80 M33 Released

2008-01-16T09:05:00.001+08:00

Fat users — no offense — who have upgraded to DA Custom Firmware can now utilize 1.50 kernel-enabled apps & games.

Bluetooth PSP Headset Mod

2008-01-16T09:03:00.000+08:00

Presenting N3M3515 aka 51N15T3R aka Shane-O-Mak’s Bluetooth headset mod for the PSP. And for the record, it works on the PS2 as well.

Requirements:

PlayStation Portable w/ original remote
USB Box from PS2 Headset (Socom one works)
Cardo BTA II Bluetooth Adapter
2.5mm Stereo (3 conductor) plug
A Bluetooth headset

With this mod I’m able to voice chat wirelessly on PSP games like the SOCOM FTB franchise using my Bluetooth headset. In addition to working with the PSP I can also use the same Bluetooth headset to voice chat wirelessly on any PS2. In case you didn’t know if you try to play say SOCOM: Combined Assault (a PS2 game) on the PS3 without this mod you cannot use a Bluetooth headset because the PS2 game is not coded to take advantage of the PS3’s Bluetooth functionality, but with this now you can!

Step-by-step instructions are ahead… Follow the source.

- source: instructables

PSP Custom Firmware 3.80 M33 Released! Updated

2008-01-15T07:12:00.000+08:00

Update: Dark_AleX has quickly corrected a few issues; thus releasing 3.80 M33-2!

Function scePowerGetClockFrequency / scePowerGetClockFrequencyInt was not resolved properly due to confusion between two nids applying to the same function. Fixed, this update is necessary for plugins and kernel homebrew reporting PSP CPU speed.
PSX EBOOT.PBP that have an icon of 80×80 pixels will not be replaced by Dracula icon in savedata.

3.80 M33 Changes:

HEN core: user mode can load now signchecked files from flash.
recovery: flash1 format will create flash1 directories after format. This could fix some flash1 issues with the previous versions.
Network update from dark-alex.org page. By default is enabled. You can turn it off in recovery (when off, network update will download sony updates as usual).
Nids resolver for various kernel libraries.

Users should note: “…popsloader plugin from 3.71 will not work in 3.80 M33 due to its system dependency. A new one will be rewritten for 3.80 M33.”

Props!

PSPTube 20080113 Released

2008-01-14T06:54:00.000+08:00

SofiyaCat releasing more PSPTube versions than Adam Glasser has videos in a given week.

Here is yet another update with a couple additions and fixes…

Changelog translation courtesy of Google Translate.

General:

Dailymotion corresponding login.
File name can now download.
Select the file name of the items can be changed now.
URL directly enter play now.

Related Play:

Video playback with the passage of time and full time, the information can be displayed as a buffer.
Hide comments can be shown now.

Bug fixes:

Niconico premier members movie, the search problem fixed.
Niconico video trying to play freeze glitch fixed.

Download: PSPTube 20080113

PSPCAP32 v1.3.3: Amstrad CPC Emulator Updated

2008-01-13T23:10:00.000+08:00

Emulate the CPC464, CPC664, and CPC6128 Amstrad home computer models with ZX-81’s latest. With version 1.3.3 you’ll add an extra three frames-per-second while saving battery juice — that’s 3 fps @ 222MHz. PSPCAP32 is a port of Ulrich Doewich’s Caprice32. Get down.

PSPCAP32 v1.3.3 changes:

improve speed (+3 fps at 222Mhz)
add new hotkeys: settings such as fps, delta_y or render mode can now be directly modified inside the emulator (no need to enter in the settings menu). quick save / quick load current state (no need to enter in the main menu).
bug fix in green/monochrome default settings

You can find disk images here.

Download:

PSPCAP32 v1.3.3 fw 1.50
PSPCAP32 v1.3.3 cfw 3.xx
PSPCAP32 v1.3.3 source code

realtech VR’s Purple Motion and Eyeliner

2008-01-13T23:09:00.003+08:00

Put on display from the talented developers over at realtech VR — Purple Motion & Eyeliner. I’m talking two awesome homebrew games.

Purple Motion is a fast-paced racing-style game somewhat reminding me of F-Zero for Nintendo. As realtech VR says it…

Welcome to the fastest competition of the galaxy. You will have to finish all the races before the dead line, and caution to all the traps placed on the road!

Eyeliner is, well, I don’t really know — it’s an entertaining puzzle game though, with a different approach — use your skills to maneuver around, figure things out, etc… The overview:

Welcome to the matrix. Your mission is to infiltrate the network of a large international group.

Download:
Purple Motion v1.0
Eyeliner v1.0

Two Updates: OpenTyrian PSP 0.9 & PSPTube 20080109 (Again!)

2008-01-13T23:09:00.001+08:00

Two updates, each a few days old, but still worth mentioning…

By now you’re vastly familiar with both homebrew releases. Deniska has OpenTyrian — relive the classic top-down shooter on the PSP — sitting at version 0.9 now. As well SofiyaCat with PSPTube 20080109. Enjoy YouTube & Dailymotion video clips direct on your PlayStation Portable.

What’s new? –

PSPTube, I’m not entirely sure. Although I notice the ability to delete videos from your favourites.

OpenTyrian 0.9:

music volume increased
Christmas mode activation dialog added
based on the latest (674) revision of OpenTyrian

Download:
OpenTyrian PSP (Full) | OpenTyrian PSP 0.9 (patch)
PSPTube 20080109

Details on PS3 Blu-ray to PSP Transfer

2008-01-13T23:08:00.001+08:00

Details concerning Blu-ray PS3 to PSP emerge from Sony’s booth at CES 2008. Unfortunately there are no videos demonstrating the process (yet); however, some pictures and details have been released:

the PSP transfer or transcoded version of the film is encoded using H.264/MPEG-4 AVC
certain Blu-ray 2.0 discs, on the disc itself, may include the lower-resolution version; that’s the one ready for transfer
copies from PS3 to PSP over USB

So I’m wondering, you think Wi-Fi speed limitations create difficulty for Remote Play playback, or what’s the deal? There is no mention whether or not that will be possible. Also — on-the-fly transcoding using our current Blu-ray discs — that’s unlikely, by the sounds of it.

PSP CES 2008 Highlights, Thus Far…

2008-01-10T07:04:00.001+08:00

Interesting things are a brewin’ for the ol’ PSP this year… For those not following CES, here are some of the highlights:

Certain [future] Blu-ray movie releases will contain a “lower-resolution version of the film optimized for PSP.” It’s mentioned the movie would be transferred to the PSP’s memory stick. I’m curious to whether or not they’re Remote Play ready? No word on that, yet.
Sony has confirmed a GPS receiver and camera peripheral for North Americans; those are coming, “around the end of the year.”
SCEA reps have also revealed a first-party keyboard for the hand-held; that’s to be released mid-2009.
And we have a PSP Skype demonstration –

More to come? We hope so!

Make Phone Calls with your PSP! Furikup — PSP SIP Phone v0.1

2008-01-08T08:01:00.001+08:00

Sony officially announced it for the Slim, the Noobz team officially make it happen — for both Fat and Slims! It’s beta software so please report any problems. See readme.html to get started.

Fanjita notes the audio quality needs some work, the interface needs a makeover, and video calls aren’t working quite yet. Nonetheless it’s usable and demonstrates pure awesomeness. Source code is also available for homebrew developers to advance on. Kudos team!

“Furikup” highlights:

It’s free software — in both the beer, and speech senses.
You can use it anywhere in the world, subject to signing-up to a suitable local SIP-based voice-over-IP provider and being near a usable wifi access point. e.g. with SIPGate, in the UK, you can call to your PSP from any standard phone (landline or cellphone) for just the standard local call cost, and from PSP to another SIP phone (another PSP or a PC) for free.
It runs on both slim and fat PSPs.
It uses open standards, for maximum compatibility with other phone systems.
You can use a Go!Cam (Chotto Shot), Talkman microphone, or SOCOM-style headset for audio input. (And even if you don’t have any of those, you can still send audio from a WAV file in a pinch).

This program allows you to use your PSP as a phone, using Voice-over-IP (VoIP) technology. We got a bit bored waiting for Sony to release their PSP phone offering, so we thought we’d do it for them. Such is the freedom of homebrew.

You can use your PSP to make and receive calls to and from other PSPs, or to other VoIP users, or even to standard landline and mobile telephones, depending upon the VoIP service that you use. Calls are generally free, or at least cheaper than standard landline rates - again, depending upon your VoIP provider.

This is an initial release, currently supporting audio-only calls, and with a very basic user interface. But it works, and that’s the main thing.

The VoIP engine is implemented as a standalone PRX, with a well-defined interface. As well as using our simple phone application, we encourage other developers to make use of this technology for other applications. We’re sure that someone can write a nicer user interface than ours, so please do. There’s also scope for plenty of other uses - such as a CFW plugin for calls within the XMB, or teamtalk-style add-ons for games etc. Go wild!

Download: Furikup - PSP SIP Phone v0.1 (source code included)

PSPTube Released

2008-01-07T09:16:00.000+08:00

Great news for PSP video watching enthusiasts around the globe. SofiyaCat’s PSPTube now supports video streams from Dailymotion — another popular video sharing site. But you knew that.

Overwrite the existing PSPTube instance on your memory stick and you’re in business. Or install fresh like a virgin slut.

Download: PSPTube 20080106

- source: nekomimi

3.80M33 almost done

2008-01-05T12:35:00.000+08:00

Now all we have to do is to wait.

Wondering about the status of PSP custom firmware 3.80 M33? Developer Mathieulh has provided a status update, revealing that the firmware is nearly complete and currently boots all user mode homebrew applications.

So what remains to be done? The NID Resolver. In theory, the NID Resolver should allow kernel mode homebrew and plugins designed for previous firmware versions to run on 3.80 M33 without modification.

Skype Coming to the PSP!

2008-01-03T07:14:00.000+08:00

Apparently Sony has plans to announce upcoming Skype compatibility for the PSP during CES this year. The company hasn’t issued an official press release yet; however, Sony does in fact mention a Skype client on its CES 2008 promo site. And that seems legit enough for me.

To quote:

Call friends, talk trash to fellow gamers or catch up with acquaintances via Skype for PSP system.

The show begins January 7th and lasts till the 10th. So stay tuned!

PSPWrite v1.0.4 and Portable VNC v1.2.7 Released

2008-01-02T14:05:00.000+08:00

ZX-81 continues his homebrew rampage with the first two releases of 2008. Those are PSPWrite — the IR keyboard enabled text editor, and Portable VNC — the remote desktop software.

PSPWrite v1.0.4 changes:

Add select/cut/copy/paste feature
Text can be copied to clipboard and then copied to another/new file (useful to merge several files together).
New files are now named using a unique id (to prevent filename conflicts)
New background image for file requester and help window

Portable VNC v1.2.7 changes:

Fix issue with fw3x (not enough heap memory)
Fix issue with irkeyboard (linked with latest version)

For the VNC server, I recommend TightVNC. Click here to get that.

Download:
PSPWrite 1.0.4 fw 1.50
PSPWrite 1.0.4 cfw 3.xx
PSPWrite source code

PortableVNC v1.2.7 fw 1.50
PortableVNC v1.2.7 cfw 3.xx
PortableVNC source code

PSP Filer v4.6 Released

2008-01-01T19:44:00.001+08:00

Goodbye 2007 and hello PSP Filer 4.6. Developer Mediumgauge has released a new version of his fan favoured homebrew app — PSP Filer.

PSP Filer v4.6 changelog:

supported to playback MP3 file which has some corrupted data.
reduced noise at the end of MP3.
enabled to play large WAV/ MP3 files (more than 22MB).
enabled to show device information of MS Duo that is not formatted by PSP.
fixed a bug that Filer was crashed to show device information.

Download: PSP Filer v4.6

Two Awesome Homebrew Updates — Tyrian PSP v0.8 & PSPTube 20071229c

2007-12-31T07:25:00.001+08:00

Two homebrew updates that will keep you entertained for the final weekend of 2007.

Deniska, two days ago actually, released Tyrian PSP v0.8. Download the patch below and if you haven’t already done so, grab the full package too. Copy the v0.8 EBOOT.PBP (patch) overwriting the original install (full).

Tyrian PSP v0.8 patch:

some tweaks in music emulation code resulting some speedup
based on the latest (647) revision of OpenTyrian
better OSK support

SofiyaCat has also improved PSPTube today. By the look of things we may see the final version (20071231) released New Years day — on the 31st. Online Japanese to English translation indicates a possible cumulative update from past beta releases.

PSPTube 20071229c: (via Google Translate)

Stage6 respond. (Video successfully reproduce less.)
Config.js favorites in a folder (a favorite) can be changed now
SELECT button in the full-size video, the original, can now be switched
Playlist function has been added
Other small bug fixes
Download and fall to make bug fixes. (Β3)

Download:
Tyrian PSP (full) | Tyrian PSP v0.8 (patch)
PSPTube 20071229c

ZX-81 Updates: PSPAtari v1.1.1 & PSPBEEB v1.1.0 Released

2007-12-31T07:24:00.000+08:00

Another two-for-one deal… ZX-81 with two retro-fitted emulators for your PSP: PSPAtari and PSPBEEB.

PSPAtari emulates the Atari 800, 800XL, 130XE, and 5200 personal computer models.

PSPAtari v1.1.1 changes:

All render modes use GU (smooth mode)
Add fit height render mode (for zektor)
Analog pad can now be used in the file requester
Can now be compiled under linux for linux (usefull for dev/debug)
Tried to put the new pokey functions, but it is too slow to be usable on a PSP

PSPBEEB is a port of BeebEm — a popular emulator of the BBC Micro computer series. Check out ZX-81’s site (see source) for the history behind it.

PSPBEEB v1.1.0 changes:

Speed improvements (but still slow <>
IR keyboard support!
Now compatible with custom firmwares 3.x and PSP-slim
Display and save thumbnail images for each save state
Add option to display fps rate
Add a simple intro splash screen
Analog pad can now be used in the file requester to move faster through the disk/state lists
Option to prevent the blue led to be displayed when L or R are pressed
All render modes use GU (smooth mode)
Support iso8859-1 fonts in print text functions (might be useful to translate menus in german, french…)
Major bug fix in video emulation functions (psp freeze …)
Other bug fix and code cleaning

Download:
PSPAtari v1.1.1 fw 1.50
PSPAtari v1.1.1 cfw 3.xx
PSPAtari source code

PSPBEEB v1.1.0 fw 1.50
PSPBEEB v1.1.0 cfw 3.xx
PSPBEEB source code

Orbid: A New Homebrew Game

2007-12-29T11:00:00.001+08:00

I must say, homebrew comes a dime a dozen nowadays, and over the years developers sure have come along way… What’s on tonight’s roster is another addictive homebrew game from a coder we’ve grown to know and truly appreciate. He goes by the name of Slasher, and this represents his latest — Orbid!

Orbid is an unique game in which you’re a small orb struggling to survive. You must eat the smaller (orange) orbs in order to gain points and survive in this dangerous world. All the while, you’ll be avoiding larger orbs or else you’ll become their dinner!

Orbid features 4 distinct game modes:

Normal Mode: Level based, in which each level will become increasingly harder for you to survive.
Survival Mode: Survival of the fittest. Survive for as long as possible before you become the enemies dinner.
Time Mode: Beat the clock. Eat as many helpless orange orbs as possible. For each one you eat, your timer will +1; and for each set of orbs you eat, you’ll recieve a 15to20+ random amount of time.
Mine Mode: Avoid the mines! Your goal is to eat the helpless small orb each round while avoiding the various scattered mines throughout the map.

Download: Orbid

PSPVICE v1.1: C64 Emulation on 3.71 M33 + the Slim

2007-12-29T10:59:00.001+08:00

For those wishing to emulate some classic Commodore 64 action on your PSP Slim, this is for you. Martypsp has taken the liberty in recompiling Christophe and the VICE team’s PSPVICE v1.1. No code changes, no additions or loses, just Slim compatibility.

PSPVICE is a port of Rami Räsänen’s PS2Vice. Props to Christophe, the VICE team, and everyone else involved with this emulator.

Download: PSPVICE v1.1 for 3.71 M33 + Slim

3.80 PSARDumper + KL4E/KL3E Decompressor Released

2007-12-29T10:49:00.001+08:00

Although it’s likely to serve the average Joe no real purpose, PSARDumper marks a great achievement in the PSP hacking scene.

This current version dumps & decrypts PSP firmware 3.80. As well it decompresses the newly introduced compression algorithm called KL4E.

Email reports indicate the work of _HellDashX_, but I’m not certain — no readme, no details, etc… Props to whomever is responsible anyway.

Impaler’s PSX EBOOT Creator Updated

2007-12-29T03:44:00.000+08:00

Impaler has once again updated his PSX EBOOT Creator. This new version features a [working] preview option and output window for error handling purposes. It’s no doubt the easiest way to create single and multi disc PSX/PSOne EBOOTs for Dark_AleX’s PopsLoader. Want to know more? Read here.

Download: Impaler’s PSX EBOOT Creator

- source: impaleriso.com

Simple Reboot/Shutdown PRX for Custom Firmware 3.71 M33

2007-12-27T10:20:00.000+08:00

Fadil changing things up a bit… Rather than sharing news, he’s making the news… Written by Fadil himself is a simple PRX module for preventing an accidental [official] firmware upgrade.

Copy Fadil’s “update_plugin.prx” to flash0:/vsh/module overwriting the original. Of course you should take proper precautions by creating a backup first. Once that is said and done, while hovering over the firmware update icon, hold R-trigger and press X to shut down your PSP, or just X to reboot. Pretty simple, huh?

Access flash0 by toggling USB on/off under 3.71m33 recovery console. And be careful!

Download: Reboot-Shutdown PRX for 3.71 M33

Freeesh 1.1 Released

2007-12-27T09:55:00.000+08:00

So freeesh and so cleeean with the origins of life… RealtechVR’s “Freeesh” objective is to protect your cell while feeding in hopes to reach a high lever of evolution.

1.1 changes:

Add support for Slim & Lite
Reduce the size of the Eboot.PBP

These are the same dudes who brought us No Gravity for the PSP. With that in mind the game packs stunning homebrew graphics and arcade-like game play. Enjoy!

Download: Freeesh 1.1

- source: realtech-vr

Thanks Fadil

Merry Xmas!

2007-12-26T08:59:00.000+08:00

First and foremost… Merry Xmas. We hope you all have a safe and happy holiday.

On top of that… ZX-81 playing the Santa Claus role by wrapping up various homebrew emulators, apps, and games in four virtual packages. So crack open those brand new PlayStation Portables, or grab your old one, and start loading up that memory stick.

Download ZX-81 Xmas package:

PSP Board Games — PSP GNU Chess, PSPGo, PSPMancala

PSP Homebrew Apps — PSPWrite, afkim, PSPFTPD, PSPIRC, PSPPoste, PSPVNC, PSPSSH

PSP Calculator Emulators — TI-92, X48

PSP Emulators & Old School Stuff — Atari 2600, Atari 7800, Atari 800, Caprice32, ColecoVision, Intellivision, MSX, MSX2, and MSX2+, SamCoupe, Thomson TO7, Texas instruments TI99, Sinclair ZX81

Another Multidisc PopStation GUI

2007-12-22T17:06:00.000+08:00

Update: Impaler has shared a minor update which adds an about screen and preview button. Feel free to re-download the RAR archive below.

Another PopStation front end for Dark_AleX’s multi-disc popsloader has surfaced from developer Impaler. I just finished giving the GUI a quick test run and it seems to function quite well. It’s capable of creating both single and multiple images depending on your selection.

Impaler’s PSX EBOOT Creator is a Windows.NET Application. So you’ll require the necessary Microsoft frameworks.

Download Another Multidisc PopStation GUI

YACC v0.4.0.2 Released

2007-12-22T17:05:00.000+08:00

YACCity YACC, don’t talk back… Unless of course you’re downloading the latest version of Yet Another CSO Compressor (YACC) with two Serbian (latin & cyrilic) translation by FillerUE. In addition to that, two news skins — redbull & OmBre — courtesy of marc46.

kapoue3’s YACC acts as a front end for compressing ISO images to BOOSTER’s CSO and/or Uncle Jam’s JSO format. It’s compatible with kapoue3’s CisoPlus extension as well.

Download: YACC v0.4.0.2

LiveHelp Uptime

2007-12-21T08:17:00.000+08:00

Livehelp will be down on 21/12/2007 for maintenance. Do drop us an email or order forms for enquiries. Thanks and sorry for any inconvenience caused.

PSP & PS3 Remote Play with PSOne Games!

2007-12-19T10:05:00.000+08:00

Numerous emails we’ve received detail an interesting feature that goes unmentioned with PSP firmware 3.80 and PS3 Firmware 2.10. Those owning both devices running said firmwares may take advantage of a new Remote Play feature — PSOne games!

Now you have the option to save precious storage space on your Memory Stick by playing all your favourite PSOne games over Remote Play. This apparently works with PSOne titles downloaded via the online Playstation store or using the original disc.

Thanks to everyone who emailed us.

PSP Custom Firmware 3.80 M33 in Development

2007-12-19T10:03:00.002+08:00

An interesting thread started by Mathieulh indicates custom firmware 3.80 M33 is in the works. Furthermore, the possibility of a 3rd generation PSP model could be under development too… Have a read:

While working on the future 3.80M33, we found a VERY interesting string in the IPL’s playload: “/kd/pspbtcnf_03g.bin”

For those who do not understand here is a bit of history:

since 2.71 and especially in 2.80, we could see a string refering to pspbtcnf_02g which suggested the support of a new hardware or at least of a new operative mode. Later with the slim release we found out that the slim’s codename was this infamous 02g (proably standing for second generation) and that it used the _02g modules as well as pspbtcnf_02g.bin. It means that they worked on slim firmware/kernel for months before the actual hardware was announced/released.

We believe it is the same with the 3rd generation hardware which they are now preparing for sure. Will it be yet another lighter (and pandora proof) psp or will it be the new psp phone? Time will tell

PSP Firmware 3.80 Dumped & Decrypted… In Some Sort

2007-12-19T10:03:00.001+08:00

Yep, you read correctly… The latest Sony PSP firmware has been dumped and decrypted; however, we won’t see a new custom firmware just yet. Dark_AleX notes:

They have only changed the keys of the tables of filenames. The prx’s keys are the same than in 3.7X.

However, there is a little surprise in a form of new compression algorithm called KL4E, this time sysmem and loadcore are also compressed.

Plus… again new nids.

Once those issues are tackled we’re back in business.

Thanks dlr.

PSP Firmware 3.80 Released

2007-12-18T14:21:00.000+08:00

To accompany the PS3 2.10 firmware update, Sony has also unveiled PSP firmware 3.80.

*Sniff* *Sniff* Do I smell a new custom firmware brewin’?

3.80 changes:

The function [Radio via Internet] has been added under [Network].
The import of channels OPML format is now possible under [RSS Channel].
Pictures can now be displayed under [RSS Channel].
New visualization effects were added to the viewer under [Music].

“Intellegenze!”

2007-12-18T08:44:00.000+08:00

Despite the incorrect spelling PspHacker108 dares to test your intelligence with his new homebrew game, “Intellegenze.” The concept is simple: answer each multiple choice question correctly, and should you fail to do so, you’ve lost entirely. Now start over.

Categories include:

Geography
Math
History
Music
Gaming

Button Commands:

First question = triangle
Section question = circle
Third question = X (cross)

Download: Intellegenze v0.01

Beats Review

2007-12-17T09:43:00.000+08:00

Beats really came out of nowhere. For most, the first mention of the game was in trailer form when the PSP PlayStation Store for PC went live a week or two ago. The game quickly hit the European Store, but SCEA was mum about when the game would arrive for North America. Surprise: it's here and it's... well, it's a $5 application that turns your MP3s into a very basic rhythm action game.

The "game" part of things is fairly simple: symbols that correspond to the face buttons glide in on time (well, relatively, but more on that in a second) toward one of three landing points. Simply tapping in time with the correct button will help build up a combo meter on the right side of the screen, and by hitting special glowing symbols, you can build up an Overdrive Meter that lets you double your combo meter's multiplier for a short time.

The catch is that while in Overdrive, the symbols will slide in from the diagonals instead of arriving straight on from the left, right and top of the screen. Because you have to hold left or right on the d-pad to capture the symbols hitting those landing points, it can cause some fairly hectic button mashing segments, so there's a very basic risk/reward setup to going into Overdrive. Otherwise, it's simply a matter of juggling symbols as they come in, which is an easy to understand concept that requires no real tutorial (though there is one for those that are stumped).

What does require a tutorial is the other half of Beats' offering: a light music creation tool that uses the dozen tracks from SCEE titles like Team Buddies, EyeToy Kinetic and Drop Ship (plus a few tracks made just for Beats) to break apart the components into a custom mix. It's slightly similar to the remixing tool that was found in FreQuency, and if you spend the time becoming familiar with the various parts of a song (they're broken down into banks for synth, drums, percussion, vocals and so on), you can actually accomplish some rather interesting remixes.

Studio London did a damn fine job condensing what could have been an overwhelming process into something that can be figured out with just a bit of step-by-step instruction. The L Button lets you toggle a storage bank for multiple samples that can then be activated instantly with another L tap, and the R Button lets you cycle through the available samples of a song. Since you can play multiple samples at the same time, and because you have to flick through the "pages" of different instrument groups, learning to queue stuff up can lead to the best proper builds.

Once you've gotten the basics down, you can hit select to start recording a clip, then save it and even use that custom mix as a Challenge level like the regular game. You can also share the mixes with anyone else that jumps online, though the implementation of this is rather half-assed. Once you're online and sharing the file, there's no indication of when someone (or who) has downloaded it, so organizing shares with someone must be done outside of the game.

The online-enabled custom mixing game is equally lackluster because even though it's collaborative (with each person getting their own sample bank to screw around with), actually communicating with them is impossible -- or at least isn't explained in the game. Laughably, there's a "game manual" that you can pull up from the XMB, but it simply tells you to get help in-game, and the only help available is the limited tutorial. Yes, it's a $5 game, but it would have been nice to have a little extra help.

The actual game portion of the app lives and dies by its beat detection, and for the most part Beats lives up to its name, generating everything from coma-inducing patterns to absolute mayhem, though the actual complexity is understandably up to the music you feed it. Given the fact that all of the pre-supplied tracks are definitely of the electronic persuasion, it should come as no surprise that something with a simple 4/4 beat and minimal outside fuss would produce the best patterns, but Beats' digestion of more syncopated breaks and irregular rhythms still worked surprisingly well. More often than not, though, it wasn't dead on, leading to a slight disconnect from what you're listening to, though when it works, it elevates listening your MP3s to a new level, which we imagine was the idea.

Beats offers a certain amount of customization of the overall interface, too. You can choose from a whopping 70 visualizations to play and react in the background to your music. Usually this means a basic warping background pattern and something spilling out of the capture points when you hit a symbol, but the backgrounds change when you go into Overdrive Mode as well. It doesn't seem like the backgrounds themselves actually change to go along with the music, but still, the variety is nice. Likewise, you can pick one of nine themes for the main menu in either static (still wallpaper) or dynamic (music and a movie) flavors.

Reproduction of the MP3s is pretty solid, but there are some technical hitches to be dealt with. Slowdown is a minor annoyance, but it does happen fairly often, as do slight pauses while the game either analyzes the track to create beats or just buffers it or possibly both. Neither is quite as hard on the new PSP, likely due to the ability to buffer things a little more, but given the number of people out there with the older model, it's something we did want to mention.

Closing Comments
Were Beats a full-priced game, we probably would have been a little more upset, but what's here is the perfect definition of what a $5 download can offer. No, it's not nearly as perfect as it could have been, but oh well.

Other parts of Beats come off as a little ham-fisted -- or at the very least like Studio London didn't quite give the game enough time to bake out some of the issues. Little things like not being able to restart a song after you get to the results screen, or just the loading times in general for something that's entirely Memory Stick-based, make it all feel a little less polished than it could have been.

Even still, for just a mere Abe Lincoln, a mostly solid MP3 analysis and rhythm action game is a pretty decent deal, and I know the music geek in me will be playing around with different genres just to see what kind of patterns turn up. Vib Ribbon it ain't, but it isn't half bad either.

Another Custom Firmware — 3.73 HX-1 Released!

2007-12-13T15:42:00.000+08:00

Feeling saucy? Want to live life on the bleeding edge of custom firmwares? Then HellDashX’s 3.73 HX-1 is for you.

3.73 HX-1 is based on the la You will have access to the newest official PSP features and changes, as well the “custom” factor enabling homebrew, 3rd party modules, and a ton of other fascinating things.

3.73 HX-1 changes:

All changes & features in 3.73
Vshctrl- Fix the corrupt icon which was show in Game
A new IPL for the Slim & Fat

You must be running an existing custom firmware version prior to installation.