III. FAQ / Tips
1) Introduction
Many questions are answered, so read carefully
2) Firmware
What is this Firmware you speak of?
Firmware is what you could call the PSP's Operating System (like Windows on a computer). The PSP's Firmware is stored on what's called a "Flash Disk." Now, when Sony finds bugs, or flaws in the OS, they release new updates and upgrades to the firmware. At the time of me writing this, there are currently four different firmware versions. Version 1.0, Version 1.5, Version 1.51, and Version 1.52.
So how do I know which Firmware I have?
Just goto the PSP's main menu, then goto Settings > System Settings > System Information. Then you should see where it says: System Software Version x.xx (x.xx is your Firmware version).
Can I run homebrew on a 1.0 or 1.50 PSP?
Yes. Homebrew will run on 1.0's with no hacks or exploits, and on 1.50 with hacks or exploits like Swaploit or KXploit.
Can I run homebrew on a 1.51 or 1.52 PSP?
No.
Why can't I run homebrew on 1.51 or 1.52?
Well to explain that, I'll explain the difference between the firmwares that stops Homebrew.
Firmware 1.0
This firmware allowed any application to run without a Geniune Sony Digital Signature. It was a very lax security firmware. Only Japanese PSPs made before March 2005 have 1.0 firmware.
Firmware 1.50
This firmware can execute applications through a hotswap technique called KXploit developed by the guys over at PSP-Dev. Read more about it below.
Firmware 1.51 & 1.52
This firmware has an authentication process, and additional security, that makes sure any process running has a Genuine Sony Digital Signature. This is what is stopping homebrewed apps from booting.
Why not just take a digital signature from [INSERT GAME HERE]?
The signatures are dynamically signed, so that means, when we run the PSP with the stolen signature, the PSP will tell thats its different and refuse to run it.
When will 1.51+ be hacked? Can I downgrade?
Downgrading firmware is not possible at this moment. And without a time machine or crystal ball there's no way of knowing when newer firmwares will be cracked. Be patient and keep checking this site for updates. For those of you who keep asking - the current 1.0 Firmware dump CANNOT be used to flash your 1.5 into a 1.0. It is missing certain critical files which are hidden and inaccessible by current dumping software.
What firmware version of PSPs are they currently selling in stores in America?
Currently, American PSPs are still shipping with 1.5 firmware installed.
3) Emulators
What is an emulator?
From Google Define: An Emulator (or "Emu") is "hardware and/or Software that allows a computer or other device to act as if it was another type of machine. For example Emulators are used on computers to emulate Games consoles such as the N64, MegaDrive and PlayStation."
Can I have multiple emus/programs on my memory stick(s)?
Yes, just create separate identical folders on both memory sticks for each emulator or program.
Is running emulators at 333mhz safe?
This isn't necessarily overclocking the PSP since the CPU *IS* a 333mhz CPU. However it will be quite a drain on your battery, which is why the current PSP UMD games do not utilize this CPU speed. So far there have been NO reports of 333mhz harming the PSP, but this option is relatively new so still use at your own risk.
There are so many different emulators, which ones are the best?
Most systems now have multiple emulators for them on PSP, below are my personal recommendations for each system I have tried:
NES: NesterJ is definitely the best NES emulator.
Mega Drive / Genesis: This goes to Megadrive for PSP in my opinion.
Snes: This goes to the "Y" series of Snes9x (Snes9XY##)
GameBoy: There is only one but it is excellent and that is RIN.
PC Engine / Turbo Grafx 16: PCE for PSP for its great speed and wealth of features.
Why is the emulator game playing so slow?!?
First, they are running purely on the PSP's processor. There is no graphics acceleration like on the official UMD games for PSP. Second, these emulators are new and hence not fully living up to their potential and some have quite a few bugs. However, most emus have settings which can compensate for the slowdown. Enabling Frameskip (3-4 frames), increasing the CPU speed (266-333mhz), and turning off the sound or lowering the quality of sound is sometimes necessary in order for some games to run at a decent speed. It will vary game to game - experiment and see what works best for you!!
4) Homebrew Games
I can't get Doom to work! It doesn't detect the WAD / locks up / [insert problem here]!
1. Download this file:
DOOM-PSP Ready Made EBOOT.PBP Files
2. Extract the MS1 EBOOT.PBP to your memory stick to a folder named "DOOM-PSP%" in the PSP\GAME folder.
3. Extract the MS2 EBOOT to PSP\GAME\DOOM-PSP\
4. DOOM1.WAD is NOT included, download the main DOOM-PSP package from
this link. Extract DOOM1.WAD and put it in the "DOOM-PSP" (No %) folder.
5. Create a subfolder within the "DOOM-PSP" folder on MS2 called "SAVE".
6. Start the program!
I can't navagate through the Menu, did my game freeze?
Probably not. Use the analog stick, not the D-Pad.
5) Hacks (KXploit, etc)
Can I hide the "Corrupted Data" icons on the PSP?
Yes. Simply load all the folders WITHOUT the "%" onto your PSP first, then all the ones with the "%" after. Your PSP will display them in the reverse order they were loaded, so all the Homebrew will be at the top of the list, and all the corrupted ones at the bottom.
Me and a friend only have 1 copy of a game but we want to play multiplayer. Can we?
Yes. Start up an ad hoc multiplayer game and set the time for unlimited. On the first PSP. Eject the UMD disc and choose NO when it asks if you would like to quit. On the first PSP. Put the UMD in another PSP and start multiplayer gaming with your friends. Reapeat previous previous 2 steps for as many players as you want in the game.
6) Misc. / Unfiled
Help, I can't read the PDF tutorial files!
Use Google to search for and download Adobe Acrobat Reader.
I just downloaded a file and it has a .rar, .lzh, or other weird file extension, how do I unzip it?
Get WinRar from
here.
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would like to play
Linear Mode
