Standard PSP vs. 1.5 Firmware & Homebrew & 3.40 OE-A

The intention of this guide is to help you choose the right PSP, and to give you details of the different options currently available.

If you are not sure about the standard PSP specifications then have a look at the official site.  (I am unable to post external links in this guide, so you will have to google it yourself)

Do you want a PSP that can do more than a standard version?  Maybe a homebrew PSP is for you...

A homebrew PSP has a special firmware installed on it that allows you to run 3rd party software.  This turns your standard PSP into a highly versatile device that can do so many things.  The most popular feature of a homebrew PSP is that you can play backup games and films directly from the memory stick.  Another highly valued feature is that you can now play PSOne games on the PSP.  Remember, you should only have backups for original games/films you own.

There are many different homebrew firmware versions available, but the best currently available is the Dark_Alex 3.40 OE-A.  This is a very sophisticated firmware and is very easy to use as it has the same XMB interface as a standard PSP.  This firmware makes the PSP virtually unbrickable as it has features that allow you to restore a firmware, it can also override regional requirements for UMD films so that you can play films from anywhere in the world.

The PSP doesn’t have to be opened to install a homebrew firmware, but it does usually require you to downgrade to the 1.5 version firmware.  There are many different methods for downgrading a PSP which can be dependant upon the firmware version that is currently running and the version of the motherboard in the PSP.

Unless you are suitably technically skilled then it is not recommended that you try to downgrade a PSP or install a homebrew firmware yourself as it can result in bricking the PSP.

The downgrade and homebrew installation process can be done in under 30mins by someone with experience.  You would usually expect to pay around £15 to have this modification done, but you will find that you can buy a PSP that already has the homebrew firmware installed.

I hope that this updated guide has been helpful.  Feel free to contact me directly if you want any further advice.