Custom Firmware(CFW)

Before downloading and installing Custom Firmware, read Installing Custom Firmware to learn about the install process and how to avoid damaging your PSP!

Custom Firmwares are modified versions of Official Firmwares released by Sony for the Sony PSP(PlayStation Portable). You have to use the official firmware file with the file that is provided when downloading CFW's. Custom Firmwares are made with the intention of unlocking the full potential of one's PSP, including a Recovery Menu, Internal Flash access, running of unencrypted code, running of UMD Game Backups in the form of CSOs, ISOs, or in Dark_Alex's DAX format.

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About Custom Firmware

Custom firmwares used a subset of the commonly known 1.50 firmware to enable a newer custom firmware to run homebrew capabilities, while newer custom firmwares use a custom IPL to launch the firmware and patch it. On firmwares with 1.50 kernel installed, less used features are removed in newer versions including "LocationFree Player" and Korean fonts in order to gain flash0 space. The firmware adds support for 1.50 homebrew in addition to loading official Sony EBOOTs, integrating an ISO/CSO loader launched from the XMB game menu, and a recovery menu accessible upon boot-up. (Or accessible from the XMB in some firmwares)

Early Custom Firmware Versions

Version 1.50 POC

On July 15 2006, a limited 1.50 custom firmware (named a proof of concept) was released by Dark AleX, allowing the execution of version 1.00 EBOOTs, access to a limited recovery mode, and ability to automatically load an application upon start. Other custom firmwares have since been released. Today, there are more developed versions such as "Casual V3" and the SE/OE/M33 firmwares.

Version 1.53 Custom Firmware

On 19 February 2007, a custom firmware was released by Eiffel56. This firmware was called 1.53 to avoid confusion between the official 1.51 and 1.52 firmwares compared to this custom version. This version is built for firmware 1.50 loyalists as not every user wished to upgrade to the SE or OE firmwares. This firmware offered many features offered in the 1.50 Proof of Concept firmware by Dark AleX such as a limited recovery mode, autoboot option, custom PRX loading, launching 1.00 Homebrew eBoots, hiding corrupt data icons and starting ISO files from the XMB.

Version 2.71 SE by Dark_AleX

On October 8 2006, Dark AleX's custom firmware 2.71 SE-A was released, which utilizes the features of the 2.71 web browser, video features, RSS feeds, WMA capabilities and flash capabilities for the web browser. Also in this custom firmware was full 1.50 user and kernel homebrew usage and full 2.71 user and kernel homebrew, as well as a recovery mode for unbricking "Semi-Bricked" PSPs from bad flashing etc.

An update to this new custom firmware came out on the 24th of the same month. In this update, 2.71 SE-B, the major feature is the loading of ISOs and CSOs from the game menu in the XMB. Just two days later it was updated to 2.71 SE-B' which includes NO-UMD ISO loading. A few days later, 2.71 SE-B" was released. It allowed the ability to run 2.80+ games, including GTA VCS. It also fixed some bugs found in 2.71 SE-B'. The latest version is 2.71 SE-C, which allows the loading of PRX files directly from the memory stick. This enables the option to safely add new functions to the firmware, for example the ability to listen to MP3 files while showing photos.

Epsilon Bios

On July 23 2006, a custom firmware, Epsilon Bios, was released for use with the Undiluted Platinum modchip. This firmware could only be used on PSPs with the modchip. This firmware resides on the modchip while it "piggybacks" the firmware on the PSP's flash.

Open Edition Firmware by Dark_AleX

Version 3.02 OE

On December 21 2006, a new custom firmware called "3.02 OE-A" was released by Dark AleX. It contains the same features of 2.71 SE-C as well as all the 3.02 features excluding the Location Free player and the Korean fonts. New features added to this custom firmware include WMA and Flash Player enabling through the Recovery Menu and cracking the Digital Rights Management of the PSX emulator, allowing users to share PSX games to other PSP systems.

On December 25 2006, an update to the 3.02 OE-A Firmware was released called "3.02 OE-B." Its main feature was the ability to run PSX games from a memory stick using a ripping utility called "popstation" released alongside the new firmware.

Version 3.03 OE

On January 4 2007, the custom firmware "3.03 OE-A" was released by Dark AleX. It has the same features of 3.02 OE-B along with the ability to run compressed PSX games and support for custom manuals in PSX games. Later on January 6 2007, 3.03 OE-A', also known as 3.03 OE-A2, was released. A new feature in this release is the ability to change the CPU/Bus speed in UMD/ISO games.

On January 10 2007, a "3.03 OE-B" custom firmware was released by Dark AleX. This custom firmware required 3.03 OE-A/A' firmware to be installed first. A new feature in this release is the ability to play full screen (480 X 272) H.264/MPEG-4 AVC|MP4-AVC videos.

On January 25 2007, Dark AleX released "3.03 OE-C" custom firmware. This was a major update and thus required a full install. Among the features are the ability to use WiFi at 333 MHz, the maximum bit-rate limit of MP4-AVC videos is raised from 768 kbit/s to 16384 kbit/s (16 Mbit/s), the ability to change the CPU/Bus speed of the XMB, and faster cold-boot as well as several other new features.

Version 3.10 OE

On February 4 2007, a "3.10 OE-A" custom firmware was released by Dark AleX, allowing screen brightness to be set to the 4th level without having to connect the AC adapter along with the ability to run static Executable and Linkable Format (ELF) created homebrew with the 3.10 kernel.

On February 6 2007, a "3.10 OE-A' / A2" update for 3.10 OE-A was released by Dark AleX, fixing a simple bug in the execution of PSP games including Metal Slug 6 and others. The bug was caused by the incorrect patching of a static ELF in some cases. This was only a minor update, however, and therefore was not needed by everyone running the custom firmware.

Version 3.30 OE

3.30 OE-A was released on April 15 2007. It offers all past features from other custom firmwares, as well as all features (except LocationFree Player) built into the official 3.30. IT included 1.50 features, as well as ISO/CSO loading and homebrew support. A 3.30 OE-A' update was released on April 20 2007. This release includes a fix to security bug that overwrites certain parts of the RAM and also reintroduces the auto-boot program feature.

Version 3.40 OE

3.40 OE was released on April 20 2007. This release includes the same changes made in 3.30 OE-A' except it now uses the 3.40 firmware. It fixed a bug that caused data to be written to random addresses in the PSP's RAM. If the bug caused memory writes to certain kernel functions, the console could potentially be rendered unusable if those functions were accessed. Autoboot, which had been broken since 3.03 OE, was reimplemented. Improvements in the flasher were made to check that the correct DATA.DXAR file is used for an update, thus preventing people using incorrect firmware version data files from rendering their PSP units useless.

LE Versions by Team Wildcard

Version 3.40* LE

On June 08 2007, Team Wildcard released a reverse engineered version to the OE Custom firmware source code. The firmware was released after it was leaked from Team Wildcard's servers. The firmware contains all the features of 3.40 OE but contains features such as a new recovery menu,(later dubbed LE Recovery), and in XMB recovery access. Many users complained, since it was not 100% complete, it contained many bugs and glitches. The vast majority of the bugs were addressed in subsequent patches to the original firmware, which also added features such as the automatic detection of which kernel should be used to run homebrew.

Increasing Edition Versions by becus25

Version 1.62 IE Custom Firmware

In March 2007, user becus25 released 1.62 IE-A. The latest version is 1.62 IE-D. Like custom firmware 1.53, it is based off the 1.5 kernel. Earlier versions of 1.62 IE would often cause bricks when the flash was modified, but updates were soon released fixing the problem. Currently though, 1.62 IE is only compatible with TA-079 motherboards and will brick on TA-082 and later motherboards. Features are similar to other firmwares including recovery mode, autoboot, and flash access. Becus25 has also modified the popular app by Booster, Devhook, which allows firmwares to run from the memory stick, virtually removing the chance of bricking.

Version 3.02 IE-A

In July 2007, user becus25 released 3.02 IE-A which incorporated 3.02 OE with some improvements of IE. He later released an update which resolved certain bugs in the initial release.

Version 3.40 IE

On August 07 2007, becus25 released his modification of 3.40 OE which includes a new "recovery menu" to use along with the OE one, called 3.40 IE-A. Several days later, becus25 released 3.40 IE-A2, with less chance of bricking, and some bug fixes in the recovery menu. It was met with much negative feedback from the homebrew community, due to the fact that it was, essentially, useless. Because of this, as well as personal issues, becus25 quit making firmware and homebrew.

M33 Firmware by Team M33

M33 firmwares are custom firmwares developed by Dark AleX. They are based on Sony's firmwares starting from 3.51 and above. Earlier custom firmwares by AleX were known as OE (Open Edition) firmwares and SE firmwares. Except for the different name, M33 firmwares follow the same concept as OE/SE firmwares; i.e. Removing restrictions from Original firmwares, full homebrew support and lots of customization possibilities. M33 firmwares 3.60 and above can be installed on Slim PSPs too.

These are the new features introduced in M33 firmwares:

• Video ISO loader
• The new M33 NoUMD Driver and support for Sony's NP9660 NoUMD Driver
• A revised Recovery Menu with more features added in
• VshMenu, a small in-XMB plugin to change settings normally accessable only in the Recovery Menu.

Development

After Dark_AleX supposedly retired from the PSP scene, he and a few other sceners continued, under the pseudonym of Team M33 developing Custom Firmware with the tag of M33 (rather than OE/SE). On July 14, 2007, the first release rolled out. Almost everything resembled some part of OE including the installer. After 7 updates to the base firmware, bugs were fixed, and more features were added in to expand on the firmware. This remained the basis for most of the future releases.

Features

All of the 3.40 OE features still remain on the M33 Firmwares. However, the only feature that lacks past 3.52 M33 is the autoboot program that allows programs to be run from a coldboot.

ISO Play

ISO play still works, with the ability to the OE, M33, and Sony NP9660 NoUMD Drivers to play backed up games. Compatibility and speeds have been improved in the newer M33 and Sony NP9660 Drivers.

Recovery

All aspects of recovery mode works across both Phat and Slim PSPs except for the autoboot, and recovery to 1.50 on Slims. PSP Slim & Lite users, however, have the option of utilizing a special USB Charge plugin, allowing the user to charge their PSP via the USB Cable without activating USB Mode.

PSOne Play

PSOne games can be played with better compatibility across both the Phat and Slim PSPs. Multi-disc games can also be played as long as they are converted properly using utilities like PopStation MD.

VshMenu

The VshMenu, a new addition to the M33 firmwares, allows users to quickly over/underclock their PSPs, change the ISO loader plugin used for backups, change the XMB USB Device (Memstick, Flash0, Flash1, etc), mount video ISOs, and reset the device.

Releases

For a guide of how to install custom firmwares safely visit: Installing Custom Firmware. For a full list of Dark AleX's releases (including OE/SE firmwares), visit: Dark-AleX Releases

3.51 M33

Release

14 July 2007 Download

All of the 3.xx OE features remained, except that it used the 3.51 firmware (which added 3.50 features, for those still on 3.40 OE), which was actually the Illuminati patch.

3.51 M33-WLANfix

14 July 2007 Download

Fixed WLAN.

3.51 M33-3

17 July 2007 Download

It added the NO-UMD modes, which added M33's own ISO loader, and Dark_Alex's ISO loader from the OE firmware.

3.51 M33-4

18 July 2007 Download

This fixed bugs in the NO-UMD modes that were released the day before. Also, this allowed plugins to be used in homebrew that were in the GAME150 folder.

3.51 M33-5

18 July 2007 Download

This update fixed another two bugs with the NO-UMD modes.

3.51 M33-6

19 July 2007 Download

This update added in Sony's NP9660 ISO loader that was discovered on firmwares past 3.51.

3.51 M33-7

21 July 2007 Download

The last update, 3.51 M33-7 fixed several bugs, and added improvements to different features. M33's ISO loader speeds were improved, brightness issues were fixed throughout the system, (with the 1.50 kernel brightness added) the WLAN fix was implemented in a different way, and an option was added in recovery for those still experiencing WLAN issues. Before any updates were released to the 3.51 M33 firmware, a WLAN fix was added for those experiencing WLAN issues with their system. With the initial release optional, it later was added in the later updates.

3.52 M33

Release

25 July 2007 Download

This included all the features of 3.51 M33, and it moved up to the 3.52 firmware. The initial release fixed a bug with the Go!Cam, GPS, and the sceKernelLoadExecVSH working properly while in a game. Also, the compatibility of the NO-UMD mode was improved to allow games downloaded from the PSN to be played properly.

3.52 M33-2

30 July 2007 Download

This fixed the compatibility issue with PSX games in IRSHELL via usbhostfs and nethostfs. Also, the document.dat from PSX games didn't need the same game ID as the game itself for it to work. In recovery, the "use isofs with UMD inserted" was stripped as it wasn't useful anymore. Speeds of 20 MHz and 100 MHz were been added as option for underclocking the system. Also, while USB Mode is activated, the ability to turn off the PSP is disabled completely. (Therefore, the only way would be a hard reset by taking out the battery) The issue of Chinese and Korean fonts crashing the XMB and homebrew was fixed. However, the Korean font has to be added from a 3.52 dump. Also, popsloader was added, and it allowed POPS to be loaded from 3.40, 3.51, and 3.52. However, the necessary files have to be dumped from the firmwares, and moved to the memory stick.

3.52 M33-3

19 August 2007 Download

In recovery, 75 MHz and 133 MHz were added as speeds for underclocking. USB to flash2, and flash3 was been added. Under the config, an option to change the device that will be mounted in the XMB under USB Mode was added. This could be changed between Memory Stick, flash0-3, and the UMD Disc. In the XMB menu, a new vshMenu was added. This allowed CPU settings, the ISO loader settings, as well as the XMB USB Mode to be changed on-the-fly. However, due to the fact that it is brought up by pressing the HOME button, other XMB plugins using that key will not work. Therefore, an option to turn off the vshMenu was added in recovery. The final change to the XMB was the ability to mount and play UMD ISO Videos. Games and Videos will appear under GAME. In Popsloader, support for 3.30 POPS was added.

3.52 M33-4

21 August 2007 Download

This was the last update to 3.52 M33. This fixed the CRC error while flashing in the XMB over USB. Also, the 75 and 133 MHz speeds were added to the vshMenu since it was forgotten by the team. Support for 3.10 and 3.11 POPS were added in.

The Bricking Issues

A few people had been editing Team M33's custom firmwares to remove credits. With the release of 3.52 M33-4, Team M33 added extra protection which verified the authenticity of the downloaded files. If the verification failed (i.e. Files had been edited/modified in any way), the updater would brick the PSP. Soon after this, members from N00bz, M33 and Team C+D came together to release the Pandora Battery, which was the culmination of years of research.

3.60 M33

Release

10 September 2007 Download

3.60 M33 was released 5 days after the inital Slim release. Installation was different on a Slim since it lacked support of the 1.50 kernel. However, installation was possible with the use of a modified Pandora Battery install. Instead of installing 1.50, it just flashed the M33 files. Due to this method, it proved effective only on Slims that were on 3.60. If it was on any other firmware, it didn't work. Also, 3.60 was a Slim-only firmware, and wouldn't work on a Phat. If attempted, the system would either brick or the custom firmware would become partial, or corrupted. 3.60 M33 contained all of the features of 3.52 M33, as well as the Slim-only features such as the Cookies theme, TV output, etc.

3.71 M33

Release

23 September 2007 Download

Within days of the 3.60 release, 3.70 was released for both Phats, and Slims, and 3.71 was a quick fix. As stated before, the Pandora install of 3.60 M33, was useless on 3.71, and therefore, a new method of install had to be created. Using the same Pandora Battery, Dark_Alex developed a method that installed a fresh copy of 3.71 as well as the M33 files, or just 3.71 if the user chose to. For those on 3.52 M33 and Slims already on 3.60 M33, they were able to update normally without the use of Pandora Battery. On 3.71 M33, the vshMenu was remapped to SELECT since the HOME key was in use more since 3.71. On the Slim, the UMD Cache feature was disabled only if the user launched homebrew. This was to allow the memory need for homebrew games which before, wasn't available due to the UMD Cache taking it up. Also, both on the Phat and Slim, booted from the 3.xx ipl instead of the 1.50 ipl.

The installer from 3.71 M33 onwards used a modified version of the Sony installer. Due to this, an IDStorage degeneration check was put on the installer. However, this checked mainly for key 5 on TA-082/086 motherboards, and degeneration on other motherboards may or may not be picked up by the installer. However, there are many different methods of resolving this issue. Also, since 3.71 M33, the installer doesn't install the 1.50 kernel anymore. However, the 1.50 kernel addon was released for Phats, and it installed the 1.50 kernel at the expense of the Location Free Player, and the Korean font. The Location Free Player was still available if the specific files were flashed after the installation. However, with each version of the 1.50 kernel addon, the same files would be deleted before install. Therefore, the files had to be reflashed again.

3.71 M33-2

2 October 2007 Download

A bug that corrupted flash0 while writing over USB was fixed. However, another bug came and caused the same problem. On Slims, they were allowed to charge over USB, as long as the option was set in recovery. Charging worked anywhere as long as the PSP was on. The vshMenu was disabled while using the on-screen keyboard. (OSK) This prevented the loss of the SELECT button while using it. Also, vsh plugins were not activated in recovery, because it led to pseudo-bricks.

3.71 M33-3

8 November 2007 Download

On the same flash0 corruption bug that was fixed on 3.71 M33-2 was fixed again with this release. With M33's ISO loader, two bugs were fixed. Also, the vshMenu was now displayed properly while using TV-Output on Slims. Also, Popsloader for 3.71 M33 was released, and it did require 3.71 M33-3 and the several files from the different firmwares in order to work.

3.71 M33-4

12 December 2007 Download

This allowed multi-disc PSX games to be played. Also, multi-disc games bought from the PSN store would work again. Also, bugfixes with the 3.72 POPS has been fixed.

3.80 M33

Release

14 January 2008 Download

This update adds a new network update feature which, when enabled, will check for M33 firmware updates. When the feature is disabled through the recovery menu, the network update feature operates as it normally does checking for Sony firmware updates.

3.80 M33-2

14 January 2008 Download

Team M33 also released update 2 on the same day which fixes with scePowerGetClockFrequencyInt not being resolved properly. Update 2 also fixes a problem with the way PSX eboot icons are displayed if they are 80x80 pixels. a 1.50 Kernel update was also released.

3.80 M33-3

16 January 2008 Download

It fixed a synchronization issue that plugins check code cause in PSN NP9660 original games. Also added were a couple libs to the nids resolver and some internal changes required for the new version of the popsloader which was released on that same day.

3.80 M33-4

16 January 2008 Download

Update 4 was released on the same day to address a quick bugfix, galaxy.prx was updated because it was causing a problem with slow memory sticks.

3.80 M33-5

20 January 2008 Download

Fixed custom CPU clock not working in games. CPU clock has never (in any SE/OE/M33) been 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, this setting is turned off. This feature, when turned on, results in faster browsing speeds in the XMB Game menu. This setting only applies to any kind of apps/games (pbp, iso) that load from MS, but not to UMD's.

8 GB stick support for 3.80 M33 Popsloader

11 February 2008 Download

Dark_Alex unofficially released a patch for users of 3.80 M33 Popsloader that allowed them to use 8 GB memory sticks along with the popsloader. However, with this patch, the system will not boot without a memory stick, and supposedly, the unit will also brick without the memory stick inserted.

3.90 M33

Release

31 January 2008 Download

Uses new FW 3.90 kernel, and March33 NO UMD fixed (yet another bug related with exiting with home, infinite semaphore wait). There were also a few changes in the Updater. The degeneration check and correction of IDS keys happens in 3.71 too now. Added code to download 3.90 PBP from the net via WiFi. Note that his code is not yet 100% stable, it may crash when selecting AP. In that case, reinit 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 "Verifying 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. A FW1.50 addon was also released the same day.

3.90 M33-2

13 February 2008 Download

Improvements in plugin loading code. Added rest of the regions to fake region. (Korea, UK, East etc.) The 3.90 eboot downloading code is now more stable. On Slim: Added patches in nand ipl to allow Booster's Multi-IPL loader and TimeMachine ipl-loader 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. This also allows a PSP Slim to boot to the XMB with a Pandora Battery inserted.

3.90 M33-3

31 March 2008 Download

March33 no-umd driver compatibiilty has increased to support games like Coded Arms, Patapon, Harvest Moon Innocent Life and probably others affected by same errors.

4.01 M33

If you have came across this from a 4.00 M33 link, please note that there is no 4.00 M33 as 4.01 M33 was released.

Release

28 June 2008 Download

Instead of Dark_Alex going ahead and release 4.00 M33, Sony released OFW 4.01. Therefore, Dark_Alex ended up releasing 4.01 M33 a few days later. New features included in this version is the usual features that 4.01 bring as well as the ability to translate the recovery menu configurable by a file that can be left on the memory stick or in flash1. Also, what would have been the GAME401 folder is now GAME4xx to acquaint for the future releases of any 4.xx firmware, and also previous 3.xx kernel homebrew. In the Camera mode from the XMB, the vshMenu was disabled since it interfered with the ability to change camera modes.

4.01 M33-2

29 June 2008 Download

Released the day after the 4.01 M33 release, this fixed scePowerGetCpuClockFrequency that didn't allow for plugins and other homebrew to read the clock speed of the PSP correctly that first appeared in 3.80 M33-1. Also, bugs in recovery were fixed and the Spanish translation file was updated due to typos.

5.00 M33

Release

17 October 2008 Download

Released a couple days after 5.00, Team M33 released 5.00 M33. Besides the new features brought between 4.01, and 5.00, a bug in the vshMenu and the XMB where the clock speed would return to its default of 222 MHz has been fixed. Upon discovery, it was found that there was a bug with PSX games where the system now allowed 24 bit icons instead of the previous 32 bit ones. Due to this, custom made PSX icons no longer worked. Initially, Dark_Alex announced that there would be no fix for this issue. However, more PSX problems evolved including a black screen appearing for any PSX game. All of these fixes will be included with an updated popsloader for 5.00 M33-2. (In which will be released in order to use the new popsloader)

PSX Issues

When the problems with the PSX were discovered, Dark_Alex released a fixed version of the 'popcorn.prx' file in which was causing the problems. On October 21, Dark_Alex released a new updated version that fixed all the issues this time around. However, all of the fixes and a new popsloader will be packaged with 5.00 M33-2.

5.00 M33-2

22 October 2008 Download

This update fixes all the problems that were found with PSX games including the corruption of the RAM for PSX games. sctrlKernelSetInit* functions, and the M33 Network Update were also fixed. Two feature changes were implemented. The first is the possibility of loading the PSP's version information from flash0 via a .txt file. With this feature, it allows a user to dump a 'version.txt' from a specific firmware eboot, flash it to flash0, and be able to access things that would normally be restricted by the firmware. For example, a user could flash a 'version.txt' file from 4.01, flash it to a 5.00 M33 PSP, and be able to run the 4.05 or 5.01 update again as long as the option is enabled in recovery. The next feature change is a change in the file format for plugins. 5.00 M33-2 eliminates the use of the 'conf.bin' file (the config file for plugins), and the 'vsh.txt', 'game.txt' and the 'pops.txt' file now have a 0 or 1 after each line indicating whether or not the plugin is enabled or disabled. (This causes plugins to no longer work in Time Machine firmwares unless 'vsh.txt', 'game.txt', and 'pops.txt' are edited.) In Advanced > Advanced Configuration, the option to completely enable or disable XMB, GAME, or POPs plugins can be configured. Upon entering the Plugins menu of recovery, all files will be converted to the 5.00 M33-2 format.

5.00 M33-3

23 October 2008 Download

Another update was released: 5.00 M33-3. This update fixes a big bug in M33-2 that made some homebrew and games not to work. Also, PSN version check is now automatically bypassed without need of touching any setting.

5.00 M33-4

5 December 2008 Download

Update 5.00 M33-4 changed the following: Speed selected for umd/iso was not properly locked in some new games that used scePower_EBD177D6 instead of scePowerSetClockFrequency to change speed. UMD/ISO speed settings now apply to PSN games too. Fixed libupdown.prx connecting to dark-alex.org instead of sony when npsignin_plugin checks for a new version and m33 update is enabled. ISO file descriptor was not closed in driver deletion. Added a shutdown command to vshmenu.

5.00 M33-5

A setting has been added to recovery, that, when enabled it may increase memory stick reading speed. (only on the psp, not in the pc). By default it is disabled. If you installed 3.71 fatmsmod, do not use this setting, as its perfomance with 3.71 driver has not been tested. Instead, reinstall 5.00 m33-4 using dc8 and update to 5.00 m33-5. The included file fat_comparison.html contains a comparison of perfomance between the 5.00 fat driver, the 3.71 one, and the 5.00 one with the speed up hack during the read of an iso. The test was done on the game Valkyrie Profile in cso format in march33 mode. Other games, modes and applications different than iso reading showed similar results.

5.00 M33-6

20 January 2009 Download

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

HX Versions by "_HellDashX_"

Version 3.72 HX

On November 06 2007, homebrew developer "_HellDashX_" released the 3.72HX-1 custom firmware. This custom firmware was made by reverse engineering Dark~AleX's 3.71 M33-2 and then adapting it to the 3.72 firmware. It contains all features from 3.71 M33-2 except the 1.50 kernel extension, which was released shortly after. A newer version called 3.72HX-2 has been released.

Version 3.73 HX

3.73 HX-1 was created and released on December 12, 2007 by "_HellDashX_".

This firmware enabled access to the official PSP features and changes, as well the “custom” factor enabling homebrew, etc

GEN Firmware

CFW 3.93

On April 26, 2008 an unknown developer released 3.93 CFW on pspgen.com. This CFW was made with permission from Dark_AleX and others. According to the readme, this CFW now uses the 3.93 kernel, and has added several features. These are the ability to access recovery from the XMB, the ability to make a Pandora Battery (convert/revert battery) from recovery, save savedata in its normal, unencrypted state, and the ability to hide the PSP Mac Address in the XMB. (Changing it to all 0's)

Although with the approval of Dark_AleX and Math, a few bugs has arisen. These are minor bugs and does not affect the firmware in any way. Sometimes, the Hide Pic0 in Game Menu and the Hide Mac Address options does not always work. This would require a user to reset their devices in order for it to be fully functional. Also, the CXMB 3.1 plugin cannot work with the Hide Mac Address option from the Recovery-Vsh Menu as it will freeze the System sub-menus in the XMB.

However, the firmware has been tested and 3.90 flash0 themes as well as CXMB are known to work properly. Also, the 3.90 IRShell patch can be successfully done enabling users to fully unlock the potential of IRShell.

A day later on April 27, 2008, a 1.50 Kernel Addon was released.

On May 3, 2008, an new Update (named Update 2) has been made available. Update 2 fixed a bug in the Sony's OSK where pressing SELECT while it was up would freeze the system. Also, Hellcat's Savegame Deemer was removed. However, it can still be used a an ordinary plugin.

Version 3.95 GEN

3.95 GEN is a custom firmware developed by Miriam of PSP-GEN. 3.95 GEN was released on June 01, 2008 at 01:00 pm, (GMT + 1) after being delayed due to server issues. During the delay, Miriam managed to work out most bugs that had existed before the release. This included fixing the Phat's memory limitations, and enabling popsloader to work where it has not previously worked before... The newly added features to 3.95 GEN included vsh-recovery where the recovery menu can be bought up from the XMB. The new recovery menu uses the standard M33 recovery and adds more features such as Pandora Battery creation tools, the ability to hide the MAC Address in the XMB, USB to the UMD. Also, the configuration of Network Update can be changed to search for updates for either GEN firmwares, M33 firmwares, or Sony's official firmwares. Outside of the firmware, the ipl for Slims is patched so units can boot up with a Pandora Battery, as well as load TimeMachine. Popsloader and PSX emulation is fixed and works as long as a user uses the 'popsloader.prx' file included in the download.

The use of the Sony updater is still present. However, the battery check, and IDStorage Key checks still exists. However, the ability to download the '395.PBP' from the Internet does not exist anymore.

As nids has changed from 3.90/3.93 to 3.95, some plugins may or may not work. Also, the MS read times seemed to be addressed by either Sony or Miriam in this release, as the PSP can read data from the MS in the XMB faster than on 3.80/3.90, even with the 3.71 fatmsmod.prx patch included. Some homebrew such as irShell and NervOS cannot fully work.

On June 6, 2008, Miriam released 3.95 GEN-2. 3.95 GEN-2 included fixed some of the known bug fixes within the firmware. This update fixed the bug where the PSP will act bricked if the user tried to access the vshMenu when it was turned off from recovery. Also, homebrew compatibility on both the Phat and Slim were increased, and some homebrew such as the latest SNES emulator worked again. On top of that, Phat users were able to use popsloader again since the memory limitation has been addressed and fixed. However, some bugs such as the .at3 file not playing while selecting homebrew and PSP ISOs do not play while on PSX games they do.

Version 5.02 GEN

On January 1, 2009, Miriam released 5.02 GEN-A. After being convinced by the members of PSPGEN to make another custom firmware, 5.02 was chosen. Two versions of 5.02 GEN were created. The "full" version of the firmware has all the features just as any other custom firmware such as the ability to play ISOs, and play PSX games. The "lite" version was a stripped down version which only allowed for the use of homebrew, and plugins as well as the use of whatever features the official firmware allows for.

With 5.02 GEN-A, several new features were added. This included the ability to use Bubbletune's game categories plugin, and Slim color patch, and the ability to reboot into a 5.02 official firmware version on a Slim. Compatibility with homebrew and PSX games have also increased. Other options such as ability to hide the MAC address in the XMB, translation of recovery, the use of popsloader, and the ability to access recovery via the vshMenu are all available for use. A 1.50 Kernel Addon for Phats is available.

Version 5.03 GEN

With the advent of the PSP Slim models with the TA-088v3 motherboard and the PSP-3000, custom firmware at the time was impossible. However, with the ChickHEN exploit which makes homebrew available, a temporary form of custom firmware is available. Team GEN released 5.03 GEN (also known as 5.03 HEN) which allow these PSP models to run homebrew and games just as if it had it's complete 5.03 custom firmware. 5.03 GEN is temporary due to ChickHEN. Unlike its 5.50 GEN counterpart, newer games requiring 5.55 or above needed to be decrypted with version 4 of Yoshirio's game decrypter.

With the release of 5.50 GEN-C, it was announced that 5.03 GEN will feature its exact updates in 5.03 GEN-B and will include an updated GEN vshMenu as well as GEN recovery menu. The release is set for sometime around Halloween.

Version 5.50 GEN

On June 13, 2009, 5.50 GEN was released over at PSPGen.com. This time, the firmware isn't made by Miriam, but a completely new developer: GENyUS. To install 5.50GEN, 3.52 M33 or higher is required. 5.50 GEN includes al updates of the original 5.50 firmware. As normal, 5.50 GEN plays homebrew games, ISO/CSO games and includes a recovery and vshMenu, an updated CXMB and Popsloader. The 1.50 Kernel Addon for Phats has yet to be released despite 5.50 GEN's numerous updates to the custom firmware.

A day later, a Build 4 Patch was released. This patch allows users to access the PlayStation Store after the recent 5.51 forcing users to upgrade. This is a workaround allowing this again.

On July 2, 2009, 5.50 GEN-B was released. It allowed Evangelion: Jo to be played. The game would not run if it detected a CFW. On September 6, 2009, 5.50 GEN-B2 was released that fixed several bugs preventing homebrew and Pandora functions to be used. On October 18, 2009, 5.50 GEN-C was released allowing users to run protected games and games requiring firmware 5.55 or higher without any patching with Yoshirio's Game Decrypter. However, due to various issues, it was quickly pulled and 5.50 GEN-D was released three days later on October 21. 5.50 GEN-D included all the features of 5.50 GEN-C, fixed its bugs including the 480x272 AVC video playback problem, and allowed users to connect to the PSN via MediaGO without the use of the USB Plugin Faker. On October 24, 5.50 GEN-D2 was released which allowed Evangelion: Jo to play again, fixed the WPA-PSK bug issue found on 5.50 GEN-D, fixed the output of 5.xx and 6.xx games, fixed the Make Pandora battery option in recovery and finally replaced their old gameboot with one that flashes red if the now in-built decrypter worked successfully.

TDP Firmware

Version 5.03 TDP

On April 4, 2009, the TodoPSP Team released their third revision to their 5.03 TDP custom firmware. This release has caused them to spring up in the PSP homebrew community. Version 3 includes a tdpDevKit tool which allows users to patch certain firmware specific homebrew files such as irShell to be compatible with 5.03 TDP. There has been a few bugs reported and 5.03 TDP-4 has been confirmed for release with no specific date.

Firmware by Unknown Author(s)

CFW 3.93

On April 26, 2008 an unknown developer released 3.93 CFW on pspgen.com. This CFW was made with permission from Dark_AleX and others. According to the readme, this CFW now uses the 3.93 kernel, and has added several features. These are the ability to access recovery from the XMB, the ability to make a Pandora Battery (convert/revert battery) from recovery, save savedata in its normal, unencrypted state, and the ability to hide the PSP Mac Address in the XMB. (Changing it to all 0's)

Although with the approval of Dark_AleX and Math, a few bugs has arisen. These are minor bugs and does not affect the firmware in any way. Sometimes, the Hide Pic0 in Game Menu and the Hide Mac Address options does not always work. This would require a user to reset their devices in order for it to be fully functional. Also, the CXMB 3.1 plugin cannot work with the Hide Mac Address option from the Recovery-Vsh Menu as it will freeze the System sub-menus in the XMB.

However, the firmware has been tested and 3.90 flash0 themes as well as CXMB are known to work properly. Also, the 3.90 IRShell patch can be successfully done enabling users to fully unlock the potential of IRShell.

A day later on April 27, 2008, a 1.50 Kernel Addon was released.

On May 3, 2008, an new Update (named Update 2) has been made available. Update 2 fixed a bug in the Sony's OSK where pressing SELECT while it was up would freeze the system. Also, Hellcat's Savegame Deemer was removed. However, it can still be used a an ordinary plugin.

Custom Firmware downloads by author

Dark_AleX (author of OE and M33 CFW's)

All Dark_Alex downloads listed will redirect to the forum topic on Dark_AleX Forums. There is no need to register to download.

Version 1.50 POC

http://exophase.com/files/psp/cf_proofofconcept.zip - Dark_AleX's Proof Of Concept 1.50 Custom Firmware

2.71 SE

http://dax.st/271SE_A.RAR - 2.71 Special Edition - Revision A 
http://dax.st/271_SEB.RAR - 2.71 Special Edition - Revision B 
http://dax.st/271_SEB2.RAR - 2.71 Special Edition - Revision B' 
http://dax.st/seb3.rar - 2.71 Special Edition - Revision B 
http://dax.st/sec.rar - 2.71 Special Edition - Revision C 

3.02 OE

http://dax.st/302OE.rar - 3.02 Open Edition - Revision A 
http://dax.st/oeb.rar - 3.02 Open Edition - Revision B 

3.03 OE

http://dax.st/303oe.rar - 3.03 Open Edition - Revision A 
http://dax.st/oe_a2update.rar - 3.03 Open Edition - Revision A' 
http://dax.st/OEB_UPDATE.RAR - 3.03 Open Edition - Revision B 
http://dax.st/303oe_C.rar - 3.03 Open Edition - Revision C 

3.10 OE

http://dax.st/310oe_a.rar - 3.10 Open Edition- Revision A 
http://dax.st/310_a2update.rar - 3.10 Open Edition- Revision A' 

3.03 And 3.10 Open Edition Mix for UP

http://dax.st/303_10oe_mix.rar - 3.03 And 3.10 Open Edition Mix for UP 

3.40 OE

http://dax.st/340_oea.rar - 3.40 Open Edition - Revision A 

3.51 M33

http://exophase.com/files/psp/m33rel.rar - 3.51 M33 
http://exophase.com/files/psp/m33wlanfix.rar - 3.51 M33 (WLAN fix)
http://exophase.com/files/psp/No-Umd-M33.zip - 3.51 M33-3 
http://exophase.com/files/psp/M33-4.zip - 3.51 M33-4 
http://exophase.com/files/psp/M33_5.zip - 3.51 M33-5 
http://exophase.com/files/psp/M33-6.zip - 3.51 M33-6 
http://exophase.com/files/psp/M33-7.zip - 3.51 M33-7 

3.52 M33

http://exophase.com/files/psp/3.52M33.zip - 3.52 M33 
http://exophase.com/files/psp/M33UPDATE2.zip - 3.52 M33-2 
http://exophase.com/files/psp/m33-333.zip - 3.52 M33-3 
http://exophase.com/files/psp/M33-1234.zip - 3.52 M33-4 

3.60 M33 for Slim

http://exophase.com/files/psp/360M33_for_Slim.zip - 3.60 M33 

3.71 M33

http://exophase.com/files/psp/release.rar - 3.71 M33 
http://exophase.com/files/psp/m33update2.rar - 3.71 M33-2 
http://exophase.com/files/psp/371m33-3.zip - 3.71 M33-3 
http://www.dark-alex.org/m33update4.zip - 3.71 M33-4 

3.80 M33

http://dax.st/380_m33.rar - 3.80 M33 
http://dax.st/m33update2.rar - 3.80 M33-2 
http://dax.st/380m33_3.rar - 3.80 M33-3 
http://dax.st/380m33_4.rar - 3.80 M33-4 
http://exophase.com/files/psp/380m33update5.rar - 3.80 M33-5

3.90 M33

http://exophase.com/files/psp/390m33.rar - 3.90 M33
http://exophase.com/files/psp/390m33_2.rar - 3.90 M33-2
http://exophase.com/files/psp/390m33_3.rar - 3.90 M33-3

4.01 M33

http://forums.exophase.com/showthread.php?t=7668 - 4.01 M33
http://forums.exophase.com/showthread.php?t=7675 - 4.01 M33-2

5.00 M33

 http://www.dark-alex.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=1521&p=15012#p15012 - 5.00 M33
 http://www.dark-alex.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=1844 - 5.00 M33-2
 http://www.dark-alex.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=1893 - 5.00 M33-3
 http://www.dark-alex.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=4532 - 5.00 M33-4
 http://www.dark-alex.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=8154 - 5.00 M33-5
 http://www.dark-alex.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=8158 - 5.00 M33-6

Team Wildc*rd

3.40* LE

http://dl.qj.net/3.40-LE-Team-Wildcard-Custom-Firmware-PSP/pg/12/fid/14242/catid/163 - 3.40 LE By Team Wildc*rd
http://dl.qj.net/3.40-LE-from-Team-Wildcard-v2-PSP/pg/12/fid/14251/catid/163 - 3.40 LE-2
http://dl.qj.net/CFW-3.40-LE-v3-(by-Team-Wildcard)-PSP/pg/12/fid/14256/catid/163 - 3.40 LE-3

xHellDashx

3.72 HX

http://dl.qj.net/Custom-Firmware-3.72-HX-1-PSP/pg/12/fid/15067/catid/163 - 3.72 HX-1
http://dl.qj.net/Custom-Firmware-3.72-HX-2-PSP/pg/12/fid/15147/catid/163 - 3.72 HX-2

3.73 HX

http://dl.qj.net/PSP-3.73-HX-1-PSP/pg/12/fid/15393/catid/163 - 3.73 HX-1

Ketchup

3.93 CFW

http://www.pspgen.com/modules.php?name=Downloads&d_op=getit&lid=4027 - 3.93 CFW
http://www.pspgen.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=6772&mode=&order=0&thold=0 - 3.93 CFW -2

Miriam (GEN Firmwares)

3.95 GEN

http://www.pspgen.com/modules.php?name=Downloads&d_op=getit&lid=4287 - 3.95 GEN
http://www.pspgen.com/modules.php?name=Downloads&d_op=getit&lid=4335 - 3.95 GEN-2

5.02 GEN-A

  http://www.pspgen.com/divers/telecharger-184731.html - 5.02 GEN-A

GENyUS (New GEN Firmwares)

5.50 GEN

http://www.pspgen.com/custom-firmware-5-50gen-telechargement-188076.html - 5.50GEN-A
http://www.pspgen.com/custom-firmware-5-50gen-b-telechargement-188493.html - 5.50GEN-B

English mirrors:

http://www.psp-hacks.com/file/1745 - 5.50GEN-A
http://www.psp-hacks.com/file/1764 - 5.50GEN-B
http://pspupdates.qj.net/PSP-Homebrew-CFW-5-50-GEN-C-now-out/pg/49/aid/135319 - 5.50GEN-C
http://www.psp-hacks.com/file/1840 - 5.50GEN-D
http://www.psp-hacks.com/file/1841 - 5.50GEN-D2
http://dl.qj.net/psp/homebrew-applications/550gen-d3.html - 5.50GEN-D3
http://dl.qj.net/psp/homebrew-applications/custom-firmware-550gen-d3-final.html - 5.50GEN-D3-2

TodoPSP (TDP Firmwares)

5.03 TDP

  http://www.todopsp.com/foros/showthread.php?t=99670 - 5.03 TDP-2
  http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8L8XRF2E - 5.03 TDP-3