For the PSP there are many different versions out right now, and their functions and options are as follows:
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Firmware Version 1.00:
Allows unsigned code, or "HomeBrew" to run. Homebrew is defined as any type of program that was written by an average user (Not Sony or an affiliate) to run on the PSP.
This version does not include an official browser and was only ever found on Japanese PSPs.
Firmware Version 1.50:
Allows unsigned code ("Homebrew") to run using an exploit in the security of the firmware.
This version was found on the original release PSPs in the Americas. It originally didn't allow homebrew. It doesn't have an official browser.
Firmware Version 1.51:
Does not allow unsigned code. Other than that, it's the same as the 1.50 firmware.
Firmware Version 1.52:
Added the ability to play UMD music discs. This version does not allow unsigned code to be used.
Firmware Version 2.00:
This version was a fairly major update. It added the option for an official Sony browser, the ability to use your own backgrounds with ease, and some more encryption settings for wifi. It didn't originally allow homebrew, but using an overflow exploit, it can now run a large amound of homebrew games that used to be restricted to 1.50 users. Also, using the exploit, you may downgrade to 1.50, which will allow you to play all the homebrew you want.
Firmware Version 2.01:
This version was the same as 2.00, except the security flaw that allowed for homebrew was fixed. You can use the exploited GTA save file to run homebrew applications and games. This is accomplished with the release of the eLoader from Fanjita and Ditlew.
Firmware Version 2.50:
This is basically a version 2.01 for rich people. It's the same as 2.01 except for the fact that if you buy a $300 US Location Free Player Dock, you can play TV from wifi hot spots anywhere around the world. You can use the exploited GTA save file to run homebrew applications and games. This is accomplished with the release of the eLoader from Fanjita and Ditlew.
Firmware Version 2.60:
This is firmware version 2.50 with a few added features. You can play .wma files (Windows Media Audio) on the PSP, but this function must be activated through the internet. Also, you can now play 480x272 video on the PSP. RSS feeds are now available (see
Here for more info on RSS and WMA). You can use the exploited GTA save file to run homebrew applications and games. This is accomplished with the release of the eLoader from Fanjita and Ditlew.
** This firmware can now be downgraded back to 1.50 Firmware Version 2.70:
2.70 was released on April 25th, 2006. It's important to know that you can't downgrade or run homebrew on this version firmware. Yet.
New Features include:
- Internet Browser now supports Macromedia Flash.
* You need to enable the Flash contents playback in the System Settings. - The version of the flash player is Macromedia Flash Player 6 (some functions are not supported).
- The settings of the Internet Browser has been added to Settings -> Connection Settings
- The audio contents from channels in the RSS Channel section can now be saved to your memory stick.
- Auto option added to Rate Change in Location Free Player.
- Added file extension to playable AAC format.
- Added Enable Flash Player in System Settings. To change this option, you need to connect to the internet.
- "Simplified Chinese" and "Traditional Chinese" added to System Settings -> System Language.
- RSS Channel Settings added.
- Added UMD Video L & R Button into Video Settings.
- Fixed some issues when using a memory stick with more than 2GB free space. This problem has not happened among the memory sticks sold in Japan until April 24.
Firmware 2.71
Firmware 2.71 was globally released on June 1, 2006. You still can't play traditional homebrew, but you can play homebrew flash files that are made compatible with the PSP flash support.
The newest firmware release for PSP model 1001 purchased from North America includes these changes:
Network- Using the PSPâ„¢ system's Internet Browser feature, game demos can now be downloaded and saved on Memory Stickâ„¢ media.
- The following demo is currently available for download:[list:19fb77735b]
- LocoRocoâ„¢ demo
- (Demo release date TBD.)
[*]Video can now be displayed correctly when an external tuner is selected in LocationFreeâ„¢ Player.[*]Affects LocationFreeâ„¢ base station (a Sony product sold separately) model numbers LF-B1 (sold in North America/Taiwan/Korea) and LF-X11 (sold in North America). (Refer to the instruction manual for your LocationFreeâ„¢ base station to locate the model number.)[*]The issue that has been addressed does not affect LocationFreeâ„¢ base stations sold in Japan or Europe.[*]For additional information, contact SCEA Consumer Services at
1-800-345-7669.[/list:u:19fb77735b]
System software update for the Japanese PSP model v2.71 includes these changes:
Network- Internet Browser can now be used to download demo version of games to memory stick.
Available demo games are:[list:19fb77735b] - Loco Roco
- Kazuo
[*]LocationFree Player now displays correct image when selecting the external tuner.
- This affects users using LocationFree base station model LF-B1 (North America/Taiwan/Korea model) and LF-X11 (North America model). To know your hardware model number, just check you user manual.
- LocationFree base station models for Japan/Europe are not affected.
[*]The icon "Goto Network Service" has been added into the "Network" column.[/list:u:19fb77735b]
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Notice!
Firmware Versions 1.51, 1.52 WILL NOT RUN HOMEBREW. Firmware versions 2.70 and 2.71 will play homebrew flash files that are made compatible for these two firmware versions.
If you have 1.51 or 1.52, you'll either need to upgrade to 2.0 and use the overflow exploit to run homebrew, or you can downgrade back to 1.50 and enjoy the most robust lineup of homebrew available.
Firmware Versions 2.0, 2.01, 2.50, and 2.60 can now run homebrew, through game save hack files. Fanjita and Ditlew have made a huge amount of progress with their eLoader. A lot of homebrew available to earlier firmware users is now able to run on 2.0+ firmware. For 2.01+, you must have GTA: LCS to use the hack files.
You CAN NOT downgrade from 2.01, 2.50, 2.60, 2.70, or 2.71. Period.
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There are three ways to upgrade your PSP firmware.
- Use the Network Update feature. This will give you the most recent official firmware release.
- You can update using a UMD game that contains a firmware update. When loaded you'll see an update icon in the Game menu.
- Manually download and install the update from a EBOOT.PBP file. The EBOOT.PBP will need to be placed in X:/PSP/GAME/UPDATE/ where X: is your PSP drive letter.
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Last updated on 5/01/06 by F34R 
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