PSP Breakthrough (ps1 emulation, custom firmware, etc.)

[Marcus]

The PSP scene has just exploded now that a new custom firmware has been released. It allows:

-Users with the TA-082 model to downgrade (before, doing this would brick your system)

-Allows users to still play current firmware games as well as homebrew

-Allows users to play ps1 images on their Sony PSP's. Originally you could only do this through Sony's method; buy a ps3... which is incredibly stupid.

The ps1 emulation is nearly flawless. There are a few games that don't work, and currently, multi-disc games that DO NOT allow a save before the switch will not let you continue but these games are very rare (Fear Effect and Metal Gear Solid are the only ones I think of but you can save in MGS right before the disc swap).

Right now, I have Brave Fencer Musashi, Vagrant Story, and Final Fantasy 7 on my PSP and they run perfectly except FF7 has a few sprite glitches in the cursor that's nearly unnoticeable to the untrained eye.

Hopefully, more features of the PSP can be unlocked by the fans who spent the $200 for the system because Sony sure as hell doesn't care about their actual consumers. Hopefully we can get some N64 emulation running. It's already WORKING, just not at a good speed.

Links
Youtube video of Final Fantasy 7 running on the psp.
http://www.youtube.com/v/CW4m0gkei9k

Here's the information and procedure for downgrading TA-082 PSPs version 2.71 down to 1.5: http://pspupdates.qj.net/2-71-TA-082-Firmware-PSP-s-Now-Able-to-Downgrade-/pg/49/aid/77460

Here's the info and procedure for upgrading to 3.02 OE-A:
http://pspupdates.qj.net/Custom-Firmware-3-02-OE-A-released-by-Dark-AleX-/pg/49/aid/76935

And finally, to go to 3.02 OE-B. (You need to have 3.02 OE-A BEFORE updating to OE-B)
http://pspupdates.qj.net/Dark-AleX-s-3-02-OE-B-released-/pg/49/aid/77278

NOTE TO MODS: This post or the links within do not contain roms, pirated materials, or any illegal objects available for download nor links to illegal objects. I assume that everyone who rips ps1 discs owns the original copy and is doing it for their own enjoyment and is not sharing it or offering it for download. This is for backup purposes only, blah blah blah, legal shit to cover my ass.

 

[Anaryu]

My biggest complaint about homebrew and stuff like this is that I paid a lot of money for my PSP and I don't want to risk it on homebrew stuff, no matter how stable it is.

I am hugely disappointed in the PSP's own support for PS1 games and other promises Sony made, and have been tempted several times, but was never willing to chance my current collection of games.

 

[Marcus]

PSP is completely stable with PS1 games... it's just that without this, you can only do it through the PS3. Maybe someone in Sony will stop sipping on the sake and sober up by releasing something official, but knowing how much they hate their own handheld it's understandable (read: not really)

Still man, you're missing a pretty big scene. I've upgraded and downgraded atleast 20 times before this new firmware came out because I wanted to play homebrew as well as the newer games but now I don't have to worry about it anymore. I have yet to hear anyone say this has bricked their system and I hang out on the PSP boards. It only bricked it if you had a certain motherboard model and now that problem has been fixed.

It's your decision whether or not to download it, but you are missing a great feature. I just discovered how fun Alundra was. I never liked it as a child because it was so hard but now I must say this beats Link to the Past and that's my favorite Zelda game.

 

[xmcdohlx]

yeah the world of homebrew opens a new world in the PSP. and this new firmware features an anti brick recovery system =)

 

[Minkoff]

Sounds ridiculously awesome. If I didn't have like $400+ on my shopping list already, I'd be jumping on this instantly. Hey, maybe it'll be even cheaper in the year or two it'll take me to find the funds. Still, fucking awesome. I can't even express how much PSP envy I have right now, especially given how much of a disappointment the GP2X has been (I'm selling it when I get back from Massachusetts).

Also, I love the idea of an N64 emulator on the PSP. I mean... Sega games on Nintendo systems, Nintendo games on Sony systems? THE WORLD HAS GONE COMPLETELY INSANE!

I wonder when it was that I last went outside.

 

[xmcdohlx]

try buying an old PSP, cuz newer version come with TA82-TA86 motherboards which make it harder to play all this homebrew, emulators n stuff, they're working on stuff for them atm but at least with older motherboard version u can guarantee urself right away u'll b having fun =)

oh, and DO NOT upgrade ur firmware when u buy it if u wanna do all this xD

 

[Mega Flare]

this well only work if you got version 1.5 and with 2.71. So if you dont have any of those features you well cant use this

 

[Marcus]

this well only work if you got version 1.5 and with 2.71. So if you dont have any of those features you well cant use this

the current version is 2.71 isn't it? There's a downgrade available for all versions of 2.71 no matter what your motherboard is.

Just want to post some emulation problems: Final Fantasy 9 rarely freezes in that spot where you fight Black Waltz 3 for the second time (Bohden Square?). Also, the opening FMV for Dragon Quest VII has mild artifacting but it's not that important.

PAL games won't work but the epsxe emulator website has a NTSC/PAL converter that fixes this problem in a few mouse clicks.

 

[Anaryu]

How much space do the PS1 games end up taking really? I'll probably have to buy a larger card to support them I'm betting.

 

[Sketch]

I've done this myself, and I can attest is works -wonderfully-

If anyone needs help with it, PM me (and NO I will NOT give out illegal things, only offer walk through help)

I was afraid to brick my PSP as well, Anaryu...but I bit the bullet, and followed the instructions TO THE LETTER, and haven't regretted it since. Now, this is a custom firmware, but it will allow you to play any and all games requiring 3.02 or below. -Very- Nice feature (After changing to the custom firmware, I tested it and was very pleased to find all my games still work 100%)

As for the PSX games, I have 2 so far that have not worked under any circumstance, and the rest (50 so far) have all been 100% compatibility. Certain games, however (Ape Escape for example) that require the use of BOTH analog sticks, or buttons L3 and R3 will work, you just won't be able to do much *Laughs*

If you have a PSP, this is worth doing, definitely.

 

[arcthemonkey]

Something interesting is that a guide on how to use this patch was allowed to stay on the official playstation site. Interesting, eh?

I would like to point out though that in March the PSP will be able to connect to the PSNetwork and download PS1 games itself.

It's strange the PS1 games come out so slow.

But them not letting you do it on the PSP without the PS3 is no different from when Nintendo delayed the launch of the GCN Twilight Princess - they want you to buy the new system!

Something I've never had a straight answer on though - can I patch OUT of the custom firmware? Like, if I go to the System Update, will it still work?

Meh, I understand it's tough tits for people with v3.01 anyway.

And Anaryu, PS1 games take anywhere from 150MB to almost 2gigs, depending on how big the game is and how many disks it has.

 

[Mega Flare]

im not going to do this with my PSP. for one reason why is that i got version 3.00 and 2nd I just don't want to. Im having fun with my PSP without emulation. I own 16 PSP games and I love them all

 

[Sketch]

Something interesting is that a guide on how to use this patch was allowed to stay on the official playstation site. Interesting, eh?

I would like to point out though that in March the PSP will be able to connect to the PSNetwork and download PS1 games itself.

It's strange the PS1 games come out so slow.

I know...it -is- strange that Sony has remaind somewhat quiet on this whole thing...but perhaps this is a good thing (what better way to stress test the limits of their own PSX Emulator then to have it mass released like this) But I dunno exactly how this will all turn out...

Something I've never had a straight answer on though - can I patch OUT of the custom firmware? Like, if I go to the System Update, will it still work?

This specific firmware will not (I am not gonna try to test it :P) update via the Sony interface to the offical Firmware, however you can 'uninstall' it with the Recovery software provided to an offical 1.5 Firmware and update from there.

im not going to do this with my PSP. for one reason why is that i got version 3.00 and 2nd I just don't want to. Im having fun with my PSP without emulation. I own 16 PSP games and I love them all

While your first reason is a good one...what would it matter about the 2nd? I own about 6 PSP games and love them too, but where it really shines -is- the homebrew scene, especially with this newest development. I was running custom homebrew applications and games since I got the thing last year, AND purchasing new games as well.

 

[Mega Flare]

im not a fan of the homebrew scene. Ive tried it a long time ago but it was just boring.

 

[Rain]

Damn my crappy 3.01, sigh, maybe this time next year I will finally be able to homebrew :P

 

[Sketch]

im not a fan of the homebrew scene. Ive tried it a long time ago but it was just boring.

Well...you are Mega Flare...

 

[xmcdohlx]

current version is 3.03
and there is no downgrader for all motherboards.
for TA81 and below there's downgrade for 2.80 and below. I myself had 2.8 and downgraded. The downgrade originally was removed from QJ because it was incredibly risky if you didn't know what you were doing. (lots of ppl bricked their PSPs >.<)
for TA82 there's downgrader for 2.71 and below.
for TA83-TA86 (the new colors n stuff released @ Japan [CHECK THIS OUT ]) there is no downgrader, however 00km (a well known developer in the homebrew scene claims it's possible)

now, the discussion between homebrew yay or nay will never end. it's like arguing about religion or politics, you will NEVER EVER reach an agreement.

Homebrew Cons:
-Unofficial
-May brick system if you don't know what you're doing or download from untrusted sites
-The legality of this is highly disputed, but it's illegal tho, to play ROMs and of course running ISOs.
-Of course you will need space and will want more space. 4GB stick anyone?
-Flashing (this is where countless people brick PSPs)

Homebrew Pros:
-Run PSP ISOs so you don't have to buy games**
-Run PSX ISOs with the official Sony PSX to PSP emulator so you will play PSX games at full speed!**
-Run GBA, SNES, Sega Genesis, MAME, CPS1, CPS2, Neo Geo, ATARI, NES, Commodore, N64 (WiP tho)*
-Homemade games like Smash Bros., Dungeons, etc.
-Aiding applications like Guitar Helper, PDF reader, PSPaing, PSPNotepad, etc.
-Custom gameboots*
-Custom firmware (having what the latest firmwares offer, yet keeping the subset of 1.5 to be able to play homebrew n stuff)
-Recovery system in 3.02OEB (brick it? no problem, recovery system for you!)
-It's the same as having a normal PSP but with lots of more stuff.

* = Illegal activity
** = Illegal activity unless you own a legal and original copy of the game

 

[Sketch]

Homebrew Pros:
-Run PSP ISOs so you don't have to buy games*
-Run PSX ISOs with the official Sony PSX to PSP emulator so you will play PSX games at full speed!*
-Custom gameboots

* = Illegal activity

Actually, the things you listed as illegal -aren't- so long as you own the original copy of the game and rip it yourself to your own computer. Custom Gameboots, however, are quite illegal right now as they use stolen/leaked Sony code, so those are a big no-no to discuss.

 

[xmcdohlx]

yeah...if you own the copy it's alright, edited my other post btw to include gameboots as illegal

 

[Marcus]

-May brick system if you don't know what you're doing or download from untrusted sites

3.02 comes with anti-bricking software in the form of a recovery package. If you update to 3.02A, then you won't brick your system and if you do, you can recover from it.

-The legality of this is highly disputed, but it's illegal tho, to play ROMs and of course running ISOs.

The GPL permits the modification of firmware. Sony doesn't own the firmware, they own the hardware. The firmware can easily be changed by anyone who knows what they're doing with a LUA interpreter and some games (like liberty city stories) even came with custom firmware (you originally couldn't downgrade with Rockstar's 2.0 firmware).

Of course roms and iso's are illegal if you don't own the original copy, but this is how everything works. People still sell flash drives for the Nintendo DS hoping that the guys buying them own the original cartridge. This is for backup purposes only but you'll always have people that steal stuff. There's no way around this.

The modding community is actually against warez because it makes the companies lose trust in their fans. Warez still goes on, but none of the reputable psp websites will allow you to even discuss it in their forums.

Well...you are Mega Flare...

Seriously, Mega Flare is the weirdest member ever. If I offered him 2 free pizzas he'd only accept 1 because he'd be too stuffed to eat the second.