The PlayStation Portable (PSP) is a very popular system among the hacker community. It is easy to access and has a large number of homebrew programs at your disposal. Follow this guide to unlock the full potential of your PSP.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Understand the Basics
Step 1. Understand what happens when you hack a PSP
Hacking a PSP gives you access to a wide variety of custom software. This software is known as "Homebrew" and includes everything from games to productivity programs.
- Hacked PSPs can also run emulators, which are programs that allow you to play games from other consoles on the PSP.
- Hacked PSPs can run PSP game images without having to have the original copy. This is legal if you plan to use it as a backup only.
Step 2. Learn about the different types of hacks that exist
There is a wide variety of hacks for the PSP that have appeared over the years. Now that there is no support for the console, a standard hack appeared that works on all systems with the most recent official version.
Method 2 of 3: Prepare to Hack the PSP
Step 1. Find the model number of the PSP
The model number will determine the software you can install during and after the hack. There are two different processes that depend on the model.
- If you have an older model PSP, you need to open the battery compartment. To the right of the Sony logo, you will see "PSP-XXXX". All you need to know is whether it is a "1XXX", "2XXX" or "3XXX" model.
- If you have a PSP Go, you can find the model number by opening the screen and looking in the upper left corner. It should say "N1XXX".
- The ideal model is "2XXX" or an older one. You can hack the "3XXX" model and the PSP Go, but there are limitations on what you can do.
Step 2. Update your PSP
In order to hack it, you must make sure your PSP is updated to version "6.60". You can use the system update function directly on your PSP or download the file from the Sony website.
- If you download the update file from the Sony website, you must copy it to the PSP by connecting it to your computer. Copy the file to the "PSP / GAME / UPDATE /" folder and run it from the PSP.
- To copy files to the PSP, you first need to put it in USB mode. Once you connect it to your computer, scroll right through the PSP menu until you reach the settings menu, and then scroll down to select USB mode. Now you can access the PSP as a storage device from your computer.
Step 3. Download the custom firmware
You need "PRO-C", which can be found on various pages on the Internet. Extract the file and copy the firmware to your PSP using USB mode, in the "PSP / GAME /" folder.
Method 3 of 3: Install the firmware
Step 1. Install the firmware file
Navigate to the "Game" menu. Look for the "PRO Update" icon and select it with the "X" button. The screen will go black and a couple of options will appear. Press "X" to install the firmware. After a couple of minutes, a message will appear saying "Completed". Press "X" again to start the firmware.
Step 2. Flash the IPL
With the PSP "1XXX" and "2XXX", you must open "CIPL Flasher", which can be found in the "Game" menu. This will change the IPL (the initial program loader), which will cause the custom firmware to start at system startup.
Step 3. Run the "Quick Recovery" function
With the "3XXX" and the PSP Go, you must run the "Quick Recovery" function every time you start the system, since the IPL cannot be flashed on these systems. Running the "Quick Recovery" function will load the custom firmware at startup.
Step 4. Delete the installation files
After flashing the IPL, your PSP is already hacked and ready to use. You can delete the "CIPL Flasher" and "PRO Update" files. Make sure to leave the "Quick Recovery" feature if you have a "3XXX" or PSP Go.