Homebrew, Custom Firmware, Pandora's Battery, etc. Explained

Luigi Panache

¿ʇsǝ,ɔ ǝnb ǝɔ-ʇsǝ,nb
ultra seeker

since: Aug 2007

Jul 21, 09 at 11:23pm

re: The Super Mega Ultimate Homebrew/Custom Firmware Thread!

Now you'll need to know how to install the homebrew you worked so hard to get.

Installing Homebrew

There are three main types of homebrew applications:

1.50 Format Homebrew
Universal Format Homebrew
Plugins

We'll explain how to install each one. The screenshots shown were taken on my Windows 7 PC, so your Operating System may display things a little bit differently.

Installing 1.50 Format Homebrew

Most homebrew RAR or ZIP Files will have two folders no matter what, pictured here:

Spoiler: 1.50 Format Homebrew

Highlight this box with your cursor to read the spoiler text.

The idea is that you must copy these folders to your X:/PSP/GAME150 folder. For reference, a typical PSP folder looks like this on your PSP:

Spoiler: PSP Folder

Highlight this box with your cursor to read the spoiler text.

Drag both folders containing the __SCE__ preface to the GAME150 folder. Once they've copied over, you're good to go!
Important Notes:

In Homebrew, you're always looking to copy the folder that contains an EBOOT.PBP file to one of your PSP's game folders.
If you can't figure out what folder to copy, check the Read Me, then look around for the EBOOT file.
Some programs may come with two folders with the same name, but one has a %. It is advised to add __SCE__ in front of both folders, and move the % to the front of the one with a %. This will avoid corrupted data from appearing on your PSP.
To use 1.50 Format Homebrew, you must have either the old 1.50 Kernel Add-On and have a Phat PSP, or install LEDA on your PSP
For most 1.50 homebrews, there is a newer, better version of the program released in Universal Format.
- I recommend using the newer format homebrew if you have a choice.

Installing Universal Format Homebrew

Unlike 1.50 Format homebrew, there is only one folder to copy in this case. Here's a typical Universal Format homebrew's contents

Spoiler: Universal Format Homebrew

Highlight this box with your cursor to read the spoiler text.

You can ignore the Source/src folder, it is only important to programmers. Copy the Application's folder to your PSP's X:/PSP/GAME folder. Again, a typical PSP folder looks like this.
Important Notes:

In Homebrew, you're always looking to copy the folder that contains an EBOOT.PBP file to one of your PSP's game folders.
If you can't figure out what folder to copy, check the Read Me, then look around for the EBOOT file.
The EBOOT's folder may also contain a lot of other files too. These are needed by the program.

For example, here's the contents of the popular homebrew application PMP Player:

Spoiler: Common EBOOT Folder

Highlight this box with your cursor to read the spoiler text.

All these files will have to be copied, not just the EBOOT.PBP file.

Installing Plugins

Plugins are invaluable tools to many PSP users. With plugins, you can do all sorts of things, like take screenshots of games; display time, battery percentage, and estimated battery power left; and use cheat codes in games.
Plugins come in files that end in ".prx". These are the files you want to work with when you download a plugin file.

Download and unRAR/unZIP your plugin's archive.
Look for the plugin file, it will end in ".prx". The plugin HUD's plugin file looks like HUD.prx for example.
- Often, this file will be located in a folder called seplugins in the archive.
- Read the included Read Me to see if you need to copy other files besides the .prx file.
Copy the plugin to a folder on the ROOT of your Memory Stick called "seplugins".
Now, you need to get your PSP to load the plugin when it boots up.
1. According to the Read Me, the plugin is designed to work in PSP Games, in the VSH (screen with the Game, Music, Video categories and the waves in the background), in POPS (PSOne games), or in some combination of the three. Figure out where it is designed to run and remember it.
2. If they're not in the seplugins folder already, create three text files (.txt) called GAME.txt, VSH.txt, and POPS.txt.
3. In the text files that are named after the places the plugin should run, add a line that looks like this:
  code
  ms0:/seplugins/plugin.prx 1
  Where plugin.prx is the filename of the plugin you're installing.
  - If you want to have multiple plugins installed at a time, you can add additional lines to the text files, just separate each one with a line break (press of the Enter key)
  - The 1 at the end of the plugin's path tells the PSP that this plugin is activated. If it is a 0, then the PSP will not load the plugin.
4. You can manage which plugins are on or off from the recovery menu (to be explained later)

quote StarJet

Upgrading your current CFW

Method 1 : (Only applicable if you have a WiFi internet connection and/or your current CFW is 3.80 M33-4 or higher.)

1. Hold R during boot to enter the Recovery Menu.
2. Go to Configuration.
3. Enable M33 Network Update.
4. Exit Recovery Menu.
5. Go to Settings -> Network Update.
6. Connect your WiFi connection and sit back and relax as your update is downloaded and then installed.

Method 2 : (Use if you don't have a WiFi internet connection or you have a lower CFW version.)

Important! : If your PSP is a hard-modded TA-082/6 at 3.52 M33-4 or lower, please use Chilly Willy's idStorage Manager to rewrite any missing keys to avoid a full brick and make sure to keep a Pandora's Battery and Magic Memory Stick ready anyway.
Rewriting idStorage keys is an extremely complicated procedure that is best left to people who are sure of what they're doing. I will not try to explain that procedure here as even I have done it only once when a friend of mine bricked his hard-modded TA-082 when trying to install 3.71 M33.

Now that you've read my rambling, let's get on with it.
1. Download the latest version of Dark_Alex's Custom Firmware (as of today, 5th December 2008, version 5.00 M33-3) from here.
3. Now find the official Firmware of the same version here, and download it. (In this case, 5.00.)
4. Rename the EBOOT.PBP of the X.XX Sony FW to XXX.PBP. (In this case, EBOOT.PBP to 500.PBP.) As it's firmware 5.00, we name it 500.pbp. If it were 4.01, we'd name it 401.pbp.
5. Place that in the same folder as the CFW installer and copy that folder to /PSP/GAME.
6. For good measure, visit the Recovery Menu and make sure that the Game Folder Homebrew kernel is NOT set to 1.5.
7. Go to GAME -> Memory Stick menu and select the installer.
8. Voila! Enjoy the new CFW.

[size=1][color=#666666]This message was edited by Luigi Panache on Oct 18 2009.

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Netfront Internet Browser

Luigi Panache

¿ʇsǝ,ɔ ǝnb ǝɔ-ʇsǝ,nb
ultra seeker

since: Aug 2007

Jul 21, 09 at 11:24pm

re: The Super Mega Ultimate Homebrew/Custom Firmware Thread!

_{The below portion of the guide was written by Twin_Master}

Playstation Portable Homebrew Plugins and Applications

This section will detail the best and most useful PSP plugins and applications. All provide the most up to date versions of the app, as well as a description of what it does and a link to download of the applications.

NoUMD

ScreenShotPNG Speedy Plugin

'Type' Legend:

Application Extension: An application built as an improved version of an already supplied official PSP application. These are mainly used to increase services or bypass restrictions.
Homebrew Application: An application which is accessed directly through the memory stick is an individual program.
XMB and Game Plugin: A plugin which works in both the XMB and during a game.
XMB Plugin: A plugin that is designed to specifically work for the XMB menu.

AntiUpdate (v1.0)
Type: XMB Plugin
Description: AntiUpdate is a simply XMB Application that will hide the option to select the UMD's PSP Update, if you have a UMD inserted. This is useful for Homebrew users as they won't find it necessary to update to official firmware or to have obsolete firmware updates visisble.
Download Link: Download link

Bookr (v8.1)
Type: Homebrew Application
Description: A PDF viewer application allowing you to view full PDF files on the go, simply via your PSP. Useful if you don't have another portable PDF reading device.
Download Link: Download link

CWCheat (0.2.2 REV.D)
Type: XMB and Game Plugin
Description: The best cheat plugin for any game. The device and website boast hundreds of games and codes, ensuring that you have all the best cheat codes at your fingertips.
Download Link: Download link, Official Site

Hold+ (v3.7)
Type: XMB and Game Plugin
Description: A nifty application which is useful to save battery power when listening to music. It cuts down unnecessary processes in order to save battery power, when the PSP is placed in HOLD mode.
Download Link: Download link

Joysense (1.42 Beta)
Type: XMB and Game Plugin
Description: An excellent plugin which is reccomended for every single PSP user out there. This application will perfectly calibrate your PSP's analog stick, as wel as eliminating and "drifting" problems that have been found somewhat common in PHAT PSPs. it also features many other calibrating features as well as te ability to manipulate the PSP's analog stick in nmerous ways.
Download Link: Download link

Netfront Internet Browser (Beta 4)
Type: Application Extension
Description: An extension of the PSP's internet browser, it allows for more internet freedom and surfing, as well as cancelation of internet browsing restrictions.
Download Link: Download link

NoUMD
Type: XMB and Game Plugin
Description: Excellent for homebrew users. Disables the UMD Drive, so it does not appear in the XMB, elimination then need to wait for it during startup as well as acting as a storage area for a spare UMD.
Download Link: Download link

ScreenShotPNG Speedy Plugin (v0.30)
Type: XMB and Game Plugin
Description: Excellent little screen capture program. Fastest one out there. One press of a button will snapshot perfect quality photographs from your PSP screen with no loss in picture quality.
Download Link: Download link

^{The above potion of the guide was written by Twin_Master}

PSP Emulators

There's a lot of emulators for various platforms out there that run on the PSP. Pretty much any system older than the PSP (except the Xbox, Gamecube, and PS2) can be emulated on the PSP. If you don't know what an emulator is, look it up.
Important Note: Due to the nature of their obtaining, we here at Neoseeker will not, and do not discuss ROMs or ISOs! It is up to you to obtain the files that you plan to use on these emulators. ^{_{(But it's not like we'd never give you a hint)}}
This guide is structured almost exactly like Twin_Master's above guide.

NesterJ v1.20 beta with Wi-Fi Network play

Snes9xTYLsmcm Test 5

DaedalusX64 Beta 2 Update

PSP2600 v1.2.0
Description: Pretty much the best Atari Emulator for the PSP you'll fin out there. Runs almost all games at full speed, and is loaded with features. Very light size too.
Download Link: Download link

MasterBoy v2.02
Description: A very versatile emulator, it can run four different types of games. The interface is very clean, and very professional looking. All the games I've ever played on this run at full speed, and save properly.
Download Link: Download link

gpSP mod 20090720
Description: Even though it's mysteriously updated by an unknown Japanese programmer, gpSP's mods are very useful. Most games run at full speed with 1, 2, or 0 frame skip, and errors are few and far between. This program does require a GBA BIOS file, and it's under copyright so we can't help you get it.
Download Link: Download link

PicoDrive PSP v1.51
Description: Not mush to say about this emulator, except for the fact that games run pretty well. Using the fast mode, games run fine with a few errors. Using the accurate mode requires higher frame skip, but games are rendered without errors.
Download Link: Download link

NesterJ v1.20 beta with Wi-Fi Network play
Description: This has run every NES game I've thrown at it at full speed with no frameskip (except Battletoads of course.) The interface is a little outdated however, and the warning about overclocking is simply wrong, but it's a great emulator nonetheless.
Download Link: Download link

Snes9xTYLsmcm Test 5
Description: One of the best emulators in the 9x series. It doesn't have any upscaling features like its PC counterpart, but it has all the other features. Runs fast, saves well, great interface. My only warning is to watch your battery life because when it dips below 5% all saving is disabled!
Download Link: Download link

DaedalusX64 Beta 2 Update
Description: This is probably the most famous PSP emulator out there. Ever since the beginning when Daedalus was released, people wanted to run Nintendo 64 games at full speed on their PSPs. It used to be the only game that would run was Super Mario 64. Now that new coders have picked up this old project, Daedalus has been making astounding advances. It is promised that games like The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time will run at full speed some day.
For now, use this Beta version.
Download Link: Download link

[size=1][color=#666666]This message was edited by Luigi Panache on Jul 31 2009.

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Luigi Panache

¿ʇsǝ,ɔ ǝnb ǝɔ-ʇsǝ,nb
ultra seeker

since: Aug 2007

Jul 21, 09 at 11:24pm

re: The Super Mega Ultimate Homebrew/Custom Firmware Thread!

^{This guide is pointless for those who use ChickHEN to boot custom firmware}

Recovery Menu Explained

One big, cool thing about Custom Firmwares is the Recovery Menu (accessed by holding

on start-up.)
This section will explain what the various functions of the Recovery Menu do, in order

Toggle USB

This simply connects or disconnects the PSP's Memory Stick from a computer. You need to have the PSP connected to the computer for any effect.

Configuration Group

This group is loaded with cool options.

Skip Sony logo

This feature will remove the little "Sony Computer Entertainment Logo" from showing up when you turn on your PSP. It's handy if you hate that little boot-up sound.
Note: Whenever you exit from Recovery, and after some resets, the logo may still appear. This is normal and cannot be avoided.

Hide Corrupt Icons

This will hide any corrupt data fro, appearing under the Game section on the Memory Stick. This was used mostly for 1.50 Format homebrew because if folders were improperly named they would show up as corrupted.

Game Folder Homebrew

This sets what kernel version games under the GAME folder would be run as. It's pointless to use on a Slim and is there for legacy purposes, so just ignore it.

Autorun program at /PSP/GAME/BOOT/EBOOT.PBP

If you put a program in the path indicated, it will run on start-up. Not much more to say here...

UMD Mode

For this one we'll get more in depth

Normal: -UMD required-

If you're running an ISO, then you need to have a UMD inserted. (Not the same game as the ISO, but a UMD.)

M33/GEN Driver -NO UMD-

This driver allows you to run ISOs without a UMD in the UMD drive. It's stable, but not as stable as the next one.

Sony NP9660 -NO UMD-

This is the official Sony driver for ISOs and CSOs. Apparently they just put it in the flash one day, since it can't be used on an Official Firmware PSP.
This is the most stable driver, it's never failed on me before. You don't need a UMD in your drive with this one.

OE isofs legacy -NO UMD-

This is the old version of the M33 driver. It's not super-compatible with newer games, so I don't recommend you use it.

Fake region

This simply makes your PSP think it's from another region. Useful if you want to use some of the Japanese features.
Note: This does not allow you to watch region-encoded UMD movies of a different region than your own. You need to rewrite your IDstorage keys, and that's a long process.

Use Vshmenu

This enables or disables the VSH Menu, a handy tool that can be reached by pressing select in the XMB.

XMB USB Device

Determines which device will be accessed when you connect your PSP to your computer.

Charge battery when USB cable plugged

A Slim only feature, this allows you to charge the battery via USB even when not in USB mode. Very handy, but the charge won't work in high-battery usage situations like while playing with a UMD online at 333 mHz.

Use M33/GEN network update

A very useful feature that will replace the Sony network update with an M33/GEN update. Thus, to update your firmware just run the Network Update program from the XMB.

Hide PIC0.PNG and PIC1.PNG in game menu

These two pictures are the background and over-text in a game's selection. Not loading these speeds up game selection, but also makes the game not look as fancy. I personally have disabled this.

Use version.txt

This is a method of making your PSP seem as if it's running a higher firmware to Sony. There will be a guide on this shortly.

Speed up MS access

An incredibly useful feature that does what it says. It will speed up Memory Stick access.

Run program at /PSP/GAME/RECOVERY/EBOOT.PBP

This option will start any program loaded at this location. Hellcat's recovery flasher (listed a bit above) is perfect for this program, as it will fix your PSP if you can only get to the Recovery Menu.

Advanced

The features in here are not to be used unless you know what you're doing!

Advanced configuration

This has a few complicated features.

Plain modules in UMD/ISO

This is an advanced feature best left to developers. It allows specific forms of unsigned code to run from within an ISO or UMD. It's not recommended, as it may break compatibility with certain firmwares.

Execute BOOT.BIN in UMD/ISO

This simply makes the BOOT.BIN file load instead of the EBOOT.BIN. It has no use unless you're using the Plain modules feature as well. Unless you're a developer, don't touch!

XMB/GAME/POPS plugins

These three options enable or disable plugins completely in the modes you select. Useful if you think a plugin may be causing problem in a game.

Toggle USB flash0/1/2/3

These four features are not toys! They allow you to modify the system files saved in your PSP's Flash memory. Incorrect usage may result in a bricked PSP. Only use these if you know what you are doing, or have a Pandora and Magic Memory Stick handy.

Format flash1 and reset settings

Remember when you first bought your PSP and you had to go through a series of steps of inputting information? This will make that happen again, by returning your PSP's settings to factory default. It won't remove your custom firmware though, so don't worry.

CPU Speed

This section has two options, both straightforward.

Speed in XMB

This changes how fast the CPU is running in the XMB. 222 is Sony's default, 333 is the CPU's maximum without danger of overheating. Having your CPU at 333 mHz is completely safe!
Higher numbers means faster load times and overall performance, but also drain the battery faster.
Setting this to default will allow other programs (like the music player and remote play) to define their own CPU speed.

Speed in UMD/ISO

This changes how fast the CPU is running in the XMB. 222 is Sony's default, 333 is the CPU's maximum without danger of overheating. Having your CPU at 333 mHz is completely safe!
Higher numbers means faster load times and overall performance, but also drain the battery faster.
Setting this to default will allow other programs (like God of War: Chains of Olympus, and Patapon 2) to define their own CPU speed.

Plugins

This displays a menu of all the plugins you have installed, where they are set up to run, and whether or not they are activated or not.

Registry hacks

This will activate certain features that you could also activate via Wi-Fi for the most part.

Button assign

In case you didn't know, in Japan they use

for yes, and

for no. In Europe and North America, it's the other way around. This setting allows you to change that for whatever purpose you want, but it only applies to the XMB not games.

Activate WMA

Allows you to play Windows Media Audio files without connecting to the internet to first.

Activate Flash Player

An old setting, as Flash Player is already activated above 3.10 firmwares I'm pretty sure. Still it's there for legacy purposes.

Exit

Goes to the XMB.

[size=1][color=#666666]This message was edited by Luigi Panache on Aug 01 2009.

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Luigi Panache

¿ʇsǝ,ɔ ǝnb ǝɔ-ʇsǝ,nb
ultra seeker

since: Aug 2007

Jul 21, 09 at 11:24pm

re: The Super Mega Ultimate Homebrew/Custom Firmware Thread!

I can't access the PSN or play some games online! What's going on?

Over the years, Sony has tried many different ways to block non-official firmware users from accessing all Sony has to offer. Firmware checks are by far the most common, and Sony has made some recent advances in this respect.
When Dark Alex added the "Use version.txt" feature to his custom firmware, many problems were solved. The PSN (PlayStation Network) asks for a copy of every PSP's internal file called "version.txt" that contains information specific to each firmware. You can trick the PSN into thinking you have a higher firmware than you really do if you take a copy of the newest firmware's version.txt and give it to the servers.
This also allows some games that only need a firmware check to boot. The game reads the newer version.txt, and allows the PSP to run it.

Recently, Sony has implemented two new ways of checking firmware. I am not exactly sure how it works, but I have two guesses:

The system of authentication by Sony, called DNAS (Dynamic Network Authentication System) is easily modified. It takes specially encoded ares of various files (Firmware files, Game Files, System Keys) and puts them into a checksum algorithm. If the checksum is not as expected, most likely the user is using custom firmware. This would be very hard to circumvent, and would have taken a bit of time for Sony to implement.
Sony ignores the version.txt check, and instead checks a different file that contains firmware information. This would be easy to circumvent, and would require little to no effort on Sony's part to implement.

Regardless, there is no workaround for the new method of checking custom firmware. Sorry, but you're stuck!
You can still play most older games though, and you can (most likely) still download games using Media Go!

When a solution is found, I will add more information here.

[size=1][color=#666666]This message was edited by Luigi Panache on Oct 16 2009.

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Xhizors

Now NOT Playing: CC:FFVII
neologist

total posts: 402
since: Apr 2009

Jul 22, 09 at 7:51am

re: The Super Mega Ultimate Homebrew/Custom Firmware Thread!

Why not add the ChickHEN thingy on here?

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If you are happy and you know it,

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Luigi Panache

¿ʇsǝ,ɔ ǝnb ǝɔ-ʇsǝ,nb
ultra seeker

since: Aug 2007

Jul 23, 09 at 2:10am

re: The Super Mega Ultimate Homebrew/Custom Firmware Thread!

There, I added it.

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Luigi Panache

¿ʇsǝ,ɔ ǝnb ǝɔ-ʇsǝ,nb
ultra seeker

since: Aug 2007

Jul 23, 09 at 5:03pm

re: The Super Mega Ultimate Homebrew/Custom Firmware Thread!

Added the Homebrew installation section. Plugins will be coming soon.

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Jon24hours

Pactio!
(moderator)

Dissidia: Final Fantasy [PSP]

total posts: 7992
neopoints: 564
since: Jun 2004

Jul 23, 09 at 5:50pm

re: The Super Mega Ultimate Homebrew/Custom Firmware Thread!

Nice going, LP! Keep it up!

But, it might be good to put the images into spoiler boxes, so people can view them and close them as they please.

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- Kingdom Hearts: 358/2 Days - Final Fantasy Dissidia - MegaMan Star Force 3: Black Ace/Red Joker -

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The Don

Neoholic

total posts: 10128
since: Aug 2007

Jul 23, 09 at 5:59pm

re: The Super Mega Ultimate Homebrew/Custom Firmware Thread!

Yeah, I agree. They're quite the page stretcher.

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last.fm | blog | gallery

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Luigi Panache

¿ʇsǝ,ɔ ǝnb ǝɔ-ʇsǝ,nb
ultra seeker

since: Aug 2007

Jul 23, 09 at 6:49pm

re: The Super Mega Ultimate Homebrew/Custom Firmware Thread!

quote The Don
Yeah, I agree. They're quite the page stretcher.

They don't stretch the width of the page at all, using Firefox 3.5 at at least 1280 by 960 pixels, but I hid them anyway.

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The Don

Neoholic

total posts: 10128
since: Aug 2007

Jul 23, 09 at 7:00pm

re: The Super Mega Ultimate Homebrew/Custom Firmware Thread!

Not everyone has a 1280 by 960 screen.

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last.fm | blog | gallery

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Luigi Panache

¿ʇsǝ,ɔ ǝnb ǝɔ-ʇsǝ,nb
ultra seeker

since: Aug 2007

Jul 23, 09 at 7:03pm

re: The Super Mega Ultimate Homebrew/Custom Firmware Thread!

quote The Don
Not everyone has a 1280 by 960 screen.

Most newer monitors support it, but it depends on the individual's monitor and Operating System.
Frankly, Windows 7 is running it beautifully for me and I don't have a high-end PC.

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The Don

Neoholic

total posts: 10128
since: Aug 2007

Jul 23, 09 at 8:33pm

re: The Super Mega Ultimate Homebrew/Custom Firmware Thread!

Meh. I have the option of changing my resolution to 1280 by 960 by going to preferences but it's just too small for me.

You guys think the PSPGo! is going to be hackable? :3

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last.fm | blog | gallery

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Luigi Panache

¿ʇsǝ,ɔ ǝnb ǝɔ-ʇsǝ,nb
ultra seeker

since: Aug 2007

Jul 23, 09 at 9:54pm

re: The Super Mega Ultimate Homebrew/Custom Firmware Thread!

quote The Don
Meh. I have the option of changing my resolution to 1280 by 960 by going to preferences but it's just too small for me.

You guys think the PSPGo! is going to be hackable? :3

On resolution, I prefer the smaller screens. I just do, and it drives my family crazy because they can't see anything well. Still, I run videogames at my monitor's native resolution, 1024 by 768 because it's just easier. Plus, there's no adjustments to make to the screen's position every time I switch. I'm going to get an LCD monitor someday to replace my old CRT.

The PSP Go is going to be hackable someday ,and I'm sure it'll be with an exploit like ChickenHEN. Sony's 1up-ed us on the hardware front.

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