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PSP Guide
Installing Homebrew
How to Install and Run Homebrew Apps on your Playstation Portable (PSP)
Homebrew is now available on all firmware versions, but at different capacities. Check your PSP's firmware version by scrolling all the way to the left on the PSP's
XMB menu (the main menu), scrolling down to "System Settings" and then to "System Information." It will say "Software Version:" and then the current version of your PSP. Then,
click the link for your firmware version below to view the instructions.
Firmware Version 1.00:
Firmware version 1.00 is the ideal platform for homebrew. It was only released in Japan, but a downgrader was engineered to downgrade original 1.50 PSPs (note, downgraded 2.00 PSPs cannot be downgraded to version 1.00!). This firmware versions runs unaltered, unsigned EBOOTs. It is the only version that will run EBOOTs without any workarounds or hacks. It has full access to kernel mode (which means access to the USB port, the IR Port, the Flash Memory, and so on). The drawback to this firmware version is that it will not be able to run the latest commercial games; they require an update of your firmware.
To run homebrew on a 1.00 PSP, you simply need to place an EBOOT into the PSP/Game directory on your memory stick. It will launch without a hitch from the main menu of the PSP. Select your application from the "Memory Stick" option in the "Game" menu. If the EBOOT only came in 1.50 form (2 Folders, each with an EBOOT), you will need to use a tool like Sei PSP Tool to convert it back to a Firmware Version 1.00 readable form.
Firmware Version 1.50:
Firmware version 1.50 presented a little problem for homebrew developers. Sony attempted to lock out unauthorized code by requiring executables (EBOOTs) to be "signed" by Sony. PSP hackers found a way around this obstacle with the Swaploit Trick. This involved two memory sticks, each containing an executable file. The memory sticks were swapped during a reboot of the PSP, tricking it into running the code. This exploit was obsolete shortly after it was discovered. Another trick was found that allowed the PSP to run homebrew code without having to physically switch memory cards. This is called kxploit.
This exploit involves two folders. Each folder contains one EBOOT.PBP file. Both folders need to be placed on the memory stick inside the PSP/Game folder and then the homebrew program can be ran through the "Game" menu in the same way as on Firmware Version 1.00. Most homebrew applications will come with premade 1.50 EBOOT folders that you can simply copy and paste to your memory card, but some only come with a 1.00 EBOOT. If this is the case, you will need to download a tool like Sei PSP Tool to convert it into the two-folder, 1.50 readable format.
Firmware Version 1.51:
Firmware Version 1.51 was never hacked. You will need to get the Firmware Version 2.00 Update File (download courtesy PSPUpdates) and then follow the directions for running homebrew on Firmware Version 2.00 from there. IMPORTANT NOTE: do not use Network Update!
Firmware Version 1.52:
Just like Firmware Version 1.51, Firmware Version 1.52 was never hacked. You will need to get the Firmware Version 2.00 Update File (download courtesy PSPUpdates) and then follow the directions for running homebrew on Firmware Version 2.00 from there. IMPORTANT NOTE: do not use Network Update!
Firmware Version 2.00:
Firmware Version 2.00 proved to be a challenge for PSP hackers. The new security features blocked the kxploit vulnerability that was present in Firmware Version 1.50. But, the hackers weren't foiled. After a few months of hard work, they discovered a TIFF overflow exploit. This allowed the running of code through a picture file. At first, the exploit was limited, but then a downgrader was introduced. This allowed users to revert to Firmware Version 1.50 and thus use homebrew again.
Shortly thereafter, an EBOOT Loader was introduced. This allowed the execution of EBOOT files straight from Firmware Version 2.00. The only problem with this exploit is that it does not allow the execution of Kernel Mode applications. If you want to run applications that use the USB Port, the IR Port or the Flash Memory, you will need to use the downgrader tutorial (Please note that you will not be able to play many commercial games with Firmware Version 1.50).
If not, you can use Fanjita's EBOOT Loader. It will come with installation instructions. The condensed version is that you put the folder into your PSP/Photo folder. You then place homebrew EBOOTs (formatted for version 1.00) into folders in the PSP/Game directory. From the "Photo" menu, you will be able to launch the EBOOT Loader and then select your homebrew game.
Firmware Version 2.01:
On firmwares higher than 2.50, there are two options. Both require using an exploit that has been found in Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. If you have above Firmware 2.00 and you don't have GTA:LCS, you have two choices. One, give up homebrew and hope that someone discoveres another exploit (bad choice.), or buy GTA!
If you have Grand Theft Auto, you're in luck. Fanjita has recently released an EBOOT loader for 2.01+ firmwares using a vulnerability in the Grand Theft Auto save games. To install, visit his site and download the latest version of his GTA EBOOT Loader. It will come with a "readme" that you should read to learn how to install it, but here's the short version. You will get two folders, starting with "ULES." You will need to put these in the PSP/Savedata folder. Then you can start the EBOOT loader by loading the corrosponding save game from Grand Theft Auto. The EBOOT Loader will now load every time you start GTA; if you wish to actually play GTA instead, simply rename or remove the folders that contain the EBOOT Loader.
Alternatively, there are standalone games that you can use with the GTA Exploit, but now that the EBOOT Loader is out, that is your best bet. The standalone games were quick jobs just to get games out there while people were waiting for the EBOOT Loader. Most have corrosponding EBOOTs that you can load through the GTA EBOOT Loader. Just a note, this exploit doesn't have Kernel Mode either, so don't expect to see homebrew programs using the USB Port, IR Port, or Flash Memory any time soon.
Firmware Version 2.50:
On firmwares higher than 2.50, there are two options. Both require using an exploit that has been found in Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. If you have above Firmware 2.00 and you don't have GTA:LCS, you have two choices. One, give up homebrew and hope that someone discoveres another exploit (bad choice.), or buy GTA!
If you have Grand Theft Auto, you're in luck. Fanjita has recently released an EBOOT loader for 2.01+ firmwares using a vulnerability in the Grand Theft Auto save games. To install, visit his site and download the latest version of his GTA EBOOT Loader. It will come with a "readme" that you should read to learn how to install it, but here's the short version. You will get two folders, starting with "ULES." You will need to put these in the PSP/Savedata folder. Then you can start the EBOOT loader by loading the corrosponding save game from Grand Theft Auto. The EBOOT Loader will now load every time you start GTA; if you wish to actually play GTA instead, simply rename or remove the folders that contain the EBOOT Loader.
Alternatively, there are standalone games that you can use with the GTA Exploit, but now that the EBOOT Loader is out, that is your best bet. The standalone games were quick jobs just to get games out there while people were waiting for the EBOOT Loader. Most have corrosponding EBOOTs that you can load through the GTA EBOOT Loader. Just a note, this exploit doesn't have Kernel Mode either, so don't expect to see homebrew programs using the USB Port, IR Port, or Flash Memory any time soon.
Firmware Version 2.60:
On firmwares higher than 2.50, there are two options. Both require using an exploit that has been found in Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. If you have above Firmware 2.00 and you don't have GTA:LCS, you have two choices. One, give up homebrew and hope that someone discoveres another exploit (bad choice.), or buy GTA!
If you have Grand Theft Auto, you're in luck. Fanjita has recently released an EBOOT loader for 2.01+ firmwares using a vulnerability in the Grand Theft Auto save games. To install, visit his site and download the latest version of his GTA EBOOT Loader. It will come with a "readme" that you should read to learn how to install it, but here's the short version. You will get two folders, starting with "ULES." You will need to put these in the PSP/Savedata folder. Then you can start the EBOOT loader by loading the corrosponding save game from Grand Theft Auto. The EBOOT Loader will now load every time you start GTA; if you wish to actually play GTA instead, simply rename or remove the folders that contain the EBOOT Loader.
Alternatively, there are standalone games that you can use with the GTA Exploit, but now that the EBOOT Loader is out, that is your best bet. The standalone games were quick jobs just to get games out there while people were waiting for the EBOOT Loader. Most have corrosponding EBOOTs that you can load through the GTA EBOOT Loader. Just a note, this exploit doesn't have Kernel Mode either, so don't expect to see homebrew programs using the USB Port, IR Port, or Flash Memory any time soon.
Firmware Version 2.70:
At this time, homebrew code cannot be run on Firmware Version 2.70 or above. Your only options for running homemade programs are through the web browser. You may use either the traditional javascript or the newly implemented Flash player. Hackers are working hard at breaking the firmware. Once that happens, you'll be the first to know. Check back soon!
Be sure to add the feed to your RSS Aggregator (or Google Homepage, or Firefox Live Bookmark) to stay updated with the latest updates.
If you have enjoyed this guide and have a spare buck or two, please consider
donating to the author.
Please contact me with your feedback on the guide and on what you'd like to see in the next articles. My AIM is Yeldarb2k3, and my e-mail is Yeldarb [at] Barbdwyer [dot] com. Also, if you are looking for someone to design you a website, please contact me through my site, Barbdwyer Web Design.
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Firmware 1.00 This firmware is hacked and completely working with homebrew! |
Firmware 1.50 This firmware is hacked and completely working with homebrew! |
Firmware 1.51 This firmware is hacked and completely working with homebrew! |
Firmware 1.52 This firmware is hacked and completely working with homebrew! |
|
Firmware 2.00 This firmware is hacked and completely working with homebrew! |
Firmware 2.01 This firmware is hacked and completely working with homebrew! |
Firmware 2.50 This firmware is hacked and completely working with homebrew! |
Firmware 2.60 This firmware is hacked and completely working with homebrew! |
|
Firmware 2.70 This firmware has not yet been hacked. Check back soon for updates! |
Firmware 2.71 This firmware has not yet been hacked. Check back soon for updates! |
Firmware 2.80 This firmware has not yet been hacked. Check back soon for updates! |
Firmware 2.81 This firmware has not yet been hacked. Check back soon for updates! |
|
Firmware 2.82 This firmware has not yet been hacked. Check back soon for updates! |
Firmware 3.00 This firmware has not yet been hacked. Check back soon for updates! |
Firmware 3.01 This firmware has not yet been hacked. Check back soon for updates! |
Firmware 3.02 This firmware has not yet been hacked. Check back soon for updates! |
Firmware version 1.00 is the ideal platform for homebrew. It was only released in Japan, but a downgrader was engineered to downgrade original 1.50 PSPs (note, downgraded 2.00 PSPs cannot be downgraded to version 1.00!). This firmware versions runs unaltered, unsigned EBOOTs. It is the only version that will run EBOOTs without any workarounds or hacks. It has full access to kernel mode (which means access to the USB port, the IR Port, the Flash Memory, and so on). The drawback to this firmware version is that it will not be able to run the latest commercial games; they require an update of your firmware.
To run homebrew on a 1.00 PSP, you simply need to place an EBOOT into the PSP/Game directory on your memory stick. It will launch without a hitch from the main menu of the PSP. Select your application from the "Memory Stick" option in the "Game" menu. If the EBOOT only came in 1.50 form (2 Folders, each with an EBOOT), you will need to use a tool like Sei PSP Tool to convert it back to a Firmware Version 1.00 readable form.
Firmware Version 1.50:
Firmware version 1.50 presented a little problem for homebrew developers. Sony attempted to lock out unauthorized code by requiring executables (EBOOTs) to be "signed" by Sony. PSP hackers found a way around this obstacle with the Swaploit Trick. This involved two memory sticks, each containing an executable file. The memory sticks were swapped during a reboot of the PSP, tricking it into running the code. This exploit was obsolete shortly after it was discovered. Another trick was found that allowed the PSP to run homebrew code without having to physically switch memory cards. This is called kxploit.
This exploit involves two folders. Each folder contains one EBOOT.PBP file. Both folders need to be placed on the memory stick inside the PSP/Game folder and then the homebrew program can be ran through the "Game" menu in the same way as on Firmware Version 1.00. Most homebrew applications will come with premade 1.50 EBOOT folders that you can simply copy and paste to your memory card, but some only come with a 1.00 EBOOT. If this is the case, you will need to download a tool like Sei PSP Tool to convert it into the two-folder, 1.50 readable format.
Firmware Version 1.51:
Firmware Version 1.51 was never hacked. You will need to get the Firmware Version 2.00 Update File (download courtesy PSPUpdates) and then follow the directions for running homebrew on Firmware Version 2.00 from there. IMPORTANT NOTE: do not use Network Update!
Firmware Version 1.52:
Just like Firmware Version 1.51, Firmware Version 1.52 was never hacked. You will need to get the Firmware Version 2.00 Update File (download courtesy PSPUpdates) and then follow the directions for running homebrew on Firmware Version 2.00 from there. IMPORTANT NOTE: do not use Network Update!
Firmware Version 2.00:
Firmware Version 2.00 proved to be a challenge for PSP hackers. The new security features blocked the kxploit vulnerability that was present in Firmware Version 1.50. But, the hackers weren't foiled. After a few months of hard work, they discovered a TIFF overflow exploit. This allowed the running of code through a picture file. At first, the exploit was limited, but then a downgrader was introduced. This allowed users to revert to Firmware Version 1.50 and thus use homebrew again.
Shortly thereafter, an EBOOT Loader was introduced. This allowed the execution of EBOOT files straight from Firmware Version 2.00. The only problem with this exploit is that it does not allow the execution of Kernel Mode applications. If you want to run applications that use the USB Port, the IR Port or the Flash Memory, you will need to use the downgrader tutorial (Please note that you will not be able to play many commercial games with Firmware Version 1.50).
If not, you can use Fanjita's EBOOT Loader. It will come with installation instructions. The condensed version is that you put the folder into your PSP/Photo folder. You then place homebrew EBOOTs (formatted for version 1.00) into folders in the PSP/Game directory. From the "Photo" menu, you will be able to launch the EBOOT Loader and then select your homebrew game.
Firmware Version 2.01:
On firmwares higher than 2.50, there are two options. Both require using an exploit that has been found in Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. If you have above Firmware 2.00 and you don't have GTA:LCS, you have two choices. One, give up homebrew and hope that someone discoveres another exploit (bad choice.), or buy GTA!
If you have Grand Theft Auto, you're in luck. Fanjita has recently released an EBOOT loader for 2.01+ firmwares using a vulnerability in the Grand Theft Auto save games. To install, visit his site and download the latest version of his GTA EBOOT Loader. It will come with a "readme" that you should read to learn how to install it, but here's the short version. You will get two folders, starting with "ULES." You will need to put these in the PSP/Savedata folder. Then you can start the EBOOT loader by loading the corrosponding save game from Grand Theft Auto. The EBOOT Loader will now load every time you start GTA; if you wish to actually play GTA instead, simply rename or remove the folders that contain the EBOOT Loader.
Alternatively, there are standalone games that you can use with the GTA Exploit, but now that the EBOOT Loader is out, that is your best bet. The standalone games were quick jobs just to get games out there while people were waiting for the EBOOT Loader. Most have corrosponding EBOOTs that you can load through the GTA EBOOT Loader. Just a note, this exploit doesn't have Kernel Mode either, so don't expect to see homebrew programs using the USB Port, IR Port, or Flash Memory any time soon.
Firmware Version 2.50:
On firmwares higher than 2.50, there are two options. Both require using an exploit that has been found in Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. If you have above Firmware 2.00 and you don't have GTA:LCS, you have two choices. One, give up homebrew and hope that someone discoveres another exploit (bad choice.), or buy GTA!
If you have Grand Theft Auto, you're in luck. Fanjita has recently released an EBOOT loader for 2.01+ firmwares using a vulnerability in the Grand Theft Auto save games. To install, visit his site and download the latest version of his GTA EBOOT Loader. It will come with a "readme" that you should read to learn how to install it, but here's the short version. You will get two folders, starting with "ULES." You will need to put these in the PSP/Savedata folder. Then you can start the EBOOT loader by loading the corrosponding save game from Grand Theft Auto. The EBOOT Loader will now load every time you start GTA; if you wish to actually play GTA instead, simply rename or remove the folders that contain the EBOOT Loader.
Alternatively, there are standalone games that you can use with the GTA Exploit, but now that the EBOOT Loader is out, that is your best bet. The standalone games were quick jobs just to get games out there while people were waiting for the EBOOT Loader. Most have corrosponding EBOOTs that you can load through the GTA EBOOT Loader. Just a note, this exploit doesn't have Kernel Mode either, so don't expect to see homebrew programs using the USB Port, IR Port, or Flash Memory any time soon.
Firmware Version 2.60:
On firmwares higher than 2.50, there are two options. Both require using an exploit that has been found in Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. If you have above Firmware 2.00 and you don't have GTA:LCS, you have two choices. One, give up homebrew and hope that someone discoveres another exploit (bad choice.), or buy GTA!
If you have Grand Theft Auto, you're in luck. Fanjita has recently released an EBOOT loader for 2.01+ firmwares using a vulnerability in the Grand Theft Auto save games. To install, visit his site and download the latest version of his GTA EBOOT Loader. It will come with a "readme" that you should read to learn how to install it, but here's the short version. You will get two folders, starting with "ULES." You will need to put these in the PSP/Savedata folder. Then you can start the EBOOT loader by loading the corrosponding save game from Grand Theft Auto. The EBOOT Loader will now load every time you start GTA; if you wish to actually play GTA instead, simply rename or remove the folders that contain the EBOOT Loader.
Alternatively, there are standalone games that you can use with the GTA Exploit, but now that the EBOOT Loader is out, that is your best bet. The standalone games were quick jobs just to get games out there while people were waiting for the EBOOT Loader. Most have corrosponding EBOOTs that you can load through the GTA EBOOT Loader. Just a note, this exploit doesn't have Kernel Mode either, so don't expect to see homebrew programs using the USB Port, IR Port, or Flash Memory any time soon.
Firmware Version 2.70:
At this time, homebrew code cannot be run on Firmware Version 2.70 or above. Your only options for running homemade programs are through the web browser. You may use either the traditional javascript or the newly implemented Flash player. Hackers are working hard at breaking the firmware. Once that happens, you'll be the first to know. Check back soon!
Be sure to add the feed to your RSS Aggregator (or Google Homepage, or Firefox Live Bookmark) to stay updated with the latest updates.
Please contact me with your feedback on the guide and on what you'd like to see in the next articles. My AIM is Yeldarb2k3, and my e-mail is Yeldarb [at] Barbdwyer [dot] com. Also, if you are looking for someone to design you a website, please contact me through my site, Barbdwyer Web Design.
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