GameFlavor

Last Updated: 4/27/06 8:00PM                    Last Updated: 4/27/06 8:00PM                    Last Updated: 4/27/06 8:00PM                    Last Updated: 4/27/06 8:00PM                    Last Updated: 4/27/06 8:00PM
If you didn't already know, this is a Firmware download/info thread. It provides download links to all the firmware versions currently out and in-depth descriptions of each one. It also includes tips and other very useful info. I created this thread for PSP owners (or to-be-PSP-owners) so they can find out which firmware version is best for them before they upgrade. I hope you find this useful and enjoy it.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Credits

Created by: |Mturco11x|
Download links provided by: |Mturco11x|
Info provided by: Demiurge, |Mturco11x|, and other PSPworld related sources (such as threads containing small bits of info used to create this thread.)
_____________________________________________________________________________


Firmware Central is a complete guide to everything you need to know about upgrading your PSP's firmware version. I have set them in order of when you will need them. Enjoy, and please direct everyone you know who wants to know about firmwares, here. Please and thank you!!!
_________________________________________________________
Firmware Guide (A little guide to help you find out which version your PSP is before opening the box.)

On the side of the box [that PSP comes in] it has a letter; that letter determinds the firmware version you have. Use the guide below to find out which letter means which firmware.

none = 1.50 (NA) confirmed
A = 1.50 confirmed
B = 1.51 confirmed
C = 1.52 confirmed
D = 1.52 confirmed
E = 1.52 confirmed
F = 2.00 confirmed
G = 2.01 confirmed
H = 2.50 confirmed

Info provided by Demiurge and Zeemon, who got it from JoyStiq and PSPUpdates.
_________________________________________________________
Firmware Upgrade/Downgrade Guide (Just to let you know which firmware versions you can switch between, unfortunately this list won't be long.)

All lower firmware versions can upgrade to newer ones, whereas no higher firmware can downgrade to a lower one without a hack. Fortunately,

there is currently one hack available for firmware version 2.0. (Not yet any other.)

Simple Mode

Upgrading
1.00 > 1.50 > 1.51 > 1.52 > 2.00 > 2.01 > 2.50 > 2.60 > 2.70

Downgrading
1.50 < 2.00
_________________________________________________________
Firmware Specifics (Firmware versions, about them, their features, and their downsides.)

1.5 -

- Original Features     [1st firmware out in NA, includes original features and is the only firmware to allow homebrew.]

1.51 -

- Revisions to strengthen security were added.     [Blocks Homebrew]

1.52 -

- Revisions to strengthen security were added.     [Blocks more Homebrew]

2.00 -

- Revisions to strengthen security were added.
- An Internet browser was added.
- Go To was added as a feature under [Video]. (This applies to UMD Video)
- A-B Repeat was added as a feature under [Video]. (This applies to UMD Video and video data saved on Memory Stick.)
- 4:3 Screen Mode was added as a feature under [Video]. (This applies to video data saved on Memory Stick.)
- Audio Options was added as a feature under [Video]. (This applies to video data saved on Memory Stick.)
- AVC was added as a codec that can be played under [Video]. (This applies to video data saved on Memory Stick.)
- Support for Memory Stick PRO Duo was added to [Music].
- MP4 (AAC) and WAV (LPCM) were added as formats that can be played under [Music]. (This applies to music data saved on Memory Stick.)
- Image transfer was added as a feature under [Photo].
- Wallpaper was added as a feature under [Photo].
- TIFF, PNG, GIF and BMP were added as image formats that can be displayed under [Photo].
- Korean was added as an option to [System Language] under [Settings], [System Settings].
- [Character Set] was added to [System Settings] under [Settings].
- [Theme Settings] was added under [Settings].
- WPA-PSK (TKIP) was added as a security method under [Network Settings].
- Settings for Infrastructure Mode under [Network Settings] were revised to be easier to use.
- Input modes were added to the on-screen keyboard.

2.01 -

- Revisions to strengthen security were added.     [Blocks v1.5 downgrade.]

2.50 -

- Adds compatibility with the LocationFree base station (More info is available here.)

2.60 -

- Adds WMA Format
- Supports RSS feed
- Remembers Brower settings

2.70 -

- Macromedia

does 2.71 contain all the features from the earlier upgrades or do i have to download 'em all?

I'm sorry if the question is stupid but I just bought my psp the other day and I have not yet recieved it so im trying to get as much knowledge before i get it.   

it contains em all

So what is the benefit if I use 1.5 and 2.0 with hack, except for that i can use homebrews and where do I get those?

the only benefit is the hacks and homebrew, if u want the internet u need 2.0

On sonys update page they say this for 2.71 under network:

Using the PSP

sry, i should rephrase that, you need v2.0 or higher to go online, or if you dont rly get that any firmware 2.0 or above is internet capatable

I apologize for asking all these questions.  But thank you very much for the help.

yup np

Actually 1.5 can go online..... that's the whole point of 'hacks'. You can emulate a higher firmware like 2.5 completely.... Just like having v2.5, but when you restart your PSP, it's back to 1.5 for homebrew!

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh thats kool, im not in the homebrew or hacks scene so i had no idea, but thats kool!

So why not just get 2.71? What is it that's so good about homebrews, soz for my noobi questions..

Homebrew enables you many many free games created by people like you and me(I actually do make some). Maybe not as good as some UMD's, but there are alot of good ones.

And homebrew allows for things like emulators.. SNES, N64(WIP), GB, GBC, GBA (WIP), ect.

If you don't care for any of this.. go ahead and update. I wasn't interested before I tried it....but now I'm hooked.

But beware! Homebrew has a dark side. People have been able to create homebrew that enables you to run illegal copies of UMD games without owning them.

So what is the benefit if I use 1.5 and 2.0 with hack, except for that i can use homebrews and where do I get those?