In the past, some kind of advanced wizardry was necessary to make it possible to play games from the memorystick. The words "chipping" (for some PSP models, it was possible to install a chip) and "downgrading" (by going back to firmware version 1.50, things where possible that became blocked in later versions) refer to that period. But, in the end of the year 2006, "Custom Firmware" has been released.

Custom Firmware is a hacked version of the official Sony firmware. Custom firmware enables one to store games on the Memory Stick and play them straight from that stick, without the need to carry a sensitive and slow UMD disc. Another feature offered by custom firmware is the possibility to convert your PSX/PS1 games and play them from Memory Stick.

Further, the possibilities to display video have been greatly enhanced. While Sony chose to display high-quality video on 2/3th of the screen only (just to protect their own UMD-Video system), custom firmware enables you to view these videos full-screen

And probably the most important part: Custom firmware enables you to use so-called homebrew software. These are non-commercial programs that are offered for free by its authors. Amongst homebrew, many professional programs can be found like emulators for many other game systems, email clients, msn software, music creation, games, programming and much more. For an overview of homebrew software available, you can pay the psp-homebrew site a visit, or you can search eg. using Google.

I'm always installing the latest custom firmware, unless you prefer a different version. At this moment, the latest version is 4.01 M33-2. For the old PSP model, the 1.50 addon will also be added, when available. The 1.50 addon enables you to use old-style homebrew software. This addon isn't available for the new PSP model.

All firmware changes are guaranteed to work! You always get back a fully tested and working PSP. With the current tools and with our knowledge, installing a custom firmware is risc-fee, but in case anything goes wrong, the risc is all ours.

Every PSP model can be programmed with a custom firmware. Costs are 20 euro, but rebated bundles with a memorystick are available.

When you like to have a custom firmware installed, you can use the contact page for making an appointment.