Hacking the PSP Blog

0okm Releases 2.80 Downgrader

This holiday weekend, 0okm has released a 2.80 to 1.50 downgrader. While this is great news, it seems that the results of running the downgrader are very unpredictable. Consequently, I will not be posting it in my homebrew software library until I have been able to test it and/or a reliable version of the downgrader is released and tested. There was an easy downgrader releaed by csfreakno1 but, again, the results aren't very convincing based on the word on the street. As with previous downgraders, this one does not support TA-082 motherboards. So, don't try downgrading a TA-082 PSP in hopes of seeing 1.50, YOU WILL BRICK YOUR PSP. I will keep you updated on further developments on downgrading 2.80 to 1.50, whether a new version is released or I've had a chance to test it myself.

Via PSPUpdates

Dark_AleX's 3.02 OE-B released!

This holiday season just keeps getting better for PSP homebrew users. Obviously, listing all of them would just be considered as wasting time, so I'll get right to the purpose of this post. Dark_AleX has just released the much anticipated update to his earlier custom firmware, 3.02 OE-A. And as promised, the new version will allow you to play your own PlayStation titles, rather than waiting for Sony to release them.

The only new feature in this release is the ability to play your own PlayStation titles, so I won't write up a changelog. Secondly, you can only get 3.02 OE-B on your PSP by upgrading from 3.02 OE-A, which means that if you're one of the few who haven't upgraded to 3.02 OE, it's time to do it now! Once you're on 3.02 OE-B, it's best to check out the readme.

The instructions for converting your PlayStation games to the POPS format are included in the popstation folder inside the archive. Here is a list of FAQs that Dark_AleX has included in the readme:

• Q: My game generated is a lot bigger in size than the same one from the PS3 Store.
• A: They use compression. Because the algorithm of compression is not still cracked, compressed isos are not supported yet.
• Q: I have my game in bin/cue.
• A: Use the bin as the ISO while converting.
• Q: I have my game in img/ccd...
• A: Use the img as the ISO while converting.
• Q: The savegames have the icon of Hot Shots 2!
• A: It's normal. Don't worry.

The only problem right now is that the emulator isn't 100% compatible with all the games out there. That's something you'll have to wait for Sony to fix. For the full instructions on converting your games to the POPS format, refer to the readme inside the popstation folder. In case any of you are having problems with the popstation converter, it's probably something to do with the file cygwin1.dll. Not to worry though, you can download the file from the link below and place the cygwin1.dll file in C:/Windows/System32/ folder. That should fix it. I'm already busy converting my small collection of PSX games to the POPS format. Have fun!

Download Custom Firmware 3.02 OE-B

Source: PSPUpdates

Spotted on eBay: PSP Xmas clone

For the cash-strapped among us this Christmas, we've got something in your wallet's range. We were surfing eBay for some last-minute shopping when we picked this deal up: A brand-new POP portable gaming system for the rock-bottom price of US $15.00.

what a fake!No, that's not a typo - the POP is our week's spotted PSP impersonator. The specs say the unit carries multiple Tetris games FM radio, and earphones, and was honest enough to lay the disclaimer "This is not a PSP although it looks very similar!" Though we're sure most people could already tell by the box (see image to the right).

Sadly, the unit was sold yesterday, so guys looking for cheaper alternatives to the PSP will have to look elsewhere. On a finishing note, we're wondering if this was the same model of portable gaming this guy used for his holiday surprise...

Original eBay Auction



Source: PSPUpdates

PSP's 3.03 firmware decrypted

You guys sure are getting a lot of Christmas treats this year. We just talked about the upcoming rise of 3.02 OE-B and we're one step closer to getting 3.03 to complete hack-ability.

Team Create and Destroy, which everyone knows more as Team C+D, was able to pull off a full decryption of 3.03 and released their PSAR Dumper for it. For those of you who didn't hear of the 3.03 release, it adds new PlayStation titles that people can download from the PlayStation Store and play on their PSP. 3.03 also managed to add some new wrinkles in the code, which left encrypted modules and hindered DevHook emulation as a lovely parting gift.

While the PSAR dumper does work and decrypt all encrypted modules, reports from the forums show that it isn't emulating correctly with the current version of Devhook. With all the recent and amazing updates who knows, we might see a updated Devhook which supports Firmware 3.03 soon.

Download 3.03 PSAR Dumper

Source: PSPUpdates

3.02 OE-B will run your own Playstation games!

How do you sum up something like this little bit of news? By putting it as plainly as possible. Dark_Alex is working on 3.02 OE-B, the successor to OE-A, and by all accounts, 3.02 OE-B will be able to play PlayStation 1 games. Not just any old games though, but pretty much any PS1 game you already have.

Yes, dear readers. This would mean that you can bypass the three basic annoyances many of us would have with the PlayStation Store once OE-B is complete: having to own a PS3, waiting for Sony's PS1 releases, and paying for them. If you own, say, Final Fantasy Tactics, this should presumably allow you to play the original game on your PSP instead of waiting for The Lion War to come out. Repeat said reasoning with the games you have that still aren't available on the PlayStation Store, and you can see just how much mileage we can get from our games.

Of course, it's still a work in progress, so keep your fingers crossed and cheer Dark_Alex on. Before we go, here's a video of Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (European Version) running on the work-in-progress version 3.02 OE-B... at full speed. Merry Christmas, you lucky, lucky people!

Check out the video...

Source: PSPUpdates

Off-Topic: Gran Turismo HD for PS3 Demo Released

Want to see a preview of GT for PS3? For a limited time, you can download a fully functional demo, complete with time trials. Hook up your PS3 and get to the Playstation Store and download the demo for free!

Here's the official press release:

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) announced today the December 24 North American release of Gran Turismo£HD Concept, available for free download, exclusively on the PLAYSTATION®Store (PS Store) for the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3£) computer entertainment system.  
 
Developed by Polyphony Digital Inc., this driving game features an all-new course for players to be the first to drive a Ferrari on a PS3, as well as have the option to select a car from nine other worldwide manufacturers that include Infiniti, Lotus, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Suzuki.  Available only for a limited time, Gran Turismo HD Concept takes full advantage of the PS3 PLAYSTATION 3 hardware performance by providing full HD 1080p* resolution and next-generation car physics ushering in a new era of racing for the gaming industry.    
 
“Gran Turismo HD Concept provides PS3 and automotive fans a glimpse into the future of Gran Turismo,” states Kazunori Yamauchi, famed creator of the      Gran Turismo franchise.  “With the power of the PS3 technology, the world of Gran Turismo is refined by its full HD visual presentation and unique interactive experience, resulting in an even more realistic and true driving simulator.”  
 

Happy Holidays Everyone!

To all of you,

I wish you the best 2007 can offer, and hope that you have had a wonderful 2006.

And don't forget to play.

Best wishes,

Auri Rahimzadeh
Author, Hacking the PSP