Hacking the PSP Blog

Dark_AleX's Devhook 0.51 launcher port for 2.71 HEN-D and TA-082

Are you HEN-D users feeling a bit left out with the recent developments in the homebrew community? Specifically, the release of Devhook 0.51 with 3.01 emulation? Well, today we've got good, no wait, make that grrreat news for all ya HEN-D users!

Dark_Alex has just released his port of Devhook 0.51 launcher to 2.71- HEN-D (also usable on TA-082 PSPs)! Yeah-huh, that's right, now 2.71 HEN-D users can also get in on the 3.01 action! Dark_Alex's usage instructions for this port is short and sweet, so we'll let you guys get it straight from him, alright?

Instructions: With devhook 0.45 for 2.71, emulate 1.50 and use psardumper to extract the firmware/s you want (remember that from 2.80 and greater this is specific to each psp so you can't just download a prepared dump). The rest of the instructions are the same that for 1.50.

Now, we're sure there will be those who'll ask whether this can be used with Hen-C too. And the plain and simple answer is nope. Dark_AleX says that the launcher port won't work with HEN-C simply because it uses some functions from Hen-D. So there ya have it! Oh, and kudos to Sony PSP for sharing this info with us in our forums. We're actually a bit torn as to which is the bigger news here: the Devhook port, or the fact that in contrary to earlier reports about Dark_AleX quitting the scene, he's still here and very much active in the community! Wootwoot! Nice to see you back, Dark_AleX!

Download Devhook 0.51 Launcher for 2.71 - HEN-D

Source: PSPUpdates

Forget the "ghetto sticks!" PS2 Dualshock via USB mod

For the past couple of weeks, the PSP-mod scene lay witness to a bunch of analog hacks that involve soldering (yikes!) left- and right-analog sticks onto your Sony handheld. While those are really innovative and, of course, a tad bit scary to do, we're still impressed nonetheless. However, the simpler a solution is, the more impressive it becomes.

To hell with soldering those so-called "Ghetto Sticks". Here's a simpler alternative from V0odOo: why not attach a PS2 DualShock controller via USB? No need to subject your device to hardware attacks. No need to worry about busting open your system. From what it looks like, what we have here is a simple plug-and-play mod!

Now, we really don't know how this guy was able to work it out. He most likely needed some driver mod for the PSP to recognize the Dualshock controller. Also, we're not even sure if the Rumble feature works (unless of course that weird sound in the vid is actually the Rumble at work). Including a Rumble mod would have needed some extra work for the PSP to send signals to the controller whenever it should vibrate. Whatever it took for this guy to do it, we're giving him two thumb sticks up for innovation!

Check out the video here...

Source: PSPUpdates

Don't pull your hair out, use the 3.01 DevHook Firmware Installer

With everyone seemingly running up the walls with excitement now that Booster has allowed homebrew users to emulate firmware 3.01 under DevHook, you may have been left behind in the wake of applications such as the launcher port for 2.71 HEN-D and hybrid firmwares. We are also aware that after the release of DevHook v0.51 yesterday, some users were pulling their hair out as to how to install the latest DevHook.

Despite some extensive tutorials about DevHook v0.51 installation, it still proved an impossible task for some users. So today, tommydanger has come along and provided a 3.01 DevHook Firmware Installer in EBOOT form just for you.

That's right, no PSARDumper required, just you, a PSP, and the 3.01 update EBOOT.PBP. It's completely legal as it does not contain any dumped firmware files but will in fact do to your PSP what PSARDumper does to a PC. Here's what tommydanger said:

To decrypt the FW files you no longer need to extract the PSAR file from the update, the Installer will take care of this. It also moves the FW files to the right directory, you no longer have to move them by hand, and to finish off, it installs the F1 folders so you don't get the Blue Screen of Death.

Now doesn't that sound easy? That's because it is! Just download the 3.01 update from our download site, download the 3.01 DevHook Firmware Install, and you're done. This application is based on PSAR Dumper by PspPet, Dark_AleX, and Team Noobz and this version has been specifically made for the 3.01 Update, but tommydanger is working on a version that will support all updates. Have fun emulating 3.01!

Download 3.01 DevHook Firmware Installer
Download 3.01 Update EBOOT

Source: PSPUpdates

Sony Releases Game Download Service for PSP, PS3

Users of Firmware 3.0 and higher can now download Playstation games and play them on their PSP for about $5.99 per download.

From Sony's Press Release:
 
PlayStation(R) Network Debuts Playstation Title Download Service


    FOSTER CITY, Calif., Dec. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the highly successful launch of the PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system, Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced the availability of new downloadable gaming content that bridges the past with the future. Drawing upon its decade-long history in gaming and furthering the connection between its platforms, SCEA has launched an initial lineup of five classic PlayStation(R) titles that can be downloaded via the PlayStation Network and played on the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system.

    PlayStation Titles for PSP

    The following first and third-party PlayStation titles can now be purchased for $5.99 from the PlayStation Store accessed through the PS3 system and played on the PSP system:  Cool Boarders(R), Crash Bandicoot(TM), Hot Shots Golf(R) 2, Syphon Filter(R), and Tekken 2. Highly anticipated by gamers who want to re-live the classics from the PlayStation catalog, the launch of these PlayStation titles for PSP is the latest example of SCEA connecting its various platforms to deliver value to consumers. The initial lineup represents some of the most popular franchises in the PlayStation library across a range of genres that are perfect for pick-up-and-play gaming when you're on-the-go with your PSP system. Additional first and third-party PlayStation titles will be added on an ongoing basis to the PlayStation Store to keep, with a second batch of PlayStation titles slated for release later this month.

    "Downloadable PlayStation emulated games on the PSP is just the beginning, but it underscores our vision for leveraging the wide breadth of content that's available from the PlayStation brand, and delivers value to gamers well beyond the initial purchase of their PS3 and PSP," said Peter Dille, senior vice-president product marketing of SCEA. "We built every system with a hard disk drive and offer every customer free* access to the PlayStation Store so they can experience the full extent of the PlayStation library. We'll offer additional PlayStation games to the PlayStation Store on a regular basis."

    Since the PS3 launch, consumers have enjoyed free* online access to game demos and game and movie trailers, as well as exclusive casual games such as Blast Factor. The availability of new PlayStation emulated games for the PSP and additional PS3 titles for download continues the PlayStation heritage of offering the best exclusive content from both first and third-party developers.

    About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

    Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R) and PS one(R) game console, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the PSP(R)
(PlayStation(R)Portable) system, and the ground-breaking PLAYSTATION(R)3
(PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system.

    Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets, and distributes software for the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the PSP system and the PS3 system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

    NOTE:  "PlayStation," "PLAYSTATION," "PSP" and "PS one" are registered trademarks and PS3 is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

    *User responsible for all applicable Internet fees. Some services or features may require additional fees.

SOURCE  Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

12/05/2006 08:00 ET