So I was reading around the Internet that Custom Firmware 5.00 M33 users were just blocked from accessing the PlayStation Store. Since I have two PSPs I thought I’d check this out for myself… I dug up my old PSP-1000 and upgraded it to 5.00 M33-6 (from 3.90 M33). With that I tried accessing the PSN store and likewise on my PSP-2000, which is already running 5.50 GEN-A.

5.00 M33-6: It’s true. You are now prompted with, “A system software update for the PSP system is required. For update methods, refer to the instructions for the PSP system.” And even with spoofing your version using the ol’ version.txt method — you’re still denied access.

5.50 GEN-A: Keep on… You’re still in business.

Silly move on Sony’s part… Why would you ultimately deny money from custom firmware users? I’ve purchased downloads, still do.

Sony acting suspicious with a [minor] firmware bump… PSP Firmware 5.51 just hit Network Update; you can also grab it below.

So what’s new? Apparently the same ol’ nonsense — improved system software stability during the use of some features. That’s it.

I wouldn’t recommend updating if you’re the hacked but Pandoraless, PSP-3000, or TA-088v3 type.

Download: PSP Firmware 5.51 Update

It’s real all right… Get a load of Sony’s new PSP Go… Engadget has the inside scoop on what’s what –

…it’ll tout 16GB of internal memory, built-in Bluetooth and an undisclosed memory slot. If all goes well, it’ll ship this Fall for a price to be determined, and it’s actually not slated to replace the PSP-3000, as both of ‘em will attempt to live on store shelves harmoniously…

Not only that; some screens and a live action video –

 
 
 

Oh yeah, it’s UMD-less too.

- source: engadget

According to 1UP sources it’s about to go down — all at this years E3…

Many have speculated that the update would be called either the PSP 2 or PSP-4000, but our sources claim Sony will forgo a numerical moniker in favor of a subtitle. We’ve heard various rumored code names for the project (including PSP Slide, PSP Flip, and PSP Go!), but given that Sony has introduced the Go! brand of add-ons (the Go!View video on-demand service and 1.3 megapixel Go!Cam) for the European PSP, it seems likely that the new system will in fact be called the PSP Go! Our sources further confirm that this redesign will be available in two SKUs, with either eight or 16 GB of built-in flash memory. The system is set for release in Japan this September with a U.S. debut coming in either late October or early November.

In addition, since the UMD is going away, Sony will have over 100 classic and new PSP titles available for download at launch (Gran Turismo Mobile is said to be one of the premier launch titles). As for the hardware itself, the redesign will include a d-pad, analog nub, and face buttons as part of a sliding unit sticking out below the screen (as seen in our mockup above). Unfortunately for those looking for twin-stick shooter controls, the new system will not have a second analog stick, but instead will remain consistent with the current control configuration.

Note: the PSP depicted above is not an actual “PSP2″, “PSP-4000″, or “PSP Go!” photo.

- source: 1UP

It’s out — Sony has officially released PSP firmware update version 5.50.

PSP Firmware 5.50 changes:

• [Information Board] has been added as a feature under [PlayStation®Network]. You can view the latest news from PlayStation®Network.
• Support for a Web security service provided by Trend Micro™ has been added to [Internet Browser].
• An icon for [Internet Search] has been added to the menu bar in [Internet Browser].
• In the options menu for a game under [Game], you can now perform an Internet search using the name of the game as the search keyword.
• You can now view one more folder level under [Photo], [Music] and [Video].

And this should come as no surprise; Sony failed to mention they’ve patched the TIFF vulnerability rendering the recent exploit useless. Go figure.

So should you upgrade? The choice is yours. I mean, if you have a hacked PSP-1000 or 2000 with a working Pandora Battery, then why not check it out. Otherwise, I recommend you steer clear until the new Homebrew Enabler (HEN) is available.

Download: PSP (Official) Firmware 5.50

Update: It’s been confirmed: Firmware 5.03 indeed patches the GripShift save game exploit.

Sony has officially released PSP firmware 5.03. Now there isn’t much detail at this time; however, if you’re a PSP-3000 owner holding on tight to your GripShift UMD, I’d recommend not updating, not yet anyway…

According to Eric Lempel, “this is a small update that improves system software stability during use of some features.”… Yeah, I bet.

We’ll keep you posted.

Download: PSP Firmware (Official) 5.03

Sony has officially released it — PSP Firmware 5.02.

The good news: Dark_AleX’s latest version of PSARDumper is able to successfully dump and decrypt it.

The bad news: well, there is none really… It’s unlikely we’ll see custom firmware 5.02 M33 from this; the changes are nothing too significant. Maybe a patch for 5.00 M33 is in order? We’ll see…

Download:
PSP (Official) Firmware 5.02
PSARDumper

Sony back to it — PSP Firmware 5.02 is on the way… What’s new? For now, we know this –

“This update improves system software stability during use of some features, including the PlayStation Store.”

- source: blog.us.playstation.com

With the quickness indeed — Sony has officially released PSP firmware 5.01. The update is said to correct issues relating to larger capacity PRO Duos. Namely users who own an 8 or 16 GB stick were left with an insufficient space error when downloading content from the PlayStation Store.

Download: PSP (Official) Firmware 5.01

PSP Firmware 5.00 just hit the Network Update. We’ll have the download available for you shortly. Updating now… Stay tuned.

PSP Firmware 5.00 changes:

• The [PlayStation® Network] category has been added, and [PlayStation® Store] is now available under this category.
• PlayStation® format software can now be output in interlace format on a connected device.
• PlayStation® format software can now be output in full-screen size on a connected device.
• The sleep timer feature can now be used under [Music].
• The system will automatically change to USB mode when a USB cable is connected.
• The [Original] theme has been redesigned.
• A new full-screen keyboard; press [Select] when the OSK is displayed.

Update: My initial thoughts… Not bad, not bad at all. The redesign of the original theme is plain and simple; I dig it. The new on-screen/full-screen keyboard adds an extra layer of convenience. Direct access to the PlayStation Store and PSN Account Management is quite slick; packing the same look and feel as the PS3. And that brings me to this — does Sony plan to introduce trophy support for PSP titles?

No doubt firmware 5.00 is worthy of a CFW makeover. Lets hang tight and see what happens. In the meantime, if you’re curious about 5.00 — do the upgrade. You can always revert to custom firmware 4.01 M33 using a Pandora Battery and Dark_AleX’s DC7.

Download: PSP Firmware Update 5.00

discussion thread