Brewology

I haven't bought a psp yet so I was wondering when I do buy a psp (like in a couple days) will I be able to update the firmware from 2.8 or 3.03 straight to 3.40OE (or whatever firmware is the 'best', that is the lastest one out that allows all the newest features from Sony but still allows homebrew) instead of downgrading to 1.5 and then upgrading? I mean if that HEN D thing can allow homebrew can I just go strait to 3.40OE? That and what firmware does new North American psp's come shipped with? Or do I need to just buy one from ebay? Thanks for your help!

edit: sorry, never mind I think I found my answer here: http://www.pspbrew.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6810
I guess that tutorial can apply to a v2.8 psp too? I just got the wrong idea from the talkvideogames forums. Im just trying to figure out what FW I need to get in order to end up somehow with 3.40OE fw. Thanks!

To answer your question no. First you must downgrade to firmware 1.5 then upgrade to firmware 3.03 OE-C

Downgrade 2.81-3.03 to 1.5

http://www.pspbrew.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7034

Upgrading 1.5 to 3.03 OE-C

http://www.pspbrew.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6974

Best of Luck.

Oo alright. How come? I mean not saying your wrong I would just like to learn more about it. That and what FW does North American psp's come shipped with? Thanks.

you can't upgrade straight to 3.40 oe because it is a homebrew firmware upgrade. The only sony firmware capable of running homebrew is 1.50. So in order to get to the custom firmware created by dark alex you must downgrade your psp's firmware to 1.50.

However, if you have 2.80 or lower you can downgrade straight to 1.50 without the need of GTA:LCS. If you have 2.81 or up you will need GTA:LCS to downgrade to 1.50.

You cant really tell which psp comes shipped in the box anymore because sony has switched up their stuff. In the past you used to be able to tell from the letter assigned on the box, but not anymore.

The tutorial you found (In your edit post) does not work with any other firmware than 2.71.

Alright thanks. So I should probably buy a 2.8 or lower psp from ebay? And is there any tutorial to upgrade from v1.5 to 3.40OE? Or is 3.10OE-A' better? And im guessing I need a unpatched version of GTA:LCS to downgrade a 3.03? thanks

Oo and well what is the highest version of FW found in new psp's? If its higher then 3.03 I guess I should just get one from ebay?

The lower the firmware the better. Just make sure it has AT LEAST 3.03 or lower. To downgrade 3.03 you need an unpatched GTA, like you thought.

I'd check local pawn shops and game stores first. And actually, the psp core system received a price cut again so now they are down to $180 and some places you can get them for $150... so as long as you hold onto the paperwork to make sure you can take it back to the store (if necessary) then you should be able to get a brand new homebrewable psp. It's a pretty nice price considering I got mine for $264.99

-DarkPacMan77-

Alright well thanks for your help. O and can I customize the xmb icons on a 3.40OE-A? I know you can't on a 3.10OE-A' (atleast I think), thanks.

Yes you can but they need to be decrypted from version 2.50 (preferrably). It isn't too difficult, just not ALL icons are compatible. You'll just need to do a little bit of research though, that's all.

-DarkPacMan77-

Alright thanks for your help.