PlayStation Portable system software

PlayStation Portable system software is the official, update-able firmware for the PlayStation Portable. Updates add new functionality as well as security patches to prevent homebrew applications being run on the system. Updates can be obtained in four ways:
*Direct download to the PSP over Wi-Fi. This can be performed by choosing "Settings", "Network Update" from the XMB.
*Download to a PC, then transfer to the PSP via a USB cable or Memory Stick.
*Included on the UMD of some games. These games may not run with earlier firmware than the version on their UMD.
*Download from a PS3 to a PSP system via USB cable. (Japanese version only)

While system software updates can be used with consoles from any region, Sony recommends only downloading system software updates released for the region corresponding to the system's place of purchase. System software updates have added various features including a web browser, Adobe flash support, additional codecs for images, audio, and video, PlayStation 3 connectivity, as well as patches against several security exploits, vulnerabilities, and execution of homebrew programs. [cite news | url=http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=26662 | publisher=The Inquirer | title=Sony releases anti-piracy PSP update | date=2005-10-03] If the power supply is lost while writing to or updating the system software, the console will no longer be able to boot unless the system is booted from a different source such as a battery in service mode where it can be restored.

The latest reported firmware version shipping pre-installed on new PSPs is 4.01, which was released on June 25, 2008.

The latest PSP Firmware version is 4.05.

ystem Software Versions

Custom firmwares

For a list of custom firmware versions, please visit Custom Firmware available for PSP

Some developers have developed custom firmware versions, which allow extra functionality to the user such as custom icons and fonts on the XMB and different applications. Most notably however is the lack of security patches found in official firmware, allowing homebrew developers to run code on later versions of PSP firmware.fact|date=August 2007

ee also

*XrossMediaBar
*PlayStation 3 System Software

References

External links

Official PlayStation Portable System Software Update page
*cite web | title = Asia | language = English | url = http://asia.playstation.com/eng_hk/index.php?q=psp-sysupdate• [http://au.playstation.com/support/psp/faqs/psp_system_software_updates.jhtml Australia] • cite web | title = Japan | language = Japanese | url = http://www.jp.playstation.com/psp/update/ud_01.html • cite web | title = Korea | language = Korean | url = http://do01a.psp.update.playstation.org/update/psp/image/oa/2007_0913_6babee6e1415ae27999928566adbd569/EBOOT.PBP• [http://www.nz.playstation.com/support/psp/faqs/psp_system_software_updates.jhtml New Zealand] • [http://uk.playstation.com/help-support/psp/guides/detail/item54261/PSP-system-software-updates/ United Kingdom] • [http://www.us.playstation.com/PSP/Downloads/SystemUpdate United States]