The Playstation Portable requires updates to ensure that the device continues to operate properly. Although you can continue to use the PSP with older versions of the software, having the newest one does make new games run more effectively. There are two ways to update PSP firmware:  directly through the PSP or through your computer.

Advantages of Updating the PSP Firmware

The PSP system will benefit from each update in the following ways:

Security Patching – Security is very important to PSP users. Hackers can gain access to private information entered into the PSP system (such as credit card numbers) via wireless connections to it.

Settings Options – Older PSP firmware versions may not have the setting options that the new ones do. The selection of settings may change as new ones are added.How To Update PSP Firmware

New Features – This refers to the features that were not available in previous versions of the console. Features that may change include game accessibility, browser functionality, and a variety of other additions.

Improved Function – Older firmware versions limit PSP functions. Firmware updates help improve the system’s performance because they are designed to upgrade the PSP with each installment.

Removal of Unauthorized Modifications – Unauthorized firmware upgrades and modifications that allow improper and unsupported use are removed to help reduce damages to the PSP.

Only authorized firmware update software provided by SCEA should be used. Unauthorized software may have modifications that can make it easier for others to steal personal data. Modified firmware can also cause the PSP to malfunction. Additionally, PSP firmware software designed to circumvent normal PSP functions will nullify the warranty.

Downloading PSP Firmware Updates

The PSP console is capable of performing a system update through the System Update option in settings. To find the System Update option in the PSP settings, do the following:

Make sure that the PSP system has a fully charged battery. This will prevent the power loss before the update is done (otherwise,  various system problems could occur).

Ensure that the PSP system has an Internet connection.

Click the Settings Icon (toolbox), then the System Settings Icon. Select the network update option, then select the available connection to start downloading the update.

The system will need to check for available firmware updates. Read the terms for downloading and proceed. Once the download is complete, a prompt telling the user to press the X button on the PSP console will be displayed, and the update process will run. The update process can take from several minutes to more than an hour.

How to Update the PSP through a PC

If you do not have the access to a wireless network, you can use a PC with an Internet connection instead. This process requires a connection to the Playstation website to find the most recent firmware version for the PSP system. It is important to only download PSP updates for the region in which the PSP was released. PSP firmware updates from another region might not install on the system and might not work with the PSP system.

Either connect the PSP to the PC via USB cable to enable access to the memory stick inserted into the system or use a memory stick reader on the PC. Open up the memory stick folder on the PC to access its contents. On the memory stick root directory, a folder named “PSP” should be created. Create another folder named “Game” in the PSP folder. Create a folder named “Update” in the Game folder.

From this point, put the downloaded firmware update file named “EBOOT.PBP” into the “Update” file folder. Allow the transfer of the file to complete, then disconnect the PSP from the PC or remove the memory stick from the computer/reader, and insert it into the PSP system.

Note: You may delete the update data from the memory stick once the update is complete.

Select “Game” from the PSP menu, click the Memory Stick icon, and click “Update.” Run it with the X button.

Note: Ensure that the firmware version being used is newer than the one that is currently on the system.

Update through UMD Software

The UMD Software for a game/movie may come  with update software for the firmware. To install the firmware through this option do the following:

Start the UMD that needs a firmware update from the system menu under “Game.” The UMD is displayed as “PSPTM Update ver X.XX” under “Game” (where X.XX refers to the system update available on the UMD).

Select Update and follow the prompts with the X button to accept the terms of the system update.

The update process will continue after confirmation. Once the PSP has completed the update, the PSP UMD software will be able to play through the system with the new firmware.

Note: It is still recommended that the battery is fully charged or that the system is connected to the power outlet to ensure a successful update. If the system powers off before the update is complete, the console will be damaged.

Downgrading the PSP

Downgrading is not available through the normal firmware updating process. Downgrading is only possible through processes that are not allowed by SCEA and may damage the PSP system and void the warranty.

Updating the PSP Go

The PSP Go cannot access UMD software because there is no UMD port. Updating can only be done through a direct connection, using a hot spot or a PC.

The process is relatively simple and can be done through a network update. The PSP Go can also be connected to a computer via the USB cable included with the system.

Adding data to the micro memory stick designed for the PSP Go is difficult without a USB cable. It can only be done if you have an adapter or a special reader for the micro memory stick.