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How do I know what Sony PSP firmware version I have?

I was reading the questions asked about the Sony PSP and i saw a lot of questions about firmware or something and that it has different kinds of number like 1.50 and 2 or greater ! Now my questions are what is firmware and what does it do and how do i know wich one is my sony psp?


Dave's Answer:

This is a common question, actually, and you're spot on when you call it "firmware". The firmware on the Sony Playstation Portable (PSP) is basically the same thing as the operating system on your computer. If you're running a PC, for example, you might have Windows 98 or Windows XP, but even with a given operating system, you might have Windows XP or Windows XP SP2 (SP = System Patch). Macs are the same way, with MacOS 9 for old timers versus Mac OS X, but Mac OS X is broken down into lots of different versions, 10.2.x, 10.3.x and the latest as of this writing, 10.4.6.

The firmware on the Sony PSP is what you're using when you move from looking at pictures to listening to your favorite MP3 song, watching a movie or playing a game. The game specifics itself are controlled by the given game's software, of course, but that's exactly like playing Halo 2 on your Windows box: Windows controls the basic functionality of the computer, but Halo 2 is actually what's putting all those slick game graphics on the screen, pushing out the audio, and so on.

The Sony PSP has gone through quite a number of different firmware versions since its initial release, actually, with the original units running 1.1, then Sony releasing 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and now, 2.6 as the latest firmware release. But how do you know what version you're running?

To figure out what version of Sony PSP firmware you have on your PSP, push the little "home" button so you can get to the top level navigation where you can move between functional areas, then use the left arrow to move all the way to Settings, then use the up and down arrows as appropriate to find System Settings:

Sony PSP Help: System Settings

Push the "X" button to select System Settings and you'll get to System Information:

Sony PSP Help: System Information

Finally, push the "X" button one more time and you'll find out what version of the firmware you have on your PSP:

Sony PSP Help: System Info Screen

As you can see, I'm running Version 2.60.

The MAC Address on this display, by the way, is the unique identifier that the PSP uses when communicating with Internet devices, it's basically the address of the network interface device.

That should help you ascertain what version of the firmware you have.

Here are some useful articles if you want to either upgrade or downgrade:

Upgrade your PSP firmware via a wireless connection
Download the PSP firmware upgrade and copy it to the PSP
Should I downgrade my PSP firmware?

Hope those all help you out!



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Comments

do you know the sony psp number?

Posted by: dawayne at February 11, 2007 1:46 PM

Ok This might be a tough one but I dont know an easy setup at the moment. I am starting up a media service in my local area chattanooga TN called noogabox.com and also considering service noogabox mobile. I know many other complanies do this but I dont know where to get software or what not to be able to transfer files ( .avi .mp3 .mp4) to mobile phones over the network. There are tones of services out there sending jokes, news clippits ect. I am trying to figure out how I can get files to ftp over to a phone using there phone number. Just like when you go to a site and download a ringtone, or other mp4. Any links or sites would be greatly appretiated. Currently all transfers must be done manually but we are coming out with our own phone (sim card enabled) from uxcell. The idea is to be able to download the media from the users online storage locker directly to his noogabox mobile device. (cell phone mp4 player) Thanks alot joshua

Posted by: joshua at March 18, 2007 4:02 PM

i want to downgrade to 1.5 and i have 3.52...how can i do this???

Posted by: tp at December 30, 2007 1:50 AM

I BOUGHT A PSP MOVIE CONVERTER BUT EVERY TIME I TRANSFER IT TO THE PSP IT KEEPS SAYING UNSUPPORTED FILE I HAVE SYSTEM VERSION 3.52. OR DO I NEED TO CREATE A FILE ON MY MEMORY CARD.

Posted by: JAMES at April 13, 2008 3:41 AM

I have a lot to say, but ...
Starbucks coffee cup I have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but most of all I'd like to say thank you for all your efforts on this Web site by buying you a chai!

I do have a comment, now that you mention it!









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