PSP homebrew - Homebrew Enabler pack for PSP-2000v3+3000

chickut123 originally made this one for a friend, but since he's such a great guy, he dropped by the forums and released his Homebrew Enabler pack for PSP-2000v3+3000. This pack will save you all the trouble of poking around the web and takes all the goods into one sweet package for your Sony PSP. Check it out.

The Homebrew Enabler Pack includes:

• 5.03 UPDATE
• ChickHEN R2
• CFWEnabler 3.60
• A readme written entirely by chickut123

If you have any questions or comments about the release, by all means, drop by our forums through the link and drop a line into the thread.


Download: Homebrew Enabler Pack for PSP-2000v3+3000

Playstation 3 ....History from the beginning

History

PlayStation 3 Prototype showing early plans

Sony officially unveiled the PlayStation 3 to the public on May 16, 2005, during the E3 2005 conference. A functional version of the system was not present there, nor at the Tokyo Game Show in September 2005, although demonstrations (such as Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots were held at both events on devkits and comparable PC hardware. Video footage based on the predicted PlayStation 3 specifications was also shown (e.g. Mobile Suit Gundam: Crossfire).

The system was initially planned to have two HDMI ports, three Ethernet ports and six USB ports, though, as shown at E3 2006, this was later reduced to one HDMI port, one ethernet port and four USB ports, presumably to cut costs. Two hardware configurations were also announced for the console; a 20GB and a 60GB, priced at $499/€499 and $599/€599 respectively. The 60GB would be the only configuration to feature a HDMI port, Wi-Fi internet, flash card readers and a chrome trim with the logo in silver. It was announced for a simultaneous worldwide release; November 11 for Japan and November 17 for North America and Europe. Unfortunately on September 6, 2006, Sony announced that the PAL region (Europe and Oceania) PlayStation 3 launch would be delayed until March 2007 due to a shortage of diodes used in the Blu-ray Disc drive.

At the Tokyo Game Show on September 22, 2006, Sony announced that it would be including HDMI on the 20GB system with a silver logo, but not the chrome trim, flash card readers or Wi-Fi. Also, the launch price of the Japanese 20GB model was reduced by over 20%, and the 60GB model was announced for an open pricing scheme in Japan. During the event, Sony showed 27 playable PS3 titles running on final hardware.

Launch

The PlayStation 3 was first released in Japan on November 11, 2006 at 07:00. According to Media Create, 81,639 PS3 systems were sold within 24 hours of its introduction in Japan.

Soon after its release in Japan, the PS3 was released in North America on November 17, 2006. Reports of violence surrounding the release of the PS3 include a customer shot, customers shot in a drive-by shooting with BB guns, and 60 campers fighting over 10 systems.

On January 24, 2007, Sony announced that the PlayStation 3 would go on sale on March 23, 2007 in Europe, Australia, the Middle East, Africa and New Zealand. The system sold about 600,000 units in its first two days. On March 7, 2007, the 60GB PlayStation 3 launched in Singapore with a price of $799. The console was launched in South Korea on June 16, 2007 in a single version equipped with an 80GB hard drive and IPTV.

Retail Configurations

There are five PlayStation 3 hardware models that are commonly referred to by the size of their included hard disk drive: "20", "40", "60", "80" and "160" GB models.

All retail packages include one Sixaxis Controller or a DualShock 3 Controller (beginning June 12, 2008, one miniUSB to USB cable (for connecting the controller to the system), one composite video/stereo audio output cable, one ethernet cable (20, 60, and 2007 80GB only) and one power cable.

Feature:	20GB (NTSC)	40GB (PAL, NTSC)	60GB (NTSC)	60GB (PAL)	80GB (NTSC)	80GB (PAL, NTSC)	160GB (PAL, NTSC)
Available Colors	Piano Black	Piano Black White Satin Silver	Piano Black	Piano Black	Piano Black	Piano Black	Piano Black
USB 2.0 ports	4	2	4	4	4	2	2
802.11 b/g (Wi-Fi)	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Flash Card Readers	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Chrome Trim	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
SACD Support	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
PS2 Compatibility	Yes Hardware	No	Yes Hardware	Yes Software emulation	Yes Software emulation	No	No
First available	November 2006	October 2007	November 2006	March 2007	August 2007	August 2008	October 2008
In Production	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
All models include: Blu-ray/DVD/CD drive, HDMI 1.3a, Bluetooth 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, PlayStation One backward compatibility through software emulation and a glossy finish.

The Emotion Engine Chip is no longer used.

In addition to all of the features of the 20GB model, the 60GB model has internal IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi, multiple flash card readers (SD/MultiMedia Card, CompactFlash TypeI/Type II, Microdrive, Memory Stick/PRO/Duo), and a chrome coloured trim. In terms of hardware, the 80GB model released in South Korea is identical to the 60GB model released in the PAL regions, except for the difference in hard drive size. Like the South Korean and European models, the North American 80GB model also excludes the PlayStation 2 "Emotion Engine" CPU chip. However, it still keeps the "Graphics Synthesizer" GPU.

Due to emulation of the "Emotion Engine", the level of compatibility was reduced. The 40GB, 80GB (2008), and 160GB models have two USB ports instead of the four USB ports on other models, and do not include a multi memory card port, SACD support, or any backwards compatibility with PlayStation 2 titles. This was due to the removal of "Graphics Synthesizer" GPU, which stripped the units of all PlayStation 2 based hardware.

No official Wi-Fi or flash memory card readers have yet been released by Sony for the 20GB system, although plans for such add-ons are in place. Nevertheless, as the model features four USB 2.0 ports, wireless networking and flash memory card support can already be obtained through the use of widely available external USB adapters.

It was rumored that the Cell processors in the third-generation PS3s (40GB) would move from a 90nm process to the newer 65nm process, which SCEI CEO Kaz Hirai later confirmed. This change lowers the power consumption of the console and makes it less expensive to produce.

Recovery Menu Guide for all custom firmwares Despertar Cementerio Tutorial

Now, this is for all the people who want to install custom firmware on their brand new Slim, and for those having a hard time installing DC.. Asking how to get CFW is a question that gets too much around here. So, here is just a guide so you know what to do.

Pick these up at your local download spot

Despertar Cementerio v8
5.00 UPDATE

You can run Despertar Cementerio (unbricker, not the installer) on any Phat or Slim PSP that DOES NOT HAVE THE TA-088V3 MOTHERBOARD INSIDE!!! THIS ALSO DOES NOT WORK WITH THE PSP-3000 SERIES.

However, the installer and this guide will require you to have a PSP that has at least 3.03 OE installed. (From DC6 on, this is noted in the readme. It may work on 2.xx HEN, and custom firmwares but that's up to you to find out) Also, you will need a Pandora battery.

1)This might require you to repartition your MS if using a fresh formatted one. If it does, you will have to follow the guide at the end of this one that will use Hellcat's Pandora Installer to format your MS. (Just how the tutorial was from DCv3-DCv5)

2)Extract Despertar Cementerio, and move the 'DC8' folder to X:/PSP/GAME.



3)Extract the 5.00 update and rename it to '500.PBP'. Place it on the root of your MS.



4)Disable USB Mode. If you use a CTF/PTF, go to Settings > Theme Settings > Theme > Original. Turn it off or the installer wont load for you.

5)Launch Despertar Cementerio from Game > Memory Stick.

6)Once it loads, you will have to press X to begin installation.





7)Everything shall go fine. You will see a Sony like updater before you but its way more wicked and you have plugins enabled ^_^.

8a) If you are using TimeMachine you will be prompted to press a button at the end of install so you can launch DCv8. Any button that doesn't boot anything else is good. (I use D-pad up). Hold whatever button you want to until the installer reads it and carries on with installation.

8b) If the install stops at 99%, writing the DC ipl loader, you will have to reformat/repartition your stick, and re-do the installation. (Guide is at the end)

9)*SKIP THIS STEP IF YOU HAVE A PANDORA BATTERY* (Go to the guide below if you don't have one and/or need to convert)


Using this

DCv8 upgrades your PSP to 5.00 M33-4 from any previous firmware version. This can also be used an unbricker.. Like mentioned before, this will not work on TA-088v3 Slims, or PSP-3000s. Pandora is blocked completely.

1)To start Despertar Cementerio, insert your Pandora Battery, and Magic Stick. It should auto-boot. (If using DCv6 + TimeMachine, hold the button assigned for Despertar Cementerio)

2)Once the menu boots, you will be greeted with a menu with options:

-Install 5.00 M33 - Installs 5.00 M33-4
Install 5.00 OFW - Installs 5.00 OFW
-NAND operations - Dump/restore NANDS, IDStorage Options (See end of guide)
-Hardware Info - Hardware Info such as motherboard, tachyon, etc.
-Test M33 - Boot into a "live" version of 5.00 M33-4 for whatever
-Shutdown - Self-explanatory
-Reboot Device - A kick to the backside of your PSP

3)After unbricking, if your PSP appears bricked, just wait. It is rebuilding flash1.

***POST INSTALL***

4)If you are a Phat user, download your respective 1.50 kernel addon.
1.50 Kernel Addon for 5.00 M33
and the 1.50 UPDATE This step is optional, but if you want to play 1.50 homebrew, you will need it.

PSP Primal Tools VI - Hellcat's Recovery Flasher

Within the PSP Scene History, there have been tons and tons of great tools that have helped us for making several and different actuations, but just a few have survived along the years and are in our actual memory.

PSP Primal Tools is a compilation of all those tools that we are talking about. It's now time to talk about one all-in tools, Hellcat's Recovery Flasher.

Hellcat is one of those developers that, with every release, remembers us that the PSP Scene is not dead.

Recovery Flasher, originally released at eXophase, is an all-in tool that helps us to make very different tasks.

Latest version, 1.60, has the following changes:

* Updated 5.00-M33 installation to revision 6
* Changed autonaming of new backup folders to include date, firmware, psp model
* Made the resurrecion.prx replacement function working on all DDCs from 6 and above
* Added detection of PSP 3000 and PSP 2000 TA-088v3+. Flash writing functions will be disabled on those PSPs as they are not CFW capable and flashing would result in a brick
* Added support for "Firmware Packs" - these, like addons, packs will eliminate the need for a complete new release only when a new (C)FW is released. Instead of releasing a new Recovery Flasher itll just be such a pack, enabling Recovery Flasher to install the new firmware until an update of the main app is done that supports the firmware natively. Can/Will also be used for making Recovery Flasher install CFWs not supported, like GEN and such.
* Added complete checksum-check of the updater .PBP going to be used to avoid corrupted/incomplete .PBPs causing a brick
* Added full verify of the NAND dump that got written to be sure you have a good one
* Added detection of HEN mode
* Added detection and proper handling if a backup set contains OFW instead of CFW (like when made from HEN)
* Added better NAND dump handling. New dumps are now created with names similar to the (new) backup slot names (and now go into /flash-nanddumps), incl. an ID for the PSP they are made on, on NAND restore a list is shown with all available dumps matching the ID of the current PSP to choose from (the ID matching should prevent choosing a wrong dump accidentally)
* Added back/cancel on backup creation and restore
* Backups made from HEN mode are tagged to identify them as containing ORIGINAL firmware (as those backups do!)

So, what we can do with this tool? As HellCat said, "recover semi-bricks * up-/downgrade your CFW, flash *ANY* CFW directely to almost any other, backup/restore firmware flash (not NAND dump), make and restore NAND dumps, >> all without Pandora << " To this you should add the option to restore many settings and to make a Pandora Battery if needed directly within the app!

Damn a great tool that should be always on your Memory Stick.

PSP Primal Tools V - Despertar Del Cementerio

Within the PSP Scene History, there have been tons and tons of great tools that have helped us for making several and different actuations, but just a few have survived along the years and are in our actual memory.

PSP Primal Tools is a compilation of all those tools that we are talking about, and here it comes the fifth one, with the well-known DC or Despertar del Cementerio.

"Despertar del Cementerio", originally "Pandora" (originally released here, from n00bz) is the, as many of you know, ultimate unbricking tool for our PSP's.

Developed by M33 Team / Dark_AleX, it was the next step after the Pandora Battery was created (check this post to know more specifically how was done) so all the models (1k and 2k) could be unbricked within the use of a "jigkick battery" and an special Memory Stick.

There are tons and tons of tutorials at this terms. Instead of repeating them, let's just take a look at the evolution (and revolution) it has made.

* Despertar del Cementerio v1 was the first sight of this great app. This could de-brick both PSP Phats and Slims at the moment it was released.

* Despertar del Cementerio v2 was just a quick update to fix a bug from Sony, that caused bricks within the BSOD of configuration.

* Despertar del Cementerio v3 had some new tweaks at a new display driver for the PSP Slim, and it installed 3.71M33-2

* Despertar del Cementerio v4 included some security checks, and installed 3.80M33-5

* Despertar del Cementerio v5 integrated DC with TimeMachine, the other great tool that appeared on those days, and installed 3.90M33-3

* Despertar del Cementerio v6 included a totally new Core and GIU, as well installed now 4.01M33-2

* Despertar del Cementerio v7 included new options, like flash formatting as well a complete IdStorage repairing tool!

* Despertar del Cementerio v8, this latest version, now installs 5.00M33-4

Whoa, indeed those are really nice updates. So, what's happening today? No new version is planned. Even though, you know what is said... Legends may sleep, but they never die.

Ubisoft: Assassin's Creed 2 sales will be boosted by PSP

Ubisoft's decision to release an Assassin's Creed title on the PSP and put in PS3-PSP connectivity seems to be paying off. Alain Corre, Ubisoft's executive director, revealed during a conference call that projected sales of Assassin's Creed 2 have gone up by 15% thanks to the PSP title Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines.

Following the strong showing of Assassin's Creed at E3 and the current buzz, we now think the game should be selling around 15 per cent more units than the first title. Our previous guidance suggested it was going to sell less units than the first title. Most of this performance actually comes from the addition of one platform, the PSP, of which Assassin's Creed was not released in the past. Half of this performance is done with guaranteed bundles.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot also said that retail pre-orders for Assassin's Creed 2 have already surpassed numbers set by the original game. Assassin's Creed 2 will be released this November on PS3, Xbox 360, and PC. Assassin' Creed: Bloodlines will also hit retail the same month.

New PS3 controller colors coming in October

Ó

We've seen white and we've seen silver. Now Sony is getting ready to release a couple more new colors for the PS3's DualShock 3 controller. This time, they're taking a page from the primary color palette. The "Deep Red" and "Metallic Blue" controllers shown in the pics above will be available in stores this October. No official price tag announcements yet, but if we go by the price scheme for the other colored DualShock 3s each of these would probably be around US$ 55.

Ego by Beyoncé

More Than Words by Extreme

Fallin' For You by Colbie Caillat

iR Shell Patch for CFWEnabler (CFWE) Released

greg | July 27, 2009

Released by bosshunter — for all the CFWEnablers out there — a patch facilitating ISO/PSX support as well as improved iR Shell stability. There are a few things you should note first –

1. The full extent of this patch only works on firmware 5.03 with CFWE 3.50 and below. CFWE 3.60 fails loading PSX titles while ISOs continue working just fine. So use accordingly.
2. Use at your own risk; this patch touches a file in flash0 that’s installed by CFWE.
3. If something goes wrong while the PRX patches the necessary files, reinstall CFWE and try again.

What to do?

1. Make sure you have:
   • iR Shell 5.0 installed;
   • A fresh install of CFWE;
   • The plugins loaded by game.txt are disabled;
   • Replaced the IRSHELL folder with the one provided.
2. Run iR Shell.
3. Open Directory View and go to ms0:/IRSHELL/PATCH/5.03/.
4. Run btcnfpatch.prx.
5. Follow the onscreen instructions.
6. Wait a few seconds. You should see the screenshot above if it’s successful.
7. Re-enable your game.txt plugins.

Custom Firmware 5.50 GEN users — expect a patch soon.

Download:
iR Shell 5.0
iR Shell Patch for CFWEnabler
CFWE 3.60 | CFWE 3.50

PSP Themes: Project14Xa & ProjectResistance

Theme: Project14Xa & ProjectResistance
Author: PwnedTyler
Format: CTF for 5.50

Features:

• Project14Xa
  • Custom opening_plugin, never before seen;
  • Edited black PSN background (may have bugs or not appear different);
  • Custom Hack ‘n Slash gameboot (thanks to highboy);
  • Different keyboard clicks;
  • Cool XMB Wave.
• ProjectResistance
  • Invisible icons… with skull focus;
  • Invisible speaker bar and icon;
  • Custom opening_plugin;
  • Custom gameboot;
  • No PSP logo during gameboot;
  • Different XMB wave.

Download:
Project14Xa
ProjectResistance

ESRB censors gore in God of War III videos

Now this was supposed to be another dev diary for God of War III, where you get to see the usual gameplay footages of Kratos being his violent self. But apparently, the former God of War is so violent that the ESRB is stepping in to make sure that the excessive blood and gore won't be seen in any God of War III video. Watch the vid and see for yourself.


Since ESRB can't protect the kids from inappropriate content when watching vids online, the rating board decided to censor the images in which offensive material can be found, like at 4:43 in the video above. The video may require age verification to be able to watch, but any kid would know how to bypass that little barrier.

Don't worry though, once you get the actual game, there will be none of those unpleasant "Censored by ESRB" icons on your glorious 1080p screen, just the pure, bloody, eye-yanking gore that Kratos delivers with such passion.

Rumor: PS3 Slim bundled with Madden NFL 10 coming in August?

We already heard numerous rumors about the leaked PS3 slim before, we even have a video snippet from the Philippines just last week. Now here comes another one from the latest 1UP podcast. David Ellis has revealed that the much awaited PS3 slim will debut this August and will be bundled with the upcoming Madden NFL 10 (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PSP, PC, PS2).

Ellis said this might be the reason why Activision recently threatened Sony to abandon its platforms because they are tying the release with an EA title rather than Activision. Adding fuel to the speculation, Sony has already confirmed a massive press conference on August 18 for GamesCom but didn't give any details about the show. Madden NFL 10 is scheduled for release on August 14. So what do you think guys? Is the PS3 slim really on the way? Stay tuned.

XMB RCO Patcher BETA 1 Released

Doing the PSP world a big favour is TheCraziness1 with XMB RCO Patcher BETA 1. Now you may easily customize individual XMB elements on your Custom Firmware or ChickHEN enabled PSP — background waves, icons, the battery indicator, volume bar, click sounds, etc.

The download comes bundled with several user contributed RCOs. Enjoy!

Download: XMB RCO Patcher BETA 1

PMPlayer Advance (PPA) 3.0.5 Released

Man, I wish I would’ve used and shared PMPlayer Advance with you much sooner… I hadn’t realized how awesome of a media (video) player it is until now, and as of version 3.0.0, which truly upped the awesomeness factor — PMPlayer supports MKV playback at 720*480. Hells yeah.

What’s Supported:

PMP Format V2( *.pmp ):
   * Video:
     AVC, main profile, level 2.1, < =480*272
     MPEG-4 Part2, <=480*272
   * Audio:
     MP3
     AAC

MP4 Format( *.mp4 ):
   * Video:
     AVC, baseline profile, level 1.3, <=480*272
     AVC, main profile, level 2.1 or 3.0, <=720*480
     MPEG-4 Part2, <=480*272
   * Audio:
     AAC

MKV Format( *.mkv ):
   * Video:
     AVC, baseline profile, level 1.3, <=480*272
     AVC, main profile, level 2.1 or 3.0, <=720*480
   * Audio:
     AAC

PPA is multilingual; it also supports USBHost and NetHost, subtitles, and TV Out on the PSP Slim.

Changes:

• added CFW 5.50GEN-B and PSP-1000 support
• fixed MP4(MKV) file delete function

Download: PMPlayer Advance 3.0.5

Saints Row metalled up, coming to PSP?

Ó

When I think "Swedish heavy metal band," images of long hair, black getups, and guttural vocals from the fiery bowels of hell are usually the first things that come to my mind. Not video game announcements. Opeth's apparently got a lot more than that going on, though. The band's website has announced that one of their songs have been picked for inclusion in a Saints Row game for the Sony PlayStation Portable: We may not like playing video games all that much but we do like it when our music is featured on them! Makes us a bit proud even when it's a game as big as Saints Row for the PSP and even prouder when the nice developer people show excellent taste by picking "The Lotus Eater" for it. So if you love playing video games: the game is expected to hit the streets around March 2010. That's surprisingly quite specific. No announcements have been made for the game yet by either THQ or Volition, but metal music publisher Magic Arts Publishing seems to corroborate the Opeth announcement since they have a listing indicating that they've also licensed music for the game.

Mariah Carey Latest released

Videos: Gran Turismo, LittleBigPlanet played on a PSP Go

The lucky people at Fase Extra recently got graced by Sony Spain with copies of Gran Turismo and LittleBigPlanet as well as a PSP Go to play them on. They've posted a pair of videos showing the two games in action on the Go along with some notes on how these big console games translate to the Sony handheld.

First is Gran Turismo. As far as I can tell from the translation and the vid, it seems the jaggies that are so prominent in the screenshots we've seen so far disappear entirely when you're racing past your opponents on the track. The level of detail is reportedly pretty high as well.



LittleBigPlanet, on the other hand, understandably suffers a bit from lack of detail and lower textures compared to the PS3 version. Still looks pretty damn great to me though. Too bad the demo didn't show off any of the customization options since that's probably the biggest draw for this title.




Gran Turismo will be a PSP Go launch title and is set for an October 1 release. LittleBigPlanet doesn't have a formal launch date yet although it is expected to hit retail later this year.

Black Wii packaged and ready to roll out

August 1's just around the corner, and that day we'll see the launch of the classy, new black Wii. In Japan, that is. And while our fellow gamers on the other side of the globe make a mad dash for this new beauty (which we're all too sure will just bring in more money for Nintendo), we'll just sit quietly here hoping that we'll get official word that we'll be getting our hands on it as well.

Admit it, it looks sweet. That blue light on the face of the console amidst the solid black makes it look ultra modern. Even the packaging looks classy. Admire below.

The Black version of the Wii lands in Japan on August 1st for ¥25,000 (US$ 258).

Xenogears and Becus25 release their own Custom Firmware 5.50 MHU

Homebrew coders Xenogears and Becus25 is back on the scene to release their own custom firmware for version 5.50. The Custom Firmware 5.50 MHU is compatible to all PSP-1000 and PSP-2000 models except for PSP owners with TA-088v3 mobos. 

To install the CFW:
Copy the UPDATE folder into PSP / GAME 
Copy the FW 5.50 in the UPDATE folder and rename it SCE.pbp 
Start the application 
At the end of this update, when prompted, press x to restart the console
And just a little note from the devs, you won't be able to run games using Sony NP9660 driver in this version so for the mean time, use the M33 driver instead. These and other problems will be addressed in future update so stay tune.


Download: Custom Firmware 5.50 MHU

Tekken 6: Exclusive Kuma trailer

If you think that Heihachi's lovable pet bear is a novelty that Namco Bandai added to bring the character count up, you'd be wrong. Here to show you that his Heihachi-style of fighting (yes, there's such a thing) is a deadly mix of comic relief and generous amounts of pain - it's Kuma for Tekken 6 (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PSP)

While that combo on Panda isn't likely to happen on real matches, it still looks cool. Kuma isn't known for being among the top picks on a Tekken marathon, but the adjustments on his moves and the physics can work to his advantage. Besides, he's so much fun to mess around with, and he's got more right to make roaring sounds than King.

So if it's Lei and Kuma, I'd have to hand it to Lei for better ass-kickery. But for the love of enemy defamation when owned by Kuma (and bias in favor of grizzlies who know their martial arts), my vote goes to the big guy. Bring it on, Kung Fu Panda.

Life after death - new Michael Jackson game confirmed

Since the death of the King of Pop, we've been getting Michael Jackson news left and right - the gaming scene isn't an exception. Apart from the fact that MJ loved games and was a sucker for Mortal Kombat, MJ is gonna get one last hurrah at gaming, even in death. His own MJJ Productions confirm - a new Michael Jackson game is in the works.

Hold on, before you go thinking that this might be some pseudo-tribute to make money off Jacko's death, you must know that MJJ Productions has been working on the title "for several months." In fact, MJ recorded his speech for the game months before his sudden passing.

Release is slated for Christmas later this year for home consoles, but since Sony owns rights to MJ's music, we may not see an Xbox 360 version. Needless to say, the game will feature the pop icon's hits, although none were specified. Even with Jackson gone, MJ will still push through with the project. “I am sure it will still be released. Michael loved games," said an MJ rep.

Custom Firmware Enabler 3.60 Released

Surprise, surprise! It’s another Custom Firmware Enabler release from Xenogears and Becus25. What’s new/changed this time ’round? Mostly more of the same improving CFWEnabler’s overall stability…
Free UMD Region.
French language.
Network update fixed.
Version patching improved.
SHA1 verification of installation.
CFW flashing system improved.
Code improved.
Pops flashing improved.
PBP is now smaller

Download: Custom Firmware Enabler v3.60

PS3 Slim spotted in a street market !!!!

"Is it real?" asks the guy in the vid. That's what we'd like to know. A PS3 Slim was spotted at a street market retailer in the Philippines, where customers inquire as to the authenticity of the new model. Legit or fake? Watch the vid and see for yourself.



From the looks of it, the retailer is trying to sell the PS3 Slim to hesitant customers who don't seem to have been to the rumor mill. From previous leaks that we've gathered, the PS3 Slim supposedly ships to Japan early July, so right now would qualify for that margin. If indeed PS3 Slims are making their way to Japan, it's highly probable that piracy got hold of a few shipments and sent them to street markets all over.

This remains a rumor, although the picture of a PS3 Slim announcement is becoming much clearer than the blurry video we just saw. If it's fake, then hats off to the guys who fabricated the hoax and may they find a better use of their time. But if it's legit, we could be hearing the big announcement from Sony soon. TGS, perhaps?

God of War III devs concerned about game getting banned in Australia

Australian gamers have long lamented the difficulties that the lack of an 18+ rating has caused in their home country. Almost every year, we hear about high-profile games being banned or watered down just so they can squeeze past the Office of Film and Literature Classification's (OFLC) tight screening process.

Entries in Sony's God of War series have so far been able to arrive safely in the territory, but according to Digital Life, the developers of God of War III have expressed concern about whether or not the game will be able to do the same.

"There is (concern)," said art director Sean Cunningham. "We try to push the boundaries a little bit. (But) we’ve had meetings and discussions and internally we all have a good gauge on what’s 'too far'."

One person's idea of what goes too far doesn't necessarily hold true for another, though, so Cunningham and the rest of the God of War III dev team have constantly been checking in with screening bodies to know exactly what's OK for them to put in the game.

"You throw something past them and they might say 'Absolutely not! You could not do that!' and we’re all like: 'Aww, c’mon, that was a great idea!' There have been a couple of those…"

Cunningham also gave a taste of what fans can expect from the series' first PS3 outing. "The disembowelment of the centaur, ripping Helios’s head off, the reaction from the floor has been amazing. Everybody in the studio is very happy.”

God of War III is due to be released in 2010. We'll know then if the scenes Cunningham described prove to be acceptable for the OFLC.

Media Create: Japan hardware sales for 06/29 to 07/05

Videogaming Japan - Image 1Japan's Media Create has released the numbers for hardware sales figures in the country for the dates of June 29 through July 5, 2009. Taking the cake, as usual, is Nintendo's DSi. Following at a kinda close second: Sony's PSP.

The handhelds are almost neck to neck now, with the DSi still ahead with 46, 855 units sold. You'd think they can't keep selling more, but that's wrong thinking apparently. The previous week, it sold "just" 39,885.

As for the PSP, it seems to be making some headway too, adding some 5,000 more units to its sold units last week, thereby landing at #2 with 32, 849 units this week. The DS Lite model now sits behind the PS3 with 7, 507.

The consoles, meanwhile, see the Wii running ahead of the PS3 and the Xbox360. The PS2's still hanging in there as well with 3, 734 purchased.

Here are the numbers from Media Create for this week:

* DSi - 46,855
* PSP - 32,849
* Wii - 24,971
* PS3 - 11,196
* DS Lite - 7,507
* Xbox 360 - 5,876
* PS2 - 3,734

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PspStates Experiment Patch for PSP-3000 Released

Now functioning on your PSP-3000 by way of 5.03 GEN-A or Custom Firmware Enabler: Dark_AleX’s PspStates. This patch brought to you by the skills of Total_Noob. Download both below; read both readmes.

PspStates allows you to save everything in its current state — absolutely everything — while in a game. Then return to that exact state sometime later. You set the checkpoints.

And as always, nice work Total_Noob.

Download:
PspStates Experiment v2
PspStates Patch for PSP-3000 CFW 5.03 GEN / CFW Enabler

Bookr-Mod 20090709 Released

Another day, another Bookr-Mod release… Bookr-Mod is the obvious derivative of Nguyen Chi Tam’s Bookr — the homebrew PDF/DJVU/TXT reader for your PSP.

Changes in build 2009-07-09

• Fixed an issue of missing the last line in plain text files.

Changes in build 2009-07-08

• Compiled/packed with latest psp toolchain.
• Fixed a bug of crash on pressing square button on the first use.
• Made zooming/rotation faster when Fast Image is enabled (i.e. one of one screen/four screens/full modes.)
• Optimized memory usage. Hence some PDFs with large JPEG2000 pics could be opened now.

Download: Bookr-Mod 20090709

Ubisoft: Assassin's Creed 2 longer than original, features PS3-PSP connectivity

One of the criticisms leveled against the original Assassin's Creed was that it started out strong but eventually got repetitive due to a lack of gameplay variety. That's one of the things Ubisoft is addressing in the sequel, which in turn brings the added bonus of longer play time.

An Ubisoft Q&A reveals that Assassin's Creed 2 will feature several different optional gameplay elements that "will add a lot of depth to the whole experience." These will also work towards further extending the gameplay time, which reportedly clocks in at more than the first game's 20 hours.

Those who happen to have both a PS3 and PSP will also be treated to some extra content on both consoles by connecting the PS3 version to the PSP title, Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines. There's more info on the game at the Q&A behind the source link.

The PS3, Xbox 360, and PC versions of Assassin's Creed 2 are planned for a simultaneous November 17 launch. The PSP title currently has an earlier release date of November 10.

CFWEnabler NetUpdate Fixer 1.01 Released

Due to server changes Xenogears and Becus25 have released NetUpdate fixer — now 1.01 — for past and future versions of Custom Firmware Enabler. This should fix any problems experienced when attempting a CFWEnabler network update.

CFWEnabler NetUpdate Fixer 1.01:

• Fixed a bug with version 3.51.
• Improved the patching system.

Download:
CFWEnabler NetUpdate Fixer 1.01
Custom Firmware Enabler 3.51

Medal of Honor: Heroes Exploit; Works on PSP Firmware 5.51!

I read about this a couple days ago and was awaiting more concrete evidence before posting, and well, here it is — the proof is in the pudding… Courtesy of kgsws — a [promising] Medal of Honor: Heroes user mode exploit for firmware 5.51 and prior.

The vulnerability stems from a classic “format string” overflow in the player’s name; Details can be found in “info.txt.” Source code also included.

Download: MOHH Exploit

PSP homebrew - Slim Colors Patch v2

Homebrew coder Bubbletune has released a new update for Slim Colours Patch, an application that allows you to choose the slim background colors on your classic PSP phat. The latest update adds support for firmwares 5.02, 5.03 and 5.50.

Version 2 changelog:

• Added support for 5.02, 5.03 and 5.50.
• Made code more dynamic, should no longer require an update each firmware.

Download: Slim Colors Patch v2

Known PSP Error codes!!!!

DADADADA - Running a FW Update in DAX custom FW
80010087 - Error reading UMD or UMD not present
80110305 - Load failed.The Memory Stick could not be acessed
FFFFFFFF - PSP update failed
UKN9000001 - update cant start, data corrupt
80020148 - Unsupported PRX type | This error also appears when running an iso with a fake mem. stick
98765432 - Selected a language who's font has been removed. DAX FW ONLY ERROR!
8001006F - Remote Play connection error. Most likely when no PS3 is sending a signal over your network.
800200D1 - Ran homebrew without Homebrew enabled firmware.
8002014C - Ran kxploited homebrew without Homebrew enabled firmware.
80020321 - Ran a game that doesn't support NO-UMD* (DAX FW ONLY!)
80110404 - Network error, try restore default settings to fix
CA000005 - keys.bin not found when trying to run a PS1 game.
80000004 - General PSP code error.
80110307 - Load Failed There is no Data available
80010002 - Putting the POPS EBOOT in the wrong folder
80000001 - Got it when trying to run PSP filer version 3.6 on 3.40* firmware
00000001 - WiFi error. Occurs when no access points are detected in official 3.7X and custom 3.7X firmware.
80410A0B - Loose WiFi card (did you drop your PSP?)
80110305 - Load failed.The Memory Stick could not be acessed
ffffffff - PSP update failed
80020321 - No umd in drive when no umd is disabled
UKN9000001 - update cant start, data corrupt
98765432 - Selected a language who's font has been removed.
8001006F - Remote Play connection error. No PS3 signal over your network.
80020148 - Unsupported PRX type
800200D1 - Ran homebrew without Homebrew enabled firmware.
8002014C - Ran kxploited homebrew without Homebrew enabled firmware.
CA000005 - keys.bin not found when trying to run a PS1 game.
80020148 - (unsupported PRX type)?
800201A8 - (WAIT timeout)?
80020130 - File Read Error (ex. length is 0)
80020001 - Generic Kernel Error - default (ex. executable is invalid) 800200D9
- Failure to allocate memory block (ex. missing PSP)
80410D07 - Connection error has occurred. (Ie cant find access pt)
80020001 - error
80020002 - not implemented
80020032 - illegal exception code
80020033 - exception handler not use
80020034 - exception handler already used
80020035 - system call table not use
80020036 - system call table already used
80020037 - illegal system call table
80020038 - illegal Primary Syscall number
80020039 - Primary Syscall number already use
80020064 - call from interrupt handler/thread
80020065 - illegal INTRCODE
80020066 - CPU already interrupt disable
80020067 - Handler already exist
80020068 - Handler not found
80020069 - illegal interrupt level
8002006a - illegal address
8002006b - illegal Intr Handler Option Param size
8002006c - illegal stack address
8002006d - already stack address set
80020096 - not found free Hard Timer
80020097 - illegal timer ID
80020098 - illegal source
80020099 - illegal prescale
8002009a - Hard Timer in use
8002009b - Hard Timer not setup
8002009c - Hard Timer not in use
800200a0 - unit number already used
800200a1 - unit number not used
800200a2 - rom directory not found
800200c8 - id type already exist
800200c9 - id type not exist
800200ca - {not available}
800200cb - unknown UID
800200cc - unmatch UID type
800200cd - id not exist
800200ce - not found UID function
800200cf - UID already holder
x800200d0 - UID not holder
800200d1 - illegal permission
800200d2 - illegal argument
800200d3 - illegal address
800200d4 - the memory area is out of range
800200d5 - the memory area is overlap
800200d6 - illegal partition id
800200d7 - partition in use
800200d8 - illegal memory block allocation type
800200d9 - failed to allocate memory block
800200da - inhibited to resize this memory block
800200db - failed to resize this memory block
800200dc - failed to allocate heap block
800200dd - failed to allocate heap
800200de - illegal chunk id
800200df - cannot find chunk name
800200e0 - there is no free chunk
8002012c - module link error
8002012d - illegal object format (not PRX/PFX)
8002012e - not found Module
8002012f - not found Module file
80020130 - Module file read error
80020131 - memory in use
80020132 - partition mismatch
80020133 - module already started
80020134 - module not started yet
80020135 - module already stopped
80020136 - module cannot stop
80020137 - module not stopped yet
80020138 - module cannot remove
80020139 - exclusive load
8002013a - Library is not linked yet
8002013b - Library already exists
8002013c - Library not found
8002013d - illegal Library header
8002013e - Library isused now
8002013f - module already stopping
80020140 - illegal off set value
80020141 - illegal position code
80020142 - illegal access code
80020143 - module manager busy
80020144 - illegal flag
80020145 - cannot get module list
80020146 - prohibit Load Module device
80020147 - prohibit Load Exec device
80020148 - unsupported PRX type
80020149 - illegal permission call
8002014a - cannot get module information
8002014b - illegal Load Exec buffer
8002014c - illegal Load Exec file name
8002014d - There is no exit callback
80020190 - no memory
80020191 - illegal attr parameter
80020192 - illegal thread entry address
80020193 - illegal priority value
80020194 - illegal stack size
80020195 - illegal mode
80020196 - illegal mask
80020197 - illegal thread ID
80020198 - not found thread
80020199 - not found semaphore
8002019a - not found event flag
8002019b - not found message box
8002019c - not found Vpool
8002019d - not found Fpool
8002019e - not found message pipe
8002019f - not found alarm
800201a0 - not found thread event handler
800201a1 - not found callback
800201a2 - thread already DORMANT
800201a3 - thread already SUSPEND
800201a4 - thread is not DORMANT
800201a5 - thread is not SUSPEND
800201a6 - thread is not WAIT
800201a7 - now dispatch disabled
800201a8 - WAIT timeout
800201a9 - WAIT canceled
800201aa - WAIT status released
N800201ab - WAIT status released with callback
800201ac - thread is terminated
800201ad - semaphore counter zero
800201ae - semaphore counter overflow
800201af - event flag condition not occur
800201b0 - this event flag cannot accept waits with multiple threads
800201b1 - illegal event flag wait pattern
800201b2 - message box have no message
800201b3 - message pipe is full
800201b4 - message pipe is empty
800201b5 - wait object deleted
800201b6 - illegal memory block
800201b7 - illegal memory size
800201b8 - illegal scratchpad address
800201b9 - scratch pad in use
800201ba - scratchpad not in use
800201bb - illegal type
800201bc - illegal size
800201bd - illegal count
800201be - not found vtimer
800201bf - illegal vtimer ID
800201c0 - illegal KTLS ID
800201c1 - KTLS is full
800201c2 - KTLS is busy
80020258 - invalid such priority
80020259 - device name is invalid
8002025a - device name is unknown
8002025b - pm information is registered already
8002025c - pm information is not registered
8002025d - major state is invalid value
8002025e - request is invalid
8002025f - request is unknown
80020260 - unit number is invalid
80020261 - cannot cancel request
80020262 - pm information is invalid
80020263 - argument is invalid
80020264 - already target epower state
80020265 - failed to change system power state
80020266 - cannot change device power state
80020267 - device does not support such power state
800202bc - request to the DMAC failed
800202bd - DMA operation is less or equal one
800202be - the operation is already queued
800202bf - the operation is already finished or not queueud
800202c0 - the operation is already in transfer progress
800202c1 - the operation is not assigned yet
800202c2 - the sync operation timed out
800202c3 - dma operation struct is already freed
800202c4 - dma operation is used
800202c5 - dma operation is empty
800202c6 - DMA operation is aborted
800202c7 - DMA operation is error
800202c8 - physical DMA channel is already reserved
800202c9 - physical DMA channel is not managed by dmac manager
800202ca - there is a privilege address in link list
800202cb - link list buffer is not enough
800202cc - the operation is not assigned to physical DMA channel
800202cd - the operation is child operation
800202ce - it is too much than transferable datasize
800202cf - argument is invalid
80020320 - Too many open files
80020321 - No such device
80020322 - Cross-device link
80020323 - Bad file descriptor
80020324 - Invalid argument
80020325 - Unsupported operation
80020326 - Alias is already used
80020327 - Cannot mount
80020328 - Driver deleted
80020329 - Async operation is busy
8002032a - No async operation
8002032b - Device is already registered
8002032c - No current working directory
8002032d - Filename too long
800203e8 - DECI3 No such device or address
800203e9 - DECI3 I/O error
800203ea - DECI3 Not enough core
800203eb - STDIO not opened
8002044c - Parameter is not cache aligned
8002044d - End of kernel error code Never use this name

Kazunori Yamauchi talks Gran Turismo

If you want to know anything at all about Gran Turismo, then Kazunori Yamauchi is your best official source. After all, he's Polyphony Digital's CEO, as well as the producer of all the Gran Turismo games. That's exactly who Jeff Rubenstein of the PlayStation blog came to as he went on interview mode once again to get the latest on Gran Turismo PSP and Gran Turismo 5.



One of the things that the development team wanted to focus on was that despite the PSP-PS3 power disparity, they still wanted players to instantly recognize the PSP version to be a Gran Turismo game. One look at these screens would tell you that they managed to do so, big time.

Moving on to GT5, Yamauchi-san didn't specify any details as to how they intend on leaving the competition to eat their dust, but he did mention that the concept behind the GT-R's multi-function meter was established by him and his crew. Yes, the real driving simulator works closely with Nissan too.

If there's anything you wanna ask the US producers about Gran Turismo PSP, be sure to drop by the PlayStation Blog and ask - some of you might get replies straight from the blog. Oh and did you know? Gran Turismo PSP will have 800+ cars.

Valve open to work with PS3 development

Just because Gabe Newell thinks that the PS3 is a waste of time, doesn't mean that Valve Corporation is closing doors on the console altogether. In fact, Valve's PR exec, Doug Lombardi, expressed that the company is "up on the idea" of developing for the PS3. Who cares what their managing director thinks?

I'd sure like to know what ol' Gabe said when his staff at Valve decided to aim for PS3 development. At any rate, the problem for the developer now lies with their lack of PS3 experience. Sure, they have a strong Xbox 360 and FPS background, but they haven't quite explored the Sony console just yet. "We have to get people under our roof who are dedicated, talented PS3 guys and then all bets are off," Lombardi said.

So does that mean Valve is hiring? "Valve is always looking to hire people. So yeah, definitely," he said. Left 4 Dead 3 for PS3, anyone?

New PSP Exploit found in Medal of Honor Heroes?

DCEmu Forums poster kgsws is reporting that a new exploit of the PSP can be found via the game Medal of Honor Heroes. According to him, it's only been tested on the M33 Phat and the CFW 3000. The info Readme details the instructions as well as some further tips and tricks in running this exploit. So far, however, it has yet to be seen if this ma work with non-CFW PSP at all. You're free to try though if you can. J

PSP firmware 5.55 Spotted in Japan

PSP Firmware 5.55 - Spotted in Japan

Demo units of PSP Soulcalibur Broken Destiny in Japan, were seen running an unreleased firmware 5.55. Proof from the sneaky photo taken above. While no obvious changes were spotted, it could be just another small update? Playstation titles support expanded? We doubt any new features will be added at this stage. But its still interesting to note the new version is out there, yet unreleased.

We’ll keep checking the official Playstation blog to see if an official announcement will be made on a new update coming.