PlayStation Portable system software facts for kids
The PlayStation Portable, or PSP, is a cool handheld gaming device. Like many gadgets, it has special software called firmware. Think of firmware as the PSP's operating system, similar to the software that runs your phone or computer. This software can be updated to add new features, fix problems, or make the PSP work better.
When you update your PSP's firmware, it's super important to make sure the battery is charged. It needs to be at least 60% full (about three bars). Also, never turn off your PSP while it's updating! If you do, your PSP might get "bricked." This means it could stop working and become unusable. Sometimes, it might just show a strange error screen instead of starting up properly. As of August 10, 2011, the newest firmware version was 6.60.
PSP Firmware Updates
Updating your PSP's firmware helps keep it running smoothly. Each update often brings improvements or new ways to use your device. It's like getting a software update for your phone.
Key Firmware Versions
Over the years, the PSP received many firmware updates. Each one added something new or fixed issues. Here's a look at some important versions and what they brought:
| Version | What's New? | More Cool Stuff |
|---|---|---|
| 6.60 | The PlayStation Spot service ended in Japan. | Important security changes were made. |
| 6.39 | You could now change your PSN password. | Various security improvements were added. |
| 6.38 | More security improvements were included. | This version let you use Qriocity. |
| 6.37 | This update was needed to play Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy. | Some security improvements were made. |
| 6.35 | Qriocity was added to the PSP menu. | A game exploit in Hot Shots Golf was fixed. |
| 6.31 | This update fixed problems with stability and game bugs. | Security patches were applied. |
| 6.30 | A patch for the Datel cheat engine was included. | More security improvements were made. |
| 6.20 | You could now sort games by genre. | An exploit in the game Patapon was fixed. |
| 6.10 | This update was needed to play Gran Turismo. | You could download new themes from the PlayStation Store. |
| 6.00 | This version was needed to play Tekken 5. | (For PSP 1000 models) The "Network Update" option changed to "System Update." |
| 5.70 | A new option for Themes was added. | (For PSP N1000 models only) "Your Birth Date" was added to System Settings. |
| 5.50 | An Information Board was added. | PsOne games were added to the PlayStation Store. |
| 5.00 | New Theme options became available. | The PlayStation Store was added to the XMB (the PSP's main menu). |
| 4.00 | This update was needed to play N+. | An Internet Time feature was added. |
| 3.00 | Video playback was added to the XMB. | This version was needed to play Puzzle Scape. |
| 2.XX | Fixed a TIFF exploit in three steps. | You could play copyrighted videos. |
| 2.00 | Internet browsing was added to the XMB. | New music visualizations were included. |
| 1.52 | This was the original release version in the UK. | Music on UMDs (PSP game discs) was supported. |
| 1.51 | A security enhancement was added. | Music was added to the XMB. |
| 1.50 | This was the original release version in the U.S.. | Important security features were installed. |
| 1.00 | This was the original launch version in Japan. | It supported Network Updates. |
Images for kids
-
Web browser on a PSP-1000
