Sony will be releasing Firmware 3.11 in the second week of February (week commencing February 5th 2007) because of problems with playing the PlayStation One Title, R-Types. Sony reports that the problems that occur in Firmware 3.10 do not occur in Firmware 3.03, but unlucky for those who updated to 3.10. Sony therefore apologizes to anyone who experienced this problem. The exact details about the problem regarding R-Types is unknown but details can be found on the Japanese PlayStation Website.

Firmware 3.11 may also include a security patch to fix the recent “goofy” exploit in Firmware 3.03, although this is not confirmed. We will keep you updated about any developments. In the mean time, you can check out the Japanese article using the link below.

[Via: PlayStation Japan]

Dark_AleX has does it again! Firmware 3.10 was released and decrypted only a few days ago and already Dark_AleX has created a new Custom Firmware, 3.10 OE-A (Open Edition Revision A). Installing 3.10 OE-A will require the Firmware 1.5 and 3.10 EBOOTs to create a new DATA.DXAR files. Those familiar with installing previous versions of OE will have no problems with updating to this edition. But as always there is risk of bricking your PSP if the instructions are not followed.

Here is the change log:

• Change from Firmware 3.03 to Firmware 3.10
• 4th level of brightness can now be selected also without using the AC Adaptor.
• Changes in hen core:
• Static user ELF’s can now be executed in the 3.10 kernel. (this includes snes user version between other programs)
• Tyranid’s patch (added in 3.03 OE-C) consequences was not explained very well in the changelog of 3.03 OE-C:
  • For programmers: it allows kernel modules to have user imports, making kernel programming in 3.03/3.10 less strict.
  • For users: plugins and applications that worked in 2.71 SE, but not in OE, may now work in 3.03 OE-C and 3.10 OE-A

POPS-related important note

The plugin to load 3.02 pops won’t work anymore in 3.10 OE, due to some changes in pops modules structure. A new plugin for 3.10 could be written next week.

[Download Firmware 3.10 OE A]

UPDATE

Something that wasn’t mentioned in the change log is that 3.10 OE A works with PAL PSX ISOs properly. If you tried to use PSX ISOs before (on either 3.02 OE or 3.03 OE), you mave have noticed that the display is slightly cut off on top. This is not the case with 3.10 OE anymore, as several people have reported. The problem was most likely fixed by Sony, since their change log did mention better PSX game compatibility.

HMV, a UK Retailer, is offering a pre-order service for the PlayStation 3 when it comes out on March 23rd, however there is an expensive catch. In order to receive priority, you must purchase a PS3/PSP bundle costing you GBP 675 (around USD 1,326). HMV and Sony have apparently teamed up together to offer 5,000 customers this special offer. If you don’t already own and PSP and are interested in buying a PS3, then this would be a good offer, but other than that, this deal is useless and very expensive.

Here is what the offer says:

“Want to be one of the lucky few to own a PlayStation 3 when it’s launched? At HMV.co.uk, we’ve been working with Sony to offer up to 5,000 customers an incredible deal when you buy the new Sony 4GB PSP. Anyone who takes advantage of this offer will get priority over other HMV.co.uk customers for the PlayStation 3 AND two great free games for the PSP – Killzone Liberation and Gangs of London.

Your PSP console and games will be dispatched from our warehouse as soon as we receive your order. We will ship your PlayStation 3 to you from our warehouse as soon as we receive consoles from Sony in accordance with our terms.”

So, is this really a good deal? Considering the PS3 (60GB) will cost around GBP 425 (USD 835), it means the PSP will cost you GBP 250 (USD 490). Also, seeing as the PS3 is more expensive that North America and Asia, we fail to see how this qualifies as a offer.

[Via: HMV]

Sony will release an original RPG in Asia called Rezel Cross for PSP. The story circles around the 5 protagonists who obtained super natural power Rezel due to a mysterious comet that returns every thousand year. At the same time numerous wild animals also turned into berserk beasts. The 5 protagonists were in a mission to stop the beasts, and discovered a dark force who attempts to use the Rezel power to take over the empire.

The game will feature 20 chapters, and the 5 protagonists will possess the power like teleportation, time pause, psycho kinesis, transformation and see-through. The game will have 2D backgrounds and 3D characters. The battles will be in full 3D, with an interface similar to PSP’s XMB. During the battles, you can obtain skill points to unlock ability boosts, Rezel Arts (special attacks) and Hyper Rezels (super attacks).

Rezel Cross (Chinese version) will be released in Taiwan on February 15, 2007, and the Japanese version will be available in other areas this spring. In the meantime, check out the screenshots below.

[Via: The Magic Box]

Tiki Games, a new games developer for both console and handheld machines, is looking for a publisher for it’s latest game for the PSP, Galaxy’s End. Galaxy’s End is to be the first Real-Time Strategy (RTS) game for the PSP which is quiet a challenge. The game has already recieved approval from SCEA and development is already in progress. You can check our some of the early screenshots below.

Its that time of the month again – The February Issue of the XTREME PSP is here. Issue 20 is packed with over 100 pages of great content including previews of Ghost Rider, Sid Meire’s Pirates! and more, plus reviews of Trillville, Ford Street Racing and more. And all the regular content including tips and cheats, the latest news, a competition and homebrew reviews. The Magazine has been available via RSS for several days now, but if you missed it, here is the official release. A summary of the content can be found below.

Previews

• Sid Meire’s Pirates
• Legend of Heroes III
• Crazy Taxi: Fare Wars
• Ghost Rider
• World Snooker Challenge 2007

Reviews

• Thrillville
• Online Chess Kingdoms
• Ford Street Racing
• The Godfather: Mob Wars

[Download]

Sony today released Firmware Update 3.10 for the PSP which includes a few new features and well as a few minor updates. Although there is no mention of increased security, Sony could have released this update to block the recent exploit found in all firmware versions from 2.00 to 3.03, and to prevent downgrading firmware version 3.03. The firmware update can be downloaded using the Network Update feature or via the Regional PlayStation websites. Currently, only Japan and Korea has the update live on their website, but expect other sites to be updated soon.

Here is a list of changes to the System Software:

Game

• Support for PLAYSTATION®Network titles has been expanded.

Network

• You can now play MPEG-4 AVC format video files under [LocationFree? Player].
  * A LocationFree Base Station (a Sony product sold separately) with model number LF-B20 or LF-B10 is required.
• [Conserve Memory] has been added as an option in [View Settings] under [Internet Browser].

Settings

• [Dynamic Normalizer] has been added as a feature under [Sound Settings].
• [Wireless Hot Spot] was added to Network Setting (Japanese Model Only)

UPDATE

[Conserve Memory] enables you to view a Web page that contains a larger amount of data because less memory is used to display the page.

[Dynamic Normalizer] provides automatic volume adjustment for playback of music tracks or other audio sources with varying output levels.

[Wireless Hot Spot] allows you to download various content to your PSP from PlayStation Spot Kiosks.

Lots of people are unsatisified by the lack of updates and support for the current PSP Modchip, Undiluted Platinum, furthermore, the UP modchip only works on TA-079/TA-081 motherboards. A new PSP modchip has been announced that will not only work better than the UP chip, but is a lot easier to install and works on all motherboards. The modchip, known as PSP Devolution, uses the PSP’s built-in USB port to flash the chip and will come with its own BIOS with extra features.

Here is a breakdown of the features:

• Flash your PSP using the internal USB Port – no additional USB Port required
• Latest ACTEL ProASIC 3 technology
• Low power consumption
• Works on all available PSP versions including PSP with TA-082 and TA-086 motheboards
• Custom BIOS with a lot of cool additional features
• Easy to install – just a bit of soldering skills required, NO hardcore installation

[Via: PSP Devolution]

The “Gooft Exploit” was found only a few days ago which allowed the “Hello World” program to run on PSPs using any firmware between 2.00 to 3.03 using GTA: Liberty City Stories. Now, we have a downgrader and a Homebrew Enabler (HEN). The Homebrew Enabler allows a 3.03 PSP to run homebrew as if it were using Firmware 1.5, and since it does not flash any files, it is somewhat safe to run homebrew (although it depends on what appliations you run). As for the downgrader, it has been tested and is deemed safe, but as always there is always a change of bricking if the instructions are not followed. See below for all the details.

Before going throught the downgrading instructions, there are a few thing you need to know. The downgrading process will only work once and requires you to be running Firmware 3.03. Downgrading, then updating back to 3.03 and downgrading again will brick your PSP, so only downgrade once. Also, XTREME PSP and the Noobz Team are not responsible for any damage that may occur as a result of using the downgrader.

Requirements

• 3.03 Downgrader
• 3.03 HEN (Homebrew Enabler)
• Firmware 1.5 EBOOT

Downgrading Firmware 3.03 to 1.50

1. Update to Firmware 3.03. If you already have Firmware 3.03, then proceed to step 2.
2. Open the 3.03 downgrade file and copy the contents of the folder MS_ROOT to the root of your memory stick.
3. Rename the Firmware 1.5 EBOOT to UPDATE.PBP and copy it to /PSP/GAME/UPDATE/
   Make sure your not to overwrite the existing PSP/GAME/UPDATE/EBOOT.PBP.
4. Load Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (unpatched version required).
5. On the game loading screen , then screen should clear and fill with a light blue color and then reset the PSP.
6. Check that HEN is running by going to Settings > System Settings > System Information. The System Version should read 3.03 HEN.
7. If it is showing up as 3.03 HEN then go to the Game > Memory Stick and run the x.yz update.
8. Before the downgrader does anything to your PSP , an agree will be desplayed. In order to contine you must accept the agreement. You can cancel by pressing the R-TRIGGER button.
9. Once the downgrading process begins, do not turn off the PSP or remove the battery.
10. Once finished the PSP will ask you to press X to restart the PSP.
11. Upon reboot, if a mesage appears redarding corrupted settings, press X to continue and repair the settings.
12. Enjoy your new Firmware 1.5 PSP.

[Download 3.03 Downgrader and HEN]