One word for this post: Poisonhzkj. You'll probably know the name, because the developer behind it was responsible for delivering the CXMB plugin to the last Custom Firmwares prior to 4.01. Well, would you know that coder Miriam took the plugin and updated it so that CXMB v4.0 would allow the use of unofficial XMB themes in CFW 4.01 M33? If you care to know more, you know where to go. For first timers, that's the "read more" link below.

Download: CXMB plugin v4.0 for CFW 4.01 M33

PlayStation Portable homebrew developer Red_Squirrel's RSPsar Dumper has been updated by Shadow's dev from PSPGEN to version 3.3. This release now allows the decryption of the official 3.95 PSP firmware. To read up on what else has been added or changed in this version of the homebrew application, check out the full article.

Download: RSPsar Dumper v3.3 - now with support for PSP FW 3.95

Word from tipster EXTER had led us to an official statement by Team Wildcard - more officially branded as Team Wildc*rd - who in their own respects have done much for the PSP hhomebrew community.

PSP homebrew developers and followers already know the story behind the custom firmware source code leak, but the release of such code had obvious ramifications: developers now had the opportunity to release rip-off CFWs as they saw fit.

"Out of respect to the devs that worked so hard on this source and also out of respect for Dark_AleX, Team Wildc*rd politely requested that this source be used for educational purposes only and not for public releases," said the representative from Team Wildcard. But this statement prompted the need to tackle PSPGen's Ketchup (theketchupman in QJ.NET's Forums) and his use of the code for his recent releases.

It's no secret to Wildcard that Ketchup took his code direct from their source code for his release, which brought significant concern to them. "It is not that we do not respect Ketchup's work; on the contrary, we were quite impressed with what he had achieved. What we do not wish however, is for the source to be used," claimed the team.

They would allow the reversal of code from their .prx binaries to be used, because after all, that was how they came up with their own custom firmware code. "We completely reversed DA's PRX's rather than using his direct source. ... Even though members of Team Wildcard wish to remain anonymous, there are members that know DA personally and we can assure you we have his blessings," added Wildcard.

Contrary to opposite beliefs, Team Wildcard never had aspirations to release the source code, but due to mischievous circumstances, they had to act. And perhaps because of these conflicting views, some developers will not adhere to Wildcard's sincere call. "We cannot force anyone to do whatever we want. ... We cannot force you not to, we can only ask for you to respect our wishes," responded Wildcard.

Nevertheless, Wildcard still hopes to avoid the release "ripped clones" of CFWs. "I believe we are respecting [Dark Alex'] wishes that way. [Ketchup] may release a recovery, only if it's based on our prx and not the source code," the representative concluded.

wwwqwerty informed us of some interesting goings-on in the 3.52 M33 firmware scene. It seems that Ketchup, PSPGen's site admin (and also a programmer), has adapted the recovery mode from 3.40 LE for use on Team M33's 3.52 M33 firmwares.

According to the information on the post, the file they've put up can also be used as a plugin without changing the recovery functions of your PSP. Here's an excerpt of the post which you guys might like:

Ketchup, with the assistance of the sources provided by the Team Wildcard which we thank here, thus adapted it plug-in to the 3.52 M33. It thus converted it plug-in and with added the functions NO-UMD which, in 3.40, was limited to a simple option ON/OFF.

To understand how to use it though, you'll want to check out the original post on PSPGen, as the file doesn't have a readme. Just use an online translation service to understand how it works.

Download: Recovery 3.40 LE adapted for 3.52 M33
Visit: PSP Development Forums

Hot off the (virtual) press comes issue number three of AcidMod's recently published magazine, AcidMag.

Topics under discussion in this new release include the site's more recent notable mods, AcidMod's recent partnership with PSPGen, and iR Shell's latest version release. Also not to be missed is a short segment congratulating F00 f00  for recently becoming a part-owner of the site.

Much like AcidMag issue #2, number 3 can be downloaded either as a PC or PSP version - usage instruction are available in each file bundle's readme.

On a last note, guys grabbing the PSP version may notice that there are no download in this release - this is due to a bug that the team hopes to fix by Issue # 4. Guys interested in contacting the AcidMag team are directed to the read link below.

Download: AcidMag Issue #3 (PC)
Download: AcidMag Issue #3 (PSP)

Okay, we've shown you enough screenshots of WipEout Pulse to last you until the game's release. And the last video we showed you doesn't really do show much in terms of gameplay. But now we've got a treat for you guys we found a gameplay video for the upcoming PSP title swimming around the interwebs.

Anyway, the lucky folks over at PSPGen managed to get a preview of Sony's WipEout Pulse and were kind enough to share the video with the rest of us. It's short and sweet (the video quality is a bit hard on the eyes though), featuring the first minute and a half of a race. We see some action when the player shoots at opponents and we also experience some vertigo as we see the ship go upside down - at high speeds.

WipEout Pulse will be speeding to the shelves this September. Why don't you check out the video for now? It might tide you over until the game's release.

PSP homebrew developer lefbe has just announced the release of a media application we imagine videophiles in the community will take a shine to.

This new app is dubbed Unlimited Video For PsP v1.3, and is a Windows-based video encoder capable of encoding the following video resolutions: 368x208 (Fm 2.0+), 480x272 fw (3.03 OE-B and above), and 720x480 (Firmware 3.30 and above). As for the application's changelog:

• Add : More information on the form.
• Add : Image 3.30 support for ImageToPsP
• Fix : Problem with "Configuration.xml".
• Fix : Encoding time for 3.30 firmware is more quicker. for Simnle Core, and Dual Core
• Addition of partners:
• PsPGen
• Ultimate
• GX-MOD
• Dapics
• Dark~AleX
  

The author further indicates that Video Unlimited will offer users several choices of bit rates, and will work on wmv, avi, mpg, MPEG, mp4, vob, 3gp, 3g2, mkv, and mov video files formats. 

Download: Video Unlimited For PsP v1.3

   

Over at French online site PSPGen, developer tryolivier released the first version of homebrew game Rayman PSP. The creation is actually a 2D platformer where Rayman evades various holes on the ground and gather power ups. Version 0.1 serves as the tutorial stage for the future versions.

Like we've mentioned, this game will have future versions and tryolivier added that there will be a lot of improvements and additions to them. Some of which include various levels, bosses, enemies, and monsters which are being planned for v0.2. For now, all players have to take care of is keep Rayman alive by not falling through the holes on the ground.

Rayman PSP v0.1 was part of the homebrew competitions XtreamLua and gx-MOD. The download link below contains both versions for FW 1.5 and CFW 3.xx OE.

Download: Rayman PSP v0.1

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If you've never been a fan of Dipsy, Tinky Winky, Laa-Laa, and Po collectively known as the Teletubbies and you cringe every time they appear in their Tubbytronic Superdome, then PSP homebrew developer poloderomo may have a little fixer-upper for you. Over at PSPGen, poloderomo released what appears to be his first PSP homebrew game - Destroy the teletubies.

The title of the game gave it away right? It's simple, all you have to do is shoot Laa-Laa as she tries to hide from you. To aim, use the analog stick, to shoot press X. She hides from one place to another so you better be a fast shooter if you wanna annihilate her. It's so simple that you wouldn't mind that the game is in French.

The download below contains two versions of Destroy the teletubies - one for PSPs with firmware 1.5 and one for PSPs using OE firmware. Kudos to poloderomo and enjoy the download!

Download: Destroy the teletubies

It's out, folks! Dark_AleX has finally released the latest in his series of Open Edition firmware - the much-awaited 3.30 Open Edition Rev A! This is serious cause for celebration especially after days of waiting for DaX to finally give word on what's up with his work (and what's up with his PSP).

3.30 OE-A retains all of the original Sony 3.30 FW functions - PSOne game library support, Internet navigator, etc. - but because Dark_AleX is THE man, he's added a lot of features and changes to his latest custom FW (some taken from PSPGen's release notes).

• Homebrew support under either 1.50 or 3.30 kernel
• Region spoofing
• Patched a protection that prevents the FW to load higher firmware modules
• Fixed a bug that could have caused instability in 3.10 OE after recovering from sleep mode
• Recovery Mode
• Direct launching of PSOne games (converted with PSP format)
• Direct launching of demos and homebrews
• Possibility of regulating hte speed of the PSP's processor
• Direct launching of ISOs/CSOs
  

DAX says this doesn't support popsloader at the moment due to "Sony rearranging again the module list of pspbtcnf_pops", but rest assured that the great dev will be making a new version that will support all current pops in 3.10 OE, 3.30 OE and maybe 3.03 OE-C. The dev also tried testing the customization of icons, but that didn't work out.

For the full installation guide, please go over the Readme. It's there for a reason. We know you're all excited about the 3.30 OE-A but be mindful of what you're doing. Take caution. This can only be installed to PSPs with firmwares 1.50, 2.71 SE, 3.02 OE, 3.03 OE, or 3.10 OE. Downgrade first if your PSP has a different FW. 3.30 OE-A cannot be installed to PSPs with FW 3.10, 3.11, or 3.30.

And enjoy!

Thanks to Eranmane and blackrave for the tip!

Download: Dark_AleX's 3.30 Open Edition Revision A