As you’ve noticed in some of my posts, I’m slowly shifting this blog to a gaming niche to make way for Pinoy Tech Guy. It wouldn’t make much sense to have 2 blogs on the same niche right so bear with me with the changes. Now on with the post.

If you’re new to the PSP scene, then this is the first time you’ll hear the name Dark Alex. His M33 group releases the custom firmware that allows PSP users (both Phat and Slim) to enjoy freedom from UMDs and use Homebrew Apps. A few days ago, they released CFW (Custom Firmware) 3.80 M33 that added Internet Radio to the PSP’s arsenal.

Note that when you’re upgrading or downgrading firmwares, there is always a tiny risk of bricking your PSP. The risk increases when you don’t follow instructions so before you proceed a step, READ and RE-READ.

What do I need?

1. A PSP-1000 (Phat) or PSP-2000 (Slim) with a CFW of at least 3.52 M33-4 or higher. If you’re still on Official Firmware (OFW)and want to switch to CFW, read the following guides: 1 2.
2. Charge your battery to at least 75%. This is to prevent any possible loss of data from the the battery dying out which may lead to bricking.
3. Set your kernel to 3.71 if you’re using CFW 3.71 M33(1-4) or 3.52 if you’re using 3.52 M33(1-4). To do this, restart your PSP (on and off) and holding the R button after you see the Power Light go on. When you enter the recovery menu, go to Configuration > Game Folder Homebrew and set your respective Kernel.
4. After booting back to the XMB, revert your PSP to it’s original theme. Again this is a precaution to prevent bricking.
5. Any decompression program like WinRar or 7zip.
6. A USB Cable to connect your PSP to your PC.

After that you can proceed to the installation

How to do it?

1. Download the 3.80 M33 installer pack and extract the contents to your PC.
2. Connect your PSP to your PC and copy the UPDATE folder from your computer to your PSP in this directory: <PSP drive letter>:/PSP/GAME.
3. Disconnect your PSP from your PC and navigate to GAME > Memory Stick. You should see the update branded with 3.80 M33.
4. Execute the update and follow the onscreen instructions. Once the update is in progress, DO NOT interrupt the process or you’ll end up bricking your PSP.
5. Once the update is finished, your PSP will automatically reboot and when you check your firmware version, you should be seeing your System Software as 3.80 M33.

Congratulations. You’ve just upgraded your PSP to 3.80M33. If you want to install the 3.80 M33-2 update then just follow the installation guide (the “How to do it” part) again, using the M33-2 files provided in the link.