The PSP-1000 and PSP-2000 models running 3.52 M33 are currently on a "legacy" custom firmware (CFW). Upgrading to 6.60 (or 6.61) provides modern game compatibility, better plugin support, and access to the PlayStation Network (PSN) infrastructure. 🛠️ Prerequisites Hardware: A PSP-1000 or PSP-2000 (Non-v3 motherboard). Battery: At least 78% charge (or plugged into AC power). Storage: A Memory Stick Pro Duo with at least 100MB free. Files: Official Firmware (OFW) 6.60 EBOOT.PBP. M33-4 Update (if currently below 3.52 M33-3). 6.60 ME-2.3 (Minimum Edition) or 6.60 PRO-C2 installers. 📈 Phase 1: The Bridge Update (3.52 M33-4)

You cannot jump directly from 3.52 M33 to 6.60 because the internal updater lacks the necessary keys to recognize newer firmware. You must first ensure you are on 3.52 M33-4. Check your "System Settings" -> "System Information." If it says "3.52 M33," you must install the M33-4 update. Place the update files in PSP/GAME/UPDATE. Run the update from the XMB (Cross Media Bar). 🔄 Phase 2: Installing Official Firmware 6.60

Once on M33-4, you must return to a clean official base before applying the modern CFW. Download the 6.60 OFW EBOOT. Rename it to EBOOT.PBP if it isn't already. Place it in ms0:/PSP/GAME/UPDATE/. Run the update.

Note: If you get a "Version 9.90" error, go to the VSH Menu (press Select), change "USB Device" to "Flash 0," connect to a PC, open vsh/etc/version.txt, and change "9.90" to "3.52". 🚀 Phase 3: Installing 6.60 ME-2.3 (Permanent CFW)

Since your device is already running M33, it is a "fully hackable" model. The ME (Minimum Edition) firmware is the best choice for permanent installation. Download the 6.60 ME-2.3 (or 6.61) installer. Place the UPDATE folder into ms0:/PSP/GAME/. Launch the installer from the Game menu. Follow the on-screen prompts to flash the firmware. The PSP will reboot into a permanent 6.60 ME state. ✨ Benefits of the Upgrade

Game Support: Plays all late-cycle UMDs and ISOs without patching.

Homebrew: High compatibility with modern emulators (SNES, GBA, PS1). Stability: Improved Wi-Fi security protocols (WPA).

Recovery: Access to an advanced Recovery Menu by holding R on boot. If you'd like to proceed, I can help you:

Identify if your PSP is a 1000, 2000, or 3000 model to ensure you use the right files. Find the specific download links for the 6.60 ME-2.3 files.

Troubleshoot the "Version 9.90" error if you encounter it during the process.

Which PSP model (check the sticker on the bottom) are you holding right now? AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more

Final Words

Upgrading from 3.52 M33 to 6.60 PRO-C brings:

  • Much better game compatibility (newer games require 6.60+)
  • Improved plugin system
  • Online play support (through PRO-C’s built-in PSN bypass)
  • No more battery issues with older firmwares

Take your time, follow each step carefully, and your PSP will be running the best modern custom firmware available.

Upgrading from the legendary 3.52 M33 custom firmware (CFW) to 6.60 is a essential transition for modern PlayStation Portable (PSP)

usage. While 3.52 M33 was a landmark version by Dark_Alex, the 6.60 ecosystem offers vastly superior compatibility for the latest games and homebrew. The Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Yes. Upgrading to 6.60 (specifically 6.60 PRO-C2 or 6.60 ME) is highly recommended because:

Game Compatibility: Many later PSP titles and PS1 EBOOTs require firmware 6.00 or higher to launch.

Ease of Use: Modern CFW no longer requires a Pandora Battery or "MagicGate" memory stick for installation.

Stability: 6.60 is widely considered the most stable firmware for plugins and Custom Themes (CTFs), often preferred over 6.61 due to better plugin support. Upgrade Path & Common Obstacles

Moving from a very old CFW like 3.52 M33 requires specific steps to avoid "bricking" (permanently breaking) the device.

Intermediate Updates: You cannot always jump directly from 3.52 to 6.60. Some users find they must first update to an intermediate version like 5.00 M33 or 5.50 GEN before the official 6.60 updater will run.

Bypassing Version Spoofing: If your PSP incorrectly shows version 9.90 (a common feature in older CFWs to prevent accidental updates), you must edit the version.txt file or use a tool to reset it so the official updater recognizes your system.

Fixing Bad Keys: Older CFW sometimes altered internal "keys." If the 6.60 update fails with a "DRN FF FF CD" error, use a tool like Chili Willy’s KeyCleaner to repair them before proceeding. Top 6.60 Recommendations PSP: Updating from the 3.xx OE CFWs to the 6.60 ME CFW

Step 2: Update to Official 6.60 (The “Unbrick” Method)

You cannot directly jump from 3.52 M33 to 6.60 PRO-C. You must first revert to Official 6.60 firmware.

Option A (Recommended): Use Hellcat’s Recovery Flasher

  1. Download Hellcat_Recovery_Flasher_v1.65.zip and extract the folder RECOVERY into PSP/GAME/.
  2. Disconnect USB and navigate on your PSP to Game > Memory Stick.
  3. Launch Hellcat’s Recovery Flasher.
  4. It will warn you that you are on custom firmware. Press X to continue.
  5. Select “Install official firmware 6.60” from the menu.
  6. The app will ask for the location of the 6.60 EBOOT. Navigate to ms0:/PSP/GAME/UPDATE/EBOOT.PBP.
  7. Confirm the flash. The screen will go black, then show a progress bar. Do not turn off the PSP.
  8. After completion, the PSP will reboot into Official Sony Firmware 6.60.

Congratulations! Your PSP is now a clean, stock 6.60.

Step 2: Download Required Files

You will need:

  1. Official 6.60 Firmware – 660.PBP (from Sony’s official website or trusted PSP archive)
  2. 6.60 PRO-C Update – Contains PROUPDATE and CIPL flasher (for permanent patch on compatible models)
  3. Hellcat’s Recovery Flasher (optional, but recommended for safety)

Step 1: Prep Your Memory Stick

  1. Connect your PSP to your PC via USB (press Select in the XMB to launch USB mode if you have that function; otherwise, go to Settings > USB Connection).
  2. On the root of your Memory Stick, create the following folders if they don’t exist:
    • PSP/GAME/
    • PSP/GAME150/ (important for 1.50 kernel homebrew)
  3. Copy the Official 6.60 EBOOT.PBP into PSP/GAME/UPDATE/ (create the UPDATE folder).

Step 2: Installing 6.60 OFW (Official Firmware)

To get to the latest version, you must first install the official Sony firmware.

  1. Download the official 6.60 Firmware (EBOOT.PBP).
    • Ensure you download the correct version for your PSP model (1000/2000/3000 or "Go").
  2. Connect the PSP to your PC.
  3. Create a folder named UPDATE inside ms0:/PSP/GAME/.
  4. Place the 6.60 EBOOT.PBP file inside that folder.
    • Path: ms0:/PSP/GAME/UPDATE/EBOOT.PBP.
  5. Navigate to Game > Memory Stick on your PSP and run the 6.60 Update.
  6. Follow the on-screen prompts. The PSP will reboot.
  7. Verify in System Settings that you are now on Version 6.60.

Step 6: Clean Up and Test

  • Delete the official update folder to free space.
  • Test homebrew, ISO/CSO games, and plugins. Most plugins from the 3.52 era will not work — look for 6.60-compatible versions.
  • Recommended: Install ARK-4 or stay with PRO-C — both are excellent.

Part 5: Installing 6.60 Portable CFW (PRO-C2 or LME)

You have two excellent choices. I recommend 6.60 PRO-C2 for its plugin compatibility and permanent patch option.

Option A: PRO-C2 (The most popular)

  1. Download PRO-C2 (or the latest PRO-C). Extract the PSP folder to your memory stick.
  2. Navigate to Game > Memory Stick and run PRO Update.
  3. Press X to install CFW. Your PSP will reboot into 6.60 PRO-C2.
  4. To make it permanent (so you don't have to run the updater after every full shutdown), run CIPL Flasher from the same menu. (Note: This works on all PSP 1000, 2000 non-v3, and most 3000s. For 2000v3/Go, use Infinity instead).

Option B: LME (Light ME)

  1. Extract LME installer to PSP/GAME.
  2. Run LME Installer to write the firmware.
  3. Run LME Launcher to boot into CFW.
  4. Run LME Configurator to toggle permanent boot.

Step 2: Install 6.60 PRO-C Custom Firmware

Now that you’re on official 6.60, you’ll install the “660 portable” custom firmware.

  1. Download 6.60 PRO-C (or PRO-C2). Extract the files.
  2. Copy the PROUPDATE and FastRecovery folders into PSP/GAME/.
  3. On your PSP, go to Game → Memory Stick™ and run PRO-C Updater.
  4. Press X to install CFW. It will say “Done. Exiting in 5 seconds.”
  5. Your PSP will restart to the XMB – you are now on 6.60 PRO-C custom firmware.