The firmware for the PlayStation Portable comprises the device's operating system and additional core functionality, and may be updated periodically by Sony. Firmware updates in the past have given protection against security exploits and vulnerabilities, and added features such as additional codecs for images, audio and video; a web browser; Adobe flash support and PlayStation 3 connectivity .These firmware updates may be obtained in a number of ways, including:

• Download to a PC, and then transfer to the PSP via a USB cable or Memory Stick.
• Direct download to the PSP over Wi-Fi. This can be performed by choosing Settings, then Network Update from the XMB.
• Loading from the UMD of some games. These games may not run with earlier firmware than the version on their UMD.

It is important to note that if the power supply is lost while writing to or updating the firmware, the console will no longer be able to boot.

Although firmware updates can be used with consoles from any region, Sony recommends that owners only download firmware updates that have been released for the region corresponding to the PSP's point of purchase.

Homebrew Applications and Firmware

It has been found that PlayStation Portables with the original launch version of firmware (version 1.00 and 1.50) could execute unsigned code, and thus run homebrew software, as the mechanism for checking to make sure that software has been approved by Sony had not yet been activated. This was rectified by later firmware updates; however, consoles with the original firmware may sometimes be found for sale. There are also companies who offer a downgrade service for firmware or custom firmware; however, downgrading below firmware 2.50 can cause the PSP to become un-bootable (bricked). In addition, a number of downgrade programs were released that included trojans, which, if run on PSP, destroyed the firmware and BIOS, resulting in the PSP becoming un-bootable.

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