PSP Custom Firmware User Manual

1. Getting Started

Welcome to Your Modded PSP!

Your PSP has been professionally refurbished and modded with Custom Firmware (CFW). This means it can do much more than a regular PSP - you can play games from the memory card, use emulators for classic consoles, and customize your experience.

What is Custom Firmware (CFW)?

Custom Firmware is a modified version of the PSP's operating system that unlocks additional features:

Play games from memory card - No need for UMD discs
Run emulators - Play NES, SNES, Game Boy, Genesis, and PS1 games
Save states - Save your progress anywhere in games
Custom themes - Change the look of your PSP menu
Homebrew apps - Run community-created applications
Region-free gaming - Play games from any region

Basic PSP Navigation

The main menu you see when you turn on your PSP is called the XMB (XrossMediaBar). Here's how to navigate it:

1 D-Pad Left/Right: Move between main categories (Game, Video, Photo, Music, Settings, etc.)

2 D-Pad Up/Down: Move between items within a category

3 X Button (bottom button): Select/Confirm

4 O Button (right button): Go back/Cancel

5 Home Button (PSP logo): Return to main menu from games

CFW Special Feature - VSH Menu

Press the SELECT button on the main menu to open the VSH (Virtual Shell) Menu. This gives you quick access to CFW settings like CPU speed, screenshot tools, and recovery options.

Pro tip: Press SELECT twice to access shutdown and reset options directly from the VSH menu!

Understanding Your Memory Card

Your PSP uses a microSD card with an adapter (looks like a Memory Stick Pro Duo). This is where all your games, saves, and apps are stored. The card may already have games and emulators installed for you.

2. Adding PSP Games

Understanding Game Files

PSP games come in three formats:

ISO files: Full size game dumps (500MB - 1.5GB each)
CSO files: Compressed game files (saves 30-50% space)
ZSO files: Advanced compression with better stutter balance (saves 40-50% space)

All three formats work perfectly. Your PSP from NexxLvl PCs uses ZSO files for the best balance of compression and smooth gameplay. If you download games online, you'll typically find ISO or CSO formats - both work great.

Where Your PSP Games Are Located

Memory Stick Root
├── ISO/                      ← PSP GAMES ARE HERE
│   ├── 01PSP 1-25/           ← Games 1-25 (alphabetical)
│   │   ├── Ace Combat.zso
│   │   ├── Burnout Legends.zso
│   │   └── ...
│   ├── 02PSP 26-50/          ← Games 26-50
│   ├── 03PSP 51-75/          ← Games 51-75
│   └── 04PSP 76-100/         ← Games 76-100
└── PSP/
    ├── GAME/
    │   ├── 05PS1 1-25/       ← PS1 games
    │   ├── 06PS1 26-50/
    │   └── 07Emulators/      ← Retro emulators + ROMs inside
    └── SAVEDATA/

Your Games Are Pre-Organized!

Your PSP from NexxLvl PCs comes with games already organized into numbered category folders (01PSP, 02PSP, etc.) for easy browsing. Each folder contains 25 games sorted alphabetically.

To find a game: Go to Game → Memory Stick and browse the category folders, or check the Game Library to see which folder contains your game.

Adding more games: If you want to add your own games, put them in the /ISO/ folder (or any subfolder inside it). Game files must be .iso, .cso, or .zso format.

Step-by-Step: Adding Games to Your PSP

1 Connect PSP to Computer

Turn on your PSP and go to Settings → USB Connection. Connect the USB cable. Your PSP memory card will appear as a drive on your computer.

2 Locate the ISO Folder

Open the memory card drive and find the ISO folder. If it doesn't exist, create a new folder and name it exactly ISO (all caps).

3 Copy Game Files

Drag and drop your .iso, .cso, or .zso game files into the ISO folder. Large files may take 5-10 minutes to copy.

4 Safely Disconnect

On your computer, use "Safely Remove Hardware" or "Eject Drive". Then press O button on your PSP to disconnect USB mode.

5 Launch Your Game

On the XMB, go to Game → Memory Stick. Your games will appear here. Scroll to the game you want and press X to launch it.

Important Notes

Game names can be anything, but avoid special characters (!@#$%)
Some games may take 30-60 seconds to load - be patient
If a game doesn't appear, make sure it's in the ISO folder and is a valid .iso, .cso, or .zso file

3. Using Emulators

What Emulators Can Your PSP Run?

Your PSP can play games from these classic consoles:

System	Emulator	Performance
Nintendo (NES)	NesterJ	Excellent - 100% speed
Super Nintendo (SNES)	Snes9xTYL	Very Good - 95% games full speed
Game Boy / Game Boy Color	RIN / gpSP	Excellent - 100% speed
Game Boy Advance (GBA)	gpSP	Very Good - most games full speed
Sega Genesis / Mega Drive	Picodrive	Excellent - 100% speed
PlayStation 1 (PS1)	POPS / PSX2PSP	Good - slower games work best

Emulator & Retro Games Folder Structure

Memory Stick Root
├── ISO/                          (PSP games in category folders)
│   ├── 01PSP 1-25/
│   ├── 02PSP 26-50/
│   ├── 03PSP 51-75/
│   └── 04PSP 76-100/
└── PSP/
    └── GAME/
        ├── 005PSP Minecraft/     ← Special PSP homebrew
        ├── 05PS1 1-25/           ← PS1 games 1-25
        ├── 06PS1 26-50/          ← PS1 games 26-50
        └── 07Emulators/          ← Retro emulators & ROMs
            ├── 01SNES/           ← SNES emulator + games inside
            ├── 02GBA/            ← GBA emulator + games inside
            ├── 03NES/            ← NES emulator + games inside
            ├── 04Gameboy/        ← Game Boy emulator + games inside
            ├── 05Sega Genesis/   ← Genesis emulator + games inside
            ├── 06Game Gear/      ← Game Gear emulator + games inside
            └── 07ATARI 2600/     ← Atari 2600 emulator + games inside

Your Retro Games Are Pre-Loaded!

Your PSP from NexxLvl PCs comes with emulators and retro games already installed. ROMs are stored inside each emulator's folder for easy access.

PS1 games are organized in numbered folders (05PS1 1-25, 06PS1 26-50) just like PSP games.

Step-by-Step: Adding More Retro Games

1 Connect PSP to Computer

Same as adding PSP games - go to Settings → USB Connection.

2 Navigate to the Emulator Folder

Go to PSP/GAME/07Emulators/ and find the emulator folder for the system you want:

01SNES/ - for SNES games
02GBA/ - for GBA games
03NES/ - for NES games
04Gameboy/ - for Game Boy / Game Boy Color games
05Sega Genesis/ - for Genesis / Mega Drive games
06Game Gear/ - for Game Gear games
07ATARI 2600/ - for Atari 2600 games

3 Copy ROM Files Into the Emulator Folder

Copy your ROM files directly into the emulator's folder:

Zelda Link to the Past.smc → /PSP/GAME/07Emulators/01SNES/
Pokemon Emerald.gba → /PSP/GAME/07Emulators/02GBA/
Super Mario Bros 3.nes → /PSP/GAME/07Emulators/03NES/
Pokemon Yellow.gb → /PSP/GAME/07Emulators/04Gameboy/
Sonic the Hedgehog.md → /PSP/GAME/07Emulators/05Sega Genesis/

4 Safely Disconnect

Eject the drive on your computer, then press O on the PSP.

5 Launch the Emulator

Go to Game → Memory Stick → 07Emulators and find the emulator you want. Press X to launch it.

6 Load a Game

Inside the emulator, your games will already be visible since they're in the emulator's folder. Select a game and press X to play.

Emulator Controls

Most emulators use standard PSP controls:

D-Pad: Original console D-pad
Face Buttons (X, O, Square, Triangle): Action buttons (A, B, etc.)
Start/Select: Same as original console
L/R Triggers: Fast-forward, save states (varies by emulator)

Save States

Many emulators let you save your progress anywhere in a game (save state). This is usually done by pressing L + R + Start or through the emulator menu. Check each emulator's README for specific controls.

4. Managing Storage

Understanding Memory Card Space

Your microSD card has limited space. Here's how much space different games typically use:

Game Type	Average Size	Example
PSP Game (ISO)	800MB - 1.5GB	God of War: 1.2GB
PSP Game (CSO)	400MB - 900MB	God of War: 650MB
PS1 Game	200MB - 700MB	Final Fantasy VII: 600MB
GBA Game	4MB - 32MB	Pokemon Emerald: 16MB
SNES Game	1MB - 6MB	Super Mario World: 512KB
NES Game	40KB - 512KB	Super Mario Bros: 40KB

Checking Available Space

1 Connect your PSP via USB to your computer

2 Right-click the memory card drive and select "Properties"

3 You'll see "Used Space" and "Free Space"

ISO vs CSO vs ZSO: Compressed Games

Compressed game files save storage space with minimal impact on gameplay:

CSO: Standard compression, saves 30-50% space
ZSO: Advanced compression with better stutter balance (used on your PSP from NexxLvl)

Which Format Should You Use?

ZSO: Best overall - good compression with smooth gameplay (pre-installed on your PSP)

CSO: Good alternative - commonly found online

ISO: Uncompressed - fastest loading but uses most space

Safely Deleting Games

1 Connect PSP via USB

2 Navigate to the game file

For PSP games: Go to /ISO/ folder and then the category folder (01PSP, 02PSP, etc.)

For PS1 games: Go to /PSP/GAME/05PS1 1-25/ or 06PS1 26-50/

For retro games: Go to /PSP/GAME/07Emulators/[emulator name]/

3 Delete the file

Right-click and delete the .iso, .cso, or .zso file. This is completely safe and won't harm your PSP.

4 Disconnect USB

Safely remove the drive, then press O on PSP.

Important: Don't Delete These Folders

/PSP/ folder - Contains system files and emulators
/PSP/SAVEDATA/ - Contains your game saves
/seplugins/ - Contains CFW plugins

Only delete individual game files (.iso, .cso, .nes, .gba, etc.), not entire folders.

Recommended Storage Sizes

16GB: 10-15 PSP games (CSO) + emulators with 50-100 retro games
32GB: 20-30 PSP games (CSO) + full retro library (500+ games)
64GB: 40-60 PSP games (CSO) + complete retro collections
128GB: 100+ PSP games + everything you could want

5. Common Settings

CPU Clock Speed (Performance Settings)

Your PSP can adjust its processor speed to improve performance in demanding games or save battery in simple games.

1 Open VSH Menu

Press the SELECT button on the main XMB menu.

2 Navigate to CPU Settings

Look for "CPU Clock XMB" or "CPU Speed" option.

3 Adjust Speed

Default: 222 MHz (standard PSP speed, good battery life)
333 MHz: Maximum speed (better for demanding games, drains battery faster)

When to use 333 MHz: PSP games with slowdown, PS1 games, SNES games that lag

When to use 222 MHz: Most PSP games, retro games (NES, Genesis, Game Boy)

Display Settings

1 Go to Settings → System Settings → Display Settings

2 Adjust these settings:

Backlight: Brightness level (1-4, where 4 is brightest)
Screen Mode: Normal or Zoom (for older games)

Sleep/Power Settings

1 Go to Settings → Power Save Settings

2 Configure:

Display Auto-Off: Backlight turns off after inactivity (5 min, 10 min, or off)
Automatic Sleep: PSP enters sleep mode after inactivity

Sleep Mode (Standby)

Hold the Power Switch up for 2 seconds to put PSP in sleep mode. This saves battery while keeping your game paused. Tap power switch again to wake up instantly.

USB Connection Mode

1 Go to Settings → USB Connection

2 Make sure it's set to Memory Stick (not UMD)

3 Press X to enable USB mode when cable is connected

4 Press O to disconnect when done

Changing Themes

Your PSP can use custom themes to change the look of your menu, icons, and background.

Using Built-in Themes

1 Go to Settings → Theme Settings → Theme

2 Browse available themes and press X to preview

3 Press X again to apply the theme

Adding Custom Themes

1 Download PSP theme files (.ptf format) from the internet

2 Connect PSP to computer via USB

3 Copy theme files to: /PSP/THEME/

If the THEME folder doesn't exist, create it inside the PSP folder

4 Safely disconnect USB

5 Go to Settings → Theme Settings → Theme and select your new theme

Memory Stick Root
├── ISO/
│   ├── 01PSP 1-25/
│   ├── 02PSP 26-50/
│   ├── 03PSP 51-75/
│   └── 04PSP 76-100/
└── PSP/
    ├── GAME/
    │   ├── 05PS1 1-25/
    │   ├── 06PS1 26-50/
    │   └── 07Emulators/
    ├── SAVEDATA/
    └── THEME/           ← PUT CUSTOM THEMES HERE
        ├── CoolTheme.ptf
        └── RetroStyle.ptf

Changing Just the Background

If you just want a custom wallpaper without changing icons:

1 Go to Settings → Theme Settings → Background

2 Choose an image from your Photos, or select a solid color

Where to Find Themes

Search online for "PSP themes PTF download" to find thousands of free custom themes. Popular themes include anime, gaming, minimalist, and retro styles.

WiFi Settings (Optional)

Your PSP can connect to WiFi for multiplayer gaming and downloads:

1 Go to Settings → Network Settings

2 Select Infrastructure Mode

3 Choose New Connection

4 Follow the wizard to connect to your home WiFi

WiFi Note

PSP only supports older WiFi standards (802.11b). Some modern routers may not be compatible. This is normal and doesn't affect offline gaming.

6. Troubleshooting

Game Won't Load / Black Screen

Symptom: Game starts loading, then goes to black screen or freezes

Possible Causes & Solutions:

Corrupt game file: Try re-downloading the game and copying it again
Wrong CFW version: Some games require specific CFW patches. Try different ISO
Memory card issue: Run error checking on the microSD card using your computer
Low battery: Charge PSP to at least 50% and try again

Memory Card Not Detected

Symptom: "No Memory Stick inserted" error or games don't appear

Solutions:

Power off PSP completely
Remove the memory card and inspect for dust/damage
Clean the gold contacts gently with a soft cloth
Reinsert firmly (you should feel it click)
Power on PSP
If still not detected, try the card in another device to verify it works

PSP Frozen / Won't Respond

Hard Reset Procedure:

Hold the Power Switch UP for 10 seconds
PSP should power off completely
Wait 5 seconds
Power on normally

A hard reset is safe and won't delete your games or saves. It just forces the PSP to restart.

Battery Not Charging

Check These:

Orange light on while plugged in? If yes, it's charging (may take 2-3 hours for full charge)
No orange light? Try different power outlet or USB cable
Battery won't hold charge: Battery may be worn out and need replacement
Aftermarket battery: Some batteries take longer to charge initially (first charge: 4-6 hours)

No Sound / Audio Issues

Solutions:

Press the Volume Up button (on left side of PSP)
Go to Settings → Sound Settings and ensure not muted
If using headphones, try removing and reinserting them
If speaker doesn't work but headphones do, speaker may be disconnected (hardware issue)

Games Not Showing in Menu

Checklist:

Are game files in the correct folder? (/ISO/ for PSP games)
Are you looking in the right place? (Game → Memory Stick, not Game → UMD)
Did you safely disconnect USB? (Always eject drive first)
Try refreshing: Remove and reinsert memory card

Screen Has Lines or Dead Pixels

Diagnosis:

Vertical/horizontal lines: Possible LCD ribbon cable issue - contact support
1-3 dead pixels (tiny black dots): Common on replacement screens, cosmetic only
Large dark spots: LCD pressure damage - may need screen replacement

Buttons Not Responding

Solutions:

Clean around the button with compressed air or isopropyl alcohol on cotton swab
Press the button firmly 20-30 times to work out any debris
If analog stick drifting: Go to Settings → System Settings → Analog Stick Calibration
If button physically broken/unresponsive: Contact support for repair

Recovery Mode Access

If CFW isn't loading or you need to reset settings:

1 Power off PSP completely

2 Hold R trigger button

3 While holding R, turn on PSP

4 Keep holding R until Recovery Menu appears

5 In Recovery Menu you can:

Reset settings to default
Toggle plugins on/off
Change CPU speed
Advanced CFW configuration

Recovery Mode Warning

Only change settings in Recovery Mode if you know what you're doing or following specific instructions. Incorrect settings can prevent PSP from booting. If unsure, contact support.

7. Do's and Don'ts

DO's - Safe Practices

Safe to Do

DO add and remove games freely - this is completely safe
DO delete game files (.iso, .cso) to free up space
DO change CPU speed, brightness, and other PSP settings
DO use sleep mode to save battery during breaks
DO keep your PSP charged (don't let battery fully drain for weeks)
DO safely disconnect USB every time (eject drive first)
DO back up your save files occasionally (copy /PSP/SAVEDATA/ folder)
DO clean your screen with microfiber cloth and screen cleaner
DO store PSP in a case when not in use
DO contact support if something doesn't work right

DON'Ts - Things to Avoid

NEVER Do These

DON'T update to official Sony firmware - This will remove CFW!
DON'T format the memory card from PSP settings - You'll lose CFW files
DON'T delete the /PSP/ folder or /seplugins/ folder
DON'T disconnect USB without ejecting drive first - Can corrupt files
DON'T use sharp objects on the screen (use stylus if needed)
DON'T expose PSP to extreme heat or cold
DON'T get liquid on or inside the PSP
DON'T force any buttons, ports, or doors
DON'T open the PSP case yourself (voids warranty)

Firmware Updates - IMPORTANT

Do NOT Update Official Firmware

If you see a notification to update PSP firmware, IGNORE IT and press Cancel.

Why? Official Sony updates will overwrite your Custom Firmware and remove all CFW features. You'll lose the ability to play games from memory card and use emulators.

If you accidentally updated: Contact support immediately. In most cases CFW can be reinstalled, but it requires special procedures.

Memory Card Formatting - IMPORTANT

Do NOT Format from PSP Settings

Never go to Settings → System Settings → Format Memory Stick. This will erase all your games, saves, emulators, and CFW system files.

If you need to free space: Delete individual game files via USB connection instead.

If you need to completely reset card: Contact support for proper backup and reinstall procedures.

Safe Shutdown Procedure

Method 1 - Power Switch:

Make sure you've saved your game progress
Exit to the main XMB menu (press Home button in games)
Hold the Power Switch UP for 3 seconds
Select "Turn Off System" from the menu

Method 2 - VSH Menu (Quick):

From the XMB menu, press SELECT twice
Choose Shutdown or Reset from the menu

Force shutdown: If PSP is frozen, hold Power Switch up for 10+ seconds to force power off.

Battery Care

Charge battery when it reaches 20-30% (don't wait until 0%)
Don't leave PSP on charger for days at a time
If storing PSP for weeks, charge to 50-60% first
Aftermarket batteries may not show accurate percentage initially - this normalizes after 2-3 charge cycles

8. Support Contact

Need Help?

If you're experiencing issues with your PSP or have questions not covered in this manual, NexxLvl PCs is here to help.

Contact Information

Business Name: NexxLvl PCs

Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Email: nexxlvl@outlook.com

Phone: 204-292-4806

Facebook: @nexxlvlpcs

Response Time

We typically respond to inquiries within 24-48 hours. For urgent issues, please call directly.

Optional Warranty

Extended Warranty Available

An optional 30-day hardware warranty is available at time of purchase. If you purchased the warranty, it covers:

Screen defects (dead pixels beyond normal range, lines, backlight failure)
Button failures (non-responsive, stuck buttons)
Battery issues (won't charge, won't hold charge)
Power issues (won't turn on, random shutoffs)
Memory card reader failure
Speaker/audio jack issues

All Sales Policy

All PSPs are thoroughly tested before sale. If you experience any issues, reach out and we'll do our best to help troubleshoot or offer repair services at fair rates.

CFW Support

Custom Firmware installation and configuration support is included for the life of your PSP. If you accidentally update firmware or lose CFW functionality, contact us for reinstallation assistance.

CFW Reinstallation

First reinstall: Free (if caused by system error)

User-caused issues: $20 service fee if CFW was removed by ignoring firmware update warnings

Before Contacting Support

To help us assist you faster, please have this information ready:

PSP model (PSP-1000, 2000, 3000, or Go)
Purchase date and order number (if available)
Detailed description of the issue
What you've already tried from this troubleshooting guide
Photos or videos of the issue (if applicable)

Additional Resources

We may create additional guides and resources over time. Check our website or social media for:

Video tutorials for common tasks
Updated game compatibility lists
Recommended emulator settings
CFW plugin recommendations

Thank You!

Thank you for choosing NexxLvl PCs for your refurbished PSP. We're passionate about retro gaming and want you to have the best possible experience with your modded handheld.

Enjoy your games, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything!

- The NexxLvl PCs Team