What you can do
What You Can Do With CFW
Custom firmware turns the PSP from a closed gaming device into a flexible pocket computer. Once CFW is installed you gain a long list of capabilities that the stock system simply does not allow.
Play your own backups
You can run game backups stored as ISO or CSO files directly from your Memory Stick instead of swapping UMD discs. This is convenient for travel and reduces wear on the disc drive. It also benefits the PSP Go, which has no UMD drive at all and relies entirely on digital storage.
Homebrew applications
A huge library of free, community-made software becomes available: media players, file managers, ebook readers, and original games. Homebrew runs on every model from the PSP-1000 to the Street (E1000).
Emulators
The PSP is powerful enough to emulate many older systems. The original PSP-1000 is especially prized here because hardware RAM hacks give it extra memory for demanding emulators.
Plugins and tweaks
- Customize the XMB menu with themes and shortcuts.
- Add cheat support through plugins.
- Capture screenshots and adjust CPU clock speed for performance or battery life.
Works on every model
Because ARK-4 supports all PSP hardware on firmware 6.61, these features are available whether you own a Phat, Slim, Go, or Street.
CFW does not delete your official games or saves; it simply adds capabilities on top of the system you already know.