PSP-3000 Custom Firmware & PS1 Game Guide (No Headaches Needed)

Welcome! 🎮
This guide is for anyone with a PSP-3000 who just wants to play old-school PS1 games (like JoJo, Tekken, Final Fantasy) without getting a tech degree. If you're new to all this, don't worry — I wrote this in plain English with no scary words. Let's go!

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✅ What You’ll Need

• A PSP-3000 (or 2000/Go also works)
• A Memory Stick (or SD card with adapter)
• A USB cable or SD card reader
• A PC or Mac
• A bit of patience

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🔓 Step 1: Install Custom Firmware (CFW)

We're going to install ARK, a custom firmware that lets us run PS1 games and homebrew.

1. Download the files:

You’ll need:

• ARK installer
• Firmware 6.61 (in case you aren’t on it already)

You can find ARK on Wololo.net or trusted forums.

2. Get the ARK_Launcher on your PSP:

• Connect your PSP to your computer.
• Create a folder: PSP/GAME/ARK_Launcher
• Copy the EBOOT.PBP from ARK into that folder.

3. Run it:

• Safely unplug your PSP.
• Go to Game > Memory Stick and run ARK Launcher.
• Your screen might flash — that’s normal.

That’s it! You're now running ARK CFW.

🔁 If you ever turn your PSP off completely (not sleep mode), just run ARK Launcher again to get back into CFW.

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🕹️ Step 2: Play PS1 (PSX) Games Using ARK

What you need:

• A PS1 game in EBOOT.PBP format
• Optional: POPSloader plugin (for better compatibility with some games)

1. Add the PSX game:

• Create a folder like this on your PSP:
  PSP/GAME/YourGameName/
• Inside that folder, place the EBOOT.PBP of your PSX game.

2. Run it!

• On your PSP, go to Game > Memory Stick
• Your game should show up with a cover and everything.
• Select it and play! 🎉

If it says “Corrupted Data,” check that the folder and file are named correctly and not double-zipped or incomplete, it HAS to be PSP-->GAME--->Gamename--->the eboot file, if you have ANY MORE or ANY LESS folders in the middle, it won't work.

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📦 Optional: Use POPSloader Plugin (for tricky games)

Some PS1 games need a special PS1 emulator plugin called POPSloader to work right.

How to install:

1. Download POPSloader
2. Put the popsloader folder into your PSP's seplugins/ folder
3. Add this to pops.txt: Or ef0:/seplugins/... if you're using a Memory Stick adapter.
4. Run a PS1 game, then hold R when launching to pick a different version of POPS.

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💡 FAQ (Stuff I Wish I Knew Earlier)

• Why does my game show as “Corrupted Data”?
  → Your folder might be named weird or missing the EBOOT file.

• Why does my game loop at the intro screen?
  → Mash a few buttons (especially Start, X or O) — many PSX games wait for input, i tried and it worked for me in many games

• Can I use an SD card adapter instead of a real Memory Stick?
  → Yes, just make sure you use ef0:/ in plugin paths instead of ms0:/.

• Can I run PS2 or newer games?
  → Nope. The PSP isn’t strong enough for PS2 or modern console games.

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🎮 Recommended Retro Games (They Work Great)

• JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (PSX)
• Final Fantasy VII - IX
• Crash Bandicoot
• Tekken 6
• Pokemon (with GBA emulator)
• Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

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❤️ Final Words

I made this because I spent HOURS trying to figure it all out. Hopefully, this helps you save time and just play your favorite games already.

Feel free to fork, star ⭐️, or add to this guide if you find a better way!

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📝 Made with frustration and love by a fellow PSP nerd.