PSP 2.0 Firmware for North America Released

By Geoff Duncan August 24, 2005

Sony has finally released the North American version of its PSP 2.0 firmware, adding a Web browser to the portable gaming device, as well as adding support for playing H.264 (AVC) video, WAV and unprotected AAC audio files, improved wallpaper features, and better wireless security. The update is available from Sony, where it can be downloaded to a computer and installed manually, or via the Network Update feature built-in to the PSP. The 2.9 firmware update requires 16 MB of free space on the PSP’s Memory Stick Pro Duo.

The update also enhances the PSP’s built-in security features to guard against tampering and enthusiasts modifying games, or creating their own software to run on their PSPs.

The 2.0 firmware update has been anticipated by PSP aficionados since its announcement in Japan this July. Sony said it planned to release the update in North America August 12, but later announced a delay until the week of August 15. Since then, Sony had been silent on their release plans until the software appeared today.

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Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

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