LordSturm from our forums has released version 2 of his custom firmware modification for the PSP titled "Casual". Of course, this custom firmware modification is a modification of Dark_Alex's original Custom Firmware Proof Of Concept, and adds many new features which are sure to encourage those still on a 'clean' firmware 1.5 to bite the bullet and install a custom firmware. The original version of Casual v2 was released yesterday, but bugs were found and therefore LordSturm has released Casual v2 bug fix today. Here's the changelog:

• BUG FIXED! - Shell Style and ModChip Style now function correctly!
• X-Flash is now loaded using simply "X" and now loads from "ms0:/CASUAL/XFLASH/eboot.pbp"
• In Normal or Shell mode, you can opt to load DevBoot.pbp instead by holding O during that boot.
• "D-Pad DOWN" is now set to totally disable the mod, it acts like theres no config.txt file.
• Uninstaller fixed, now actually removes nameplate, so install again then uninstall if problems occur.

Those were the bug fixes and changes for this release, but here's why you should use this over Dark_Alex's original Custom firmware:

• Recovery mode is now accessed via L+R.
• L is required to perform recovery options.
• 1.00 index.dat now supplied, in PSP/SYSTEM. ( custom, not from sony. )
• Do not move the index.dat, as it no longer looks at root.
• L will bypass all autoboot functions, and will deter plugins, this is SAFE MODE.
• vshmain.prx is now backed as well as copied once, press L+Triangle to switch to the backup.
• Note the backup is automatically accessed if the vshmain_real.prx is missing.
• Recovery mode has a new look, and borders are drawn. ( Too sexy for recovery, too... forget it. )
• You can now assign up to 100 prx's to load!!!
• As a note, this doesn't mean 100 prx's can be handled by the PSP, it just removes the limit.

Lordsturm would like to thank Danzel for helping him compile everything and of course Dark_Alex for his original Custom Firmware Proof Of Concept. Th download is the full version with the bugfix update.

Warning: Pranav, one of our bloggers, would like to point out that even though the functionality is provided, don't use it to re-flash the 1.5 update, in regards to the 1.00 index.dat or it will brick your PSP - as he found out personally. It is only for research purposes and if you simply want to remove the custom firmware, consider upgrading to 2.0 and downgrading back or using Slasher's unflasher.

Download: [Casual Custom Firmware v2 Bugfix]
View: [Forum release thread]

Want to use Dark_Alex's recently released Custom Firmware but unsure of the consequences? Here's an application by Slasher that should help you out. Slashers Custom Firmware Unflasher does exactly what it says on the tin: 'unflashes' any modifications that the Custom Firmware proof of concept makes to your PSP, leaving you with fresh PSP firmware 1.5 again whenever you want to. This bypasses the long-winded way which involves changing your PSPs version number and then re-updating to firmware 1.5 again using the 1.5 firmware update EBOOT. Here's how to use it:

1. Simply put the two folders in ms0:/PSP/GAME/(here)
2. Plug in your AC Charger
3. Run the program from the XMB
4. The program will proceed to undo any of the changes
5. If all goes well, your PSP will exit the program and go back to your original 1.5!

Use the Custom Firmware Proof Of Concept with peace of mind!

Update: Slasher has provided us updated information about his program that will reflash your recovery.elf to include a 'remove POC firmware' option. Once the recovery.elf is copied into the root directory, you can then run the application to remove the Custom POC Firmware. [Also thanks go to ultimax for the updated banner]

Download: [POC Custom Firmware Unflasher] (includes both files)