We've got some good news and bad news for you guys regarding the upcoming build for iR Shell. The good news is that it will carry support for CFW 3.80 M33, and should be out in a few days.

As for the bad news, well, take a breath, and read it over in the full article.

Kudos to SBrown for tipping us off regarding this!

PSP Homebrew Developer StoneCut has dropped by our forums to give us the latest update to iR Shell - it now incorporates Dark AleX's multi-disc POPSloader. Note that this update is only a fix for iR Shell 3.81 and does not include the 3.71 M33-4 which you'll have to download separately.

Download: iR Shell 3.81.1 - Multi-disc PSX fix
Visit: QJ.NET PSP Development Forums

If you loved the emulator collection NJ released yesterday, then today should be like early Christmas for you. QJ.NET Forum poster StoneCut managed to spot a new update to not one, not two, but all of the emulators previously released by the homebrew developer. Get ready for this special treat, because version 2.2.1a of CPS2PSP, CPS1PSP, MVSPSP, and NCDZPSP support Adhoc connection. Each and every one.

To truly broaden the pool of pals you can pull into your emulated gaming sessions, NJ also released compatible versions for the PSP-1000 or the PSP Phat. Coupled with the updated PSP Slim & Lite compilations, retro gamers can get their PSP Slim comrades and PSP Phat cousins to enjoy Capcom Play System (1 or 2), Neo Geo CD System, or Neo Geo Multi-Video System (whichever floats your boat best).

Now it's important to note that you'll need to mix and match each version to its counterpart on the opposite system, because Capcom Play System 2 on the Phat will only connect to Capcom Play System 2 on the Slim and vice versa. We've listed the downloads below in the original order that forum member StoneCut placed them, to preserve the user's intent and to minimize confusion.

Speaking of confusion, the bundled readme isn't in English. So if you don't know how to get the right version to run on your PlayStation Portable, you can always have it "babelized" via online translation sites. If that doesn't help much, it wouldn't hurt to ask for help at QJ.NET's PSP Development Forums.

Download: CPS2PSP 2.2.1a with Adhoc Support for Slim with FW 3.71
Download: CPS2PSP 2.2.1a with Adhoc Support for Phat with FW 3.xx
Download: CPS1PSP 2.2.1a with Adhoc Support for Slim with FW 3.71
Download: CPS1PSP 2.2.1a with Adhoc Support for Phat with FW 3.xx
Download: MVSPSP 2.2.1a with Adhoc Support for Slim with FW 3.71
Download: MVSPSP 2.2.1a with Adhoc Support for Phat with FW 3.xx
Download: NCDZPSP 2.2.1a with Adhoc Support for Slim with FW 3.71
Download: NCDZPSP 2.2.1a with Adhoc Support for Phat with FW 3.xx
Download: Source code for all emulator versions above
Visit: QJ.NET PSP Development Forums

Developer StoneCut dropped us a line earlier to announce that the latest build for the iR Shell homebrew is primed and ready for use. iR Shell version 3.7's biggest feature is its support for the Team M33's Custom Firmware 3.71 on the PSP Phat. It also carries several other new changes since version 3.62:

• Added support for M33 3.71 CFW for PSP Phat.
• Screen redirection via Tyranid's remotejoy. UMD Game compatibility has also been enhanced and save/load dialog boxes will no longer crash. Thanks to Tyranid for making this possible.
• 2 Player PSOne games via usbhostfs/nethostfs keypad direction using 2 PC joysticks/keyboard. Screen redirection via remotejoy is also supported for PSone games.
• Support for M33 popsloader when iR Shell running under M33 3.52 CFW. Only the latest version popsloader is supported (that is, the one for pops from 3.00 to 3.52). All other previous versions of popsloader won't work with iR Shell. If you're running iR Shell under M33 3.71, the "POP Version" setting in iR Configurator is ignored. This is due to popsloader currently doesn't work with M33 3.71 due to changing NIDs by Sony.
• Support for M33 UMD Video ISO feature under iR Shell File Browser. This will also work with USBHostFS & NETHostFS. Again, for legally owned backups only.
• The number of iR Shell EBOOTs for various firmwares have been consolidated into just 2. One for firmware 1.5, and the other for firmware 2.x/3.x. This should make it earier for users.
• A new autoboot seplugin is introduced to replace the old "irsfw30x.prx". This plugin will work under all firmware versions, including 3.71.
  

In case you're wondering, the PSX 2 Player Adhoc that StoneCut and AhMan demonstrated before via video won't be included in this release. The devs explained that it was still in the Alpha phase of development, and hence was still unstable. Users - especially first-timers - are advised to read through iR Shell 3.7's User's guide and FAQ. Both can be found in the file bundle.

Also be sure you download the other tools that StoneCut included - you'll need them to make the most of the application. You may also want to visit StoneCut's release thread over at the QJ.NET forums to get the iR Shell Skin Pack 1, and to say hello to the devs. Enjoy the downloads!

Kudos to Hatter for tipping us off regarding this release!

Download: iR Shell 3.7
Download: Pronto Codes (2000+ infrared devices)
Download: USBhostFS v1.7 incl. RemoteJoy
Download: NetHostFS v1.7
Download: RemoteJoy4iRS Easy GUI
Visit: QJ.NET PSP Development forum
Donate:AhMan's Paypal

Remember that video we posted last month? It was a teaser featuring PSOne (PSX) games on two player mode - on a PlayStation Portable. Quoting StoneCut (the owner of the clip), it's "magic". And it looks like AhMan is looking to make more of that magic.

StoneCut came by the QJ PSP General forums to share a video AhMan made showing PSOne games on two players on the PSP via ad hoc Wi-Fi connection. The video shows that yes, both PSPs are running the same game (Super Puzzle Fighter, FTW).

StoneCut mentioned that this is still very early in development, "it's not even in beta yet". That may be the case, but the video shows just what we'll be getting in the future and the wait will be well worth it.

Anyway, check out the video and feel free to tell us what you think. Enjoy!

Visit: QJ.NET PSP General forums

QJ.NET reader StoneCut dropped by our PSP Development Forum and informed us that iR Shell-owner AhMan has ported Snes9xTYL to PlayStation Portable FW 3.xx. That means that, in case you didn't catch that well, it is now possible to enjoy SNES video games on your PSP Slim and Lite. AhMan's exact words regarding this release:

Another emulator ported to firmware 3.x, aka for PSP Slim. The USB mass storage has been removed and no longer available due to the emu is now running completely under user mode. This will probably be the last emu I've interest to port. Have fun!

It was also mentioned by Stonecut that this particular version of Snes9xTY is also compatible with old PSPs. All you have to do is put the emulator inside the GAME352 folder. Aside from the emulator itself, AhMan also released the source code of the program.

If you are uncertain about installation and other matters, you can refer to the forum link below and consult other uses before installing the program on your PSPs.

Download:  Snes9xTYL for PSP Slim
Download: Snes9xTYL for PSP Slim (source code)
Visit: QJ PSP Development Forum

We learned at the start of this month that homebrew developer Ahman rolled out a new version of iR Shell that brought the program up to version 3.61. The update comes with support for Team M33's custom firmware as well as some maintenance fixes. What we have today is a video preview of iR Shell version 3.62.

There's still no word about the complete changelog but the video showcases a two-player PSX/PSOne video game being played on a single PlayStation Portable unit. The video output that you can see herein has been made possible through RemoteJoy. We know it's exciting and like what the clip owner StoneCut, it's magic.

Anyway, just enjoy the video from now while waiting for iR Shell version 3.62 to be released. We promise to update you as soon as something develops.

Visit: QJ PSP Development Forum

Developer Stonecut has sent us an e-mail that AhMan has rolled out a maintenance release for iR Shell 3.61. This release solves a few of the errors that users encountered when using the original build.

The bug fixes in this release include the autoboot plug-in problem which some some configurations experienced as well as the issue with nethostfs crashing when the PSP fails to connect to the server. In addition to this, there are a few other fixes that were implemented:

• Fixed screen corruption while changing CPU speed in PS1 games.
• Retained the overclock speed after exiting game/app while nethostfs is active.
• Fixed adhoc PC nethostfs connection problem. You no longer need to mess with the wlan switch.
• The MP3 will now resume at the exact position when switching firmware versions (1.5 iR Shell to 3.x iR Shell, or vice versa).

Special thanks:

• Dark_AleX for his previous contributions & help in iR Shell development. We hope you enjoyed hacking the PSP. Happy retirement and we wish you best of luck for your future endeavors.
• Team M33 for continuing DA's work and their help in fixing M33 firmware compatibility issues with iR Shell.
• All iR Shell private forum and unofficial forum members for their contributions, including donations, testing, skin making, plugins, etc.

If you plan on using this, the developer gave word that a previous installation of iR Shell 3.6 is required for the update to work. So if you're using iR Shell, download this program. Don't forget to read the installation instructions as well as release notes to avoid any untoward incidents when using this update.

Download: iR Shell 3.61 Maintenance Fix
Visit: QJ PSP Development Forums

It's been a long time coming, but the wait is finally over. Brought to us - brought to you! - by AhMan and StoneCut, the public version of the latest iR Shell is now available, and true enough, iR Shell v3.6 now incorporates support for Team M33's custom firmware. The changelog from our previous post remains the same for the actual release, but for those who weren't able to catch it, we'll reproduce it below.

• Added support for Team M33's newest custom firmware (See note 1). If you don't want to update to M33, you will still be able to use this new release with older OE firmwares
• Launch and multi-task with PS1 games from within iR Shell (works also via USBhostFS and NetHostFS) (see note 2)
• [...] Click the Full Article link below to see the whole changelog
  

Now there are certain reminders to take note of. These footnotes (as referred to in the changelog above) concern specific technicalities on the compatibility with Team M33's CFW and the launching of PSOne games.

1. CFW 3.51 M33 Original version, 3.51 M33-2 (patch 2 with WLAN fix) and 3.52 M33 are supported. 3.51 M33-3 to 7 (patch 3 to 7) are not supported due to a sceKernelLoadExecVSH bug which had been fixed in 3.52 M33.
2. The launching of PS1 games via USBHostFS & NetHostFS works on all OE firmwares and also 3.51 M33 Original & Patch 2. The latest 3.52 M33 firmware currently has issues when launching user converted PS1 games via USBHostFS & NetHostFS, but PSN store purchased games works fine. Team M33 is currently looking into the issue.

Before you download the file, please make sure you take a look at the txt and pdf files included in the bundle - especially if it's your first time with iR Shell. The text documents include a User Guide, an FAQ, release notes, and installation instructions. Read them and UNDERSTAND them. If you still need more info, you may discuss about the homebrew application and ask for help in our forum release thread (linked below). And of course, make sure you send the developers your love.

AhMan and StoneCut give special thanks to:

• Dark AleX for his previous contributions & help in iR Shell development. We hope you had enjoyed hacking the PSP. Happy retirement and wish you best of luck in your future endeavors.
• Team M33 for continuing DA's work and their help in fixing M33 firmware compatibility issues with iR Shell.
• All iR Shell private forum members for their contributions, including donations, testing, skin making, plugins, etc. Without their support, especially StoneCut, you won't see this special public release.

Thanks to magick2401, popsky, Black Wolf, and whatzup101 for giving us the heads up!

Download: iR Shell v3.6
Visit: PSP Development Forums

It's been a long while since AhMan released a public version of iR Shell, but it looks like the wait could finally be over soon.

iR Shell beta tester F34R sent us a tip that AhMan is currently readying the latest version of iR Shell for public release. While a definite release date has yet to be announced, it will reportedly be shortly after the new M33 firmware update hits.

The new iR Shell will also be compatible with Team M33's custom firmware. It will also have the features shown in the leaked iR Shell video. Here's a list of features added since iR Shell's last public release posted by iR Shell beta tester StoneCut:

• Added support Team M33's newest custom firmware. If you don't want to update to M33, you will still be able to use this new release with older OE firmwares
• Launch and multi-task with PS1 games from within iR Shell (works also via USBhostFS and NetHostFS)
• Backup ISO plugins now integrated into iR Shell 1.5 EBOOT and 3.5x EBOOT (also supports USBhostFS and NetHostFS)
• Backup UMD Video ISO support (some additional 1.5 firmware files required)
• Direct switching between 1.5 EBOOT and 3.5x EBOOT via new shortcut combo
• System-wide "Quick Exit" function to quickly shutdown games, homebrew etc and return to iR Shell
• Improved Autoboot plugin
• New Comic Reader plugin based on PSPComic for CBZ and CBR files by suloku
• Added the ability to flash/blink the menu highlighting cursor
• Added support for adhoc PC nethostfs connection under 3.51 EBOOT (some additional firmware files required)
• Added a new config item in configurator to turn on/off the Music button for screen capture
• Other bugfixes and tiny improvements