Best PSP Firmware: OFW 6.61 vs CFW 6.61 PRO-C2 / ME-2.3

Depends on your goal. No single "best"—here's the decision matrix:

Official Firmware (OFW) 6.61

• Pros: 100% official compatibility (PSN Store, Ad-hoc Party, video services), stable, no brick risk, required for some UMD movies/games with updated crypto.
• Cons: No homebrew, no ISO/CSO, no plugins, no themes, no CPU overclock, no PS1 conversion.

Custom Firmware (CFW) — Recommended for Most

• 6.61 PRO-C2 / ME-2.3: Based on latest OFW. Two install types:
  • Permanent (cIPL / Infinity): Survives cold boot. Requires hackable motherboard (TA-088v3 or earlier — all 1000, most 2000, no 3000/Go/Street).
  • Temporary (FastRecovery): Runs from XMB → reapply after full shutdown. Works on ALL models (including 3000, Go, Street).
• Features: ISO/CSO from MS, Homebrew (emulators, ports), PS1 Eboots (POPS), Plugins (CWCheat, Screenshot, RemoteJoyLite), Themes, CPU 333 MHz, Recovery Menu (unbrick, NAND backup).

Which to Choose?

• PSP-1000 / 2000 (TA-088v1/v2/v3): Permanent CFW (Infinity 2.3) — best experience, auto-boots.
• PSP-2000 (TA-088v4) / 3000 / Go / Street: FastRecovery (6.61 PRO-C2 / ME-2.3) — reapply on cold boot (5 sec).
• Pure UMD Player / PSN Buyer: Stay on OFW 6.61.
• Unsure: Install FastRecovery. Reversible, safe, full features.

Critical Precautions

• Backup NAND via Recovery Menu before any CFW install.
• Use Hackinformer or Wololo guides — video + text.
• Never update OFW after CFW — overwrites it.
• Piracy = your legal risk. Dump your own UMDs.

CFW transforms PSP into the ultimate retro handheld. Highly recommended.