Brewology

My brother in law just purchased 2 PSP 2000 models for his kids, which he was hoping to downgrade, mod and run some homebrews etc.

BUT.....it has come to light that these 2000 models (just off the production line), contain motherboards hat can-NOT be modded. Ironically, he opted against the new 3000 as he learnt that they couldn't be modded......either.

So just a little warning (just in case you didn't know already), and if anyone can help or provide a solution in regards to this little problem it would be much appreciated.
wilmz68.

It actually depends on what PSP's he got.
Some have motherboards that cannot be modified right now, others do right off the production line.
The PSP-3000 models have similar motherboards to PSP-2000 models that can't be modded, so as soon as the new motherboards are hacked, all PSP's will have custom firmware capabilities.
I know that a lot of stores still have PSP's that are able to run custom firmware. You can tell what kind of motherboard, usually, you have by what firmware comes on the PSP.
What firmwares came with the PSP's or do you not know yet?

Here's some information that can help (taken from Maxconsole). This will help you judge what version the PSP is by looking at the retail box. Some of it is still not absolute, so buyer beware... but this is all the information known at the present. It's separated by the package style:

PSP-2000 Motherboard Information:
TA-85 (Can use and make Pandora Battery)
TA-85v2 (Can use, but cannot make Pandora Battery)
TA-88v2 (Can use, but cannot make Pandora Battery)
TA-88v3 (Cannot use or make Pandora Battery)

Limited Edition & New Boxstyle:
Daxter Limited Edition Pack (TA-85v2/3.71 OFW)(CONFIRMED)
God of War Limited Edition Pack (TA-88v2/3.95 OFW)(CONFIRMED)
Madden 09 Limited Edition Pack (TA-88v2/3.95 OFW & TA-88v3/4.01 OFW)(CONFIRMED)
Piano Black with the New Box Style (TA-88v3)(UNCONFIRMED)
Piano Black (Amazon.com)(TA-88v3)(PARTIALLY CONFIRMED)

PSP-2000 Original Boxstyle Box Codes (Thanks to Alek @ Dark-AleX.org):
(No Letter) = 3.60
A = 3.71
B = UNKNOWN
C = 3.72
D = UNKNOWN
E = 3.80
F = 3.90
G = 3.95 / 4.01 (TA-88v2 / TA-88v3) BUT
A PSP with G and the 4.01 firmware is most likely a TA-88v3 motherboard, so it is advised that you stay away from them.