Hey everyone! Not sure who's been reading my updates but heres another one about upcoming changes on the mod I'll be testing this Sunday as well as restating where I'm at. If you haven't read my last update then let me start there.
I have wired up in my back housing a usb type C breakout board and a rocker switch to my batteries to bypass the vita as the source of charging. The positive lead from the battery and the vita is interrupted and the switch is here. When you open the switch (off position) it isolates the batteries from the vita allowing them to charge safely wile removing the possibility of grounding though the vita and frying the device. This also acts like I'm physically pulling the battery without opening the device so thats a plus.
Now that recharging is possible without the vita as a limitation this mod is amazing! My only thought moving forward is lifetime on the batteries that are parallel. From research I shouldn't have too many issues as ive taken every step to make sure they are the same as well as physically checking voltages with multimeter before last solder job. With that said i have a large 8000mah battery coming in 10/11 that i will rig up on 10/13 and will let everone know how its working by next week!
I love the enthusiasm of some people who have tried this and say its not possible and dangerous BUT I haven't ruined a single battery or any parts of my vita yet by simply doing research on the current bottleneck and using knowledge I have in digital logic and circuitry to bypass the issue and address it! I will be making another post if this 8000mah battery works or not showing the wiring and explain again how it works.
Much love to the vita community!

All parts used (rocker was purchased at local shop so thats just matching specs)


Smart charger for directly charging battery without using the vita port
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07BFWHD7G?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
USB type C Breakout board as direct charging port
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07PVBM4FT?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
Rocker switch to break circuit when charging
https://www.amazon.com/Uxcell-a16121900ux0202-Position-Rocker-Switches/dp/B071NFKHV6/ref=mp_s_a_1_15?keywords=120v+rocker+mini&qid=1570722598&sr=8-15
USB type C Connector for charger cable
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01787LKDI?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

I like it! However, there are some tweaks you may want to consider (if you want some unsolicited feedback):

1. Can you bring something over the shoulders that the top of the vita could slide into? The ergo grip I am using has them and I love it compared to the other ones. It really helps to keep the console steady. I have other grips that just clip around the sides and the vita constantly pops out.
   
2. I'd love to see you integrate the buttons somehow. Trigger style buttons always seem to be nicer to me than the bumper style that the vita normally has. But that's totally personal preference.
   
   Otherwise, it looks AWESOME and I really love the stand you've included. Definitely great work! I wish I could find a mashup of your grip and the one I'm currently using because they both have things I want :)

After checking aliexpress it seems that I lied about the $20 price. Android ones start at $30, for example: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/High-Quality-CX919-2GB-Quad-Core-Android-4-2-Smart-TV-BOX-Stick-MINI-PC-1080P/32510889591.html https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2016-New-MK809IV-Smart-TV-2GB-8GB-Android-TV-Box-Wireless-HDMI-Dongle-Android-Mini-PC/32640473667.html

These are going to be really shitty, but the point is, they can decode 1080p h264 content just fine, unlike vita/pstv.

Personally, if I had a budget around $40 I'd get an amazon fire tv stick https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Fire-TV-Stick-Streaming-Media-Player/dp/B00GDQ0RMG since it's less likely to be chinese crap, or raspberry pi 3 https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/raspberry-pi-3-model-b/ (if you're into tinkering with your devices)

These will play common h264 content fine (no 10-bit though. this only matters if you watch anime encodes). They won't play HEVC but it will probably be 1-2 more years before HEVC starts getting mainstream.

That's it about HDMI sticks, however:

If you want to spend more money, NVIDIA Shield TV ($200) is the best android-based option: https://www.amazon.com/NVIDIA-SHIELD-Streaming-Player-Android-Gaming/dp/B00U33Q940 - it can hw-decode h264 and hevc and generally is much more powerful device.

If you have unlimited budget, the best option is to build an intel&nvidia-based HTPC and load up plex media player on it (https://www.plex.tv/blog/introducing-the-plex-media-player/). This will play pretty much everything and will give you the best quality video output, which is highly configurable: https://mpv.io/manual/master/#opengl-renderer-options just look at these options.

tl;dr: get amazon fire tv stick

Got a used FAT PS Vita with 3.63 from Amazon Seller. Should I keep it?

So I placed a PS Vita (assumingly ver2) order from a seller on Amazon. I assumed version 2 (Slim) because the product details mention PCH-200* as well as pictures, show micro USB charging port.

FAT PS Vita I received seem to be in excellent condition (no scratches, fingerprints or any scuffs). I spoke with Amazon rep and they offered to give me a credit of $20. Given that I got a PS Vita with version 3.63 (that gives me plenty of room to hack) should I keep it?

I have a Switch (non-Homebrew) and I thoroughly enjoy it. My main reason to get Vita was to remote play with my PS4pro, mostly at night time while resting on my bed. While homebrewing was not my main objective since I have the option I might just well.

If you guys where in my position what would you do? Keep Vita 1 and homebrew it; Keep Vita 1 and put 3.69 on it or just return it an order from another seller?

I paid $135 for this vita.

EDIT: Thanks guys. After reading your comments and chat at the discord channel, I think I will keep the FAT Vita with me.

Assuming you're in your place of dwelling and not on the go, the PSTV. First it has native support for DS3/4 gamepads and supports L2/R2, L3/R3, and vibration for PS 1/2/3/4 games. Second it's 720p as opposed to 544p so your games will look better. You can also whitelist it to enable all games playable assuming they don't require the camera or microphone. There is also a plugin that allows for sixaxis support. All PSTV's have 1gb of internal storage and come with firmware less than 3.60 and you can manually update from there with a usb. You can then either use the offline installer after installing HENkaku for the first time or reinstalling it later as the webkit exploit is only temporary. You can also upgrade to the pre-hacked HENkaku Enso 3.65 but beware that not all custom apps and plugins are supported by it yet.

If you only want it as a handheld then get the Vita 2000 (Slim) as it fixes many of the Vita 1000 (Fat)'s flaws. It has 1gb of internal storage and a 16gb ps vita memory card (the PS TV supports vita memory cards btw) will last you over 50 physical games. It has over an hour of extra battery life and a PACK IN non-proprietary micro-usb charger. It's more ergonomic, slimmer and lighter but just as durable. The only real advantages that the vita fat has are the fact that you can replace the back touch panel, and that it has an OLED screen. The former can be mitigated with a carbon fiber skin and the latter will burn in or burn out eventually.

If you want remote play and custom firmware you will need ps4relink as even though you can sign into psn with firmware and PSN spoofing no PS Vita below 3.67 can be "activated" (i.e. legitimized) due to a change in protocol on Sony's end. One more thing, TheFLOW has successfully hacked OFW 3.67 and is releasing it at then end of this year/early next year anticipating the Vita's end of life. So if you have the patience I'd wait for that option since you can activate your PS Vita.

EDIT: Made revisions to grammar and spelling.

EDIT 2: Made further corrections.

I bought one of these... I've heard the Borderlands package for the Vita slim has a better chance of <3.60 firmware.

Mine was brand new, came with firmware 3.30 (yes, 3.30). I was absolutely thrilled. The only reason I took the chance was that I had someone with a Vita at firmware 3.50, so the trade was that I could have theirs if the one arriving was over 3.60. Turns out, I got a nice new Vita Slim <3.60. That's the specific link I used, the ones coming from "Above All Games" on Amazon.

Followed the DNS hack to get to 3.60, installed Henkaku, installed VitaShell, used the new ePSP 2.0 bubble to get it activated and get Adrenaline on it, good to go. It was touch and go because I am -really- new to this, but it all worked out. Tonight was the first night I got Tales of Destiny running under PCSX ReARMed, and a Castlevania Chronicles PSP working.

I make no guarantees that the one you get will be the same, but I had excellent luck.

>Is there any benefit to the vita over the psp?

I had also been a PSP faithful several years ago, and had several doubts about switching to vita. Now, my PSP remains in its case tucked away in my closet.

With Adrenaline running on a hacked vita, you will have a fully functional 6.61 CFW PSP on your system, with some extra features such as bi-linear filtering and save states. All of the popular PSP plugins work fine. (There are even applications that will allow you to create PSP 'bubbles' on the LiveArea screen, allowing you to play those titles without booting into Adrenaline each time).

Hacking the vita is a bit more involved on 3.61+, true, but with the proper research its not a problem. Also know that the vita hacking procedure is relatively safe, as you don't have to flash memory or make any major system OS modifications. Failed attempts will not result in a bricked vita (unless that is your objective). Read the guides, watch a couple of videos and you will be fine.

The vita memory card is certainly a drawback, however they are only necessary for OLED (a 10$ 4GB card should be fine in that case). Once the vita is hacked, you can use a sd2vita to take advantage of microsd storage size/price. Again, setting up a microsd on the vita takes a little more work than was required on the PSP (a simple format), but research will go a long way.

i bought these made a world of difference 100% NO HAND CRAMPS !!

https://www.amazon.com/Cyber-Analog-Stick-Cover-High-Black/dp/B00XXSONHM

also in white at $13

& for my grip

https://www.amazon.com/CTA-Digital-Vita-Hand-Grip-playstation/dp/B0073ESZ58

$13

​

before that i had the PDA Trigger Grips .. was quite nice but still hand cramping ... i highly recommend the above

For the 2000 this is what I use....

HORI PS Vita 2000 L2/R2 L3/R3 Remote Play Assist Attachment https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ERA94BY

Awesome for remote play.

I believe for the initial setup, you need an official vita memory card, but you could use something like IMCUnlock to enable storage on that model afterwards. That would allow you to store all of the necessary files for Enso on internal storage.

The benefit to the IMCUnlock, to my knowledge, is that its permanent, so once its installed, your done. Updates to firmware and what not don't affect it.

As far as microSDs and storage, I use this SD2Vita adapter and a 128 GB card. I've heard 256 GB works too, but I haven't tried personally. Will all of my plugins installed on the internal storage, I can just boot up my Vita, and its mounted automatically.

Alright, I'm gonna buy this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PV515DU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2BYWRJ38CFMG0&coliid=I2AOT20A9CQZHT&psc=1 and just hope for the best.

Question about Micro SD card prices on Amazon - Are they legit cards?

So I just bought a Vita Slim model a few days ago and finally got it hacked and then last night finally got around to ordering a SD2Vita card adapter. So now I'm looking for between a 32GB and maybe up to 128GB as that would be more than enough space for what I need. My question is are the low prices I'm seeing on amazon for these micro SD cards actually legit cards? The Sandisk cards in the link are $20 for a 128GB card. I know nothing about these micro SD cards, so is that a good price on a card that size? Thanks in advance, any input would be appreciated.

Ordered this guy just now, hopefully have better luck tomorrow when it arrives!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010Q57S62/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Not sure about shipping, but this one is the one I got a few weeks ago and works great.
I'd just search for that brand around ebay too. The 5.0 is the one you'll want so it isn't sticking out of the slot so much that it keeps the protective cover open.

This one?

I soldered my own when they first came out and it works but the newer versions look super polished.

I'm happy to help answer answer anything I can for you Griff, I can finally pay it forward haha!

3.60 Enso is exactly where you want to be, any lower and some homebrew may not work correctly, Enso runs the initial hack everytime the device starts up, while with later versions of firmware require you to use the h-encore exploit every time the device reboots, so thats why 3.60 is so good!

To run your inital exploits on a 1000 series, a vita memory card is required since there is no internal memory on these models, after that, you can buy this adapter to use a micro sd card:

Funturbo Ultimate Version SD2Vita 5.0 Memory Card Adapter, PS Vita PSVSD Micro SD Adapter PSV 1000/2000 PSTV FW 3.60 HENkaku Enso System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F63FPT3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_hc-JDb512743G

I use a samsung 128gb micro sd card with the sd2vita adapter, and it works very well! Once your on 3.60, you can reroute where the vita accesses memory, which we make it to the game slot for the sd2vita adapter, and everything runs from there!

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Last month, I got a brand new Vita on Firmware 3.55 from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-PlayStation-Vita-WiFi/dp/B00PV515DU/?th=1

There are multiple sellers on Amazon. Make sure you get the one with the seller called "Above All Games" and "Fulfilled by Amazon". Read the User Reviews and many of them corroborate with my experience.

Are there any Japanese models that anybody'd suggest purchasing that has version 3.60 or below?

Would this one work?
https://www.amazon.com/PlayStation-Wi-Fi-model-Glacier-PCH-2000ZA22-Japanese/dp/B014QAIBNM/ref=sr_1_7?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1485040845&sr=1-7&keywords=playstation+vita

That and in general, are there any particular models that anybody'd recommend? Thank you!

Amazon man, I just got one a couple days ago brand new for $42, I needed a second one so I could play the latest Vita games, couldn't really justify a second Vita lol. But yeah here's the link https://www.amazon.com/PlayStation-TV-vita/dp/B00KVMHSUM?th=1

I got one of these. Super fast if you transfer from a USB 3.0 reader. 2.0 isn't bad either if it's all you have. If you keep an eye out, they'll have used ones available for $5-$8 cheaper. It's what I did, and they sent me a brand new one instead. https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-MicroSD-Adapter-MB-ME128GA-AM/dp/B06XWZWYVP/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Bought a used Vita TV off amazon to get for a friend last week. Can confirm it shipped with 3.60, actually asked the seller if they knew and he said he had no idea lol. Anywho here's the link to the seller if you're interested.https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00KVMHSUM/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used the seller was JMS Holdings and shipped from NY.

I too have purchased from FunTurbo, so far I have bought 4 sd2vitas and they have all worked great.

Link if you need it: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F63FPT3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-PlayStation-Vita-WiFi/dp/B00PV515DU

Yeah, I was planning on getting one of the new, non-refub/used ones since I heard that basically means it's 3.60 or less if it's a US model (also don't want to deal with the swapped buttons of the Asian model ones).

I'm assuming they wouldn't sell used through that, if they did I could easily do a return via Amazon.

I bought a vita slim used from gamestop yesterday unfortunately it was already on 3.68 so I was able to install h-encore everything is up and running tested by using RetroArch to play some SNES. I ordered A SD2Vita 5.0 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F63FPT3/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 that will be here tomorrow. I seen some threads concerning issues running SD2Vita with H-Encore unless they were using "enso"? Can someone explain to me what enso does and where do I get it? I should also mention it did not come with A official Sony memory card am I going to need one for any reason. I ordered a 64GB microsd https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XX29S9Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 to use with the SD2Vita adapter listed above. Thanks!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ERA94BY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_.DU0CbSC27GR1

It's pricey, but found the back touchscreen completely unusable without it. The grip makes using those buttons much easier.

You can still buy them new on amazon (and fulfilled by amazon): https://www.amazon.com/PlayStation-TV-vita/dp/B00KVMHSUM

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014QAIBNM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Anyone have any luck getting 3.60?

Actually I just resorted to sending it back in for a return & then I ordered another one (black one) from Amazon & SUPPOSEDLY, it is a US based Vita brand new & from the more recent reviews, they have been under 3.60. I bought this one specifically https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PV515DU?th=1 from Above All Games. As much as I like the look of the glacier white Vita, I couldn't find a motherboard available on eBay or Ali express for the slim models

I just got mine today from amazon from this seller. DealZone Distributors for 240.00 US model and sealed. It came with 3.55. Just send them a message to make sure before you order. That is what I did.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00PV515DU/ref=olp_f_new?ie=UTF8&f_all=true&f_new=true

I'm interested in buying a vita, does this one qualify? Does these models have 3.60 or lower? Sony PlayStation Vita WiFi https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PV515DU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_qCdYxbANXRCMK
I want it for playing game backups and install homebrews.

if you wanna compare screens.

The slim feels nicer in my hands, is a good but lighter, uses a regular usb micro cable, but colors look bleached out.

I would get the 1000 this grip case and this dock

So, I assume the Borderlands 2 bundle gives a 3.18 slim?

Like, the ones sold [here.](/s "http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HLT0YT0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00HLT0YT0&linkCode=as2&tag=urav-20&linkId=3GOSUC2PES2TKU6F")

I live in Japan and just ordered one sold by Amazon Japan, the all Black model (PCH-2000ZA11) hoping it will be on a firmware lower than 3.60. I purposely avoided the newer colors for this reason. My finders are crossed. I will post here if it's good to go. I will receive it Wednesday (thank you scheduled delivery).

Here's the link: https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B00F27JDTU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Also I bought mine directly from Amazon.co.jp (this link for some reason brings you to a third-party seller, you have to select the option to buy amazon.co.jp on the right side of the page to buy from them).

Just bought a Vita and need to pick a SD card for the v5 SD2VITA adapter.

At this point the choices pretty much boiled down to a 128 GB card from either Samsung or Sandisk for ~20€, a 200 GB Sandisk for 27€ or a 256GB Transcend card for 34€.

Figures alone would make the Transcend the obvious choice, but I haven't used their products yet and I'm kinda vary of Chinese brands. I also don't know much storage is reasonable, I intend to install Vita, PSX and PSP games.

Buy it off of Amazon, I just got my new Vita yesterday and it came with 3.55. If it is 3.60 and above you still have the Amazon return policy, below is the link of the one I ordered:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PV515DU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

I selected the prime option and used the seller Key2West Marketing Inc. Reason being they are only in the US (where I am located) so most of their stock that is shipped will be non-import.

Would this one be ok? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PV515DU/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_apa_897Qzb1SRTPPGPep2te

You never want to go with a "random guy"'; always check the reviews and seller feedback. Memory cards are often hacked to display higher storage than they actually have, because it's extremely cheap and easy to do.

Here's another option through Amazon for $25.

Cyber ? Analog Stick Cover High Type (For Ps Vita) Black by Cyber https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XXSONHM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1i1BCbJP63XSQ game changer. You can really fine grain the analogues.

Evo Select from Amazon:

Samsung 128GB 100MB/s (U3) MicroSD EVO Select Memory Card with Adapter (MB-ME128GA/AM)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XWZWYVP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_L9w1CbT94NQB8

Have never let me down.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PV515DU
is that a reasonable price? wasn't hard to find

What you could do is hack the vita using the 4gig then get an sd2vita and a 64gig micro sd and then just use the sd2vita instead since its ridiulously cheaper than using the official proprietary cards. techjames has videos on his channel of how to switch your main storage from the proprietary vita mem card to the sd2vita microsd card.

TechJames

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov6MnOJ_nHM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uJ_yc3zgJo

SD2Vita

https://www.amazon.com/Funturbo-Ultimate-Version-SD2Vita-Adapter/dp/B07F63FPT3/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=W1O2PN5R2TRN&keywords=sd2vita&qid=1557000577&s=gateway&sprefix=sd2%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

64GB Micro SD card

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-MicroSDXC-Adapter-MB-ME64GA-AM/dp/B06XX29S9Q/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2BJ7JKDELZVAF&keywords=64+gb+micro+sd+card&qid=1557000601&s=gateway&sprefix=64+gb%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-3

It was this one. Brand new for $203.

i got this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PV515DU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Planning to get this one (https://www.amazon.com/Borderlands-2-Limited-PlayStation-Vita-Bundle/dp/B00HLT0YT0/ref=sr_1_2?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1481677620&sr=1-2&keywords=ps+vita )
or a used white one, but i need to wait until i get refunded.

Hi, with SD2Vita does anyone know if the following SD is compatible

SanDisk Ultra 128GB microSDXC Memory Card + SD Adapter with A1 App Performance up to 100MB/s, Class 10, U1 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B073JYC4XM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_uug-BbYV9CBZ4

I can confirm that both of these worked with My Vita Slim 2000. These are the exact ones I purchased and am currently using. You have to watch out for "fakes" apparently, but these are legit.

Samsung 128GB 100MB/s (U3) MicroSD EVO Select Memory Card with Adapter (MB-ME128GA/AM)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XWZWYVP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_rDw1CbZ97JVGT

Funturbo Ultimate Version SD2Vita 5.0 Memory Card Adapter, PS Vita PSVSD Micro SD Adapter PSV 1000/2000 PSTV FW 3.60 HENkaku Enso System
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F63FPT3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6Dw1CbJV18B8Q

https://www.amazon.com/XBERSTAR-Newest-Version-SD2Vita-Adapter-Loading/dp/B0798JJ82Z

The one that was under 3.60 and I kept was this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014QAIBNM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_lX9dzbJN2V4Z1

Just got this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010Q57S62

XBERSTAR Newest Version 5.0 SD2Vita PS Vita Micro SD Memory Card Adapter Fast Loading for PSV Game 1000/2000 3.60 System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0798JJ82Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_L9.NBbG04C6PY

Hello I am new to Vita homebrew stuff, I am planning on buying a blue vita from amazon and I really don't want to buy an 100 dollar memory card because that's... uh, ridiculous.

Can I buy one of these would I be able to install games on there?

So I'm looking into buying a vita and hacking it and had a few questions. Would this be guaranteed to be 3.60 or below, or do I run the risk of it being 3.61+? Would I need to connect to PSN for anything? If so what would that be for and would that require a firmware update? Is it possible to get DLC for games and install that without needing to update?

Any idea if the regular black version is still 3.60 or below? It's been restocked a few times already. I would buy the Borderlands 2 bundle but it seems a lot of the units suffer from wear issues from sitting in a warehouse all these years.