How to know your PSP firmware version?

Here's how to make sure you're getting the PSP you really need.

Out of the box
If you have your PSP in your hands, it's pretty easy to find out which firmware you are running. Simply navigate to Settings System Settings, hit the X button, then scroll down to System Information and hit the X button again. An informational screen will pop up listing your PSP's MAC address, the System Software, and your PSP's nickname. Whatever number follows Version in the System Software row is the version of the firmware you are running.

In the box
If you don't have your PSP yet, or you're in the market for a second one, here's what you need to know to try to avoid grabbing another Version 2.0. The UPC sticker on one end of the box indicates the firmware version. There are two boxes, one without an A under 120V, indicating Version 1.5 boxed with the Spider-Man 2 UMD, and one with an A, indicating Version 1.5 of the firmware without the free UMD. If the box says something other than PSP-1001 K along the top, or it has a B or any other letter than an A underneath the 120V, then you're dealing with 1.51, 1.52, or 2.0 firmware, and you won't be able to run the homebrew.