Custom PSP XMB Icons – 14 Must-Have Themes for your PSP
Last month I wrote up a list of my top 11 PSP XMB Themes and since that was written there has been plenty of new XMB icon releases, so I thought I’d do another round up of whats available to pimp out (or is that up?) your PSP. This list totals 14 entries, which shows just how much work some people are putting into creating these themes.
These themes are really aimed at those PSP owners using the 3.03OE custom firmware, as this version allows you to fully customise the PSP, including all the XMB icons. 3.10OE users can use elements of the themes, but not the icons themselves (ignore the topmenu_plugin.rco file). As the icons make up 90% of the theme itself, being unable to use the icons probably makes these themes slightly pointless.
Anyway, for 3.03OE users, heres the lateset run down of whats hot in the world of custom PS XMB themes. As a side note, this last month has seen a full set of original XMB icons released by Innercy, who managed to create the icons that have been missing since XMB customisation started. This has led to a large number of ‘coloured’ XMB themes being released. These have been (mostly) ignored in this list as they don’t add anything of huge value to customisation scene.
Note: These are not listed in any particular order, and there is no ‘number 1‘, as I’ve decided this is such a subjective matter that its somewhat pointless. I probably should have applied the same logic to the previous list I created. I’ve also missed out alot of themes that don’t quite live up to the standard set by others.
SaiZN’s Red Vista Orbs PSP Theme
A nice completed set of icons, Red Vista Orbs uses the standard PSP icons as the central image, and uses the popular Vista style orb to makes them standout.
Desi Soulja’s Pirate Style PSP Theme
A nice original themes from Desi Soulja that again uses the standard PSP XMB icons but wraps them in a nautical pirate theme. A great idea well executed, and fits in nicely with the upcoming film Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End.
Innercy’s Original XMB+ PSP Theme
This is Innercy’s completed Original XMB Icon set. While a few people faield to understand the significance of this XMB icon set, others soon realised that it meant new XMB themes could be created using the standard icons as a base, allowing that ‘modified but original’ look that many PSP owners like.
Evolve’s Orbital PSP Theme
A slick looking subtle XMB icon set that uses the tried and trusted orb style graphic with custom internal pictures to representthe PSP’s XMB functions. There are versions available of this theme in various colours, from black to white to red to green. If you want something that is quite calming and unfussed, this XMB icon set is just what you need.
PSPCulture’s Buuf Two PSP Theme
This was my second attempt at using the fantastic Buuf icons by Manhatten. I really like these icons, and find them really easy to work with, so creating a new theme from them is painless and quick. This particular theme also has a custom wallpaper made using the Buuf font found in the extra’s set.
Mime’s Naruto Ultimate PSP Theme
An interesting XMB theme that offers a completely original set of icons. Most impressive is the metallic effect the icons appear to have. If you want something thats different to anything else out there, this ones is for you.
androidkaita’s Full Orange PSP Theme
I’ve avoided as much as possible the recoloured icon threads that have appeared on QJ.net over the last few weeks, as they’re not something I’m particularly interested in. However, this theme, with its orange tinted icons was one of the first to appear, so I’ve listed it here.
Evolve’s Calabi Spheres PSP Theme
Another orb style icon set, this time using custom internal graphics. Yet again a simple and effective theme for those who don’t want anything too flashy.
Innercy’s Mini Line PSP Theme
An interesting idea, Mini Lines replaces all the XMB icons and default XMB label text with icons that are simply text over a faded background. This theme works really well with the wallpapers made specifically for it.
Evolve’s Black Aruziah PSP Theme
Evolve’s Black Aruziah theme is made using a number of icon sources, including the group XMB effort set up on QJ.net. These icons remind me very much of Innercy’s Black Rhizura icon set.
PSPCulture’s Duranium R3 Nemesis Blue PSP Theme
I created this blue tinted Duranium R2 Nemesis set because I wanted something that matched Innercy’s fantastic Black and Blue battery. I find this XMB theme works really well with blue wallpapers, keeping the whole theme tinted with a slightly cold hue.
Madsoul’s Unknown Name PSP Theme
One of Madsoul’s best XMB themes, this unnamed set of icons reminds me a little of Nevada’s attempts to create an XMB theme that never really took off. These icons sit well on many different coloured backgrounds, something that a lot of icon sets fail at.
Evolve’s Glass Square PSP Theme
A simplish looking XMB theme that creates a nice glass effect around the icons. I would have liked to see the squares rounded off, but the effect is still good, and with the right wallpaper these PSP icons can make a stunning XMB theme.
PSPCulture’s Shiny-Again PSP Theme
Still one of my favourite PSP themes, Shiny Again is a mix of cartoon like icons with a really high gloss/glass effect. Most of the icons came from a single icon set, although a few have been edited from other icon sets to match the style, such as the game icon. This is one of three icon sets that I switch between when I get bored with my current XMB. For reference I switch regularly between Duranium R2 Nemesis, KDE Buuf (or now Buuf Two) and this one. I rarely use other peoples XMB themes for very long, I’m not sure of my reasoning for it, other than I actually like the ones I’ve created myself.
Anway, comments and thoughts welcome, and if you’ve got your own custom XMB theme, or you’ve got screenshots of your PSP’s XMB using any of the above icon sets, send them into me and I’ll post them up.
37 Comments, Comment or Ping
Falco
Where do I put this *.rco file to? Sorry, I’m a bit lost…
Apr 12th, 2007
desi_soulja8
wow my theme was actually posted
, anyways, ou put the rco in Flash0/vsh/resource
Apr 12th, 2007
Dave
No problem Desi_soulja, its a great theme, and deserves a place in the list.
Apr 13th, 2007
Tom
This i have looked for.
Apr 14th, 2007
game freak
were do i put the files on my psp tp make the theme work plz help my. i have version 3.30
Apr 14th, 2007
Dave
Game freak, 3.30 users cannot use these custom themes. Only PSP owners with a custom firmware (3.03OE and from this morning, 3.30OE).
You will have to wait for a downgrader to become available before you can use custom themes.
Apr 16th, 2007
Hussein
please help me, how do i put themes on my psp !
Apr 17th, 2007
Hussein
I have system software 3.03 OE-C, please tell me everythng, what i download how do it please and thank you, !
Apr 17th, 2007
rehash
Excellent themes Dave.
thnx! and keep up the goodwork!
Apr 18th, 2007
Luuk
Do the standard themes actually work in 3.30? Cause it said 3.10 would be bricked … I downloaded some Icon pack for 3.30 with A LOT of themes, but mostly just the topmenu_plugin.rco files… in some themes, like the R3 Nemesis Blue, there are more files and a readme it shouldn’t be used for psp’s with version 3.10OE-A’…
Now I was hoping, after reading this, posted somewhere above:
[quote]Game freak, 3.30 users cannot use these custom themes. Only PSP owners with a custom firmware (3.03OE and from this morning, 3.30OE). [/quote]
does that guy mean the actual themes CAN be used by 3.30OE-A’?
Apr 21st, 2007
Dave
Themes can be used on 3.30OE, but they need converting from the 3.03OE version first.
I’ve already converted most of my popular ones to 3.30OE (and they work on 3.40OE as well apparently)
-
3.30OE Themes
Cheers
Dave
Apr 21st, 2007
AzNxTaSy
i have 3.40 OE A haha you guys make good custom XMBs does anyone do special requests? (converting topmenu’s to work on 3.30+?)
Apr 24th, 2007
eDGS*
I have 3.40. WHat do I do???
May 19th, 2007
jon
how do you get custom firmware??
May 21st, 2007
Dave
eDGS* and jon,
Custom firmware is only obtainable if you can downgrade your PSP to firmware 1.5 and then back up to the OE firmware. Anyone with a PSP with firmware higher than 3.10 cannot downgrade. You can only wait until a downgrader becomes available (sometime-never).
May 21st, 2007
Davie
Do the 3.30OE themes definately work on 3.40OE? Thankx
Jul 6th, 2007
psp2468
Do these all work on 3.40oe-a?
Jul 10th, 2007
question
does the themes work on 3.03 OE-C???
Aug 26th, 2007
J0sh [T3@M]
umm now that the 3.71 firmware is out now can i put one these on my psp as a theme? all those themes u made are all kick-ass so i was wondering if i can put one of these on my psp
Sep 28th, 2007
pspgenius
i got psp firmware 3.71, custom themes are allowed, i was wondering how to put them on my psp?
Sep 30th, 2007
NAMAM
THIZ IZ ssooo COLL! jhui` fdrg` saa~ thatz FRANCE 4 COOL AS HECK!
Sep 30th, 2007
gavin
great theames will any of you be making them for 3.71
Sep 30th, 2007
joe
anyone know where i can get icons for the theme creator?
Oct 10th, 2007
shahinoor
were do i put the rar. file i am confused someone help and i got 3.71
Oct 13th, 2007
Dave
Shahinoor – these themes don;t work on 3.71 – the official 3.71 firmware uses a different kind of file. You can download a pack of themes for 3.71, see this 3.71 theme post for details.
Oct 13th, 2007
shahinoor
thanks ,man
Oct 14th, 2007
luxchina
i want them on 3.71
Oct 30th, 2007
medarlson
its very nice
Dec 1st, 2007
irvin javier
how can i put the Red Vista Orbs PSP Theme or the Full Orange Psp Themes in my psp? is it compatible in my psp light version 3.71 thnx
Feb 1st, 2008
Moola
hey i was wondering if these same themes would work on 3.71 M33. any help would be appreciated.. Thanks
Apr 9th, 2008
Alex
were must I put the .psd file from the mini-lines???
I have 3.80 M33
please help me!!!
Apr 29th, 2008
tylor
how come these arnt ptf files mine wont read it is it because i have the slim psp or because i have v.4.5
Jul 17th, 2008
django
hey nice review ,my question is where can i get ready made icons,, you see i want to start creating themes for my psp 3.71, but i just don’t have the time to make them my self, so it would be much appreciated if you can direct me to where i can get these ready made icons …
thank you in advance..
Oct 20th, 2008
Dave
Django, lots of places, but deviantart.com should be your first port of call.
Oct 23rd, 2008
Nigel
hey i heard 3.80 mentioned before in the forum but the question wasn’t answered so im going to ask. I have 3.80 on my psp but i don’t think its m33 how do i tell if its 3.80 m33? Would i be able to get custom firmware its not too late is it? these themes look so interesting and i can’t wait to get one of these themes. im soo going to bookmark this page its awsome.
Mar 11th, 2009
john
its ok
Feb 26th, 2010
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