Here is the "BETTER" argument flipped on its head. While 3.73 is great for stock purists, for 95% of the modern Vita community, 3.73 is NOT better. Here is why:
The Golden Path:
So, while you can download and run 3.73, you rarely want to stay there.
Games released after 2018 (very few, but some cartridges include update patches) may require higher firmware. By installing 3.73, you ensure zero compatibility issues with physical game cards or direct PSN downloads.
If you're looking at PS Vita Firmware 3.73 , you're likely either trying to keep your handheld officially "up to date" or using it as a stepping stone for jailbreaking Released in October 2019
, version 3.73 was a minor update primarily focused on "system stability". Here is a breakdown of what it offers and how it fits into the current Vita landscape. PlayStation The Official "Review": What Changed? For the average user, 3.73 added almost nothing visible. Stability: Ps Vita Firmware 3.73 Download BETTER
Sony's classic patch note for minor tweaks that don't merit a feature list. Performance:
Minor "under the hood" optimizations for system performance. Feature Removal: It notably removed the group chat feature between Legacy Status: Since its release, Sony has since put out Firmware 3.74
(May 2022), which is now the latest version. Version 3.74 added Mandatory Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and removed the ability to create new PSN accounts directly on the device. The Homebrew Perspective: Is it "Better"?
In the modding community, 3.73 is famous for being the last "standard" firmware before the 3.74 security overhaul. Jailbreak Ready: You can easily jailbreak 3.73 using h-encore² Stepping Stone:
Most modern guides recommend updating to 3.73 (or 3.74) just to install the initial exploit, then immediately downgrading Firmware 3.60 or 3.65 using a tool called Why Downgrade? Here is the "BETTER" argument flipped on its head
Older firmwares like 3.60/3.65 allow for a "permanent" jailbreak (
), meaning you don't have to re-run the exploit every time you reboot the console. Download and Installation
If your Vita is not already on 3.73, you can update officially via the PlayStation Support site PS Vita System Software (US)
The official PlayStation Vita Firmware 3.73 was a maintenance update released on October 16, 2019, primarily to improve system performance. It has since been superseded by version 3.74, released on May 10, 2022. Official Download & Update Methods
While Sony's official support site now hosts the 3.74 update file, you can still update your console through the following built-in methods: The Golden Path:
Wi-Fi Update: Navigate to Settings > Start > System Update > Update Using Wi-Fi.
PC Connection: Install the Content Manager Assistant (CMA) on your computer, connect your Vita via USB, and select Update by Connecting to a PC in the Vita's system settings.
PS TV USB Update: For PlayStation TV users, you can manually update by placing the PSVUPDAT.PUP file on a USB drive in the folder path /PSVITA/UPDATE/ and booting into Safe Mode. Custom Firmware and Hacking (3.73)
Version 3.73 is widely known in the modding community as a stable baseline for "jailbreaking" the device. PS Vita System Software (US)
This is the "BETTER" secret sauce. AutoPlugin II lets you install: