Its finally here! If you’re on a lower firmware then here is the low down on how to get it!

Minecraft Vita has finally arrived on the Playstation Vita. Minecraft Vita edition has been long awaited; its the first mobile version that utilizes physical controls and is a straight port of the console versions (Xbox 360/PS3). The game is out now for North America and launches tomorrow for other various regions. The game is available on PSN along with various texture packs and add-ons. It costs $19.99 for the Vita version and for that entry cost you also get the PS3 version. If you get either the Vita or PS3 version that will also net you eligibility to only pay $5 for the PS4 version.

Sounds awesome right? Well, if you’re on the latest Vita firmware 3.30 then you’re ready to start crafting. You can download it via the Playstation Store right now.

However, if you’re one of the many, many, people holding out on a lower firmware for various reasons then you’d realize that you do not have access to PSN. You may think you are not able to download it and might be contemplating updating for it or another recent game. Well, don’t!

There are multiple (widely unknown) methods to downloading games while on a lower firmware! In celebration of Minecraft release for Vita I decided it would be a good time to make a follow up to my popular For Dummies guide for lower firmwares. So here is For Dummies 2! I’ll detail those below so that you’ll be on your way to crafting in no time!

Lower PSVita firmwares For Dummies 2: Downloading Minecraft (or any other games) on lower firmwares.

*Disclaimer: These methods can be used to download ANY content from PSN, it works not just for Minecraft. The methods described will work but may not work in the future. This is extremely true for the proxy tricks which usually only work for a short period after a firmware update. Method 3 will allow you to play online or use the online features of games (like with Minecraft where you can transfer your PS3 map to and from the Vita) until it stops working!

Method 1 (The PS3 Open CMA trick)

This first method is one that I originally described in my first Lower PSVita Firmwares for Dummies guide. If you’re interested or in need of other clever tips and tricks for lower firmwares make sure to bookmark that guide. It goes over various obstacles such as watching Netflix, activating or linking a Vita to PSN and more.

This simple method requires a PS3, PC and Open CMA to work.

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Quick Tip!: Open CMA is basically the Sony Content Manager Assistant for Windows but modified to block the mandatory Vita firmware updates so you can continue to use it. Also be sure to check out QCMA and Yifanlu’s libVitaMTP which are vastly superior, open source, content managers for the Vita.

For this trick we will need Open CMA though.

1. Look in the Playstation Store for the game you want that is working on your OFW.
2. Download it to your PS3 and leave it in the bubble.
3. Connect your PS Vita with your PC via Open CMA.
4. Remove the Vita’s USB cable and plug it on to your PS3 (Leave the usb still plugged into the port that’s on the Vita.) (Don’t close out the error message if you get one, until its plugged into the PS3)
5. Copy game (or other content) on to your Vita.

That’s it! Very simple trick right? This trick has worked perfect regardless of past mandatory firmware updates and should continue to do so.

Method 2 (Download Queue Trick)

This trick is even more simple than the first one, but it only works for so long after updates: act fast! As of writing this it works fine!

1. Visit the Playstation Store website: https://store.sonyentertainmentnetwork.com (Make sure its the right store for your region.)
2. Buy the game or content you’re interested in.
3. Hover over your PSN ID at the top right corner and navigate to your Download list.
4. Hit the download button! This will add it to your download queue and will be subsequently downloaded to the appropriate devices.
5. If your Vita is on and it doesn’t start to download: restart it after adding to the queue. It will start to download as soon as the Vita turns on. Just check the notification center to check!

Method 3 (The Vita Proxy Trick)

This method is fairly simple and is another method that only works for so long. This trick utilizes a proxy program via your PC to access the Playstation Network. I’ll brush over the general basics. Some of these programs have deeper options that you can use but for the most part you don’t need to toy with those. Just make sure to take a look at the instructions for each one.

1. Download an appropriate proxy program. Certain applications are designed to specifically work better with the Vita.
   

   Some recommended programs are:

   • SKFU Vita Proxy
   • Vita Update Blocker
   • Charles Proxy
   • Fiddler
2. Start your program of choice. Go into your Vita settings.
3. Go to Network>Wifi Settings>
4. Chose your Wifi connection and then go under Advanced Settings. Tap on Proxy Server and then hit use.
5. After than you’ll see two fields show up underneath called “Address” and “Port”
6. Enter the corresponding information for these fields. The address and port you need to use will be displayed by your proxy program on your PC.
7. Done! Afterwards navigate back and head into the store. Just note that it may take multiple attempts to download something. If you get an error when downloading a game, try again or disconnect and reconnect.

Alternative Options for getting Minecraft

If you still want to get Minecraft and for some reason don’t do the above steps, then the obvious other option is to get the retail version. The retail version will be released on November 11th for the same price. If you go physical there will also be a voucher code for a digital copy of the Vita/PS3 version included!

You should be for warned though that it is possible the physical copy may have a firmware restriction and make you update. This is something Sony does regularly for their games to get people more up-to-date firmwares for people without internet access. However, usually these restrictions require a much lower firmware than the recent. With the popularity of Minecraft it could be 3.30 but we can not be sure until it is out!

 

Alright that’s all! Hope you guys enjoyed part 2 of my For Dummies guide. Happy crafting!