The PlayStation Vita is one of the most underrated handheld consoles in history. Powerful hardware, a bright OLED screen, but an almost empty store. The Henkaku mod turns it into an extraordinary retro gaming machine, unlocks its full potential and lets you expand the storage for next to nothing. In this guide I explain everything.
What Henkaku is and how it works
Henkaku is the first homebrew exploit for PS Vita, released by the modding scene in 2016. It is a softmod (software modification, no soldering) that exploits a vulnerability in the web browser to run unsigned code.
Its modern evolution is called h-encore and it is the solution we use today in 2026: it is installed once and activated permanently, even after the console restarts (you just launch a simple app). The whole homebrew system runs on top of Henkaku/h-encore.
What you can do with a modded PS Vita
🎮 VPK and PKG — PS Vita game backups
Install and launch your PS Vita games in the following formats:
- VPK (Vita Package) — homebrew format, easy to install via VitaShell
- PKG (signed with QCMA or NPDRM) — decrypted official backups
- MaiDump — dumped physical cartridge backups
VitaShell + VPK Mirror give you access to the entire homebrew library.
🎶 Adrenaline — native PSP on PS Vita
Adrenaline is one of the most spectacular mods: it turns the PS Vita into a complete PSP, with access to the entire PSP library via a virtual Memory Stick (POPS, ISO, CSO). It runs better than the original PSP thanks to the more powerful Vita hardware.
🕶️ RetroArch — multi-platform emulators
RetroArch on PS Vita supports:
- Nintendo: NES, SNES, GB, GBA, N64 (partially), DS
- Sega: Mega Drive, Master System, Game Gear, Saturn (limited)
- Sony: native PS1 (via Adrenaline)
- NEC: PC Engine
- Arcade: CPS1/CPS2/CPS3, NeoGeo, MAME
- Atari, Commodore, ZX Spectrum and many more
The OLED display of the PCH-1000 is perfect for retro pixel art.
📦 VitaShell + VitaDB — complete management
- VitaShell: full file manager, FTP, USB mass storage
- VitaDB: homebrew store with thousands of free apps
- NoNpDrm / NoPaystation: official PKG management
🎨 Themes and customisation
Custom themes, animated wallpapers, unlocking of development watermarks, debug mode.
The PS Vita storage problem (and the SD2VITA solution)
Sony PS Vita memory cards are famous for being incredibly expensive for their capacity:
- 8GB: €25-30 (used)
- 16GB: €35-45
- 32GB: €60-80
- 64GB: €100+
With the SD2VITA mod you bypass the problem entirely: you use a standard microSD card (even 512GB!) inserted into the game cartridge slot, getting expandable storage at a ridiculously low cost.
Buy the SD2VITA adapter for €9.99 (compatible with all Vita 1000/2000 models) and order the SD2VITA setup for €20 together with the mod for a complete installation.
Which PS Vita models Henkaku works on
✅ PS Vita Fat (PCH-1000) — OLED
The original model with an OLED screen. Compatible with all firmware up to 3.74. Supports SD2VITA via the cartridge slot.
✅ PS Vita Slim (PCH-2000) — LCD
Lighter version with an LCD screen and 1GB of internal storage. Compatible with all firmware up to 3.74. Supports SD2VITA.
✅ PSTV / PS Vita TV (VTE-1000)
The model you connect to your TV. Same features as the Vita but in a "dock" version. Compatible with Henkaku.
Compatible firmware
Henkaku/h-encore works on firmware from 3.60 up to 3.74 (the last one released by Sony). If your Vita has an older firmware, great: it can be modded directly. If it has an unsupported firmware, there is still the Modoru solution, which performs the downgrade.
You don't need to worry: when we receive the console we identify the firmware and apply the right solution at no extra cost.
What our PS Vita mod service includes
Our PS Vita Henkaku + Molecular Shell + VPK Manager mod service for €49.99 includes:
- ✅ Henkaku / h-encore installation
- ✅ Molecular Shell + VitaShell preinstalled
- ✅ VPK Manager + autoplugin
- ✅ Complete Adrenaline PSP
- ✅ RetroArch with emulator cores
- ✅ Homebrew store setup (VitaDB)
- ✅ 12-month warranty
- ✅ Turnaround time: 3-5 working days
Want the SD2VITA setup too? Add the SD2VITA adapter + SD2VITA setup to your cart for a complete solution.
Ready-to-use modded PS Vita
If you don't have a PS Vita or would rather buy one already modded, we offer the modded PS Vita with Henkaku + Molecular Shell + VPK Manager for €200. Configured, tested and ready to use. 12-month warranty.
Comparison: Sony Memory Card vs SD2VITA
| Feature | Sony Memory Card 64GB | SD2VITA + 128GB microSD |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | €100+ | ~€25 (adapter + SD) |
| Max capacity | 64GB official | 512GB (tested up to 1TB) |
| Memory type | Sony proprietary | Standard microSD |
| Speed | Limited by Sony's protocol | Depends on the SD card (UHS-I recommended) |
| Slot used | Memory card slot | Game cartridge slot |
| Compatible with Henkaku | Yes | Yes, perfectly |
What you need besides the mod
1. Memory Card or SD2VITA + microSD
To use the console you need at least one storage option. The choices:
- 💾 Sony 16GB Memory Card — €35
- 💾 SD2VITA adapter + microSD (your own) — €9.99 + cost of the SD card
2. Wi-Fi connection
To download homebrew directly from the Vita via VitaDB.
3. PC (optional)
Useful for transferring ROMs and backups via USB or FTP over Wi-Fi.
Pay in instalments
The €49.99 PS Vita mod can be bought in 3 interest-free instalments of €16.66 with Klarna. Find out how it works on the dedicated Klarna page.
Frequently asked questions about the PS Vita mod
Can I still use the PlayStation Network?
Not recommended: connecting a modded Vita to PSN can get your account banned. For online play there are alternative solutions (e.g. fan-made servers for Soul Sacrifice).
Is the mod reversible?
Yes, a factory reset or updating to the official Sony firmware is enough to remove Henkaku. The console goes back to 100% stock.
Does SD2VITA also work for original PS Vita games?
Yes, with StorageMgr (included in the setup) everything is redirected to the microSD: original games, saves, apps, screenshots.
Does Henkaku work on the PS Vita 2000 (Slim)?
Yes, perfectly. The PCH-2000 also has 1GB of internal storage, useful for system files.
Which Sony firmware is best for the mod?
All firmware from 3.60 to 3.74 is compatible. If your Vita is on 3.65 or 3.74 you're in luck: zero extra steps. If it has a different firmware, we take care of the downgrade.
Does Adrenaline include free PSP games?
No, Adrenaline is only the emulator. You need to own your original PSP games (also dumped from UMD or via PSN if you bought them). For ROMs/ISOs we recommend only using games you legally own.
How long does the service take?
On average 3-5 working days from receipt of the console. Very fast because no soldering is required.
Mod your PS Vita now
Turn your PS Vita into the ultimate retro gaming machine:
- 🎮 PS Vita Henkaku + Molecular Shell + VPK Manager mod — €49.99
- 💾 SD2VITA adapter — €9.99
- 🔧 SD2VITA setup — €20
- 💾 16GB Memory Card — €35
- 🛍️ Ready-to-use modded PS Vita — €200
- 📺 PS Vita screen replacement — €89
Not sure about your model or firmware? Contact us on WhatsApp for a free consultation or read our console modding guide.
