As is standard with Sony’s legacy console updates, the official documentation is brief. According to the PlayStation support page, the update includes:
“This system software update improves system performance.”
While this is the standard boilerplate text used for most system stability updates, the reality of what 3.74 accomplishes is slightly more specific. ps vita system software update 374 updated
Sony’s official patch notes were characteristically vague, citing "system stability." However, the timing revealed the true motive: This update rolled out just days before the closure of the PlayStation Store on PS3 and PS Vita on May 11, 2022.
By severing the link between the Vita and the PC/Mac, Sony effectively closed the "back door" for users to download their purchased digital content via the PS3 transfer method. It was a move designed to tighten the walls of the digital storefront just as it was preparing to shut down, ensuring that all future interactions with the device were strictly isolated. As is standard with Sony’s legacy console updates,
Sony has not released a major feature update for the Vita since 2016 (when they removed the YouTube app). Updates 3.70 through 3.74 have all been incremental security fixes.
Will there be a 3.75? Unlikely. The Vita storefront was officially slated for closure (though Sony backtracked due to fan outrage). As of now, 3.74 is likely the terminal firmware for the PlayStation Vita. Sony considers the console a "legacy platform," meaning future updates will only occur if a catastrophic security hole (like a kernel exploit) is found. “This system software update improves system performance
If you accidentally updated and want back to hackable FW:
Downgrading works because 3.74 does not change bootloader or critical modules — Sony only patched userland exploits.