does my psp need to be modded in order for me to play downloaded games? or can i just download the games and put them on my psp and start playing rite off the psp?

Yes, but its not really a mod
Its a firmware hack

aww , do you know how i mite be able to do that?

as of now you need a exploit Memory stick and a hacked Fat Psp Battery.

whats the exploit memory stick thingy?

See this threat, it's a bit outdated but should answer your questions,

If you got more of them, or need some files,
pm me, i'm kind of expert in PSP things.
deady, wish you a good day

eww downgrading, you noob.

Go to psp-hacks.com, go to their forums, browse around the stickies, if you still cant do it, go to their IRC.
I simply uploaded a file to my memory stick, used a hacked PSP to make a pandoras battery and magic memory stick, then put the mem stick + battery into my slim (works with phat), held the R trigger and began the install.

Nice and easy.

Yea you need to softmod it. It is really easy to do!