Sony Combats PSP Pirates With Fixed Battery
Set to hit retail shelves worldwide this Fall, Sony’s newest version of the PSP is coming armed with a design aimed at thwarting the efforts of hackers and pirates everywhere. Unfortunately for those eagerly awaiting the release of the PlayStation Portable, this change in design may end up becoming somewhat of a headache, not to mention a hit to the pocketbook.
Unlike previous PSP models, the PSPGo’s rechargeable battery is not removable or replaceable by the user. The change comes as a result of what’s known as “Pandora’s Battery”, an easy modification of the system’s battery that allows the exploitation of custom firmware and homebrew. As a way of protecting it’s interests, Sony has now decided to go the way of the non-removable battery.
“You won’t be able to rip your games and play them on the system, the firmware precludes that. There’s no external battery, so there’s a number of protections put into place on the system.” Sony Computer Entertainment America’s (SCEA) John Koller
While the change makes sense from Sony’s point of view, owners of the new PSP will now be faced with the same inconveniences that go along with any device featuring a non-removable battery. This means at the end of the battery’s lifespan you’ll have to take it in to a Sony repair agent to be replaced. This also means the more serious PSP gamers won’t have the option of carrying spare batteries with them, essentially limiting their game time to the amount of battery life held in a single charge.
As previously noted, the new PSP go is due out this Fall, fixed battery included.
Category: Battery News, Battery Resources
