PSP is unlocked, once again

A new program for the Sony PSP reinstates the ability to play homebrew games and run homebrew apps on your PSP.

Owners of Sony PSP handheld game devices are blessed with a universe of aftermarket programs that enhance the value of their property. Unfortunately, Sony keeps downgrading the PSP with new firmware versions (some of which are installed automatically mandatorily when you buy and play new games) that lock out all programs save those that have been blessed by Sony.

Luckily, heroic firmware hackers keep on undoing Sony's mischief, returning control to the devices' owners. With the new program, you can easily swap between Sony's latest lockware and the open firmware that lets you run your own programs.

"The demand and excitement for PSP has been very strong, and in turn consumers have already found many uses for PSP," a spokesman for Sony's gaming division told vnunet.com.

"However, PSP contains robust technology and was designed to run specific applications via the Universal Media Disc or memory card.

"Consumers should be aware that any hacking or home-brew applications may cause damage to the PSP unit and may void the warranty."

Translation: Sony sold you this device, but you still don't own it. It's ours, and you're not allowed to use it in ways that displease us. Link (Thanks, AV!)

Update: According to commenters on the above-linked website, there's some question as to whether this unlocker works as advertised. It may be that we still don't have a way of running our own code on our PSPs.