Rumor: PSPs with non-downgradable firmware on its way to the stores?

Would you buy a PSP armed with a security feature that makes it hack proof?

According to Nadclovek from PSP-Spot (sourcing an EB Games Regional Manager in Calgary, Canada), new shipments of PlayStation Portables may sport higher firmware (4.xx) and retail at 169.99 CAD or around US$ 153.67. This might not be good for PSP sales to say the least.

Nadclovek says:

Sony was sending out Emails to its Commercial Retailers that all new PSPs to be sent out will have ‘Downgradable Prevention‘ built right into them. All new PSPs to be shipped out as of next week Friday, May 18th, will be a higher firmware, 4.xx (specifics were not released), but they were promised to include new security features to prevent hacks and downgrades. Apparently this is one of their first steps to start focusing on the PSP again, instead of diverting all attention to the PS3.

The report also mentions that it might have implications in North American PSP sales. While we doubt that it’ll be the end of PSP hacking as we know it, but it’s a sobering thought to say the least. For now though, we’re still sticking this in the rumor bin until further notice. Stay tuned.

Would you buy a PSP armed with a security feature that makes it hack proof?

According to Nadclovek from PSP-Spot (sourcing an EB Games Regional Manager in Calgary, Canada), new shipments of PlayStation Portables may sport higher firmware (4.xx) and retail at 169.99 CAD or around US$ 153.67. This might not be good for PSP sales to say the least.

Nadclovek says:

Sony was sending out Emails to its Commercial Retailers that all new PSPs to be sent out will have ‘Downgradable Prevention‘ built right into them. All new PSPs to be shipped out as of next week Friday, May 18th, will be a higher firmware, 4.xx (specifics were not released), but they were promised to include new security features to prevent hacks and downgrades. Apparently this is one of their first steps to start focusing on the PSP again, instead of diverting all attention to the PS3.

The report also mentions that it might have implications in North American PSP sales. While we doubt that it’ll be the end of PSP hacking as we know it, but it’s a sobering thought to say the least. For now though, we’re still sticking this in the rumor bin until further notice. Stay tuned.