Sony struggles to keep hackers off PSP

Hackers have cracked piracy protections on Sony's PlayStation Portable in the US, the latest chapter in the company's battle to block unauthorised game use on its new handheld device.

The world's top maker of video game consoles has rolled out a downloadable fix for the software flaw that opened the door for the latest attack by hackers, who quickly cracked the original version of the PSP shortly after its release in Japan late last year.

In their latest move, hackers have enabled PSP users to download some games from pirate Web sites onto removable memory sticks and then to insert the games to run on the PSP.

Currently available titles include Mercury, Ubisoft's Lumines, Coded Arms from Konami, Taito's Puzzle Bobble and Sony's own Intelligent License, according to gaming Web sites.

The new game-duplicating trick works on the PSP's 1.5 version firmware, which serves as the PSP's operating system. The PSP was released in the US in March with the 1.5 version firmware.

Sony released firmware version 1.51 in May, patching the hole that made room for the hack. Upcoming game titles will require PSP users to run updated firmware, a move aimed at preventing users from copying games.

Sony Computer Entertainment America said in an emailed statement that hacking or the operation of 'homebrew' software programs may damage the PSP and void the warranty.

The PSP boasts a high-resolution viewing screen and has been in the sights of technology enthusiasts and software programmers, who want to use it to run copies of everything from games and music to e-books to movies.

Groups of hackers are close to releasing new technology that would allow any copied game -- rather than the current, limited set -- to be played on the PSP, an editor at gaming site PS2NFO.com, who identified himself as 'CJ', said in an email on Tuesday.

The PSP's European launch is set for September.

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