Sony has pulled two PSP titles from the PlayStation Network due to concerns of Vita exploitation within their code bases. The two games: Hot Shots Tennis and MotorStorm Arctic Rift are no longer available for download from any device that can connect to the PSN.
The hack arises from a security issue in the Vita’s “PSP Mode”, an emulation environment that allows your PlayStation Vita to run downloaded PlayStation Portable games you’ve bought from the marketplace. The alleged hack allows for the use of unsigned code, permitting homebrew software to run on the system.
This can result in game piracy, system manipulation, and Sony’s worst fear, network disturbance.
I understand Sony’s choice to do this, as they’ve seen their fair share of hacks and exploits no doubt – but it’s certainly not a fix I’d label elegant.
Hopefully a more permanent fix comes from Sony soon, as blocking consumers from purchasing games certainly isn’t a long-term solution.