What is a PSP Pandora Battery?

One of the advantages of Sony's PSP portable gaming system is the ease with which it can be customized. There is a burgeoning group of amateur developers making home-brew programs for use on the PSP. To take advantage of these programs, you will need custom firmware on your PSP; one of the easiest ways to accomplish that is by using a Pandora battery.

Definition

A Pandora battery is a hacked replacement battery for your Sony PSP that allows you to access a special menu to install custom firmware to the device or recover the device after a bad firmware install, otherwise known as bricking.

Function

The Pandora battery allows you to install customized firmware on your PSP. The battery will also allow you to unbrick your device in the event something goes wrong during the installation.

Custom Firmware

User-created firmware, offering increased functionality and features, can be added to the Sony PSP. Custom firmware allows you to install user-created media players and a variety of other programs.

Safety

Since the Pandora battery allows you to unbrick your PSP, use of the battery is relatively safe. Be sure to follow all instructions included with the battery, and if you are not comfortable with installing custom firmware, avoid attempting the process.

Availability

Numerous online retailers sell Pandora batteries. Links to Pandora retailers can be found at www.psp-hacks.com.

Legality and Warranty Issues

Using the Pandora battery to install custom firmware will void your Sony warranty, so proceed with caution. Use of the battery may also be illegal in your country, so verify that you can legally use it before proceeding.

References

• PSP-Hacks.com