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Pandora battery

The Pandora battery is a hackers’ tool that allows Sony PSP users to run custom, “homebrew” software.

The specially adapted  Pandora battery, often known as “jigkick”,  works by starting the PSP in “service mode”, which allows users to install the independently developed software from a memory stick.

The Pandora battery was created by a group of developers involved on the NOObz website which deals with creating new software and cracking Sony’s firmware on PSPs.

The case for and against running a Pandora battery

Pandora batteries can be bought ready for use or a standard fit Sony lithium-ion battery can be adapted.

As said, this means the PSP can be installed with home-grown software that allows the PSP’s hardware capabilities to be fully utilised.

These software gains open up the PSP’s potential. Applications include emulators which allow games from other consoles to be played, as well as video, internet and telephone software and pirate UMD discs. It also allows increased connectivity with PCs.

A Pandora battery plus the required software is also capable of restoring locked or “bricked” PSPs which had been unusable after previous attempts to install firmware that was different from Sony’s own.

This runs contrary to how Sony would like the product to be used, and making such modifications to both the battery and software will invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty.

Converting a normal battery into a Pandora Battery

This is a two-stage process that requires great care. The first step is to modify the battery pack by removing a small circuit pin from the battery’s internals.

The second stage involves loading homebrew firmware on to a memory card and rebooting the PSP. Fully detailed guides, including videos, are widely available over the Internet.

Another option, also available online, is to buy a ready adapted battery plus memory card, supplied with software from one of the many online retailers offering complete packages.

Bear in mind that, as already stated, implementing this change and adapting a Pandora battery will invalidate your Sony warranty.