Following reports that early firmware versions (1.1 and 1.11) had been hacked Sony has let it be known they will come after those who attempt to modify the system software for illegal purposes. According to the reports, the hackers had been able to bypass the anti- piracy software, allowing the system to boot up bootleg copies of games. They were not able to actually play them, however.

"Unfortunately, hackers will try to exploit any hardware system software," SCEA spokesperson Dave Karraker told GamesIndustry.biz.

"The best we can do as a company is to make our security that much stronger and aggressively pursue legal action against anyone caught trying to use an exploit in an illegal manner."

If the possibility of legal action is not deterrent enough the possibility is there for Sony to use other measures such as blocking a modified system from logging onto PSN (much like Microsoft does with modded 360s) along with the risk of possibly "bricking" the system, making it a very expensive doorstop.

"Naturally, any use of an exploit on the system software does void the warranty on the PS3 system... Which could be a costly mistake to see if you can run an old SEGA CD game on it," said Karraker.