What's the deal with illegal PSP downloads?
As we all know PSP piracy is a real big issue but the problem seems to be more than just custom firmware. PSPSA is one of the very few PSP fan sites (I am so proud) that does not have any flashing banners and affiliate hyperlinks all over the show offering free unlimited PSP downloads. So how exactly do you get these free downloads and what’s the real story behind them?After some Google research (which provided about 30 or more of these so called free unlimited download sites) it became clear that it’s all just a big scam. I’m not saying all of them are money making scams as some seems to really offer you the games. After studying the most popular one (I will not provide the link) things became a bit more interesting.
Here are some questions from the site’s FAQ section:
What is inside the member’s area?
You will find all of the latest tools to make your PSP unique in its content and in its looks! Members have access to the necessary tools to search and download all kinds of files for your PSP. This includes movies, software, games and much more! Unlimited downloads updated daily!
OK, but what does it take to become a member?
Joining is very easy: You can use the menu above or become a member here. You can use all major credit cards, checks or your PayPal account to pay the one-time fee. As soon as you join, you will be redirected to an area where you will receive your private login details. Thanks to this automatic process, you will be able to start downloading instantly after you join!
OK, there’s a one-time access fee of $40. So according to what I’ve read, I’ll be able to download as many movies and games as I wish...hmmm….sounds fishy, let’s continue.
What Memory Stick do I need?
A regular sized memory stick will be enough. Members normally use their computers to store all their PSP downloads. Then they transfer to their PSP devices whatever they feel like watching / playing using a regular USB cable and following our easy instructions. Movies are automatically resized to fit any memory stick with no quality loss.
Movies are resized to fit any memory stick? What about my 32mb stick? Sounds more and more like a scam, let’s see what else they offer.
Are the games full games?
Unless you specifically search for demos, all games offered are full versions.
What about imported and foreign games?
Our members enjoy games from all Countries. If you're looking for a Japan import, we'll have it.
So they admit that the games are full versions. The thing is you’re not getting any UMD’s, casings or booklets so how on earth does that make it legal?
We offer Thousands of PSX Games as well, including PS3!
PS3 downloads? You must be kidding me!
What PSP firmware versions are supported?
All current firmware versions are supported, including PSP Slim/Lite.
OK, I’ve honestly read enough. How could you possibly download games and play them on Official firmware?
The conclusion is that these people charge you a membership fee for something that’s just to good to be true (and illegal of course). Customers end up paying 40 odd bucks and have nothing to show for it. You can’t really go complain about it afterwards since the site is illegal, the games and movies offered is illegal and who’s going to give a damn about the 40 bucks you’ve just wasted on some spam offering. What I don’t understand is how these sites manage to stay alive? Is there no law against people offering illegal services?
If someone could please explain to me how this works I would really appreciate it since I’m fascinated about the amount of these spam sites found on the web.
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P.S. If you really can't afford a PSP game (get a job man) then email (don't spam!) me and I'll show you how to make atleast $20 to go buy Patapon or something.
