Despite a new hack that allows users to run homebrew code, it seems that the new PlayStation Vita handheld from Sony is still immune from piracy. Yifan Lu, who has hacked the Vita in order to advance the aims of the Vita Loader project, has stated via a Twitter message that it is “physically impossible to decrypt or load retail games with my exploit”. Despite the message, the homebrew hacker believes that, “When the exploit goes public, it could be used as a stepping stone to analyze the system for farther exploits, including the more desirable kernel exploit, which if found would open the system up entirely (mods, CFW, maybe even Linux/Android, and unfortunately ISO loaders).” He added that anyone who would want to exploit the vulnerability would need to be very skilled and most of those who had the technical ability were staunchly against piracy. Lu also praised Sony for the way it had designed the PlayStation Vita and how hard it had made it for hackers to find and exploit a vulnerability in the kernel of the device. Sony will probably try to patch the hack that allows homebrew programs to be run in the coming firmware update for the device and it’s possible that the company will also seek to stop groups like the Vita Loader project via legal means. When the PlayStation 3 was hacked, Sony reacted quickly and forcefully, but the company might have reconsidered its position since then. The PlayStation Vita has not managed to reach its full sales potential since it was launched earlier during the year and the perspective of homebrew applications might get some users to pick it up. Sony has announced that it is satisfied with the new hardware and has long-term plans to support the device with more video game launches.