Hacker gets old web version PS Store with PS3 and Vita games working again
A hacker has gotten the old browser version of the PlayStation Store working again. This old version still offers games for platforms such as the PlayStation 3, PS Vita and PSP. The hacker succeeded because Sony did not disable the underlying api.
The hacker, who calls himself Silica, claims only the HTML files from the original Store were needed to make the old Store accessible again. These contain the necessary JavaScript elements that communicate with the servers of the Japanese company via the still active Sony api. Those HTML files were easy to download from Archive.org.
For the convenience of the less tech-savvy user, Silica has published a Firefox add-on, which automates the process it describes in the video below. Not only is the Store really usable, but you can also log in, make purchases and view the Download list.
The add-on requests permission to view user data for store.playstation.com and web.archive.org. Mozilla itself explains that ‘data entered on those pages, such as usernames and passwords, can be read by the add-on’. However, login is done according to the extension’s instructions via the domain my.playstation.com, for which the add-on does not request any data. In addition, there is the option to bet 2fa.
Sony replaced this version of the PS Store with the current one in October of last year. With the change, the option to search and purchase games for platforms other than PS4, PS5 and PSVR via the web disappeared. Users have to rely on the Store apps on the consoles themselves, but they are often not user-friendly. Fans are in their reactions too very positive about this development.
Until recently, the digital stores for the PlayStation 3 and PS Vita would be completely closed, both on the web and on the consoles themselves. Sony felt that those platforms were no longer used enough, but after much criticism, the company reversed that decision. However, the PSP store will not be spared that fate: it will close on 2 July.