Rumors are circulating that Sony's Playstation 3 has been hacked to allow the use of pirated games. The technique, which makes use of a specially constructed USB stick, has dispelled notions that the gaming console is hack-proof.

The jailbreaking technique makes use of a USB dongle as the delivery mechanism. The solution, which has broken into the Playstation 3 operating system, is available from OzModChips.com. The PS3 jailbreak costs AU$170.

The technique allows users to dump copies of PS3 games onto the console's hard drive. The games will then run as if a legitimate Blu-ray version of the software was in the drive.

The technique, known as PS Jailbreak, involves the installation of software quickly off the USB dongle. According to the device's Web site, the solution "disables forced software updates and will never brick your console." This means that Sony would find it hard to make a fix against the device directly.

The Playstation 3 Jailbreak works only for games. The solution does not work on Blu-ray or DVD movies. The device also reportedly opens the console up as a platform for software not authorized by Sony for the PS3. A similar situation has hounded the PlayStation Portable hand-held system since its inception.

"PS Jailbreak is a USB plug and play solution that installs in seconds, keeping your valid warranty seal in tact," said the creators of the Jailbreak.