(Image source: Image: Sony / Editing: GIGA)Many retro consoles have been sleeping in the closet for years. This is exactly what can become a problem now.More precisely, it is the PlayStation Portable from Sony. A hidden defect could suddenly become dangerous. That's why you should dig up your old PSP and check it.Remove the battery from your old PSPA Reddit post is currently attracting attention in the gaming community. The trigger: A user discovered a severely swollen battery in his old PSP while cleaning out the house while moving. The battery had already expanded so much that it was difficult to remove from the console. Many users then share similar experiences and warn against simply leaving old devices in the closet unattended for years.The PSP seems to be particularly frequently affected. In the comments, numerous users reported that their batteries were also bloated. Some even write that they now regularly check old devices after discovering similar damage. Particularly problematic: Lithium-ion batteries can catch fire or burst.Several users therefore jokingly refer to the old PSP batteries as time bombs. But behind the humor there is a real problem. As lithium-ion batteries age, they change chemically. Gases can form inside, causing the battery to swell and, in the worst case, causing fires. This makes them the potential source of fire. In the technology community, such batteries have long had their own nickname: “Spicy Pillows”.What is a Spicy Pillow?“Spicy pillow” is internet slang for swollen lithium-ion batteries. The term comes from technology communities and describes batteries that visibly inflate due to gases inside and look like small pillows, hence “pillow”. The “Spicy” is meant ironically and alludes to the fact that such batteries can be dangerous.Why old devices are now attracting attentionThe topic is currently getting a new boost because many people are bringing out old consoles, handhelds or MP3 players. Retro gaming is currently experiencing a new boom. At the same time, many people rediscover devices when moving, cleaning out or checking their collection.Some users report that their Nintendo DS or 3DS devices still work without any problems to this day. Others compare the PSP with older PS3 controllers, some of whose batteries seem to be much longer-lasting. Why some batteries last longer than others, depends on several factors. These include design, temperature, charging cycles and storage.Anyone who stores old electronics should therefore take a look at them regularly. Devices should be kept cool and dry and batteries should not be kept fully charged for long periods of time. If possible, you should remove batteries if they are not going to be used for a long time. Under no circumstances should you continue to use swollen batteries or load.
