"While Manhunt 2 was given a Mature rating by the ERSB, we received additional information that players can potentially view previously filtered content by altering the game code," a Target rep told Gamespot. "As a result, we have decided not to carry the game."

ESRB president Patricia Vance defended Manhunt 2's M rating following the release of the hack after advocacy groups called for the title's rating to be changed back to Adults Only. The game received an Adults Only rating this summer upon Rockstar's first submission of the title to the ESRB, but was granted an M rating after Rockstar modified the game and resubmitted it.

The ESRB said Rockstar fully complied with the rating board in disclosing the content in question and modifying the game code to censor it. The complicated hack also requires a modded PSP, making it more difficult to accomplish than previous potentially rating-altering mods.