Look what we have here. An open source version of that PSJailbreak hack is now available. All you need is a compatible programmable USB microcontroller, a bit of know-how and you’re on your way to enabling unsigned code to run on your PlayStation 3 — all without coughing up $130+
The folks who released this open source version of the hack disabled the ability to play backups, but people have already re-enabled it. However, on the plus side, it looks like the dongle requirement was arbitrary and a pathetic attempt to extract more money from people with multiple PS3s.
If you don’t want to buy a USB microcontroller, according mathieulh (well known PSP hacker) there is a possibility of a PSP version of this hack.
So what’s my opinion on all of this? It’s still too early. First of all, since there hasn’t been any worthwhile homebrew applications released yet, there’s no compelling reason to jump on board yet. In addition, we don’t know how Sony will respond to this. Will they be able to plug it? Will I be instantly banned from PSN? Still too early to tell.
Also, I’m not sure who to feel sorry for with this one. Sony? The original PSJailbreak hackers? Or maybe all those retailers which bought all those overpriced PSJailbreak dongles?
Update: The hack was reverse engineered. It turns out that it uses an legitimate exploit to get the ball rolling. Folks have also discovered that this PSJailbreak cannot be updated which means that $129.95 CAD hack could be worthless if future games require new firmware.
Is it really hacked? Yes, if you count using a $100+ USB dongle to install a piece of code to boot into “debug/service mode” in order to run unsigned code “a hack”. Some folks are suspecting that this was developed using a leaked PlayStation 3 SDK. This USB dongle enables homebrew possibilities and, of course, playing backups. And most importantly, it works across all hardware revisions.
As impressive as this is, there are some caveats:
According to these early impressions, you currently cannot remove this little hack.
Sony can potentially block this in future firmwares which could mean that you will need two PS3s; one for online use and the other for back ups. (Just like hacked 360 owners do)
It currently costs $100+ for what could end up being a temporary hack.
Running games with mandatory installs may yield poor results like with Halo 3.
Those issues aside, there are so many possibilities for this. I’d love to be able to load up my entire PS2 and PS3 library onto the HDD and just play games without switching a disc. I may have to get up at the moment, but if this hack pans out, we may not even have to do any of the disc ejecting in the future.
Or should I ask, who is this sultry blonde named ‘Catherine’? It’s an adult oriented action adventure game from the guys who brought us the much beloved Persona 4, Atlus.
There’s a trailer out. It’s weird and, as expected, very stylish.
A thorough translated first look can be found over at Andriasang’s (cleavage warning). ‘Catherine’ is coming to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in Winter 2010 for Japan.
But they didn’t call it BioShock 3. They’re calling it BioShock Infinite and it will be out in 2012 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC. There’s no in-game footage for public consumption yet, but there is a pretty CG teaser.
At first glance it looks like BioShock in the sky. According to previews and interviews, it will feature an A.I. partner named Elizabeth whom you’re trying to rescue from this floating city of Columbia.
I can’t say I’m excited yet, because there’s nothing to get excited about. There’s a new BioShock game coming out and it’s coming out in 2012 — that’s a long way’s away.
The marketing ramp up for Black Ops begins with a multiplayer teaser.
Looks very familiar, but there are subtle differences like a cleaner looking interface, new kill streaks, smiley face reticles etc. But, the big reveal is the inclusion of saved replays.
I’ll quote my NeoGAF post:
Kudos to Treyarch for bringing the community features to the franchise. I don’t understand why IW never did any of these things. WaW brought online stat tracking and now they’re bringing replays.
So if we continue this pattern: MW3 will have none of these and the next Treyarch production will have their “Forge” mode?
I’m actually looking forward to the September 1 multiplayer reveal. It’ll be interesting to see what they’ve tweaked.
Two great trailers. One for one of the most gorgeous looking racing sims on console. The other, for the sequel to one of my favorite games of this generation.
I caught most of Sony’s conference. It was alright. The Gabe Newell on-stage appearance was easily the most surprising moment. Most of the PSP and PS2 info was reiteration, so I left those out.
Sony’s E3 2010 website is decent. It’s a bit too Flash heavy for my tastes, but it gets the job done.
However, as always, I’ve broken down the vital info for easy digestion:
PlayStation Move
Releasing Sept 19, 2010
Standalone Move controller – $49.99
Bundle w/ PS Eye, standalone Move controller & Sports Champions game – $99.99
PlayStation 3 with the Bundle – $399.99
Navigation controller (nunchuk) – $29.99
First party PlayStation Move titles will be $39.99