PlayStation 3 Security Foiled by Jailbreak USB Stick?

By Geoff Duncan August 19, 2010

Sony’s PlayStation 3 was long popular with the homebrew and tech-savvy gamer crowd, in part because Sony initially supported running Linux on the console. However, Sony removed Linux capability in a firmware update earlier this year, allegedly to staunch game and content piracy, and since then PlayStation 3 security has been garnering more than a little attention from enthusiasts and console modders eager to get back inside the console.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Now, a solution may have appeared in the form of PSJailbeak, which claims to be be the world’s first USB chipset mod for the PS3: instead of having to crack their console, void their warranty, and modify internal components to bend the PS3 to their will, all users need do is pop in the USB stick and follow onscreen instructions. Many are skeptical of the product’s claims; OzModChips has produced a video claiming to show PSJailbreak in use.

What can users do with PSJailbreak? Perhaps the most significant (and legitimate) use of the product would be to copy games to the PlayStation 3’s internal hard drive or other USB storage device: not only would users then have a backup copy of their games, but in many cases the games will play faster from the hard drive. PSJailbreak can also enable users to run a range of homebrew applications.

PSJailBreak supposedly works with firmware 3.41 on all PlayStation 3 models, including the recent PlayStation 3 Slim. If the product works as advertised, it’s a safe bet that Sony is working very hard on a firmware update that disabled PSJailbreak—as well as looking into any legal options it may have. However, if PSJailbreak really can disable forced software updates, users won’t have to worry about new firmware sneaking onto their system and disabling the jailbreak…unless, of course, Sony ties some must-have feature (like network play) to newer firmware versions to encourage adoption.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Gaming

Best video game deals: PlayStation 5, Xbox S and X, Nintendo Switch

While gaming PCs can be pretty great, a lot of folks don't want to spend the money, or time and hassle to get involved with PC gaming, which is why consoles like the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch are perfect. Not only are they relatively budget-friendly, but they also offer a quick and user-friendly way of playing games that don't involve having a lot of PC knowledge. So, if you've already bought one of these, then be sure to check out our roundup of some of our favorite game deals, including some of our lists of PS5 games, best Xbox Series X games, or best Nintendo Switch games.
On the other hand, if you're just doing a bit of window shopping, then check out some of our other favorite PS5 game deals, Xbox game pass deals and Nintendo Switch deals for more specific offers.

Best PS5 game deals
Deathloop -- $25, was $60

Gaming

PlayStation Days of Play sale: the best deals that you don’t want to miss

Cloud,. Aerith, and Tifa stand together in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.

It's summer, which means it's time to stock up on video games. Thankfully, you'll have a lot of chances to do that without breaking the bank this year as June tends to be a big month for game sales. Sony is kicking off that trend a few days early with its annual Days of Play sale, which offers some major discounts on everything from recent hits to new releases.

This year's sale includes over 900 games, and there are a lot of great options. Of course, who wants to spend time scrolling through 39 pages of discounts? I'm here to help save you the trouble so you can spend more time gaming. I combed through every deal and picked out eight in particular that stand out. These range from fairly new releases to under-the-radar games that are a steal. If you don't already own these games, consider picking them all up. It'll cost you less than $200 to do so!
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth -- $53

Gaming

PlayStation State of Play, May 2024: How to watch and what to expect

Key art for Until Dawn's remake.

Sony is off to a fairly strong start in 2024, with games like The Last of Us Part II Remastered, Rise of the Ronin, and Stellar Blade, but the PS5's lineup for the back half of the year is still shrouded in mystery. Thankfully, a new State of Play stream is imminent. We're hoping that the 30-minute presentation gives us a new look at Until Dawn's remake and Firewalk Studios' multiplayer game Concord, as well as some surprises.

Although it isn't a full-blown PlayStation Showcase, it's definitely still worth tuning into for PS5 owners. If you're planning to do so, you're also probably wondering when and how to watch it. To help, we've rounded up all relevant information about the event so you can be ready when the livestream begins today.
When is May 2024's State of Play?
Sony has confirmed that the May 2024 State of Play presentation will start airing live today at 3 p.m. PT. According to the PlayStation Blog, it will be a "30+ minute show," so set some time aside to watch it tomorrow afternoon.
How to watch May 2024's State of Play
State of Play | May 30, 2024 | [English]