It seems like quite a while has past since Geohot first discovered the PlayStation 3 exploit. But it seems as he is not the only one trying to break the PlayStation 3’s security. Recently a Spanish hacker by the name of Jaicrab has made some real serious progress by recently revealed a way of dumping the PS3 Hypervisor level 2 including the boot loader and game OS, via the LPT port.

This hack still uses the exploit which Geohots found, this is because Geohots original glitch uses Linux to gain access to the Hypervisor, Jaicrab has come up with the interface and methods to dump this information. Something Sony clearly does not want! (no wonder Sony wants to pull out other OS support) .  JaicraB has made some good progress in using the original Geohot exploit, and the tools from XorLoser in making some good useful dumps of the  “.lvl2″ area which is the area of system Sony is going out of their way to protect especially areas like the XMB OS. According to Jaicrab its all about keeping the RAM intact and rebooting into the Game OS after doing the Geohot exploit in the Other OS, the dumps are then transfered via the LPT (printer) port to the PC and is interfaced with MS-DOS.

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We will go into more in depth soon but basically you are going to have to install another OS on your PS3 such as Yellow dog Linux or Ubuntu. create the LPT cable above from the schematics and download Geohots exploit along with MS-DOS! With the correct combination you should be able to dump the Boot Loader and Hypervisor LV2 areas of the PS3. This doesn’t mean nothing much to us now but it may hold key encryption keys, algorithms and with some time can lead to a fully fledged hack. Although it is not a full hack i personally believe it is solid progress and a step forward in the PS3 hacking scene.

Stay Tuned for a Full English Tutorial on dumping your hypervisor and bootloader.

For now you can follow Jaicrab on his Blog.

Sony announces Firmware Update 3.2 to be released on the 1st of April!

ADDED features – None

REMOVED features – 1 – Other OS support REMOVED  - PS3 LINUX my fellow hackers has been removed!

Instead of adding functionality of the PS3 console Sony has decided to do the exact opposite and remove functionality from the console. Sony has announced a new firmware update “3.2″ which will be available from the 1st April. This update will put a halt to other OS support on the console. This was a cool feature especially enjoyed by the ModsandHacks team although many may not have even heard of it. It allowed users to turn their PS3 into a computer running an OS such as Ubuntu or Yellow dog lunux allowing it to run Linux based applications. Linux Support was also dropped with the Slim model, so this was a planned move on behalf of Sony.

Along with what was first announced this is not the first thing to be dropped since the release of the console. Sony has also dropped the SD/MMC card support shortly after the console was released, and reduced the speed of the cell processor, now we loose Linux support what will be next Blu-ray support? It seems as each firmware update or revision of the PS3 comes out the less features the console has. Many features which stood as a unique selling point for the PlayStation 3 has been removed and we here at Mods and Hacks think that this is unacceptable.

SCEA’s Patrick Seybold explains that the removal of said functionality is necessary “due to security concerns … [and] will help ensure that PS3 owners will continue to have access to the broad range of gaming and entertainment content from SCE and its content partners on a more secure system.”

We believe that this is a direct response to Geohots PS3 exploit and although it is a precautions measure by Sony to protect there console, personally we think that Sony is too greedy in this game and will leave many fans with a rather negative opinion, especially the fact  that no new features were added, just removed it seems as a punch in the arm to all us loyal fans.  Sony has made many promises and the mere fact that Sony keeps taken away features which were promised to us at the console release at E3. To keep taking out features out through-out the consoles life cycle is ridiculous and may affect Sony’s reputation.

We here at Mods and Hacks will not be updating our console to the new firmware and suggest you do the same if you don’t use there online features. We would rather wait for the PS3 Hack.

ModsandHacks is currently looking for contributors and forum moderators for all of our sections. If you are intrested in console modding and hacking then here a great opportunity for you.

Why Write for us?

ModsandHacks is a new modding and hacking community for consoles. The webpage was launched in December of 2009 and within the 1st Month has obtained more than 10,000 unique page impressions and it only rising. You will take all the credit  from your articles and gain credibility and fame in return. Another reason is that the console hacking and modding industry is thriving and is on a decline, ModsandHacks wish to keep this community alive so with your help we can gather the best content available. The best writers will also be given a prize at the end of each month. Dont that sound good ?

Forum Moderator/(1 Space available) onces signed up you will be able to moderate the forum as (Moderator)

Xbox Contributor on main page under “Xbox 360 hacks” and “Xbox 360 Mods” (1 Space available) once signed up you will acquire the username (Xbox Guy)

Wii Contributor on main page under “Wii Hacks” and “Wii Mods” (1 Space available) one signed up you will acquire the username (Wii Guy)

PSP contributor on main page under “PSP Hacks” and “PSP Mods” (1 Space available) once signed up you will acquire the username (PSP Guy)

DS contributor on main page under “DS Hacks” and “DS Mods” (1 Space available) once signed up you will acquire the username (DS Guy)

PlayStation Contrubutor under “PS3 Hacks” and “PS3 Mods“. Once signed up you will acquire the username (PS3 Guy)

In order to take these place simply click on Sign Up. Register the username you would like to contribute to for example PS3 Guy. Your account would then be changed to contributor after review and verification.

As for the Forum moderator simply Goto our Forum and register an account as Moderator. You account would soon be upgraded to moderators status.

These places are MAIN roles for the website, so please only sign up if your willing to fully contribute to the ModsandHacks Network.

If you don’t think you have the time you can still submit a hack the quick and ordinary way with any desired username.

If you have any further comments feel free to contact me on:

admin@modsandhacks.net

DS flashcards Explained.

What is a flashcard ?

Nintendo Ds Flashcards have been around since the GBA . Flashcards where developed for the original Gameboy  Boy Advance and have also been developed for all the Gameboy’s successors. There are a huge variety of flashcards for DS, all modern flashcards allow for backup games and homebrew software to be played on the Nintendo Ds.

The different varieties of DS flashcards means that finding information an comparing them can be quite time consuming , finding out which is the right Flashcard for you may have many factors such as price, functionality and size. This guide will serve to help you make a more informed decision on which DS flashcards are the bess for you.

Due to the amount of flashcards on the market today means that we here at Modsandhacks will only be comparing the most popular and what we consider to be the best of the DS flashcards.

Before we talk about the features of our rated flashcards you should probably know a few things about how flash cards work and what features are available. the nature of flashcards makes it possible to boot unsigned code from your Nintendo DS.

first generation flashcards came in the form of GBA SLOT-2 cartridge, this would be plugged into the Ds Slot 2 as it is compatible with with GBA cartridges. SLOT-1 devices made an introduction in 2007 and have been in rapid developement since then.

There are two types of Flashcards:

	DS SLOT-1 Flash Cards	DS SLOT-1 SD / TF/ Adapters
	This is a complete solution where memory and all flashcard functionality are packed into an all in one DS SLOT-1 Flashcard. This does not need a Passkey to run. However DS SLOT-1 has no way to run GBA Roms, unlike SLOT-2 Flashcards. SLOT-1 Flashcards are the easiest to use and to configure. These cards are a good choice for the novice hacker.	These are just like SLOT-1 flashcards, where the major difference is that these cards have no internal memory. Memory can be added to the flashcard by inserting either SD or TransFlash memory stick, where Roms can be stored on.

	DS SLOT-2 (GBA) Flash Cards	DS SLOT-2 SD / TF /CF Adapters	PassCard / PassKey
	These can come in the form of a GBA cartridge or like a DS Lite Dust cover. It has intergrated re-writable memory which is used to store backup files such as  DSRoms, GBA Roms and all DS Homebrew.	These are similar to DS SLOT-2 (GBA) Flash Cards, except these cards have no internal memory. Memory can be added by inserting a SD,microDS,TF or FC memory card. This allows for upgradable memory or even multiple uses of memory cards.	A PassKey is used to allow the DS to boot and run unsigned code form the GBA SLOT-2 on the DS. A Passkey is a requirement if using a SLOT-2 Flashcard. With out this Roms and Homebrew will not run. Flashcard sellers will often supply a PassKey with SLOT-2 flashcards.

Ok so now you understand the difference between SLOT-1 and SLOT-2 Ds Flashcards you can make a better descision on what kind of card will be suitable for you.

To Summarise:

If you dont want to use a seperate PassKey and prefer easy funtion with an easy setup and intall as an all in one solution, its a good idea to go with a SLOT-1 Flashcard,.DS SLOT-1 SD/TF adapter are also a good idea if you want upgradable and mulitple memory sources. Remember SLOT-1 Flashcards can NOT play GameBoy Advanced roms.

If you would like to run GBA Roms and run most of the Homebrew available on DS, I suggest that you use SLOT-2 Flashcards. Remember  SLOT-2 Falshcards REQUIRES a PassKey in order to Play backup games

What about DSi?

Not all Flashcards work with all models of the DS. For example  some first generation DS Flashcards will not work with the DS Lite or DSi. When purchasing a Flashcard you will need to take note of what DS models it is comaptible with.  Some of the newer Flashcards support all models of the NDS. There are certain Flashcards that have been made specifically to work the the Nintend DSi. The chart below show a list of DS flashcards along with the Flashcard compatibility. Here are a List of Popular Flashcards available on the market today:

For a comparison chart of  Individual flashcard Features

Geohotz Hacks PS3

Sony’s playstation Ps3 get hacked after 3 years.  The hack was developed by who can only be describe a a whiz kid. George Hotz, aka “GeoHot” first entered the hacking scene at the age of 17, he gained much notoriety with the first Iphone hack known as JailBreak.

Goehotz says on his blog

“I have read/write access to the entire system memory, and HV level access to the processor. In other words, I have hacked the PS3,”

The hacker claims to have only taken 5 weeks to complete the hack. These are bold statements that we think can be backed up by his previous credibility.

In a report to the BBC he divulges much information on the Ps3 hack.

he reports that the  the nature of the  PS3 hack will make it very hard for Sony to stop, however he has still not released the hack publicly as he fears Sony will Start a firmware update War against the PS3 hack.

“Mr Hotz said that the nature of his PS3 hack means that Sony may have difficulty patching the exploit.”

He also reported to the BBC that the hack was almost all software based and that he had to find workaround due to the fact that he could not access the systems memory.

“He admitted that he had not managed to hack the whole system, including the protected memory, but had worked out ways to trick the console into doing what he wanted”

For now we will have to keep you posted.

Source Geohotz blog

Source BBC News

Run Linux on PS3
In the last few weeks ModsandHacks have announced the latest progressions in the console hacking scene. With new innovations announced on a weekly basis, the Wii and 360 homebrew and hacks scene looks as if only the skies the limit. This brings me to the PS3. We are still waiting on the rumoured Belzar modchip for PS3? and with no hacks in sight for the ps3, things don’t look to good. We here at modsandhacks think we have been missing out on a blessing in disguise. Yes installing Linux on PS3 will allow for you to do many things that a hacked console can do. We explain why you may be missing out.

PS3 linux
When Ps3 was launched it was intended to be fully compatible with Linux, this was a trend that started back in the days of the PS2 in the form of the PS2 Linux kit. The PS3 does not come with Linux preinstalled. Instead it allows you to install certain compatible Linux distros from an install other OS option in its menu. Sony truly intended to support Linux and even announced full support at launch. Linux on PS3 can be booted as live CD or when installed from PS3 hard drive.

[Quote]

“It was fully intended that you, a PS3 owner, could play games, watch movies, view photos, listen to music, and run a full-featured Linux operating system that transforms your PS3 into a home computer.”

Linux for ps3: how? Why?
OK we know this is old news, but bear in mind that Linux itself allows for many emulators, ROMS hacked and homebrew software to be used. Linux itself acts as a host system for practically any software as it is an OS. So by running Linux on Ps3, means you can also run just about any type of application. In my opinion that makes linux for PS3 huge! As you read this article i can hear the Xbox 360 fanboy’s begging for this functionality out of the box, but then again Microsoft wouldnt be to happy about running linux on Xbox. Maybe we could see Windows on the 360. But for now we have Linux for PS3.

Techinical Stuff
The Linux kernel is compatible with Ps3 from v 2.6.21 upwards. In theory The Ps3 is fully compatible with recent kernels of Linux and as a result many Linux distros have been ported to PS3. However, Sony have only allow wed the Linux kernel to access 6 of its 7 SPE’s (synergistic processing element), as Sony have implemented a hypervisor to restrict access to the RSX (Reality Synthesizer). What this means is that Linux does not have access to the PS3 graphics processor. Instead image processing and 3d rendering have to be generated using only 6 of 7 SPE’s. This is enough to have some basic 3d gaming, but nothing that would be considered eye candy by today’s standards.

Its not all is negative, Ps3 Linux can still access 6 SPE’s running at 3.2 GHz each. This is more than enough for HD movie content and application processing. Many emulators and homebrew apps exist for Linux on PS3. Perks should be taken advantage off, as there is a huge community for support and software is usually free and open source.

Compatibility:

PS3 Linux is only compatible with Older models of the PS3, PS3 slim does not allow for Linux to access it. Sony’s excuse is that it was to cut development cost.

Which Linux on your PS3?
Ok so you want to install Linux on Ps3 but you don’t know which one to choose. In my opinion its really down to personal preference, and of course what OS you are used too. So here’s a round up of what your options are. Here are the main PS3 Linux distributions that are available on the PS3.

Yellow Dog Linux (YDL) is one off the first Linux PS3 distros that supported HD content natively. Yellow Dog Linux v5.0 was one of, if not the first Linux distro to run on PS3. It is known for having many applications pre loaded on installation. Yellow Dog Linux v6.2 Is the current iteration. Yellow Dog Linux has become synonymous with the PS3, more so than any other distro.

Fedora: This Linux distro is another popular choice, unfortunately these distros have many issues and complications with installation and different PS3 versions.
Visit our guide to installing Linux on Ps3

Ubuntu: This PS3 Linux distro needs no introduction. Ubuntu is now the most popular linux distro out there. Ubuntu is known for its great GUI, usability, and general functionality. Popular versions that where ported such as LTS release 8.04 by Hardy Heron. Ubuntu v9.10 was the last version to be ported.
Fedora: This Linux distro is another popular choice, unfortunately these distros have many issues and complications with installation and different PS3 versions.

Guide to installing Linux on PS3

DS Hack and Whats possible

DS hack : We want Softmod

Are you wondering how you can hack Nintendo DS. if so then your in the right place. Nintendo DS hack scene seems to be lagging a bit, following in the footstep of its predecessor the original gameboy.  Traditionally Nintendo have always been one step ahead with its security compared to other consoles. This is partially due to the fact that the game medium used was cartridges.  unlike CD’s and DVDs cartridges cannot be easily accessed using a PC or other typical hacking equipment, which makes it less accesible to the hacking community. Other ways of interfacing with the DS had to  be acknowledged. This lead to special cartridges being developed that could be used in the DS game and memory expansion ports. However this technique was not new or exclusive to the DS hack scene, instead inspiration was taken from Flashcarts that had been developed for the Gameboy, GBA, SP.

So What Nintendo DS hacks exist  to play backup games ?

Flashcards

Currently we have no true soft mod hack or modchip for the DS like the one that exist for the Wii and Xbox 360. This basically leaves you with one option if you intend on playing backup games on your hacked Nintendo DS.

The only real DS hack  that allows for backup games and ROMS available to you is in the form of flash cartridges. These cartridges will either be in the form of NDS or GBA Flash carts these work by being inserted where your typical games cartridge would be inserted. . These flash cartridges also allow for SD or SDHC memory to be inserted and loaded from them.the main difference between these flash cartridges and the original games is that the original DS games are ROM which does not allow for files to be manipulated of deleted.  these flash carts allow for ROMs and games and DS Hacked software to be stored and loaded from form its GUI menu.

Depending on the type of flash cartridge you have may mean you will need a Passkey. A passkey is another kind of flash card that look like a DS game card. This works in conjunction with your main flash card to fool The DS into thinking its playing a NDS ROM  form the GBA card slot.you will only need this if you are using a SLOT-2 GBA flash cartridge. This passkey basically allows for ROMS, emulators .and any other non DS native software and media to run as if if was native to the Nintendo DS.

The following list are just some of the Flash cartridges that ModsandHacks recommends

• M3 Perfect Lite microSD
• CycloDS Evolution
• R4 DS
• NinjaPass a.k.a. FlashPass

What other DS hacks exist ?

Many DS hacks and mods also exist, these hacks  usually explore exploits in the DS hardware. Backwards engineering is performed and extra functionality can be squeezed out of the console. many people have found new ways to interface directly with the internal hardware allowing for a host of DS hack functionality to be utilised. by using certain inputs and outputs on the mainboard has allowed for creative hackers to come up with some unique ideas. Some examples that exist are using NES controller on DS, using optical mouse on DS. Someone has even found a way to Get a mini USB port on The DS. This type of DS hack is not software based but rather better suited to electronics geeks.

See more information on the best Flash cards

The state of Hombrew on Xbox 360

The Xbox 360 homebrew scene kicked of just before the new year with the introduction of Xexloader, and has been rapidly been growing since. Xexloader has been like a seed that we hope will someday grow into a big tree.  In this article we will explain what the current situation is with the xbox 360 homebrew scene.

Ok so now we can boot unsigned code on the xbox 360 o can only guestimate that a host of typical applications will eventually pop up. Just take a look at the Wii homebrew scene. There seems to be multitude of different homebrew games and applications coming throgh all the time. We already have a NES and SNES Xbox 360 emulators, which seem to work just as good as the original. Im sure others also exist for retro style arcade.

xbox 360 games can now be loaded from USB. This allows for games to be loaded from an external USB pen drive or HDD(hard drive). XEX Loader wil also allow you to rip games directly to ISO files. This is a welcome addition to the Xbox360 hacks scene as it means that we no longer have to dish out on expensive dvd9 disk or risk burning coasters. We already see this with Wii homebrew, but the major factor that gives the Xbox 360 homebrew the advantage over the Wii is the Sheer power of the console. The xbox 360 is way ahead of the Wii when it comes to raw CPU and graphic ability, and it is this in my opinion that will allow for some seriously cool homebrew games and applications.  In theory Xbox 360 should be powerful enough to emulate last generation consoles like the Dreamcast or even PS2.

360 console

I personally am dying for Linux to be put on the Xbox 360, all we need now is a EXE loader!

But for now all we can do is wait a see. Keep tuned in for updates on Xbox 360 homebrew.

Have you bricked your Wii, if not and your thinking of installing the Homebrew channel on your Wii then maybe you should take consideration into the things you can do to prevent your Wii being bricked

Never update you wii console

Under no circumstances should you update or think of updating your Wii console if you intend on installing the Homebrew channel. updating online can be a big mistake when dealing with softmodding your Wii. Online updates are designed to patch Wii’s so they can’t be modded or hacked. It is also important that you never update your Wii from a disk update.  If something where to interrupt the install process and crash the Wii, this could leave you wih a bricked wii. Bad disk burns and corrupt data have left any without a working console.

If you unisatll the Wii system you will have no menu to navigate. this is not a good idea even if you’r not hacking you’r Wii to play backup games. This also includes deleting system menu IOS files. These ISO files include Ios30, Ios50, Ios60, Ios70

Menu themes a bad idea

Think twice when loading a  system menu theme, these Wii themes have a bad habit of sometimes deleting your system preloader,  bricking your wii and rendering yor wii useless. This usually happens due to the theme being incompatible with the system preloader. If you must install custom themes make sure you at least use bootmii loader as this will load as boot2.

Never Ever delete any IOS files that has a number lower than 200

theses IOS files are wii system files and are need by the wii to function. Never uninstall these IOS files as you will be sure to brick you Wii.

Do not downgrade Wii, then upgrade without first deleting the stubbed IOS files

if you have downgraded your wii then will need to install the following IOS  files to prevent you’r wii from being bricked.

For version 4 wiis or above you will need to install: IOS60-64-v6174.was

and for 3.4: IOS50-64-v4889.wad

This happens because when your wii was updated the update stubbed all  the system ios fles for lower system menus. This means that when you upgrade with stubbed files you’r Wii will be bricked. It is reccomened that you do not downgrade your Wii as it is not a neccesity, if you do dowgrade and then upgrade you sysem menu be sure to install the system IOS.

DO not format your Wii

By formatting your Wii you are going to delete all you’r Wii hack files. softmods gamesaves and the Homebrew channel will be deleted. Formating your Wii after twilight hack and Homebrew have been installed can result in your Wii being bricked.

Do not downgrade Wii system menu files for newer version Wii’s

Wiis consoles below version 3.4 dont support new Wii hardware, by downgrading a newer version Wii can result in your console being bricked. E.g. by downgrading a 4.1 wii to 3.2 may brick your Wii

Do not downgrade system IOS files for newer version Wii’s

Reports show that newer version Wiis are affected by downgrading IOS files, the problem is apparently when people downgrade IOS files to enable the trucha bug. This of almost always leads to your Homebrew application loading a black screen particularly when Downgrading Ios36 to Ios36-v1042. A better option for enabling the trucha bug would be to use Dop IOS Mod of TBR.

Know where your WAD’s are from

It has been known that bad WAD’s can brick your Wii console. It is very important that you check the sources from where your WAD files originates. Try only to download WADs form a good source that is reputable. check comments and verify is authenticity.

Dont install cIOSCORP- Unless your an expert

This system mod is very complex and unless you really know what your are doing it is verly likely that you could brick your wii, very simple.

Dont upadate your Korean region changed console

korean Wii’s usually start with a serial number that has LKM as the first three digits. If you happen to update this version Wii you will recieve an error 003 which cannot be fixed as of now. Korena Wiis should take a preventative measure and install cIOS70-v6174-v3.5.wad which stops error 003 from happening in occurance of the korean Wii being updated. Its best just not to update this version.

Never follow any old guide

Make sure you have a good source of information Use our guides to be safe. There are many outdated guides circulating the internet. Using the wrong guide with your Wii can again result in a brick. dont just follow any old guide on youtube. Dont forget it is most important to know what version Wii console you have before you start to research and hack you’r Wii console.

So you want to turn your PS3 into a computer? Perhaps you dont have space for a PC or you simply want to make some use out of power of your PS3.

Whatever your means we have the perfect article for you.

For those of you which dont know what linux is, it is an open source operating system just like Windows. However unlike Windows this operating system is free online and there are various versions available tailored to suit your demands. Due to it being open source this means that anyone is able to take its core “unix” and modify it or extend it. There are also various free program just like Windows available for it.

Before starting we would be using the Ubuntu version of Linux for this tutorial there are also others such as Yellow dog linux etc. For it to work you must download the ISO from the Ubuntu main website and burn with appropiate software such as imgburn or Nero burning ROM.

Here are the step in order to do so, the process is actually quite simple:

First thing first is to backup your PS3 Hard drive you dont want to loose your game saves or even worse you can brick your machine. The best device i found to backup PS3 Data and gamesave was a USB Pendrive. Now is a good time to pull out that USB drive

Now go to ‘System Settings’ then ‘Format Utility’. You will be asked to format your hard drive. Now simply select ‘Yes’. Now for the partition settings choose the ‘Custom’ setting.

Now you will be given a choice either you could assign the OS with 10GB of Hard drive space or assign the  PS3 with 10GB space i usually make the PS3 use the 10GB and the rest for the OS as the PS3 doesn’t require more than 10GB to function flawlessly.

Insert into your Ubuntu disk which you downloaded earlier. Go to ‘System Settings’ then scroll down to ‘Install Other OS’. The system will carry out a scan and the disk you inserted into the disk drive should be read if burnt properly.

Once you select ‘Enter’ a blue boot screen will appear, this is the linux installation and would look pretty similar as installing windows or a general software. Please note that your controller would be useless at this point and you will need a USB keyboard and Mouse for full functionality.

During the installation process, do not unplug anything that is plugged into your console or power off the console if interupted you may get an installation failure. So even just your external hard drive, do not unplug anything or else the whole process will be canceled and you have to restart.

The software does take a while to install on your PS3, you have to be patient. Once you have installed it, remove the CD from the drive or the system will try access it again when you want to boot your new Linux partition.

Now finally go back to system select default system and select your OS.

The PS3 will now always boot to the other operating system. If you cannot get back into the XMB operating system don’t panic, turn off the PS3 and turn it on finger down on the power button, and it will boot up into XMB with the video settings re-set to low resolution (safe mode). Alternatively, in the “Kboot:” prompt you can type “boot-game-os”