homebrew
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2.71 firmware emulation
Score yet another win for the impressive homebrew community that "continues to thwart Sony". Sony imposes firmware requirements for all of its newest games, such as the adorable LocoRoco demo. However, using a newly updated program called "Devhook," anyone with a 1.50 PSP can emulate the 2.71 firmware, making even the newest games completely playable. With the recent releases of downgraders, even those of you with fairly new firmwares can make the dive into the world of PSP homebrew.What will Sony do in order to counteract this latest revelation? Hopefully, it'll mean a version 3.0 firmware that plays downloadable PS1 video games... soon. One can dream, right?[Thanks PSPFan!]
Ninjapass allows flash cart-less homebrew on Nintendo DS
If you've been waiting around for an easy way to play homebrew swag on your Nintendo DS or DS Lite, then prepare yourself for the stealthily-named Ninjapass. Like a handful of other solutions already on the market, this device lets you load up your games and play them directly from the DS cartridge slot -- no flash cart required. There's only 64MB of onboard memory, but you do get passcard functionality to boot content from the GameBoy Advance slot, along with a multi-game menu, convenient system for saving games, and bundled USB 2.0 adapter for hassle-free file transfer. The Ninjapass is currently available to pre-order -- it will ship when "stock arrives" at an unspecified date -- for $52, or a little less if you order in bulk.[Via DS Fanboy]
Homebrew sans the flash cart [Update]
The average DS owner is quite pleased with the games available on their dual-screened wonder. As a result, the need and desire for emulation software is a bit less than...ahem...some other portable systems out there. To even begin loading homebrew apps on a DS, one has to have a bit of technical knowledge, a rather expensive flash cart, and some unwieldy hardware/software setups. Till now.A site called Winsunx is getting ready to release a device suitably named the "Ninjapass". As opposed to previous flash cart setups, this wonderous piece of hardware is quite literally a DS cartridge, functioning normally and independently in your regular DS slot. It comes with a USB 2.0 adapter for easy access to your computer, a convenient way to save game files (previously quite troublesome), and a multi-game menu built right in. It's currently slated as a pricey $51.99, but that may be a bargain for the kinds of illicit pleasures that may come.[Thanks, Mike Lacks!][Update: Fixed a typo. Good eye Mike!]
NES emulator for PSP with Wi-Fi multiplayer
Sporting a newly downgraded PSP and looking for things to do with it? We're talking about apps that need kernel access that only 1.0 or 1.5 PSPs can bring. Well, there's a new beta of the NesterJ NES emulator that features -- get this -- WiFi network play (adhoc only). In addition to letting you rock multiplayer NES games (we're thinking of you, Contra), it's a great sign of the sort of thing we could expect from other retro-upgrades. How about WiFi multiplayer in the Wii virtual console? How about some of those 7000 PSone games rocking WiFi multiplayer support?[Thanks, PSPFan]
PSP firmware versions 2.5 and 2.6 now downgradeable
So if you made the "mistake" of upgrading your PSP to firmware version 2.5 or 2.6 just to find out that your precious homebrew would no longer load, it seems you now have a questionably-legal way to downgrade back to version 1.5 and all the emulation fun that goes along with it. Several forums dedicated to Sony's portable console are reporting that hackers using the handles Dark_Alex and Hitchhikr have succeeded in creating a workaround that exploits files from the 1.5 updater to overwrite the current firmware, although owners of so-called "TA-082" PSPs are warned not to attempt the procedure unless they fancy a bricked device. Furthermore, since you're required to either download the necessary 1.5 swag or get it from a friend, you're probably breaking some anti-piracy laws here, so of course we can't put our stamp of approval on this hack. That's all for now, but the battle between Sony and the homebrew community is far from over, so keep your eyes peeled for the next installment in this exciting saga.
Hunters Hax
While the DS homebrew and hacking community doesn't quite hold a candle to the PSP's, there are still many a soul who live to exploit Nintendo's wonderful hardware. While many have managed to perform "good" by enabling things such as emulators and voice chat, there are those who would do malicious evil. This is one of those cases. A hacker named Legacy has released an application that grants players in Metroid Prime: Hunters access to several cheats, including infinite energy, infinite ammo, and levitation. Worst of all, these capabilities are also accessible in official Wi-Fi matches; before long, you may see a few of these cheats yourself. Tsk tsk, Legacy. Got rocked a few times too many?
Gamepark Holdings releases GP2X breakout board
Good news for GP2X owners: Gamepark Holdings (not to be confused with Gamepark, makers of the similarly-named XGP) has just released a breakout board that will turn your handheld console into a fully-functional, albeit underpowered, home PC. The board plugs into the EXT port on your device and features audio and video outs for hooking up an external monitor and sound system, four USB ports for attaching keyboards, mice, and joysticks, and RS232 and Jtag connectors for reflashing your firmware or running a debugging script on software you've developed. Although the kit -- available now for just $46 -- can be employed to create a home DivX or digital audio system, it will probably be most widely used in building emulation cabinets around the open-source, Linux-powered player. [Via DCEmu]
Xbox 360 hacked for homebrew and bigger hard drive?
An anonymous yet trusted source in the Xbox hacker community just released a few sceenshots to show his rather impressive progress -- if it turns out to be legit. One shot displays an expansive 451GB of free space on the default hard drive -- implying he's managed to finagle a new 500GB drive into the 360 -- while the other two purport to be views of Xbox 1 homebrew running on the 360. Both capabilities would be pretty major developments, but they'd also make for a couple of rather easy Photoshop jobs, so we'll just have to wait to see what comes of all this. Even if they've managed to emulate Xbox 1 hardware, the development community will have just as much of an uphill battle as the backwards compatibility team at Microsoft does to get things like XBMC running full-on (total redevelopment notwithstanding). And that's a big if.
Yarrrr (or, how to spot pirated DS games)
Those folks over at 4 color rebellion have posted an informative guide on how to spot cheap DS cart knockoffs. While the DS homebrew community is actually quite strong, its growth has invariably created easier and more efficient methods for those...ah...morally flexible among us to reap the rewards. Take a gander at the article, and be sure that if you're purchasing DS games via eBay or some such method, be very careful from whom you buy. No DS game has really reached "cult-hit rarity" status yet (Phoenix Wright is getting another shipment soon, say sources), but if you're not looking, some one-legged buccaneer might plunder your booty in exchange for a shoddy fake.
Homebrew: Super Smash Bros. Tactics
DS homebrew hero ali banana has come up with a customer application entitled Super Smash Bros. Tactics. With two confirmed playable characters in Samus and Link, along with another character being shown in Kirby, the application looks to be a huge step in the right direction. While this blogger has yet to actually download the files and get it going on the DS, maybe one of our fine readers would like to step up to the plate and comment on the gameplay?[Thanks Nushio!]
Homebrew support coming to the PS3
If Sony's support for previous homebrew endeavors (like the PSP) was any indication of their PlayStation 3 involvement, then indie coders out there would have something to worry about. Thankfully that's not the case.We've heard about their desire to get homebrew developers on board with the Linux system to create some unique and independent software for the next-gen console. Izumi Kawanishi spoke up about this recently saying that Sony would "like to see various individuals participate in content creation for the PS3."The idea here is to broaden their Linux strategy. Using Linux World, they plan on giving homebrew hackers all the freedom to build from the ground up. No SDK libraries or support. It's all you guys.This would be a huge step for independent game makers out there, especially if Sony would let them distribute it over their online platform too. There's still no word on the distribution part though, but hopefully we will see some integration on that end as well.
Maker Faire (Part 2)
We've got more odd creations and far out gadgets from our leisurely Saturday and Sunday at the Maker Faire. If you liked round one, check out round two to see more from the Faire and find out about this robot made from scrounged and garage sale parts. See you next year, Maker Faire!
Homebrew Zelda platforming on your DS
Lupi is working on a lawsuit project in which Hyrule's sword-swinging savior stars in a 2D platformer. This title is to feature a hearts-based life system as that of the real Zelda titles and Link's traditional weaponry such as bombs and his trusty master sword. Lupi aims to recreate the universe and unique skills of Link, and has already implemented almost all of the green-clothed lad's sword strike maneuvers. No word as of yet on when a playable build will be available.[Via DCEmu]
Homebrewed Zelda DS in development
Fledgling homebrewer, Lupi, is working hard on his first DS project, Zelda Platformer. While the game will undoubtedly undergo a name change, Lupi has already implemented the following items: Level system Collision system Life system (with hearts!) Lots of "Link sounds" Title screen Most of the sword attacks (including air and spin attacks) Bombs Arrows 8-direction boomerang Lupi is currently coding the "enemy engine." Once that's complete, and a tutorial level has been designed, he'll release a demo.[Via DCEmu]
Explainer: running Ninty games on XB360
This video's absent any meaningful sound (except the hum of the Xbox 360 next to the television screen), so it'll take a little 'splainin. Here's what it is: an NES emulator running at "almost full speed" on the Xbox 360. Here's how it works: this is accomplished by firing up a web browser-based Java emulator on a Windows Media Center PC and then streaming the content displayed in that web browser window via Microsoft's Media Center Extender software to the Xbox 360. It's not the 360 emulating the old games, it's the Media Center PC. The Xbox 360 simply displays whatever's going on in the browser back on the PC that's doing the emulating. Basically, any program that can be run in a browser on a Windows PC can be run on an Xbox 360 through this method.
Role-playing the homebrew way
Liranuna seems to be quite the homebrewer homebrewster, going so far as to release a complete RPG game for the DS. Titled Tales of Dagur, the game revolves around Alex, a young lad summoned by the King of Dagur to help find the missing queen and reclaim the coveted holy stone, an artifiact which also went missing, that helps protect the kingdom. The team comments that the game lacks a magic system and the battle system as a whole wasn't as fleshed out as they would have liked, mostly due to time constraints. Regardless, this is an impressive first step toward what we hope are many DS homebrew games to come. [Thanks xfiles.fan!]
360 back-up hack in reach?
Legendary (at least in the XboxHacker.net forums) hacker TheSpecialist reports progress regarding the Xbox 360's DVD firmware:Word on the street is that some smart people of this board combined their forces, formed an underground team and are very, VERY close to getting the first 360 backup booting....MS did a very good job on the 360 itself this time. However, they made a big mistake by forgetting about the firmware They even didn't remove the debug routines from the FW, quite amazing ... The 360 has a little bit more advanced protection in its FW than the original xbox, but still, they did some stupid things (like forgetting about the debug routines, that were very helpful to us, hehe, and most importantly: not signing the firmware).Curry of Xboxic explains the implications:Not signing the firmware is indeed a major mistake, as it allows the hacker to gain full control of the drive. Microsoft can issue a forced update via Live to disable the modification, but a new firmware could be installed again which goes undetected. As such the hacker is in control of the cat/mouse game.It's important to note that there's still no way to run unsigned code. Flashing the firmware requires a hardware programmer, so it's doubtful this hack will see wide useage when it's finally released, if it's released at all. It also means the really cool homebrew like XBMC is still a hacker's dream. All of this stuff is either Intriguing or unsavory depending on your level of technical interest and adherance to the Boy Scout oath. See Xboxic's excellent analysis for more detail/background.
PC now calls DS its master
We previously uncovered a nifty little homebrew program called PointyRemote that allowed the user to wirelessly view and control a PC desktop from the distant comfort of their Nintendo DS. Though we don't recall anyone balking at the concept at the time, we now present this Flickr image of the DS lording over the common beige box and barking out instructions in a Wi-Fi dialect. The DS never ceases to amaze us with its versatility (just like the nail clipper). [Thanks Joey!]
Mysterious GP2X "second edition" now shipping
We're not quite sure what exactly has changed in this "second edition" GP2X, but Lik-Sang decided to hold off on distributing the open-source handheld until it was available, citing firmware troubles and "broken or malfunctioning units." We guess Lik-Sang is confident these problems have been remedied, since they've begun selling the GP2X Second Edition as of today.They are also selling a TV-out cable, turning that diminutive handheld into a big screen emulation station! Any GP2X users experiencing any troubles with your "first edition" units? Anyone else put off their purchase until now?[Via GP2X News][Update: corrected a punctuation error.]
How-To: get homebrew on your 2.0-2.6 PSP
Alright, so you've read about the latest eLoader that promises to get homebrew running on your PSP with version 2.0-2.6 firmware. Problem is, you can't seem to make head nor tails of the instructions on how to get this stuff working. C.K. Sample, III literally wrote the book on PSP hacks (entitled PSP Hacks, coming soon to a bookstore near you) and he's posted his how-to guide on hack a day for us to enjoy. It goes something like this: Get yourself GTA: Liberty City Stories Copy over the eLoader Load it up in GTA Play homebrew stuff Sure, his is a little better, and a little more thorough, but that's the gist of it. He also warns, "none of the homebrew apps that are my favorites currently run via this exploit," so you may be waiting awhile before everything gets caught up. Any intrepid Joystiqers try out this expoit?
