PS3:FAQ
This is the FAQ page for the ConsoleMods PS3 Wiki. Here you'll find most of the info you'll need to start using homebrew on your PS3. A list of definitions can be found at the bottom of this post. If a question isn't here that you feel should be, please message one of the moderators.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is the point of jailbreaking?
A. The intent of jailbreaking was to allow execution of homebrew software on the PS3. Custom firmware will allow you to:
- Play backups of PS3 / PS2 / PSX / PSP / Blu-Rays / DVDs natively and region free, even on non-backwards compatible models.
- Emulate retro games with RetroArch or stand-alone emulators.
- Rip PS3 / PS2 / PSX / Blu-Ray / DVD discs to your hard drive.
- Rip Super Audio CD (SACD) discs
- Mod games offline or on PSN.
- Convert your console to developer firmware (DEX).
- Play games stored on an external drive, or even one stored elsewhere on your network.
- Use a NTFS hard drive to get past 4GB file limitations and have unlimited storage capacity.
- Unban your console.
- Change the boot up logo and sound and remove the epilepsy warning for a faster boot up.
- Use Linux.
- Use the console to its full extent with a broken Blu-Ray drive.
- Put a completely new (same model) Blu-Ray drive into your console with your motherboard without having to take the drive apart.
- Use custom devices, such as an Xbox 360 gamepad, as controllers with PS3XPAD.
- Install Movian, a Media Center application in which you can download plugins such as TV channels and Torrent Streamers.
- Install homebrew games and apps.
Q. Does it matter what model of PS3 I have, or can all models be jailbroken?
A. If your PS3 is on 3.55 firmware or below, you can jailbreak it regardless of model. Otherwise, you can check if your console is exploitable here. Compatibility is not purely based on model number.
Q. Can you jailbreak consoles over 3.55 OFW without downgrading or buying a flasher device?
A. Yes, you can use PS3Xploit to install CFW. Prior to Thanksgiving of 2017, it was impossible to downgrade without a flasher device, and you could not jailbreak consoles over 3.55 firmware. Because of this, there are many sites out there claiming to offer PUPs that will jailbreak your console, but any sites claiming to do this without using PS3Xploit are a scam or malware.
Q. Do I need to have the latest OFW installed before jailbreaking?
A. If you are on or below 3.55, you can go directly to CFW. If you are on firmware above 3.55, you will need to [check if your console
Definitions
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Custom Firmware (CFW) | Firmware modified to add in extra features not present in original firmware (OFW). |
| Original Firmware (OFW) | Stock firmware released by Sony. |
| Hybrid Firmware (HFW) | Hybrid firmware released by the PS3Xploit team to include the WebKit version that was used in 4.82 in newer firmware packages, making exploitation of newer firmwares possible. |
| Modified Firmware (MFW) | Personal custom firmware created using the MFW Builder. They provide an open framework for mods and plugins on the system and the running of unsigned code. It is recommended to stay away from MFW unless it is from a trusted source or yourself. |
| Consumer Firmware (CEX) | Retail system firmware; consumers like yourself buy CEX consoles in stores. |
| Developer Firmware (DEX) | Debug system firmware; game developers use DEX consoles for making and testing games. In the past, you could only mod games on DEX firmware, but now it is possible on CEX as well. The only real benefit of using DEX is for legacy modding tools, connecting to developer PSN (sp-int) if Sony whitelists you, and certain features of PS3XPAD. |
| Rebug Firmware (REX) | Rebug-only firmware that must be installed over CEX firmware and allows swapping between CEX and DEX kernels. |
| Rebug Firmware (D-REX) | Rebug-only firmware that must be installed over DEX firmware, otherwise identical to REX. |
| Store Firmware (SEX) | Shop/demo firmware used for store displays. In order to convert back to CEX, you must install a “kiosk reverter” firmware update. It is a limited version of CEX. |
| Arcade Firmware (GEX) | Firmware for arcade systems; similar to SEX firmware, it has no purpose outside of being used in arcades. Under NO circumstances should you install GEX firmware, there are no known ways of reverting it back. |
| Tool Firmware (DECR) | Firmware for DECR stations; only meant to be run on old DECR development stations which emulate various PS3 models for testing. Under NO circumstances should you attempt to install it on a PS3. |
| CID | A console ID (CID) is a community coined term to describe a PSID and IDPS together when bought or sold. They are used to unban consoles. Private CIDs are ones that have never been shared with anyone, and public CIDs are ones posted publicly and are prone to a quick banning. |
| CECH | The start of PS3 model numbers, followed either by a single letter (for fat consoles) or by a four digit number (for slim and super slim consoles). |
| EDAT | Encrypted data. This is data for a game or DLC which is often licensing information that locks C00 games or demos that contain the full game. LIC.EDAT is an old licensing system to use games made |