Modded Consoles

A catalog for detailing both hardware and software hacking of various game consoles.

Click any console to learn more!

Overview

Criminally under-appreciated handheld from Sony, the top-tier modding scene gave it the support Sony never did, and it's still my go-to portable for having in my bag.

Model: Vita 1000
Firmware: Enso 3.60
Exploit: HENkaku Enso

Best Use-Cases

Emulation of PSP/PS1/DreamCast/N64, game streaming from PS3/PS4/PC, and native Vita games. Very pocket-able, and actually portable.

Homebrew Essentials

  • VitaShell - File explorer
  • AutoPlugin II - Install and configure .sprx plugin daemons
  • VitaDB Downloader - Browse and install available homebrew
  • Moonlight - Open source Nvidia gamestream client
  • Adrenaline - Full blown PSP XMB environment within the Vita (all mods for PSP are possible)
  • Vita-Launcher - Alternative front end app launcher for Vita and all emulator games

Hardware Mods

  • Sd2Vita - Vita game card to MicroSD adapter, replace the proprietary and expensive memory cards

Emulation Potential

Walkthrough and Documentation


Overview

The unique architecture of the CELL processor made this system hard to develop for, but there are still a number of great games and modern uses for a modded PS3 today that make it worthwhile to keep around.

Model: PS3 Phat w/o PS2 backwards compatibility 😢
Firmware: EvilNAT 4.91
Exploit: Ps3 Toolset

Best Use-Cases

Excellent couch co-op and split-screen games across both the PS3 and PS2 libraries, which can be played off of local, external, or network storage.

Homebrew Essentials

  • WebMAN Mod - Web server, FTP server, file manager, netiso, NTFS, gamepad emulation, ps3mapi, tasks automation, memory debugger and more
  • PS3netsrv - Ability to run PS3, PS2, PS1, and PSP games from network storage on real hardware
  • sMAN - lightweight and alternative game launcher (vs traditional XMB)
  • reactPSN - Enable PSN for online games (yes you can still find lobbies surprisingly)
  • Apollo Save Tool - Manage, backup, import, and re-sign PS3 game saves

Emulation Potential (or lack thereof)

  • Because of the strange CPU architecture, homebrew developers really didn't spend much time building out emulators for the PS3.
  • If your PS3 does not have the PS2 hardware in it, the PS2 emulation can be fairly decent, but varies game to game.
  • Though RetroArch is available, anything outside retro games, you're better off using another device to play.

Walkthrough and Documentation


Overview

A hacked Wii U is surprisingly versatile, and it's 100% backwards compatability with the Wii makes it a great party console for Nintendo games.

Model: Basic White
Firmware: Aroma
Exploit: JsTypeHax

Best Use-Cases

Wii U, Wii, GameCube, N64, and more. This is essentially my one-stop shop for all Nintendo games. Being fully backwards-compatible with the Wii and all of its long-developed homebrew scene in addition to the Wii U native apps makes this one of my favorite consoles to mod.

Homebrew Essentials

  • BlooPair - use any bluetooth controller as a Wii U pro controller. I personally use my DS4 and DS5s exclusively for this system.
  • Moonlight - Open source Nvidia gamestream client
  • Swap DRC - Switch the gamepad and TV screens for any application

Emulation Potential

  • Nintendo DS - In my honest opinion, this is the defininitve way to play DS games on anything other than a two-screen portable.

Walkthrough and Documentation


Overview

Still no full CFW, but homebrew-enablers like GoldHEN and touch-less exploit methods like using microcontrollers plugged into the system are continuing to improve.

Model: Phat
Firmware: GoldHEN 2.4b on 9.00
Exploit: ExFatHax via ESP32

Best Use-Cases

Playing PS4 games with added cheats and patches, running a full Linux kernel + desktop environment (and even Steam + Proton if you have a PS4 Pro).

Homebrew Essentials

  • Cheats Manager - Download cheats and patches for various PS4 games from an online database
  • Apollo Save Tool - Manage, backup, import, and re-sign PS4 game saves
  • PS LAN - Dedicated non-Sony servers for PS4 online games

Emulation Potential

  • PS2 - Sony created a ps2 emulator just for the system, and it's now possible to inject any backed up game iso into the emulator for custom PS2 games on your home screen!

Walkthrough and Documentation

  • ModdedWarfare on YouTube - tons of videos covering all the different exploit methods for different firmwares
  • ESP32 Exploit Guide - my guide on the best setup for the PS4's ESP32 while retaining LAN functionality (and blocking internet)