World's first mod chip for PS3?

(Credit: Sony)

Sony has been quite successful in deterring game piracy for its PS3 console so far. However, this may be about to change if a rumored Belzar mod chip turns out to be real. Besides supporting PS2 and PS3 bootleg games, the hardware-based hack promises many other functions ranging from stealth mode (read: to make the chip harder to detect by Sony) to region-free DVD/Blu-ray Disc playback.

There are, however, two major drawbacks. For starters, you'll have to disassemble the console to solder 12 wires to the mod chip circuit board. More importantly, there's no guarantee your modified PS3 will be compatible with future Sony firmware upgrade and software patches. According to game portal PS3 News, this world's first PS3 mod chip is currently in the testing stage so don't expect to see it in the market anytime soon.

All said and done, you may be better off buying licensed games to save all the hassle and spare yourself the misery of "bricking" your PS3.

(Source: Crave Asia)

[xmaster_dosx]

i am not trearing apart my PS3 for a mod chip, but very intresting.

[LVLLN]

If this will allow me to play the US FF13 with the original Japanese voices, sign me up. The PS3 would be the first console I get modded.

[bridgerbot]

Um.... you know FF13 is coming to the US on the PS3 and will have the original Japanese voices as a feature. To make room on the 360, they are taking out the Japanese track.

Wouldn't it make more sense to just wait for the NA release (if you have a NA region console) than to tear apart your PS3 for this mod-chip that can potentially be bricked by a firmware update?

[jorgebronx]

PS3 is region-free. So you can safely import any Japanese or European game and it wil work. :)...Plus as bridgerboot said the PS3 NA version of FFXIII will have Japanese voices thaks to the extra space on the Blu-Ray.

[jackanddaxter]

What is the point of modding a ps3. There is no way anyone would be stupid enough to burn a BL DVD. Those things are expensive and so is a bluray burner. I am happy with the way my PS3 is and anyone who attempts to do this will not benifit from it. Nice job Sony.

[superjay77]

Does the mod chip come with a free headset and add rumble feature for those unlucky souls that have a rumbleless controller?

[nutter72]

The ps3 console is region free anyway. I've imported heaps of games from Asia and they work fine. The only good point I see for having a mod chip is to play imported Blu Ray dvds. Having said that there are only a few region free Blu Ray movies like the Blade Runner blu ray.

[Wisewulf]

My preference would be hack using a disc rather then modding the actual hardware which would nullify the warranty of the system. Plus, trying to install any new updates would be disastrous and would render the system unusable.

I rather wait a little longer to see if there will be any work around to the current hardware hack.

I am sure software companies like "DATEL" are very busy finding a way for a work around without attracting the wrath of the likes of SONY. This second option is more lucrative then the first.

[sonysuxmeoff]

I'd prefer the modchip. Have the options of firmware updates directly from CD or USB to the chip itself. Something on the lines of the Wii. With all the new stuff of the 4.2 fw update porblems, this will again be hacked as Nintendo has down for the hackers is create a new challenge which they love. I used to love to rip protection off games back in the C64 scene days. This won't stuff up Sony's sales, but BOOST them heaps to hopefully out do the Wii and X360, as a lot of people will be buying Ps3s now, i mean, just look how the Ps2 was done, and how much hardware and games they sold on that system!

[sonysuxmeoff]

note to j&d,

your a nob. sony will make even more money like they have if the ps3 has a modchip available. look at the ps2 and tell me if it out sold the xbox and gamecube?! the modchip will be able to update it's firmware just like the wii and x360 when you flash the drive from v1.4 fw to v1.6... and blu ray burners are cheap! only $250 AUD for a LG that handles 25-50 gigs discs. oh and if you'll put all your games on BD, you'll only choose the ones you play constantly, but who cares anyway, they only cost $13 bucks each...

[bird1007]

now u free me i also don't want to play anymore game too extreme more than hundred games finished too much games from modding for 15 years already very hard to find fun in game just like working the feeling

[MajorBreach]

The domain Belzar.com was created on Aug 17th, 2009, just four days before "ps3Belzar" joined YouTube.com (August 21, 2009) and uploaded a video titled "Belzar modchip installing on PS3" which sounds like a higher functioning mentally challenged male cleaning thermal compound off a PS3 mainboard. The caption for the video reads "This is not difficult to do that, you just need some time and a lot of sufferance up to the moment when Belzar become to mass production. Soon you can buy chip on belzar.com at the price of ?59.99"

The domain is registered to a Ricky Fairbanks of 268 Willingham Street, Grimsby, UK. Email: [e-mail] - Phone: [phone]x53

Researching his email, [e-mail] I found he had many forum accounts (most with few or no posts) from cellphone forums, console forums, etc.

On 2-18-2004 he had a post on Howard Forums under the username "Rick2021", he posted.. "Sorry to hijack the post, but I have the opposite problem I have bought a data cable but needed a service cable, which 2 pin contacts can I cover to make it work like a service cabe. Thanks Rick"

On 13-12-2005 he had a post on AVForums under the username "Rick2021", he posted a topic "Panasonic sa-ht880, region hack ?" with the following post.. "Hi all. Sorry to post this, but from the only results ive found so far, ive figured im not the only one that could do with this info. I have just bought the panasonic home theater system, and have just realised when I came to watch one of my favourite dvd's, that it was region 2 only, I know its obvious lol, but its years since I bought my dvd player, and only had to input a remote code once After many hours of searching ive come to a conclusion that the only way to upgrade this system, is via an upgrade cd, and the only place I can find this, its £25, just to rent the cd, what a rip off What I would like to know is, is there anywhere else this cd can be obtained/downloaded cheap or free is even better. Or maybe even another way of hacking it, remote etc. Cheers in advance. Rick"

If you do some research, you will find he is a lonely, divorced tech wannabee with 2 children. He dabbles in basic modding/hacking, but has no real knowledge and needs to be spoonfed his information is small bite size chunks.

Example of what you can find if you search around...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/pdp/profile/A1PD1AKR4ZTPKD
http://www.avforums.com/forums/members/97526.html
http://www.completelyfreedating.co.uk/members/Rick2021
http://www.digital-forums.com/member.php?u=159376
http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/rick2021/

Now come on guys... Use a little logic and do some basic research. I found all of this and more in just 10 minutes. Lets stop these false rumors and stop being sheep. Bah

MajorBreach

[adamr6]

hahahaha!

frickin pwned Ricky Fairbanks of Grimsby!! LOOOOSER!!