Is a new USB jailbreak device for the PS3 currently in development? That’s the word on the street, as a new website and Facebook page have appeared for a device called PS3 Key.
Though currently big on hype and short on details, PS3 Key appears to be a modchip device similar to the PS Jailbreak, which allows users to back up games to an internal or external hard drive using a USB stick.
Late last week, a status update on the PS3 Key Facebook page stated that the device could be available in a matter of weeks:
“Good news everyone! Our mad scientist has confirmed that getting into the console is as simple as pretending to be a USB hub! It doesn't look like this is going to take any more than a few weeks!”
So what else do we know so far? Unfortunately, that’s about it.
First reported by PS3 Hax, the official webpage for the device has even less detail, only offering a place for curious gamers to register an email address in order to receive updates and links to the PS3 Facebook and Twitter profiles. There are no product images or any word on what pricing for the device might be.
With the current hype surrounding the PS Jailbreak, the first crack for the PS3 console since its release four years ago, we can probably expect a number of copycat devices to pop up in the near future. But how legitimate are these products?
Some reports allege that the PS Jailbreak is nothing more than a high-priced, short-lived scam. The $170 AUS price tag is apparently much more than the hardware and production cost should be worth. Also, the risk of Sony quickly shutting down the holes that allow the device to work and rendering it useless is definitely a likely scenario. The company has already taken legal steps against the PS Jailbreak in Australia, and was granted a temporary injunction to cease the sale of the devices until the end of August.
I would definitely recommend being cautious with these modchip devices and the companies who are claiming to be coming out with something new soon. Aside from the risk of having your console banned from PlayStation Network or losing the money you’ve paid if Sony renders the device useless, there is also the potential here for phishing scams to emerge. While a company could be legitimately collecting email addresses in order to provide product updates, I’m wary about giving my information to any website that doesn’t have any of their own contact information or a privacy policy on their homepage.
Until more details emerge, buyer beware.
