Jump to content

  • News

    Latest News
    Xbox-Scene
    In a groundbreaking development for original Xbox enthusiasts, a user known as Prehistoricman has unveiled a method to flash the onboard BIOS of v1.6 Xbox consoles a feat previously deemed impossible due to the "non-flashable" nature of the Xyclops chip.
     
    Traditionally, v1.6 Xbox models required hardware modchips for BIOS modifications, as they lacked the TSOP flash chips present in earlier versions. However, Prehistoricman's discovery reveals that the Xyclops chip possesses a hidden serial interface accessible via the console's AV port. This interface allows users to communicate with the chip, enabling BIOS dumping and reprogramming without the need for invasive hardware modifications.
    Correction: you can't do this without opening the Xbox. The mobo has a 0-ohm resistor tying those AV pins to ground 😞 
     
    The process involves connecting a 3.3V USB-to-UART adapter to specific pins on the 1.6 motherboard AV port , utilizing a Python script named xyclops_flasher.py to interact with the chip. Notably, this method offers a safer alternative to traditional TSOP flashing, as it allows for recovery in case of errors and eliminates the need to open the console.
     
    This advancement not only simplifies the modding process for v1.6 Xbox consoles but also opens the door to further exploration of the Xyclops chip's capabilities, including potential modifications to the System Management Controller (SMC) for enhanced functionality.
     
    For detailed instructions and the necessary tools, interested users can refer to Prehistoricman's comprehensive guide on our forums (
    )
    GoTeamScotch
    The Original Xbox modding community has just gained a powerful new tool: Skeleton Key v1.00!

    Overview
    Skeleton Key provides a convenient suite of utilities designed to fit on an Xbox Memory Unit ("MU") or a USB flash drive (via a controller port to USB adapter). This single tool is the result of a collaborative effort by multiple members of the modding community to create a convenient tool that can be used to softmod a stock Xbox console, upload missing DLC to XCAT, register a console with Insignia for online play, and perform other useful maintenance related tasks.
    Along with the regular version, a slimmed-down version called "MU Edition" is also available, which is small enough to fit on an official Xbox Memory Unit. Both versions contain the same list of tools, the only difference being that the MU version has been further optimized to fit on a stock 8MB memory unit.

     
    Who Is This For?
    This tool was specifically designed for new/novice users, especially those who have never modded an Xbox before. The idea is that you would load it on a flash drive, connect it to your stock Xbox, and instantly have access to a list of essential and useful tools. The goal is to get more people involved in exploring their console and getting active in the modding community, not to make money.
    Users who want to keep their Xbox stock can use it to backup their EEPROM to a PC, register with Insignia, and upload missing content to the XCAT archive effort and retain that stock experience they love. Or, they can continue on their great journey and softmod their console with Rocky5's softmod tool to unlock the incredible usefulness that a modded Xbox offers.
    If your Xbox is already modded, you can still use this tool, but it's probably easier to just copy the apps to your Xbox and run them as usual instead. You can copy Skeleton Key to your Xbox and launch payload.xbe (or "p.xbe" for MU version) as if it were any other app. If your console is hardmodded, avoid trying to run ENDGAME from the Memory section of the Xbox Dashboard and instead just launch the payload XBE directly.
     
    Benefits of Skeleton Key
    All-in-One Toolkit: Provides a comprehensive set of utilities for modding a stock console from scratch, backing up its EEPROM, signing it up for online play through Insignia, and managing files on its hard drive.
    Ease of Use: Compatible with both official memory units and aftermarket USB flash drives, making its use dead-simple.
    Accessibility: Built-in FTP, web server, and XDON functionality for direct access to your console’s filesystem.
    Versatility: Includes a robust set of diagnostic tools and utilities for various purposes, from controller/RAM testing to softmodding.
     
    Tools Included
    PrometheOS Launcher: A lightweight build of PrometheOS Tools featuring EEPROM tools, an FTP and web server.
    Includes a built-in DLC and Title Update signer. This fixes issues with game content not working after changing EEPROM settings (i.e. after nulling HDD keys) or when copying non-roamable gamesaves from another Xbox.
    Includes EEPROM editing options, which is particularly useful for people who want to change the video region to NTSC for HD video mode support but keep the console stock.
    Xbox Content Archive Tool (XCAT) Launcher: A utility to download and run XCAT files. XCAT scans the Xbox's hard drive for long lost DLC, title updates, and related content for long-term preservation and archiving.
    Insignia Setup Assistant: A trimmed-down version of Insignia's setup assistant for easy configuration to play Xbox Live enabled games online in the modern era.
    Gamepad Tester: Allows you to test Duke and S controllers to ensure they’re functioning properly.
    MemCheck: Diagnoses bad memory (RAM) chips within your console.
    Rocky5’s Softmod v1.2.2: A tailored version of the popular Rocky5 softmod for use with this payload.
    XDON: A modified Xbox Disk Over Network tool that always resets the console upon exit. XDON is a brand new feature of FATXplorer which allows for mounting of Xbox and Xbox 360 hard drives over a local network, complete with formatting and partition mounting features (similar to if the drive was connected physically to your PC).
     
    How to Load Skeleton Key Onto Your Device
    Download Skeleton Key from the download links below and extract the ZIP file to a folder on your PC.
    Connect your USB flash drive (or Xbox Memory Unit) to your PC and open FATXplorer (beta 3.0 or newer).
    Format your flash drive with FatXplorer 3.0 Beta using the "Formatting Tools" button at the top of the program. Choose "Original Xbox MU" when asked what type of drive you'll be formatting. FATXplorer will then search for connected drives. Pick the drive you wish to format and continue.
    When FATXplorer asks if you want to preload files onto the newly formatted drive, choose "Browse for folder" and select the Skeleton Key folder contained with the ZIP file.
    Hint: The ZIP you extracted in step 1 contains a readme file, a ".bin" file, and a folder called "Skeleton Key" (or "Skeleton Key MU"). You'll want to give FATXplorer this "Skeleton Key" sub-folder and not the parent folder that contains the readme and everything else!
    Click next and allow FATXplorer to format your drive and copy Skeleton Key onto it.
    You can mount your flash drive to double check that everything is laid out correctly. You should see 3 files on the root of your flash drive: an XBE and two folders.
    Raw drive images are also included for users who wish to use raw drive imaging/copying tools instead of FATXplorer.
     
    Using Skeleton Key
    To load Skeleton Key, simply connect your flash drive (or MU) to your Xbox. If you're using a USB flash drive, you'll need to use an adapter (hint: Xbox controller ports are just oddly shaped USB ports). Once connected, select the "Memory" tab from the stock Xbox Dashboard. The dashboard will begin trying to load your gamesaves and at this point will trigger the ENDGAME exploit to run. After a few moments, the PrometheOS Launcher will appear and you can select a tool from the menu to run.
    The ENDGAME payload is automatically deleted from your hard drive so that your stock dashboard will work as usual. The rest of Skeleton Key will remain on your hard drive, but can optionally be deleted from the game saves ("Memory") area of the stock dashboard. To load Skeleton Key again, insert the flash drive and navigate to Memory in the dashboard again.
    Note: The backup EEPROM utility found within the PrometheOS launcher app will save a copy of your Xbox EEPROM to E:/PrometheOS/Backup/EEPROMs on your console. You can download your EEPROM to a computer by connecting over FTP or via the PrometheOS Launcher Web UI by connecting your Xbox to your local network (i.e. your WiFi router) and typing in your Xbox's IP address into a web browser from a PC on your network.
     
    Important Warnings
    File Transfers: Only use the built-in FTP server if you are experienced with Xbox file management. Moving or deleting files from your C or E drives can render your console unusable.
    XDON Usage: Improper use of XDON can damage your console’s file system. It allows for remotely mounting and formatting Xbox hard drives from a PC. Proceed with caution.
     
    Download Links
    Skeleton Key v1.00: Xbox Skeleton Key v1.00.zip Skeleton Key v.100 Memory Unit (MU) Edition: Xbox Skeleton Key v1.00 MU.zip Mirror: Digiex.net  
    Support
    Discuss on Xbox-Scene.info / OGXbox.com / Xbox-Scene Discord
     
    Credits
    This payload was made possible by the efforts of CrunchBite, Eaton, EqUiNoX, GoTeamScotch, Harcroft, JRocky5, xbox7887, and others.
    Special thanks to cheato, darkone83, Derf, dtomcat, hardly, HostsServer, Siktah, urbanracer34 for testing and insight.
    Special thanks to ConsoleMods.org, Team Resurgent, Team XLink, the Insignia Development Team, Ryzee119 (XMU Dumper), and the creators of the ENDGAME exploit.
    This is the obligatory shout-out to kl0wn.
     
    Free Software
    Skeleton Key is free software. The goal of this project is to increase accessibility for newcomers who have no experience modding an Xbox. If anyone should offer pre-made kits with Skeleton Key, we ask that you keep costs as low as possible. Several community members will even be giving these out free of charge.
    All that is needed to run this tool is a USB adapter and a flash drive with the software copied onto it. USB adapters are available on AliExpress, Amazon, and eBay for under $10. You can also have adapters made for incredibly cheap using open source adapter designs such as this one.
    Compatible flash drives are also cheap and widely available. Here are a few known-compatible flash drives:
    Amazon - 4GB Amazon - 2GB Amazon - 128MB AliExpress - 128MB Hint: the smaller and older the flash drive is, the more likely it will work on Original Xbox. Aim for USB 2.0 drives under 4GB.
     
    Xbox-Scene
    Team Resurgent  have just released Prometheos V1.5.0, a custom OS designed for various Xbox modchips. This update brings a host of new features and improvements, making it a must-have for modchip users.

    What’s New in PrometheOS V1.5.0:
    Bug Fixes:
    Fixed high score saving in Snake mini game. Resolved FTP Unicode character issues. Fixed FTP MMU listing bug. Cerbios Enhancements:
    Added Cerbios INI Config Editor for streamlined configuration. New HDD format option, including dual HDD support when enabled. Partition table automatically backed up during HDD formatting. Hardware Compatibility:
    Improved booting for clone RP2040 devices. Added support for Official Pico 2 (RP2350) through ModXo. Added XIAO RP2040 support. RGB Lighting and Video Mode Changes:
    Added RGB pixel format selection for configuring RGB LED strips and lighting effects. Special button combos: LT+RT+White - Toggle VGA setting ON/OFF and reboot. LT+RT+Black - Toggle between NTSC-M & PAL-50 and reboot. Modchip and Peripheral Support:
    Added LCD support for ModXo and all modchips over Xbox SMBus. Added SPI2PAR for Aladdin modchips. Drive Unlocking and DLC:
    Added VSC support for unlocking WD drives (2002-2016 models). Added DLC/Update Signer for improved content handling. Promtools Update (V1.5.0):
    New Launch XBE option for direct game and application loading.
     
    **Get Involved with the Community:**
    The source code for Prometheos will be updated and released on GitHub, where the team welcomes contributions from the community. Whether you're interested in improving the OS or simply testing it out, your input is invaluable.
    *Please report any test results, bugs, or feedback through the Discord channel.*
     
    **Connect with Us:**
    - **Discord:** [Join Team Resurgent & CerBios](https://discord.gg/VcdSfajQGK)
    - **Patreon:** [Support the team](https://www.patreon.com/teamresurgent)
    - **Ko-fi:** [Buy us a coffee](https://ko-fi.com/teamresurgent)
    - **GitHub:** [Contribute to the project](https://github.com/Team-Resurgent)
     

    Xbox-Scene
    We’re thrilled to announce two major releases that push the boundaries of development for the Original Xbox:
    1️⃣ RXDK: An open-source installer that brings the Xbox Development Kit (XDK 5933) into the modern age! Say goodbye to outdated Windows XP virtual machines and Visual Studio 2003. RXDK lets you build and compile Original Xbox projects on Windows 10/11 using Visual Studio 2019 and newer versions. 🚀
    📥 Check it out here: https://github.com/Team-Resurgent/RXDK
    2️⃣ SDL 2.0.10 Port for the Original Xbox: The popular SDL library has been ported to work with RXDK! This port has been tested with SDL2 samples (LazyFoo) and even DevilutionX. It also includes support for SDL2 Mixer and lays the groundwork for future features.
    📥 Grab it here: https://github.com/Team-Resurgent/RXDK-SDL2x
    ✨ Special Thanks:
    CrunchBite and Horneydvl for their amazing samples and contributions. Equinox & Team Resurgent for their work on RXDK. NRGST183 for his suggestions and pushing for alternatives. AsayuGit for porting and fixing the SDL2 Mixer addon. Lantus/MVG and Hyper_Eye for their foundational work on the SDL 1.2 port. 💡 Whether you’re an experienced developer or just curious about the Original Xbox scene, these tools open up a whole new world of possibilities. Let’s push the limits of what’s possible on this iconic console!
    👾 Happy coding, and don’t forget to share your projects with the community!
    Xbox-Scene
    The Xbox-Scene community is thrilled to present Xbox-Scene Modfest, a development event dedicated to the original Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. This online fest invites developers, artists, and enthusiasts to create and submit games, emulators, applications, or hardware mods. Submissions open December 1st, with projects due by January 31st. Community voting and a judging panel will award prizes to the top entries across two distinct categories: Software and Hardware.
    Two Prize Categories:
    1. Software: This category includes games, emulators, and applications. Prize will be awarded based on creativity, functionality, and impact on the community.
    2. Hardware: This category includes hardware mods or projects. Participants can submit completed projects by the January 31st deadline. If a project is not yet finished, participants must submit a video demonstrating proof of concept by the deadline. The hardware prize will only be awarded once the project is finalized and released under an open-source license in accordance with the contest rules. This approach allows flexibility for hardware developers while ensuring the contest remains fair and innovative.
    Projects may use official or unofficial development tools, such as NXDK, XDK, or other available options, and must be open-sourced on GitHub or similar platforms, fostering collaboration and community support.
    Rules include:
    1. No NSFW Content: Projects must not contain adult, offensive, or inappropriate material to keep the event inclusive and family-friendly.
    2. Open-Source Requirement: All submissions must be open-sourced or allow community contributions, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
    3. Previously Started Projects: Games, emulators, applications, or hardware mods that have been previously started are welcome, provided they meet all event requirements and show significant progress or improvements.
    4. Originality Requirement: Projects must be the original work of the entrant or represent a significant improvement or expansion of an existing project.
    5. Hardware Safety: Hardware modifications must include clear documentation to ensure safe and responsible use and should not encourage practices that could permanently damage consoles.
    6. Documentation: Submissions must come with adequate documentation, detailing how to build, install, or use the project so that the community can easily engage with or extend the work.
    7. Licensing: All open-source projects must use a permissive license to guarantee that others can learn from or contribute to the work.
    8. Community Engagement: Participants are encouraged to engage with the community by sharing progress updates on the Xbox-Scene forums or Discord, contributing to a collaborative and supportive event atmosphere.
    9. Xbox One and Xbox Series X Compliance: Projects for Xbox One or Xbox Series X must not interfere with or negatively impact Xbox Live, the Xbox terms of service, or any other Microsoft services.
    Prizes: Exciting prizes will be awarded to the top entries in both categories! Details will be announced soon.
    Sponsorship and Contributions: We are actively seeking sponsors and contributors to help build an exciting prize pool for Xbox-Scene Modfest 2024. If you're interested in supporting the event and contributing to the community, please reach out to one of the staff members on the Xbox-Scene Discord.
    Whether you’re passionate about software, hardware, or mods, Xbox-Scene Modfest celebrates the creativity and spirit of these consoles. To join, register your interest on our forums or connect with fellow creators in the Xbox-Scene Discord!
    HoRnEyDvL
    Team Resurgent  have just released Prometheos V1.4.0, a custom OS designed for various Xbox modchips. This update brings a host of new features and improvements, making it a must-have for modchip users.
     
    **What’s New in Prometheos V1.4.0:**
    - **Expanded Modchip Support:**
      - Added support for Aladdin 2MB variant modchips.
      - Added support for Modxo Official Pico, Modxo RP2040-Zero, and Modxo YD-RP2040.
    - **VGA Support:** VGA output is now supported, enhancing display options.
    - **Video Fixes for Xbox V1.6:** Issues related to the Xcalibur encoder have been fixed, improving composite, SCART, S-video, and component video modes.
    - **RTC Addon Module Support:** Now you can sync the time to your Xbox with the new RTC addon module.
    - **New Settings Options:**
      - Hide the splash screen via settings.
      - Set date and time directly through the settings menu.
      - Configure dual HDD support.
    - **FTP Improvements:**
      - FTP now supports a second HDD.
      - Fixed a bug that caused directories not to display in FTP.
    - **New Features:**
      - Added Invaders Mini Game.
      - Faster bank autoboot: Press eject when the Xbox is off to boot back into Prometheos.
      - Disk-related errors are now ignored, allowing for quicker booting into Prometheos.
    - **Bug Fixes:**
      - Addressed compatibility issues and slowdowns with certain Xbox revisions.
    **Get Involved with the Community:**
    The source code for Prometheos will be updated and released on GitHub, where the team welcomes contributions from the community. Whether you're interested in improving the OS or simply testing it out, your input is invaluable.
    *Please report any test results, bugs, or feedback through the Discord channel.*
     
    **Connect with Us:**
    - **Discord:** [Join Team Resurgent & CerBios](https://discord.gg/VcdSfajQGK)
    - **Patreon:** [Support the team](https://www.patreon.com/teamresurgent)
    - **Ko-fi:** [Buy us a coffee](https://ko-fi.com/teamresurgent)
    - **GitHub:** [Contribute to the project](https://github.com/Team-Resurgent)


    HoRnEyDvL
    Team Cerbios has just rolled out their latest release, V2.4.2 Beta, for the Original Xbox (versions 1.0 - 1.6). This update brings several significant improvements and requested Dual HDD feature.
    ---
    **What’s New in V2.4.2 Beta:**
    - **Splash Screen Fix:** The "Dogs Are Back" splash screen is now corrected.
     
    - **Dual HDD Support:** This update enhances dual HDD functionality, with optimized UDMA settings for better performance. The updated settings allow users to configure both master and slave drives with ease.
    - **LithiumX Update:** The latest version of LithiumX enables browsing of the second HDD.
    - **System Stability:** General improvements have been made to enhance overall system stability.
    ---
    **Important Notes on Dual HDD Support:**
    Dual HDD support is a new feature for the Original Xbox, and you might encounter some bugs. Team Cerbios encourages users to test and report any issues through their Discord channel. Custom formatting of the second HDD requires FATXplorer 3.0 beta 32 or higher this can be downloaded from https://fatxplorer.eaton-works.com/3-0-beta/.
     
    ---
    **Dashboard and Software Updates:**
    To support dual HDD functionality, open-source dashboards need updates. Software without source code may require manual patching, and sharing patches with the community is encouraged.


     
    Xbox-Scene
    For those familiar with original Xbox modding, the internal hard drive is notoriously locked using the ATA security feature, a measure implemented by Microsoft in the early 2000s to deter modders. Although this security feature was quickly bypassed, it remains a persistent challenge. Unlocking the drive requires the ATA password, which is calculated by the Xbox using an HMACSHA1 hash of the disk information and a unique key known as the HDD key. This HDD key, stored in the Xbox’s EEPROM, is essential for unlocking the drive. If the Xbox becomes non-functional, retrieving this key can be extremely difficult.
    FATXplorer 3.0 beta 31 addresses this issue with a new feature that allows users to recover the ATA password directly from the drive, without needing the original Xbox. With just one click, users can obtain the password and unlock the drive to access its contents.





    Check out FATXplorer Website for more info & downloads of the latest 3.0 Beta.
     
×
×
  • Create New...