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 ( )

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)

We’re thrilled to announce two major releases that push the boundaries of development for the Original Xbox: 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 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!

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!

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.

The Hawk project, spearheaded by developer Ryzee119, breathes new life into the Xbox gaming experience by introducing an open-source replacement for the Microsoft Xbox Live Communicator. This innovative device maintains all original functionalities but includes significant upgrades like a 3.5mm TRRS jack to support a broader range of headsets and replaces the traditional volume wheel with a more modern button-controlled interface, where volume levels are indicated by the brightness of an LED. The device is designed for easy integration into Xbox controllers and includes features such as button-activated volume control, mute, and microphone gain adjustment, all with corresponding LED signals. Users can save their settings directly on the device, with the option to reset to default settings as needed. For DIY enthusiasts, Hawk offers detailed assembly and programming instructions through resources like Kitspace and KiCanvas, and it supports programming via USB DFU or an ST-Link interface. For more information on assembly, programming, and usage, enthusiasts are encouraged to visit the Hawk project's comprehensive guide on GitHub. Explore the Hawk project on GitHub.

In another development for original Xbox gaming enthusiasts, a new port of Zelda 3 has been released for the original Xbox. Ported By Calistex, this project marks their first attempt at porting on the Xbox. The port is based on an older version of https://github.com/Rinnegatamante/zelda3 and lacks some updates from the most recent iterations found in the original repository. Despite these omissions, the core gameplay remains intact, allowing players to dive back into the beloved world of Zelda on their classic Xbox consoles. However, users should be aware of several known issues: Intermittent audio failures at the start of the game. Absence of certain features present in the latest repository updates. Screen misalignment when adjusting the ExtendedAspectRatio to 4:3 via the zelda3.ini file. The port was developed using the NXDK toolchain. Interested users can clone and contribute to the project from GitHub using the provided repository link https://github.com/Calistex/zelda3-xbox Disclaimer: Users must own the original Zelda 3 game and provide their own game assets in order to use this port.