PS3Hax Network forum members are claiming that it is only a matter of time before a free alternative to the PSJailbreak USB device is released to allow users to hack their Playstation 3 console.
Sony still hasn't released an official statement yet, but it is likely investigating all of the reports of successful PS3 hacks.
A cheaper clone of the PS3 jailbreak device named the "X3" has already surfaced -- and is expected to be released soon -- while free alternatives are now being promised.
The user Mathieulh posted the following tweet recently, "The exact chip for the psjailbreak dongle has been identified, looks like dumping it will be easy."
The PSJailbreak has garnered attention from PS3 gamers because Sony has done such a good job of preventing hacks and similar cracks in the past.
Members of the PS3Hax forum remind users that the 3.41 version of Sony's firmware could automatically update the console without asking for consent first.
PS Jailbreak users should understand that they could face a PlayStation Netowork ban, as the Backup Manager ID used by the hack can be detected by Sony. It's possible a zero-policy rule will be put in effect, blacklisting consoles that used the hack. It is recommended that PS3 owners using the PS Jailbreak hack should avoid using PSN for now.
As we mentioned earlier, it would be very surprising if Sony doesn't release a firmware update that blocks the PS Jailbreak functionality. I think that people spending more than $100 for a dongle that might be useless after the next firmware update is a mistake that some might regret.
Do you think a free alternative will be released? In either case, it's likely Sony will begin the process to patch the vulnerability and ban everyone using a jailbroken PS3. For most users, risking a PSN ban likely isn’t worth it -- but for some, the lure of playing from stored content on an external HDD with the PS3 will be too much to resist.
The exact chip for the psjailbreak dongle has been identified, looks like dumping it will be easy.
