Xbox 360 Consoles Hacked with USB Key for Homebrew Gaming

A new software-only exploit known as BadUpdate allows you to use a USB key to hack past Microsoft’s Hypervisor protections and run unsigned code and games.

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Xbox 360 modders have recently uncovered an innovative method to run homebrew applications and games on the console. This groundbreaking software-only exploit, known as BadUpdate, enables users to bypass Microsoft’s Hypervisor protections using just a USB key to execute unsigned code and games.

Modern Vintage Gamer has tested the BadUpdate exploit, revealing that you don’t need to open your Xbox 360 console to implement it. Unlike previous methods such as RGH or JTAG, this BadUpdate technique only requires a USB key. With some time and patience, users can access the Xbox 360 homebrew store, which features a variety of games, apps, emulators, utilities, and even custom dashboards.

GitHub)” alt=”Update in Progress” data-has-syndication-rights=”1″ title=”” src=”https://example.com/update-in-progress.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,3.4613147178592,100,93.077370564282″ data-caption=”The Xbox 360 software-only exploit. | Image: grimdoomer (GitHub)”>

However, there are some limitations to be aware of. To fully leverage BadUpdate, you must manually patch each executable you wish to run on your Xbox 360. Additionally, Modern Vintage Gamer notes that the exploit may not always be reliable and can require considerable effort to execute. Since this exploit takes advantage of Microsoft’s custom Hypervisor on the Xbox 360, it must be reapplied every time you power on the console.

To get started, you’ll need a USB key, the exploit code, and a trial version of Rock Band Blitz to facilitate the bypass. Modern Vintage Gamer provides a detailed walkthrough of the process in his YouTube video, and you can find a brief guide on the GitHub repository that hosts this software-only exploit.

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