Week of May 12, 2002
Picture of installed Xtender
>> {{909}} made a picture of his installed Xtender modchip.
Japanese HW sales (last week)
>> 1/ Playstation2 :: 53.3%
2/ GameBoy Advanced :: 30.8%
3/ GameCube :: 7.3%
4/ Xbox :: 3.7%
5/ PsOne :: 2.3%
6/ GameBoy :: 1.4%
7/ WonderSwan Color :: 1.2%
What's positive ?
Well the Xbox finally sells more then the PsOne in Japan ...
Bowlers today
>> Like expected you could only buy Xtender beta/prototype versions (without macrovision & old code that doesn't run some of the PX releases).
Enigmah was showed aswell (it did successfully run all PX releases) , but you couldn't buy chips yet.
Next week both Enigmah & the final version of Xtender should be available for sale.
Tomorrow : Low priced Xtender prototypes
>> Our friends at technodevices.com received information from the Xtendercrew that Xtender PAL prototype/sample modchips will be sold for £35 (€55.50/$51.00) at Barras(Glasgow/UK) and Bowlers(Manchester/UK).
The price is low 'cause these are PAL-only prototype/sample modchips and these do not include Macro Vision Disable.
Next week the final Xtender will be available at the normal price.
Enigmah diagrams!
>> Enigmah just released the diagrams for their modchip.
You can find them back on our ModChip page
29 solderings but all easy (compared to a NEO4 or messiah installation on ps2).
New Enigmah site
>> Enigmah launched a brand new site.
They posted also more info about the macrovision question :
"Macrovision Disabled (May not be included on the first release - to be confirmed)"
and confirmed that DVD reset will be included :
"DVD Reset Enabled (Use multiple DVD Playback Kits for Multiregion Enhancement)"
Nothing else new atm , except the design ;)
Xtender Update
>> From TechnoDevices ::
"We have been contacted by Xtender group to say that for the past 3 days their coder has been working his little ass off to satisfy those out there wanting Macrovision Disable included and also to make a work around for the problems reported with some games releases. It is now confirmed that Xtender will have Macrovision Disable included, and has also been tested with ALL Project X and Riot releases and boots flawlessly on those that needed patched before. The wire count remains the same 29 wires."
Great news from the xtendercrew :)
Pandorachip & macrovision
>> Pandorachip has been upgraded an will have "Demacrovison Off" on the final version of the modchip. (I *guess* they mean "Macrovision off" ... they wrote "Demarcovision off" on their site thought).
*UPDATE* :: it's confirmed via mail , they mean "macrovision off" like we thought ;)
Pandorachip
Enigmah update : alot of changes.
>> Well enigmah just updated their website.
I can confirm now that rumor was true : the enigmah will also use only 1 chip.
But also the specs changed :
29 Wires
All Backups / Import Originals
Boots games from ALL release groups - not just some of them
All online gaming possibilities tested with no spy issues
CDR/CDRWDVDR/DVDRW (However DVD media should be used for best results)
Can use any cheap unbranded general purpose DVDR media
Works on all models from all regions (including the different kernel versions)
All wiring points are VERY easy - no IC's to solder to - all presoldered pads.
Modified XBE's and custom code can boot (This is a HUGE feature - as you'll all see soon)
So it seems like the enigmah lowered from 30 wires to 29 , but DVD reset and removed macrovison seems to be gone (?!) (unconfirmed , but it's NOT on their spec list anyway).
*UPDATE*:: DVD reset will probably be integrated in the 29wires of the final design.
The chips should really be finished now and like expected it will be released a bit later (25 May) then expected (20 May).
"We have now finished the final design of the mod. It has been optimized down to a high performance CPLD. We do not use any copyrighted code in this mod. We do not replace the Flash ROM. We do not disable any onboard ROM. The Enigmah will include a feature to disable the entire mod with the push of a button so it leaves your machine in its original state. The technical performance of this mod is sensational and you will NOT be dissapointed."
We also received a nice preview/prototype picture of the enigmah :
Don't you think this (specs , 1 chip , release date) really looks like a Pandorachip ?
2be continued...
New unreleased Xtender picture
>> We just received a new picture from 
Lik-Sang
It's the Xtender prototype they are testing at the moment.
Free MultiregionDVD ...
>> TechnoDevices gives away the hexcode to make a 5wire modchip (12C508) that will allow to reset your xbox region (for DVDmovies).
Just like for the Enigmah you will still NEED ALL the remotes of the different regions you want to play. The modchip will just allow you to reset the dvd region of your xbox.
The diagrams & hexcode are posted now at TechnoDevices , go get it ;)
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(Wednesday 15 May 2002 23:15 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
New Xbox Modchip
>> This one is called "Pandora" :
Here are the specs :
29 Easy Soldering
Fixed universal coding - Plays on PAL- USA/NTSC JAP/NTSC
Plays all Xbox games- Imports, Originals and Imports
Testing & Working on All Releases
Works with all CDR/CD-RW, DVDR and DVD-RW Media (even unbranded)
Will boot modified XBE files and unsigned code
Easy soldering points (pre soldered pads)
TBA : 25th May 2002.
What will be the difference with Xtender&Enigmah ?
Pandorachip will have just 1 chip , the 2 other mods have 2 chips. (on 1 'board' ofcourse).
Althought there are rumors enigmah will also change its pcb design to put all the hexcode on just 1 chip. (more news about this once it's confirmed).
Pandora claim the mod boots ALL PX & RIOT releases. (even the "wrong" PX releases).
You can visit their official website here
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(Wednesday 15 May 2002 22:05 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
(OFF TOPIC) Another GC video + New Poll
>> We have another GameCube video booting a normal (full size) DVD this time. (they opened the GC in order to be able to insert the disc).
You can check it out here (mirror)
Nothin' confirmed so far so it stays a rumor.
I've also put a new Poll online. "What Modchip will you buy ?"
Go vote! (bottom left navbar on index page).
Here are the results of the previous Poll :
"How much would you max. pay for an Xbox Modchip ?"
Option 1: 20USD (€21.91) votes: 740 (37.26%)
Option 2: 50USD (€54.78) votes: 877 (44.16%)
Option 3: 100USD (€109.57) votes: 213 (10.73%)
Option 4: 150USD (€164.36) votes: 17 (0.86%)
Option 5: More then 150USD (€164.36) votes: 32 (1.61%)
Option 6: I don't want a modchip at all votes: 107 (5.39%)
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(Wednesday 15 May 2002 16:06 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
More about the Xtender problems
>> As you probably already know, RIOT re-released several(8) ProjectX(PX) games 'cause those PX games didn't work on an xbox modded with the Xtender.
The Enigmah will work with 4 of those PX releases , the 4 other will need a small patch to work correctly with Enigmah. Enigmah should also work correctly with the re-released RIOT versions.
What modchip you should get ? I think it's very hard to say at this moment. Xtender or Enigmah , wait or buy now ... it's all up to you and we'll see who made the right decision in some months ;)
On the other side it seems like Enigmah is still working on their modchip , so I have a feeling they won't be ready for May 20 ...
*UPDATE1* :: Note that these problems have NOT been onfirmed by the Xtender-crew. Anyway the RIOT re-releases work fine on both modchips so even if there is a problem , it's probably due PX.
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(Wednesday 15 May 2002 15:31 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
More about RIOT's rereleases
>> Update from XboxMods / Neotech :
"The as yet unnamed one chip mod I was telling you about is now down to 29 wires. Plus the biggest news is the new protection found in at least 10 games so far. None of these Project-X release games worked with any of the mods - so we were given new versions to test out with the protection cracked. They worked perfectly fine as normal on the Enigmah, and the 1 chip mod - BUT they wouldn't boot on Xtender. I've called the Xtender guys and they are looking in to it right now - hopefully they can sort it out. They have tested some of these games that are re-cracked by RIOT and they boot OK - but not the Project X releases - very strange ? (ours boot the new cracked PX AND Riot releases)"
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(Wednesday 15 May 2002 13:45 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
It's Official MS drops prices (USA) + anti-modchip xbox ?
>> From TheRegister with some other very interesting information (bottom in bold) :
"Microsoft cut the price of Xbox in North America to $199 this morning, confirming the suspicions of industry observers and analysts. The price cut puts the console at a rough £137 / €219.
Further to the hardware price drop, several of the console's software titles have been moved to a lower price bracket of $29.99, and memory cards will now run to $29.99 each.
With Controller S now on the US market, the Xbox is a very attractive proposition.
American gamers have never had it so good, and with the consoles now on a level playing field, the future for all three is very bright. Microsoft typically does not release sales figures by territory, as it told us after the Japanese and European launches, but in the case of the US where the console is now outstripping sales of the Cube, we expect that it will make an exception.
Microsoft has so far addressed two of the console’s major criticisms; controller size and price, and we understand that the company may be designing a smaller revision of the console (rather like a PlayStation-to-PSone transition), to address the third, size.
Obviously the software is not in doubt, and at $199 a lot of the console's games may start to sell it to an even greater extent.
Rumours yesterday indicated that Microsoft was replacing a few components in the console, and that another manufacturer had won the contract to supply DVD drives. This is thought to be a cost-cutting measure, but it is also expected to help the company curb piracy by changing the way vaunted mod chips will need to work.
All in all, the only thing standing between Xbox and real success now is the public's perception of the console and the company which makes it."
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(Wednesday 15 May 2002 13:25 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
RIOT rereleases some ProjectX games
>> RIOT released *WORKING* versions of several ProjectX releases today.
Here's the reason (from the .nfo) :
"Well looks like Project-X either haven't ripped correctly or haven't tested the games on a modded XBox.
There are now working on retail xbox with mod chip fitted.
Dont Panic: Most games do work fine only seems like Project-x slipped up on a few titles.. so Greetz to Project-X , keep up the good work !"
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(Wednesday 15 May 2002 04:31 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
(OFF TOPIC) GameCube protection defeated ?
>> Our friends over at ps2ownz posted information that the Nintendo Gamecube protection might have been defeated.
This video shows how a GC is booting a Mini DVD-R. At this moment we have no confirmation at all and this movie could be fake.
PS2 pricedrop is official
>> "SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA PREPARES FOR FURTHER MARKET EXPANSION WITH AGGRESSIVE NEW PRICING STRUCUTRE
Consumer Demand Expected to Escalate as PlayStation 2 to Retail for $199; PS one Priced at $49
FOSTER CITY, Calif., May 13, 2002 - Pursuing its long-term vision of making computer entertainment accessible to mass-market audiences, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced that effective immediately, its leading PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system will be available to consumers for $199, a more than 30 percent reduction from its current suggested retail price (SRP). As the company recently achieved cumulative worldwide shipments of 30 million units and with a greatly enhanced value proposition, it is well positioned to drive consumer interest in PlayStation 2 to unforeseen levels.
In addition to the new PlayStation 2 price, the company also announced a new price for the PS one console of $49 SRP, a reduction of 50 percent. The combined sales of PlayStation and PS one now total more than 30 million units in North America alone, with a PlayStation or PS one console in one out of every three U.S. households. Following is the new pricing breakdown by platform:
PLAYSTATION 2
PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system $199 SRP
Memory Card (8MB) (for PlayStation 2) $ 24 SRP
DUALSHOCK 2 Analog Controller $ 24 SRP
PLAYSTATION
PS one console $ 49 SRP
PS one Combo (console/LCD screen) $149 SRP
DUALSHOCK Analog Controller $ 19 SRP"
With this action of Sony we can be pretty sure Microsoft will announce an xbox pricecut next monday.
PS2 & Xbox pricecut (USA)
>> SlashDot reports :
"Looks like the price war in the console gaming world is starting a bit early. With Microsoft expected to announce a drop in the price of the Xbox to $199 next Monday at E3, Sony's rumored to be cutting PlayStation 2 prices as early as tomorrow. Meanwhile, Nintendo says it won't be making ANY price cuts before or during the show -- though it's not ruling one out for later in the year."
Xbox Linux Project update
>> "The Xbox Linux Project aims to privide a version of GNU/Linux for the Xbox, so that it can be used as an ordinary computer. Linux should make use of all Xbox hardware and allow to install and run software from standard i386 Linux distributions.
An Xbox running Linux may be very useful as a desktop computer, as a (web) server or as a node in a Linux cluster."
They are looking for people who can help them , so if you already have some experience in xbox programming (FATX , Xbox security , nforce drivers , ...) go join the team ;)
Xbox-Linux
Xtender = 29wires instead of 31!
>> TechnoDevices received information from the Xtender-crew that pin 1 & 2 of the Xtender mod aren't used at this moment (they are included for possible future updates).
You can wire them if you want , but it makes no difference to the performance or operation of the mod.
DVD multiregion
>> We know it for sure now : if you want to play different region DVDmovies , you will need a DVD Playback Kits for ALL (!!) region you want to play.
The modchip will just reset the region of your xbox and each time you want to change region you will have to insert the right DVD Playback Dongle.
This is ONLY for movies , different region games will direct boot without any problem.
New modchip !
>> from xboxmods.co.uk :
"I Was shown yet another mod today - its all on just one chip, runs at 180Mhz and is amazingly rock solid. Played a dozen games on the machine and it performed like a complete flash bios was fitted. I hope to get some samples on Wednesday and i'll post pictures and reviews. I've now seen three mods, Enigmah, Xtender and this unamed prototype. They all work great with the same basic features. Like I said before its going to be down to the price and availability - none of the three outperform each other in any way.
For the record when playing online, games dont send any data to MS - makes no difference whether a mod is fitted or not."
X-Tender Modchip Features
>> Here the the X-Tender's features...
- Plays every Xbox Game out, Originals, Import Originals and ALL Backups.
- Works on ALL models from ALL Regions.
- Flash upgradeable, for future improvements.
- Does not submit information to Microsoft when the Xbox is online, online gaming has been verified with copies.
- Works with CDR* media, any CD-RW media, any DVD-R media, any DVD-RW media.
- Will work fine if MS Updates the Kernel In future Xbox's (No need for Different version of the Xtender).
- Very Easy to Solder, Only basic Soldering skills required.
- Big solder points on both modchip PCB and X-box solder points.
- Runs unsigned code, as well as patched or modified files; this opens the door for homebrew/amateur development!
Sounds good :)
Lik-Sang taking pre-orders NOW!!
>> Be the first to get a modchip and pre-order your Xtender or Enigmah modchip NOW.
Lik-sang is a trusted HK webshop , online for many years. They ship worldwide (also USA).
Enigmah : 69.00USD / 76.33EUR /47.39GBP
Xtender : 79.00USD / 87.39EUR / 54.26GBP
Both chips are expected for May 20.
Click here enter Lik Sang
Sony Plans XBox Emulation?
>> XenGamers reports :
"According to a printed report out of Tokyo this morning, Sony is said to be evaluating the possibility of adopting Connectix's PlayStation emulation software 'Virtual Game Station' to Microsoft's XBox. Thereby, making the PlayStation software library available on Microsoft's forthcoming console. This comes on the heels of Sony's announcement yesterday to end their long standing legal dispute with Connectix, and work together on 'advanced emulation programs.' Sony representatives have yet to respond to the report, we'll keep you posted."
Japanese Hardware Sales
>> Last week's hardware sales in Japan :
1/PlayStation 2: 79,328
2/Game Boy Advance: 51,806
3/GameCube: 12,920
4/PlayStation: 6,043
5/Xbox: 5,032
6/Game Boy Color: 2,568
7/Wonder Swan Color: 2,380
Xbox sales increased last week , but it's still extremely low compared to the GC & PS2.
3th group enters the xbox scene
>> Say Hello to SYNDICATE who just released Dead or Alive 3 *Rip* .
Check out the releaselist for the nfo
