Mr. Sporty changes the X-Box modchip World
Here is the Mr. Sporty release of the Mr. Sporty zip file containing the .NFO and also the Bios image file. This is now available in general from all over the world, but for those struggling to locate, download HERE.
The implications of this release are many, because control of modchips in the world is now not the governing factor limiting hack of the X-Box console, the limiting factor actually now becomes the availability of programming equipment capable of carrying out the process.
TO EXPLAIN:
The Bios inside an X-box is held in a readily available Flash Device. Analysis of the pin configurations brings the assumption that Microsoft have no intention to use the flashing ability of the bios within the X-box, therefore the bios will remain static throughout each consoles life. This means that if a hacked bios image is dumped into the flash programmable device, it is safe to assume that this bios will continue to work indefinitely.
There has been a version of modchip available for some time called Xtender, this, just like the Enigmah version of modchip used an available hacked bios image to produce externally implemented patches to the original X-box bios. The Enigmah was a little cleverer than the Xtender because work was done with this particular chip to make the loaded bios images smaller, and so only a single chip device was required to apply the necessary patches, the patch information being easily held within the chips memory rather than loaded from external memory holding a complete bios image.
The release of this bios file allows the following:
A) Consoles can be upgraded by workshops with the correct equipment very cheaply because no parts are required to be fitted.
B) Very cheap modchips to be made, high priced modchips are no longer an option, basically say goodbye to Xtender and Enigmah unless their prices become much lower.
How this affects Messiah-X
We warned our Messiah distribution routes a couple of weeks ago that the hacked bios would at some stage become available to Joe Public, this would effectively reduce the desire for modchip devices for the X-Box. However, there is a market if some criteria are matched:
1) Very few people can deal with 40 + pin TSOP devices, this is extremely delicate soldering work, and the equipment to program such devices, along with the necessary adaptors becomes expensive. Therefore a modchip device with minimal wiring would still be a desired factor for Joe Public as an end purchasing customer.
2) The price of X-Box modification devices are currently high, this will change dramatically as its not a viable solution now that workshops can offer to re-program TSOPS / Upgrade Consoles in workshops etc.
Therefore the Messiah team still intend to release the Messiah-X, a much cheaper modchip device solution than the current Enigmah and Xtender versions, but still providing all the features of those modifications with only 12 wires to solder.
The pricing of this modchip will be very economical, this is justified now due to the current X-Box upgrade environment that has suddenly expanded dramatically due to Mr. Sporty's release.
Here are some specifications of Messiah-X which will be released in the next week:
Features:
A) Only 12 Easy To Solder Wires
B) All Backups of XBOX games will boot
C) All Import Original XBOX games will boot
D) Boots games from ALL release groups - not just some of them
E) No-Patch Hack - boots all games without any patches
F) Compatible with CDR/CDRWDVDR/DVDRW (However DVD should be used for best results)
G) Universal design that works on all models from all regions (USA/JAP/PAL)
H) Automatic detection and switching of Kernels for no-hassle support of all bios versions and regions
I) All wiring points are VERY easy - no IC's to solder to - all pre-soldered pads.
J) Modified XBE's and custom code can boot, including Enigmah releases (even if protected for Enigmah chip only)
K) Macrovision Disabled (Copy your DVD films to VCR - including region 1 to PAL VCR)
L) DVD Reset Enabled (Use multiple DVD Playback Kits for Multiregion Enhancement
