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PS3Key Review
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Introduction:
Today I will be reviewing the PS3Key which is from the same makers of the WiiKey. http://www.ps3key.com/en/
Features:
I would like to thank "zhuzhuchina" and "Team Pegaxy" for sending me these samples to review.
Now onto the review.
=================================================
Unpacking:
The PS3Key came in a very simple anti-static bag as pictured below:
The back of the anti-static bag contains a sticker which has the serial number and 16 character string validation,
These can be typed in on the PS3Key website to validate you PS3Key and add it to your account for download access among other support (I blacked my own for obvious reasons):
Upon opening the anti-static bag and removing the PS3Key, its in a metal casing and is fairly small compared to other jailbreak devices on the market:
The device is using a "Atmel" controller chip which is easily upgradeable via a PC USB slot:
And for those wondering about that blue cap, it serves two pruposes:
1) keeps dust out of the opened back
2) the light when the chip is running is spread out and dulled instead of very bright without it
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Updating the PS3Key:
The PS3Key has the ability to be updated via a USB slot to improve functionality of the unit and add new features.
The update system works very easily, you need to register your PS3Key on their website before you can download the update first.
Once you download the update file you will get 3 files:
Before you start the program you need to start the PS3Key is update mode,
to do this you simply insert and remove the PS3Key from a PC USB slot 4 times,
the LED will turn from red to blue and the computer will see it as a bootloader instead of generic USB hub.
You can now start the program, its very easy to use:
You hit file then select the PS3Key update file, then hit update.
It should finish in about 30 seconds and you are done.
You can close the program and remove the PS3Key and take advantage of the new features.
[youtube]Ob5AzBfVHtE[/youtube]
=================================================
<-See the post below for Pt.2 of the review->
=================================================
Testing:
Upon inserting the dongle into my PS3 fat 160GB with firmware 3.15 and doing the method to activate it
which is to hit the power button and quickly hit the eject,
I was greeted with a blank screen and the dongle's LED turned red
It does not seem to work with 3.15, only 3.41.
I updated to 3.41 using the file found here http://www.ps3-hacks.com/file/87 via a flash drive.
Once that was all done I attempted to test PS3Key again, this time it was a success,
the LED turned blue meaning the jig has been activated:
On the PS3 menu I was greeted with an option to install pkg files under the GAME section of the XMB:
I found out that the backup manager does not come with the device, a quick internet search and I found the "backup_manger.pkg" file
All you have to do is place it on a flash drive and the PS3 will see this and install it upon your permission.
The Backup Manager will always remain on your PS3 and will only show up when the PS3Key device is activated.
The BM has a very simple GUI, whenever you insert a game you will be given an option to "Load" or "Backup":
For this initial test I will use "Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction"
I hit backup and agreed that this will only be used to backup your own games and not for piracy "ect...":
It then began copying the data to the internal HDD:
It roughly took about 50 minutes to copy the game, it also seemed to take about 22GB for the whole game.
Once you have a game copied to the internal HDD (or external) it will show up in the BM and you will be given the option to "Load" or "Delete"
I inserted uncharted drakes fortune as you can see
I hit Load and was sent back to the XMB menu, however instead of uncharted showing up on the GAME section
Ratchet and Clank showed up no matter what PS3 game was inserted.
The Backup Manager is very similar to an ISO mounting software on the PC, it simply mounts the game ISO in the XMB and allows the PS3 to load it.
A real PS3 game disc must be present in the drive to run any game in the backup manager.
Ive made a video to show the process:
[youtube]KRx1IXDQCgw[/youtube]
=================================================
Game Testing Results:
(All games tested using the PS3 stock 160GB internal HDD)
Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
-Played fine, no noticeable problems
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
-Played fine (possible problem mentioned online for Act 4 on the MGS1 part, it will not load)
Resistance: Fall of Man
-Played fine, no noticeable problems
Resistance 2
-Played fine, no noticeable problems
God of War Collection
-Played fine, no noticeable problems
God of War III
-Played fine, no noticeable problems
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
-Played fine, no noticeable problems
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
-Played fine, no noticeable problems
Little Big Planet
-Played fine, no noticeable problems
Killzone 2
-Played fine, no noticeable problems
Assassin's Creed II
-Played fine, no noticeable problems
Heavy Rain
-Played fine, no noticeable problems
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
-Not working, crashes when selected in the XMB
3D Dot Game Hero's
-Played fine, no noticeable problems
(All games below are tested using a kingston 4GB USB flash drive)
3D Dot Game Hero's
-Played fine, no noticeable problems
=================================================
Firmware 3.42+:
As most of you know, Sony released firmware 3.42 fairly quickly to put an end to all jailbreak devices and possible game piracy.
I had a chance to test PS3Key on a PS3 Slim with 3.42 installed, it did not work as I expected no matter what.
Maybe soon an update will released to bypass the block but for now its blocked so if you plan on getting a jailbreak type device,
DO NOT UPDATE TO 3.42+!
=================================================
PS3Key Clones:
An issue with many popular products is that other companies try to cash in on their success by releases clones which looks similar,
but may not act the same and will pretty much have no support from the company.
I have a clone PS3Key and will show the differences so you can make sure you get a legit product.
First and foremost most obvious difference is the end cap,
the cap on the real PS3Key is much larger and is has a dark blue/purple color, while the clone has a very small cap and is baby blue in color:
The next obvious sign that the PS3Key is real or fake is if it has the serial number sticker and validation string on the anti-static package, a clone will not come with this:
This serial number and string can be typed into the PS3Key website to verify that your PS3Key is real and not a fake:
Its very obvious to tell the two apart now with help from the PS3Key validation system, the PS3Key team did a good job in adding that to combat clones.
I have included other pictures of the clone to compare too:
Opening and comparing the two, they looks very similar:
A few key differences:
Board on the real PS3Key is longer
Excess amount of electrical tape on the clone
Different numbers of the tiny black chips surrounding the atmel chip compared to the original
Poor solder job and more flimsy compared to the original PS3Key
Another type of clone is using a swivel USB casing and comes in a metal case and with key ring and has the PS3Key logo on it,
and the other one is just like the pictures above except it has the PS3Key logo on it:
Do not be fooled by these, they are clones and are not supported by the PS3Key team.
Make sure you buy from a validated PS3Key distributor from the PS3Key website and you should have no problems.
http://www.ps3key.com/en/buy/
=================================================
Conclusion:
Overall I am very satisfied with the PS3Key, it did everything it said it would and I did not encounter any problems using it.
The price is very good at $30 USD compared to other jailbreak devices on the market which are as high as $50 USD, and the team behind it is reliable.
Pros:
+Good price
+Upgradeable via USB
+Small size
+Allows game backups
+Allows homebrew
+Supports external USB HDD
+Does not void warranty
+Works on both fat and slim PS3's from any region
+Can run open source firmware such as PSGroove/PSFreedom
Cons:
-Only works on the 3.41 firmware currently
=================================================
Once Again I would like to thank "zhuzhuchina" and "Team Pegaxy" for sending me these samples to review.
If you would like to purchase PS3Key then please buy from one of the certified retailers to make sure you do not get a fake:
http://www.ps3key.com/en/buy/
=================================================
PS3Key Review
=================================================
Introduction:
Today I will be reviewing the PS3Key which is from the same makers of the WiiKey. http://www.ps3key.com/en/
Features:
I would like to thank "zhuzhuchina" and "Team Pegaxy" for sending me these samples to review.
Now onto the review.
=================================================
Unpacking:
The PS3Key came in a very simple anti-static bag as pictured below:
The back of the anti-static bag contains a sticker which has the serial number and 16 character string validation,
These can be typed in on the PS3Key website to validate you PS3Key and add it to your account for download access among other support (I blacked my own for obvious reasons):
Upon opening the anti-static bag and removing the PS3Key, its in a metal casing and is fairly small compared to other jailbreak devices on the market:
The device is using a "Atmel" controller chip which is easily upgradeable via a PC USB slot:
And for those wondering about that blue cap, it serves two pruposes:
1) keeps dust out of the opened back
2) the light when the chip is running is spread out and dulled instead of very bright without it
=================================================
Updating the PS3Key:
The PS3Key has the ability to be updated via a USB slot to improve functionality of the unit and add new features.
The update system works very easily, you need to register your PS3Key on their website before you can download the update first.
Once you download the update file you will get 3 files:
Before you start the program you need to start the PS3Key is update mode,
to do this you simply insert and remove the PS3Key from a PC USB slot 4 times,
the LED will turn from red to blue and the computer will see it as a bootloader instead of generic USB hub.
You can now start the program, its very easy to use:
You hit file then select the PS3Key update file, then hit update.
It should finish in about 30 seconds and you are done.
You can close the program and remove the PS3Key and take advantage of the new features.
[youtube]Ob5AzBfVHtE[/youtube]
=================================================
<-See the post below for Pt.2 of the review->
=================================================
Testing:
Upon inserting the dongle into my PS3 fat 160GB with firmware 3.15 and doing the method to activate it
which is to hit the power button and quickly hit the eject,
I was greeted with a blank screen and the dongle's LED turned red
It does not seem to work with 3.15, only 3.41.
I updated to 3.41 using the file found here http://www.ps3-hacks.com/file/87 via a flash drive.
Once that was all done I attempted to test PS3Key again, this time it was a success,
the LED turned blue meaning the jig has been activated:
On the PS3 menu I was greeted with an option to install pkg files under the GAME section of the XMB:
I found out that the backup manager does not come with the device, a quick internet search and I found the "backup_manger.pkg" file
All you have to do is place it on a flash drive and the PS3 will see this and install it upon your permission.
The Backup Manager will always remain on your PS3 and will only show up when the PS3Key device is activated.
The BM has a very simple GUI, whenever you insert a game you will be given an option to "Load" or "Backup":
For this initial test I will use "Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction"
I hit backup and agreed that this will only be used to backup your own games and not for piracy "ect...":
It then began copying the data to the internal HDD:
It roughly took about 50 minutes to copy the game, it also seemed to take about 22GB for the whole game.
Once you have a game copied to the internal HDD (or external) it will show up in the BM and you will be given the option to "Load" or "Delete"
I inserted uncharted drakes fortune as you can see
I hit Load and was sent back to the XMB menu, however instead of uncharted showing up on the GAME section
Ratchet and Clank showed up no matter what PS3 game was inserted.
The Backup Manager is very similar to an ISO mounting software on the PC, it simply mounts the game ISO in the XMB and allows the PS3 to load it.
A real PS3 game disc must be present in the drive to run any game in the backup manager.
Ive made a video to show the process:
[youtube]KRx1IXDQCgw[/youtube]
=================================================
Game Testing Results:
(All games tested using the PS3 stock 160GB internal HDD)
Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction
-Played fine, no noticeable problems
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
-Played fine (possible problem mentioned online for Act 4 on the MGS1 part, it will not load)
Resistance: Fall of Man
-Played fine, no noticeable problems
Resistance 2
-Played fine, no noticeable problems
God of War Collection
-Played fine, no noticeable problems
God of War III
-Played fine, no noticeable problems
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune
-Played fine, no noticeable problems
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
-Played fine, no noticeable problems
Little Big Planet
-Played fine, no noticeable problems
Killzone 2
-Played fine, no noticeable problems
Assassin's Creed II
-Played fine, no noticeable problems
Heavy Rain
-Played fine, no noticeable problems
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
-Not working, crashes when selected in the XMB
3D Dot Game Hero's
-Played fine, no noticeable problems
(All games below are tested using a kingston 4GB USB flash drive)
3D Dot Game Hero's
-Played fine, no noticeable problems
=================================================
Firmware 3.42+:
As most of you know, Sony released firmware 3.42 fairly quickly to put an end to all jailbreak devices and possible game piracy.
I had a chance to test PS3Key on a PS3 Slim with 3.42 installed, it did not work as I expected no matter what.
Maybe soon an update will released to bypass the block but for now its blocked so if you plan on getting a jailbreak type device,
DO NOT UPDATE TO 3.42+!
=================================================
PS3Key Clones:
An issue with many popular products is that other companies try to cash in on their success by releases clones which looks similar,
but may not act the same and will pretty much have no support from the company.
I have a clone PS3Key and will show the differences so you can make sure you get a legit product.
First and foremost most obvious difference is the end cap,
the cap on the real PS3Key is much larger and is has a dark blue/purple color, while the clone has a very small cap and is baby blue in color:
The next obvious sign that the PS3Key is real or fake is if it has the serial number sticker and validation string on the anti-static package, a clone will not come with this:
This serial number and string can be typed into the PS3Key website to verify that your PS3Key is real and not a fake:
Its very obvious to tell the two apart now with help from the PS3Key validation system, the PS3Key team did a good job in adding that to combat clones.
I have included other pictures of the clone to compare too:
Opening and comparing the two, they looks very similar:
A few key differences:
Board on the real PS3Key is longer
Excess amount of electrical tape on the clone
Different numbers of the tiny black chips surrounding the atmel chip compared to the original
Poor solder job and more flimsy compared to the original PS3Key
Another type of clone is using a swivel USB casing and comes in a metal case and with key ring and has the PS3Key logo on it,
and the other one is just like the pictures above except it has the PS3Key logo on it:
Do not be fooled by these, they are clones and are not supported by the PS3Key team.
Make sure you buy from a validated PS3Key distributor from the PS3Key website and you should have no problems.
http://www.ps3key.com/en/buy/
=================================================
Conclusion:
Overall I am very satisfied with the PS3Key, it did everything it said it would and I did not encounter any problems using it.
The price is very good at $30 USD compared to other jailbreak devices on the market which are as high as $50 USD, and the team behind it is reliable.
Pros:
+Good price
+Upgradeable via USB
+Small size
+Allows game backups
+Allows homebrew
+Supports external USB HDD
+Does not void warranty
+Works on both fat and slim PS3's from any region
+Can run open source firmware such as PSGroove/PSFreedom
Cons:
-Only works on the 3.41 firmware currently
=================================================
Once Again I would like to thank "zhuzhuchina" and "Team Pegaxy" for sending me these samples to review.
If you would like to purchase PS3Key then please buy from one of the certified retailers to make sure you do not get a fake:
http://www.ps3key.com/en/buy/
=================================================
