The Flex SX Switch OLED Revised V1 Cable is a specific component used in modding a
Nintendo Switch OLED, particularly when installing hardware mods like the Picofly
or HWFLY modchips. It serves as a flexible PCB (printed circuit board) that
connects the modchip (such as an RP2040-based Picofly) to critical points on the
Switch’s motherboard, enabling the glitching process to bypass security and boot
custom firmware.
What It Plugs Into
The Flex SX Switch OLED Revised V1 Cable doesn’t "plug into" something in the
traditional sense like a connector or port. Instead, it’s soldered to specific
points on the Nintendo Switch OLED’s motherboard and the modchip. Here’s where it
connects:
Switch OLED Motherboard:
CPU (APU): The flex cable typically solders to pads near the Switch’s Tegra X1
processor (the APU). For the OLED model, this involves points like SP1 and SP2
(specific solder pads on the CPU), which are used to send glitching signals. These
pads are tiny and located under the CPU’s shielding or near capacitors, requiring
precise micro-soldering.
Ground (GND): One or more points on the flex cable connect to a ground point on the
motherboard to complete the circuit.
Other Lines (e.g., CLK, CMD, RST): Depending on the modchip setup, the flex might
also interface with the eMMC (memory) lines indirectly via additional components,
though the DAT0 line usually requires a separate adapter (see below).
Modchip (e.g., RP2040 or HWFLY):
The other end of the flex cable solders to the modchip’s GPIO pins or designated
pads. For an RP2040-based Picofly, this might include connections to pins like
GPIO4, GPIO5, or others as defined by the firmware pinout (varies by firmware
version, e.g., Rehius’s Picofly firmware).
The flex simplifies wiring by pre-aligning these connections, reducing the need for
individual wires between the modchip and CPU.
DAT0 Adapter (Indirectly):
While the Flex SX V1 cable itself doesn’t directly connect to the eMMC’s DAT0 line,
it’s often paired with a separate DAT0 adapter for OLED models. The adapter solders
to the eMMC chip’s DAT0 pad, and a wire or additional flex might link it to the
modchip or main flex cable, depending on the setup.
How It’s Installed
Soldering to the CPU: The flex cable’s pads are aligned with the CPU’s solder
points (e.g., SP1/SP2), pre-tinned with solder, and heated with a fine-tip
soldering iron (around 350°C) using flux for a clean bond. The flex is bent or
shaped to fit under shielding or around components.
Soldering to the Modchip: The opposite end is soldered to the RP2040 or HWFLY
chip’s pads, matching the pinout required for the mod (e.g., 3.3V, GND, and signal
lines).
Positioning: The flex is secured with Kapton tape or solder mask to prevent
movement and shorts inside the Switch’s tight casing.
Purpose
The Flex SX Switch OLED Revised V1 Cable replaces manual wiring for some
connections, making the modding process cleaner and less error-prone. It’s designed
specifically for the OLED’s motherboard layout, which differs from V1 or V2
Switches due to changes in the CPU and eMMC placement. The “Revised V1” label
suggests it’s an updated design, possibly fixing alignment or compatibility issues
from earlier versions.
Context for Your Setup
Since you’re using an RP2040 for a Picofly mod, this flex cable would connect your
RP2040 board to the OLED’s CPU pads, with additional wiring or a DAT0 adapter
handling the eMMC connection. Check the pinout of your specific RP2040 board and
the Picofly firmware documentation (e.g., from GBATemp) to match the flex cable’s
connections correctly.
In short, it solders to the Switch OLED’s CPU pads on one side and your RP2040
modchip on the other, acting as a bridge to facilitate the mod. You’ll need to
follow a detailed guide (like those on GBATemp or YouTube) to identify the exact
solder points, as they’re model-specific and unforgiving if misaligned.
whats are the cureent ps3 exploits
2 posts
15 web pages
As of February 24, 2025, the PlayStation 3 (PS3) homebrew and hacking scene remains
active, with exploits enabling custom firmware (CFW), homebrew apps, and game
backups on various models. Here’s a rundown of the current PS3 exploits based on
the latest developments in the community:
1. PS3HEN (Homebrew ENabler)
Latest Version: v3.3.0 (released March 2024)
Supported Firmware: Works on Hybrid Firmware (HFW) versions 4.84 to 4.91
Compatibility: All PS3 models, including Super Slim and late Slim models that can’t
install full CFW
What It Does: Enables homebrew apps, plugins, and limited CFW-like features (e.g.,
running backups via tools like MultiMAN) without fully replacing the system
firmware. It uses a WebKit exploit from older firmware (e.g., 4.82) injected into
newer HFW.
Key Features:
Launches via the PS3 browser or an auto-installer.
Supports PS1/PS2 emulation tweaks and some backup loading.
Less powerful than full CFW but safer for non-CFW-compatible consoles.
How It Works: Requires installing HFW (a modified official firmware with the old
WebKit vulnerability) and then triggering the HEN exploit. Developers like
esc0rtd3w and Joonie from PS3Xploit Team have kept it updated.
Status: Actively maintained, with the latest update supporting Sony’s 4.91 firmware
(released February 2024).
2. Custom Firmware (CFW)
Latest Version: Evilnat 4.91.2 (final release December 2024) and 4.91.3 Beta 1
(January 2025)
Supported Firmware: Up to 4.91 (Sony’s latest official firmware)
Compatibility: Only on CFW-capable models—older Fat models (all CECH models up to
25xx) and early Slim models (CECH-20xx, some CECH-21xx). Check compatibility via
tools like PS3 Toolset.
What It Does: Fully replaces the system firmware, unlocking complete control—
homebrew, emulators, game backups, mods (e.g., Skyrim textures), and system
customization.
Key Features:
Cobra 8.4 support (advanced features like ISO mounting).
Updated PS1/PS2 emulators (e.g., ps2gxemu by kozarovv, January 2025).
Installable via USB on exploited consoles.
How It Works: Exploits a flaw in the PS3’s flash memory (via PS3 Toolset) to
downgrade or install CFW directly. Evilnat’s builds are the current gold standard.
Status: Evilnat 4.91.2 is the final stable release, with 4.91.3 Beta 1 adding minor
tweaks. No major new exploits are expected since Sony stopped updating the PS3
firmware.
3. PS3 Toolset
Latest Version: Updated for 4.91 (post-Evilnat’s CFW release, late 2024)
Developed By: bguerville
Compatibility: CFW-capable models only
What It Does: A browser-based tool that exploits the PS3’s internal flash to
install CFW or dump system data. It checks if your console is CFW-compatible and
patches the system for CFW installation.
How It Works: Access via the PS3 browser on 4.91 HFW or OFW, then follow the steps
to exploit the flash memory. No hardware mods needed.
Status: Updated shortly after each Sony firmware release (e.g., 4.91 in 2024).
Remains the primary method for CFW installation on compatible units.
4. Hardware-Based Exploits (Legacy)
Examples: PS Jailbreak, TrueBlue dongles, E3 ODE
Compatibility: Varies by firmware and model (mostly pre-3.55)
What It Does: Early USB or optical drive emulators that tricked the PS3 into
running unsigned code or backups. Largely obsolete due to firmware updates blocking
them.
Status: Outdated in 2025. Software exploits like HEN and CFW have replaced these,
though some collectors still use them on old firmware.
5. Emulator Tweaks
Latest Development: January 2025 updates to ps2gxemu (for CECH-C/E models) and
netemu-to-gxemu tools by kozarovv and Zar
Compatibility: CFW users, specific PS2-backward-compatible models
What It Does: Enhances PS1/PS2 emulation on CFW PS3s, improving compatibility and
performance for retro games.
Status: Niche but actively developed for CFW enthusiasts.
Key Notes
Sony’s Firmware: The latest official firmware is 4.91 (February 2024). Sony no
longer updates the PS3, so these exploits are effectively “final” unless new
hardware vulnerabilities surface.
Model Differences:
CFW is limited to older models with exploitable NAND/NOR flash.
HEN works on all models, making it the go-to for Super Slims (CECH-4xxx) and late
Slims (CECH-3xxx).
Community Sources: GBATemp, PSX-Place, and YouTube tutorials (e.g., MrMario2011)
are hubs for the latest files and guides.
Risks: CFW installation can brick consoles if done incorrectly; HEN is safer but
less powerful.
Current Sentiment
The PS3 scene in 2025 is mature and stable. CFW offers the most freedom on older
models, while HEN keeps newer consoles relevant. With Sony’s support ended, the
focus is on refining existing exploits rather than discovering new ones. Posts on X
and forums like PSX-Place show excitement over emulation updates (e.g., ps2gxemu)
and Evilnat’s final builds, with no major breakthroughs expected soon.
If you’ve got a specific PS3 model in mind, let me know, and I can tailor this
further!
