source @youfoundderwin
PlayStation have released PS3 Firmware 4.91 a few hours ago. If you have a homebrew-enabled console, we advise not to update until the dust settles and all the scene tools are updated. The update is most likely some generic crypto key update (e.g. for SSL or DVD/BLu-Rays) and most likely won’t impact homebrew (just like 4.90 last year) but you’ll want to stay put for now, just to be sure.
PS3 Firmware 4.91 – What’s new
PS3 4.89 was believed to be the “end of life” update for the PS3, when it was released in 2022. However Sony still maintain the console for compatibility with some of its supported features, in particular DVD/Blu-Ray playback, and the Web Browser. It seems we’ll be getting a yearly update until Sony decide to officially and completely drop support for the console.
Of course, Sony’s official changelog is useless to understand what this update really brings:
Version 4.91
This system software update improves system performance.
So we have to turn to the hacking scene to know more, as always. LuanTeles over at PSX-Place tell us that the update is an update of the Blu-Ray decryption keys.
Scene tools are being ported to PS3 Firmware 4.91
The scene is already hard at work to port all existing tools to 4.91, which, frankly, shouldn’t be complicated if it doesn’t include any new measure to thwart hacks and homebrew. EvilNat has stated he’s already been working on a 4.91 version of his EvilNat CFW.
I am ready, CFW Evilnat 4.91 in development!
— Nathan Martin (@xXEvilnatXx) February 27, 2024
HFW (Hybrid Firmware)
- Developer Yoti has published a 4.91 compatible version of the HFW (Hybrid Firmware), which you can download (test at your own risk) here. (source Zecoxao)
- another version by Joonie can be found here. (MD5 : 5eaef6cf25b6c319228de713b270e464. Source)
HFW can be used to install HEN (via BGToolset), or a CFW if your console is compatible with CFW.
IRISMAN and WebMAN MOD are already available for 4.91:(source Aldo)
Hacking your PS3 – Should you update to 4.91?
BGToolset is now generally known to be the best way to hack your PS3. The tool had some hosting issues last year, but is now back at https://www.ps3toolset.com/bgtoolset/. Until BGToolset supports 4.91 (which should happen fairly quickly) it is advised not to update to 4.91. Once all the tools are updated though, updating to 4.91 shouldn’t be an issue.
