Xbox 360 can now be hacked using a USB drive

Modders have discovered a new way to run custom programs and games on the Xbox 360 console. This was reported by The Verge with reference to the Modern Vintage Gamer YouTube channel.

Using a software exploit called BadUpdate, it is possible to bypass Microsoft's hypervisor protection and run unsigned code and games. All you need is a USB drive, special software, and a trial version of Rock Band Blitz.

Unlike previous methods such as RGH or JTAG, this method does not require physical intervention in the console. However, the exploit is not permanent: it must be repeated every time the device is rebooted. In addition, each file you want to run must be manually patched.

Despite its limitations, this method opens up access to the Xbox 360 homebrew store, where you can find games, apps, emulators, and even custom control panels.