PS3 Glossary

Apollo Save Tool

Lets you unlock, resign, back up and edit save games so they work on any account or console.

Artemis

A cheat-code app for PS3 games, like a modern GameShark.

Asian English releases

Many Asian PS3 releases (Title IDs starting BLAS or BCAS) include English text and play on any PS3, so they can be a cheaper or rarer way to get a game.

See also: Title ID, Region lock

AV Multi Out

The PS3’s analogue video port, shared with the PS2. Takes composite (yellow plug) or component cables. Useful for CRT TVs and for capturing gameplay without HDCP.

See also: HDCP

Backupgame backup

A copy of a disc or PSN game run from the hard drive or USB instead of the disc. Stored as an ISO or a folder and loaded with webMAN MOD, multiMAN or IRISMAN.

See also: ISO, Folder format, webMAN MOD

BC / Semi-BCbackwards compatibility

Which PS3s play PS2 discs. CECHA and CECHB have the PS2 chips (full BC). CECHC and CECHE are semi-BC with partial software emulation. All later models play PS2 games only as PS2 Classics.

See also: PS2 Classics

BD-Live

Online extras on some Blu-ray films, such as trailers and downloads. The PS3 supports it and stores the downloads on the hard drive. Many films’ BD-Live servers have since shut down.

BIN / CUE

A common format for PS1 disc images. webMAN MOD can mount them to play on the built-in PS1 emulator.

See also: webMAN MOD

Brick

A console that will not start after a failed flash or bad install. A semi-brick can usually be fixed from Recovery Mode; a full brick needs a hardware flasher and your flash dump.

See also: Recovery Mode, Flash dump

Bruteforce Save Data

A Windows tool for decrypting, editing and resigning PS3 save games.

See also: Resigning

Button combospad shortcuts

Controller shortcuts added by webMAN MOD, for example SELECT + START to show temperatures and system info, or R2 + △ to switch off CFW syscalls. Each can be turned off in webMAN setup if it clashes with a game.

See also: webMAN MOD, Stealth

CCAPIControl Console API

A third-party tool that lets PC programs read and write a game’s memory over the network, used by many RTM tools and mod menus. Works on CEX and DEX CFW, but not on HEN, where installing it can cause a brick; use PS3MAPI there instead.

See also: RTM, PS3MAPI, CFW

Cell / RSX

The PS3’s main processor (Cell) and graphics chip (RSX). Both run hot, which is why repasting helps older consoles.

See also: Delid / repaste

CEX / DEXConsumer EXchange / Debug EXchange

CEX is retail firmware, the kind every shop-bought PS3 runs. DEX is developer firmware with debug features. CFW comes in both; most people use CEX.

See also: Evilnat

CFWCustom Firmware

Modified system software installed permanently in place of Sony’s. Stays on after a restart and gives full access. Only works on consoles whose minimum version is 3.56 or lower: all fat models and early Slims. Today almost everyone uses Evilnat CFW. Newer consoles can get CFW-style features with a qCFW modchip. Use the Jailbreak Checker to see if yours can.

See also: Minimum version, Evilnat, HEN

CIBComplete In Box

A game sold with its case, cover and disc, plus any manual or inserts it came with. Worth more than a disc on its own.

See also: Special edition

Cinavia

An anti-piracy watermark hidden in the soundtrack of many films. When the PS3 detects it in a copied film it mutes the sound or stops playback with a message. HEN and CFW can switch the check off for videos played from the hard drive.

See also: HEN, CFW

Clock batteryCMOS / RTC battery

A coin-cell battery on the motherboard (usually a CR2032) that keeps the date and time while unplugged. When it runs flat, the PS3 asks you to set the clock again after it loses power.

Cobra

Extra features inside CFW (and partly HEN) that let the PS3 mount ISOs, load plugins and emulate a game disc. Most backup managers rely on it.

See also: ISO, SPRX

Coldboot

The animation and sound shown when the PS3 starts. Custom coldboots need HEN or CFW and are installed into dev_flash.

See also: dev_flash

Console ban

Sony blocking a console from PSN, usually after it was caught online running CFW or cheats. Accounts can be banned separately. A banned console still plays games offline.

See also: PSN, Stealth, Spoofing

Content ID

A longer ID for PSN content, like UP0001-NPUB30000_00-0000000000000000. RAP files must be named after it.

See also: RAP, Title ID

Cross-Buy / Cross-Play

Cross-Buy meant buying a game once and getting both the PS3 and PS Vita versions. Cross-Play let PS3 and Vita players play together, and Cross-Save let you carry a save between the two.

See also: Remote Play

Datecode

A short code on the sticker of some Slims, like 1A. For CECH-25xx consoles it shows whether CFW works: codes with 9, 0 or 1A (made before about April 2011) are CFW-capable; 1B and later are usually HEN only. The Jailbreak Checker handles this for you.

See also: Minimum version, Model number

DECR / Debug units

Official Sony developer hardware. DECR reference tools and DECH debug units run developer firmware and can run unsigned code.

See also: CEX / DEX

Delid / repaste

Removing the metal lid on fat-model chips to replace the dried-out thermal paste underneath. Lowers temperatures a lot but needs care. Slim chips have lids too, but most Slims just need a normal repaste.

See also: Cell / RSX

Delisted

A game or DLC that has been removed from the PS Store, often because of licensing. If you bought it before, you can usually still download it again; otherwise it is gone, which makes disc copies more sought-after.

See also: PSN

Demo disc

A free disc with playable game demos and trailers, given away with magazines or in shops. Most never got a digital release, so some are collectable.

See also: Not for Resale

dev_flashdev_blind

The system flash memory, read-only by default. dev_blind is a writable mount of it, used for coldboots and system changes. Wrong edits here can brick the console.

See also: Coldboot, Brick

dev_hdd0

The PS3’s internal hard drive as seen by homebrew and FTP. USB drives are dev_usb000, dev_usb001 and so on.

See also: dev_flash

.dkeydisc key

The key needed to decrypt a dumped disc. Saved by tools such as PS3 Disc Dumper and used with an encrypted ISO.

See also: IRD

DLNAmedia server

The standard the PS3 uses to play videos, music and photos from a PC or NAS over your home network. Run a server such as Plex or Serviio on the PC and it appears in the XMB’s Video, Music and Photo columns.

See also: Movian

DNS

The setting that turns web names into server addresses. A custom DNS can point the PS3 at private servers or block system updates.

See also: Private servers

Downgrading

Going back to an older firmware. On a PS3 it is only possible on CFW-capable consoles, by flashing CFW with a hardware or software flasher.

See also: CFW, Minimum version

Drive pairing

Each Blu-ray drive is paired to its motherboard, so a swapped drive won’t read discs. It can be re-paired with CFW and service tools.

See also: Service mode

DualShock 3 / Sixaxis

The PS3 controllers. The Sixaxis was the first, without rumble; the DualShock 3 added it. Both have motion sensors.

Dynamic theme

A P3T theme with a moving, animated background instead of a still picture. Supported since firmware 3.00.

See also: P3T, XMB

EBOOT.BIN

A game or app’s main program file. Some backups need a patched EBOOT to run on lower firmware.

See also: PARAM.SFO

EDAT / SDAT

Encrypted data files used by PSN games. EDAT files need the game’s licence to open; SDAT files don’t.

See also: RAP

Enable HEN

The XMB icon added by PS3HEN. Run it after every restart to turn HEN on; until then the console acts like a normal unhacked PS3.

See also: HEN

ERK dumpEID root key

A backup of a console’s unique root key, made with a tool on Evilnat CFW. Keep it on your PC: with it you can decrypt the PS3’s hard drive on a computer and rescue saves if the console dies.

See also: HDD encryption, Flash dump

EvilnatEvilnat CFW

The CFW nearly everyone uses today, kept up to date with each new official firmware. Has Cobra built in and comes in CEX, PEX and D-PEX builds, plus noBD and noBT versions for consoles with a dead Blu-ray drive or Bluetooth board.

See also: CFW, Cobra, CEX / DEX, NoBD

Exploit

A security hole used to run code Sony didn’t sign. HEN and every PS3 hack start from one.

See also: Payload

External gameDATA

A webMAN MOD option that sends game install data and DLC to a USB drive instead of the internal hard drive. Handy when the internal drive is small.

See also: webMAN MOD, Game data

Fan control

Setting the fan to spin faster to keep temperatures down. webMAN MOD has a fan mode that adjusts to the temperature.

See also: webMAN MOD

FAT32

The USB drive format the PS3 reads on its own. Max 4 GB per file. webMAN MOD (with prepNTFS), multiMAN and IRISMAN can also load games from NTFS drives.

See also: Split files

Fat / Slim / Super Slim

The three PS3 designs. Fat: model numbers CECHA–CECHQ. Slim: CECH-20xx to 30xx. Super Slim: CECH-4xxx. All can run HEN; only fats and early Slims can run CFW.

See also: CFW, HEN

Flash dumpNOR / NAND dump

A full backup of the console’s flash memory. Always make one before installing CFW and keep it on your PC; it is the only way to recover from a bad flash.

See also: NOR / NAND, Brick

Folder formatJB folder / GAMES folder

A decrypted game stored as a folder with PS3_GAME and PS3_DISC.SFB inside, usually in /dev_hdd0/GAMES/.

See also: ISO

FTPFile Transfer Protocol

The usual way to copy files between a PC and a hacked PS3 over the network. webMAN MOD runs an FTP server; connect with FileZilla or WinSCP to the PS3’s IP address.

See also: webMAN MOD

12GB Super Slim

A cheaper Super Slim with 12 GB of flash memory instead of a hard drive. It fills up fast; you can fit a 2.5-inch drive using Sony’s mounting bracket.

See also: Fat / Slim / Super Slim, Hard drive upgrade

Gameboot

The short animation and sound that played when starting a game on early firmware. Sony removed it in firmware 3.00; on HEN or CFW it can be put back with modded system files, at some risk.

See also: Coldboot, dev_flash

Game datainstall data

Extra files many disc games copy to the hard drive the first time you play, to load faster. Find and delete it in Game → Game Data Utility if a game crashes or you need space; the game reinstalls it next time. Saves live separately in Saved Data Utility, so don’t confuse the two.

See also: dev_hdd0, Game update

Game updatepatch

A PKG that updates a game to a newer version, installed to /dev_hdd0/game/<Title ID>/. Some backups need an update to run on newer firmware or to fix bugs.

See also: PKG, Title ID

GLODGreen Light of Death

The console turns on but freezes on a black screen with a green light. Often overheating or the same faults as YLOD.

See also: YLOD

Greatest Hits / EssentialsPlatinum, The Best

Cheaper re-releases of popular games with different box art: Greatest Hits in North America, Platinum (later Essentials) in Europe and Australia, and The Best in Japan. Usually worth less to collectors than the first print.

See also: Special edition

Hard drive upgrade

Any 2.5-inch SATA hard drive or SSD works, though official firmware may refuse drives over about 1.5 TB. After swapping, install the firmware from a USB stick. On HEN, you then need to set HEN up again.

See also: PUP, HEN

Hardware flasher

A device wired to the motherboard to read or write the flash chip directly, such as a Teensy, Progskeet or a Raspberry Pi Pico NOR flasher. The way back from a full brick.

See also: Brick, Flash dump

HDCPHigh-bandwidth Digital Content Protection

Copy protection the PS3 switches on for everything sent over HDMI, games included. It blocks most capture cards; the fix is to record from the component output instead.

See also: AV Multi Out

HDD encryption

The PS3 encrypts its internal hard drive with keys unique to that console. That is why a PC can’t read it, and why moving it to another PS3 means formatting it. Back up saves first, or keep an ERK dump.

See also: ERK dump, Hard drive upgrade

HENHomebrew Enabler (PS3HEN)

A hack that works on every PS3 model, including Super Slims. It runs on official firmware 4.80 or newer (4.83 and later need HFW first) and has to be switched on again after each restart, using the Enable HEN icon. Not as deep as CFW, but most homebrew and backups work.

See also: HFW, CFW, OFW

HFWHybrid Firmware

Official firmware with small changes that let PS3HEN install and run. It installs like a normal update and is the starting point for HEN.

See also: HEN, OFW

Homebrew

Unofficial apps and games made by the community, usually installed from PKG files. Needs HEN or CFW.

See also: PKG

ICON0 / PIC1

The icon (ICON0.PNG) and background (PIC1.PNG) a game or app shows on the XMB.

See also: PARAM.SFO, XMB

IDPS / PSID

Unique IDs for each console. Used for licences, activation and PSN, so keep them private and never share flash dumps publicly.

See also: Flash dump

IRDISO Rebuild Data

A small file with a disc’s keys and file checks. Used to decrypt or verify a disc dump, and by RPCS3.

See also: .dkey, ISO

IRISMAN

A backup manager and file manager that works on HEN and CFW, with strong support for NTFS drives.

See also: Backup

ISO

A single-file image of a game disc. Load it with webMAN MOD, multiMAN or IRISMAN. Encrypted ISOs straight from a disc need a disc key or IRD to play.

See also: IRD, Folder format, Split files

Jailbreak

The everyday word for hacking a PS3 so it runs homebrew, backups and mods. On a PS3 it means either HEN or CFW.

See also: HEN, CFW

LaserKES / KEM

The part of the Blu-ray drive that reads discs, and the most common thing to wear out. Lasers have codes like KES-400A (early fats), KES-410A (later fats) and KES-450/460/470 (Slims) and KES-850A (Super Slims). Replacing just the laser or the drive mechanism doesn’t need drive pairing, as long as you keep the original drive board.

See also: Drive pairing, Fat / Slim / Super Slim

LV1 / LV2

The PS3’s two system layers. LV1 is the hypervisor that guards the hardware; LV2 is the game OS kernel that runs games and the XMB. Hacks usually patch LV2.

See also: Peek / poke

ManaGunZ

A backup manager and file manager for HEN and CFW, with tools for fixing games, managing PS2/PS1 titles and more.

See also: Backup

MD5checksum

A short code used to check a download isn’t corrupted. Compare it with the one the download page lists, especially for firmware PUPs.

See also: PUP

Minimum versionminver

The oldest firmware a console can ever run, set at the factory. If it is 3.56 or lower the PS3 can run CFW; if it is 3.60 or higher it is HEN only, unless you fit a qCFW modchip. Check it with the MinVerChk app.

See also: CFW

MinVerChk

A tiny app that shows a console’s minimum firmware version, which tells you whether it can run CFW.

See also: Minimum version

Model numberCECH

Printed on the sticker on the back or bottom, e.g. CECH-2501A. It tells you the console’s design and whether it might run CFW. Check yours with the Jailbreak Checker.

See also: Fat / Slim / Super Slim

Mod menuSPRX menu

An in-game menu, usually for online games like GTA V or Call of Duty, loaded as a modified EBOOT or an SPRX plugin. Using one online is the quickest way to get a PSN or private-server ban, so stick to offline or modding-friendly lobbies.

See also: SPRX, EBOOT.BIN, Console ban

Movian

A media player app for the PS3 that plays many video and audio formats the system player can’t.

multiMAN

An all-in-one backup manager and file manager with its own game menu. Best on CFW.

See also: Backup

NEC/Tokin capacitors

Large capacitors on many fat-model boards that wear out and cause YLOD. Repairers replace them with tantalum capacitors.

See also: YLOD

NoBDNo Blu-ray Disc

CFW builds for consoles whose Blu-ray drive is dead or removed. They stop the system waiting for a drive that will never answer.

See also: Evilnat

NOR / NAND

The two kinds of flash memory in a PS3. The early fat models (CECHA, B, C, E, G) use NAND; later fats and all Slims use NOR. It matters when flashing CFW or using a hardware flasher.

See also: Flash dump

Not for ResaleNFR, promo copy

Copies marked for reviewers, shops or rental use, often with plain or printed covers. Collectors prize some of them.

See also: Demo disc

ODEOptical Drive Emulator

A modchip fitted between the motherboard and the Blu-ray drive that makes the PS3 think a game image on a USB drive is a real disc. Works on official firmware, including models that can’t run CFW, but needs fitting inside the console and is far less common now that HEN exists.

See also: HEN, CFW, ISO

OFWOfficial Firmware

Sony’s normal PS3 system software. The latest version is 4.93. Update it from a USB stick or the internet.

See also: PUP, HFW

Online pass

A one-use code in some new games that unlocked online play or content. Second-hand copies often have a used code, so buyers had to pay again. EA and Sony dropped the idea in 2013.

See also: PSN

OtherOSOtherOS++

OtherOS let early fat PS3s install Linux. Sony removed it in firmware 3.21 (2010), and Slims never had it. OtherOS++ is a CFW feature that brings it back, using the Petitboot loader.

See also: Petitboot, CFW

P3Ttheme file

A PS3 theme. Copy it to a USB stick and install from Settings → Theme Settings. Find thousands at the theme archive.

Package ManagerInstall Package Files

The XMB menu that installs PKG files from a USB stick or the hard drive. HEN adds it under Game once HEN is enabled; older CFW called it Install Package Files.

See also: PKG, Enable HEN

PARAM.SFO

The data file inside every game or app with its title, title ID, version and firmware needed.

See also: Title ID

Payload

The code an exploit runs once it gets in, for example the part of HEN that switches on homebrew support.

See also: Exploit, HEN

Peek / poke

Reading (peek) and writing (poke) system memory. Needed by many plugins, mod menus and cheat tools; built into Cobra and CFW.

See also: Cobra, PS3MAPI

Petitboot

A small Linux boot menu installed with OtherOS++. It starts when you choose to boot another OS and lets you pick a Linux system from the hard drive, USB or network.

See also: OtherOS

PEX / D-PEX

Two of the builds Evilnat CFW comes in. PEX is for normal retail (CEX) consoles and adds extra options, such as swapping kernels and converting between CEX and DEX. D-PEX is the same for debug (DEX) consoles. The plain CEX build has fewer of these options.

See also: Evilnat, CEX / DEX

PKGPackage file

The installer format for PS3 apps, games, DLC and updates. Install with Package Manager (added by HEN and CFW) from a USB stick or the hard drive.

See also: Homebrew, RAP

PKGi

A homebrew app that downloads and installs PKG files directly on the PS3 from a list you provide.

See also: PKG

PKG typesretail / debug PKG

Retail PKGs need a licence (a RAP) to run. Debug or fake-signed PKGs, used for most homebrew, run on HEN and CFW without one.

See also: PKG, RAP

PlayStation HomePS Home

Sony’s free 3D social world for PS3, closed on 31 March 2015. Fan projects such as Destination Home have brought it back on HEN, CFW and RPCS3 using custom servers.

See also: Private servers, DNS

PlayStation Move / Eye

The PlayStation Eye is the PS3’s USB camera; PlayStation Move is the glowing motion controller that needs the Eye to work. Some games, such as Sports Champions, require them.

See also: DualShock 3 / Sixaxis

PlayStation PlusPS Plus

Sony’s subscription. On PS3 it was needed for cloud saves and gave monthly games; online play on PS3 never needed it.

See also: PSN

Power supplyPSU, APS / EADP

The internal power unit, with a model code such as APS-226 or EADP-300AB. Different PS3 models use different units, so match the code (or a listed compatible one) when buying a replacement.

See also: Model number, YLOD

prepNTFS

A webMAN MOD helper that scans games on an NTFS drive so webMAN can mount them. Run it again after adding games.

See also: webMAN MOD, FAT32

Private servers

Community-run servers that bring back online play for some games after Sony’s shut down. Usually reached by setting a custom DNS.

See also: DNS

PS1 ClassicsPSone Classics, ps1_netemu

PS1 games packaged to run in the PS3’s built-in PS1 emulator, which every model has. Original PS1 discs also play on every PS3. With HEN or CFW you can run PS1 backups too, for example as BIN / CUE images through webMAN MOD.

See also: BIN / CUE, PS2 Classics, VMC

PS2 Classics

PS2 games packaged to run in the PS3’s software emulator on any model. With HEN or CFW you can install your own as PKGs.

See also: BC / Semi-BC

PS2 CONFIGCONFIG file

A small per-game file of fixes for the PS3’s software PS2 emulator. The right CONFIG can fix graphics glitches or freezes in a PS2 ISO; webMAN MOD looks for one next to the ISO in the PS2ISO folder.

See also: ps2_netemu, PS2 Classics, webMAN MOD

ps2_netemu

The PS3’s software PS2 emulator, used for PS2 Classics. On CFW and HEN it can also run PS2 ISOs, with mixed compatibility.

See also: PS2 Classics, BC / Semi-BC

PS3Dec

A PC tool that decrypts an encrypted PS3 ISO using its disc key, so it can be played or extracted. Not needed on HEN or Evilnat if you keep the matching .dkey file next to the ISO.

See also: ISO, .dkey, Redump

PS3 Disc Dumper

A PC app that copies PS3 game discs using a compatible PC Blu-ray drive, saving the disc key it needs.

See also: .dkey, IRD

PS3MAPIPS3 Manager API

A tool interface built into webMAN MOD and Cobra that lets PC tools and plugins read and change game memory.

See also: webMAN MOD

ps3netsrv

A small server app for your PC that streams games over the network to webMAN MOD, so they don’t need to be on the PS3’s drive.

See also: webMAN MOD

PS3Xploit

A 2017 toolset that runs from the PS3 web browser. Its Flash Writer installs CFW on CFW-capable consoles without any hardware, and its HAN tools came before HEN.

See also: CFW, HEN

PS Jailbreakthe 2010 USB dongle

The first big PS3 hack: a USB stick that loaded backups on firmware 3.41. Sony patched it, and it was soon replaced by CFW.

See also: CFW

PSNPlayStation Network

Sony’s online service. The PS3 store still works for buying and downloading. Using PSN with a hacked console can lead to a ban.

See also: Spoofing

PSN avatar

A profile picture for your PSN account. Many were sold or given away on the PS Store, often tied to a game.

See also: PSN

PSNpatch

A CFW tool for going online more safely: it hides CFW traces, can spoof console IDs and blocks PSN until it has run. No tool makes PSN completely safe on a hacked console.

See also: Stealth, Console ban, Spoofing

PUPPS3UPDAT.PUP

A firmware update file. Put it at /PS3/UPDATE/PS3UPDAT.PUP on a FAT32 USB stick, then install from System Update or Recovery Mode.

See also: OFW, FAT32

QA flag

A hidden developer setting that unlocks extra debug menus on a retail PS3. Can be turned on with homebrew tools on a hacked console.

qCFWquasi-CFW (BadWDSD)

A newer way to get CFW-style features on consoles that can’t install normal CFW, such as later Slims and many Super Slims. It uses a Raspberry Pi Pico modchip (BadWDSD) wired to the motherboard, so it needs soldering, but unlike HEN it stays active after a restart.

See also: CFW, HEN, Minimum version

RAF

The file format of coldboot animations (coldboot.raf).

See also: Coldboot

RAP

A small licence file that unlocks a PSN game or DLC. On HEN or CFW, copy it to /dev_hdd0/exdata/. The file name must match the game’s Content ID.

See also: RIF / act.dat, Content ID

RCO

XMB resource files holding images, text and layout. Edited for XMB mods and some themes; changing the wrong one can stop the XMB loading.

See also: dev_flash, XMB

Rebug

An older CFW that was popular for years, known for switching between CEX and DEX modes. It is no longer updated and has been replaced by Evilnat, though its Rebug Toolbox app still works on Evilnat.

See also: Evilnat, CEX / DEX

Rebug Toolbox

A tools app from the Rebug team for switching CEX/DEX modes, enabling writing to flash, changing the QA flag and more. Still used on Evilnat and Rebug CFW.

See also: Rebug, QA flag, CEX / DEX

Rebuild Database

A Recovery Mode option that rebuilds the XMB list of games and media. Fixes many crashes, missing games and odd errors. It does not delete games or saves, but resets messages, playlists and played times.

See also: Recovery Mode

Recovery ModeSafe Mode

The PS3’s repair menu. Turn the console off, then hold the power button until you hear a second beep and then a quick double beep. Connect a controller with a USB cable and press PS.

See also: Rebuild Database, PUP

Redump

A preservation project that keeps a database of verified, exact disc dumps. A Redump-matching PS3 ISO is encrypted and needs its disc key to play.

See also: ISO, .dkey, IRD

Reflow / reball

Heating a chip to re-melt its solder (reflow) or replacing the solder balls completely (reball). Reflows often fix YLOD for a while; a reball lasts longer.

See also: YLOD

Region lockregion free

PS3 games are almost all region-free, so an import plays on any PS3; Persona 4 Arena is a famous exception. Blu-ray and DVD films, plus PS1 and PS2 discs, generally still need a console from the matching region.

See also: Title ID, Asian English releases

Remote Play

Streaming the PS3’s screen and some games to a PSP or PS Vita over Wi-Fi (and to some Sony PCs and phones).

Resigning

Re-signing files with different keys so they work on another console, account or firmware. Most often done to save games (see Apollo Save Tool) or to game EBOOTs.

See also: Apollo Save Tool, EBOOT.BIN

RetroArch

A multi-system emulator app for the PS3 that plays NES, SNES, Mega Drive, GBA and many more.

RIF / act.dat

The licence files the PS3 keeps for each account. A RIF is created from a RAP; act.dat is the console’s activation file.

See also: RAP

RPCN

RPCS3’s free online server. Many PS3 multiplayer games work again through it.

See also: RPCS3

RPCS3

The PS3 emulator for Windows, Linux and macOS. Needs your own firmware file and game dumps.

See also: RPCN, IRD

RTMReal Time Modding

Changing a game’s memory while it runs, using a PC tool connected to the PS3 over the network. RTM tools talk to the console through CCAPI, TMAPI or PS3MAPI.

See also: CCAPI, TMAPI, PS3MAPI

SELF / ELF

PS3 program files. An ELF is plain code; a SELF is a signed and encrypted ELF that the console will run. EBOOT.BIN is a SELF.

See also: EBOOT.BIN

SEN Enabler

An older CFW plugin with similar aims to PSNpatch: it hides CFW, clears history and can change IDs before you sign in to PSN. Most people now use webMAN MOD’s built-in options instead.

See also: PSNpatch, Stealth, webMAN MOD

Service modeFactory Service Mode (FSM)

A factory repair mode used for jobs like pairing a new Blu-ray drive. Entered with a service tool from CFW or a PSP jig. Easy to misuse; only follow trusted guides.

See also: Drive pairing

Special editioncollector’s / limited edition

A boxed set sold at launch with extras such as art books, figures or steelbooks. Check every extra is present, as many are sold incomplete.

See also: Steelbook, CIB

Split files.66600

FAT32 drives can’t hold files over 4 GB, so large game files are split into parts ending in .66600, .66601 and so on. Backup managers join them back up.

See also: FAT32

Spoofingfirmware spoof

Making a hacked console report a newer firmware number so it can reach PSN or play games that want a newer version. Taking CFW onto PSN risks a console ban.

See also: PSN

SPRXplugin

A plugin file loaded when the console starts. Plugins are listed in boot_plugins.txt. webMAN MOD is the best-known one.

See also: webMAN MOD, Cobra

Stealthdisable CFW syscalls

Hiding signs of CFW or HEN before going online, mainly by switching off the extra system calls homebrew uses and clearing logs. webMAN MOD can do it at start-up or with a button combo. It lowers the ban risk but doesn’t remove it.

See also: Console ban, webMAN MOD, PSNpatch

Steelbook

A metal case used for some special editions and pre-order bonuses. Condition (dents, scratches) matters a lot to its value.

See also: Special edition

SysconSystem Controller

A small chip that controls power and fans and logs hardware errors. Repairers read its error log with a serial adapter. See the Syscon codes.

See also: YLOD

System activation

Ties your PSN purchases to a limited number of consoles. If you hit the limit, deactivate an old console from the PlayStation website.

See also: PSN

Title IDserial

The code that identifies a game, like BLUS30001. The 1st letter B is Blu-ray (N for PSN); the 2nd is C for Sony games or L for others; the 3rd shows the region: E Europe, U USA, J Japan, A Asia, K Korea.

See also: Content ID

TMAPITarget Manager API (ProDG)

Sony’s official developer link for debugging games from a PC with ProDG Target Manager. It only works on DEX firmware, so RTM tools that need it require a debug console or one converted to DEX.

See also: RTM, CEX / DEX, CCAPI

Trophies

Achievements for PS3 games, added in firmware 2.40 (2008). Unlocking them with cheats or tools and then syncing to PSN can get an account flagged, so keep that account offline.

See also: PSN, Console ban

Unbrick

Bringing a bricked console back, usually by writing a good flash dump with a hardware flasher, or reinstalling firmware from Recovery Mode for a semi-brick.

See also: Brick

VMCVirtual Memory Card

A file on the hard drive that acts as a PS1 or PS2 memory card. Create and manage them under Game → Memory Card Utility; most PS1 and PS2 games need one assigned before they can save.

See also: PS1 Classics, PS2 Classics

VSH Menu / sLaunch

Two pop-up menus that come with webMAN MOD. The VSH Menu gives quick commands like unmounting a game or restarting; sLaunch is a game list you can open from anywhere on the XMB.

See also: webMAN MOD, XMB

webMAN MOD

The must-have plugin for HEN and CFW. Mounts games, adds an FTP server and web control panel, shows temperatures and controls the fan.

See also: SPRX, FTP, Cobra

Wi-Fi / Bluetooth board

The small board that handles wireless internet and wireless controllers. When it fails, Wi-Fi drops out and controllers only work with a USB cable; Evilnat has noBT builds for consoles with a dead board.

See also: DualShock 3 / Sixaxis, NoBD

XMBXrossMediaBar

The PS3’s main menu with the horizontal icons and columns.

YLODYellow Light of Death

The console beeps, the light goes yellow then red, and it shuts down. A hardware failure, usually the RSX or Cell chip’s solder or failing capacitors on fat models.

See also: Syscon, GLOD