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PS3 hack opens up console library on PS Vita

Online video exhibits way in which to play ostensibly entire PS3 library on Sony's soon-to-be-released new portable.

When the PlayStation Vita hits store shelves in the West next month, gamers may have an even bigger selection of games to play than Sony intended. Today, videos have surfaced online showing a way in which PS Vita owners can use their PlayStation 3's Remote Play functionality to stream ostensibly any game onto their portable device.

As reported by Eurogamer, the feat is performed by way of a hack to the PlayStation 3's firmware. Users must jailbreak their PS3s and then install firmware v3.55. In this version of the PS3's operating system, the PS Vita is regarded as a mobile phone. A full explanation of the workaround can be found in the Spanish-language video, below.

This image of Red Dead Redemption running on PS Vita shouldn't exist.

This image of Red Dead Redemption running on PS Vita shouldn't exist.

The PS Vita's compatibility update with the PS3, better known as firmware 4.0, arrived during the first week of December. In addition to Remote Play functionality, the update allowed PS3 owners to copy content such as games and music to their PS Vitas.

Sony had not responded to a request for comment on the matter as of press time.

129 Comments

  • sammyd1234

    Posted Jan 26, 2012 5:17 am GMT

    @guitardeth3 i dont have that problem since i have a 3d led tv in my room, see, if u work you can overcome those problems, also you make some money on the side.

  • itchyflop

    Posted Jan 26, 2012 2:42 am GMT

    @slippship i do see you point, don't you agree these "hackers" should be employed by Sony!! idea's i have r how bout and extra screen and extra dimension to a game, examples r a troll with a dwarf being carried on his back, the vita screen faces rear, you could be his eyes behind and defend him....or a two seater tank car game where war it comes from all directions, do you know the film the last star fighter ?? you could be the driver whist the vita player could be the gunner.... but the gunner is in Malibu while your on a plane going to sunny Iceland!! and lets be honest Sony need a kine-ct rival and wii u is around the corner....not that they haven't and its a different market but why not test the potential of the new vita!!! happy gaming

  • ALLoY1717

    Posted Jan 26, 2012 1:46 am GMT

    @slippship
    It's not about "Why would you want to?" It's about why the hell not? If it can be done let's do it. If this is possible then it is only a small step to stream this over the internet, imagine being able to access your PS3 anywhere in the world and stream games from it.

  • slippship

    Posted Jan 25, 2012 11:27 pm GMT

    The VITA is a portable device? Why on earth would I want to stream games to my 5" screen when I can play it on a 50" 3DTV? Or even a 32 inch TV? More fuel for the handheldless XBOX few whom insist on flaming at every corner. Let's be honest, it's a cracking piece of portable gaming and you don't have to aim a bird at anything!

  • Ravenlore_basic

    Posted Jan 25, 2012 7:39 pm GMT

    I say this. Increase the price and make it an open platfrom. What would people pay?? $400.00 able to play your PS2 games PS3 games and android games... Apple just made a profit of Billions of dollars... maybe selling the Ipad Iphone and Ipod.

  • Ravenlore_basic

    Posted Jan 25, 2012 7:33 pm GMT

    as stated by thefyeman Posted Jan 23, 2012 1:05 pm PT So the Vita can play ps3 games, yet its not a feature? Why the hell not?! ... SONY yet AGAIN you have someting GREAT and do not use it. Not only that but try to keep it from people. Have you learned nothing from being killed by Apple with your own abilities!! THIS WILL SELL PSV like nothing else.

  • Phazevariance

    Posted Jan 25, 2012 4:28 pm GMT

    So.. they can stream games to the Vita, but can you leave the house and still play the game or does it need to be in proximity to the ps3 or wifi network invovled?

  • kkthesonicfan

    Posted Jan 25, 2012 4:22 pm GMT

    @buying1999 @monson21502 God, I am so fking tired of seeing you two coming on Sony news and bashing it just to get people mad and start flame wars, your just disgracing your fellow MS/Nintendo fans. You don't like Sony, then why are you here? What are you, a fking missionary trying to convert people into your religion(fanbase), why does it matter to you that these guys you don't know are spending their money on Sony products, what gets you so amped up about it? Such no-lives I swear......but anyway, I would like to see you answer these questions, unless you can't, then the only explaination is you guys are no-lives just wasting their time.

  • Henrique2324

    Posted Jan 25, 2012 11:19 am GMT

    RDR on the go is just amazing.

  • dragonsama

    Posted Jan 25, 2012 8:32 am GMT

    this should be a default feature build into the device in the first place. It is amazing to see hackers doing things to the PS3, PSP, and PSV that Sony should have put in the first place.

  • itchyflop

    Posted Jan 25, 2012 5:36 am GMT

    @Uesugi-dono totally agree !! Imagine that !! but then would they sell any psp vita software or just have it as an extension for the ps3 ? with regard to the wii would development of a better CPU (graphics chip) have taken longer ?, if they researched and developed the Wii as it is was it easier and quicker to work with ? hahaha!! so Back stabbing or healthy competition as the business people would use does happen!! thanks for the feedback that's awesome.

  • shadowhunter0

    Posted Jan 25, 2012 4:26 am GMT

    @Uesugi-dono actually at one of the press conference they said that they vita will be able to play all ps3 games using remote play they just haven't implement it yet maybe because they are still working on it

  • Uesugi-dono

    Posted Jan 25, 2012 4:22 am GMT

    @itchyflop - "Why wasn't the wii fitted with better graphical capacity," That's an easy one; to beat Sony to market with the motion control gimmick. Google it; the plans for the Move were older than the Wii, but Nintendo fast-tracked it and sold a buttload of machines. Not the best thing for loyal Nintendo fans, but certainly good for stock holders.

    If Sony is smart they'll capitalize on this: Update the firmware so that this doesn't NEED a hack. Then BAM; they sell a TON of Vitas.

  • itchyflop

    Posted Jan 25, 2012 2:44 am GMT

    @chrispicard it is over priced but if it can play ps3 games, money well spent !! i like your view point, its nothing like nintendo, sony didn't release an inferior model first to rape loyal fans, with the full intention of releasing what should have been the wii, the wii u at a later date for commercial gain, in my opinion!! Why wasn't the wii fitted with better graphical capacity, to keep the cost of the machine down ?? its just as pricey, if not more than the xbox 360, without the cost of it failing every 5 minutes :0

  • chrispicard

    Posted Jan 25, 2012 12:25 am GMT

    @shadowhunter0

    funny i seem to remember someone saying the exact same thing to me about the 3DS, and look how thats going. it may sell to those who have more money than sense, or who spend mummy and daddy's money not there own, but i won't be buying sony shares because of this thats for sure.

  • shadowhunter0

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 9:50 pm GMT

    @pokemonblackftw I'm guessing like 30ft is the max range for the wiiu it is about the range of most wireless devices and remote play isn't useless I use it allot from watching videos that I have on the harddrive to playing ps1 games and I do all of this while I'm away from my house by miles and even couple of times it was hundreds of miles and while I'm away on a trip or not at home when the store updates I use it to download games on my ps3 so that they will be done by the time that I get home btw you can turn on and off the ps3 through the internet

    anyways they are completely different with remote play you are using the vita a portable gaming console to control the ps3 but with the wiiu you are using a controller that just has a screen on it to control the wiiu which every console ever made can do talking about controller controlling the system which is exactly what you are doing on the wiiu but instead of being displayed on your tv its being displayed on your controller which I can't see myself hold that huge controller for hours at a time

  • DamageIncM

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 8:54 pm GMT

    I would only buy the PSPII if it's also a good media-player and organizer or something like that.
    But then I might be better off with some tablet or I don't know what.
    Except for the price and the lack of buttons...

    But I have my highest doubts that there will be proper media-player in there, including an actual equalizer to adapt to headphones and in-ears.
    Because let's face it, just plugging in some headphones to a portable device does NOT sound good.
    You have to calibrate it like everything, just like screens and alike...

  • pokemonblackftw

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 7:49 pm GMT

    @shadowhunter0 you dont know the range of the wii u's controller and remote play isnt compatible with hardly anything... it was a promising idea but right now, its useless.

  • shadowhunter0

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 5:54 pm GMT

    @opinions2 yeah actually they did show that

    @theKSMM actually some ps3 psn game supports remote play on the psp

  • shadowhunter0

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 5:51 pm GMT

    @MoK86 you aren't a really gamer you are an xbot a real gamer doesn't other systems they just play the games they like and get the system that has the games they like

  • dawnofhero

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 5:04 pm GMT

    Red Dead Redemption on the go!? Are you kidding me?!

  • SIDEFX1

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 5:03 pm GMT

    I think that is just awesome and should be implemented by Sony themselves. Makes it all the more value for the dollar.

  • Ultimate39

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 4:48 pm GMT

    @shadow655 The funny thing is that Sony goes offline ONCE, and xbox fans think its suddenly worth paying for what we get for free. Its not fanboy bait either; people actually believe that.

  • paperwarior17

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 4:25 pm GMT

    The title made this seem really exciting... mainly because that would mean easy PS2 emulation on Vita. But it's just remote play, and you need a modded PS3 as well.

  • Gigaman222

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 4:08 pm GMT

    curious if sony is going to let this stand or put a hotfix to prevent it.

  • theKSMM

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 3:06 pm GMT

    They PSP was able to stream music and videos from an associated PS3, but not games. If this functionality comes to the Vita, you'll be able to play your PS3 games anywhere (e.g. on the can) on your local network or even beyond. That's an exciting proposition indeed.

    But as with any software hack, the real question is this: If this funcitonality is easily implemented / unlocked via software, why would Sony not allow their gamers to do this?

  • mehrdad19872010

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 1:18 pm GMT

    @buying1999 dude, seriously, get over your issues with the PS3, however hurtful and surely ridiculous they are!!

  • AvnKnight

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 11:48 am GMT

    Im not sure whats going on here, did they show this feature with killzone 3 then decide to remove it later on, I mean I wouldnt be suprised cause thats what sony does.

  • neu318_basic

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 11:23 am GMT

    It's showing how a Hacked PS3 can stream hacked games onto an unhacked PSVITA.

  • TERMINATOR-SSD

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 10:40 am GMT

    I I thought the Vita streams ps3 games without hacking anyway...... CONFUSED-DOT-COM :-/

  • opinions2

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 10:03 am GMT

    Didn't sony show the Vita playing Killzone 3 via remote play using a non-hacked system? Hmm lets see, screw the warranty and play PS3 games remotely, or keep the warranty and play PS3 games remotely...

  • Hvac0120

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 9:41 am GMT

    @ShadowofSonic With Remote Play, you can plan from anywhere in the world so long as your PS3 is on or configured to be listening for a Remote Play request and as long as you are connected to the internet. With remote play you basically using your PS3 at home just like you would access a service like OnLive.

  • Henrique2324

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 9:32 am GMT

    Freaking sold.

  • monson21502

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 9:10 am GMT

    still wouldnt make the ps vita worth 300 bucks...

  • ShadowofSonic

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 9:09 am GMT

    But if you have to stand and play right next to the PS3....WHATS THE POINT?! Just play it on the PS3.

  • kakisgr

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 9:08 am GMT

    I I thought that PS Vita already streams ps3 games... without a hack...

  • redskinStu

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 9:04 am GMT

    I love how Gamespot tells people how to do.

    But don't do it.

  • smoke_dog_4ever

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 8:35 am GMT

    @servb0ts it's less about competing with Sony and more about competing with Nintendo. Nintendo OWNS the handheld market. The PSP has done nothing in sales compared to what the DS systems and games have. The Vita is just an attempt to take away more market shares, mostly in the form of the adult market. Having a full-blown M$ handheld isn't necessary. How many kids (13 and under) are using Facebook, Netflix, UFC, etc compared to how many adults are using these? This is why you see these updates on the 360. Clearly M$'s goal is the adult markets, not trying to compete with Nintendo's affordable handhelds and affordable games that the majority are for kids.

  • vega13mv

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 7:56 am GMT

    im not gonna risk bricking my vita to play games i already have. its coming out with plenty of games of its own anyway, so ill be busy with that.

  • MoK86

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 7:56 am GMT

    ok im still confused by this. umm so all he's doing is streaming content from the ps3 to the vita? is that all?? STILL NOT ENOUGH FOR ME to spend my hard earned cash on that POS3. I'm a real gamer and i dont spend money on crap

  • irishdude199210

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 7:54 am GMT

    It'd be easier just to play the games on the actual PS3

  • servb0ts

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 7:24 am GMT

    @buying1999

    You do realise Microsoft is sacred to do handhelds,because they have a snowballs chance in hell of competing with Nintendo let alone Sony.

  • BigAl519

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 6:13 am GMT

    @buying1999

    Yay, lets all praise the 360, the most hacked console ever created!

  • buying1999 posted Jan 24, 2012 6:10 am GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    buying1999

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 6:10 am GMT (hide)

    ROFL
    Hacked yet again!!!!!! "Xbox 360 is the BEST console EVER made." --John Carmack

  • TTDog

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 5:37 am GMT

    @SilenTWarrior29: I'll think you'll find all Sony are trying to do is make a huge pile of cash.

  • Spartan765

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 5:10 am GMT

    But wish the games would be there

  • Spartan765

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 5:09 am GMT

    Soo Now what? no vita? :s

  • warhawk-geeby

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 4:48 am GMT

    Ummm.. the guy does realise that at 0:36 you can clearly read his username of 'homer'?

    Anyhow I wouldn't be surprised if this was just viral advertising, makes the Vita look awesome

  • cjburnfist

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 1:48 am GMT

    Honestly could care less ATM, burnt out on shooters, new age RPG's are either too fast these days or add a gimmick that only makes me want to hurl nukes at the producers. Vita needs a lack luster RPG to bring in Jap fans and myself included, always enjoyed Uncharted but over the past year or so I have been in a drought of wnting to see a set of hands around a gun. I believe this console as a chance to succeed but it either needs an RPG now in japan or a price cut in the near future.

  • SadPSPAddict

    Posted Jan 24, 2012 12:51 am GMT

    Won't be doing that then! Plenty of games coming out for the Vita without needing to do dodgy things like that!!

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