Posted Feb 24, 2008 at 08:41AM by Glen D. Listed in: Videos, Hacks and Exploits Tags: modder, Sony, USB hub, PlayStation Eye
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If the Sony PlayStation 3's USB ports don't quite have the positioning that you fancy, you might be interested with what MacSolidWorks apparently did to his unit. He didn't like wires dangling in front of the console while using his PlayStation Eye, so he modified the unit and set up a custom USB port out back.

"I modified my PS3 to have a rear USB port for my Playstation Eye," said MacSolidWorks. "I looked all over the web for instructions on how to do this but couldn't find anything. So I just did it myself."

He said the following results were achieved with the modifications he made:

  • It works.
  • As long as you don't plug anything into the front USB port you've "borrowed" for the rear port, everything is fine.
  • If you plug something into the "borrowed" port, both peripherals stop working and you'll need to restart the PS3.
  • This setup cannot act like a true USB hub as it's just a pass-thru for one of the front ports.
On a final note, MacSolidWorks said "since this setup is not optimal and I'd like at least 2 USB ports on the back of my PS3, I'm currently working on a new mod that will allow a true hub on the back eliminating the aforementioned limitations."

We're looking forward to seeing that. Meanwhile, here's the video that the modder uploaded to show the skeptics a little proof of his work. Enjoy!




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14 Comments


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   by Someone_PR - 2008-02-24
 » I always wanted...

a rear usb ports for the cam and for now the play tv.. looks ugly all the cable in the front


   Re: xche78x - 2008-02-25
 » simple

just add a black (if your ps3 is black) slim USB extension cable to your PS3 and have it run to the right underside and then to the back.
you can do this to all your ps3 usb ports.
the experiment above is a dumb thing to do.
voiding your warranty and endangering your ps3 just for the sake of having a USB port on the back, it is so ridiculous and not to forget stupid.
i can also do that coz im somehow experience in opening consoles and soldering unwanted chips unto them but this is one reason i would pass.

   Re: Someone_PR - 2008-02-25
 » I will not void the warranty...

just for the usb port in the back.. is just that I always wanted the ps3 an usb in the back since the beginning... I will never open a $600 console... a psp yes but never a ps3 or 360...

   Re: ISOHaven - 2008-02-25
 » WTF!?!?!?!?!

Then wait until it's out of warranty.

Anyway, I agree, this is a piss poor mod. Mainly because it leaves the unit in an unfinished state. It would have been better if he removed the port he used from the front and patched it. But he didn't, he left it able to get screwed up if you accidentally plug something else in the front. With that, this is only half a mod.

Boooooooo!!!!!!!

   Re: ISOHaven - 2008-02-25
 » WTF!?!?!?!?!

Now THIS is the mod done right!

http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation3/PS3_Six_USB_Port_Mod_video_out/

I find it odd that it took THIS LONG for QJ to post this news as this news is OLD yet here we are today with a newer mod that was done right.

QJ should have reported this NEW NEWS instead of the OLD NEWS.
   by Lethal_NFS - 2008-02-24
 » Hmmm

That is a lot of work just to hide a USB cord. I just unplug the cam when I am not using it.

   by Eclipze_ - 2008-02-24
 » all that work

for a USB on the back..? No thanks, idc if it looks "ugly", I just use what works. Even though in my opinion it isn't ugly, its just cords.


   Re: Someone_PR - 2008-02-24
 » yeah yeah I know...

It just cords but thats why I don't like it... with less better for me... thats why I use the wifi in the ps3 too and hate the power cord of the 360... anyway it just I want everything clean... it just about taste anyway

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   Re: Quixand - 2008-02-24
 » i'm with Eclipze

if it ain't broke don't fix it.

   Re: Quixand - 2008-02-24
 » he could have

picked better music.

he has a nice set up though.
   by na2rul - 2008-02-24
 » ok seriously

consoles are not meant to be kept under desktops.

mb thats why it isnt designed much like a pc.

360's best use is wifi adapter, which i was left with no choice but to buy one(used £50) but it clicks on back very nicely.

   by Popson - 2008-02-24
 » I don't care what others say

That is a damn nice mod. Very clean and simple. If i had the time and the confidence to do that i would without a doubt. Maybe i will some day (I am very capable of it =P). I too hate having the cords coming out of the front, it drives me nuts. I would rather have all 4 usb ports at the back (2 front and 2 back would be perfect though).

   by Matt-N - 2008-02-24
 » LOL

I'm surprised to his iPod cable on show at the end!

   by deadlockedgamer2 - 2008-02-25
 » Whaaa!

That is pretty pointless of a mod. That is probably why he did find any instructions online. Just turn the ps3 on its side and face it side ways.



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