Other OS on 3.21
For those of you out there who haven’t (or won’t) upgrade to 3.21 due to Sony’s removal of the Other OS feature, you have options.
Get around the firmware check by using a 3rd party server
One enterprising Playstation owner has set up a server that will mask your firmware version, meaning you get all of the online play you used to enjoy, including the Playstation Store, whilst retaining your option to use Other OS.
Before we detail how to do this, we must warn you that this is very likely against the Playstation Network Terms of Service (here), and we cannot guarantee that your account information will be safe. Proceed at your own risk.
- Boot up your PS3 into the Game OS. This is the normal menu (or XMB).
- Scroll left to [Settings].
- Scroll down to [Network Settings] and press X.
- Scroll down the list to [Internet Connection Settings] and press X.
- When asked to select a setting type, choose [Custom].
- You should be able to scroll right without having to change any of your existing details. Keep going until you see a screen that says [DNS Settings]. Here, select [Custom].
- In [Primary DNS], input 67.202.81.137. The dots will be put in for you so you just have to worry about the numbers. 67 goes in the first section, 202 in the second etc.
- Scroll right until you are asked to confirm your settings. Here you can check if you can sign into the Playstation Network. If everything is running properly, you should see [Playstation Network: Successful].
Another word of caution; this method may produce some unwanted lag once online. The server is located in the United States, so your ping times will increase dramatically.
Using a Custom Firmware
Again, we must warn you that this is very likely against the Playstation Network Terms of Service (here), and we cannot guarantee that your account information will be safe. Proceed at your own risk.
Prolific hacker GeoHot is well known for his work with locked down devices such as the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch, and he’s turned his seemingly magic abilities towards our dear black behemoth. Geohot may be the reason behind Sony removing the Other OS function, as he got around the PS3’s hardware protection, but he’s back to save the day.
In his blog post (here), GeoHot reveals he has created a custom version of firmware 3.21 that will return your Other OS-ing abilities. Now this method may be very easy for Sony to pick up on, but Sony have yet to prevent numerous Custom Firmwares from being made for the PSP.
Keep an eye on this lad, he’s a sharp one and we’re confident he’ll fulfil his promise of releasing a fully workable 3.21 with Other OS built in. GeoHot even commented that it may even bring this function to the Slim models as well. Although it’s not currently available, we hope it will be soon.
When all else fails, get a refund.
Yep, you read that right. Under EU consumer law, you can go back to the retailer who sold you the PS3 and ask for a refund for the lost functionality. Directive 1999/44/EC, states: “(a product) must be fit for the purpose which the consumer requires them and which was made known to the seller at the time of purchase.”
Amazon user and NeoGAF forum moderator iapetus did just this. Amazon, rather than fighting EU law, decided to cough up £71.49 plus tax for the removal of the Other OS function.
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