Over the weekend, renowned console hacker GrimDoomer teased something big: an Xbox 360 softmod is in the works. No release date yet, but the message is clear—it’s happening. X (formerly Twitter)
“An Xbox 360 softmod is coming—no ETA yet; this will take time.” X (formerly Twitter)
Why this matters
Until recently, fully unlocking an Xbox 360 typically meant hardware mods (JTAG/RGH). In March, GrimDoomer released Bad Update, a software-only hypervisor exploit that runs on the latest 17559 dashboard, letting stock consoles run unsigned code—non-persistently. The new tease suggests a path toward something more persistent and user-friendly than the current tethered approach. GitHub+1ConsoleModsIcode4 Coffee
What we know (for sure)
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A softmod is being developed. Publicly stated by the author; no ETA and no release yet. X (formerly Twitter)
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Context: It builds on progress from Bad Update—a software chain that already proved reliable enough to spark a wave of homebrew interest on unmodified 360s. GitHubConsoleMods
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Community reaction: Excitement is high, with speculation and wish-lists across forums and Reddit—but details remain unconfirmed. Reddit
What we don’t know (yet)
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Release timing: None given. Don’t assume weeks; it could be longer. X (formerly Twitter)
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Method: No technical write-up has been published for the softmod itself. Any specific claims (e.g., storage tricks, instant boot, universality across all boards) are unverified community speculation for now. Reddit
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Persistence & features: Whether it will fully replace RGH/JTAG workflows (e.g., instant boots, full CFW-level control) remains to be seen. Reddit
Quick refresher: Bad Update vs. a “softmod”
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Bad Update (today): Software exploit chain you trigger each time (tethered). It enables unsigned code on all models (on 17559), but isn’t permanent by itself. Tools like FreeMyXe and XeUnshackle ride on top to make homebrew practical. GitHubConsoleMods
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A true softmod (what’s teased): Typically means persistent changes that survive reboot without hardware modding. Whether this project reaches that bar is exactly what we’re waiting to learn. Wikipedia
What you can do now (safely & legally)
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Stay informed: Follow the original announcement and the dev’s write-ups to avoid rumors. X (formerly Twitter)Icode4 Coffee
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Understand the current state: Read the Bad Update docs/wiki if you’re curious about the tech background—no need to mod anything to learn. GitHub+1ConsoleMods
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Don’t rush to buy parts based on speculation. Until a release/guide lands, hoarding specific HDDs or accessories is premature. Reddit
CNH take
This has the potential to be the biggest 360 scene shift in a decade, opening doors for preservation, homebrew, and legit tinkering on aging hardware—without soldering. But good things take time. We’ll cover verified updates the moment they’re public and test them responsibly on our lab units.
Sources & further reading
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Original tease on X: GrimDoomer — “An Xbox 360 softmod is coming…” (Aug 31–Sep 1, 2025). X (formerly Twitter)
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Bad Update GitHub & technical write-ups. GitHub+1Icode4 Coffee
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Community discussion & reactions (Reddit). Reddit
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Background on softmods and the 360 exploit timeline (general). Wikipedia
Legal note
CNH promotes preservation and homebrew. We don’t condone piracy or online cheating. Always comply with your local laws and the terms of service for any online platform.
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