Yes, the original Xbox One console from 2013. You can do it read our original review of it for some memories. It launched weaker than the PS4, cost more money, and was forced Kinect into the package whether you like it or not. This combination always caused problems.
Now, despite my issues with the original Xbox One, Microsoft has finally redeemed itself with a more powerful Xbox One X mid-generation update, but the damage from that original release remains.
Article continues below
How the Xbox One was finally hacked
The original Xbox One (aka Durango, aka the one that looks like a VCR, hence the nickname) was long thought to be unhackable thanks to a small piece of code called a boot ROM. This code is built directly into the special program of the console AMD chip and it’s the first thing that works when the system starts up.
His work is simple but important. The boot ROM checks and checks every other part of the system before allowing the console to continue working.
To overcome this, the researchers used a hardware technique known as voltage glitching. This method briefly disrupts console power at extremely precise moments during startup and causes the system to misread certain instructions during boot.
In this case, two carefully defined defects were necessary. When both worked together, they allowed researchers to bypass boot ROM protections and gain control of the console.
EXCLUSIVE: Xbox One Has Finally Been Hacked!! After 12 years, it was thought to be “unbreakable”. Here’s a summary of what it means:• Markus Gaasedelen talks Xbox One’s ‘uncrackable’ security at RE//verse 2026.• A decade-long streak of attacks ends… pic.twitter.com/JjKmtGFgH1March 14, 2026
With this control, the original 2013 Xbox One can now run unofficial firmware. The exploit can also help protect the game and allow researchers to learn how the console works internally.
However, jailbreaking the Xbox One was often considered unnecessary by some sections of the community. Xbox already offers Developer Mode, which allows users to run UWP apps, which many people use to run things like emulators on their Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles.
🗨️ Do you care if the original Xbox One is jailbroken?
Whether for game protection or other purposes, the original Xbox One is now jailbroken. This opens the door to a deeper exploration of the console and how it works.
However, arriving nearly 13 years after launch means that the leap is fairly late in the console’s lifespan by today’s standards.
Let me know in the comments and be sure to take the poll below:
Join us Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your thoughts and discuss our latest news, reviews and more.
