How it Works:
The X360Key runs a custom Linux operating system that emulates the 360 drive , mimicking the original DVD drive of the console but allowing to be loaded from a USB storage device rather than a DVD. What this means in practice is that the 360 sees the X360Key and attached storage device as the DVD drive the console came with and is accustomed to loading from. The X360Key team has developed profiles for each of the availalble DVD drives to ensure that as far as the Xbox 360 console is concerned, the console sees the X360Key and storage device with games on as the original DVD drive.
The X360Key main/motherboard is fitted between the DVD SATA port on Xbox 360 motherboard and the original Xbox 360 DVD drive in the console. The X360Key plugs in to the Xbox 360 DVD Drive itself and then the SATA cable from the Xbox 360 motherboard SATA port is plugged in to the X360Key. The X360Key OLED display remote is then plugged in to the X360Key mainboard but is kept outside the console to allows USB storage drives to be connected to it. The remote allows the X360Key to be controlled and games to be browsed on the USB drive and launched.
The X360Key functions in two modes:
Emulation - The mode in which the Xbox 360 drive is emulated and allows games to be loaded from USB storage device.
Pass through - The X360Key is bypassed and the Xbox360 console and DVD drive function as normal as if the X360Key were not present.
X360Key Team Press Release:
Running a custom Linux system, x360key is capable of immaculately emulating the optical disk drive in Xbox 360, allowing you to play all your Xbox 360 (and Xbox 1) games from any USB media. It is compatible with all Xbox 360 models, both Fat and Slim, and offers advanced features such as emulation of the AP25 protection.
After more than a year in development We are proud to announce one of the most sophisticated backup loaders the world has ever seen. Backed by a team of hardware experts and some of the most renowned and respected members of the Xbox hacking community We have no doubt this will be an instant success!
