Microsoft has taken steps to enable native support for Xbox 360 games on PC and Steam Deck without the need for an emulator. However, most users will still face a significant amount of work before they can play their favorite Xbox 360 titles without any technical issues.
The original Xbox’s security system was designed with extra measures in place, including a hypervisor security system that prevents unsigned code from running on the system. This feature has made it challenging for hackers to find a way to defeat the hypervisor and access the console’s hardware.
In an attempt to counter hacking attempts, Microsoft released modified firmware revisions for the Xbox 360’s DVD drive, which included different kinds of flash chips and resin-covered pin contacts to prevent unauthorized access. Despite these measures, some hackers found ways to bypass them using various methods, including the infamous “Kamikaze” hack.
The Kamikaze hack involved drilling holes into the DVD drive to expose the write-protected pins, allowing users to flash modified firmware and play backup copies of games. Although this method was eventually abandoned in favor of more elegant solutions, it highlights the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between console manufacturers and hackers.
For now, native support for Xbox 360 games on PC and Steam Deck remains a work-in-progress. Microsoft has taken steps to enable native support, but users will still need to navigate a complex technical landscape before they can enjoy their favorite Xbox 360 titles without any issues.
Source: https://www.xda-developers.com/how-a-drill-defeated-the-xbox-360s-console-security