More news on the PS3 mod chip front. While homebrewers everywhere are waiting for their chance to unlock their PS3’s with nothing more than a simple USB stick, Sony is desperately searching for ways to delay the sale of the product.

The USB stick called PS3 Jailbreak, or at this point X3 Jailbreak, supposedly unlocks PS3 functions without altering the internal components of the PS3. No modifications to hardware or software are made, which means you go back to having a factory regulation PS3 as soon as you unplug the stick. Pretty handy little device.

This makes the Jailbreak one of the most powerful mod-chips in existence. It’s very low impact, easy to use, leaves no trace, and hell it’s debatable as to whether or not it even breaks Sony’s terms of service. Unfortunately, it is still a mod-chip, and while the idea of PS3 homebrew (putting PS2 capabilities back into the slim model, for example) is awesome, it also opens up the gateway to massive game piracy under the guise of “legal backups.” Fearing this, Sony is doing everything they can to prevent the sale of the chip.

Previously, Sony was granted a temporary injunction by Australia’s Federal Court to block the sale of the Jailbreak. This was only going to last until August 31st, when the hearing to determine the legality of the device was to take place. Well it’s August 31st and the hearing never happened. Why? Well Justice Kenny, the judge who was supposed to oversee the hearing was unable to attend. So once again Sony gets to forestall the inevitable for yet another week. Now, the hearing will take place on September 3rd, and given the ability for the justices to show up this time, we will finally have a final answer as to whether or not modding the PS3 will be legal or not.

At the very least, this whole legal buzz is more than enough proof that the mod chip works. Many people are skeptical as there was another USB device that supposedly did this unveiled earlier this year. Long story short, that stick was a gigantic scam that didn’t do anything it advertised. Still, the Jailbreak is real enough to have a court hearing about it, so at least we have indirectly proven its legitimacy.

Just wait a little longer hackers, you will be fiddling with your PS3 soon enough.

Related posts on 30ninjas.com:

• Sony Blocks Sale of PS3 Mod Chips Temporarily
• Sony Wins the Modchip War … For Now
• PS3 Homebrew Lawsuits Come to America
• The PS3 Has Finally Been Hacked
• A Cheap Legal PS3 Homebrew Alternative?
• The New PSP Is Ass Backward