What is a mod chip? Easily explained

Whether on the Playstation, XBOX or Wii - you can install a modchip in most consoles. In this article we explain what that is and what you need it for.

Modchip - what is it?

• A modchip is an additional part or a circuit for various game consoles.
• This way you can bypass the copy protection on most consoles and play copied games. It is therefore very questionable whether the chips are legal.
• However, it is usually not possible for a layperson to install such mod chips in the game console. To do this, the console must be opened and various points soldered onto the board.

Where are mod chips used?

• Mod chips were particularly popular in the days of the original Playstation and the Sega console "Dreamcast".
• They rely on the game medium CD and relatively simple copy protection mechanisms.
• By modifying the console with a mod chip, the players could also play imported game titles, so-called NTSC games.
• Mod chips were also used to burn and distribute game copies onto blank CDs.
• Modchips for the current consoles are still available today. So you can use larger hard drives or play homebrew.
• By installing a modchip, you usually lose your guarantee and warranty claims for the device.

In the next practical tip you will read what Xbox One Modchips can do.