The Definitive Guide to Xbox Modding

If you're an Xbox gamer and have been for some time, then you probably heard plenty of talk about modding an Xbox. You probably have friends who have modded their Xbox and you may be thinking of whether or not it is something that you would like to do yourself. Let's discuss what modding is and what it entails so that you may make the right decision for you.

First off, what exactly is Xbox modding? Modding is a practice we can use is several different methods and techniques to bypass built-in security measures and restrictions which are programmed into a system by the original manufacturer. Modding as you have guessed is technically illegal. It was only a couple of months after the Xbox 360 was released that quite a few modding techniques were developed and distributed to bypass the signature checking as well as advertising and permitted the use of back at games as well as other add-ons.

If you do decide to mod your Xbox you should be aware that this will completely void your warranty. The simple act of opening your Xbox case is all it takes two completely void the warranty of your Xbox or Xbox 360. You will also lose the ability to use Xbox Live as well as the Xbox Live Marketplace. These are some of the things you must consider before you decide to go forward with modding your Xbox or Xbox 360.

So what are the ways for installing mods on an Xbox? One way to mod your Xbox is to use what is known as a Modchip. Unless you are very handy with a soldering iron and can read electronic schematics, you may have difficulty installing a mod chip on your Xbox. When installing a mod chip you cannot make a mistake or you will cause the entire unit to malfunction, resulting in no more gaming for you. On the upside, if you can successfully install a mod chip you will have the capability to use certain add-ons and play back up games which would otherwise not be possible.

Another way to mod and Xbox is to use what is known as TSOP Flashing. TSOP is an acronym which stands for thin small outline package. This mod makes it possible for you to end table the motherboard to be writable inside your gaming unit. This technique works only for the version 1.0 to the version 1.5 Xbox units.

Softmodding is a technique where the Xbox is modified by replacing the operating system dashboard. This results in the gamer being able to access certain restricted parts of the gaming unit. If a technique called multi-booting is enabled the soft mod will not affect the gamer’s access to Xbox Marketplace. The problem with soft mods however, is that they do not always work.

Only you can decide if modding your Xbox is right for you. Just be sure that it is something that you want to do and that you have the technical skills required to complete the task, or you may lose your Xbox.

Microsoft: Xbox 360 Routs PS3 in Record Black Friday Sales (PC World via Yahoo! News)

It's a Microsoft press release, so handle with care, but the company's claiming it did more than admirably on Black Friday, it hit the ball out of the park. Not only did the Xbox 360 outsell Sony's PlayStation 3 by three-to-one, says Microsoft, but the 360 managed its best Black Friday sales ever, including a 25 percent lift over 2007 figures.

Microsoft: Xbox 360 Routs PS3 in Record Black Friday Sales (PC World)

The Xbox 360 had its best Black Friday sales in history and trounced the PS3 by 3-to-1, says Microsoft.

Microsoft: Xbox 360 spanks PS3 in Black Friday frenzy (East Valley Tribune)

According to Microsoft, U.S. retailers reported Black Friday weekend sales of the Xbox 360 console that were on pace to beat previous years — and outselling the PlayStation 3 by a 3-1 ratio.

03:00 (BST), 02/12/2008 Xbox 360 Press Release PROVIDED BY GAMES PRESS REDMOND, Wash. — Dec. 1, 2008 — Microsoft ... (gamesindustry.biz)

REDMOND, Wash. — Dec. 1, 2008 — Microsoft Corp.’s Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system kicked off the holidays with record-breaking console sales on one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year in the U.S.

Xbox 360 outsells Sony PS3 3-to-1 on Black Friday (I4U)

Microsoft announces that the Xbox 360 set new records in sales on Black Friday. Apparently the Xbox 360 outsold the Sony PS3 3-to-1 and Microsoft sold 25% more Xbox 360 consoles compared to Black Friday 2007. The Xbox 360 has now an install base of 25 m...