If you own an Xbox 360, or if you’re thinking of getting one, you’ve probably heard of mod chips. In fact, if you have anything to do with game consoles these days, you will have heard of mod chips, mod systems, chip systems, and mods. They all refer to the same thing: a chip that is created to make changes to the way a game console works.

Xbox 360 mod chips are just like any other mod chip, they are designed to take control of your Xbox 360 system and remove the specific limitations that were placed by the manufacturer, Microsoft. So the chip can access specific features of your xBox 360 that have been blocked or restricted. This often means things like playback restrictions. You can import, backup, hack, homebrew and bypass all kinds of security features or other limitations.

Mod chips can be used to play games that the system itself has been designed to reject. Although this is not its only use or its only function. For the same reason people like to tune up their car, bike, or computer, Xbox owners like to tune up their box! Modchips expand the capabilities of your console

Game consoles like XBox 360, Play Station 3, Nintendo Wii and Gamecube are designed by the company to play specific types of disc, only from local regions. These machines have region codes, just like DVD players, so for example someone in the US can’t play a Japanese or Australian version of a game on their US box. In the case of XBox 360, you can’t play anything that isn’t licensed by Microsoft, including your own creations, backups, or custom games. A mod chip can allow you to bypass this so you can play your own custom games, discs, backed up games, and games purchased in countries other than the one where you bought your Xbox.

Of course, the main reason for these security features is to protect against game hacking and against code that could harm the system. Unfortunately, in their efforts to protect the machines, console manufacturers have imposed restrictions that many of their customers find unnecessary and obstructive. And let’s face it, who tuned a car with safety in mind?