What exactly is an Xbox 360 "modchip"?

[Tasaio]

I want to chip my Xbox 360 for legal purposes. Even after reading numerous guides I still am not sure of what I need to do.

Basically, I want to be able to make legal backup copies of my games, and use the backups to play games instead of the original DVDs. I don't care about being banned from Xbox Live as I never play multiplayer.

How do I go about getting this service performed in the most straightforward and non-tech-intensive manner? I've read about "flashing firmware" but my understanding is that a mod-chip somehow avoids that headache.

I'm really confused. I'm happy to pay ~$50 US to get the service done quickly. Any advice would be appreciated.

[JimOfferman]

A mod chip is a piece of hardware that has to be integrated into the console's circuit board in such a way that it can bypass the built-in security features - I don't think that can be done in a none-tech-invasive way. As far as I know, you cannot 'jailbreak' an Xbox 360 with software alone.

Please note that installing a mod chip voids your warranty and in itself is illegal in US (the DMCA makes it illegal to circumvent copy protection, regardless of the legality of the reason for your circumvention) and most other territories. You also risk 'bricking' your console with future firmware upgrades (that ship with newer games). Finally, many publishers employ additional security measures that prevent copied disks from working - there is no guarantee that you can even play your backups (most publishers do provide replacement disks at no or marginal cost, if your original copy is damaged).

[Tasaio]

Thanks for the response, that's more or less what I thought.

Please note that installing a mod chip voids your warranty and in itself is illegal in US (the DMCA makes it illegal to circumvent copy protection, regardless of the legality of the reason for your circumvention) and most other territories.

I'm in Canada so the DCMA doesn't apply to us, nor should it. People should be entitled to backup games they legally purchased, if the Xbox is going to risk scratching and ruining the disk.

[Jennihul]

Originally Posted by Tasaio

Thanks for the response, that's more or less what I thought.
I'm in Canada so the DCMA doesn't apply to us, nor should it. People should be entitled to backup games they legally purchased, if the Xbox is going to risk scratching and ruining the disk.

I'm not 100% innocent... but that's really a kind of lame argument to potentially ruin a $300+ machine that is so much more than a game-playing console. You are more likely to scratch your own disk than the unit is. Besides it's only a matter of time before Canada passes a similar law.

You are missing the best part by not playing multiplayer, BTW.

Jennifer

[Tasaio]

I'm not 100% innocent... but that's really a kind of lame argument to potentially ruin a $300+ machine that is so much more than a game-playing console.

Personally I only use it for games or watching DVDs on the treadmill. I'm not sure I'd describe it as "so much more than a game-playing console".

Erm, what exactly do you mean when you say that? The PS2 and PS3 and Xbox and my PC can all play DVDs, too.

You are more likely to scratch your own disk than the unit is.

Actually, reports have surfaced of defective 360 drives permanently ruining game discs. It's a very real problem and I'd rather not have to wait for my replacement disc to arrive.

Besides it's only a matter of time before Canada passes a similar law.

This is unlikely. The gov't tried to replicate the DCMA in October 07 but failed due to grassroots opposition. Or rather, they didn't realize there would be so much public opposition. "We just didn't think people would care all that much."

Of course, there have been talks of them wanting to sneak in the (unchanged) Bill at the start of summer break (June?), but because it hasn't been changed it will be killed again. Until they are willing to remove portions like:

- It is now illegal to copy music from a CD you legally own to an iPod. You must buy a new, separate copy from iTunes.

the Bill will never get passed.

You are missing the best part by not playing multiplayer, BTW.

Nah. I prefer single-player games with a story.

[JimOfferman]

Originally Posted by Tasaio

People should be entitled to backup games they legally purchased

I agree, but the powers that be seem to still believe that those draconic copy protection measures are needed to keep honest people honest.

[goldtoe360]

Originally Posted by Tasaio
Nah. I prefer single-player games with a story.

RPG player huh? Me too. Though multiplayer online is fun as well. Fable 2, an rpg game, will have multiplayer online too (seems fun).

As for modding the 360...I guess you gotta do what you gotta do to protect your investment.

I don't have a modded 360 because online multiplayer is great; plus, none of my discs have scratches on it.

Scratched discs are due to the dvd drive that comes with the 360. The dvd laser doesn't have pads around it to prevent discs from ever coming into contact with it.

Here's a website about installing those pads: XBOX 360 pads

Seems like an easier installation than a mod chip. Not to mention cheaper.

[Jennihul]

Originally Posted by goldtoe360

RPG player huh? Me too. Though multiplayer online is fun as well. Fable 2, an rpg game, will have multiplayer online too (seems fun).

As for modding the 360...I guess you gotta do what you gotta do to protect your investment.

I don't have a modded 360 because online multiplayer is great; plus, none of my discs have scratches on it.

Scratched discs are due to the dvd drive that comes with the 360. The dvd laser doesn't have pads around it to prevent discs from ever coming into contact with it.

Here's a website about installing those pads: XBOX 360 pads

Seems like an easier installation than a mod chip. Not to mention cheaper.

I'm certain that I must know over 100 people with 360s. No one has ever mentioned a scratched disk or felt the need to mod their system because of the minutely rare potential that one of their games could be scratched.

I'm absolute sure that is the lamest reason I have ever heard to mod such a great system. Now if the dude was honest and said he wanted to sell copies of games as a pirate to make money, or be trying to get something for nothing, I would believe him.

Jennifer