Throughout the history of computer and video games, people have been compelled to modify both hardware and software for fun and/or profit. Be it simple POKE hacks on microcomputers such as the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum to provide you limitless lives on computer games back in the 1980s, to wii flashing service enabling one to run a broader range of applications on their Nintendo DSi.

Console developers and software makers have had an on/off relationship in regards to the hacking and soldering crowd. In one way, they bring more worth to the systems and games – e.g. modchips make it convenient for gamers who can download non-sanctioned games from the net. Similarly, games hacking adds new purpose very tricky games, and nowadays it’s de rigeur for games developers to actually build in “easter egg” cheats for games players to seek out.

On the other hand, games developers say that this kind of chip modding lessens their revenue, as mods are also carried out to bypass steps to try and prevent illegal copying, and bypassing firmware that fixes cartridges to play just in certain geographical locations. These are strong reasons for hardware and games manufacturers to perpetually add new measures to make modding more and more tricky.

Yet, no matter how compelling the grounds are in opposition to chip modification, chipmodding is now a burgeoning market that isn’t going to disappear anytime soon.

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