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Up until the likes of the PSX it seemed un-thinkable to modify a console in any way. Now that the new consoles are out is console modifications something that we may see grow in the future.
Xbox
Seeing as the xbox main architecture is based mainly on the PC it is probably the easiest (seeing as the other consoles are custom built and even simple modifications could be deadly) to modify, PC enthusiasts may be able to apply some fine tweeks to up the performance. But Microsoft have made this a little harder to do than you would expect. But someone is bound to find a way round this. The danger here for microsoft is that someone may find a way of uploading the xbox operating system onto a
normal PC making it able to play xbox games, If microsoft haven't thought of ways of preventing this then there could be trouble ahead for them. It should also be possible due to the similarities with the PC to make
modifications to the xbox that allow it to play audio and video in the MPEG-4 and DivX formats and maybe even modify them to play PC games and maybe other console games (although it would be very hard to implement it should be possible)
Recently Sony forced a company called Channel technology to stop producing the M-Chip, it was a chip that allowed the PS2 to play import games and also "back-up" copies of games. Lets take a look at both these areas.
Imports
up until now a lot of import copies have been a little poor when it comes down to PAL conversions, Capcom have been very poor with borders appearing at the top and bottom of the screen Ace Combat 4 showed that with time and effort the conversions can be carried out well and efficiently to make the game a lot better. Capcom have said they will ensure the Maximo conversion will be of a high standard without and borders.
There are a number of advantages and disadvantages to import games and consoles.
Advantages
You obtain a copy of the game or console months before it comes out in the UK.
Some import games run at a slightly better standard.
Disadvantages
Sometimes the game can be in a different language with only English subtitles.
Some consoles need different parts as the main supply is higher in the UK.
But there is something that seems strange to me, when you buy something surely it is up to you what you do with it, if you want to have it chipped then surely you can if you want.
There are a number of dangers associated with modifying consoles, severe damage to your console is probably the biggest, when the consoles were developed they were not designed to cope with extra additions.
Also modifying consoles is not easy, soldering various components in the correct place, making sure it is done correctly. I would say maybe it would be better to get a professional to do it also any modifications void your warrenty so if anything happens you will have to pay the consequences.
Back-up copies
There is a big issue here in terms of piracy. Recently as part of my course at uni I was looking at various laws that deal with computing. The design, copyright and patents act states that you can make a working back up copy of your game "where needed or where necessary" but later in the act it states that it is illegal to circumvent copy-protection. It is very confussing and only a judge or lawyer can really tell you exactly what is allowed and what isn't and even then I am sure some would disagree. So in other words unless you can prove that the copy you have is required then it is illegal.
Piracy is a big problem in the industry. Developers loose out in a big way and if you think on it we probably do too. The more money they get dosn't mean bigger profits (not all the time) a lot of the money is put into the future development of games and consoles, usually more money means better quality and better improvements. Making illegal copies of a game is wrong no matter how you look at it, even if you could arguee that we are ripped of a bit. I'll not go into depth about the piracy problems as there are many topics on the forums about it and that probably explain it better than I could.
It is obvious that Sony forced this company to shut down as these chips could lead to major piracy problems and therefore cause Sony to loose out on money. But if other companies release modifications will Sony let them away with it? I guess it depends on the type of modification. Obviously seeing as Sony are such a large company smaller companies aren't going to challenge Sony in the courts. Some modifications are external like the multi region DVD add on which lets you play all region DVD's on your PS2, extrnal modifications are much safer as you aren't opening the console and fidling about with the insides of your console.
Future of consoles and modification
When technology reaches new standards we may see times were certain components can be included as seperate components and not "on chip". Hopefully at a time when a change like this has very little effect on performance we could see consoles that allow slight upgrades. i.e. After a console has been out for a few years the developer could release a new gaming engine that slots into a fixed position inside the console I am not sure if this is really a feasable idea but it would be nice to think such a thing is possible.
But there are disadvantages with this. It could become to much like the PC industry in that you need various components that are of a suitable level before the game will work. Which is something that would spoil the console industry so hopefully things wont go that way. Well that is my view anyway, some may disagree and if you do please explain why.
Perhaps in the future we could see inteligent console that could have special extra features, maybe you could get a console with a personality which you could buy a different personality mod to replace the one in your console. I guess there are a lot of possibilities in this area, just need the ideas to be used by developers. I think that soon the X-Box will become the first console to be modified more than the usual play import or back up copies.
I guess it depends how you look at things, on one hand modifications could be a good thing but on the other they could be a danger to the industry. I don't want to see dramatic changes, just some add ons that could improve areas every year or every couple of years, they would also need to be a suitable price. Maybe a modification that upgrades the main CPU or the graphics processor, increase memory etc.
So what are your views? Have you ever modified your console(s)? Do you think we will see a step towards this in the future? Discuss.
Xbox
Seeing as the xbox main architecture is based mainly on the PC it is probably the easiest (seeing as the other consoles are custom built and even simple modifications could be deadly) to modify, PC enthusiasts may be able to apply some fine tweeks to up the performance. But Microsoft have made this a little harder to do than you would expect. But someone is bound to find a way round this. The danger here for microsoft is that someone may find a way of uploading the xbox operating system onto a
normal PC making it able to play xbox games, If microsoft haven't thought of ways of preventing this then there could be trouble ahead for them. It should also be possible due to the similarities with the PC to make
modifications to the xbox that allow it to play audio and video in the MPEG-4 and DivX formats and maybe even modify them to play PC games and maybe other console games (although it would be very hard to implement it should be possible)
Recently Sony forced a company called Channel technology to stop producing the M-Chip, it was a chip that allowed the PS2 to play import games and also "back-up" copies of games. Lets take a look at both these areas.
Imports
up until now a lot of import copies have been a little poor when it comes down to PAL conversions, Capcom have been very poor with borders appearing at the top and bottom of the screen Ace Combat 4 showed that with time and effort the conversions can be carried out well and efficiently to make the game a lot better. Capcom have said they will ensure the Maximo conversion will be of a high standard without and borders.
There are a number of advantages and disadvantages to import games and consoles.
Advantages
You obtain a copy of the game or console months before it comes out in the UK.
Some import games run at a slightly better standard.
Disadvantages
Sometimes the game can be in a different language with only English subtitles.
Some consoles need different parts as the main supply is higher in the UK.
But there is something that seems strange to me, when you buy something surely it is up to you what you do with it, if you want to have it chipped then surely you can if you want.
There are a number of dangers associated with modifying consoles, severe damage to your console is probably the biggest, when the consoles were developed they were not designed to cope with extra additions.
Also modifying consoles is not easy, soldering various components in the correct place, making sure it is done correctly. I would say maybe it would be better to get a professional to do it also any modifications void your warrenty so if anything happens you will have to pay the consequences.
Back-up copies
There is a big issue here in terms of piracy. Recently as part of my course at uni I was looking at various laws that deal with computing. The design, copyright and patents act states that you can make a working back up copy of your game "where needed or where necessary" but later in the act it states that it is illegal to circumvent copy-protection. It is very confussing and only a judge or lawyer can really tell you exactly what is allowed and what isn't and even then I am sure some would disagree. So in other words unless you can prove that the copy you have is required then it is illegal.
Piracy is a big problem in the industry. Developers loose out in a big way and if you think on it we probably do too. The more money they get dosn't mean bigger profits (not all the time) a lot of the money is put into the future development of games and consoles, usually more money means better quality and better improvements. Making illegal copies of a game is wrong no matter how you look at it, even if you could arguee that we are ripped of a bit. I'll not go into depth about the piracy problems as there are many topics on the forums about it and that probably explain it better than I could.
It is obvious that Sony forced this company to shut down as these chips could lead to major piracy problems and therefore cause Sony to loose out on money. But if other companies release modifications will Sony let them away with it? I guess it depends on the type of modification. Obviously seeing as Sony are such a large company smaller companies aren't going to challenge Sony in the courts. Some modifications are external like the multi region DVD add on which lets you play all region DVD's on your PS2, extrnal modifications are much safer as you aren't opening the console and fidling about with the insides of your console.
Future of consoles and modification
When technology reaches new standards we may see times were certain components can be included as seperate components and not "on chip". Hopefully at a time when a change like this has very little effect on performance we could see consoles that allow slight upgrades. i.e. After a console has been out for a few years the developer could release a new gaming engine that slots into a fixed position inside the console I am not sure if this is really a feasable idea but it would be nice to think such a thing is possible.
But there are disadvantages with this. It could become to much like the PC industry in that you need various components that are of a suitable level before the game will work. Which is something that would spoil the console industry so hopefully things wont go that way. Well that is my view anyway, some may disagree and if you do please explain why.
Perhaps in the future we could see inteligent console that could have special extra features, maybe you could get a console with a personality which you could buy a different personality mod to replace the one in your console. I guess there are a lot of possibilities in this area, just need the ideas to be used by developers. I think that soon the X-Box will become the first console to be modified more than the usual play import or back up copies.
I guess it depends how you look at things, on one hand modifications could be a good thing but on the other they could be a danger to the industry. I don't want to see dramatic changes, just some add ons that could improve areas every year or every couple of years, they would also need to be a suitable price. Maybe a modification that upgrades the main CPU or the graphics processor, increase memory etc.
So what are your views? Have you ever modified your console(s)? Do you think we will see a step towards this in the future? Discuss.
Been doing a bit of research for a project at uni and it is possible to overclock the x-box, it is also possible to have it water cooled. Seems pretty good to me, I think in the not to distant future we could see unique and modified X-box's all over the place, but is this a good or bad thing?
Congrats on your GAD win AliBoy.
Wonderful topic - I really enjoyed reading it.
When you spoke about the disadvantages in games being subtitled, I think this was as great thing to point out. I totally agree with you.
I think they should make games just like DVD movies, where there is an option to choose different languages for the game. After all, DVD movies and DVD-based games are becoming very similar by the day. Besides, if DVD developers can work hard enough to translate a whole film, I am sure that game developers can do the same.
Wonderful topic - I really enjoyed reading it.
When you spoke about the disadvantages in games being subtitled, I think this was as great thing to point out. I totally agree with you.
I think they should make games just like DVD movies, where there is an option to choose different languages for the game. After all, DVD movies and DVD-based games are becoming very similar by the day. Besides, if DVD developers can work hard enough to translate a whole film, I am sure that game developers can do the same.
Congrats on your GAD win AliBoy.
Wonderful topic - I really enjoyed reading it.
When you spoke about the disadvantages in games being subtitled, I think this was as great thing to point out. I totally agree with you.
I think they should make games just like DVD movies, where there is an option to choose different languages for the game. After all, DVD movies and games are becoming very similar by the day. Besides, if DVD developers can work hard enough to translate a whole film, I am sure that game developers can do the same.
Wonderful topic - I really enjoyed reading it.
When you spoke about the disadvantages in games being subtitled, I think this was as great thing to point out. I totally agree with you.
I think they should make games just like DVD movies, where there is an option to choose different languages for the game. After all, DVD movies and games are becoming very similar by the day. Besides, if DVD developers can work hard enough to translate a whole film, I am sure that game developers can do the same.
I think that console modifications could become more common, due to wht happened with the PSX, but each console manufacturer will try and make it mod-proof. The GameCube can be converted for American games quite easily with a Japanese machine, as you may have seen in NGC. This could lead to another big thing like with the PS, and I hope it doesn't!
Apparently, many gaming moddifiers were waiting to get their hands on an X-box just so they can rip it apart and see what they can do! So we could expect to see something similar to do with that.
The GBA has to be moddified if you wanna connect it to a TV via an adaptor. And I hardly think the PS2 will be 'mod-proof', since the other 2 could be changed and Sony's previous one was played around with
So I don't think consoles will become 'mod-proof' for quite a while yet. This is something Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft will have to look at more closely next time!
Apparently, many gaming moddifiers were waiting to get their hands on an X-box just so they can rip it apart and see what they can do! So we could expect to see something similar to do with that.
The GBA has to be moddified if you wanna connect it to a TV via an adaptor. And I hardly think the PS2 will be 'mod-proof', since the other 2 could be changed and Sony's previous one was played around with
So I don't think consoles will become 'mod-proof' for quite a while yet. This is something Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft will have to look at more closely next time!
Up until the likes of the PSX it seemed un-thinkable to modify a console in any way. Now that the new consoles are out is console modifications something that we may see grow in the future.
Xbox
Seeing as the xbox main architecture is based mainly on the PC it is probably the easiest (seeing as the other consoles are custom built and even simple modifications could be deadly) to modify, PC enthusiasts may be able to apply some fine tweeks to up the performance. But Microsoft have made this a little harder to do than you would expect. But someone is bound to find a way round this. The danger here for microsoft is that someone may find a way of uploading the xbox operating system onto a
normal PC making it able to play xbox games, If microsoft haven't thought of ways of preventing this then there could be trouble ahead for them. It should also be possible due to the similarities with the PC to make
modifications to the xbox that allow it to play audio and video in the MPEG-4 and DivX formats and maybe even modify them to play PC games and maybe other console games (although it would be very hard to implement it should be possible)
Recently Sony forced a company called Channel technology to stop producing the M-Chip, it was a chip that allowed the PS2 to play import games and also "back-up" copies of games. Lets take a look at both these areas.
Imports
up until now a lot of import copies have been a little poor when it comes down to PAL conversions, Capcom have been very poor with borders appearing at the top and bottom of the screen Ace Combat 4 showed that with time and effort the conversions can be carried out well and efficiently to make the game a lot better. Capcom have said they will ensure the Maximo conversion will be of a high standard without and borders.
There are a number of advantages and disadvantages to import games and consoles.
Advantages
You obtain a copy of the game or console months before it comes out in the UK.
Some import games run at a slightly better standard.
Disadvantages
Sometimes the game can be in a different language with only English subtitles.
Some consoles need different parts as the main supply is higher in the UK.
But there is something that seems strange to me, when you buy something surely it is up to you what you do with it, if you want to have it chipped then surely you can if you want.
There are a number of dangers associated with modifying consoles, severe damage to your console is probably the biggest, when the consoles were developed they were not designed to cope with extra additions.
Also modifying consoles is not easy, soldering various components in the correct place, making sure it is done correctly. I would say maybe it would be better to get a professional to do it also any modifications void your warrenty so if anything happens you will have to pay the consequences.
Back-up copies
There is a big issue here in terms of piracy. Recently as part of my course at uni I was looking at various laws that deal with computing. The design, copyright and patents act states that you can make a working back up copy of your game "where needed or where necessary" but later in the act it states that it is illegal to circumvent copy-protection. It is very confussing and only a judge or lawyer can really tell you exactly what is allowed and what isn't and even then I am sure some would disagree. So in other words unless you can prove that the copy you have is required then it is illegal.
Piracy is a big problem in the industry. Developers loose out in a big way and if you think on it we probably do too. The more money they get dosn't mean bigger profits (not all the time) a lot of the money is put into the future development of games and consoles, usually more money means better quality and better improvements. Making illegal copies of a game is wrong no matter how you look at it, even if you could arguee that we are ripped of a bit. I'll not go into depth about the piracy problems as there are many topics on the forums about it and that probably explain it better than I could.
It is obvious that Sony forced this company to shut down as these chips could lead to major piracy problems and therefore cause Sony to loose out on money. But if other companies release modifications will Sony let them away with it? I guess it depends on the type of modification. Obviously seeing as Sony are such a large company smaller companies aren't going to challenge Sony in the courts. Some modifications are external like the multi region DVD add on which lets you play all region DVD's on your PS2, extrnal modifications are much safer as you aren't opening the console and fidling about with the insides of your console.
Future of consoles and modification
When technology reaches new standards we may see times were certain components can be included as seperate components and not "on chip". Hopefully at a time when a change like this has very little effect on performance we could see consoles that allow slight upgrades. i.e. After a console has been out for a few years the developer could release a new gaming engine that slots into a fixed position inside the console I am not sure if this is really a feasable idea but it would be nice to think such a thing is possible.
But there are disadvantages with this. It could become to much like the PC industry in that you need various components that are of a suitable level before the game will work. Which is something that would spoil the console industry so hopefully things wont go that way. Well that is my view anyway, some may disagree and if you do please explain why.
Perhaps in the future we could see inteligent console that could have special extra features, maybe you could get a console with a personality which you could buy a different personality mod to replace the one in your console. I guess there are a lot of possibilities in this area, just need the ideas to be used by developers. I think that soon the X-Box will become the first console to be modified more than the usual play import or back up copies.
I guess it depends how you look at things, on one hand modifications could be a good thing but on the other they could be a danger to the industry. I don't want to see dramatic changes, just some add ons that could improve areas every year or every couple of years, they would also need to be a suitable price. Maybe a modification that upgrades the main CPU or the graphics processor, increase memory etc.
So what are your views? Have you ever modified your console(s)? Do you think we will see a step towards this in the future? Discuss.
Xbox
Seeing as the xbox main architecture is based mainly on the PC it is probably the easiest (seeing as the other consoles are custom built and even simple modifications could be deadly) to modify, PC enthusiasts may be able to apply some fine tweeks to up the performance. But Microsoft have made this a little harder to do than you would expect. But someone is bound to find a way round this. The danger here for microsoft is that someone may find a way of uploading the xbox operating system onto a
normal PC making it able to play xbox games, If microsoft haven't thought of ways of preventing this then there could be trouble ahead for them. It should also be possible due to the similarities with the PC to make
modifications to the xbox that allow it to play audio and video in the MPEG-4 and DivX formats and maybe even modify them to play PC games and maybe other console games (although it would be very hard to implement it should be possible)
Recently Sony forced a company called Channel technology to stop producing the M-Chip, it was a chip that allowed the PS2 to play import games and also "back-up" copies of games. Lets take a look at both these areas.
Imports
up until now a lot of import copies have been a little poor when it comes down to PAL conversions, Capcom have been very poor with borders appearing at the top and bottom of the screen Ace Combat 4 showed that with time and effort the conversions can be carried out well and efficiently to make the game a lot better. Capcom have said they will ensure the Maximo conversion will be of a high standard without and borders.
There are a number of advantages and disadvantages to import games and consoles.
Advantages
You obtain a copy of the game or console months before it comes out in the UK.
Some import games run at a slightly better standard.
Disadvantages
Sometimes the game can be in a different language with only English subtitles.
Some consoles need different parts as the main supply is higher in the UK.
But there is something that seems strange to me, when you buy something surely it is up to you what you do with it, if you want to have it chipped then surely you can if you want.
There are a number of dangers associated with modifying consoles, severe damage to your console is probably the biggest, when the consoles were developed they were not designed to cope with extra additions.
Also modifying consoles is not easy, soldering various components in the correct place, making sure it is done correctly. I would say maybe it would be better to get a professional to do it also any modifications void your warrenty so if anything happens you will have to pay the consequences.
Back-up copies
There is a big issue here in terms of piracy. Recently as part of my course at uni I was looking at various laws that deal with computing. The design, copyright and patents act states that you can make a working back up copy of your game "where needed or where necessary" but later in the act it states that it is illegal to circumvent copy-protection. It is very confussing and only a judge or lawyer can really tell you exactly what is allowed and what isn't and even then I am sure some would disagree. So in other words unless you can prove that the copy you have is required then it is illegal.
Piracy is a big problem in the industry. Developers loose out in a big way and if you think on it we probably do too. The more money they get dosn't mean bigger profits (not all the time) a lot of the money is put into the future development of games and consoles, usually more money means better quality and better improvements. Making illegal copies of a game is wrong no matter how you look at it, even if you could arguee that we are ripped of a bit. I'll not go into depth about the piracy problems as there are many topics on the forums about it and that probably explain it better than I could.
It is obvious that Sony forced this company to shut down as these chips could lead to major piracy problems and therefore cause Sony to loose out on money. But if other companies release modifications will Sony let them away with it? I guess it depends on the type of modification. Obviously seeing as Sony are such a large company smaller companies aren't going to challenge Sony in the courts. Some modifications are external like the multi region DVD add on which lets you play all region DVD's on your PS2, extrnal modifications are much safer as you aren't opening the console and fidling about with the insides of your console.
Future of consoles and modification
When technology reaches new standards we may see times were certain components can be included as seperate components and not "on chip". Hopefully at a time when a change like this has very little effect on performance we could see consoles that allow slight upgrades. i.e. After a console has been out for a few years the developer could release a new gaming engine that slots into a fixed position inside the console I am not sure if this is really a feasable idea but it would be nice to think such a thing is possible.
But there are disadvantages with this. It could become to much like the PC industry in that you need various components that are of a suitable level before the game will work. Which is something that would spoil the console industry so hopefully things wont go that way. Well that is my view anyway, some may disagree and if you do please explain why.
Perhaps in the future we could see inteligent console that could have special extra features, maybe you could get a console with a personality which you could buy a different personality mod to replace the one in your console. I guess there are a lot of possibilities in this area, just need the ideas to be used by developers. I think that soon the X-Box will become the first console to be modified more than the usual play import or back up copies.
I guess it depends how you look at things, on one hand modifications could be a good thing but on the other they could be a danger to the industry. I don't want to see dramatic changes, just some add ons that could improve areas every year or every couple of years, they would also need to be a suitable price. Maybe a modification that upgrades the main CPU or the graphics processor, increase memory etc.
So what are your views? Have you ever modified your console(s)? Do you think we will see a step towards this in the future? Discuss.