Open up your game systems

Have you ever wanted to see how your game system works? Do you scoff at warranties? Do you not mind risking your $80-to-$600 gadget just so you can screw with it? Then this toolkit is for you.

Modding peripheral companies like Divineo and Mod-chip.com are selling the Zoozen Access Pro Tool Kit v2, a toolkit with virtually everything you need to crack into virtually every game system you have. It includes a socketed handle with standard driver bits for slotted, Phillips, and Torx screws, and specialized driver bits for the "tamperproof" screws many systems use (Ever wonder where to get a screwdriver for those funky triangular screws on Game Boy Advanced games? Now you know). It also comes with the OneSnap Xbox 360 case separator tool and two Linehead Nut Setters. I don't know what Linehead Nut Setters do, but I know it's darn hard to talk about them without giggling. Divineo and Mod-chip.com claim that the toolkit can work with the PS2, PS3, PSP, GameCube, Wii, Xbox, Xbox 360, GBA, DS, DS Lite, and "most third party products." Most systems use a combination of both standard and proprietary screws, and it's an impressive feat if the kit can really work with all of them.

This toolkit is mostly intended for modders to open up their systems so they can install chips that let them play pirated imported games. Still, curious and creative geeks can use them to crack open their systems and see how they work, and possibly even fix minor mechanical problems. Of course, any warranties even remotely related to the systems will be null, void, and completely laughable as soon as you start turning a screw. It's really a judgment call as to whether one should open up expensive game systems to take a look at the creamy centers.

If you're willing to risk your tech, the Access Pro Tool Kit v2 can be ordered for $20 from either of the aforementioned sites. It's currently on preorder, so you'll have to wait a few weeks before you break your systems.

[redhat1283]

Or you could go with an ESD safe kit from Wiha.

http://www.wihatools.com/719collect.htm

It's also available at Digi-key for a few dollars less.

[jonathan_a]

This is mainly for modders

Like if you want to add extra LEDs that flash around your console or handheld, or upgrade the harddrive, and stuff like that. Cause these days, you don't need to break open a console or handheld to play pira... uhh I mean Imported games. Most chips or cartridges are all external and only require to be plugged somewhere on the console or handheld which is a lot safer and doesn't void the waranty.

But I guess if you have an old Dreamcast or old Playstation 2 lying around, then this kit might be worth it if you want to tinker around inside. Cause it's true that mod chips are cheaper than buying those external devices.