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The post begins by explaining the nature of modification chips before stating that the effects can be detrimental to hardware and lead to criminal prosecutions. “Modification microchips (mod chips) circumvent the security embedded into Nintendo's products. To install a mod chip into a Nintendo hardware system, it is necessary to dismantle the product and, in some instances, remove components,” reads the post. “The use of mod chips voids the manufacturer's warranty. In addition, the installation of a mod chip can damage the functionality of a Nintendo console, sometimes rendering it incapable of repair. "Mod chips have been adjudicated to be illegal in various countries around the world, including the Unites States, the United Kingdom and Hong Kong. Most European countries have also already adopted laws prohibiting the circumvention of technological measures for copyright protection. People caught installing or selling mod chips may be subject to criminal charges.” While some people undeniably modify Nintendo hardware in order to play pirated games, it is also a common technique used to circumvent Nintendo’s policy of region locking consoles as modification chips can allow users to play imported software months before its official release. | |
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