Ways to Mod Your PS3

Hardware Modifications

• You can mod your PlayStation 3 console by installing a third-part mod chip onto the console's motherboard. They can be used to run third-party software and video game backups. Installing a mod chip can be dangerous to your system's health. It requires you to disassemble to console in order to access the internal components. Depending on the mod chip, you may have to solder it into place. Because of this danger, many people and companies offer installation services. By modifying the console in this way, you may breach your warranty.

Visual Modifications

• You may also make cosmetic alterations to your PlayStation 3. By changing the way the console looks, you can tailor its appearance to your own desires. These modifications can be something as simple as placing stickers onto the console to installing custom fans with LED lights so that the console glows. You can also cover your console with an outer shell called a "skin." These skins often feature images, decals or color patterns. They fit snugly over the console.

Software Modifications

• If you don't want to interfere with your console's hardware, you can choose to modify the software instead. For example, you can install the Linux operating system onto the PlayStation 3 using the "Open Platform" system. Installing Linux allows you access to a multitude of programs, as well as opening the door to programming software for the console. Sony does not currently support any particular version of Linux, meaning that you install the new operating system at your own risk.

Peripheral Modifications

• You can also leave your PlayStation 3 console alone and instead focus on the peripherals. One particular peripheral ripe for modification is your controller. Your standard controller can be modded with a skin to give it a new appearance, or modified to work for both the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360. Third-party peripherals may also give more functionality to your console. For example, you can purchase a USB dongle that allows you to play PlayStation 3 games located on your computer's hard drive.