Although all hardware companies are generally against Mod Chips (at least publicly), it’s not common for them to make public announcements against them. One of the main reasons why the original Playstation had great success was due to the existence of Mod Chips, therefore, in some aspects, Mod Chips help the companies sell their products, specially in those countries with economic difficulties.

Here is the statement that they issued:

Perhaps you are not familiar with mod chips, but nevertheless we would like to draw your attention to some important information.

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.

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.

Personally, I think that this is evidence that Nintendo has enough credibility to be able to pull off such an announcement without suffering many consequences from it. On the other hand, if this warning had come from Sony, I’m certain that the response would be very different.

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