Buying a gaming console is expensive as is. Gamers pool large amounts of money into owning Nintendo, PlayStation, or Xbox consoles as well as games, which are usually excluded from the console itself. For this reason, many resort to modifying or buying pre-modded gaming systems, which can enhance the console’s performance while not breaking the bank.
As new consoles come out, older versions become abandoned and forgotten, so users with the previous systems will alter them for free games and customization. Nintendo’s 3DS and WII U online shops have officially been discontinued, and have already stopped selling physical games for these handheld devices. Therefore, players succumb to essentially “hacking” their system to gain access to the game they have longed for.
The joy of experiencing a multitude of games, cool backgrounds, and unlocking hidden features can come with consequences, though. Modding risks vary from damaging the console to being permanently banned from the software company.
“In my opinion, modding your console can be tempting,” says Kasali Gbenro, a senior at Pembroke Pines Charter High School (PPCHS). “There is potential for breaking your device rendering, which makes it useless. Also, it can cancel warranties, and getting caught with pirated games can lead to you being banned or even lawsuits.”
What about the users who couldn’t care less about the risks? What if they just prefer to risk it all to finally be able to own the games they weren’t given the opportunity to buy? It all seems worth it for its thrilling experience and new options to further enjoy the console.
Alexander Young, another senior at PPCHS, mentions, “I would mod my console because my homeboy did it with a 3DS and he got all of the games on it.”
“I’d recommend modding a console because you can do whatever you want on it. My sister modded my 3DS, which can get you free games and a customizable background. It’s great!” exclaims Valerie Duran, a freshman at PPCHS.
By the looks of it, modifying a gaming system has its pros and cons, but it also requires effort. The word “hack” seems so simple, yet it comes with a workload of research, coding, and time used to be able to receive the modded console one desires.
“I’m currently modding my [Xbox] 360; it’s harder to mod that one because it’s a much older console,” sophomore Ishaan Rodriguez says. “People think that it’s hard or dangerous to mod their console, but if you take the time to sit down and learn, you will be thankful.”
With a modified gaming console, many get to experience the customization freedom, the infinite amount of games available, and hidden cheats. It sounds mind-blowing, but the decision itself requires extensive consideration based on what consequences may occur. In some cases, owning a console at all is a blessing in itself.
