Softmodding the (original) Xbox

[A Black Falcon]

DJ - huh? That might be true for hard-modding (that'd require a mod chip), but not soft-modding, that's very easy. Unless you're thinking of the 360 or something?

I think there's a method which uses certain games, as well. I'm sure MechAssault is one. I looked into modding my Xbox a few months ago with the intention of turning it into an emulation box, but never followed up.

You're right, this method does require those games. The other method, where you hot-swap IDE cables (to a computer running a special disc you burn), doesn't, but this method does require specific games -- apparently you need either MechAssault (first version only), Splinter Cell (the first one), or 007: Agent Under Fire, then you load a special save file for that game and it installs the homebrew OS. The tricky part is getting the file onto the system in the first place -- that's what a modified USB stick, or Gamemon, or third-party Chinese USB to Xbox controller adapter, plus that Action Replay software, is for.

But yeah, I'd looked into it but never followed it up too, but as I describe there, I found it even easier than I thought it would be... :)