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The other day I was thinking of ideas for my next electronics project. I usually always have a project that I am working on whether it be setting up a new media server, or just adding things to my current machine/setup. Then the idea came to me, what would I do with my old Xbox if I bought a new Xbox 360 (which I have not, but many have)? This may not be a mobile device, but we have been following the Xbox 360 here on MobilitySite since prelaunch. So for those of you who bought a 360 and owned a Xbox before, this journal is something for you to check out!

I started looking around for ideas of what I could use to add to my Xbox and what others could do with their old Xbox if they bought a 360. There were a few requirements that I put down before I started though:

• Must leave Xbox in full working order
• Must still be able to play games and games on Xbox Live (most with a 360 probably would not have to worry about this requirement)
• Must use a low budget (this rules out mod chips or professional service (DIY time!))

So, after laying down my requirements, I started coming up with a plan.

I had two separate things I wanted to get into.

1) "Modding" the Xbox software so that I could run  Xbox Media Center (XBMC) (NOT running illegal game backups, cheating on games, or anything like that!) for watching Movies off of my Media Server and for streaming videos from the internet.

2) "Modding" the outside of the Xbox physically to give it a new look and make it just that much different than the normal Xboxs.

Then came the hard part, lots and lots of research into what can be done, how to do it, and making sure it fit my requirements. Today I am just going to post the plan for the Software and Physical Modifications.

Disclaimer: Before we start, do realize that the Modifications will void your warranty (but you probably do not care as you have a 360, plus the warranty is very short on Xboxs) and these processes are not official supported by me, mobilitysite, or anyone else. You take full responsibility for doing this and if your Xbox gets screwed up do not come to me complaining about this journal! This journal is for informational purposes only! (although if you do have problems after trying this, the people at XboxScene Forums are usually very helpful).

First the plan for the Software Modifications

Instead of buying a Mod Chip (lets you run non-official software (like XBMC) on the Xbox), I decided to go the softmod (software only mod) route. This meant that I did not have to invest in a Mod Chip and have to install it, plus softmods have come a long way since they first came out just a few weeks after the Xbox was launched years ago. I plan on using the tutorial on XboxScene.com that lets you install the softmod by swapping the Xbox Hard Drive into your computer. This will get the Xbox all setup to be able to install/run XBMC. That is about all we need to plan for our Software side of the Modifications for now.

Plan for Physical Modifications

This is where your creativity gets to come out and show itself. Physical Modifications have been around for many years and there are tons of different things you can do to your Xbox. You can add lights, fans, paint jobs, case windows, or even take the Xbox out of its current case and put it in something else! The opportunities are really endless, but I have a bit more simplistic plan.

The first part will be replacing the top of the Xbox with a 3rd part clear top (I have to buy the whole kit though to get the clear top):

Next I will wire in some Green 5mm LEDs to around the center Xbox Jewel pointing out to illuminate the X, plus add a few to the front to make the base of the front glow. I found some great LEDs over at www.SickMods.net.:

So far I think my plan is fairly simple, but it will still take some work. I will be doing this project in a journal form here on MobilitySite so make sure to check back soon to get the next update!

Chris Leckness (3547 Posts) - Website | Twitter | Facebook

Chris Leckness is the Owner/Administrator of Mobilitysite. He is a Microsoft MVP, Mobile Devices and a member of the exclusive focus group, Mobius. Chris runs a Mobilitysite, GotZune, and a few other smaller sites and blogs. His personal blog is chris.leckness.com.