A
modchip (short for
modification chip) is a small electronic device used to alter or disable artificial restrictions of computers or entertainment devices. Modchips are mainly used in
videogame consoles, but also in some
DVD or
Blu-ray players. They introduce various modifications to its host system's function, including the circumvention of
region coding,
digital rights management, and
copy protection checks for the purpose of using media intended for other markets, copied media, or unlicensed third-party (
homebrew) software.