We get tons of emails asking us about skins, faceplates and replacement soft-mods for the Xbox and Xbox 360. The reason we call it a soff mod, is generally, these changes to the Xbox / Xbox 360 alter the appearance of the console, without changing any important aspects of the console relating to the way it operates. Here are some of the most asks questions we get from newcomers to Microsoft’s lineup of consoles.

What is an Xbox Skin?

Put simply, and Xbox Skin is a very thin piece of vinyl specially made and cut to fit your game console or controller. Many Xbox Skins and Xbox Controller Skins are developed across the internet by several individuals and companies, and there are plenty of options in regards to making your game console look unique. Aside from changing the visual appearance of your Xbox, they serve no other purpose.

Is It Safe to Use an Xbox Skin on my Xbox?

We have had many consoles over the years, and beginning right about the time the Xbox launched people started developing viny Xbox Skins. To ask if they are safe would be a double edged sword. The vinyl itself will not add to the heat of the game unit, so as long as you apply the Xbox Skin the way the manufacturer suggests, there should be no issues. The vinyl xbox skins do not cover the ventilation areas of the console (under normal circumstances). In any case, we have been around since 2002 and know of zero issues caused by the use of an Xbox Skin.

Can I Get a Custom Xbox Skin?

Yes, many of the sites that sell Xbox Skins offer a customization service as well. Typically, the material will be of the same quality that their other products are, but as they are making a limited quantity (just for you) the personalized skin may cost more.

Is There a Custom Xbox Solution Xbox Skin?

There is one in production, but it is not completed at this point, look for it soon.

Where Do You Recommend Purchasing an Xbox Skin at?

To be quite honest, there are various companies on the internet that sell Xbox Skins, and while they are all very similar, it would be incorrect to say they are all of the same quality. Having said that, the differences are minimal to the average user, so we heavily base our decision on where to purchase your Xbox Skin from based on the level of service the company or individual is dedicated to. We have dealt with various skin companies since 2002, and while your milage may vary, we have been met with excellent products and great customer service at Pinkie Online.

Controller Skins, What are they?

Xbox Controller Skins are almost the same thing as a skin for the Xbox, except they are obviously made for the controller only and are much smaller, often times covering only small areas of the controller itself. In many cases, controller skins are available that cover the Xbox ‘jewel’ area as well.

Xbox 360 Faceplates – Information Pricing and Availability.

At the moment, the only real information available to us is that there will indeed be custom Xbox 360 faceplates available, perhaps directly from Microsoft, but this has not been completely revealed. The simple fact that there is going to be an option to change the face plate on the Xbox 360 means that there will almost certainly be a huge third party market for faceplate customizations.

What About Xbox 360 Skins?

While Xbox 360 Faceplates will change the look of the front of the Xbox 360, what about the top (or the sides if placed vertically)? Some Xbox skin manufacturers have already announced that they will be offering Xbox 360 Skins. If in fact Xbox 360 Faceplates are readily available for people to customize, an Xbox 360 Skin and an Xbox 360 Faceplate is sure to be the hight of cutomization for the Xbox 360.

Will a Soft-Mod Void my Warranty?

It depends on the type of mod. For example, if you change the faceplate on your Xbox 360, it will not void the warranty. The same goes for adding a skin to the console or the controllers. These types of modifications do not alter any of the circuitry, software, hardware, or bios of the system, and therefor are considered acceptable, in most cases.

On the other hand, if you were to add a mod-chip to your console it will void the warranty immediately. A mod-chip, accompanied with bios altering software, changes the way the Xbox or Xbox 360 operates. The same goes for changing other aspects of the console, such as LED lights. In any case where you open the unit and modify the hardware, your warranty will be voided. In fact, the act of simply opening the console will void the warranty, as there is no way to determine if anything has been modified.

More information is available in our forums.

Filed under: FAQs

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