Xenium BlackICE Original Xbox Modchip - XeniumICE Reproduction

Xenium BlackICE for Original Xbox

The Xenium BlackICE is a modern reproduction of the original XeniumICE / Xenium Blue modchips from Team Xodus, faithfully recreated by Element18592.

The original XeniumICE was one of the most advanced Original Xbox modchips of its time, offering a software-controlled interface, multiple BIOS banks, onboard recovery features and extensive configuration options without relying on traditional DIP switches.

The Xenium BlackICE brings that functionality back in a newly manufactured, factory-assembled board suitable for Original Xbox restoration, homebrew, development and advanced custom builds.

Key Hardware Features

• Fully software-configurable
• No DIP switches required
• Dual SPI ports for expansion and add-ons
• Compatible with Original Xbox motherboard revisions
• Full-colour status / bank LED
• Hardware-protected emergency recovery system
• Integrated flash system
• D0 control
• Compact PCB design
• Factory machine assembled
• Supplied preflashed

Multi-Bank BIOS Support

The Xenium BlackICE supports multiple BIOS bank configurations, allowing the onboard flash memory to be divided in several ways, including:

• 1MB
• 512KB + 512KB
• 256KB + 256KB + 256KB + 256KB
• 256KB + 256KB + 512KB

This allows several compatible BIOS images to be stored on the chip at the same time.

Boot Bank Configuration

XeniumOS allows users to select a default boot source, including:

• Installed BIOS banks
• Original onboard TSOP BIOS
• Integrated Cromwell environment

Boot behaviour and delay can be configured from the software interface.

Quick Boot Controls

The four coloured controller buttons can be assigned to different boot actions.

Depending on configuration, holding A, X, Y or B while powering on the console can be used to:

• Select a BIOS bank
• Boot a predefined configuration
• Disable the chip
• Access another configured boot option

BIOS Management

XeniumOS provides an onboard interface for managing BIOS banks.

Features include:

• BIOS bank selection
• BIOS naming
• Automatic identification of supported BIOS images
• Manual naming using an on-screen keyboard
• Flashing BIOS files from compatible storage
• Managing different boot configurations

EEPROM Tools

Built-in EEPROM tools provide options for:

• Backing up EEPROM data
• Restoring EEPROM data
• Storing backups in onboard flash
• Managing selected console configuration values

Depending on software support, this can include settings such as:

• PAL / NTSC video mode
• Game region
• DVD region

Emergency Recovery

The Xenium BlackICE includes a hardware-protected recovery system designed to provide a recovery path if a firmware update or configuration change goes wrong.

This helps reduce the risk of rendering the board unusable after a failed flash.

Compatibility

Designed for compatible Original Xbox motherboard revisions.

Because installation requirements vary between motherboard versions, always confirm your console revision before fitting.

Installation

Installation requires:

• Console disassembly
• Soldering
• Correct motherboard identification
• LPC knowledge
• Suitable BIOS and firmware knowledge

Professional installation is recommended.

Package Contents

• 1 × Xenium BlackICE Modchip

Additional installation hardware, LPC rebuild boards or wires are not included unless specifically stated.

Credits

• Element18592 – Reproduction and hardware development
• Inspired by the original Team Xodus XeniumICE / Xenium Blue