If you’ve followed previous Xpansion columns, you’re familiar with the various tools that can push the Xbox to its outer edges of video, audio, and overall software performance. This month, we’re looking at something different: Items that will physically expand your Xbox and change its appearance.

“Wait a second,” you’re saying, “isn’t the Xbox already too large and heavy for the average child or parent to safely lift?” Well, OK, sure. But the new X-Tender Case Mod (www.lik-sang.com) wasn’t designed for the average child or parent—it was designed for serious Xbox freaks—namely, the sort of people who think the console needs to be a couple inches taller and stuffed with extra hard drives.

Each X-Tender kit includes the tools and parts necessary to expand the Xbox’s case and also throws in three LED lights, mounting accessories for two extra IDE hard drives, and enough extra space in the front plastic extender for your choice of LCD displays, more LED lights, or cold cathode lighting. The latter parts aren’t included, but you get the idea: Your Xbox can become a heavily customized miniature PC. Which it already is. Sort of.

Let me guess: Now you’re asking, “What’s the point of expanding your case?” The creators of X-Tender think of the package as the “ultimate expansion mod for your Linux Xbox,” and the package would probably be useful for people who want to use the Xbox as a large music, movie, or photo jukebox, too. We’ll leave it to you to decide just how personally useful the whole idea really is and whether you want to lose your warranty trying it.

If you’re less interested in risking your warranty and are more concerned with the Xbox’s outside than its inside, there are now a number of cool-looking case modifications you can make—or have made for you. Jewels are the little plastic circles on the tops of Xboxes and controllers, and they now come with your choice of graphics, including ones you submit yourself.

Then there are full replacement Xbox cases in different colors. Our favorite case is the $20 Clear Xbox Cover, which mimics Microsoft’s limited-edition Crystal Xbox design. Orangey-red, yellowy-green, and blue transparent cases are also available.

And for around $15 apiece, Gameconsoleskins.com and Designerskins.com are selling skins—stickers with graphics that cover the top “X” on an Xbox case; both companies have replacement Xbox case jewels for around $9 and controller jewels for $5.

There’s no reason why Microsoft’s most loyal customers should have less-exciting Xbox consoles than the tricked-out ones available in Europe and Asia. Thankfully, if you’re willing to take matters into your own hands, that’s no longer an issue.

Copyright © 2005 Ziff Davis Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Originally appearing in Xbox Nation.