Copy Chip

Copy Chip (sometimes referred to as a chameleon chip) is a technology in the Mega Man X series. It is the source of the copy ability used by Axl and the New Generation Reploids.

Characteristics
The copy chip is an internal component of a Reploid and therefore it is not physically seen. However, its effects are well documented, and are all related to DNA manipulation.

Copy Ability
Copy chips give Reploids the ability to take on the appearance and abilities of another Reploid by using their DNA data. This transformation causes the Reploid's body to glow brightly as it changes into the new form. They can also freely cancel the transformation at will.

The completed version of the copy chip seen in Mega Man X8 is used heavily by the New Generation Reploids. This copy chip contains a database of DNA data of various Reploids, including fellow New Generation Reploids and even Sigma. Using it, they can freely take on the form of other Reploids, regardless of their shape or size. However, the power they gain from transforming seems to vary between models, as there is a major difference of strength between the Copy Sigma boss from Mega Man X8 and the ones appearing as enemies in the Sigma Palace. When defeated, they revert to their original forms before dying.

Axl is shown to have a prototype version of this same copy chip. His chip does not store a pre-set DNA database, and he can only take on the appearances of others for a limited amount of time. In order to transform, he must finish off an enemy using a Copy Shot to access their crystalized DNA Core - this gives him more freedom of transformation compared to the new copy chips' pre-set collection of DNA. His transformation power is also limited to forms of a similar size and stature to his own, meaning he can only turn into fellow humanoid Reploids. His copy ability is also stated to be why he can acquire the weapons of Mavericks after defeating them, similar to X's Variable Weapons System. Unique to Mega Man X7, Axl is also capable of temporarily altering his physical traits using the DNA data of Mechaniloids, such as increasing his own speed or defense.

In Mega Man X: Command Mission, Axl's copy chip is often referred to as a "chameleon chip" instead. Here his transformation is no longer limited to humanoid Reploids, allowing him to transform into large Reploids such as Silver Horn and Mad Nautilus.

Immunity
The copy chip is also notable for making the Reploid completely immune to electronic viruses, including the Sigma Virus. This immunity is a result of the copy chip's ability to change DNA, since they have total control over their own bodies. Therefore, New Generation Reploids do not suffer the effects of infection. However, it is revealed in Mega Man X8 that New Generation Reploids can still turn Maverick of their own accord.

Mega Man X series
The copy chip is first introduced as the mysterious source of Axl's shapeshifting abilities in Mega Man X7. Since Axl has no memory of his past, the origins of the copy chip remain a mystery. Axl's abilities help Red Alert become a force to be reckoned with, which draws the attention of Sigma. He then begins manipulating Red Alert, using the DNA data which Axl collects to power up Red Alert and putting them under his control. Sigma plans to use Axl's powers to obtain the DNA of X and Zero, but the plan is foiled when Axl defects to the Maverick Hunters and helps them defeat Sigma instead.

In Mega Man X8, Axl is revealed to be a prototype for the New Generation Reploids manufactured for the Jakob Project. These New Generation Reploids have advanced copy chips that allow them to take on various forms based on their duties, but this comes into question when X learns that they also contain the DNA of Sigma. The New Generation Reploids eventually stage an uprising against humanity and take the Jakob Project for their own - despite initial concerns that they were corrupted by Sigma's influence, it is revealed that they all chose to go Maverick on their own and were not under any sort of viral infection. Lumine believes that this means the desires of the New Generation Reploids are inherently correct.

The news of Lumine turning Maverick causes the world to completely cancel development of any Reploids with copy chips still in production, as well as terminate all manufacture and use of copy chips. However, the new space race keeps demand strong for these advanced Reploids and production of copy chips is allegedly resumed years after the incident.

Mega Man X: Command Mission
In the alternate continuity, Axl investigates the Ulfat Factory in Giga City after hearing rumors that his chameleon ability might have been invented there. The investigation leads nowhere for Axl, but Marino becomes interested in the power and wants to acquire it herself. She later learns that Spider once went to a place that researched chameleon abilities.

It is also revealed in the final battle that Colonel Redips has a chameleon chip, which he used to masquerade as Spider. He planned to use Supra-Force Metal to enhance his shapeshifting abilities and become the most powerful Reploid in the world, but he was defeated by X and the party.

Notes and Trivia

 * The A-Trans from Mega Man ZX Advent functions in exactly the same manner as the Copy Chip. It is the special ability of Biometal Model A, who bears a remarkable resemblance to Axl.
 * Although the Copy Chip is supposed to make the bearer immune to viruses, Axl is still susceptible to the "Virus" status effect from Mega Man X: Command Mission.
 * In Sigma's character display animation from the game Rockman X DiVE, he destroys several enemies before stabbing "X" in the chest. After "X" is killed, it is revealed he was actually an Armor Soldier copying his form with a Copy Chip.