WiiKey: Firmware update v1.9s

If you're among the Wii owners here who run their console on the WiiKey modchip, you may want to listen in. The WiiKey dev team has announced the release of their modchip's Firmware Update 1.9, which should now be available for download for the community.

Among other updates, this new build will address an issue that kept original copies of Super Smash Bros. Brawl from running properly on the Wii. As for the full list of changes:

Bugs fixed

• Issue with original Super Smash Bros. Brawl discs not working fixed
• It should now not be possible to render the chip inoperable by using patched config discs

New features

• DVD update blocker: A new config option to block system updates from DVD. This prevents the Wii from loading a system update for another region
• Dev Mode: Remaps drive debug commands from 0xFx to 0x2x

The download for WiiKey firmware 1.9s is available over at the official modchip via the source link below. Just remember to grab the file corresponding to your Wii's region coding (US, Japan, Europe), and you'll be fine.

[Via WiiKey]

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Wii Region Patcher Compatibility List

I've been receiving a lot of searches for a list of compatible games for the modded wii gaming system. After diligently serching I came across a few good forums about the subject but the one I chose to use for this post should be easy to follow for everyone.

This is from the information page on the forum:

"Using the same method as the current "partially region free" modchips, there are several computer applications which can replicate the effect on Wii ISO's prior to burning. They all use a very similar method of patching and compatibility should be identical between the applications and the modchips - consequentially this list can be used for both modchips and software patching methods (until these methods change)."

The forum list includes wii games that are compatible, games that are not and wii games that are partially compatible. The list also includes side notes to help you out.

So if you think this is what you're looking for you can check it out at the via link below.

[Via GBAtemp Forum]

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Wii Mod Chips Review

Lately a lot of people have been asking me about mod chips and if they can be detected or which ones are best. So I decided to review a few of the well know Wii mod chips so maybe this will give anyone who is interested a little insight on the subject then you can make your own opinion on if a mod chip would be the best way to go for you.

I have to say these Wii mod chips are something fierce. In earlier posts I've written about the pros and cons of modding your wii and as I've stated before the choice is yours to make, you mod at your own risk. With that being said Nintendo has not banned anyone from online play because you have a modded Wii but there are risks you take if you decide to do so. One of those is you void your warranty if you crack open your wii console to install mod chips but if a person is determined to have something that won't stop you from doing what you want, I mean you paid for it, it's yours to do what ever you want to do with it. The good news for Nintendo Wii gamers is that regardless of which Nintendo Wii mod chip you buy - you'll have all the basics with each one.

You will be able to play all Nintendo Wii Backup games (on DVD-R or DVD+R discs) and can use 8cm or 12cm DVD discs. You will also be able to play all Gamecube Backup games, import games as well as Gamecube Homebrew games. It really gets down to installation of the Nintendo Wii Mod chip and the features and functions, and future upgrade options of each Wii mod chip.What is even more surprising with these new Nintendo Wii Mod chips is the prices that they're being sold for.

I remember the days of the very first Playstation 2 mod chips, costing in excess of $90.00 US Dollars. It seems the Wii chips have opted instead for a lower entry price, in an effort to gain a greater piece of the Homebrew / Development / Modchip market. The prices range anywhere from $44.00 to just over $50.00, depending on the chip you decide to buy. I'm going to cover three of the most popular of the mod chips in the hopes of enabling you, the gamer, to make the buying decision that's right for you. And after reading this post, I honestly believe that your decision will be based solely on price, and perhaps the option of an upgrade (or lack of) for the Wii Mod Chips.

CycloWiz Nintendo Wii Mod Chips

Coined the first High-Quality mod for your Wii, the CycloWiz is perhaps the easiest modchip to install on any system. The CycloWiz actually does not require you to solder any wires to the Wii mainboard. In fact, you'll simply use Quick Solder pads which are strategically placed in the design of the CycloWiz to enable you to simply position the chip on the Nintendo Wii Mainboard, and gently put some solder onto the points. This will make the required connections, and the chip will simply be installed. The CycloWiz is also a fully upgradeable modchip, with promised firmware updates for the chip from the manufacturer. You should however like the idea that the chip will not be outdated should some new function or requirement become the norm. Also incorporates an optional off feature and LED to let you know when your CycloWiz is on or off.

Features

• UNIVERSAL Works on all Wii's
• Easy Install (5 solder points / no wires required)
• Stealth Mode to keep chip from ever being detected from current wii firmware
• Play Both Wii and GC backups
• Play GC homebrew and Imports
• Built In Audiofix for GC backups
• Multidisc GC Game support
• Support 8Cm and 12cm Discs
• Opotional Disable feature to turn your chip on and off
• Multipurpose LED to let you know that your chip is on and working, if it has an error, or if it is off
• DVD Firmware Upgrades available

WiiKey Nintendo Wii Modchip

The WiiKey for Nintendo Wii is made by the famous xenoGC team, responsible for the xenoGC Gamecube line of mod chips. The WiiKey comes ready to use, and offers an almost wireless installation. When they say almost wireless, what this essentially means is that there are Quick Solder pads for the chip. This method enables you to simply position the chip in the correct place on the Mother board of the Wii, in order to then apply a little bit of solder with a soldering iron. The WiiKey mod chip was the first chip that boasted full upgradeability through DVD-R discs to which you can burn / backup the new firmware updates, put The DVD in to your Nintendo Wii, and it will run and update the chip. Once again, the WiiKey also supports loading of both Wii and Gamecube backup games and import backup games. Original import games can be played as well, with a simple, single swap methos. Gamecube Homebrew games are also supported.

Features

• Direct boot of NTSC Wii imports on NTSC consoles (no patch needed)
• Direct boot of PAL Wii imports on NTSC consoles (no patch needed, partial compatibility)
• Direct boot of wii backups
• Direct boot of GC backups
• Direct boot of homebrew in GC mode
• Supports all currently available console/drive versions
• Supports D2B chipsets
• Sophisticated (true) update mechanism via DVD
• Direct boot of different NTSC region Wii games/backups on US and JAP consoles
• Supports DVD-R / true DVD+R and +RW support (no bitsetting required!)
• Stealth mode
• Improved readsettings for recordable media
• Recovery mode - Can recover from a bad flash
  

Nintendo Wii D2CKey Mod Chip

The D2CKey is the newest and only mod chip on the market that supports the new Nintendo Wii consoles with the D2C Chipset. It's made by the same people behind the WiiKey.Utilizing a high speed Actel FPGA running at 350 MHz this chip is capable of what is known as Intelligent Code Modification(ICM)which will enable you to be presented with flawless booting of your homebrew and backups and status is shown with two on board LEDs. It also sports a Region Override function allowing you to play import games from other countries. That being said the installation is not for the faint of heart. You need to be prepared to solder 30 wires and 2 jumpers to be up and running with the D2CKey,thus it isn't designed for people with no soldering experience. If you decide on this mod chip it would be safe to let some one else install the chip for you if you have no expierience soldering.
Features

• Compatible with DVD+-R, DVD+-RW and Dual-layer DVD (movies and GCOS)
• Autoboot without configurations
• Homebrew Compatible
• NTSC/JAP Import Games Compatibility
• GameCube Audio Fix
• Improved read settings for recordable media
• Does not modify RAM, making it virtually undetectable for the Wii
• Full command set emulation
• 1st D2C Modchip
  

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Modded Wii and Online Game Play

If you have a Wii maybe you're familiar with modding or mod chips that allow you to play copied and imported games on your Wii console. If so you may be aware of the ongoing debate. To mod or not to mod that is the question is'nt it. May be I can provide some pros and cons of modding your Wii. First of all I pesonally haven't heard of anyone getting banned for playing a modded Wii online. Currently you can use a modded Wii online no problem but there is no telling when Nintendo will roll out an update and mass-ban modded consoles. Some modchips have an 'off' setting so you can go online with legit games but there is no telling what method they will use to detect mods.

PROS

• there are modchips that can be turned "off "
• as of now nintendo has not banned any one so far
• you can play imported games
• you can play copied games
• enable the use of homebrews

CONS

• possibly getting banned by nintendo
• bricking your console
• copyright laws
• keeping up with what games you can play with a mod chip and which games you can not
• every time nintendo updates it's firmware the chip may or may not continue to work

Bottom Line :

You mod your wii at your own risk just ask some xbox 360 owners that were banned by microsoft for using modded xbox 360s online. I don't know what method they used but the xbox 360 mod chip was a firmware modchip that could be detected by microsoft. But the wii mod chip is a drive modchip that supposedly transmit the data to the Wii in a way that the Wii reads it as being an official disc. That being said could Nintendo find out if your Wii has a modchip, probably. All they have to do is put one into a console and see how to detect it and then go hunting.The real question is rather, would they? The only argument suggesting Nintendo could do anything right now, is they could in fact track NTSC consoles playing PAL games or visa versa. So if you really want to mod your wii i'm certain there are plenty of places to do so but the best and legal way of playing copied games is to get some kind of software like Game Copy Pro like I do, then that way you don't need a mod chip anyway and you don't have to worry about when Nintendo starts craking down you wont get banned. Suggestions or comments are welcome.

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Wii Mod Chips Illegal?

Showing that they’re not one to be hacked with, Nintendo issued cease and desist notices to 16 German shops it believes are selling Wii mod chips. In addition, Nintendo is demanding the name of the mod chip manufacturer.I can understand why Nintendo may be concerned over mod chips serving more purpose than to merely play import titles on a given console or to backup existing games you own but the question I'm burning on is are the mod chips themselves illegal? I have searched and asked until I'm blue in the face and I can't find a black and white answer. Some say the mod chip it's self is legal but as soon as you place inside the console that's illegal, so if that's the case how is that Nintendo can crack down on chip manufacturers. I mean if the chip isn't installed what are the grounds for going after sellers and manufacturers.This is the statement on Nintendo's UK official site.

"Mod chips have been adjudicated to be illegal in various countries around the world, including the Unites States, the United Kingdom and Hong Kong. Most European countries have also already adopted laws prohibiting the circumvention of technological measures for copyright protection. People caught installing or selling mod chips may be subject to criminal charges."

Mod chips are available for purchase now for about $40(£20)less than what you pay for the average video game. If Nintendo wants to stop these activies they better be in it for the long haul because as soon as they make manufacturing modifications that render the mod chips useles the sellers of the mod chips recognize the issue and work on their next work around. So in my opinion it's a complete waste of time for Nintendo. If anybody else has any thoughts on the topic please comment.

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