• Fixed install game on SD/FAT
• Override [w]covers_size theme option with config.txt
• simple=0 will not unset hide_hddinfo when using -fat version
• Only one "#GAMEID" string inside binary - for direct starting

cfg v49b2 (beta2)

• Improved speed of loading game list when using FAT and /wbfs/id_title/ subdirs
• Changed default: fat_install_dir=1
• When downloading titles.txt and wii region is JA or KO force EN in titles_url {CC}
• Allow specifying alt_dol=name (on disc) when using direct start
• Accept GAMEID without # as argument for direct start (RHAP01 instead of #RHAP01)
• Override some theme options in base config.txt.

   The options that can be overriden are those that don't
   have a major effect on the theme looks and layout:
   - hide_header
   - hide_hddinfo
   - hide_footer
   - buttons
   - simple
   - cover_style
   - cursor
   - menu_plus
   - gui_text_*
   - gui_text2_*
   - gui_title_top

• Save cfg loader version when saving gamelist.txt

cfg v49b (beta)

• Added BCA dump to file from install menu

   (Press + to install and then press 1 to dump BCA)

cfg v49a (alpha)

• Games on SDHC with IOS 222/223 for both FAT or WBFS partition
• Games in subdirs on FAT: /wbfs/GAMEID_TITLE/GAMEID.wbfs

   option: fat_install_dir = [0], 1

• Rename old boot.dol to boot.dol.bak when upgrading
• If the loader is used to start a game directly

   (from a channel created with crap or similar tools)
   and option: intro=0 is specified then no intro
   and no progress is displayed until the game is started

• Support for .wip game patches (by WiiPower)

   Loaded from: sd:/usb-loader/GAMEID.wip (text format)

• Support for BCA data (by Hermes)

   Loaded from: sd:/usb-loader/GAMEID.bca (binary data of size 64 bytes)
   (updated dip plugin from uloader 3.2)

• option: disable_nsmb_patch=[0],1 will disable the builtin nsmb patches

   (in case someone wants to use/test the external .wip patch or .bca data)

• Enable WiiRD if usb gecko is connected and ocarina is enabled

   even if not codes are found (by Rfrf)

• Ocarina url fix: /R/ID6 instead of /ID1/ID6 (for SNM*)

{ { Source } }

{ { Download } }

"French prosecutors challenge previous ruling in favour of Divineo as piracy crackdown powers on

Platform holder Nintendo is to back the appeal of prosecutors who have said they intend to challenge a recent court ruling from a French judge in favour of Flash card manufacturer Divineo.

Upon dismissing the case on Monday, the judge accused Nintendo of deliberately locking out developers from its range of hardware, adding that it should adopt a system more like Microsoft’s Windows where anyone is free to develop applications that run on the OS.

Divineo has already been subject to a successful prosecution in Hong Kong, where it is still prohibited from manufacturing, marketing or exporting its DS products. It was also at the time ordered to pay Nintendo €45m in damages – a sum that the platform holder has yet to receive.

“Nintendo is extremely disappointed with the decision by Paris’ Criminal Court to find Max Louarn, his company, Divineo, and other co-defendants not guilty in the criminal case involving the sale and distribution of game copying devices,” a statement sent to MCV explains.

“Nintendo welcomes the Prosecutor’s decision to Appeal the Judgment. As a victim Nintendo will join his Appeal. Nintendo supports action against the distributors of such devices."

“Nintendo maintains that infringement of its intellectual property rights, on its trademarks, software, its technical prevention measures and its video games is causing damage to the whole video game industry, preventing developers from gaining the full benefit of their hard work and creativity, but also to the customers who expect the highest standards and integrity from products bearing the Nintendo name.”

Source

vashgs has released an update to Tanooki, a level editor for New Super Mario Bros Wii game.

What's new?

Version 0.5
- Adding new features and bug fixes in tools Tanooki.

Version 0.4
- Introduction of editor backup Tanooki.
- Fixed minor bugs.

Version 0.3
- Introduction of graphics, scrolling and intelligent object modifier.

Version 0.2
- Fixed big bugs.

Download: Here

Source via wii-info

Source: Tehskeen

Credit: djdynamite123

"Many of us are planning on attending 26C3 in Berlin in a few weeks — we hope to get a table again in the Hackcenter this year, but no guarantees.

We will not be presenting anything this year, sorry!  There’s not much new to report with the Wii, and we don’t have anything complete enough to show for the DSi.   Also, honestly, I’m looking forward to actually getting some sleep this year and seeing some presentations — I barely emerged from the basement for the last two years.

If we do get some space to set up, we’ll probably have at least one Wii, hopefully a DSi-hacking setup, and then you’ll get to see the rest of the projects that have occupied our time over the last year — lasers, all sorts of SunPlus devices, etc.  Should be good times."

Post a comment if you’re planning on attending.

Posted by Bushing from Hackmii

Q2Rev Release 1

Heriberto Delgado has released a new build of Quake 2 for the Nintendo Wii. It features Wiimote, USB Keyboard and Mouse support along with an onscreen keyboard for those without them. It also features LAN and Internet play and the game's engine (does he mean data files) can be stored on a SD Card or USB Drive.

Quake, if you've been stuck in a box wearing a cardboard sign is a first person shooter developed by ID Software. If you want to know more about the game Google it.

There is also no mention if this build is based on the original work by Peter McKay who released them here in this forum thread. I'm not seeking credit for the site, but if they are based on Peter's work he should at least be credited. Anyway, see the features/changlog below.

Features/What's New?

• Improved Wii Remote handling (since Q1Rev Release 1). More stable, and more sensitive. A small wrist movement goes a long way. Adjust the sensitivity level with the new "Wii Remote speed" option, next to "Mouse speed" in Options in the Main Menu.
• New On-Screen Keyboard, with access to most (if not all) keys of the US keyboard.
• Support for the standard Gamecube controller.
• Switching to "big stack" in key points in the code, allow for more stable, more smooth movement in the engine.
• The engine can be started from either the SD card slot in front of the Wii, or an USB memory stick plugged in any of the USB ports in the back of the console (an improvement since Q1Rev R1).
• Experimental, untested support for USB keyboard & mouse

Download: Here

• Improved Wii Remote handling. More stable, and more sensitive. A small wrist movement goes a long way. Adjust the sensitivity level with the new "Wii Remote speed" option, next to "Mouse speed" in Options in the Main Menu.
• New On-Screen Keyboard, with access to most (if not all) keys of the US keyboard. Replaces the old, defective input method in use in Release 1.
• Support for the standard Gamecube controller.
• Switching to "big stack" in key points in the code, allow for more stable, more smooth movement in the engine.
• The engine can now be started from either the SD card slot in front of the Wii, or an USB memory stick plugged in any of the USB ports in the back of the console.
• Experimental, untested support for USB keyboard & mouse.

Download: Here

This client is compatible with the latest releases of Quake 1 and Quake 2.

Download: Here

Credit: Tehskeen

Source: Tehskeen

Japan honored a man who many would say single-handedly changed modern video gaming all by himself. Shigeru Miyamoto was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award in Japan for his revolutionary approaches and renovations to the video gaming industry. Chances are you've heard of this guy before. His name is plastered all over the place in the Nintendo community. Why? He's the brains behind the meat and potatoes of the Nintendo lineup. Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario - the gearhead that orchestrated all of these franchises from the ground up is being honored in a big way and boy does he deserve it.

Miyamoto, a man that didn't come from riches, didn't graduate from the finest college, and didn't outright steal his otherwordly and sometimes outrageous ideas for video gaming certainly deserves this great honor. It goes further though! The Nintendo DS and Wii were honored with the Distinguished Service Award for helping to "further expanded the horizons of gaming culture". Talk about one happy time for Nintendo... but in all fairness, the company and the man himself are truly deserving of such awards.

[ [ Source ] ]

[ [ Source 2 ] ]

All Credit goes to the coder: BlackAce83

 Dolphin Unofficial builds 4460 Released

The Dolphin Team have released a new version of their Nintendo Wii and GameCube emulator for Windows. Using this emulator along with your "legal" backup collection you can enjoy most of your games on your PC. It even supports the Wiimote if you have a compatible bluetooth.

changlog

What's New?

Quote:

Dolphin GUI/Integrated Tools: Memcard Manager: Fixed exporting gci files Many fixes related to the GUI now supporting unicode Move to wxAUI, which is wxw-speak for GUI with decently modern features Gamelist has new, improved look and feel (you can jump to games alphabetically with you keyboard) Added ability to dump full filesystems from GC and Wii discs. For GC discs, this includes the main apploader and dol Dolphin Core: Add "auto" mode to the frameskipper _Massive_ stability fixes and bugfixes to JIT/JITIL Implementation of Instruction Cache (interpreter only) More accurate and complete FPU emulation (mostly visible in interpreter) Added/Fixed Tool-Assisted-Speedrun features Added the Triforce baseboard's SI and EXI devices (and JVS I/O), and media board behavior. Implementation is enough to get some games running, but requires more work for more games Many fixes to Netplay feature Allow plugins to be specified from the command line Fix some issues with loading WADs Stabilization of savestates Added "Reset" function - the equivalent of tapping the reset button Audio (Common audio features): Added ALSA backend Video (Common video features): Fix PeekARGB Fix flickering in some games Optimization of shader generation and handling Generally better shader error handling Add widescreen hack Wiimote (actually fixed in internal IPC HLE): Fix wiimote usage in homebrew Debugger: Enable editing of registers displayed in the register window Add ability to flip between ASCII and floating point values in mem view OpenGL plugin: Remove unneeded projection hacks DirectX plugin: Fixed up and FAST! (literally too many fixes for me to list ;p ) Enable toggling of safe texture cache Enable toggling of EFB reads from cpu Software Graphics plugin (NEW!): Totally new plugin, intended for debugging and very accurate emulation - SLOW, don't feel the need to tell the team to make it faster DSPLLE plugin: More reversing done, more left to go DSPHLE plugin: Fix various games booting where they would hang before Reversing and implementation of many of the more intricate behaviors of ucodes, expect better sound in most games. DSPSpy: Improve SD interaction Fix rom dumping Misc: OSX build compiles and runs...(yes, even Snow Leopard) OpenCL is being actively worked on to speed up texture conversion and other areas. Not enabled in normal builds yet. Many, many tweaks here and there to increase speed, stability, and code cleanliness I apologize in advance for leaving out specifics or possibly other notable changes, I tried to sum up 500+ revisions

(32-bit) [ [ Download ] ]
(64-bit)

            [ [ Source ] ]

It’s out!
Downloads are available for Wii64, Cube64, and the source.

Download:

[ [ Gamecube ] ]

[ [ Nintendo Wii ] ]

[ [ Official website ] ]

Warning: Anything that edits the NAND in ANY way can brick. Be cautious when using this.

[ [ Download ] ]

Compatible with the new System menu 4.2!

"Get a SD card. If it has a private directory, rename it temporarily, e.g. to "privateold". Having other saved channels on the same card will screw it up.
Download abd6a_v200.zip and unzip it onto the SD card.
Go download the HackMii installer. Copy installer.elf to the root of the SD card, and rename it to boot.elf.
Press the SD card icon (for the SD menu). This is different from the last version. Then insert the card. It should either pop up Load boot.dol/elf? or freeze.
If it pops up a dialog, then fill out the survey.
If you encounter any problems from then on, don't try other versions (it won't help), but see the information below the survey.
If it freezes before popping up the dialog, you could try these versions: Here"

Just to add to that, there is a exploit out however this updates your boot2 to boot2v4 which means, you cannot downgrade your wii, This part of the upgrade is irreversible and would mean your unable to use some stuff in your wii you would like to.

This update also *I think* deletes bootmii as nand, So watch out fellow Wii-Brewers.

AnyTitle Deleter MOD is an unofficial mod by Red Squirrel of Tona's AnyTitle Deleter. It keeps all of the original's functions, but it allows the program to show the real names of titles instead of just the ID numbers, making it easier to select which ones you actually want to delete.

From the previous version, some new features have been added such as an installed title back-upper, IOS chooser, and the possibility to exit through rebooting the Wii.

Also, before you attempt to use this program, make sure you know what you're doing. It edits the flash memory of the Wii and that can be dangerous. Take extreme caution when using this program.

[ Source ] [ Download ]

Description:

-This is a Custom IOS, an IOS modified to add new features not available in the official IOS.
-This IOS has been created to be used ONLY with homemade software.
-The Custom IOS installs as IOS249 and does not modify any other IOS so it is safe to install.  

-Changelog:

- Support for the new games with error 002.
- Updated plugin DIP (emulation commands' cover 'corrected).
- ES plugin updated.
- Added plugin FFS.
- Modulo EHCI improved.
- Modulo SDHC improved.
- FAT module added.
- Implemented new anti error 001.
- System error 002 anti eliminated.
- System of NAND emulation added (device from SD / USB).
- System Override content added (device from SD / USB).
- Support for System Menu (Channel Disco returns to work).
- Support for cBoot2 installer.
- Support for all installer IOS.
- Bugs fixed.

-Also fixes the spindown bug so no need to turn off your Wii anymore!

[ Download ] [ Untranslated Source ] [ Translated Source ]

MPlayer is a media player for the Nintendo Wii by Team Twiizers. The CE version a mix of MPlayer and GeeXbox and what's cool is that a new version came out.

Here are the updates that come along with it:

• Fix playlist bug
• More SMB servers detected
• SMB now supports user-level share security
• SMB now supports plain text passwords

[ Source ] [ Download ]

Chunk Munch has just been updated to 0.2a. It's a simple, yet addictive, Jawbreaker-like game for the Wii. Check out the video above to see how it's played. You get points for each group of blocks of the same color you click on. The more blocks together of the same color, the more points you recieve.

[ Source ]

This one's a cool hack. ubiq_01 has created an impressive and simple program to show off how the WiiMote and iPhone can connect through bluetooth. Apparently, many people have been waiting for this to come out for their homebrew programs. I don't know why'd anyone want more accelerometers, but hey, whatever floats your boat.

[ Source ] [ Tutorial ]

Along with leaks of partial track lists for GH5, representatives of both Nintendo and Microsoft have stated that you will be able to use your personal character in the game Guitar Hero 5. Pretty neat.

Comparing the two pictures above, it looks like the obviously better done version of the game is the 360's version. What's nice is that while going through the game, you can unlock gear for your Avatars.

Other GH5 news is that the Wii's version will be using Global friend codes so if you've got friends in the address book, you won't have to find out their game-spacific code and they'll be automatically added as a friend. That's pretty nice.

The only question left is whether or not the PS3's home characters are going to be in the game or not.

[ Source 1 ] [ Source 2 ] [ Source 3 ]

teknical has released the latest version of Homebrew Browser. This program is great. Basically the Install-O-Tron/App Store for the Wii. You can browse and install homebrew games on your Wii off the internet! The latest version, among other things, now includes the ability to save games to a USB flash drive.

Here's his changelog:

• Added a check to make sure Wii Network is initialised and active before downloading applications
• Fixed bug where you couldn’t cancel the download queue if you had download prompt enabled
• Fixed bug where the meta.xml file name would change back to normal when you updated an application (this allows you to keep your custom name of applications)

• Speed up extracting using updated libfat (speeds up download too, but it’s not noticeable)
• Added USB support (plug in your USB device before booting HBB and turn off “Use SD” in settings)
• Added sorting of applications by name
• Added delete functionality to the queue (press minus to queue an application to be deleted)
• Added download and extract information (MB downloaded/MB total, Extracted files/Files to extract)

[ Source ] [ Download ]

Snes9x GX 4.0.9 has just been released by Tantric. It's a Super Nintendo Entertainment System and a Super Famicon emulator for the Nintendo Wii. It's free to download. (Like all homebrew.)

Here's what he's fixed in this update:

• Fixed the bug with Text Scrolling
• Fixed the Shift key on the keyboard
• Changed the default prompt window selection to Cancel
• Fixed the error that pops up saying there's no games found when there are games

[ Source ] [ Download ]

Tantric updated his port of VBA to VBA GX 2.0.6. VBA is VisualBoy Advance, a GB, GBC, and GBA emulator. It's out for both the Wii and Gamecube.

Here's what he's fixed in this update:

• Fixed the Shift key on the keyboard
• Fixed the bug with Text Scrolling
• Fixed the error that pops up saying there's no games found when there are games
• Changed the default prompt window selection to Cancel

[ Source ] [ GC Download ] [ Wii Download ]

rolyataylor2 has released the second beta for his Freedom program for the Nintendo Wii. It's a complete replacement for the standard Wii Home Menu so there's no way to access the original menu unless you unistall Freedom completely. It looks good for now but rolyataylor is promising to release a more prettier version later on. It's simple, easy, and organised so it's worth checking out if you don't like the default menu.

[ Source ] [ Download ]

Thanks Alex Finlay for the heads up! :D

[ DISCLAIMER ]:

- THIS APPLICATION COMES WITH NO WARRANTY AT ALL, NEITHER EXPRESS NOR IMPLIED.
I DO NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE IN YOUR WII CONSOLE
BECAUSE OF A IMPROPER USAGE OF THIS SOFTWARE.

[ DESCRIPTION ]:

- USB Loader is a Nintendo Wii application that allows you to install and
boot your backups from a USB storage device.

[ REQUISITES ]:

- Custom IOS36 rev 09 or above.
- USB device with one free partition for games

Instructions on the setup are included in the download. 

As always please join us in the forums to discuss this post further.

DOWNLOAD

IF YOU USE HOMEBREW ON YOUR Wii, DO NOT UPDATE

Nintendo has released system menu 4.0 which is now available to install through the Wii's system update. The new update adds the capability to run Wiiware games off of an SD card without installing on your Wii as well as SDHC support up to 32 GB.

On the homebrew side Nintendo has officially squashed the Twilight Hack bug. If you already have the Homebrew Channel installed it is possible to run it from an SD card but the channel cannot be installed back on the Wii. DVDx apparently still works as well, however if you do not have DVDx or the Homebrew Channel installed before hand you will not be able to install after updating. It is strongly recommended that if you use homebrew and would like to continue that you do not update.

Here's something that I was pleasantly surprised to see and read about. While I was hopping around some usual websites for gaming-related news, I visited SEGA's USA website. I've known about SEGA working closely with Nintendo in the past few years, so I decided to check out what SEGA had in store for the Wii. And while one of their projects isn't "in stores", so-to-speak, coming this summer, the Wii looks to be receiving a very well-rounded and polished first-person shooter (FPS) to its game lineup.

The game is called, The Conduit. The description of the game's basic plotline is detailed on the SEGA website, but basically, the idea is that you are placed in a not-too-distant future where Washington D.C. has been subjected to "weird events" that have put the surrounding country in an alerted, chaotic state. The protagonist in this storyline appears to be, "Mr. Ford", a Secret Service agent that is forced to assume the role of Mr. Nice-Guy.

Futuristic weapons? Check. Unique weapon and aiming system that only the Wii offers? Check. A bunch of crazy alien-like creatures in a freaky environment just waiting to destroy mankind? Apparently... check.

There are two short gameplay trailers available on the SEGA website that showcase the feel of the game. I must say, I'm fairly impressed with what I've seen thus far from this title. It seems like a very well-rounded game with impressive graphics, considering it's a Wii title, after all. I'll be looking forward to what this game will offer the Wii. I think it's about time that the Wii received a worthy FPS game.

[_Source_]

I came across this at the NES-Hacks

-Ability to run GC Backups from the Disc Channel 


-Updated applications (Preloader v0.28 etc) 


-SoftMii NAND Browser 


-NAND Dumper 


-Bug Fixes are assumed. 



If you manage to find anything else new, comment on this post, and we will update this section. 

Also, a helpful tip: If you have SoftMii previously installed, you can install this newer version of SoftMii without uninstalling your previous version. Just start the installation instructions (included in the download) from Phase 3.

DOWNLOAD

This is by far one of the best (not easiest) homebrew apps for the Wii.

The app formally known as RiskMiimod has been released in a full blown 1.0 ALPHA version.

This has been tested and confirmed working, but please make sure you know what you're doing before you attempt this.

SoftMii is capable of doing the following:

v1.0 Alpha Features:

-Custom System Menu Alpha
-SoftMii Health Screen-
-Improved Hacks.ini (Fixed )
-Customizable Via Jizmo’s Theme Packs
-Full Disc Channel Region Free Back-up Loading
-Diagnostic Menu (Recovery) access through GCport1 Y-Button
-No Copy Save Protections Removed
-Retail Discs run 6x, Backups run 3x
-Auto boot ANY Disc Through Recovery Menu
-Skip Disc Updates
-No Error 002 in new games like NFS Undercover
-No Annoying Menu BGM
-Pre loader 0.27 installation
- Regular cIOS for those who have patched discs to 249
- Move your Disc Channel anywhere
-Home Brew Channel 1.01
-Region Free Channels
-Downgrade Method Included

For all questions, comments, and concerns please visit the forums.

Download

It seems that the huge sales number talked about below caused the Club Nintendo servers to fall over. Users have been reporting since yesterday (christmas) that they have been unable to reach http://club.nintendo.com.

Hopefully Nintendo will get their act together and be back up for all their new users. Until then, why not hit the forums?

According to a sales report released by Amazon the “Nintendo Wii dominated the top sellers in video games and hardware, including the Wii console, the Wii remote controller and the Wii nunchuk controller”. Apparently the 360 and PS3 did their fair share but paled in comparison to the Wii.

With the news of the Wii having a strong November and December CNET made some calculations to figure out how each console was doing this year. So the Wii sold a whopping 43.75 million units, the 360 sold 26.49 milion units, and the PS3 sold 18.82 million units. Notice how the Wii was 2 million shy from selling as many as the other two combined.

Ok, yes, it has been a while since the last time anything Wii related was posted, so I'm throwing some information at you!

First up you may have heard, but there is a new revision of the Wii that at this time is unmodifiable. The DVD drive controller chip that is used by modchips to play backups has been completely removed! You can find more information from the original source, as well as photos.

Source: WiiNewz

Now, for all you homebrew junkies, there have been tons of releases, and I mean tons! Because of so many releases, I have just made a list of some of the more recent releases that you can find all over the web. Take a gander, and if anything peaks your interest any of 'brew below shouldn't be hard too find.

As always, if you need any help just head over to the Wii Homebrew forums and post your question!

Loaders
Homebrew Channel v1.0.1
Wii Homebrew Launcher 0.12
Wii Gamecube Homebrew Launcher v0.2.2
Homebrew Disc Loader v0.3

Emulators
RIN Wii (16-12-2008)
Hugo GX (081214)
Gnuboy GX (14/12/2008)
SMS Plus GX (081214)
Genesis Plus GX 1.3.0

Apps
The Homebrew Browser v0.2.5
TheGHOST
whiite-linux Installer
Update Downloader
AnyRegion Changer 1.1b
WiiCM PNCalpha1
ftpii 0.0.16
Xyzzy v1.1

Games
BibleQuiz v0.7
Lpairs v1.0
RedSquare v0.5
Minesweeper v1.3
Yahtzwii v1.0
Pieros Wiicross v0.1
Paradroid v0.4
WiiDoom 0.4.1
Arcade Jigsaw

OS
New Gentoo Linux Distro
Xwhiite-linux v0.2

"First, use WiiScrubber to open up the Wii Backup Disc, and extract IOS16-64-v257-prod.wad
This file can be found by clicking the + sign next to "Partition:1 - UPDATE", and then the + sign again next to _sys
Right click on this filename, and click on "Save as" and save it to a WADS directory on your SD card.

After that, use Wad Manager v1.3 to install this wad - it is NOT trucha signed, but it IS ('semi') legal, so it WILL install without a prior cIOS.
To clear this up, having the wad is not legal, as it is copyrighted code from nintendo, but it is signed by nintendo, so it installs without an issue.

Finally, use Wad Manager that was recoded by Davi92 to work off of IOS16 to install the cIOS_fix (hopefully that is the filename in the included zip - djtaz correct me if I'm wrong), and you are on your way again!

From here you can choose to run Waninkoko's downgrader.

NOTE: if you are trying to run Any Title Deleter to delete IOS51, you must first obtain copies of at least IOS30 and IOS36 from a Wii game (such as Wii Music or the new Guitar Hero) using the same method with WiiScrubber. From here you can install WiiGator's Backup Loader 0.3 with the corresponding cIOS released with it (v6).

More information regarding removing the October 23d update can be found here:
Remove October 23 Update - WiiBrew

A HUGE thank you"

I have uploaded all the necassary tools to use this tutorial. Click the link below.

http://rapidshare.com/files/158782142/WiiWadTools.zip

As always please let us know how this works for you either by commenting in this post or by visiting our forums. Thanks.

"Wii Shop and IOS51 installer is a very quick modification of PatchMii modified by Muzer that does one thing: It installs the new IOS51 and Wii Shop Channel, without installing the patches to all the other IOSes. This means that as long as you didn’t update, you can now install this to use the Wii Shop Channel but keep all the benefits of not having the update.

 

 

 

Anybody at all could have made this, just everyone is too busy at the moment, so I figured I would make it. It’s literally modifying 4 lines of code and commenting out a bunch of stuff. Because of this I didn’t bother to include the source in the package, but if anyone wants me to, I’ll happily include it.

 

 

 

This does not have the same effects as updating, so you get the best of both worlds.

 

 

You can do this on any system menu version and it will work fine, keeping the system menu version you have.

 

 

 

I made the program as two separate dol files, because it’s easier and quicker for me that way, if this lasts a while I’ll make a version that combines the two files.

 

 

 

NOTE: TAKE OUT ANY GAMECUBE MEMORY CARDS/CONTROLLERS AND USB DEVICES BEFORE INSTALLING ANYTHING. The first time one person installed the IOS51, and Shop Channel. One person had a Gamecube memory card, and a wireless adapter in the Wii, and it didn’t install correctly. But after taking out all Gamecube items, re-installed everything and it worked fine. Axelpaxel was the one that found that USB devices did it too.

 

 

 

Instructions: Simply load one file, then the other. It does not matter in which order you load them. Use any method.

 

 

Download: http://muzer.hbcapps.com/updater.tar.gz

 

 

Update: Matthew_8 has kindly repackaged my app into a more noob friendly version which is formatted for the homebrew channel."

 

 

 

 

 

As always, please let us know how this works for you by either commenting here or posting our forums.

Nintendo has released Firmware Update 3.4. Here is the changelog from the update:

3.4 Change Log:

* Wii Points will soon be called Nintendo Points, and all references as such will be updated. All other functionality with Nintendo Points will remain the same.
* The controller usage explanation screen will be updated.
* The controller usage explanation screen will be separated from the purchase screen. Along with this, the user will be prompted to confirm that they have any necessary accessories before being able to press the Purchase button.
* The design of the icons displayed will be updated.

 (From users at NES-Hacks) The latest unconfirmed info is as follows:

• Installed WADS will still work as long as you dont use WAD manager (Channels will disappear)
• Homebrew Channel still works but some apps wont
• Modchips are NOT affected
• Backup Loader still works
• GeckoOS still works
• You CANNOT install WADs after you update to 3.4
• Region Changer will NOT work
• Downgrader will NOT work

It is recommended that you not update until a patch has been released.

Looks like a beta tester of Waninkoko's Wii Backup Loader has leaked the software.

This software has NOT been tested and is advised not to use until a full release is made.

As always, if anyone does try this please let us know if it works.

The Wii scene is growing........

UPDATE: As a result of the leak, Waninkoko has expressed his anger with GBATemp and announced that he has abandoned the project and will no longer be producing any new versions of this app.

UPDATE 2: Since the project has been abandoned and there will not be a new version here are the tools necassary to attempt. We take no responsibility for anything that happens to your console. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Step 1.

Install the CIOS36_rev5-64-v1042.wad

Step 2.

Install the DVDX .dol into your apps and setup via Homebrew Channel

- Click advanced and set it to 249

Step 3.

Create a folder on your SD card in the apps folder and name it Wii Loader (Or whatever else you want) and put dvd-back.dol in there.

Step 4. Make sure that "backup-creator.exe" , "common-key" and what .iso you are wanting to backup is in the same folder.

- Drag the ISO over the "backup-creator.exe" This will create a new iso called partition.iso

Burn with IMGBurn

Step 5.
Go to Homebrew Channel on the Wii and load the Wii Loader backup-dvd.dol file you did earlier and launch.

It will ask to insert a Wii disc. Insert your backup. Your backup should load.

Download the files at:

This has all the tools necassary to start from scratch (Twilight hack, homebrew channel, DVDX, and Wii Backup Loader).

http://rapidshare.com/files/147055112/WiiLoader_Tools.rar

Update: Some users were reporting issues when using the Pack Generator with Mac OSX and also there has been some confusion as to the actual extraction to root process.  I'm happy to report that we've solved the issue of the Mac corrupted .zip files, and have updated the Pack Generator with instructions on how to install on each different OS.  Hopefully that will solve most users problems.  Enjoy!

WiiBrew is proud to present the Wii Pack Generator! For those of you who aren't familiar with the concept of a Pack Generator, I'll give you a quick rundown. The Wii Pack Generator is a web based utility that allows you to select from the most recent, up to date, and high quality homebrew for your Nintendo Wii and create a custom pack. All of the homebrew you select will be added into a .zip or .exe file with the correct structure for easy, ready to go extraction onto your SD card.

Get homebrew on your Wii, the easy way! Just select what you want, download, extract to the root of your SD card, and run using the Homebrew Channel! Don't have the Homebrew channel, but have Twilight Princess? Have no fear, we've got you covered. Just download the necessary files at the top of the homebrew list, run the Twilight Hack (we've got a video tutorial if you don't know how), and the Homebrew Channel will be installed automatically for you. Ready to start downloading? Then simply click the Wii Pack Generator banner or follow the link below. Special thanks goes out to BrentBizzle for his hard work with updating and filling the Pack Generator to make all of this possible!  If you like our Pack Generator or need help, be sure to join our forums and let us know!  We always appreciate getting new members in the Brewology community!

[ WiiBrew Pack Generator ] [ WiiBrew Forums ] [ Digg This ]

Could this mean an eventual ISO or DVD loader for downloaded backup games?  Only time will tell, but for now I can safely say Nintendo should be nominated as "Dunce of the Week" for their lack of and follow through with getting this patched.  I have a feeling this could come back to bite them...

Via [ HackMii ]

Download [ TVersity v1.0RC2 ]
Via [ Tversity ]

         

This may be a bit of old news for some but it is quite notable.  Nintendo announced at E3 that they confirmed a new addon for the Wiimote called WiiMotionPlus.  They have also added that the sequel to Wii Sports, Wii Sports Resort, will use this addon for the first time.  The game is said to inclue jet skiing, sword fighting, and disc throwing. It will probably include more games by its release.  Will this be the next Wii Play bundled with the new accessory?  Who knows, we'll just have to wait and see.

Via [ HackMii ]

Team XLink has just released a new version of XLink Kai, a program that allows you to play System Link and Ad Hoc games globally over the internet.  The best thing is, its absolutely free!

Via [ Team XLink ]

Quote:

---

1. Better Hardware
According to Harmonix: "Quieter, more realistic, and more reliable instruments..."

2. Third Party Hardware
"We're also actively welcoming new peripheral makers to make instruments for our game. Just like real instruments, we want players to be able to choose what instruments they use..."

3. Backwards Compatibility
Songs you purchased for Rock Band will work for Rock Band 2. Future Rock Band songs will work for both games.

4. More Meaning
"We have several new modes that not only provide new ways for you to experience your music library, but also new ways for you to transition from Expert to real instruments..."

---

 
Backwards compatibility is a huge plus, and to me a definite advantage over Guitar Hero IV. It's good to finally see the songs I buy not become a complete waste when I sell the old game to buy the sequel (I'm looking at you, Guitar Hero II). Plus, with the "quieter, more realistic, and reliable instruments" (read: We added a sunburst to the guitar.), I may actually spend more time playing my drums/guitar, and less time sending them in for repair. I'm sold.

Really though, more meaning? If Harmonix ever really wants to create a true parallel between the Rock Band guitar and the real guitar, they're gonna need a bit more than five buttons. But hey, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt with the "transition from Expert to real instruments..." thing. They did a pretty damn good job making the guitar look "real" this time around, so I suppose anything is possible.

                        Wiibrew Pack Generator!    

Hey, it's missile command time! This uses the excellent libwiisprite for graphics and Sndlib BETA 1.0 for sound. The background music is Epoq - Lepidoptera, available for free from the Kahvi Collective. The sound effects were made by me spitting on my microphone.

Current Version

0.4a - Added background music and sound effects (contact me on IRC if you think you can do a better job with the sound effects)

Changelog

0.3a - Added split missiles, missiles now have trajectory lines

0.2a - Added silo health and ammo, marginally better sprites

0.1a - Initial release

Via [ WiiBrew ]

 An Activision filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission contains confirmation that the company is planning to release a Metallica version of the massively popular Guitar Hero game in early 2009, ending months of speculation about which band would be featured next.

Gaming sites are already abuzz with the news, but it was actually uncovered by a somewhat unlikely character: Edward Woo, a securities analyst for Wedbush Morgan Securities. The sentence he unearthed reads, "In fiscal 2009, we plan to publish Guitar Hero: On Tour for the NDS; Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, Guitar Hero: Metallica, and Guitar Hero IV across multiple platforms."

The Aerosmith version of the game had already been announced, but this is marks the first time Activision has confirmed -- however unintentionally -- that Metallica will be the next band to receive the full-on Guitar Hero treatment.

Metallica's blazing riffs make them a natural fit for the game, and the group has shown a newfound willingness to leverage the internet. Hetfield, Ulrich and co. launched a Mission: Metallica site to reach out to fans and draw them in with free pre-release audio clips and in-studio video footage.

However, Mission: Metallica faced a major backlash from fans who called its effort "too little too late" and said they would buy the next Metallica album just in order to share it online.

Some fans of the band came to its defense; they may have to do so again if Guitar Hero: Metallica elicits a similar reaction when it's released (before the end of March 2009, according to the filing).

If I were Lars Ulrich, I'd tell Activision to add a tongue-in-cheek mission to Guitar Hero: Metallica in which the band slowly progresses from fighting the internet to realizing that it represents a way forward. Maybe at the end of the mission, the band could release a videogame similar to this one.

One way or the other, Metallica (and, by extension, Activision), need to address the continuing PR problem that began when Ulrich rode the elevator to Napster's headquarters with those printouts of Metallica-sharing Napster users.

A friend of mine was in that elevator at the time, and he said the mood was pretty tense; maybe it's time for Metallica to exorcise the Napster demon by acknowledging the problem, poking a bit of fun at itself and dissolving that tension once and for all.

Via [ WIRED ]

 

We've always wanted to have a real life lightsaber battle.  Everyone has... really.  So now the wait is almost over the game "Star Wars The Clone Wars: Lightsaber Duels" is coming to the Wii, and as its name suggests, you'll finally get to use you're Wiimote as a lightsaber.  There will be a similar game coming out for the nintendo DS.  Unfortunately both of these games will be based off of the new cartoon version of Star wars coming soon to theaters.  This means that we won't see spectacular effects and life like heads falling off, but we will see a spiffy cartoon attepmt at it.  More info is on its way and a trailer is set to air sometime soon, so be ready! 

Source: HackMii

Download: HackMii | Mirror

In the newest issue of the United Kingdom gaming mag “GamesTM”, a dude called videogamer247 shed some light on the upcoming Call of Duty game.  It is now officially known as Call of Duty: World at War.  For this installment, the game will take you back to World War II.

For the first time ever, the game will include a co-op campaign and vehicles and squad-based elements in multiplayer mode.

It is also confirmed that COD5 will be making it way to the Wii as well as the PS3, XBOX 360, and PC.

It is said that it will be run under the same COD 4 engine, but under different teams.  This is mainly due to the fact that the Wii copy will include compatibility to the Wii zapper and other exclusive peripherals. 

To give you guys a gist of the intensity of the game, here is a quote from videogamer247:

      “The opening scene of the first level we are shown is a Japanese commander stubbing a cigarette out in the eye of a         prisoner before slitting his throat - the blood splatters and dribbles down the side of the tent you are being held in.   He turns towards you to deal out the same treatment but help arrives just in time. Cue a daring level-long escape.”

As of now, however, there has been no release date announced.

Well we are back! Thanks to MonkeyMaximus (I bother that man constantly for you members) the news maker is back up. Over the past week or so when we tried to post some news it would give a file permission error. Now it is fixed

so expect some updates on all of your favorite consoles.

BKF/ Staff 06-13-2008

[sources: qj.net, tehskeen]

The National Purchase Diary released their monthly sales report, with only 1,969,800 next generation consoles sold. The Nintendo Wii was in first at 714,000 sales, 36% of all sales that month. Nintendo DS sold 414,800, and the PSP sold 192,700. The Xbox 360 was fourth place this time, at 188,000. The PS3 ranked fifth with only 187,100, very much less than expected. Though many estimates for sales were off by large numbers, it was a good month for Nintendo and the Wii.

[source: qj.net]

The changes with this version include more effectice and efficient compressions and some bug fixes.  The changelog is as follows:

New Stuff:

1. Smaller compressed sizes are possible

2. Allows the replacement of files on the ISO (Right click LOAD menu is now working)
3. Allows for replacement of files larger than the original file
4. Auto Trucha signs if a file is replaced

Bug fixes:
1. Another 32/64 bit error fixed means that an extra 100-200 Megs are saved from an image.
2. Few display errors corrected
3. Another 32/64 error meant some files could not be extracted correctly

Essentially, this was a bug fix release and will make using it a tad more professional.

Download: http://gbatemp.net/index.php?download=2336

The main change to this firmware is that it fixes a bug that has to do with running Super Smash Bros. Brawl discs, but for a full list of changes:

Bug Fixes:

~Issue with SSBB disks not working has been fixed

~Patched config discs will not make the system inoperable

New Features:

~Update blocker: this prevents DVDs from loading updates onto your Wii from other regions

~Added Dev Mode: remaps the drive debug commands from 0xFx to 0x2x

Download: http://www.wiikey.cn/resources.html

(Make sure to download correct region)

Source: elotrolado

- fixed VDP initial when loading save state: graphics fix in TMS9918 mode
- added port $3E emulation and full support for SMS BIOS 
- implemented SMS1 VDP "tilemap mirroring" bug: fix Y's status bar when in SMS1
- updated Z80 core  
- corrected PAL CPU clock value
- Updated FM Unit detection

- added full overscan emulation
- corrected Game Gear VDP handlers in SMS mode: fix colors in GG-MS mode
- improved Codemasters Mapper emulation
- added Korean Mapper emulation
- adjusted SMS color palette values

- added support for original video mode (240p/288p)
- added "Aspect" option to switch between Original  and Fit Screen display modes
- added "Xshift" & "Yshift" settings

- added "Border" option to enable/disable borders color emulation
- added "Palette" option to let you choose the Brightness level

- added Wii mode support

- added EURGB60 & PAL 50hz TV modes support
- added 480p rendering mode support in Wii mode (not supported by the PAL60 version, use the other one, even on PAL wii)

Download:

GameCube: smsplus-cube-080419.7z

Wii: smsplus-wii-080419.7z

The latest available version of the hack can be downloaded at: http://chaoshq.de/~crediar/twilight-hack-v0.1-alpha3a.zip

As always, read any included documentation, ask questions when necessary, and do this at your own risk!

Cheers, all []D^_^

First up is YAOSM v 2.0 FINAL. Here's some info from the readme:

You can get ahold of this release at Wiinewz .

You can get more information at the OpenWii site .

Unfortunately, this wonderful wonderful game has been delayed. The new release date is set for Sunday, March 9th.

Some good news though. Famitsu has given this game a perfect score, 40/40. You can check out some scans of the game at Neogaf.

Almost there... We have a release from Crediar, WiiTools v 0.1. With this tool you can extract and decrypt partitions from Wii isos.

Brewology Staff

Again, remember as this is the birth of Wii homebrew, few details are public at this time, but updates will probably be coming soon.

"The guys over at 24C3 just demoed a Wii hack that is set to provide native wii homebrew in the near future (not running in GC mode, and with full access to all the Wii hardware!)

They were able to find encryption and decryption keys by doing full memory dumps at runtime over a custom serial interface. Using these keys, they were able to create a Wii ‘game’ that ran their own code (their demo happened to show live sensor/Wiimote information, amongst a few other things)."

The following video taken shows the Wii running some very basic stuff as they had compiled the code just hours before the Wii was showcased. Since this is still very new, there are not a whole lot of details. All the information the public knows as of now is in this video. I think we can all agree that this is a great day for the Wii scene.

If the video doesn't work, you can try the following links.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=H5YB1Mmx7E4 (Another YouTube version)

http://www.sendspace.com/file/gbqsre (Avi direct download)

http://s65.photobucket.com/...H5YB1Mmx7E4.flv (Photobucket video)

"This version has been optimized even more so that by removing Gamecube import support (use GCOS to boot them instead) I have managed to include support for the configuration disc on the smaller chips.

It also includes a change to the config disc handling to make sure the new config disc can be used safely on yaosm 1.9 chips without overwriting the drivecode with the audiofix configuration byte.

I hope this will be the last release candidate for yaosm 2.0 and if you are using rc2 today and don't plan to use the config disc then there is no need to upgrade.

The chips with only 1024 words of program area has been crippled to make the code fit.

This is what has been removed on each chip type:

12F629/675 - Gamecube region patching, Chip disable feature
12F635 - Gamecube region patching, Chip disable feature, Dual layer support
16F627/627A - Gamecube region patching, Chip disable feature, Dual layer support
16F630/676 - Gamecube region patching, Chip disable feature"

You can download the new code over at Wiinewz .

Infectus will be producing 4000 chips initially and is currently taking preorders.

You can find more information about ARGON at the Infectus official site .

Thats right, to help us bring back WiiBrew we are hosting a contest. But not just any contest, A MEGA contest.

So what is a MEGA contest? Ok the rules are pretty simple.

The contest is going to be a post based system.

Points will be gained by a lot of diffrent ways. From: Post, referrals, game reviews, ECT.

Now you MUST enter this contest to be in the running for the prizes. Yes, there are prizes. The contest sign up will be in the same thread with the rules in the forum section of the site. So every one check it out.

Now since i know this is all that matters, to the prizes. Full prize list is in the forums section also now. Here are some of the prizes: domains, SIGs and custom avatars up for grabs.

So check it out.

Graphixbrew's Official Signature Contest - Details

Did you ever make a signature that was breath-taking? Or have you ever wanted to make one?
Well now you can enter that sig and get it judged, At
Graphixbrew's First Official Signature Contest. See below for details

Prizes
1st Place gets

-Custom title (a reasonable one)  **MAYBE**
-mentioned on the front page
-Custom Userbar

2nd Place gets

-mentioned on the front page
-custom userbar

3rd Place gets

-custom userbar
=====OR=====
-Mentioned on the front page



Rules
1. No ripping, you will be disqualified and banned if you do.
2. It has to be your own work
3. Must not exceed 530x150 Pixels
4. This is a freestyle Contest
5. Renders and C4D's May be used
6. All material in the renders must be appropriate for viewers under 18.
7. No racial or sexual content
8. You may ONLY submit ONE signature

Contest starts November 25th, 2007 and ends December 20th.

Enter HERE

We MIGHT be able to issue custom titles, however if we cannot, we will have a different prize for you.

Dont have Photoshop or a decent paint program? if so PM ME.

Team Infectus, with their multiplatform Infectus chip, has announced the release of their new chip designed specifically for the Wii. This new chip has been dubbed 'Argon' and will only be working on D2C consoles. So why all the fuss? Well, this new chip boasts a minimal 13 wire installation over the 31 wires required for the D2Ckey. On top of that, the chip will work with some kind of external programmer to reflash the modchip.

Team Infectus, being the kind soles that they are, will also be releasing a firmware flash for their original Infectus chip so if any Wii owners with a D2C have an Infectus chip, they can reprogram it.

Short excerpt from their news release (note, their English isn't perfect):

"What is ARGON?
ARGON is the new MODCHIP made form INFECTUS TEAM that work ONLY on WII D2C CONSOLES, this modchip is the direct competitor of D2CKEY modchip.
All the features are the same of D2CKEY, but this modchip will be UPDATABLE!

How work update of this modchip?
ARGON have on PCB a little connector with a flat cable that the user can install outside console. When is necessary an UPDATE all who have an INFECTUS or in the future with a little esterna programmer all can reprogramm their modchips.
SO BIG ADVANTAGE OF "ARGON" IS NOT ONLY THE 13 WIRES BUT THE POSSIBILITY OF UPGRADE!

How much cost an ARGON WII modchip?
The price will be about 1 eur more than D2CKEY PRICE RANGE"

Read more at the Infectus official site.

You may be already aware of this, but the Wii has a maintenance mode that can be accessed by holding down the + and - buttons and then pushing A at start up. Here is what Nintendo has to say about it. Here is the message unedited:

“Message(#6851-000631-36386313638)

Hello,

At this time, the “Maintenance Mode” you discovered has no functionality for consumers. If at some future point a consumer application for this mode is made available, it will be revealed on our website (www.nintendo.com).

Even though it appears—with the exception of the Wii Message Board—that everything functions normally in this mode, we do not recommend using it at this time.

Sincerely,
Nintendo of America Inc.”

So as of yet it has no function, but it is possible that at a future date this could be a really cool tool, or maybe just taken out in the next firmware. OR (And this could be a long shot) used as a hack, only time will tell.

But I just thought we would give you a heads up so you can see what you think.

While experiemental versions of YAOSM were out allowing play of SMG backups, the official update is now out. Not only boasting SMG support, partial support of action replay as well.

Feaures:

- Supports DMS/D2A/D2B chipsets

- Wii originals

- Wii original imports*

- Wii backups

- Wii backup imports*

- Gamecube originals

- Gamecube original imports**

- Gamecube backups

- Gamecube backup imports**

- Gamecube homebrew

- All medias (DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW)

- Dual Layer support

- Fully configurable speed setting

- Automatic region detection

- Stealth (well, at least as much "stealth" as any other Wii modchip currently available)

- "Safe" Configuration disc

- Optional status LED

- Optional disable switch (solder wire to reset switch)

- GameID overriding for some GameID's that was blocked by firmware 3.0

- Support for Super Mario Galaxy backups

*Partial support.

See http://wiki.gbatemp.net/index.php/Wii_Region_Patcher_Compatibility_List for more info.

**Partial support, for 100% support use GCOS.

See: http://psx-scene.com/forums/yaosm/55455-gcos-multigame-version-howto.html and http://psx-scene.com/forums/404629-post1.html

Considering installation of the D2Ckey requires soldering 31 wires, the same group will soon be releasing their FlexPCB to make installation easier. As quoted from their site:

"The FlexPCB for D2CKey streamlines installation of D2CKey reducing the overall time spend fitting the chip. The FlexPCB is available seperately at additional cost. Although installation with the FlexPCB is quicker, installation of D2CKey is still best left to professional, experienced mod chip installers!"

Source: www.d2ckey.com

First off, I would like to apologize for neglecting the Wiibrew site. With this in mind, it's time to fill the news page as a lot has happened.

Up first is the D2Ckey.

From www.metriodmods.com

There was a time when all those with the dreaded D2C chipset mourned over the fact they were unable to play backups or use GC homebrew. This all changed Oct. 10th with the release of the D2Ckey. With a simple 31 wire install your D2C Wii is now unlocked. You can find more information at http://www.d2ckey.com

Next big thing in the Wii scene was the dump of a demo kiosk copy of Super Mario Galaxy. The whole Wii community was left scrambling when a new "modchip detecting" protection was found. In reality, the game was not detecting chips, rather required a new patching method that current chips could not provide. While D2Ckey chipped Wii's were safe with their 31 wire installs, Cyclowiz, Wiikey, Wiinja, and open source chips were left in the dust. Since then all retail chips have seen updates to address this problem. Links to these updates will be posted in the download list.

Prompted by the SMG issue, the modchip scene has thinned out. The only retail modchips with apparent continuing customer support are the big 3: Cyclowiz, Wiikey, and Wiinja. None of the other 'retail' chips have yet to come back into the scene with an update. On a sad note, the open source scene has just met the end of one of the best open source chips, Wiifree. YAOSM has been handed the torch, which they have definitely earned, and is now at the forefront of the open source scene right along OpenWii which both have updates for the SMG problem.

So, just to reiterate, the only chips working with SMG are:

D2Ckey

Wiikey

Cyclowiz

Wiinja

Datel Drive Doctor

OpenWii

YAOSM

The Wii Scene is now balanced with working mods for all versions of the Wii on the market. How long will this peace last? Only time will tell.

Despite my last article which had turned out to be a bad sign and had created more disappointing fans, this is no joke, from all the glory we have been imagining, of all the rumors we've been hoping for it to be true, the dream has finally come true.

Our favorite classical Sega character is now officially playable in the upcoming Wii hit title Super Smash Bros: Brawl.

Here is Sonic's appearance of the upcoming game.

The Nunchuck fits in the handle on the backside

of the shield and the Wiimote connects straight onto the sword.

This is how it works.

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from 22 offices assisted by representatives of the electronic industry today executed 32 federal search warrants in 16 states as part of an investigation into the alleged sale and distribution of illegal modification chips and disc copyright circumvention devices. This investigation represents the largest national enforcement action of its kind targeting this type of illegal activity.

The search warrants were executed at businesses, storefronts, and residences located in California, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin at locations associated with subjects who are allegedly involved in the direct importation, installation, sale, and distribution of the devices that are of foreign manufacture and smuggled into the United States.

The modification chips and circumvention devices allow users to play illegally obtained, pirated and/or counterfeit software on video game consoles including Sony's Playstation 2, Microsoft's XBOX and XBOX 360, and Nintendo's Wii. Modification chips and swap discs for gaming consoles violate laws under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 (DMCA). According to the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the makers of the gaming consoles, game developers, and others in the industry have incurred billions of dollars in losses worldwide due to sales lost to those selling counterfeit and pirated video games.

Full story can be found here.

Examples of chips siezed (including Wiinja, Wiikey, and Cyclowiz) can be found here.

Another modchip supporting open source code will be releasing soon. This set also includes a programmer for those of you who also want programmed PICs on hand. From the WiiBoss site :

Wii-BOSS! The world first fully upgradeable internal modchip for the Nintendo Wii.

At the time of writing the wii-boss supported the following codes (in no particular order):

The Cyclowiz chip always supported dual layer media, that is up until version 3.0 of their firmware. The 3.0 version of their firmware broke this compatability, but 3.5 is here to put it back! There will be some slight tweaking required to fully support DL media. You can find more information at the official site.

Download here:

NTSC-U

NTSC-J

PAL

One of the best masterpieces throughout the history is finally

returning in Lego Form. Brought to you by LucasArts who made

the humerous game Lego Star Wars. No news or announcements

on which platforms, but the possibilities for the Wii still stays

strong.

Straight from the horse's mouth...

"Six months ago, in a quasi-simultaneous launch, the two first Wii modchips were released, one of them being CycloWiz. It was already ahead of the competition, as it was the only upgradable modchip available then. Since then, we've been working hard in order to make sure CycloWiz stays the best in terms of quality, features and support.

Within six months, many things have changed, and one of the best evolutions is the creation of open-source modchip projects. While, as of today, they currently lack many features that commercial chips support (such as audiofix, DVD upgrade support (with the notable exception of OpenWii on ATmega), compatibility with old GC Multi-Disc games), it's surely a very interesting and promising aspect of the Wii modding scene that shouldn't be ignored.

When you buy a new PC, you want it to be able to run Windows and Linux, even if you plan to use only one of the two OS at first. Why shouldn't you have this freedom with the modchip you buy? Today, we're opening up the CycloWiz platform to open-source firmwares, and we want that to be very user-friendly, with the possibility of upgrading from/to any of the firmwares using DVD upgrades. There's no need to change your firmware today, this feature only concerns a few people for now, mainly developers, but it might become very useful in the future.

There are currently two major open-source projects, Wiifree and OpenWii. Wiifree is clearly the most popular, but OpenWii gained some attention lately as it became upgradable on one architecture. We decided to start by supporting Wiifree. A beta port of version 2.45 was uploaded in our forums. It features all the Wiifree features plus DVD upgrade support and chip disable support.

Technically this is possible because CycloWiz is a fully upgradable modchip. Many other modchips said to be upgradable are only partially upgradable, meaning that the modchip's program's data can be reprogrammed, but the program itself can't. Radically changing the firmware on partially upgradable modchip is out of the question.

Now what about an official upgrade? We won't drop support for official firmwares. In fact, we're working hard on the next version. One of the main challenge is to add support for D2C chipset. We won't tell you like another team that we're "almost done". It is a real challenge. To get technical, the Gamecube drive had two backdoors that could be used to run modchip code. Those two backdoors were also found on the Wii chipsets, and a new one was even added. Unfortunately, all three were removed on the new D2C chipset. Well, kinda :) There is clearly a way in, but a lot of work is still needed. Of course, we'll keep you updated in case anything exciting happens!"

Download it here: Cyclowiz Wiifree v2.45beta

Team Cyclops has released a new tool to upgrade your Cyclowiz chips. If you don't want to use a DVD, or can't because of a bad flash, you can now use this new tool and a homemade cable to wire up your Wii to reflash/upgrade your Cyclowiz. This cable is the same cable used for the WABmodcheap mod, except things might be different on the Wii end. For support visit the Team Cyclops forums .

From their forums:

"We've been asked several times about the possibility of flashing the CycloWiz from PC. Mainly for two reason: to recover from a bad flash, or to use CycloWiz V1 on a D2B console. It is now possible!
The application requires a dvdtool parallel port cable that is very easy to build, but soldering skills are needed anyway.
It is currently in beta stage but has been successfully tested on different drives and with Windows Vista and XP."

Download the tool and manual here: CycloWiz PC Flasher v1.0 beta

The same company that produced the Wiic modchip will be producing a chip with a PS/2 port. This should allow the use of a keyboard as well as other devices that Wiic programs the chip to use. Although this may sound useful, my guess is that the keyboard might not be able to run in Wii mode. If this were true, then the keyboard would not be able to be used for the web broswer. You can check out the official site at www.wiickeyboard.com , but as of now there is not too much information posted.

Posted on the MaxConsole forums (thread here) there maybe be someone who bought a Wii in California with a J2A chip. This poster, sl2obel2ts, has also posted a small and blurry picture which is below. Now since this is the only supposed sighting of this J2A chip, and the picture is not of the best quality, the status of this will remain as rumor until more evidence comes forward. For the sake of future Wii owners I hope this is just a hoax.

Update: I just found out that this story is fake according to the websites staff, sorry members

no confirmination yet, I also apologize for the false article.

According to G4 TV's News Section, Super Smash Brothers Brawl's director Masahiro Sakurai has confirmed that Sonic The Hedghog is already in the game during a spanish interview, but he is still waiting for Segas approval. Since the game is almost done, Sakurai has given Sega until July 26th to make their decision.

Eke-Eke at the TehSkeen forums has updates not 1, not 2, but 4 emulators. Since each of these emulators has numerous changes, here are the links to each emulator's thread over at TehSkeen. You can also find download links in the download list here.

Genesis Plus Build 070720

Gnuboy GX Build 070720

NeoPop Build 070720

SMSPlus Build 070720

More than 9 weeks from the initial release date, the Wiikey team has updated their news with the following message:

"A release candidate for the long-awaited update for wiikey was delivered on Friday night to some of our beta testers. This is the final step to releasing the highly anticipated and long delayed update for wiikey.

In all development work there are unforeseeable delays, and wiikey is no exception. We would like to thank our loyal customers for their support and patience!"

This announcement should definately be taken with a grain of salt. For all anyone knows this could just be another broken promise from the Wiikey team. There is however one glimmer of hope to the legitimacy of the update. Eurasia.nu is apparently one of the testers of the update, and has posted this on their website:

"We have received WiiKey Update RC1 and are currently testing it on a D2A console. Regarding the GameCube audio fix feature we have checked [updated] Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem, The Naruto Games, Wave Race: Blue Storm, The Legend of Zelda Collectors Edition, Super Monkey Ball, Resident Evil 1 so far and they work fine. Thanks goes to Schweino for pointing out problem titles. More tests and screenshots to follow, stay tuned..."

Guess we'll all have to sit back and see how this all pans out.

Appleguru, member at the WiiNewz forum, has spotted a "new" board revision in the states. This new revision is really the same board revision seen in Asia months back. Nintendo has taken this board and simply cut the typical 3 pins that we have been seeing for a while.

The only chip affected by this is the Wiikey, and still Wiikey installation is possible by soldering to the pin of the missing pad. In can be seen as the orange pin in the picture here.

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, said to play "better than any first-person console game ever" by ign.com, hits US stores August 27th. Europe will see this new game some time in September and Japan taking third with December 31st.

According to hands on accounts at E3, this 480p widescreen-game looks great and should boost the Wii's reputation when it comes to game-play graphics.

The upcoming big hit and most exciting game that every fan has been waiting for, has been set to launch this winter exclusively for the Wii, December 3rd, 2007 which will be only avaible in the North America country.

Still no news on the release dates for other
regions, only time will time will tell, but for
now, Japan and Europe is scheduled for around
the years of 2007 and 2008.
                                                        

A flaw found in Adobe's Flash player, an input validation error, may allow someone to run code loaded using the Flash player built into the Wii's Opera browser. While this may lead to some kind of exploit much like the PSP's image viewer, it seems the general concensus is that Opera's Flash player may be too limited to actually build something useful.

"Critical vulnerabilities have been identified in Adobe Flash Player that could allow an attacker who successfully exploits these potential vulnerabilities to take control of the affected system. A malicious SWF must be loaded in Flash Player by the user for an attacker to exploit these potential vulnerabilities. Users are recommended to update to the most current version of Flash Player available for their platform."

Source: http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb07-12.html

Team Wiinja has release their Ninjashell pack, which is a collection of emulators, utilities, and homebrew applications. List of contents includes:

* Multigame Gamecube Viper/Qoob/Ninjamod Disc Loading
* Single Gamecube NTSC/PAL Loading
* DVD DOL Loader
* Gamecube Memory Card Manager Courtesy of Scognito
* Gamecube GCOS 1.5 Courtesy of Emukid
* Gamecube SDLoader Courtesy of Costis
* Bell's Modified 4'7gbyte Linux Multimedia Player (MFE) by GCLINUX Team
* Wiinja SD Dumper with Softdev's cooperation (to use with SD Adapter)
* Original Softdev's SNES Emulator modified by Krullo
* Lastest SNES emulators
* Lastest NEOGEO CD Emulator
* Lastest Gameboy/Gameboy Color Emulator
* Lastest FCE Ultra Emulator
* Lastest Sega's Genesis/Mega Drive Emulator
* Lastest Sega Master System Emulator
* Lastest NeoPop Emulator
* Lastest Engine / Turbo GraphX Emulator

You can find the link to download and discussion thread here .

Source: Team Wiinja's Site.

Nintendo Press Conference:

Bowser Returns!!



You know him, he has been kidnapping the Princess of the Mushroom Kingdom throughout his whole life.
The big bad meanie, the king of all koopa's is back and better than ever!! Why better you ask? Well sure he
was a tough guy from the previous game in Melee, everyone character you face was a giant. Take Donkey Kong
for example.

But this is just no giant we're talking here. We're talking brutal, powerful and something that would
blow you away if you were the one in the stadium. Were talking Giga Bowser. Thats right, the powerful version
of Bowser is making a comeback to the Super Smash Bros series and will be playable.



Whenever your playing as regular Bowser, you will need to snatch up a Smash Ball to go into "Final Smash" mode. This will give you the ability to transform normal Bowser into Giga. Keep in mind though that you
will need to be quick when defeating an opponent, as bowser will not be in his bad form for long.

Now a lot of people know how RPG's can be quite exciting, while others do not. The BBC thought this certain
RPG was more fascinating then we thought. Neil McGreevy gave his account on The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
for its outstanding performance in the great over acheiving Zelda series game for Wii:

Not as senseless as you thought eh? Well there you have it folks, happy new year!

1. Pokemon Diamond (DS): 209,379
   
2. Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops (PSP): 178,370
3. Pokemon Pearl (DS): 164,670
4. NSMB(NewSuperMarioBrothers) (DS): 154,107
5. Wii Sports (Wii): 152.756

1. DS(Lite): 485,584 Consoles Sold
2. Wii: 279,277 Consoles Sold
3. 138,588 Consoles Sold
4. PS3: 76,882 Consoles Sold (break point)
5. PS2: 46,209

The sales for the Wii in Japan just surge through the roof! In the third week of december, sale prices went sky high, as the new hard to buy games arrived throughout the country. Over atleast 297,000 units were shipped and sold sais Media Create Co. Ltd. For Japan that is more than almost half triple the amount of current weekly sales. Media Create also sais that the supply is limited to how much Wiis can be stored as of now. 

With so little time left, Nintendo is greiving boldly at the edge to await its millionth wii console sale (I sure would of wanted to be that guy if I hadn't of baught one too early ;} ) Up to the day before new years, over 800, 900 million consoles have been sold! It jumps straight ahead of the PS3 and 360, for PS3 only 76,000 consoles were sold this week, as for 360 only 16,000. You guys know the scores, so keep at those sales Nintendo!

via news4gamers

Nintendo is offering to replace the original version of the wrist straps for the Wii Remote with a newer version. Because Wii consoles shipped starting in early December already utilized the newer version of the strap, you will need to determine which version of the strap you have before ordering a replacement. To view the difference between the original and the new version of the strap, please click here.