Wii Modification: How to Easily Mod a Wii

Wii modification is actually very easy and can be done without a costly modchip. Basically it requires two things: a working Wii console and a softmod for Wii.

Your first step is to find a Wii softmod you like. Softmods are basically pieces of software which you download and then install onto an SD card which you then insert into your Wii. A good softmod will walk you through each step of the process and provide customer support should you need help along the way.

Secondly you will need an SD card. Any type just about will do but make sure it has at least 2GB.

Finally you will need to install the softmod onto your Wii. Any softmod you choose for Wii modification should include a reversal process if you are unhappy with the way the softmod turns out and want to restore your console to its original version.

You may read on the web that it costs nothing to softmod your Wii and it is true that you can simply download the files for your SD card from a website (some of which are questionable). But the problem with doing it this way is that if you screw up, you can't undo the changes to your Wii.

It makes the most sense to download a Wii softmod from somewhere like Wii Unlocker, as they have a good history and have been putting out updates to Wii unlock firmware for several years.

Once you have your Wii softmod installed you can download Wii softmod apps to choose exactly what you want your Wii to do, like play homebrew games, movies and dvds, music, games from other systems, downloaded games, etc.

There is really no limit to what a modded Wii can do. After applying a softmod to your Wii you will be able to do much more with it; it is just a shame Nintendo did not include the great abilities of the Wii in its original state.

Wii Softmod Apps

Once you have finished softmodding your Wii, you're going to want apps for it. Kind of like with the iPhone, apps are what make the magic. In fact, the whole point of Wii softmods is to get your Wii to do more - and apps make that possible.

So what are some vital Wii homebrew apps you will want to have for any Wii console?

Something to play DVDs

One of the best parts of a modded Wii is being able to play video files and movies on it. You do this by uploading videos to SD cards or USB drives. Then plug 'em into your Wii.

Download the Mplayer CE homebrew app which lets you play videos and DVDs on your Wii.

Something to play games from other countries

A lot of Wii games aren't released in the US. There are all kinds of licensing reasons for this that we won't go into in this post.

Basically though, the Gecko homebrew app lets you play import games. While Wii Unlocker Ultra also lets you do this, you can just download apps separately if you are using the method where you mod your Wii independently of any purchaseable softmods.

You can also get apps for copying games, burning games for different platforms, and even connecting your Wii to a PC and essentially using it as a computer.

The Wii is pretty much limitless when it is softmodded. You won't have to look at getting a new console or even a new computer for years as long as you keep your Wii in good condition.

The Best Wii Mod Chip is Not

By: Shane
Are you frustrated by the Nintendo Wii’s lack of basic features that other consoles like the Xbox 360 and PS3 come with? While the Wii is very innovative in its motion-sensor technology, it’s more limited than other consoles in its basic state. It can’t play DVDs or music without an SD card, and even then it can’t be used as an all-purpose home media player for music and movies.

Because of this, many users resort to installing a Wii mod chip. However, this is a costly, ineffective, and often difficult process that involves taking apart the console and sometimes even damaging it.

To avoid this, developers have created ‘soft mods’, or software that modifies your console’s mainframe without harming it or altering its basic structure. The soft mod method is becoming increasingly popular among Wii users because of how easy and cheap it is. In fact, most Wii soft mods can be downloaded and installed right onto your console and get it running within just a few minutes.  Soft mods also let you download games right onto your Wii, saving you trips to the store to rent or buy games.

On top of being fast and easy to install, soft mods also allow you to use your Wii to play music, games for other consoles, DVDs, and pretty much anything else you want - all through the Wii console.  Soft mods turn your Wii into an all-purpose gaming and media machine, almost like a computer.

If you are considering a Wii mod chip, think about a soft mod instead. You’ll save time and money in the long run, and it’s much faster, easier, and more affordable than hard modding.


About the Author
Don’t want to deal with an expensive, hard to install Wii mod chip? Then don’t. Have your Wii ready to download games in less than 30 minutes with a soft mod. Visit http://gamereviewsandguides.blogspot.com/2009/08/mod-your-wii-without-mod-chip.html to find the best soft mods available.

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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - The Best Wii Mod Chip is Not

Softmod Wii - 2010 Guide

As Nintendo puts out new patches for the Wii console, what you need to do to mod your Wii at home changes. For example you used to be able to use the Zelda Twilight Hack to softmod Wii - well, that doesn't work anymore.


Now there is an exploit called Bannerbomb which works from any version of the system menu. The Twilight Hack does not work on system menu 4.0 which makes it kinda useless.


Note that while the original version of bannerbomb does not support sysmenu 4.2, the updated version which launches via the SD card menu does.


This exploit basically works by using a malformed banner which crashes the Wii and runs code that loads the boot.dol placed in the SD card root. It is used to install the homebrew channel, DVDx, and BootMii.


You need:
  • sd card formatted as FAT16 or FAT32
  • SD card reader for PC
  • Bannerbomb channel data on SD card
  • Homebrew to load like the HackMii installer
The simple way to softmod Wii like this is to copy the bannerbomb 'private' folder to the root of your SD card, take the Wii executable, and save it to the root directory.


Then you have to go through a set of instructions after you put that SD card in your Wii.


Sound complicated? It is, actually. I don't think it's possible to brick your Wii using this method but you can screw the SD card up if you have other saved channels on the same card.


I recommend using a downloadable Wii softmod to mod your Wii instead. While you do pay a fee to download it, the software is all ready for you to put on your SD card and you save the pain of having to mess with the Bannerbomb hack. Unlike Bannerbomb with all the file managing and redirects to various folders, with a program like Wii Unlocker Ultra, you only have to download the software, put it in a free SD card, and boom - your Wii is unlocked.

Wii Unlocker Download

If you've read the tutorials on this page and are interested in a Wii Unlocker download, you can download the software directly from this site.

Basically when you download Wii Unlocker, you'll get the program you need to install on your SD card which will help you unlock your Wii without voiding the warranty or bricking it.

Wii Unlocker is the only software I would recommend for unlocking your Wii, as it is reliable and easy to set up.  I have tried some other Wii softmods and this is the only one I'd ultimately suggest downloading.  For example, Brewii is another downloadable Wii softmod, and I had a hard time with the customer support when I couldn't get Brewii to work on my console.

Download Wii Unlocker Ultra

3 Best Wii Homebrew Apps: Beef Up Your Nintendo Wii Homebrew

Author: Shane

Just finished softmodding your Wii and want to find the best Homebrew Wii apps for it?  Here is a list to get you started.


1. The Wii Homebrew Browser

There are a couple ways to put new homebrew apps on your Wii once you've softmodded it. You can manually copy apps onto your SD card from your PC, or you can just use the Homebrew Browser.

This handy little Wii homebrew app lets you install any apps you want by just clicking download. If you have an internet connection for your Wii, the homebrew browser is ideal.


2. MPlayer CE

If you want to play DVDs on your Wii, the Mplayer CE homebrew app lets you play video files on either an SD card or a USB drive. While this is a little more limited than the PS3, it does play more formats. There are also Divx-compatible apps for Wii.


3. Gecko OS

This application lets you play games that aren't released in the US. Weirdly, console makers release games in other countries like Japan or Europe that only play on consoles sold in those countries.

So if it hasn't been released in the American console market, you are out of luck. Games like Fatal Frame IV: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse can be played with the GeckoOS app. It bypasses the Wii's country-specific coding to enable you to play the game on any console, anywhere, as long as it has been modded.

Oh, and GeckoOS lets you play games that you can't play after applying some system updates. Super Mario Bros. Wii doesn't normally run without a system update, but the GeckoOS app lets you bypass that update.

If you just finished softmodding your Wii and want to get started putting some new apps on it, these are the best Wii homebrew apps. There are also many more that you can find online through various homebrew channel sites.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/video-games-articles/3-best-wii-homebrew-apps-beef-up-your-nintendo-wii-homebrew-2221988.html

About the Author

Haven't softmodded your Wii yet and want to be able to unlock its features?
Read more tips on how to softmod your Wii.

So You Want to Buy the Best Wii Modchip? Guess What: It's Not a Chip

By: Shane
In the early days of the Nintendo Wii's release, it was necessary to dismantle your entire console in order to install a modchip if you wanted to play copied games.  This was difficult and often dangerous for inexperienced users - not to mention a time-consuming hassle.  Not surprisingly, developers started to look for easier ways to mod the Wii.  Now, if you want to mod your Wii, you don't have to buy the best Wii modchip on the market and go through difficult hardware installations.

All you have to do is install a simple piece of software.

With this method (known as the 'soft mod' technique), you don't need to tinker with your console's hardware at all.  With the soft mod, you basically download a piece of software that gives you access to games, and then follow the instructions (which are often in video format) to unlock your Wii.

 Not only does this save you time and money, as most Wii modchips cost upwards of $50, but you'll also be able to unlock features in your Wii (such as the ability to play DVDs and music) that a modchip couldn't.

Another helpful feature of soft mod programs is that you can essentially download all your games directly to the console, eliminating the need to go out and buy them directly or purchase them from an online retailer.
Soft mods are totally reversable, unlike modchips, so if you aren't happy with the changes to your Wii, you can undo it all with a simple button-click.

Probably the best feature of soft mods is that they are completely legal and don't involve any questionable ethics.  Mod chips often allow users to bypass copyright measures and access games illegally, which puts you at risk for fines and possibly jail sentences.  You don't have to worry about that with soft mods.

If you want to buy the best Wii modchip, forget about modchips entirely and look at soft mods instead.

About the Author


Shane McGriever is an avid game enthusiast who has been playing and reviewing gaming platforms and accessories for 10+ years. To find a free, detailed guide for how to mod your Wii with soft mods, visit http://gamereviewsandguides.blogspot.com/2009/08/mod-your-wii-without-mod-chip.html

(ArticlesBase SC #1196916)
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - So You Want to Buy the Best Wii Modchip? Guess What: It's Not a Chip

Wii Homebrew: Soft Mod to Get the Most From Your Wii

Author: Shane

Have you found yourself frustrated by the Wii’s lack of basic features that other consoles like the PS3 and Xbox 360 have? In its basic, pre-modified state, the Wii is much more limited than other consoles. It can’t play DVDs or music without a special card called an SD card. And even then, it can’t be used as an all-purpose home media device for playing music and movies the way the PS3 could.

The good news is that you can make your Wii do more than it’s basically equipped to. It used to be that the only way to play Wii homebrew games was with a mod chip – but there is now software that does the exact same thing.

This software – commonly known as a “soft mod” – modifies your Wii without messing around with its internal structure. This method is becoming increasingly popular among Wii users who don’t have the experience or funds to alter their console’s hardware or pay for an expensive mod chip. Soft mods are the most affordable, practical solution for increasing your Wii’s capabilities, as they only cost $20-30 as opposed to $50+ for a mod chip.

The best part about soft mods is that they’re virtually instant. You can download the software, get it up and running on your Wii, and have the console ready to play homebrew games, DVDs, music, and pretty much anything else you want within just a few minutes.

Along with being cheap and easy to install, soft mods let you download games and movies directly to the console, so you don’t have to directly buy or order more Wii games. This saves gas, time, and money in the long run. Soft mods are also completely reversible, unlike hard mod chips, so if you aren’t happy with the changes, you can restore your Wii to its former, unaltered state.

If you want to play Wii homebrew games or mod your console quickly and easily, soft mods are the way to go.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/video-games-articles/wii-homebrew-soft-mod-to-get-the-most-from-your-wii-1251394.html

About the Author

Don’t want to deal with an expensive, hard to install Wii mod chip? Then don’t. Have your Wii ready to download games in less than 30 minutes with a soft mod. Visit http://gamereviewsandguides.blogspot.com/2009/08/mod-your-wii-without-mod-chip.html to find the best soft mods available.

Looking for Ways to Mod Your Wii Without Damaging it or Yourself?

By: Shane

Many people who use the Nintendo Wii as their primary console may be disappointed by its lack of features compared to other mainstream consoles such as the PS3 and Xbox 360. The Wii, in its basic form, can't be used to surf the web or watch DVDs. Most Wii users resort to modding their Wiis - which is (usually) legal, but difficult. Unfortunately, modding is the only way to get the most out of your Wii console.

The problem with modding any console is that it takes a certain amount of technical know-how. Often, people have to resort to complicated methods that involve removing parts of the console and tinkering with its insides. For the average console user, this is way too difficult and risky.

However, some companies realized how difficult it was for Wii users to access the full potential of their consoles. There are now specific software programs available to complete the modding process without having to make any changes to the console's hardware. These let you mod your Wii without damaging the hardware, or putting yourself at risk.

I have been a console owner for 7+ years, and remember the difficulty of trying to mod my Sony Playstation when I wanted to enhance my gaming. I've experienced the same thing with the Wii. Thankfully, I've found ways to mod my Wii without having to resort to soldering, cutting, adding chipsets, or any other complicated methods.

If you're looking for ways to mod your Wii, I would recommend looking into third-party software, which will do all the work for you. You'll also save your Wii from the damage and risks associated with traditional modding, and probably extend its life.

At the very least, you won't put yourself at risk for electric shock.
About the Author
For more ideas on how to safely mod your Wii, visit http://gamereviewsandguides.blogspot.com/2009/08/mod-your-wii-without-mod-chip.html
(ArticlesBase SC #1086897)
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Looking for Ways to Mod Your Wii Without Damaging it or Yourself?

How To Unlock Your Wii: Wii Unlock Guide

How To Unlock Your Wii: Wii Unlock Guide

By: Shane
Looking for a Wii unlock tutorial?  As it comes, the Wii console is limited compared to other consoles.  Knowing how to access the full potential of your game system is important, but it takes some technical knowledge.  Here's how to get your console to play DVDs, homebrew games, and work just like an Xbox 360 or PS3.

1. Get an SD card

You will need an SD card to complete this process.  To mod your Wii in any way, you'll need to be able to run a piece of software which can be downloaded - and to get it on your console, you have to insert the SD card.

2. Download Wii unlock software
This software will allow you to play homebrew games, DVDs, music, and other similar media on your Wii, just as an Xbox 360 would.  Once you've downloaded a homebrew Wii program, you then upload the program to your SD card.

3. Insert SD card into your Wii

Once you have your "softmod" or the Wii unlock SD card, you simply need to put it into your console's SD slot.  Power it up, install the homebrew program, and your Wii will be unlocked.
This process is very simple and can be done in 30 minutes or less.  The homebrew software linked above will not void your console's warranty, but should you choose some other method of modding your Wii, be warned that you may risk "bricking" your Wii, or making it unusable.

That's why it's important to download a homebrew Wii program that won't void your warranty - and most of them won't.  It's just a good idea to verify before installing the software on your SD card that your console will remain playable.

About the Author
Play Homebrew Games With Fun
Backup Wii Games,Watch Divx Easily
http://offto.net/mywiibrew/
(ArticlesBase SC #2175429)
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - How To Unlock Your Wii: Wii Unlock Guide

How to Soft Mod My Wii: A Guide to Wii Softmods

Using software to modify your Wii console's capabilities, also known as doing a soft mod for Wii, is something that many Nintendo users are doing these days. Without being unlocked, the Wii is not able to play dvds or music, imported games, or any number of things that other consoles can do.

By softmodding your Wii, you will be able to play mp3s on the Wii, play dvds on the Wii, play homebrew games and backup games, and also play import games on the Wii that you would never be able to without a mod.

Learning how to soft mod a Wii is easy and only takes about 30 minutes, as opposed to grueling hours of soldering and screws if you choose to hard mod your Wii.

Here is what you need to soft mod your Wii:

1. An SD card, purchased cheaply from most retail stores that sell electronics

You need an SD card for Wii so that you can install the softmod on it. You are going to be downloading a piece of software and then putting it into your Wii, so an SD card is required.

2. The actual Wii soft mod

This is the software you will download to install on your Wii sd card. The soft mod allows you to unlock your Wii without risking a "brick" or basically making your console unusable. That can happen if you do not follow the right steps for softmodding your Wii.

3. 10-20 minutes to install the Wii softmod

Once you have your SD card with the softmod on it, you will then place it in your console's SD slot. You will see the softmod menu pop up when you turn on your console. From there, you just follow the instructions to get the software running. It will do a quick install, and then minutes later, you'll have an unlocked Wii.

Softmods are also completely reversible in case you want to revert your Wii to its old version - for example if you have a 4.2 Wii that you want to revert to 4.1, so there are no risks.

Wii softmods also won't void your warranty, so they are simply the safest way to mod your Wii.
 
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