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wii-softmod.md

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Wii Softmod

Softmod any Original Wii Console using Letterbomb hack

general information for buying a used wii

Info: Sometimes buying locally on Craigslist or Offerup, people dont take good pictures or include much information, so if you need to buy a wii with gamecube ports, look for the RVL-001 and usually Standing Wii logo

  • Wii with Gamecube Controller Ports: Model RVL-001
  • Vertigo Wii logo or including a Wii Stand has GameCube ports >> Example

hardware requirements

  • Wii Console
  • Wiimote Controller (Best to use the non motion plus remote)
  • SD/SDHC Card (It will be in the Wii at all times, use older SD card for best compatibility)
  • SD Card Reader for PC
  • External 2.5inch USB HDD

find Wii version and MAC Address (from Wii)

Info: We need this information to do the LetterBomb hack to install homebrew channel. Most USA version is 4.3U, if not update your Wii

  • system version: Wii > Wii Options > Wii Settings
  • mac address: Wii > Wii Options > Wii Settings > Page 2 > Internet > Console Information

prepare the LetterBomb Hack (from PC)

  • Format SD Card to FAT32
  • Go to https://please.hackmii.com/
  • Fill in Wii Version and Wii Mac Address
  • Checkbox Bundle the HackMii Installer for me!
  • Hit Cut the blue wire
  • It will download LetterBomb.zip > Extract the contents only to the root of the SD Card (use rsync to be sure)
Extracted content to SDCard example:

SD:/APACHE-2.0.txt
SD:/CREDITS.txt
SD:/LICENSE.txt
SD:/README-BootMii.txt
SD:/README-HBC.txt
SD:/README.txt
SD:/boot.elf
SD:/private

install homebrew channel/bootmii (from Wii)

Info: Homebrew channel allows you to install other hacked apps on the Wii, BootMii allows you to backup your Wii nand incase you brick your wii, you will need this

  • Make sure to use the Offcial Wiimote (not motion plus or generic 3rd party)
  • Take SD Card and Insert into Wii Console
  • Wii > Mail > [Find Todays Date] > LetterBomb
  • LetterBomb > Wait for Loading > Hit 1 > Continue > hit A > Install The Homebrew Channel > Yes, Continue > hit A > Continue > hit A
  • Note: If you have an older wii you can install it as boot2 or IOS or BOTH (boot2 & ISO)
  • Bootmii as boot2
    • Note: This option will only be visible if your Wii has supported for it
    • LetterBomb > Wait for Loading > Hit 1 > Continue > hit A > BootMii > hit A > Prepare our SD Card > hit A > Install BootMii as boot2 > hit A > Yes, Continue (Insert SDcard) > hit A > Yes, Continue (Install Bootmii) > hit A > Continue > hit A
  • Bootmii as IOS
    • Note: This is the common option for most newer Wii, If you install it as IOS it will be accessible via Homebrew Channel
    • LetterBomb > Wait for Loading > Hit 1 > Continue > hit A > BootMii > hit A > Prepare our SD Card > hit A > Install BootMii as IOS > hit A > Yes, Continue (Insert SDcard) > hit A > Yes, Continue (Install Bootmii) > hit A > Continue > hit A
  • Return to Main Menu > Exit

backup Wii nand and key file using BootMii

Info: BootMii allows you to backup your Wii nand file incase you brick your wii, you will need this to recover. It will take a while to backup, the file is around 500MB+

  • Start Bootmii
    • BootMii as boot2: Restart the Wii and it will autoload to BootMii
    • BootMii as IOS: Wii > Homebrew Channel > hit Home Button > Launch BootMii
  • (Power = right, Reset = OK) WiiMote will not work
  • BootMii > Gear Icon (4th Icon) > Green Arrow Backup Nand Icon (1st Icon)> Wait for it to Finish
  • It still start creating nand file, then verify it (should take about 10-15mins)
  • Note: is ok to have a few Factory bad block
  • Hit Reset button to exit
  • Power down, nand.bin and keys.bin will be saved on the root of the SD card, transfer that to PC for safe keeping

BootMii as boot2 disable

Info: If you installed BootMii as boot2 then it will always start the Wii into BootMii everytime. We want to skip this pain everytime

  • Put SD on PC
  • rename bootmii folder to something else like bootmii_disable
  • If you need to use it again then rename it back to bootmii later on

install cISO

Info: The cIOS (custom IOS) is a custom piece of software that is used by some applications that work with unofficial content. By installing it, you can for example use Backup Loaders and install unofficial channels to your Wii menu. Every cIOS uses an official IOS by Nintendo as its base

  • Enable internet wifi connection on Wii
  • Download the Wii cISO files: Here
  • Extract it to SDCard:/apps/d2x-cIOS-Installer-Wii
  • Put SD Card into Wii
  • Wii > Homebrew Channel > d2x-cIOS-Installer > Load
  • Hit 1 (Press any button to continue)
  • WARNING 1: DO NOT PRESS A UNTIL YOU ARE SURE
  • cISO: v10 beta53 d2x-v10-beta53-alt
  • cISO base: 56
  • cISO slot: 249
  • cISO revision: 21010
  • Hit A (Continue) > 249 block should be blinking > hit A (Install) > It will install from internet
    • Note: 249 block will be green if it was a successful install
  • Hit A (Continue) > It will return to the previous screen, next apply the following settings
  • WARNING 2: DO NOT PRESS A UNTIL YOU ARE SURE
  • cISO: v10 beta52 d2x-v10-beta52
  • cISO base: 57
  • cISO slot: 250
  • cISO revision: 65535
  • Hit A (Continue) > 250 block should be blinking > hit A (Install) > Wait for it to install from internet > Hit A (Continue)
    • Note: 250 block will be green if it was a successful install
  • Hit B to exit > You are done son!!

install priiloader

Info: Priiloader (based on the app Preloader) is an app that replaces the first part of the system menu that gets booted. Like this it is able to load before the actual Wii menu appears on the screen.

  • Download the priiloader files: Here
  • Extract it to SDCard:/apps/priiloader
  • Put SD Card into Wii
  • Wii > Homebrew Channel > Priiloader > Load > hit A > hit + to install
  • Note: It should now reboot in the Priiloader menu. If it doesn't, power off the Wii manually, then power it back on and hold reset while it's booting until you see it.

install FTPii

Info: FTP server for the Nintendo Wii.

install Nintendont [Play Gamecube ISO Games]

Info: Allows us to play Gamecube iso/gcm games from external hard drive, requires Gamecube controller or compatible gamecube controller

  • Download the Nintendont files: Here

  • Extract it to SDCard:/apps/nintendont

  • Put SD Card into Wii and test it out

  • Wii > Homebrew Channel > Nintendont > Load

    Reset and Quit Game: Reset Game: R + Z + Start Quit/Exit Game: R + Z + B + Down

where to put Gamecube games?

Info: Gamecube games will only work on a FAT32 Filesystem https://sites.google.com/site/completesg/backup-launchers/gamecube/nintendont

Nintendont uses these paths:
SDCard:/games/
USB:/games/
USB:/games/Name of game [GameID]/game.iso
USB:/games/Legend of Zelda the Wind Waker [GZLP01]/game.iso

>>> If the game has multiple discs, you can place an additional disc2.iso in the same folder. Nintendont will "swap" discs automatically for you.

USB:/games/Resident Evil 4 (USA) [G4BE08]/game.iso
USB:/games/Resident Evil 4 (USA) [G4BE08]/disc2.iso

save Gamecube without Memory Card (No More Memory Card Mode)

  • NOTE: Not all games work with the NMM mode
  • Start USB Loader GX
  • Press A on the game you want to use NMM on.
  • Settings > Game Load > Gamecube Mode > [Nintendont]
  • Settings > Game Load > Gamecube Mode > Memory Card Emulation > [ON]
  • Settings > Game Load > Gamecube Mode > Memory Card Blocks Size > [251]
  • Save and Start your game

Use Save Files From The Internet

  • Enable MemoryCard: Nintendont > Options by pressing game list>Press 'b'/'1'. > 3. Turn on 'Mem. Card emulator'.
  • Create New Savefile: Nintendont > [Gamecube game you want to use] > Play a little bit and save it > Exit > Poweroff Wii
  • Replace Savefile: Replace the file with your downloaded save file > USB:/saves/[GALE.raw]

install USB Loader GX [Play Wii WBFS Games]

Info: Allows us to play Wii WBFS games from external hard drive

  • Download the USBLoaderGX files: Here
  • Extract it to SDCard:/apps/usbloader_gx
  • Put SD Card into Wii and test it out
  • Wii > Homebrew Channel > USB Loader GX > Load

>>> set USBLoaderGX default Gamecube loader to Nintendont

  • Wii > USBLoaderGX > Settings > Global Settings > Loader Settings > Gamecube Source > Auto
  • Wii > USBLoaderGX > Settings > Global Settings > Loader Settings > Gamecube Mode > Nintendont

where to put Wii games?

Info: Since Gamecube games will only work on a FAT32 Filesystem, it is recommended that Wii games should use FAT32 also to be compatible

USBLoaderGX uses these paths:
USB:/wbfs/
USB:/wbfs/Name of game [GameID]/GameID.wbfs
USB:/wbfs/Donkey Kong Country Returns (NTSC) [SF8E01]/SF8E01.wbfs

>>> FAT32 has a size limit of 4GB per file, so for Wii games that are too big, it has to be split into parts. In most cases splitting 4GB works fine, but on some games like Super Smash Bros Brawl, you want to split it 2GB instead.

USB:/wbfs/Super Smash Bros Brawl (NTSC) [RSBE01]/RSBE01.wbf1
USB:/wbfs/Super Smash Bros Brawl (NTSC) [RSBE01]/RSBE01.wbf2
USB:/wbfs/Super Smash Bros Brawl (NTSC) [RSBE01]/RSBE01.wbf3
USB:/wbfs/Super Smash Bros Brawl (NTSC) [RSBE01]/RSBE01.wbfs

fix black and white Wii games?

Info: some PAL games will be grey color, this is due to it not being the same resolution as NTSC TV

  • Wii > USBLoaderGX > [Pick Wii Game] > Settings > Video > Force NTSC

set USB Loader GX as the default startup Wii program

Info: Make Wii autoboot into USBLoaderGX on startup

  • Run Priiloader (by holding the RESET button while the Wii boots.)
  • Priiloader > Load/Install File > [Select USB Loader GX Dol] > Press A > Wait for Install > Return to Main Menu
  • Priiloader > Settings > Autoboot > Installed File
  • Priiloader > Settings > Return to > Autoboot
  • Save Settings then hold power button on the wii to poweroff
  • Start the wii again, it should boot straight into USB Loader GX

Using Wii Backup Fusion (from Linux)

Note: allows you to convert Wii Roms to WBFS image or Gamecube Roms to ISO

  • install wit package from offical repository
  • Download the WiiBackupFusion tar.bz2 files: Here
  • WiiBackupFusion > Options > Settings > WIT > Path to WIT: [/usr/bin/wit]
  • WiiBackupFusion > Options > Settings > WIT > Path to titles: [/usr/share/wit]
  • How to use WiiBackupFusion

install code downloader

Info: Native Wii Code Downloader. Downloads Wiird .txt files from the Wiird code database to the sd card and renames them to the name of the game they are used for. To use the cheats in game, txt codes/cheats files must be converted into .gct format by using Wiicm or CheatManager.

install cheat manager

Info: Cheat Manager is a homebrew app that allows you to select and edit codes in a text file and then generate a GCT file from it. Text files can be downloaded using either Code Downloader or MegaCodeDownloader.

disable wii standby mode

Info: We want to poweroff the Wii and External 2.5inch Hard Drive, else the Hard Drive will still be on. (red led = poweroff ; yellow led = standby)

  • Wii > Wii Options > Wii Settings > Page 2 > WiiConnect24 > Standby Connection > Off

Wit Scrub

http://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/Nintendont_Compatibility_List https://github.com/FIX94/Nintendont

  • Nintendont v4.428 works with gcm, iso, ciso
    • Rename CISO to ISO to make it work with USBLOADERGX

different formats meanings

A PLAIN ISO file stores the content of the DVD byte by byte. It has a usual size of 4.7 GB. Most WBFS and ISO tools are able to detect unused areas (=holes) and fill them with a zeros. This method is called scrubbing. There are 4 classic formats:

  • PLAIN ISO (1:1 copy)
  • CISO (Compressed ISO, ignore unused blocks)
  • WBFS (Multi ISO container, ignore unused blocks)
  • WDF (Wii Disc File, mange holes directly)

Download Cover Art Manually

  • download at: http://www.gametdb.com/Wii/Downloads
  • GameTDB-wii_cover3D-US-2018-02-07.zip --> SDCARD:/apps/usbloader_gx/images/
  • GameTDB-wii_cover-US-2018-02-07.zip --> SDCARD:/apps/usbloader_gx/images/2d
  • GameTDB-wii_disc-US-2018-02-07.zip --> SDCARD:/apps/usbloader_gx/images/disc/

references

Channel Wad vs Forwarder

  • Forwarder = A Wii channel that loads the app(boot.dol) straight off the SD/USB, saves space as its alot smaller than a standard channel but can still vary in size
  • Channel = A Wii channel that loads the app from the Wii(NAND), larger than a Forwarder once installed but size depends on the app
  • Hybrid = A Wii channel that will first try to load the App from SD/USB, but will load the internal App if the one on SD/USB isn't found (Normal forwarder would just return to the Wii menu)

in both cases you will have a nice channel on the Wii Menu, a Forwarder speed can be faster at loading than channels but still varies on the app being loaded

How To Delete a Wad Channel

Wii Settings > Data Management > Channels

cheat file Gamecube & Wii

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqJarT7vPRM

for nintendont

dl sneek/kenobiwii.bin

Wii codes are in .txt file and put it in txtcodes folder

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEmeOyLNbBA mkdir sd:/codes mkdir sd:/txtcodes

Start USB Loader GX > [Select Game] > Settings > Game Load > Ocarina > [ON] > Save > OK Start USB Loader GX > [Select Game] > Settings > Ocarina > [Turn on Code] > Create > OK Exit and start the game now

Loading existing saved files from the internet to Nintendont

Using PS3 (Playstation 3) Controller on Nintendont

  • Requires USB Cable to be connected to PS3 Controller
  • Wii > Homebrew Channel > Nintendont > Load > USB > Hit B (Settings) > Native Control [Off]
  • Wii > Homebrew Channel > Nintendont > Load > USB > Launch Game without Controller connected
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSv5UPqI7mM
  • USB Hub

Multiple Partition Hard Drive

  • Hard Drive needs to be MBR, check using ($ sudo parted -l)
  • Gamecube needs to me FAT32 with 32k cluster
  • First Partition must be FAT32

Emulators

contact

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