Even better than Hello World, the hackers at 24c3 have figured out how to run their own code on the Wii. By using what they call a 'tweaser' method, they were able to launch the Wii in Gamecube mode then trick the chips into dumping their contents. After rummaging through the dumps they were able to pull out the encryption keys and used a hole in Lego Star Wars cd to boot their own code. The app they demo in the video shows output coming from the Wii-Mote, proving that it is running in Wii mode and not in Gamecube mode.Previously all homebrew was done in GC mode where memory and hardware was limited. Now with access to the Wii mode, homebrew developers can begin to write apps that take advantage of all the hardware, including wiimote, Wifi, Bluetooth, etc.
There are no additional details on when the information will be released so others may write their own apps from the wii. The next step is to get libraries built or obtain an sdk so more apps can begin to get ported to the Wii. It sounds like lots of work still needs to be done before we will see any useful applications come from the Wii homebrew scene, but 2008 is going to be a good year for wii hackers! Stay tuned@!
* They got the wii keys, and we could use them without hacking our wii again. * This hack requires a drive modchip to execute the code. * There is not any tool to sign the code, but it’s coming soon. * They are working to access to the SD thought EXI. * There is not any stack homebrew for bluetooth * A linux port for Wii will be released easily.
Looks like Datel is opening up the doors for homebrew on the Wii. This is very exciting news to the scene. While all of what you see is only able to launch homebrew in gamecube mode, it is still a great step in the right direction to bring homebrew to the mainstream. Where previously you needed to order strange products from questionable e-tailors, now you can just walk into your local ebgames to get the tools you need for homebrew on your wii or gamecube.
Here's what codejunkies posted on their website:
There's a wealth of really excellent home brew material out there for the GameCube, but how do you get it to run on your happening console? Our GameCube/Wii SD Media Launcher has the answer...
With GameCube/Wii SD Media Launcher, you can run all your home brew Cube software on an unmodified GameCube, or on a Nintendo Wii in GameCube Mode. All you need to do is download the program of your choice from one of the many web pages dedicated to amateur programming on the Cube (Google for 'GameCube home brew' to find dozens of sites). Drag and drop it onto the 1GB or 2GB SD card supplied with the Media Launcher, then plug it into your Wii or GameCube. Launch the application CD on your console and the home brew program is run from there. Easy!
Everything you need is in the box. The pack includes a software CD, 1GB or 2GB high-speed SD card, a USB SD card adapter and an SD media adapter to fit in your Cube's memory card slot.
This will be in stores very soon for about $50. For more information visit the official site codejunkies.
TCNISO has announced their plans to release an open source / open architecture Wii Modchip. The chip, among other things, will allow you to unlock Gamecube Homebrew on your Wii.
The Wiip is going to be available for a mere $20 retail (and that includes shipping!) and will appear in their online shop around 2/27/07.
Also, the schematics, code, and software will be available so you can make one yourself for less than $10!
From their site: "This mod works by utilizing a cheap and simple microcontroller that communicates with the serial port of the Wii's hybrid DVD drive and overrides certain parts of the media's data stream.
The most important part of this project, is that it is open source! In addition to releasing the Wiip chip, on this page you will soon be able to download the PCB schematics, Wiip firmware and documentation! We hope by creating this project, other users will make modifications to our code for newer updates in the future (if needed)."
Looks like Datel is opening up the doors for homebrew on the Wii. This is very exciting news to the scene. While all of what you see is only able to launch homebrew in gamecube mode, it is still a great step in the right direction to bring homebrew to the mainstream. Where previously you needed to order strange products from questionable e-tailors, now you can just walk into your local ebgames to get the tools you need for homebrew on your wii or gamecube.
