Nintendo Wii now mod-proof in Japan

Nintendo has made new modifications to its Wii console to put modchips like the Wiikeys and Cyclowizes out of business. According to DailyTech these new consoles are already shipping in Japan.

In fact, the advent of modchips for Wii has actually sparked increases in demand for the console in markets where piracy runs rampant, such a China. According to a Gamasutra story, imported Wiis from the U.S. and Japan sold in Shanghai during late 2006 for near retail prices. Following the release of the modchips, the demand of Wii increased, as did its price by more than $100. Pirated Wii games are sold on the black market for approximately $1.30.

Nintendo is finally putting some effort into thwarting the viability of Wii mods, as reports from Japan indicate that the latest console hardware revisions are now much more difficult to modify with current chips.

Reports say the three pins which are used by current modchips to alter the console's drive software are now physically cut. It's still possible to use modchips but it will take a lot more advanced skills and tools to install one.