Latest Wii update removes homebrew capabilities

Posted on Wednesday, June 18 2008 @ 2:10 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
Bit Tech reports Nintendo has clamped down on homebrew software for the Wii console with Menu Update pack 3.3.
Previously Wii homebrew was something that bedroom developers and code junkies had long tried to make a reality and had only been able to do so by exploiting a bug in the save game code for Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. The bug in the game allowed unofficial third party software to be run from an SD card, giving amateur game makers a chance to play in Nintendo's sandbox.

For a time, it was good. Then someone managed to get the ScummVM emulator on the Wii and people could play those classic Lucasarts adventure games on their TVs and for a time it was frickin' excellent.

Now though, that time has come to an end and Nintendo has clamped down on what it views as illegal software due to the closed nature of the platform.

Nintendo is saying that the new update has been made in the interest of console owners and sayong "Because unauthorized modifications to save files may impair game play or the Wii Console, updating to Wii Menu version 3.3 will also check for and automatically remove such save files."


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



Loading Comments