Nintendo removes all hope for homebrew Wii apps in newest update

If you like the idea of using a Wii for homebrew apps, then you better not install the new Wii System Update, at 3.3. Nintendo is trying to hide this update under the guise of a new Mii Channel bug fix, one that would allow a player to move a Mii from the Mii Plaza (the default area for the Mii Channel) to the Mii Parade (the one that allows you to share Miis). This is problematic!

The update also includes functionality that will delete any modified save files that are “unauthorized” because they could “impair gameplay or the Wii console” itself.

If you are a homebrew fan or someone who wants Linux on their Wii, DO NOT INSTALL VERSION 3.3 of the Wii Menu Software.

WiiWare releases

Had you not played your Wii today, you might not have seen the awesome new Wii Shop Channel (the layout will look different).

With WiiWare, Nintendo has stepped into digital distribution, a first for Nintendo, and a way to make gamers buy quality games at lower prices. Nintendo has also announced that new WiiWare titles will appear every Monday (this may seem a bit tough). Currently, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King (should have been renamed to Final Fantasy: how long can we make this subtitle), LostWinds, Defend your Castle, Pop, V.I.P Casino: Blackjack and TV Show King (which looks rather lame).

So check it out, you might find something interesting.

Nintendo Channel released

If you woke up this morning, you might have noticed that your Wii was flashing. And for a very good reason.

Nintendo released the Nintendo Channel (what a creative name!) for the Nintendo Wii. Basically, it allows you to keep up to date on the latest Nintendo games and news through videos (I mean, who wants to read text? That’s like 1920’s, man [this is sarcasm]). The videos are streamed onto your Wii, and can be watched full screen. Most of the videos are a bit quiet, despite full volume on the Wii.

Pretty much, the Nintendo Channel is an advertising channel for more products for Nintendo machines. However, there are a bunch of other features that can be easily overlooked. With the Nintendo Channel, you can buy games (via the internet, using an online store of your choice). You can also rate games that you have played on your Wii (for over an hour).

But what makes the Nintendo Channel awesome, is the ability to download demos to your Nintendo DS, but only a few are offered right now, with more possibly coming soon.

Hacked Wii plays Super Smash Bros

A long time ago, a hacker found that someone with a Wii could execute their own code using Legend of Zelda: TP. The hacker exploited a buffer overflow flaw in the game and in doing so, found he could run his their own game. Fast forward to now, and we see that a user by the name of goku64323 has managed to run the N64 version of Super Smash Bros on his Wii.

This is not the easiest thing to do in the world, it requires a lot of code modifications and a lot of praying that your Wii will not explode.

The hack itself isn’t free, you need to purchase “Sin and Punishment” from the Wii Shop Channel. This is because Sin and Punishment maxed out the game cartridge on the N64 (which coincidentally, so did Super Smash Bros).

Another person has laid out how he has hacked his games, if you are interested.

Anyways, it’s a pretty cool demonstration. Might want to try that for myself.

Strong Bad game launching on WiiWare

strongbad This was somewhat suggested when Strongbad GameWays was featured on Youtube. Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People is going to be episodic and will release monthly. So far, 5 games in the series have been announced. The first one is scheduled to release in June, in the WiiWare section of your Wii Shop Channel (if you have installed the recent Wii System Update).

Now, what game company is pro at making episodic games that it’s annoying? You guessed it, TellTale Games. You might remember them from Sam & Max.

As with all of TellTale’s other games, SBCG4AP will be also available on the PC, but it’s primarily focused on the Wii.

You can check out the product page for SBCG4AP here and the advertisement announcement here.