Gizmodo: modchip

New Wii Disk Drives Render Modchips Useless

Seung Lee — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 18:10:10 EST

In their latest attempt to block homebrew on the Wii, Nintendo has begun using a new revision of the Wii's optical drive—one that prevents any existing mod chip from functioning.

While this may be just a standard hardware switch and not a concerted effort to block piracy, some keen-eyed modders quickly noticed the change—in the latest drive revision, found in an Australian model with the serial number LAH1098xxxxx, the drive controller chip necessary for previous mods had been completely replaced by a new one.

What they have done is combine the old D1A and drive controller chip in to one which is now called the GC2-D3, as you can see from the photo there is a big blank space on the PCB where the controller chip used to be.

So far there haven't been any other reports of these Wiis showing up outside of Australia, so it may be a while before we see them widespread and by then, I'm guessing there will probably already be a workaround. Kiddies who just can't wait to open up their new Wiis and solder up a mod chip on Christmas morning, though, should probably double check which drive they have first. [mywii.com.au via GoNintendo]

Hack Brings Region Free to the Wii Without a Modchip

Mark Wilson — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:45:00 EDT

A group of software enthusiasts are showing off a program that loads through the Wii homebrew channel and allows you to run international Wii and Gamecube discs in spite of existing region protection. Seeing as the hack is completely software-based and Nintendo has eliminated the functionality of older Wii region protection workarounds (Freeloader, specifically), the unnamed exploit looks like the next big thing for those of you willing to navigate Japanese menus to play titles a few days/months early. And it should be downloadable soon. [DCEmu via Kotaku]

PS2 Memory Card Modchip Gets Competitor

Jason Chen — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 14:00:58 EDT

It's only been two days since the first PlayStation 2 Memory Card slot modchip was announced, but a separate group has popped up and and claimed that they've been working on a similar product for two years. The new chip, as of yet unnamed, works as a 32MB memory card and has a USB port so you can upload and download files. Full specs to come soon. Seeing as the PS3 has all of three playable games on it, this still could have quite a big audience. [MaxConsole]

PS2 Modchip Coming in Memory Card Form

Jason Chen — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 12:04:53 EDT

No longer are you forced to break open a PS2 to solder a modchip in or swap off the top for the disc switching method to play "homebrew" games on Sony's previous-gen console. The Vast memory card modchip, coming in two weeks, is a plug-and-play only device that lets you bypass the PlayStation 2's security by just sticking it into the memory card slot. The OS boots any PS2, and then launches your ~~copied~~ homebrew games after. [Maxconsole]

Second Wii Modchip Coming This Weekend

Adam Frucci — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 12:00:00 EST

When it rains, it pours. Earlier this week we reported that the Wiinja Wii modchip would be released on February 1st, and now the CycloWiz Wii modchip claims to beat the Wiinja to the punch. They say they'll be shipping this weekend, which is both after the February 1st release date of the Wiinja and a pretty optimistic goal for a chip that doesn't have a functioning website yet. Not quite beating them to the punch, is it? In any case, choice is good, and it's awesome that there should be not one but two Wii modchips available by the end of the week.

What do you get for popping your Wii open and voiding your warranty? Why, just the ability to play burned Wii and GC "Backups" and homebrew apps. Sweet. –Adam Frucci

Product Page [via MaxConsole]

Nintendo Wii Modchip Due February 1

Gizloco — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 08:49:05 EST

The console scene group Ninja plans to release the Wiinja, the world's first Nintendo Wii modchip, by February 1. With the chip installed, which only requires you to solder five wires, you'll be able to play backup copies of Wii games on your console. (Downloadable Wii ISOs already litter the Internet.) One reason why we believe that this could be the Real Deal is that Ninja already makes shady accessories for the Nintendo DS.

Should the Wiinja actually come out, it'd make the Wii the second of the three next-gen systems able to play backup games, after the Xbox 360. We eagerly await a review unit. For purely fair use backup purposes, of course. – Nicholas Deleon

Wiinja [Ninja via CrunchGear via The Inquirer]

More Hacked Xbox 360 Firmware Expected Soon

Gizloco — Mon, 12 Jun 2006 13:01:55 EDT

It was only a few weeks ago that we brought you news of hackers (in the "searching for knowledge" sense) finding their way into the Xbox 360's Samsung optical drive. Now it seems that that very same hacker is poised to release a similar firmware hack for the Hitachi optical drive for the Xbox 360.

Due within 48 hours, this firmware hack would allow people to reflash their drive, allowing it to play 1:1 backups but not unsigned code like a modchip would. We'll keep you posted on the 100% legal developments. – Nicholas Deleon

Update on Hitachi Xtreme firmware [XboxHacker via Xbox-Scene]

XBox 360 Cracked? Modchip Finally Here?

Jason Chen — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 20:45:22 EDT

The Devil360 team has claimed that they're ready to release a modchip for the Xbox360. What's interesting is that it doesn't rely on the DVD-Drive firmware hack that previous hackers have used to get their 360s to play backups. The team claims that they're still busy working on these features:

Try to protect it from any type of update

Make it programmable via PC

Boot unsigned code

Allow to swap HD with larger drive with a special interface between the 360 and the HD (all types IDE/SATA).

Bold claims, but we'll see if it works. Personally, we'd rather not mess with the chance that we'll get banned from Xbox Live, but $59 is a lot for some people—not that we condone piracy. – Jason Chen

Devil360 [via Xbox Scene]

Rumor: PSP Modchip Coming Soon

Jason Chen — Fri, 26 May 2006 17:00:08 EDT

Rumor has it that a modchip called "Undiluted Platinum" is coming very soon for the PSP. What can it do? Boot custom firmware and load unprotected/homebrew code. That means running games from your memory stick.

A hardware solution would be more sturdy than the hacks people have been using so far to get the PSP to run custom code. However, if Sony can detect if the chip is installed, they can brick your PSP until you take it out, or somehow by pass that code. It never ends. – Jason Chen

First PSP Modchip Announced - Undiluted Platinum! [DCemu]