Modders learn Nintendo doesn’t like them messing with Wii

By Christian Ponte by Mar 27th, '07 at 9:17am CST

Those looking to modify their Wii with some of the recent mod chip releases on the modding and homebrew market may find a little discouragement. It seems that modders have noticed a little change.

Apparently, Nintendo has reorganized the motherboard on newer Wii models, reducing the spacing between accessible contact points and thus making it difficult if not impossible to solder on existing mod chips. Those claiming to be able to do it acknowledge that the new layout definitely makes modding extremely difficult, and those without enough modding experience could permanently damage the Wii.

070327wiimotherboard.jpg

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Categories: Wii

About the Author: Christian Ponte

Co-Founder/Owner/Director

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  • Hooya

    It’s not impossible at all, or even any more difficult really. The visible modification only effects one modchip on the market, and it simply moved one solder point from a nice spot on the board to a slightly trickier spot on the chip itself.

    We’ve yet to see if there is a different type of drive chip involved. That would be the thing that throws off the hackers. Even then it will only be for a little while before it’s cracked as well.

    My feeling is that this had very little to do with the modchip scene and more to do with the normal revisions that happen in hardware.

    I don’t know who has said that this is “extremely difficult” because it’s not at all different for any of the modchips on the market except one.

    Of course, anyone without proper skills can kill their Wii with a soldering iron.