Wiikey
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| Wiikey | |
|---|---|
 The Wiikey Modchip | |
| Team | ? |
| Console | Wii |
| Type | Drivechip |
| Source Availability | Closed |
| Latest Version | 1.9g |
| Status | Available for Sale. |
| http://wiikey.cn | |
The Wiikey Modchip, is currently the most popular chip for the Wii console, due to it's availability and ease of installation. It's major function is to allow the Wii console to boot Wii and Gamecube games from writable DVD Media.
The WiiKey was announced at the beginning of February 2007 and shipped at the end of the month. It is one of many modchips available for the Wii by Nintendo and acts as a firmware replacement funneled through the debug serial port - tricking the DVD drive into believing that the backup is in fact legit, much like current Xbox 360 chips do.
History
Versions and Features
Base Features
- Direct boot of wii backups
- Direct boot of GC backups
- Direct boot of homebrew in GC mode
- Supports all currently available console/drive versions
- Supports D2B chipsets
- Sophisticated (true) update mechanism via DVD (future proof, expect cool features to come)
- Direct boot of different NTSC region Wii games/backups on US and JAP consoles
- Partial support for NTSC region Wii games/backups on PAL consoles
- Boots different region GC games/backups (partially without swapping)
- Supports multi-disc games for BOTH Wii and Gamecube
- Supports DVD-R / true DVD+R and +RW support (no bitsetting required!)
- Improved readsettings for recordable media
- Built-in Audio Fix - NOTE: the fix does not work. see WiiKey Audio Fix Problem
- Supports fullsize 4GB discs for gamecube homebrew
- Stealth mode
- 512 byte EEPROM to store configuration
- Quicksolder interface - no wires required
- Unique disc backup application via sdcard
- Compact design, best quality components, rock solid high speed controller
- Professional ESD packing
- Recovery mode - Can recover from a bad flash
Version 1.2
- wiikey configuration
- wiikey dvdDump (dumps discs to sdcard)
- some of the most popular gamecube homebrew apps:
- SDLoad 1.0 by Costis
- Snes9x 1.43 GX 0.5 Port by Softdev
- GCOs MultiGame Version by emu_kidid
- MFE Distro 1.0 by Isobel
Version 1.9b
- audiofix fixed
- dual layer support (no bitsetting required)
- improved media support (all supported chipsets)
- full Gamecube regionfree (no-swap/video setup)
- various "smaller" improvements/fixes
- workaround for FW 3.0 gameid limitation (WiiKey Base v1.2 discs will boot again)
- "on the fly" settings for gc games (by holding buttons on GC controller for toggle audiofix, diskspeed, force NTSC/PAL)
Version 1.9g
- This BETA release fixes compatibility problems with games using the new Mario Galaxy security.
- REQUIRED for compatibility with Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
Clones
Due to it's popularity the Wiikey has has been cloned. Clone Wiikeys accept the official software updates but are not supported by the Wiikey team. To ensure you are purchasing a genuine Wiikey chip and not a clone be sure to purchase your Wiikey only from vendors on the official resellers list.
To determine if a Wiikey is a clone use the following guide:
Technical
Installation
Like its current competitors, the WiiKey is installed onto the Wii's drive either by quicksolder or using six wires. The chip can then be updated through the use of a Setup Disc which can be downloaded from the chip's website.
To open up the console, the following tools are required:
- A small prying tool
- A small phillips head screwdriver
- A tri-wing driver
GBAtemp member crumpster has written an excellent guide to opening and soldering the Wii.
- Diagrams
- Setup Disc Images
- Diagram showing where to solder pin 3 on the WiiKey for the D2B boards that are missing point 3 on the board.
- Complete install guide thanks to Console Workshop for the new D2B models with the legs removed on the IC.
Region Free Compatibility
As of now, all region free methods (be it patching with a region free application, or in this case, the Wiikey's built in region free capability) share the same method of patching. Therefore, all compatibility issues are the same, and can be documented on one specific page.
Problem with Gamecube games that use streaming audio
In opposite to what's stated in the official specification, some people reported problems with Gamecube games that are using streaming audio. The problems seem to happen with any kind of media, be it backup or orignal. Source: ???
- Update: Firmware 1.9b fixes this issue
FAQ
Will WiiKey mod chip work with Nintendo Wii ONLINE games?
Yes. The Wiikey do not modify the Wii firmware. The WiiKey modify the responses that the DVD Drive sends to the motherboard when verifying discs authenticity.
Is there any special upgrades you have to do after chipping the system
No, there is no need of any special wiikey firmware upgrade (yet). You can upgrade the Wii firmware, but thats not related to the wiikey firmware. The Setup Disc Images V 1.2 is a disc image that can be burned and used to change the wiikey configuration and run DOL images.
Can Gamecube Homebrew games be burned onto regular size DVD-Roms and be played on the chipped Wii?
Yes, Gamecube homebrew games and apps can be burned on DVDs.
After installing a Clone WiiKey it doesn't boot Backup or Original games
Clones usually come non-programmed. Run the Firmware disk and flash the chip. After this, it should start loading both Backups and Original disks.
External links
Categories: Wii | Modchips | Wii Modchips | Drivechips
