Mod Chips

[jesta]

List of modchips for Nintendo Wii (Page taken from Wiki)


Argon Wii

The InFeCtuS Argon Wii is based on an 350 MHz Actel A3P-125 FPGA, which is programmable through a JTAG connector - in conjuction with either an InFeCtuS 2 device or an Injectus programmer. It has features similar to the D2CKey, and as of firmware v1.3 supports region-free play.
The InFeCtuS team have said a soon to be released firmware will lower the wire count from 16 to 10 for the D2C chipset as a result of the new competition from the Wasabi modchip. It will also introduce support for all the current Wii chipsets rather than just the D2C chipset (wire count for non-D2C chipsets will be 6). Also the update will grant the ability to upgrade the modchips firmware via DVD - despite InFeCtuS recommending the JTAG connector as the preffered upgrade method.
Availability: Available (Released in December, 2007)

Chiip

A modchip created by Cadex, the first free Wii modchip to be released. The latest firmware, v0.9.1, supports features such as original game playback (Wii and GameCube), backups from the same and different regions (Wii and GameCube), GameCube homebrew, DVD+R/DVD-R/DVD+RW ability without the need for bit-setting, DMS/D2A/D2B chipset ability. The firmware is designed to run on ATmega8L-8 and ATmega8-16 AVR chips.
Although the project claimed open source from the beginning and a code release has been announced, so far no source code has been released. With none of the announced updates to the web site and project data in several months, the project is likely to be considered abandoned, even though its last version remains available and operational.
Availability: Available (Released in 2007)

CycloWiz

The second Wii modchip to be released. This chip is able to play not only backups of its own region, but it also partially supports playback of backups from a different region (PAL discs on an NTSC Wii). The CycloWiz's firmware can be updated via DVD, so more options will become available in the future.
Availability: Available (Released in February, 2007)

D2CKey

One of the few modchips that work on a Wii with the D2C chipset. The D2CKey modchip is specially designed for D2C and newer drive chipsets and as such it will NOT work on other models of Wii. Due to the number and types of soldering that the D2CKey requires (over 30 fine solder points), the team behind it advise that only people with considerable soldering experience install the chip. It also has a partial region free support, but it's successor D2Pro supports fully region free support. However, it is stated on its official website that the D2Prog would upgrade the D2CKey to have all the features that the successor D2Pro uses, which would possibly make it region-free.
Availability: Available (Released in October, 2007)

D2Pro

An upgrade over the D2CKey, coming from the same manufacturer. The D2Pro requires only 15 wires to function with stability. As such, it is much easier to install than the D2CKey. An additional four wires may be soldered to increase region free compatibility.
Availability: Available (Released in February, 2008)

InFeCtuS 2

The InFeCtuS 2 is a universal modchip that is compatible with Wii D2C chipsets through a special firmware. The Wii firmware, WIIKTUS, requires 13-wires for D2C hardware. Three additional connections are required for region-free support. An InFeCtuS 2 with Wii firmware is very similar to the Argon Wii, except that it can be flashed to modify other consoles as well.
Availability: Available (Released in 2007)

OpenWii

The first GPL-licensed (as of 2.01) open source modchip. Written in C. Source released before or along with binaries. OpenWii is the first open source modchip to support firmware updates via DVD, as well as the first open source chip to support Super Mario Galaxy. Currently (as of 2/29/08 and firmware revision 2.4), the chip supports DVD9 (Dual-Layer) discs and the Gamecube audiofix.
Availability: Available

Wasabi

The Wasabi promises to be the first Wii modchip to support all chipset revisions, from DMS to the latest D2C drives. It also boasts 128kB of flash memory for future firmware updates, a massive upgrade from other chips available on the market. The chip is advertised as being more stable compared to other D2C modchips. It requires only 9 wires to solder for D2C (and 5 for older chipsets), a sizeable step down from current modchips.
The website also notes that there are a few kilobytes of data stored on Wii optical discs that are not present in backups of Wii games. They claim that this data can be used by Nintendo to build a new copy protection, and that Wasabi can defend against this because the extra data can be stored in its high capacity flash memory.
Availability: Available (Released in March, 2008)

Wi-ic

The Wi-ic is capable of Wii and GameCube backup play, supports multi-disc games, GameCube import play with swapping, GameCube homebrew play. Wii import and homebrew play is unconfirmed.
It has 5 wires that can be installed with a quick solder or gold-plated solder pads. Contains a failsafe update mechanism allowing it to recover from a failed update using the Disc Channel or Photo Channel which requires an extra wire to be soldered. An extra wire on the chip allows for a disabling of the chip to be used.
Availability: Available (Released in 2007)

Wii-Boss

The Wii-Boss is a quick solder compatible modchip based on the PIC 12F629 and includes a programmer kit. It is compatible with any modchip code that supports the 12F629, including YAOSM, Wiinja, WiiFree, and OpenWii.
Availability: Available (Released in 2007)

 

[jesta]

WiiD

The Wii Drive Modchip or simply WiiD shares many similarities with the commercial modchips that preceded it. The WiiD, like its competitors, can also have its internal firmware updated via DVD. The upgrade process is rather primitive where the only indication of a complete firmware flash is a disc read error (DRE) screen. The WiiD supports all Wii and GameCube backups of the same region of the console and as of firmware v02 has become region-free with most titles. V03 has recently been released adding support for Super Mario Galaxy.
Availability: Available (Released in March, 2007)

WiiFree

Another open source modchip for PIC 12F629, 12F675, 12F683, 16F628, and 16F628A chips. It is written in JalV2 and the source code is always released with the binary. It has all the functions of a regular commercial modchips but it's free. To update WiiFree the chip needs to be reprogramed with a Pic Programmer. Development of WiiFree has been discontinued. The developers recommend using YAOSM for a comparable solution.
Availability: Available (but development discontinued)

WiiJii PIC 12F629 Test Kit

A PIC-based kit made for easy install into any project requireing a PIC 12F629. The kit includes a PIC 12F629 chip mounted on circuit board, an external header that gets wired in, and a JDM programer. Programming software is available on the site and works with any JDM programer that supports the 12F629.
Availability: Available (Released in May, 2007)

WiiKey

The Wiikey, released February 2007, was one of the first DVD-upgradeable modchips to be released for the Wii. It is a first generation chip, and can only be installed on systems with chipset revisions of D2B and older (including systems with “cut” IC legs). The Wiikey has six points to solder on to the DVD drive. This can be done either via wires or through the "quicksolder" method.
The Wiikey’s firmware works by a process of funneling through the debug serial port. This effectively tricks the DVD drive into believing that the backup is in fact legit, much like current Xbox 360 chips do. Periodic firmware updates are released from the Wiikey development team, as well as configuration discs used to change the Wiikey settings. Both can be found on the Wiikey website.
In addition to complete original Wii functionality, including system updates and online game play, the Wiikey packs an impressive list of features. As of the 1.9s update the Wiikey supports:

• Direct Boot of Wii Backups
• Direct Boot of GameCube Backups
• Direct Boot of Homebrew in GameCube Mode
• 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 GameCube 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!)
• Supports Full-size 4GB Discs for GameCube homebrew
• Stealth Mode
• Recovery Mode - Can Recover from a Bad Flash
• Super Mario Galaxy Protection Workaround
• Dual Layer Backup Support for Super Smash Bros. Brawl

As of March 26 2008, there is support for original versions of Dual Layer DVDs, (including Super Smash Bros. Brawl). The update labelled '1.9s' is available on the Wiikey website.
Availability: Available (Released in February, 2007)

Wiinja

The first announced modchip for the Wii. Supports playback of backup discs but only in the format of its own region. The Wiinja Deluxe, released on February 26, 2007, can upgrade and play imports. The original Wiinja, however, lacks this function and cannot bypass the newer Super Mario Galaxy copy protection.
Availability: Available (Released in January, 2007)

Wiip

Open source, OpenWii AVR-based modchip design. Gerber files available. Note: All Wiip material is currently unvailable from official site as of September 17, 2007 with the explanation: "All content has been removed pending a copyright review."
Availability: Unavailable

Wiip2

In June 2007, Team Xecuter announced the "Wiip2" modchip to remedy several hardware related shortcomings of the original "Wiip" project. Their web site featured a thorough description, discussions and prototype pictures, however, by now all Wiip2-related material and forum threads as well as the pre-order possibility have been removed from their web site.
Availability: Unavailable

iiRez

Another drive chip for the Wii. The installation of this chip is moderately different as the chip is grounded on two points, and requires a separate wire to be soldered for the update function. Also, it requires ANOTHER wire to be installed if the user desires to play multi-disc games. This is the first modchip to have a quick solder option, but require wires to be installed for multi-disc functionality. The installation is difficult, and the functions are less than par.
Availability: Available

YAOSM

A free PIC-based modchip written in GCBasic. It started as a rewrite of the popular WiiFree and it is the first modchip to use automatic region configuration, as well as the first open source modchip to let users set the DVD Drive's speed via Setup Disc. It's always released with source code and precompiled hex files for a wide range of suitable PIC chips (12F629, 12F635, 12F675, 12F683, 16F627, 16F627A, 16F628, 16F628A, 16F630, 16F636, 16F639, 16F648A, 16F676, 16F684, 16F87 and 16F88.) From v2.0 and on, it also supports audiofix for GameCube games, as well as Super Mario Galaxy backup (from v1.9) and DVD-9.
Availability: Available (Released in April, 2007)

Yowii

A modchip for the Wii that can be reprogrammed with any precompiled hex file that supports the PIC 12F683. Since it isn't limited to a particular modchip hex, the feature list will be based on the hex the user decides to program it with. It does however come pre-programmed with Yaosm hex. Because the Yowii chip uses the larger PIC 12F683, the full version of Yaosm fits on the chip without the need to remove features. It also supports the Super Mario Galaxy fix (SMG fix). It offers quick solder install or 5-wire install. The 5 wires are attached to a plug which then plugs into a connector on the chip. The same connector is also used for programming the chip and the wire is long enough to attach the chip externally.
Availability: Available
Link

 

[Sousanator]

And now from a Professional Mod-Installers viewpoint of which is the best:

Wiikey for earlier wii units (D2A-D2B/cut) just because it provides a great amount of functionality and is now the cheapest to buy. The developers also continue to support this mod-chip even though they have been busy with D2Pro and D2CKey, as seen with the recent Brawl update.

Wasabi for everything else (D2C) just because it has the fewest wires to install, and is the easiest to install out of the entire D2C crowd. This modchip could upgrade by DVD so no need for a JTAG programmer like the others.

Check Here to see what wii unit you have:
Nintendo-Scene Wii Serial Tracker

 

[jesta]

Thanks Sousanator was looking for a good serial code list.

Whats your opinion on the Open Source chips (Open Source, YAOSM)? I know some aren't updating anymore (WiiFree) but isn't it's an easy way to update your chip?

 

[guyofgod]

I would love to hack my wii so that I could download roms...however, some day, someone at nintendo is going to release an update and....well, you know the rest.

 

[Sousanator]

Thanks Sousanator was looking for a good serial code list.

Whats your opinion on the Open Source chips (Open Source, YAOSM)? I know some aren't updating anymore (WiiFree) but isn't it's an easy way to update your chip?

Personally I've stayed away from them. But if I was forced to choose one it would definitly be YAOSM. It has the same compatibility as commercial modchips and to what I believe the largest of the open source chip community.

The reason I never went open source is because you need to know a bit of background info, and know how to program the chip using the programmer. The wiikey is already programmed so its just attach the points and your done. There was also the fear of abandonment, as seen with the wiifree. Many people had to uninstall their wiifree and decided to replace it with a wiikey, because they couldn't play Super Mario Galaxy.

I just like things as easy and least amount of work needed, and thats why I chose the modchips in my previous post. But if you think you can handle open source, go with YAOSM.

 

[arjunpatel]

Deleted : Spam!

 

[SmileyNor]

Have someone tried the wii-clip for D2Ckey?
what to you think is the best chip for the wii, and what is the best program you can add after the wii is chipped?

 

[jesta]

Have someone tried the wii-clip for D2Ckey?
what to you think is the best chip for the wii, and what is the best program you can add after the wii is chipped?

As Sousanator has said above ^^

"Wiikey for earlier wii units (D2A-D2B/cut) just because it provides a great amount of functionality and is now the cheapest to buy. The developers also continue to support this mod-chip even though they have been busy with D2Pro and D2CKey, as seen with the recent Brawl update.

Wasabi for everything else (D2C) just because it has the fewest wires to install, and is the easiest to install out of the entire D2C crowd. This modchip could upgrade by DVD so no need for a JTAG programmer like the others."

Or YAOSM for an open source mod-chip

As for the Wii-clip, I don't know anyone whos tried it soz.

And the best program to add after? Well, the homebrew scene is growing massively, and there are pieces of homebrew for almost everything. I personally have the Homebrew Channel installed, which then runs the latest version of the homebrew loader, and then I have whatever I like. I mostly use the Snex9x Emu with wiimote support - Awesome!!