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WiiD Modchip (DMS/D2A/D2B)
Manufacturer: WiiD
Site: Buy from Mod-Chip
Price: $34.95

Overview : The WiiD is a fully featured Nintendo Wii mod, easy to install, easy to upgrade, compatible with every single Wii console system.

Ideal for Wii advanced users. More features to be added in future with software upgrades.

Features

• Non Swap/Direct Boot for Wii backups.
• Non Swap/Direct Boot for GC backups
• Non Swap/Direct Boot for Homebrew in GC mode
• Non Swap/Direct Boot for NTSC region Wii games/backups on US and JAP consoles
• Boots PAL Backups/Originals on NTSC WII consoles (partially without swapping)
• Boots NTSC Backups/Originals on PAL WII consoles (partially without swapping)
• Boots different region GC Games Original/Backups Imports (partially without swapping)
• EUROPE/USA/JAPAN Wii Console Supported
• Double soldering option, 6 wires or Quicksolder (No wires Required)!
• Compatible with all the WII Console Versions/Drive currently available
• Full D2B Drive Support
• Built-in audio fix
• Full support for DVD-R/DVD+R and DVD+RW/DVD-RW without Booktype
• Supports Multi-Disc/Multigames games for BOTH Wii and Gamecube
• Recovery Mode for incomplete/Bad Upgrades
• Stealth mode
• Firmware fully Upgradable by DVD!

Quality/Usability : I was able to get my hands on another North American Wii (NTSC-US). This new Wii has the newer board (D2B). All games tested during this review, we own the original games. WiiD comes in a plain unbranded ESD bag.

When I first heard that a WiiD modchip would be released for the Nintendo Wii, first thing that popped into my head was that it was a joke, a gimmick. Sure enough, its real and legit. The WiiD Modchip comes in a plain ESD bag but does not provide any protection during shipping (unless retailer protects it). Like all of other modchips, no wires were provided but thanks to Mod-Chip, they included wires (other resellers may not include wires). The WiiD is basically a chip on a small PCB board. The solder pads allows you to either quick soldering or wire installation. Wire installation is the best way to go because if for whatever reason you need to remove it, it is a lot easier and cleaner.

The features offered on the WiiD is what you would find on other modchips such as CycloWiz, WiiKey, Wiinja and open source modchips. The PCB board on the WiiD contains a PIC #12F683. The build of the WiiD modchip itself isnt the highest of quality due to the roughness of the cut of the PCB board but the board itself is thick and the solder points are big enough as well.

Unlike the other Wii modchips that allows quicksolder, the quicksolder pads are located on the front of the PCB board rather than on the inside. But as I said above, its best to use wires because its easier to install, safer, reliable and easier to remove when needed. Plus if you want to switch to a different modchip, all you would have to do is desolder the wires from the old modchip and resolder the wires onto the new modchip.

Installation : Before installing the WiiD, you must have at least some experience with soldering. As for me, I dont have any experience with soldering, so I had a friend install this for me. In order to install the CycloWiz onto your Wii, you must take it apart. Here is a tutorial on how to dismantle/disassemble your Wii. You can also find other tutorials or even videos on the web.

Once you have dismantled the Wii, you must locate the points outlined in their installation manual. These points are where you will connect the soldering between the Wii and the WiID. When soldering, you must remember to stay within the points and not to use too much solder or you may risk shorting out the chip as well as the Wii.

Wii Compatibility : Having tested only a handful of games I own such as Rayman, Wii Play, WarioWare and Legend of Zelda, I did not experience any problems. All games have been tested on DVD-R and DVD+R and worked perfectly without lag, slowdowns or any problems for that matter.

Upgrade Firmware : The WiiD modchip allows you to upgrade its firmware via DVD. In order to upgrade the firmware, you must first download the latest firmware and burn it on to a DVD. Pop in the DVD and the upgrade will begin. Unfortunately, once the upgrade is completed, there will be no screen saying that the upgrade is successful. Instead, you'll get a message saying "Unable to Read the Disc". Dont be alarmed, this is normal.

Conclusion : Overall, the WiiD Modchip worked as advertised. The main drawback is the quicksolder pads only being on the front of the PCB board and not on the inside. All games tested on the Wii with the WiiD installed worked perfectly without any problems. Hopefully, in future releases, the WiiD Team will improve the upgrade feature and the way the firmware is upgraded. WiiD also allowed you to solder a 6th wire that allows you to disable the modchip. This was not done as it wasnt really required.

Please note that none of the "upgrade" products listed in this site ...

Wii WeDock Controller Storage Case
Manufacturer: WeDock
Site: Buy from Brando
Price: $19.00


Overview : No right place to store your Wiimote and Nunchuck Controller? You just lying them somewhere?

This WeDock is the best solution for you. It can let you to store 2 sets of Wiimotes and Nunchucks. The one touch "Springbroad" design, let you can get the Wiimote easily.

Features

• 2 set of Wiimotes and Nunchuks storage space
• Innovative, compact and stylich design
• One touch "Springboard" design let you can get the Wiimote easily

Quality/Usability : We were the first to announced the release of WeDock and gamers had mixed feelings about it. Some thought it was cool, some thought it was OK and some thought it was useless. Now, we're the first yet again to bring you a full review!

The WeDock measures approximately 7" tall x 5" wide x 5½" deep. The look and feel matches the Nintendo Wii perfectly. The front of the case has a #1 and #2. Of course, this is to help you identify which one is controller 1 and controller 2. On the bottom left corner is "Wedock®" logo. The top of the WeDock is a cover that resembles the four gray lines on the Wiimote directional pad.

Opening the cover reveals four storage spaces. Two for Nunchuk (back) and two for Wiimote (front). The Nunchuk storage allows you to place either the cables first or it can be on top of the Nunchuk once placed in. The Nunchuk storage is even big enough to hold a Nunchuk with a silicon glove on it.

As mentioned above, the Wiimote storage features a "springboard" design. When you place your Wiimote into the storage space, the top of the Wiimote sticks out about ¾" (UP button on directional pad). Simply push the Wiimote down and it hide. If you need to take your Wiimote out, just push down and the Wiimote will pop up. The clicking can is a little loud. Just like the Nunchuk storage, the Wiimote storage also allows you to place your controller even with a controller glove on. No need to remove the glove. But you will need to take the wrist strap off the Wiimote inorder for the controller to fit. You can place the wrist strap either on top of the Wiimote controller or where the Nunchuk is. With 2 Nunchuks and 2 Wiimotes in place, the cover closes perfectly.

Conclusion : Overall, the Wii WeDock Controller Storage Case is a great storage to hold your controllers but its just a novelty. The size of the storage case is huge that you would not be able to carry it around comfortably. So its perfect to have in the house to protect the controllers from dust, liquid, pets or even your little siblings. Those who use controller gloves like me, do not have to worry about removing them but having to remove the wrist strap can get annoying. It would been even better if they had incorporated a recharging dock and battery. For the price of approximately $19.00, its a little expensive for case.

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Wii Crystal Blue LED Cooler Stand
Manufacturer: N/A
Site: Buy from Brando / Buy from DealExtreme
Price: $19.00


Overview : Look!!! It is not only a ordinary stand, but also a Wii cooler. It has a built-in high velocity fan to reduce your console temperature, prolonging it's life. The cool blue LED light design added style to your Wii console.

Features

• Built in High Velocity Fan. Reduce your console temperature, prolonging the life of your Wii Console
• Cool Blue LED Light adds style to your gaming setup
• You can turn off the LED and the fan by the ON/OFF switch
• USB Power
• Clear, Soft color stylize your Wii
• Provides Safety, support, and added stability

Quality/Usability : The Wii Crystal Cooler Stand adds a whole new look to your Nintendo Wii. The stand has a built-in fan to cool down your Wii as well as blue LEDs to light up the stand.

The Wii fits into the stand perfectly just as if it was the original gray stand. On both sides of the stand hear the back are two blue LEDs that illuminate the whole stand. Inside the stand near the back is a small 5v fan that helps cool down your Nintendo Wii. On the backend of the stand, is a switch to either turn on the lights only, turn on both the lights and fan or to just turn it off completely as well as the port to plug the supplied USB cable. The stand is powered via USB and is connected to one of the USB ports on your Nintendo Wii.

The fan is quite but doesnt push much air. Bad thing about the fan is that it pushes cool air into the Nintendo Wii rather than pushing out the hot air. Pushing the air into the Wii can also push in dust particles. On the bottom of the stand is another opening for the air to pass through the fan. The opening between the bottom of the stand to the surface it is sitting on is not much (thickness of a USD Quarter).

Conclusion : Overall, the Wii Crystal Blue LED Cooler Stand is a nice substitute for a stand. The blue LEDs on the stand can get very bright in a dark room and may become an annoyance after awhile but at the same time, gives it that cool factor. Honestly, the point of the fan is pointless. So as long you keep your Nintendo Wii in a well ventilated environment, there is no need for a fan. Not to mention, it blows air into the system rather than out. The price tag of $19.00 is a bit pricey as well.

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Wii Light Gun
Manufacturer: PEGA
Site: Buy from Goldenshop
Price: $19.00


Overview : Playing shooting game with this Wii Light Gun. You can feel the sense of authenticity, just aim at the target on screen and shoot it down. So Easy!

Features

• Convert the Wiimote to a high precision Wii light gun
• Easy to target while playing shooting games
• With exquisite design, using conveniently
• The Wiimote Controller is not included
• This is not an Official Products

Quality/Usability : Every gamer out there is hoping for Nintendo to release the Wii version of the Zapper that was released for the NES. Until that day comes, gamers will have to rely on 3rd party peripheral manufacturers to fill that void.

PEGA has released their light gun attachment for the Nintendo Wii. Its simply just a casing that lets you plug your Nintendo Wiimote and Nunchuk into it. It has an actual trigger. When you press on the trigger, there is a spring inside that will retract a trigger that will press the B button on the Wiimote. Where do you plug the Nunchuk controller? You plug it at the bottom of the light gun.

How well does it work? When the controllers are connected to the light gun attachment, it works pretty well. The Wii picks up every movement as if it wasnt in the attachment. Bad thing about it? When pull the trigger, you have to pull all the way in order for the trigger arm to press the B button. When pressing the button, your hand will jerk a little as you will need a bit of strength to pull the trigger. This will cause your aim to be inaccurate.

Conclusion : Overall, the Wii Light Gun is a great idea and a temporary solution until Nintendo releases their own (whenever that will be). The distance of the trigger arm to the B button is it bit far which means you'll have to pull the trigger even further. By that time, you've already been hit or will be missing your shots. It would have been nice if the trigger arm was closer to the B button which wont take long to pull the trigger. When placing the Wiimote into the attachment, you will need to remove the wrist strap. If you are using a controller glove, you'll have to remove that as well.

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XCM II-Case Chameleon
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from TotalConsole
Price: $54.99

Overview : Stand out from the crowd with the ultimate Wii case: the ii-case that includes LEDS shining in the dark, with our Chameleon technology to rotate between colors! The ii-case is not only a full replacement transparent Wii case, but it also includes a LED system to enlight your Wii. Very complete, it includes Air Flow cover and DVD Rom cover (in metal).

The Chameleon version includes a system of color rotation for the ultimate light effect. An extra button allows you to select a specific color (Red, Purple, Green, Yellow, Blue, Apple Green or Orange) and keep it static on screen.

Includes matching color stand and special Tri-wing screwdriver for installation.


Quality/Usability : After receiving XCM's I-Case Black Knight and reviewing it, we received Team Xtender's second full replacement case, II-Case Chameleon on our doorstep (courtesy of TotalConsole). This time, it houses LEDs to make it even more unique. Those who love to have "flashy" consoles and when I mean flashy, I mean the type that will blind you, would want to read this review.

This is XCM's third? Fourth? Fifth, full replacement casing for the Nintendo Wii? I dont know, but I lost count as they have released so many ranging from chrome, to red, to blue, to even pink! As mentioned above, we reviewed their Black Knight, which is an all black casing. They have been known for slick and unique faceplates, casings, controller mods, cables and other accessories.

The XCM II-Case Chameleon includes the console shell, doors, faceplate, buttons and even the rubber feets at the bottom of the Wii which makes up the whole exterior of the Wii. To match the clear crystal case, they also included a clear stand and tools to help you dismantle the Wii! Not a single piece was left out.

Like all of XCM's products, the quality of the case is excellent and solid. Feels like it came out from Nintendo's factory. The case is clear which allows you to see all the innards of the Wii. The Crystal Chameleon also comes with a metal DVD cover which houses the LEDs near the DVD drive.

I wont go much into detail regarding installation as you can find tutorials on how to dismantle or disassemble your Wii, here. The whole installation process took approximately 50 mins. This is not to say that is how long it will take you to assemble everything. I am a perfectionist and anal when it comes to things like this. For some who are pros or better at things like this can be a lot quicker while noobs, novices or perfectionists like me, may take longer. The whole process is just time consuming and tedious. It will require some patience. It took longer than the Black Knight casing was because the metal DVD cover and Air Flow (which also has LEDs) needed to be installed and wires needed to be connected in order to power the LEDs. To install the metal DVD cover and Air Flow, you can read the tutorial here. Even though I had already installed the Black Knight case on to my Wii, you would think that the installation time would be shorter. It all depends on your skills and perfectionism.

Once installed and the Nintendo Wii put back together, the Crystal Chameleon case is fairly bright. Luckily, you have the option of turning if off but also the option of either having the LEDs fade into different colors or stick with one color.

Click here to see a video of the II-Case Crystal Chameleon case in action.

Conclusion : Overall, the XCM II-Case Crystal Chameleon is unique and flashy product but a bit pricey. But thats the price you have to pay to be unique and different amongst Wii owners. Those looking to kick it up a notch with the look of their Nintendo Wii should definitely look into purchasing the II-Case Crystal Chameleon case. You would be the cool kid on the block (HAHA, that was so cheesy). Again, the time it took me to install the II-Case depends on the person, experience and perfectionism. With the new mods for the Nintendo Wii such as the PulseVU, LED mods for both console and controllers, the Chameleon case would be able to flag a plane (just kidding). Be sure to check out the other colors that XCM has to offer if you want to be even more wild and crazy with colors!

Here is a video of the Chameleon Case with PulseVU and a few other LED changes installed: (by M37R01D)


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Wii Blue Light Charge Station
Manufacturer: PEGA
Site: Buy from Goldenshop / Buy from DealExtreme
Price: $15.00

Overview : Charge two Wiimotes at the same time. Includes 2 1800mAh battery packs.

Features :

• High quality 3rd party product.
• Comes with 2pcs of 1800mAh rechargeable batteries for the Wii remote controls - no need to take out the battery when charging.
• No need to add extra power supply - get the power from the USB port of the Wii console.
• 2pcs of Wii remote controls can be charged simultaneously.
• Light indicators to show the charging status.

Quality/Usability : Yes, another review on a batter charger (COME ON NINTENDO! Where's yours?!). This time is from the popular 3rd party peripheral manufacturer, PEGA HK.

All the battery packs that we have reviewed such as Penguin United Remote Charging Dock + Rechargeable Battery, Wii Remote Battery Charger & Stand or Wii Remote Charge 'N Play, all have the same type of look...plain. Nothing stands out. Nothing fancy. Well, PEGA went and took it to the next step, lights.

The Wii Blue Light Charge Station comes with a dock, USB cable and two battery packs. Both battery packs are 1800mAh's which is pretty much standard for the 3rd party batteries.

The battery are ordinary battery packs and looks similar to Wii 1800mAh Rechargeable Battery. Instead of the 1800mAh being printed, the PEGA version is stickered. Also on the battery pack is a sticker that informs you that before using the battery pack for the first time, you must charge the battery for over 12 hours, or else the battery life will be reduced. Honestly, whether you use it first or charge it, gradually the battery life will be reduced like any other battery. I personally use the battery first and let it die out completely before doing a full recharge. Like the Wii 1800mAh Rechargeable Battery, there is a hole on the battery pack for easy access to the SYNC button.

The dock is what makes the product stand out from the rest of the crowd. Did you purchase the sweet looking Wii Crystal Blue LED Cooler Stand and change the casing of your Nintendo Wii to the Team Xtender II-Case Chameleon? Well your lighted collection isnt complete without this. Thats because the dock lights up also! No, not those cheesy small GREEN LEDs that goes on and off to let you know if its fully charged and done. All around the bottom of the dock is a clear window. This lets the lights from the LED shine through. There are 4 LEDs on the bottom of the dock. To turn on and off the blue lights, there is a switch on the back of the dock. On the top of the dock near the Wiimotes, are two more LED lights, one for each dock. When the battery packs are charging, the light will turn RED...more like pink. When the battery pack is done charging, the light turns blue.

In order to charge the battery pack, you need to have it inside the Wiimote. Sorry, but you'll also have to remove the wrist strap or the contact on the dock wont touch the contacts on the battery pack. Like all other recharging docks, it wont work with silicon skin/glove on. So you'll have to take that off as well.

Charging time took approximately 2-3 hours like all other docks but I left it on there for 12+ hours as recommended even though it wasnt necessary. During game play, I was able to get about a 4.5 hours out of a full charge.

Conclusion : Overall, the Wii Blue Light Charge Station ups the ante in looks for rechargeable docks. The blue lights look great! The battery packs? Well, they're just battery packs. Nothing special. Nice to have an ON/OFF switch for the lights on the bottom of the dock but the lights to show you if the Wiimotes are charging is permanently on. There is no way to turn them off. Placing the Wiimotes on the dock can take some fiddling around so that the contacts on the dock and battery pack touch each other. Having to remove the wrist strap off the Wiimote can be annoying for some Wii'ers. The price of the Blue Light Charge Station of $15 is fairly reasonable considering it comes with two rechargeable batteries and the dock lights up!

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PEGA Wi Wireless Sensor Bar
Manufacturer: PEGA
Site: Buy from Brando
Price: $17.00


Overview : Complaining the Wii sensor bar cable too short? No Problem!

This Wii wireless sensor bar makes you have freedom to locate the bar. It is a easy solution for those Projector type users.

Features

• LED indicator and ON/OFF switch
• Easy to install
• ideal range 3-8 feet
• 2 x AA Batteries is required (NOT included)

Quality/Usability : PEGA has entered the wireless sensor bar market for the Nintendo Wii (is there anything they cant do?!).

The front of the wireless sensor bar are three LEDs. One on each side to interact with the Wiimote and one in the middle. The one in the middle is a green LED. This lets you know hen the wireless sensor bar is on. On the back of the wireless sensor bar is a ON/OFF switch. This lets you turn on and off the wireless sensor bar. On the bottom is a small compartment to insert your 2 AA batteries (not included).

Although the specified ideal range to use the wireless sensor bar is 3-8 feet, you can use it as far as 13 feet. The distance is a little shorter than all the other wireless sensor bars that we have reviewed. The average distance is usually 15 feet. So the PEGA wireless sensor bar falls a little short when compared to other wireless sensor bars on the market but the distance is ideally 5-10 feet, so anyone who uses this should be fine with the wireless sensor bar.

On 2 AA batteries, the wireless sensor bar lasts for about 15-20 hours before the batteries will need to be recharged or changed (depending on what type of battery you are using).

Conclusion : Overall, the PEGA Wii Wireless Sensor Bar works fairly well but falls short when compared to other wireless sensor bars on the market. The furthest distance before the sensor got a bit funky was at 13 feet. Battery life was fairly decent, lasting about 15-20 hours. The price of $17 seems a little high while the Nyko Wireless Sensor Bar retails for $19.99-21.95.

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WiiFree Easy Connect Modchip
Manufacturer: WiiFree Easy Connect
Site:
Price: 12.00 €


Overview : WiiFree is an open source Wii modchip. It required you to load your own code onto a PIC12F629/675/683. In order to load the code, you would need to purchase a programmer as well as the PIC chip. Now there is an easier way to install and upgrade WiiFree.


Features

• Run GameCube originals
• Run Wii originals
• Run Wii back-ups
• Support for D2A and D2B!!
• Support for 12F629 and 12F683 chips (the installation for the 12F683 is the same as the 12F629)

Quality/Usability : I wont go into full detail as to review the WiiFree open source modchip (will review it later) but will review the WiiFree Easy Connect itself and its installation. As we first brought the news of WiiFree Easy Connect and the first images of Easy Connect in our hands, we now bring you the first review.

WiiFree Easy Connect comes included with a PIC12F683 and cables. When you first receive the Easy Connect the two boards are connected together. You will have to bend them in half to have two separate pieces. Dont worry, its already been sliced so that the break would be even. The board itself is not as thick when compared to other commercial modchips on the market such as the WiiKey, CycloWiz, etc.

On the bigger board, it contains the PIC12F683 chip which contains the WiiFree open source as well as the 8-pin socket to hold the PIC in place. As of this review, WiiFree 2.45 is the latest version available is preloaded onto the PIC so that all you have to do is just solder and install the Easy Connect and you're ready to go. This is great for those who dont have a JDM programmer (used to upgrade/flash PIC chips). The board also has two LEDs. This lets you know if the installation is successful or not. This board is to be placed on the outside of the Wii for easy access to the PIC incase you want to upgrade WiiFree when there are new releases.

The smaller board has the quicker solder points to be soldered onto the Wii mobo. The solder points are so small that you can only do quicker solder. Its very hard to do wire installs unless you're very skilled at doing so. Most people prefer wire installs as it is easier to remove when needed rather than quick soldering.

Other than the small soldering points, its fairly simple. On one end of each board is a small clamp like device that you pull out slightly, insert ribbon cable with blue sticker facing up (included) and close the clamp. This will hold the ribbon cable in place on the board. No soldering required.

Once the smaller board has been soldered onto the Wii and all cables have been connected, you can place the bigger board on the outside of the Wii case. You can route the cable through the side of the USB port or through the vent opening on the back of the Wii case. Usually, the 8-pin socket that holds the PIC12F629 are soldered onto the Wii case with wires to the Wii mobo by drilling 8 little holes and held in place with glue. With WiiFree Easy Connect, you wont have to drill any holes on to the Wii case. You may want to get double sided tape or something to hold the Easy Connect to the case. If not, you can just let it dangle freely.

Conclusion : Overall, the WiiFree Easy Connect is an excellent solution to those who do not want to damage their Wii case by drilling holes. It would have been nice if the points on the Easy Connect were bigger to allow wire installs rather than the quick solder method. Would have been also nice if maybe they had included double sided tape or some way to attach the Easy Connect to the Wii case. With the inclusion of the PIC12F629 and WiiFree already preloaded, this is great for those who do not have a JDM programmer or PIC12F629. Since it comes with a PIC12F926 and if you have a JDM programmer, you can install any open source modchip whether it be OpenWii, Chiip, Yaosm, WiiC, WiiREZ, Wiip! and many more.

Since the PIC chip is removable, you can purchase or request sample PIC chips online and load your preferred open source code to that PIC and swap PIC chips. That is if you still prefer to keep the WiiFree. Regarding the JDM Programmer that lets you put open source code on to the PIC chip, there are two ways of getting one. #1. Make your own by following these instructions. Or #2. You can purchase them online either on gaming sites or through eBay by typing in "jdm programmer" in the search field. You will need to have a RS232 cable (serial) handy in order to connect the JDM Programmer to your computer.

Please note that none of the "upgrade" products listed in this site are endorsed by Nintendo, Sony and/or Microsoft. DCEmu Reviews and DCEmu Network does not condone piracy. The primary functions of a "modchip" ...