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Nintendo Wii News
by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:10- Categories:
- Nintendo Wii News,
- DCEmu Reviews
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 ...by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:10- Categories:
- Nintendo Wii News,
- DCEmu Reviews
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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by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:10- Categories:
- Nintendo Wii News,
- DCEmu Reviews
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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by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:06- Categories:
- Nintendo Wii News,
- DCEmu Reviews
Wii Skin Protector
Manufacturer: Unknown
Site: Buy from Brando
Price: $18.00
Overview : This Wii Skin Protector has a Professional design and precise mould, particularly protect every where of Wii airframe. Prevent dust and scratch. It adpots PET compound technology, high transparent not leave remnant and not corrupt the surface of unit airframe. Tree layer design, protect the user layer effectively and not effect the appearance of Wii. Safety and credibility, can protect your products effectively.
Features :
- Includes 13 pieces of protector and a soft cotton in each pack
- 99% Transparency
- Scratch and Dust Prevention
- Tailor made for Wii. Custom Fit
Quality/Usability : Following the heels of DecalGirl Skin for the Wii, 3rd party companies are starting to release protective skins for the Wii. Although this does the same thing what DecalGirl skins do, this protective skin has 13 pieces to apply!
I dont know if there was a need to have 13 pieces but it does make installation a little easier as you put piece by piece rather then having to align everything perfectly. Applying the skin is similar to the procedure as that of DecalGirl skin.
Removing the skin is fairly easy and does not leave any sticky residue. The skin does a great job of protecting the Wii from scratches, dust and fingerprints. Only problem is that since its clear, if you get a piece of hair or dirt between the skin and Wii, it will be noticeable.
The protective skin does a great job of covering every part of the Wii except the back and bottom. It also includes a cotton cloth to wipe down the Wii before applying the skin and a soft card. What this soft card does is allow you to smooth out the skin and eliminate any air bubbles that might be stuck. To me, its a bit small considering you have big areas to cover such as the side of the Wii. But it does come in handy for those small and tight areas.
Conclusion : Overall, the Wii Skin Protector is a nice product and does what its intended to do. Since its clear, those who are a perfectionist or anal, better make sure they are in a clean room or make sure they clean the Wii real well before applying the skin and fast. Once a piece of hair or dirt is stuck inbetween the Wii and skin, it may be a pain to remove. The skin protector is a bit pricey at $18. For that price, it should include a skin for wii remote, nunchuk and/or classic controller.
Images via comments ...by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:06- Categories:
- Nintendo Wii News,
- DCEmu Reviews
Wii Remote Controller Protector
Manufacturer: HORI
Site: Buy from Brando
Price: $9.00
Overview : Protect your Wii Remote Controller from dust and light scratches.
Features :
- 99% Transparency
- Scratch and Dust Prevention
- Tailor made for Wii. Custom Fit
Quality/Usability : Hori has entered the scene with their first Nintendo Wii accessory. Hori is well known for their screen protectors. Their first product is a Wii Remote Controller Protector.
Applying the skin is fairly simple. Removing the skin does not damage the remote controller or leave any sticky residue. The cutouts for each button is precise and perfect.
The skin has 3 layers of film that will protect the top of your controller from scratches and any discolorations caused by UV. Those who have used HORI products before will be satisified with this product. Not to mention, the Wii Remote Controller Protector is one of few accessories out there that is Officially Licensed by Nintendo.
Conclusion : Overall, the Wii Remote Controller Protector is a great purchase. This will without a doubt protect your remote controller from scratches. For $9.00, it seems a bit pricey but it will be money well spent.
Images via comments ...by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:06- Categories:
- Nintendo Wii News,
- DCEmu Reviews
Wii Component Cable
Manufacturer: Unknown
Site: Buy from Brando
Price: $14.00
Overview : Component Video connection from Wii to TV with component input
Features :
- Get the high-quality image your wii is capable of putting out
- Allows for a more improved picture than fro composite or S-video cables
- Provides high-definition video output, giving you incredibie graphics and images
- Length: 1.8m
- This is not an official Nintendo Product
Quality/Usability : With Nintendo own Official component cables being sold out and hard to find, 3rd party manufacturers are releasing their own.
Those who have high-definition TV sets must and I mean MUST get component cables for all their home consoles. If you have a high-def TV and still using composite cables, why even own a high-def TV in the first place?!
Component cables make a huge difference when it comes to graphics, details and color. The quality of these component cables are great. They're definitely better than composite cables that came with the Nintendo Wii console. Unfortunatley, since I couldnt get my hands on Nintendo's component cable, I can't compare.
What I did notice was that with these cables improved the quality of images just slightly. There were less jaggies and the colors were not as dark. The colors were more richer and vibrant. With the composite cables, images were blurry.
Basically the biggest difference you will notice when playing with the component cable is this difference in texture quality and clarity. Component cables really does make a difference.
As you look close to pictures, you'll notice that textures have a better clarity, colors are more defined and vibrant.
Conclusion : Overall, the Wii Component Cable is a worthy purchase. You'll definitely notice a difference in color and texture but not much. There may be other cables on the market that may improve the quality and color even better. This does make a nice spare to have at a different location is you like to move around with the Wii.
Images via comments ...by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:06- Categories:
- Nintendo Wii News,
- DCEmu Reviews
Wii Replacement Wrist Strap
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Site: Wii Replacement Wrist Strap Form (US) / Wii Replacement Wrist Strap Form (UK)
Price: FREE
Overview : Nintendo is offering to replace the original version of the wrist straps for the Wii Remote with a newer version. Because Wii consoles shipped starting in early December already utilized the newer version of the strap, you will need to determine which version of the strap you have before ordering a replacement. To view the difference between the original and the new version of the strap, please click here.
If you have an original version of the strap, please complete the form.
Note: You must be 18 years old or older to order a replacement wrist strap.
Latin American users - Please click here for replacement information for your region
Quality/Usability : With all the fatalities to expensive TV sets, complaints of Wii remotes flying and injuries, Nintendo has set up an offer for Wii owners to fill out a form and have replacement wrist straps sent.
Offer is available to US residents and Latin Americans. European/Asian Wii owners should have the new replacement wrist strips included with their accessories and Wii system. Those in the US can fill out the form and Nintendo will send out replacement wrist straps, free of charge. It takes 5-8 business days to arrive once your order has been processed, but I was surprised that it arrived in 2 days from the day Nintendo sent out a shipping confirmation email. What also surprised me was that Nintendo not only sent four (4) wrist straps that I requested, but they sent four more straps. That makes a total of eight (8). I dont know why but I cant complain.
So putting the new wrist straps to test, I did the normal known problems. This includes flinging the Wii remote, accidentally letting go of the remote and even pulling on it. I was surprised to see who durable and strong the new straps are.
Conclusion : Overall, the Wii Replacement Wrist Straps is a must for those who still have the old thin wrist straps. It doesnt cost anything and its better to get replacements than break your TV set and having to buy a new one. With these new wrist straps in place, hopefully there will be no more complaints or damages to TV sets. If there is, either people dont know how to follow instructions or they need to calm down.
Images via Comments ...by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:06- Categories:
- Nintendo Wii News,
- DCEmu Reviews
Wii Sports Pack Extensions
Manufacturer: PEGA
Site: Buy from Renchi
Price: $24.50
Overview : Do you have the feeling the Wii-mote is a tad short for Wii Golf? or don't have the same swing feel as a tennis racquet? or don't get the same momentum you would have thought you get during the Wii Baseball game? Fear no more with this little set of extensions for your Wiimote should improve your Wii sports experience. It's still far from a Prince or a Callaway, but you have to start somewhere.
Quality/Usability : When the Wii launched, there were pictures of attachments for Wii Sports on the web and you thought to yourself "is this for real?" or "I am getting this!". Me? I'm the latter.
With the Wii Sports Pack Extensions, it adds a whole new level to sillyness. You think the concept of the Wii remote where you move around to control is silly? Just wait until you slap these extensions on. The sports pack comes with one holder for the Wii remote controller and three extensions; tennis, golf and baseball. The attachments are made of plastic.
When I first saw images I was saying to myself, how will these attachments stay on without flying off. Well its simple. The attachments slide into the holder. Although they fit pretty snug, to add extra precaution, there is a switch type tab that you slide to lock and to secure it in place.
The holder itself doesnt add much thickness to the remote itself. Not too mention, it has an opening for the "B" button, wrist strap and even has grooves for grip. Holding the holder is comfortable. Even with the attachments on, it still feels light in the hands.
Does it improve your gameplay? I cant say for sure but I did do better in golf and baseball. With tennis, I couldnt tell but it just felt like I was holding a real racket.
Conclusion : Overall, the Wii Sports Pack is a great gimmick that works great with the new innovative control scheme of the Nintendo Wii! The sports pack adds a new uniqueness to gameplay and gives somewhat of a realistic feel..but not really. Now you dont have to feel like you're swinging at air and just make sure that you're not too close to anyone or any objects. Would of been sweet if they incorporated a boxing glove type attachment. Dont know how bowling would work out though. Not to mention, if you use a skin with your Wii controller, you'll have to remove it inorder for it to fit inside the holder.
Images via Comments ...by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:06- Categories:
- Nintendo Wii News,
- DCEmu Reviews
Penguin United Component Cable
Manufacturer: Penguin United
Site: Buy from Penguin United
Price: $9.49
Overview : Wii component video cable enables 480P (progressive) video display resolution between the Wii console and your Television. This is the highest video display resolution currently supported by the Wii console and it makes a HUGE difference on your HDTV. The cable includes five connectors, three for video and two for stereo audio. Penguin United believes in providing our customers with more reasonably priced cables at the exact same quality as what our competitors offer. We are confident that we offer the BEST price for the quality currently available on the market.
Features :
- The enclosed Wii component cable is to be used for Nintendo Wii console only and is not compatible with any other devices.
- Please ensure your TV can accept component video input connections-they are usually marked Y, Pb, Pr and are colored green, blue, and red.
- The use of this cable will allow games to be displayed in 480p progressive mode (if supported by the game).
- Please refer to the game instruction booklet and the settings selection of the Wii operation manual for details on setup procedures.
- Please see your TV owners manual for information on connecting a component video cable.
- Cable length 6ft/1.8m
Quality/Usability : (excerpt from our Wii Component Review)
With Nintendo own Official component cables being sold out and hard to find, 3rd party manufacturers are releasing their own.
Those who have high-definition TV sets must and I mean MUST get component cables for all their home consoles. If you have a high-def TV and still using composite cables, why even own a high-def TV in the first place?!
Component cables make a huge difference when it comes to graphics, details and color. The quality of these component cables are great. They're definitely better than composite cables that came with the Nintendo Wii console. Unfortunatley, since I couldnt get my hands on Nintendo's component cable, I can't compare.
The cables themselves look generic and normal third party cables. But once you plug them in, gameplay is a whole new experience. As a matter of fact they look almost identical to the Wii Component Review). I noticed that the quality was slightly better than composite. Images werent as blurry and colors were better. Texture of images were cleaner but you'll see some jaggies.
The length of the cable is pretty long measuring 6 feet. But it wouldnt matter how long considering your Wii is probably in close proximity of your TV set.
Conclusion : Overall, the Penguin United Component Cable looks identical to the Wii Component Cable both in cosmetic and display. I didnt see much of a difference between the two. The price factor is about $5.00. If you're looking for a spare or like to travel from place to place often, it would be a good idea to purchase a component cable and leave one at that destination so you dont have to carry it back and forth.
Images via comments ...by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:06- Categories:
- Nintendo Wii News,
- DCEmu Reviews
Penguin United Component Cable (Gold Plated)
Manufacturer: Penguin United
Site: Buy from Penguin United
Price: $13.99
Overview : Wii component video cable enables 480P (progressive) video display resolution between the Wii console and your Television. This enhanced version of our popular orginal Penguin United Wii Component Cable comes with 24K gold plating for enhanced data transmission rate and durable outer nylon braid. Cable is to be used for Nintendo Wii Console only, comes with 1 year manufacturer's warranty. Cable Length 6 feet or 1.8M
Quality/Usability : (excerpt from our Wii Component Review)
With Nintendo own Official component cables being sold out and hard to find, 3rd party manufacturers are releasing their own.
Those who have high-definition TV sets must and I mean MUST get component cables for all their home consoles. If you have a high-def TV and still using composite cables, why even own a high-def TV in the first place?!
Component cables make a huge difference when it comes to graphics, details and color. The quality of these component cables are great. They're definitely better than composite cables that came with the Nintendo Wii console. Unfortunatley, since I couldnt get my hands on Nintendo's component cable, I can't compare.
The cables looks like the regular Penguin United Component Cable. Only difference is that the gold plated cables has a mesh covering on the cables and gold plated tips on the plugs.
Comparing the regular version and the gold plated version, there wasnt a big difference when it comes to quality. They pretty much looked the same with some exceptions of a few less jaggies that you would see on the regular component cable that you wouldnt see on the gold plated. The colors on the other hand were slightly more vibrant.
The length of the cable is is the same, measuring 6 feet. The mesh look to the cable is a nice touch and makes the stand out from the rest of the cables on the market.
The company also offers a 1 year warranty on all their products which is great for those who live in the US since the company is also located in the US.
Conclusion : Overall, the Penguin United Component Cable (Gold Plated) looks identical to the regular cable with the addition of mesh. There was some slight differences between the gold plated and regular cables but wasnt too noticeable unless you were looking for them. If you dont have a keen eye for detail, stick with the regular component cable as you wont notice a difference.
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