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Review: D2Pro Wii Modchip
D2Pro Wii Modchip
Manufacturer: WiiKey
Site: Buy from ConsoleSource
Price: $39.95
Overview : Sporting a high speed Actel FPGA running at 350 MHz, this chip is capable of what is known as Intelligent Code Modification(ICM). With ICM this device monitors the Wii's internal communication and patches it when necessary to enable you to unlock the Wii's full potential.
The D2Pro installs with only 15 wires instead of the 30+ wires required by previous Wii Mod Chips. In addition to a simplified installation the D2Pro is fully software upgradeable to ensure future compatibility.
Features :
- Compatible with DVD+-R, DVD+-RW and Dual-layer DVD (movies and GCOS)
- Direct boot of Wii original and backup games from the same region
- Direct boot of Gamecube original and backup games from the same region
- Direct boot of different NTSC region Wii and GC games on USA and JAP consoles
- Partial region free support on Wii and GC original and backup games with different videomode (ie PAL<->USA, JAPAN)
- Improved read settings for recordable media
- Supports running GC games at Wii disk speed
- GC Audiostreaming Fix
- Supports full-size DVD and DVD9 discs for GC homebrew
- Supports GC multigame discs
- Supports Wii and GC multidisc games
- Does not modify RAM, making it virtually undetectable for the Wii
- Full command set emulation
Quality/Usability : The D2Pro is Team WiiKey's third mochip. After releasing WiiKey for DMS, D2A and D2B chipsets, they released D2Ckey for the much harder to mod D2C chipset which required 31 wires. Soon after Infectus released their Argon, WiiKey released the D2Pro which only required less than half of the amount of wires as D2Ckey (12-15 wires).
Unlike traditional modchips, D2Pro is upgradeable through an external programmer also known as D2prog. No more having burning discs just to upgrade. As Argon is the first to have less wires for D2C and uses an external programmer, D2Pro follows it. Its normal as thats how it always is whether it be in the gaming industry or any of your household products.
D2Pro comes in a small anti-static bag. For a limited time offer, if you order from ConsoleSource, it comes with a free Tri-Wing screwdriver. If you already have one, no biggie..you'll just have a spare. But if you dont already have one, you'll need this. As mentioned above, you'll need an external programmer to update the D2Pro for when WiiKey releases any new updates. Unfortunately, its not included. Its not even sold on ConsoleSource. Some other sites either include the external programmer or sell it separately.
The D2Pro is the same size as the D2Ckey. This time, there its in a different colored PCB board (red), has a ribbon cable clasp and uses a Actel chip.
As its still hard to find a Nintendo Wii on store shelves, a friend volunteered his Nintendo Wii that he was lucky enough to find in a store. As I'm not as technical when it comes to soldering, I had a friend of ours who works on electronics for a living, help perform this risky mod. REMEMBER, this is only for the experienced and not the weak at heart (noobs). But if you have the experience or want to try it out, you can download the latest diagrams on D2Pro's website.
You can find instructions on how to dismantle/disassemble your Nintendo Wii by doing a Google search. There are numerous text guides and even videos.
Wii Compatibility : Having tested a couple of Nintendo GameCube and Nintendo Wii games, I must say, D2Pro performed very well. We tried both original and backups for the hell of it. D2Pro loaded and booted all games without a problem. We tried Ikaruga which needed a audiosteam fix and it had no problem loading both game and sound. We did not have problems playing with any region free games.
Homebrew Compatibility : Having tried to boot GCOS and a few emulators, D2Pro had no problem running them.
Conclusion : Overall, the D2Pro Wii Modchip worked just like its predecessor, D2Ckey but with less wires. When D2Pro was first released, the external programmer (D2prog) was not included or released at the same time. In order to upgrade the D2Pro, you'll need this external adapter which is available now. If you're going to upgrade, you'll also have to reopen your Nintendo Wii in order to install the ribbon cable. From what I can tell, the ribbon cable is not included with the D2prog so you'll either have to find one on your own or hope that a retailer will include it.
Team WiiKey has also released a new D2Pro that can be installed with only 9 wires but we did the normal 15 wire install. If you dont want to buy a whole new D2Pro, you can purchase a SPI flash update module which is soldered onto the corner of the D2Pro.
Those looking for a cleaner and easier installation may want to take a look at the Wii-Clip.
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" and/or "flashcart" are to allow you to play imported games and homebrew software that you legally own or simply just for experimenting with hardware. We in no way endorse piracy, and encourage all users to do the right thing and support the developers/manufacturers that support them. We do not take any responsibilities for any use outside of these parameters or where the use of such a device is illegal.
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