Released in 2006, the Nintendo Wii is a retro gaming giant, a record-breaking panel that shipped over 100 one thousand thousand units. These days, the Nintendo Wii seems old and outdated; apps don't work, it doesn't support high definition, and it won't even play DVDs.

Still, quondam things can nevertheless be useful, and its age does not mean you cannot still make use of your old Wii. With the Homebrew Aqueduct (HBC) installed, the Nintendo Wii can practice a whole lot more than. Turning it from an expensive doorstop into a retro wonder.

All you need to unlock the potential of your Nintendo Wii is LetterBomb. This easy hack lets you install the Homebrew Channel and use your Wii in many new means. And in this article, we explain how to install Homebrew on your Nintendo Wii using LetterBomb.

Why You lot Should Install LetterBomb on Your Wii

While games will withal run on your Nintendo Wii, almost all the apps (Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, etc.) don't. Furthermore, yous might accept completed all of your Wii games and want something new. Worse, the DVD drive on your Wii might have stopped working.

Installing LetterBomb is a way to circumvent these challenges. Once installed, your Wii can:

  • Play media files.
  • Emulate archetype games.
  • Install software from a customs of Wii users.

Installing LetterBomb means you tin and so install the Homebrew Channel, the perfect mode to give your Wii a new purpose. Information technology'south washed using nothing more than an SD bill of fare.

What Is the LetterBomb Hack?

Installing homebrew software on the Wii used to be difficult. For example, it might accept meant owning a specific game and corrupting the save data to run an exploit. Suffice to say it was complicated.

The LetterBomb hack, by contrast, is far simpler, and essentially gives yous admission to Homebrew in a couple of clicks.

Disclaimer: follow the steps below at your own gamble!

To run the LetterBomb hack you will demand:

  1. An SD card of 4GB capacity or college.
  2. A PC with an SD card reader and an agile cyberspace connection.
  3. A wireless network for your Nintendo Wii to connect to.

For the best results utilize a standard SD card without whatsoever mistake-correction or loftier-speed rating. It needs to be completely ordinary so the Wii can read it.

Step 1: Format Your SD Card

Start by formatting the SD card in your computer. In Windows, do this by browsing to it from your file managing director.

Insert your SD card into your reckoner and make sure it'due south formatted every bit FAT32 or FAT. Alternative formats such as NTFS, HFS, and EXF2/three/4 will not piece of work.

Step ii: Bank check Your Wii Software Version

LetterBomb works on the latest version of the Wii software: 4.3.

To check this, switch on your Wii, and then:

  1. Click the Wii button in the lesser-left corner of the screen.
  2. Select Wii Settings.
  3. Look for the Wii software version in the top-right corner.

This should be 4.3 followed by i of 4 letters: U, East, J, or G. These letters depend on which global region yous live in. Take note of the alphabetic character as you will need it later.

Check your Wii software version

If your Wii is running an earlier version than four.iii you need to update your Wii. Roll through the settings, then click Wii Arrangement Update.

Note that this requires a Wi-Fi connectedness. If your console is non connected to the internet, check our guide detailing how connect your Nintendo Wii to the internet.

Step 3: Notice Your Wii'southward MAC Address

The next step is to find the MAC address for your Nintendo Wii. This is a unique network address that is needed to run the LetterBomb exploit.

To find your Wii's MAC accost:

  1. In Wii Settings click Net.
  2. Select Console Information.
Find the MAC address of your Wii to install homebrew

The MAC address is listed here, so make a note of it. Then shut down your Nintendo Wii.

Step 4: Create Your LetterBomb

With your Wii updated and your MAC addresses noted, insert the SD card into your computer. In your browser, open please.hackmii.com.

Fill in the details as follows:

  1. Select the System Card Version (U, Eastward, J, or K).
  2. Enter the MAC address of your Wii.
  3. Complete the CAPTCHA.
  4. Click Cut the Cherry-red Wire.
Create a Letterbomb for the Wii

A Aught file will exist available to download. Relieve this to your computer, then unzip. Copy the unzipped contents to the root of the formatted SD card.

Step 5: How to Install LetterBomb on the Wii

Safely eject the SD menu, then insert it into your Nintendo Wii's menu reader.

Insert the SD card into your Wii

To install LetterBomb:

  1. On the main screen, click the envelope icon in the bottom-right corner.
  2. You lot'll see a single envelope---click left to browse back a solar day.
  3. Click the LetterBomb message to install the hack.
  4. When prompted, press 1 on the WiiMote.
  5. Choose Install the Homebrew Channel.
  6. Confirm with Yes, continue.
  7. Click Continue when done.
Install Homebrew on the Nintendo Wii with LetterBomb

You lot can also install BootMii here, which is useful if y'all want to modify your Wii in other ways. Head to the WiiBrew wiki to read more virtually BootMii.

With the LetterBomb and Homebrew Channel installed, your Wii volition await the same as before, with i exception. Nonetheless, it isn't quite gear up to use. Shut downward your Wii and eject the SD carte, then insert it into your computer.

Stride vi: Install Homebrew Software on Your Wii

To discover software to install on your hacked Wii, you'll need the Open Shop Channel. This is a evolution of the old Homebrew Browser, designed to replace the Wii's now-defunct Shopping Aqueduct.

Download: Open Shop Channel

Create a new folder on your SD bill of fare called apps. Then extract the contents of the downloaded osc.nada to the /apps directory.

In one case again, eject the SD card and insert information technology into your Wii. Boot up, open the Homebrew Aqueduct and so click the Open up Shop Channel.

Install Homebrew via the Open Shop Channel

At that place is much to notice here, but this listing of featured Homebrew Apps is a cracking place to first exploring.

Installed LetterBomb? Now Try This!

That'due south the complete process. And with the LetterBomb hack installed on your Wii, you tin can then install the HomeBrew Channel. This opens a wealth of new ways to use your Nintendo Wii.

Installing LetterBomb and Homebrew is piece of cake and just requires you to:

  1. Format your SD card.
  2. Check the Wii software version.
  3. Detect the MAC address.
  4. Create the LetterBomb at please.hackmii.com.
  5. Re-create the LetterBomb to the SD card.
  6. Insert the SD carte du jour into your Wii.
  7. Open the LetterBomb and install the Homebrew Aqueduct.

With the Homebrew Aqueduct installed on your Wii, you tin can do and then much more with information technology. Check our list of uses for an old Wii running Homebrew for some ideas to get you lot started.

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About The Author

Christian Cawley (1575 Articles Published)

Deputy Editor for Security, Linux, DIY, Programming, and Tech Explained, and Really Useful Podcast producer, with extensive feel in desktop and software support. A correspondent to Linux Format magazine, Christian is a Raspberry Pi tinkerer, Lego lover and retro gaming fan.

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