Homebrew Channel
Homebrew refers to applying software modification to your Nintendo Wii which will greatly expand the game systems capabilities. Nintendo doesn't want you to do this so they made the Wii a "closed" system. However, due to some software glitches that some clever hackers discovered and were able to exploit, it is possible to get inside the Wii operating system. The Wii hardware (the game console itself) is capable of so much more than what Nintendo allows you to do with it. You can unlock your Wii, install the Homebrew Channel, and tap into the potential of that piece of hardware. However, there is risk involved. If you screw up, or are the victim of an unfortunate circumstance (such as a power outage during a critical part of the modding process) you can cause your Nintendo Wii to become useless, or no more useful than a brick.
The Homebrew Channel is a self-updating application loader by Team Twiizers which allows users to load homebrew applications and more. It is freeware and was developed to provide a way of easily running unofficial software on the Wii console. Once installed, it appears as a standard Wii Channel.
The Homebrew Channel can install on all versions of the System Menu up to at least 4.2 using Bannerbomb. Bannerbomb v1 works with System Menu 4.1 and earlier, and Bannerbomb v2 works with System Menu 4.2.
Taking advantage of a glitch in the popular game Indiana Jones, the Original Adventures, is an easier way of installing HBC (HBC is an acronym for Homebrew Channel). Using this method is referred to as using the Indiana Pwns Exploit, which is recommended for all versions of Wii system menu over 4.0.
Research References
(deprecated)
- Twilight Hack: a "stack smash exploit" that lets you run unofficial homebrew code.
- The Twilight hack is the name given to the exploit found by Team Twiizers of Wiibrew.org in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess that permits homebrew developers and everyday users to run unofficial homebrew software from a Secure Digital card inserted into the slot on the front of the Wii. Notably, this is the first way found to boot homebrew software without the use of hardware modifications to the Wii console.
- Bannerbomb Exploit: This has been blocked with Wii Menu 4.3 .
- Indiana Pwns Exploit: Works with Wii System Menu ranging from 3.0 to 4.3 .
- Do not downgrade your Wii menu version, ever.
- If your Wii bios is not 4.3 then do NOT update it.
- Never Ever Ever Update Your Wii From Nintendo.
Stack smash exploits exist in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures, and Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's: Wheelie Breakers that continue to work with all System Menu versions from 3.0 to 4.3, current as of December 13, 2010. If you have Wii Menu 4.3 and you want to install the Homebrew Channel you have to use an in-game exploit in one of these games.
Wii Firmware Version: Go to the Wii system menu and at the top-right corner it will say your Wii's firmware version.
Once you have unlocked your Wii using the Homebrew Channel method, keep in mind that upgrading the menu version (installing a Wii system update from Nintendo) will delete the Homebrew Channel.
Gecko OS or StartPatch (software) can be used to play games that require updates (if your Wii menu is out of date and a new game requires a menu of a later version) without actually installing them. Gecko OS lets you boot the game and bypass updates. StartPatch makes your Disc Channel ignore them.
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