Nintendo Wii Mods & Hacks roundup

By redlined on Monday, April 9th, 2007 comments

Here's a quick round up of some of the best mods and hacks that have cropped up over the last few months for the Nintendo Wii.

Cases

Let's get started with the Legend of Zelda Console Mod perfect for those ultimate Nintendo fanboys which as of today is currently fetching just over $1200 on eBay via Digg

The Wii console itself is airbrushed in an 18 step process and finished with a special "hammered" black texture to really set off the medieval theme (something like a stone wall in castle). The stand was color-matched to be the same gold as ZELDA game cartridges of the Nintendo 64. It was then airbrushed with the same 18 step process. The console buttons and Gamecube port faceplate were also painted in this same brilliant gold

There are currently 157 Wii skins over at DecalGirl.com from carbon fiber to basketballs and flames. Our favorite is the retro wii skin costing $14.99, perfect for playing old skool NES games on the virtual console channel.

The skins are applied by sticking them to your Wii. If you get bored with one design, you peel it off, and apply a new one. Finally a way to get a different coloured Wii like Nintendo originally showed off years back?

Chrome out your Wii and get some extra functionality like an....erm mirror. If you're cramped for space in your room having a Wii come Mirror is a sure space saver. The chromed up look also makes for a blinged-out look if that's your bag. Via Kotaku

Wiimote & Controller mods

Wii strap not strong enough? You could always handcuff the Wiimote to your arm which should stop it flying off into your 60" plasma

No doubt there will be an official gun controller at some point, but in the meantime you could always hack the wiimote into a gun yourself!

The Wii remote power glove hack via HackedGadgets, The prototype hybrid controller uses specially mounted triggers on the thumb and middle finger to simulate the A and B buttons, and even includes an opening for the nunchuck attachment in the back, check the YouTube video below.

Modded original NES and SNES controllers work wirelessly with Wii - For the ultimate nostalgic feeling playing games on the virtual console how about a wireless transmitter in the old NES and SNES controllers? The wireless receiver module is constructed via a Gamecube wire with iPod Mini batteries powering the controllers. Via Nintendo Wii Fanboy

Internal Wavebird receiver mod - A mod to mount the Wavebird receiver insider the Wii so there are no unsightly dongles sticking outside of the case. You can still use a wired controller in the modified ports too if the batteries run out mid game. These hackers think of everything. Via Max console forums

Bright buttons multicoloured for each player - The mod took Sir crx around 3 hours to do but certainly helps liven up and differentiate each wiimote, Via Max console forums

Wiimote laser tag - Bluetooth and wiimotes combine to allow laser quest in your own home. You need two sensor bars strapped to yourself, a PC with bluetooth and 2 Wiimotes, Glovepie and a couch to hide behind.
Via LiquidIce's Nintendo Wii hacks

Media

Wii internet music players - WiiHear.com Stream internet radio, accepts any Shoutcast URL or via the Finetune Wii interface (currently 2M tracks)

Remote Control a PC via Wii (Via LogMeIn) - Control your desktop PC via your Wii by using Logmein.com free edition, step by step instructions at Qj.net

Wii controlled "smart home" - Using the Wiimote and an onscreen flash interface through the Wii this uber setup allows central control of lights, heating, cameras and music. Lots more detail is available at LiquidIce's site Check the YouTube video below to see this in action:

Homebrew and Imports

Gamecube homebrew & emulators - Tutorial on the required Datel launcher allowing the use of homebrew and emulation can be found at DCEmu.

Play US Gamecube games on PAL without freeloader - This trick lets PAL Wii owners play NTSC Gamecube games without using a freeloader or action replay. It involves having a PAL Gamecube disc and hitting eject and A at the same time whilst hovering over start. Video and more details at Siliconera.com

Hardware Hacks

Wii laptop - Contains a 16:9 7" LCD screen, a built in sensor bar and built in power supply and comes in at 8.5 x 7.7 x 2 inches. Loads more info and a gallery of this mad mod over at Engadget .

Wii external antenna - Upgrade your wireless range with a bigger and more powerful external antenna. Step by step instructions with photos over at Informit.com.

Make your own component cable - Struggling to get your hands on a component cable? This article details how to turn your existing composite cable into a component cable with some alligator & paper clips, screwdriver, tape and wire strippers. Full tutorial at Wii like to podcast.