Although Infendo can’t officially endorse or recommend unauthorized software or hardware modifications, we keep an eye on the Nintendo homebrew scene. What are they up to this time? Level editors, two of them, for New Super Mario Bros. Wii. That’s right, two of them: one named “Tanooki,” the other “Reggie!“ The creators of Reggie! even used a pre-release version of the program to recreate level 1-2 from Super Mario World, showing off how versatile the program is – what a blast from the past!
Curious gamers be warned – using these programs may void your warranty or lead to violation of your nation’s copywrite law.  Despite all that, seeing Super Mario World on the Wii is a thrill, and if there was ever a reason for homebrew, this is it – it unofficially adds an amazing feature to NSMB that significantly extend it’s replay value.
Tell us what you think: Do projects like this help the homebrew scene, or damage it by opening it to attack from Nintendo?
That's a tough question. It both helps the homebrew scene and opens it up for attack.
First, I think it opens up Homebrew for Nintendo's attacks for one main reason. They own and made the software that you are hacking by creating your own levels. If they wanted to let you mod the levels they would add a level editor. But instead you are going behind the companies back (who worked very hard on the title) and changing what they did to provide the experience.
However the other shoe states that by creating new levels you are extending the user's experience. My one gripe is that it looks like they couldn't add on a new world (not sure if they did, as I haven't had the chance to play NSMBW), but instead had to mod an existing world which kinda sucks. However there are many titles I wouldn't be playing today if it weren't for multiplayer. For instance, I still wouldn't be playing Fallout 3 on PC if it weren't for G.E.C.K.S. to enable others to mod the title and add new content. Same goes for many other FPS titles on PC and even RTS titles.
I really do hope that Nintend sees these level editors and let's it slip by because it shows that the fans would love to make their own levels for a Mario title, thus convincing the big N to possibly release an official level editor via Wii Shop Channel, or just include it in the next main Mario title (could be Mario Galaxy 2, which would be sweet. or the next 2D adventure.)
The saddest part of this whole article is that when I clicked the "blast from the past" link, I actually remembered the lyrics from that theme song in their entirety.
Personally I see nothing wrong with these types of game modifications. Creating levels such as replicas from the original games doesn't hurt anyone. On the other hand some modifications that allow players to cheat, especially in online modes, are horrible and ruin the game for everyone.
PC games have received modifications on many occasions, games such as The Sims (1, 2, and 3) allow players to create their own furniture, wallpaper, etc. and import it into the game which essentially is a mod of the game.
Nintendo shouldn't try to stop a level editor, however I do understand, and don't blame, them for trying to stop pirating and online cheating.
In a response to online cheating:
One of the best (if not THE best) USB Loader on the Wii gives you a Disc Read Error if you go online with cheats enabled. 😀 One reason I never turned back!!!
It's probably because I was mainly a pc gamer for so long, but I don't see any way that level editing cold possibly be bad, whether there's an official level editor or not.
I think mods like this are harmless and fun, and show the good side of the homebrew scene, since no one is getting hurt and no piracy is being committed. However, it really begs the questions as to why there isn't a level editor/online sharing of said levels in NSMBWii. But its still a great game.
Only helps homebrew as it took everyone's minds off of the pirates.
I don't see how it could be bad… You still need the game to edit the levels on it, aside from playing a pirated version, but they're 2 seperate ball games, whether you get the game officially or un-officially, it's only once you have done this that you can start editing the levels.
The video though… That's settled it, the next game I buy will be this! without a doubt! I was gonna wait till closer to christmas but I really can't wait!
Pressed submit too soon….
If anything, this will help nintendo, people will see this and see it as another reason to buy the game! I know when buying many FPS games, I always check what mods I can get for it, it can even sometimes sway my choice of whether to buy the game or not. i know this is the same for at least some other people as well.
homebrew is great. creates a community of interested gamers.
can't imagine caring about changing the company's designed experience. change is the point of homebrew. i HOPE it changes the experience.
maybe it violates warranties and all sorts of other legal mumbo jumbo but you'll have to point out the harm before I care about those formalities.
I think it helps homebrew. And the only thing that Nintendo has done to stop homebrew is with system updates, (which the homebrewers recommend having WiiConnect24 disabled to prevent it), but even still they get around it in not too long anyway.
I have software modded my Wii. I purchase all of my games and only use it to modify super smash bros. brawl. I am not alone and enjoy the different looking characters and stages. I also play the game competitively (been looking at it for a while; same characters) and since day 1, have purchased 3 copies because, of friends bumping the Wii. I didn't pirate one of the three copies but, bought all three with cash. I just want to defend those in the community and say it's why homebrew exists to make more of what you have already. But, ill intent individuals would love to take advantage of the obvious illegal exploits such as pirating, in which I am very much against. It is not right, it is not right, buy your games people or wait until you can afford it! If you can't afford it don't buy it means don't get it.
PS. This type of modification is not great and in my opinion would be good after the initial sales slowed down or once the game has been out for a while. With brawl I know people who wouldn't have even bought a Wii but, recently the inspiration of me and other playing with new skins (nothing fundamentally changed but cosmetically) and competitively they buy a Wii and Super Smash Bros. Brawl legit!
My "PS" message edit:
In my "PS" message in the above comment I am talking about New Super Mario Bros. in which I own. I think it can boost sales if Nintendo partners with he homebrew community in the way I suggest.