Wiikey, a group responsible for building Wii hacking devices, has reportedly discovered a way to hack the Wii U, allowing it to play content via the USB port. Of Course this is not a new idea, as their name implies they did it with the Wii U. However, this is the first of its kind for the “next Generation” of consoles. According to their news page, updates are on the way.
“Yes, its real – we have now completely reversed the WiiU drive authentification, disk encryption, file system, and everything else needed for this next generation K3y. Stay tuned for updates!” via Wiikey.com/news
The product is called WiikeÜ and will connect via the Wii U’s USB port, similar to their current WiiKey device. The device will allow players to boot games directly from the USB drive and will be compatible with all regions. The description of the device does not mention homebrew content, so it is likely that this device relies heavily on piracy (as compared to just allowing non-Nintendo approved apps on the console via the homebrew)
below are the current details available:
Wiikey U is the first and only optical drive emulator that allows you to play all your WiiU games from any USB media!
- Play your WiiU and Wii games from any USB media!
- Compatible with all WiiU models and regionsD
- User friendly intuitive interface
- No soldering required
- Multi-language support
- Supports most popular file systems, including EXT4/3/2, Max OS X, and NTFS
- Powerful embedded Linux system
- High-speed USB2 interface
- Firmware and FPGA fully in-system updatable from USB media
- Recovery mode – it is always possible to recover from a bad flash
- Stylish USB remote with powered USB hub and charger function
- Bulletproof high quality hardware (not manufactured in China!)
- Price not available at this time (however WiiKey currently costs anywhere form $29-$45)
Now, when I first saw this news, I was quick to write this article and post it. However, I had a feeling that Nintendo would put in their two cents. Lo and behold, here it is five hours from my original edits, and Nintendo has released the following:
“Nintendo is aware that a hacking group claims to have compromised Wii U security,” the company said in a statement to Kotaku. “However, we have no reports of illegal Wii U games nor unauthorized applications playable on the system while in Wii U mode. Nintendo continuously monitors all threats to its products’ security and will use technology and will take the necessary legal steps to prevent the facilitation of piracy.”
Now, I doubt that Nintendo can prevent anyone from creating devices that can hack their machines. However, they can prevent those hacks from working via security updates. Really, I would think that Nintendo just needs to get their hands on one of the devices and continually create updates to battle WiiKeU updates. Really, it could work in favor of the Wii U and increase sales. People will want to “hack” their console, only to have it un-hacked with updates. In today’s online gaming world, most gamers will not be willing to keep offline when playing their console, so it will be a constant battle. But, I think one that Nintendo is prepared for. Also, keep in mind that this device is supposedly a USB device, and a modchip has not yet been developed.
Obviously, we here at Infendo to NOT condone the act of Piracy. However, how do you feel about a device such as this? How will this affect Nintendo, and their sales? Is it possible that Nintendo will force regular updates to their console to battle the software within the device?
