Using Your Homebrew-Modded Nintendo Wii

First off, thank you for your purchase of a Homebrew-enabled Nintendo Wii console. We genuinely enjoy setting these up, so it works out well for both of us! The Wii is a fantastic little console, and adding support for third-party apps, games, and utilities makes it even better.

Getting started with Wii Homebrew isn’t quite as intuitive as using a stock Wii, and there are a few tips and pointers you’ll want to know before diving in. Before we get into installing apps and playing your backup games, there’s one important warning:

Do not install any Nintendo Wii system updates. Nintendo hasn’t released an update in many years, and the console you purchased is already on the latest version (4.3U). However, if Nintendo were to release an update in the future, it could remove Homebrew functionality or, worse, “brick” the console. So let’s all agree—no updates!

SD Card

The SD card is essential and is included with the Wii (assuming you purchased it from us). It’s preconfigured with additional applications and settings (described below), as well as a full backup of the Wii’s original factory software.

Do not lose this SD card and do not overwrite its contents. We strongly recommend making a backup copy of the SD card on your computer for safekeeping.

You’ll want to leave the SD card inserted in the Wii during normal use.

Channels

On the Wii Home Screen, you’ll see two custom channels installed: The Homebrew Channel and USB Loader GX.

Homebrew Channel

The Homebrew Channel is an application launcher. Several apps are already installed on the SD card (covered below), and this channel serves as the main hub for launching third-party software.

USB Loader GX

USB Loader GX is used for managing, installing, and launching games from a USB storage device.

Home Screen showing the Homebrew Channel and USB Loader GX installed

 

Homebrew Channel displaying the applications installed on the SD card

Built-In Applications

The included SD card comes preloaded with several applications. All apps are stored in the /apps directory on the SD card.

Priiloader

Priiloader allows access to system-level settings that are not normally available. It has been configured to allow games and channels from other regions to run, effectively making your console region-free.

We do not recommend launching or modifying Priiloader settings unless you know exactly what you’re doing.

Homebrew Browser

Homebrew Browser lets you browse, download, and manage Homebrew software directly from the Wii. This includes homemade games, utilities, and other community-created applications—no manual SD card transfers required.

USB Loader GX

This utility loads games and apps from a USB storage device such as an external hard drive or flash drive. It is configured to check both USB ports on the Wii.

WAD Manager

Used for installing custom channels, loaders, and shortcuts.

Installing Applications

There are two ways to add new applications to your Wii. The easiest and most convenient method is using the Homebrew Browser. Alternatively, you can manually install apps by copying them to the SD card. Choose the method you prefer below.

Homebrew Browser

Launch the Homebrew Browser from the Homebrew Channel. Apps are organized by category, making it easy to browse and install what you want. Simply select an app and the Homebrew Browser will handle the download and installation.

Manual Install to SD Card

The SD card contains an /apps folder, with a subfolder for each installed application. Each app folder contains the files needed to launch and configure that application.

For a curated list of Homebrew apps, check out our friends at http://wiibrew.org/wiki/List_of_homebrew_applications .

While individual apps may have unique requirements, the general installation process is:

1. Download the application on your computer.
2. Extract the downloaded .zip (or .rar / .7z) file.
3. Copy the extracted folder into the /apps directory on the SD card.

Reinsert the SD card into the Wii, launch the Homebrew Channel, and the new app should appear in the list.

Installing Games & Playing Backups

You’ll need a USB storage device formatted as NTFS, plugged into one of the USB ports on the back of the Wii. A USB-powered external hard drive is preferred, but a USB flash drive will also work—just don’t expect to store many games on it.

1. Insert a game disc into the Wii.
2. Launch USB Loader GX.
3. Click the “+” icon in the lower-left corner of the screen.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

The copy process typically takes 5–10 minutes, depending on the game. Once complete, the game will appear on the USB Loader GX main screen, as shown below.

To launch a game, simply select its cover—no disc required.

Restoring to Factory Settings

We can’t think of many reasons you’d want to do this, but it is possible to fully restore the original Nintendo software and remove all Homebrew modifications. Doing so will return the console to its factory state and disable Homebrew, USB loading, and third-party apps.

The original SD card included with your console contains a backup of the Wii’s NAND. The NAND is essentially the system’s internal software as shipped from Nintendo.

If you choose to restore it, note that the Wii Remote will not function in this menu. You’ll need either a GameCube controller or to use the console’s Power and Reset buttons. Tapping Power moves the selection, and tapping Reset confirms it. Do not hold the buttons down.

1. On the SD card, locate the _bootmii directory. Insert the SD card into your computer and rename the folder to bootmii (remove the underscore).
2. With the Wii powered off, insert the SD card and power it on.
3. The system will boot into the BootMii menu. Select the gear icon.
4. Choose the option with the red arrow pointing from the SD card to restore the NAND backup.