Homebrew Channel
Encyclopedia
The Homebrew Channel is a freeware homebrew application loader that was developed to provide a way of easily running unofficial software on the Wii
console. Once installed, it appears as a standard Wii Channel on the Wii Menu. When launched, it displays a list of applications found on an SD card or USB drive. The user then can control and select an application to launch by using a Wii Remote
or the GameCube controller. It also accepts application uploads via a USB Gecko or TCP/IP (over WiFi
or Ethernet
), which allows for quick application testing during development. When first launched from the Wii Menu, the Homebrew Channel will check for updates to itself and automatically download them if the user chooses to do so.
Earliest attempts used a bug present in System Menu 3.2 and below in the signature verification of discs in conjunction with a modchip
. In systems using software prior to System Menu 4.0, users could load an exploit in the Wii version of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
, and a specially crafted game save called the Twilight Hack
copied from an SD card. As of the System Menu 4.0 update, the Twilight Hack had been entirely disabled.
In response to the System menu 4.0 update, Bannerbomb which uses an exploit in the Wii System Menu (so therefore only requires an SD card) was developed. Bannerbomb is then used to load the "HackMii" installer. The original version of the exploit is to open the channel manager then load the "boot.dol" file in SD card to run the "HackMii" installer, which was disabled with System Menu 4.2. A further exploit was later discovered by simply loading the "boot.elf" file in the "SD card icon" in the "Wii menu". System Menu 4.3 has fixed the Bannerbomb exploit used to load homebrew software.
In systems using System Menu 4.2 or 4.3, users could exploit a buffer overflow
in Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures
and use the "HackMii" installer that is loaded on an SD card. The specially-crafted save that uses this exploit to run code is called "Indiana Pwns". Users could also exploit a flaw in custom stage loading in an NTSC version of Super Smash Bros. Brawl
to run an installer such as HackMii. The specially-crafted stage that uses this exploit to run code is called "Smash Stack", and is a particularly reliable way of loading homebrew because the game can load custom stages directly from the SD, completely bypassing the System Menu; Nintendo cannot easily fix bugs on game discs, making this exploit particularly difficult to disable. However, the user must completely delete all custom stages they have prior to installation both on the Wii save data and the SD save data. A exploit for LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga
called "Return of the Jodi" also exists and can run the HackMii Installer.
Users who had already installed the Homebrew Channel prior to updating their Wiis to System 4.2 or 4.3 could allow the Homebrew Channel to self update which had already been updated to a version that circumvented the System 4.2 and 4.3 prevention measures. There are unofficial download sites that also provide this workaround.
Most recently, the Yu-Gi-OWNED hack was released, and it works on any system menu. This exploit is based on the Indiana Pwns exploit, and the Twilight Hack. This exploit runs on PAL Wiis, but the Yu-Gi-Vah exploit runs on NTSC Wiis. SDHC are not currently working with this exploit, so a normal SD card is required. On the 9th August 2011 Team Twiizers released a new exploit named LetterBomb which exploits a bug used in the Wii's internal messaging system that works with System Menu 4.3. After that, Team Twiizers released another exploit called "Bathaxx". This took advantage of another loading issue. It works on System Menu 4.3.
Companies such as Nintendo
say that the Homebrew Channel allows for piracy, but the homebrew community argues that they are against piracy and they do not release code to play pirate games, but pirates
often steal exploits from the homebrew community and modify them to play these illegal games. The homebrew community has been known to take extra steps against piracy.
Wii
The Wii is a home video game console released by Nintendo on November 19, 2006. As a seventh-generation console, the Wii primarily competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3. Nintendo states that its console targets a broader demographic than that of the two others...
console. Once installed, it appears as a standard Wii Channel on the Wii Menu. When launched, it displays a list of applications found on an SD card or USB drive. The user then can control and select an application to launch by using a Wii Remote
Wii Remote
The , also known as the Wiimote, is the primary controller for Nintendo's Wii console. A main feature of the Wii Remote is its motion sensing capability, which allows the user to interact with and manipulate items on screen via gesture recognition and pointing through the use of accelerometer and...
or the GameCube controller. It also accepts application uploads via a USB Gecko or TCP/IP (over WiFi
WIFI
WIFI is a radio station broadcasting a brokered format. Licensed to Florence, New Jersey, USA, the station is currently operated by Florence Broadcasting Partners, LLC.This station was previously owned by Real Life Broadcasting...
or Ethernet
Ethernet
Ethernet is a family of computer networking technologies for local area networks commercially introduced in 1980. Standardized in IEEE 802.3, Ethernet has largely replaced competing wired LAN technologies....
), which allows for quick application testing during development. When first launched from the Wii Menu, the Homebrew Channel will check for updates to itself and automatically download them if the user chooses to do so.
Overview
The Wii is designed to prevent the use of unauthorized software and Nintendo actively attempts to prevent the use of Homebrew Channel with each of its software updates for the Wii. As a result, installation of the Homebrew Channel requires the use of various software exploits and workarounds.Earliest attempts used a bug present in System Menu 3.2 and below in the signature verification of discs in conjunction with a modchip
Modchip
A modchip is a small electronic device used to modify or disable built-in restrictions and limitations of computers, specifically videogame consoles...
. In systems using software prior to System Menu 4.0, users could load an exploit in the Wii version of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
is an action-adventure game developed by Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development, and published by Nintendo for the GameCube and Wii video game consoles. It is the thirteenth installment in The Legend of Zelda series...
, and a specially crafted game save called the Twilight Hack
Twilight hack
The Twilight hack is the name given to the exploit found by Team Twiizers of 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...
copied from an SD card. As of the System Menu 4.0 update, the Twilight Hack had been entirely disabled.
In response to the System menu 4.0 update, Bannerbomb which uses an exploit in the Wii System Menu (so therefore only requires an SD card) was developed. Bannerbomb is then used to load the "HackMii" installer. The original version of the exploit is to open the channel manager then load the "boot.dol" file in SD card to run the "HackMii" installer, which was disabled with System Menu 4.2. A further exploit was later discovered by simply loading the "boot.elf" file in the "SD card icon" in the "Wii menu". System Menu 4.3 has fixed the Bannerbomb exploit used to load homebrew software.
In systems using System Menu 4.2 or 4.3, users could exploit a buffer overflow
Buffer overflow
In computer security and programming, a buffer overflow, or buffer overrun, is an anomaly where a program, while writing data to a buffer, overruns the buffer's boundary and overwrites adjacent memory. This is a special case of violation of memory safety....
in Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures
Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures
Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures is a 2008 video game developed by Traveller's Tales and published by LucasArts. The game allows players to recreate moments from the first three Indiana Jones films: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and Indiana Jones and the...
and use the "HackMii" installer that is loaded on an SD card. The specially-crafted save that uses this exploit to run code is called "Indiana Pwns". Users could also exploit a flaw in custom stage loading in an NTSC version of Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Super Smash Bros. Brawl, known in Japan as , often abbreviated as SSBB or simply as Brawl, is the third installment in the Super Smash Bros. series of crossover fighting games, developed by an ad hoc development team consisting of Sora, Game Arts and staff from other developers, and published by...
to run an installer such as HackMii. The specially-crafted stage that uses this exploit to run code is called "Smash Stack", and is a particularly reliable way of loading homebrew because the game can load custom stages directly from the SD, completely bypassing the System Menu; Nintendo cannot easily fix bugs on game discs, making this exploit particularly difficult to disable. However, the user must completely delete all custom stages they have prior to installation both on the Wii save data and the SD save data. A exploit for LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga
Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga
Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga is a video game based on the Star Wars-themed toy line by the Lego Group. It is a combination of the game Lego Star Wars: The Video Game and its sequel Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy...
called "Return of the Jodi" also exists and can run the HackMii Installer.
Users who had already installed the Homebrew Channel prior to updating their Wiis to System 4.2 or 4.3 could allow the Homebrew Channel to self update which had already been updated to a version that circumvented the System 4.2 and 4.3 prevention measures. There are unofficial download sites that also provide this workaround.
Most recently, the Yu-Gi-OWNED hack was released, and it works on any system menu. This exploit is based on the Indiana Pwns exploit, and the Twilight Hack. This exploit runs on PAL Wiis, but the Yu-Gi-Vah exploit runs on NTSC Wiis. SDHC are not currently working with this exploit, so a normal SD card is required. On the 9th August 2011 Team Twiizers released a new exploit named LetterBomb which exploits a bug used in the Wii's internal messaging system that works with System Menu 4.3. After that, Team Twiizers released another exploit called "Bathaxx". This took advantage of another loading issue. It works on System Menu 4.3.
Potential issues
At the moment, it is unclear what effect installation of the Homebrew Channel will have on the warranty. Nintendo maintains that the installation of the Homebrew Channel voids the warranty on a Wii and that users will no longer be protected by warranty from console defects, system file corruption or physical damages because it is considered unauthorized software. Although the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act states that warrantors cannot require that only branded parts be used with the product in order to retain the warranty, this may not apply as the Homebrew Channel is software, not a physical computer part.Companies such as Nintendo
Nintendo
is a multinational corporation located in Kyoto, Japan. Founded on September 23, 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi, it produced handmade hanafuda cards. By 1963, the company had tried several small niche businesses, such as a cab company and a love hotel....
say that the Homebrew Channel allows for piracy, but the homebrew community argues that they are against piracy and they do not release code to play pirate games, but pirates
Piracy
Piracy is an act of robbery or criminal violence at sea. The term can include acts committed on land, in the air, or in other major bodies of water or on a shore. It does not normally include crimes committed against persons traveling on the same vessel as the perpetrator...
often steal exploits from the homebrew community and modify them to play these illegal games. The homebrew community has been known to take extra steps against piracy.