Hacking Current WiiU and vWii USB methods

[DerpDerp]

Just spent 4-5 hrs trying to write/summarise my issues,
so appreciate anyone who reads and takes time to answer my questions.
Last 4 months been dipping my toe into the WiiU exploit scene, have got Loadiine working, and believe have the requirements for WiiU USB (Brazilian method) and vWii, but still confused about some issues.
This would help me not screw up or buy more unnecessary hardware.
(got 64gb Class10 UHSII, 4TB USB3 external, 1TB USB3 external for WiiU install)

Current biggest question when coming into this, is there a single way to have all games selectable/playable in one view?
i.e. Can have one (or looks atm need 2) HDD with ROMs for everything, to be used across devices? Without storing multiple versions of same ROMs in different formats.
(HDD containing WiiU, Wii, GC, DS, GBA, GB, N64, SNES and use them and their saves on WiiU OR PC emu (CemU))

Summary of biggest questions i need answering:
-Using uTikDownloadHelper today, do I need to obtain .tik file elsewhere still?
(gbatemp guides says Yes(?), reddit/github FlimFlam69 guide would say No(?))
-Obtaining or not obtaining tickets, repercussion? Banned online?
-Way to check have right ticket, if uTikDownloadHelper is unreliable?
-Modding vWii permanent? Get banned?
-Latest CFW permanent? Get banned?
-Is there a ONE solution yet for all ROMs? Via one storage? Viewable together?
(WiiU, Wii, GC, N64, SNES, DS, GBA, GB maybe PS1, DC, Saturn, MAME, MD)
vWii? Loadiine? CFW?
-Should/Can Wii and GC games be over 4GB?
-How can you check? How check if legit?
-How do you place a 4.3GB Wii ISO on a FAT32 HDD?
-Best original/master format for WiiU ROMs for mass compatibility?
(For WiiU, PC (CemU?), Loadiine or other homebrew/CFW that allows for original query, of a one solution)

-----------------------------------------

As I understand it we have 4 separate ways (?) in order of ease/usability:

1: WiiU USB loading (Brazilian method) - Play installed WiiU games off a WiiU formatted external HDD
PERKS= Official Games, WiiU remains CLEAN/UNMODIFIED (Softmod) so allow ONLINE play
NEGATIVE= Can only use HDD for this singular WiiU, cannot use for other game formats i.e. Wii,GC

2: Loadiine - Unencrypted format games placed on SD card
PERKS= Original clean/softmod before above.
NEGATIVE= Limited to SD size, no loading from HDD (still?). Long load times for many games, despite fast Class10 UHSII card speeds. Can only play WiiU titles too(??? I see contradictions in utube videos)

3: vWii - Virtual Wii emulator built into the WiiU - Plays Wii. Exploits to use Wii, GC (and more?) from HDD
PERKS= Plays ROM/ISOs off a external HDD, many exploit options, can play other console games.
NEGATIVE= Need HDD in FAT32 (has limits. Need program to format large drive. Cant place roms/ISOs over 4GB on drive(?). Exploit procedure long with many requirements (<2GB SD, Wii game with save exploits) with possible Brickable (break your WiiU) instances. Hard/permanent modification(?) so Bannable/Brickable by Nintendo if found online(??) Multiple exploits used for different games (?Ustealth, Nintendont, USB Loader GX? really don’t understand what is needed/best)

4: CFW - Custom Firmware - redNAND, Haxchi, CBHC, Mocha
PERKS= ? UNSURE ?, use obtained Virtual console games, DLC, switch between updates? hacks, custom saves and modifications?
NEGATIVE= Hard/permanent modification(?) so Bannable/Brickable by Nintendo if found online(??). Exploit procedure long, many requirements with possible Brickable (break your WiiU) instances.

As you can see though, I still have MANY questions and not completely familiar with everything.
Each time I believe I have got it, I find a YouTube video or post saying a different procedure, missing parts or programs out, saying they have found a new method or mentioning just using this or that without much of an explanation. SO confused by the rhetoric


-----------------------------------------ISSUES

-Wii U USB loading
Following method 1: WiiU USB loading guide
https://gbatemp.net/threads/wii-u-usb-loading-install-wiiu-games-to-usb-or-internal-memory.445514/
mentions about gaining tickets via various programs and methods. IS THIS NEEDED STILL?
I found https://github.com/FlimFlam69/WiiUTutorial/wiki/6:-Brazilian-Title-Install-Method
It mentions the .tik files, but not needing to obtain them.
-So are tickets still needed?
-Will I noticed any difference?
-Are tickets included from uTikDownloadHelper?
-Are they "forged"?
-If they are, should I avoid going online?
-Is WiiUUSBHelper any different?
-Do you need Win7 for WiiUUSBHelper? (program crashes when downloading title. got .NET packages)
-Anyone had issues with playing online yet?
-Can any methods (vWii homebrew installation, CFW) get you banned, identified online?

Knowing now that the Wii U installs must be on a separate HDD formatted to its own format, looking to play/store all other formats on one solution.
I have a few WiiU titles on my SD for Loadiine using DDD to dump them.
I see on utube videos people have more than just WiiU titles on their WiiU loadiine.
-Can Loadiine be used for everything Nintendo? (WiiU, Wii, GC, N64, SNES, DS, GBA, GB)
-Can Loadiine be used for other console ROMs? (Ps1, DC, Saturn, MD)

So started looking at vWii guide, but noticing discrepancies on uTube videos and other guides.
-Do you still need an under 2GB SD card?
-Still need SSBros or other Wii disk for exploitable save?
-How do you place a 4.3GB Wii ISO on a FAT32 HDD?
-Should Wii games be of that size?
-How can I check if right size and legit, and not a dodgy copy?

While trying to obtain this ONE solution, what format should my MASTER backups be?
I believe there are 3 formats?
1: NUS legit encrypted Games (numbered folders) from uTikDownloadHelper, WiiUUSBHelper and others.
2: Unencrypted Games (code/content/meta/save) for Loadiine from DDD dumps from a disk
3: Packaged Games (.wud) for ? from ?
-Which would be better to archive for a collection as a master backup?
-Which format works best for a one ROM solution to be used on Wii U and PC (is CemU the only emu?)?


-----------------------------------------SOLUTIONS(?)

The ONE solution I’m search for is happening...(?)
In December2016 Dimok has found a way to use a FAT32 drive (so viewable on a PC, unlike a WiiU drive) which would also allow ALL ROMs (WiiU, Wii, GC etc) on ONE drive, rather than several, or a SD and HDD split (Loadiine for WiiU / HDD for vWii and everything else)
https://gbatemp.net/threads/mocha-cfw-the-sweet-chocolate-to-your-latte.452940/page-30#post-6963343

Regards master archiving ROMs...
Convert Loadiine games (unencrypted/games dumped from DDD(?)) to WiiU Official installable games
https://gbatemp.net/threads/tutoria...es-to-usb-installable-format-properly.456721/

Regards setup...
https://gbatemp.net/threads/hdd-sd-setup-others-are-using-for-wii-u-and-vwii-modes.458670/
Would seem most users prefer to use a powered HDD or a powered USB hub.
Looks like some have found a way to bypass way around having more than one HDD connected, but don’t completely get it.


Thanks for the read

 

[killmister2]

I'll try to answer you as far as I know about all this:

-Using uTikDownloadHelper today, do I need to obtain .tik file elsewhere still?
(gbatemp guides says Yes(?), reddit/github FlimFlam69 guide would say No(?))
-Obtaining or not obtaining tickets, repercussion? Banned online?
-Way to check have right ticket, if uTikDownloadHelper is unreliable?

uTikDownloadHelper is all you need to download a game/update/DLC and tik. Everything in black on the app list can be installed with the Brazilian method (WUP installer). Red stuff (VC/eShop/DLC) need sig patching from a cfw (sysnand or rednand).

-Modding vWii permanent? Get banned?

vWii hacking is indeed permanent. I done it and I'm not (yet) banned, but I don't play online on my NGC/Wii games.

-Is there a ONE solution yet for all ROMs? Via one storage? Viewable together?
(WiiU, Wii, GC, N64, SNES, DS, GBA, GB maybe PS1, DC, Saturn, MAME, MD)
vWii? Loadiine? CFW?

Short answer: No
Long answer: Wii U games need a dedicated USB HDD if internal memory isnt enough for all you want (which is highly the case ), or via Loadiine.
Wii + NGC games via USB Loader GX + Nintendont from vWii.
All the others with specific emulators from vWii hoebrews.

-Should/Can Wii and GC games be over 4GB?

GC game discs are 1.5 GB max. A few games are on 2 discs. Some Wii games are 4GB+.

-How do you place a 4.3GB Wii ISO on a FAT32 HDD?

Use Wii Backup Manager on Windows to transfer Wii ISO to your FAT32 HDD. It will convert it to WBFS format and split automaticcally if required (plus the app will rename files and create the proper directory structure on your HDD).

-Best original/master format for WiiU ROMs for mass compatibility?
(For WiiU, PC (CemU?), Loadiine or other homebrew/CFW that allows for original query, of a one solution)

For Wii U games installed on USB via brazilian method, it's app/h3 format (from uTikDownloadHelper for example).
For Loadiine, the games need to be on an extracted/decrypted format (usually labelled READY2PLAY on google).

 

[killmister2]

1: WiiU USB loading (Brazilian method) - Play installed WiiU games off a WiiU formatted external HDD
PERKS= Official Games, WiiU remains CLEAN/UNMODIFIED (Softmod) so allow ONLINE play
NEGATIVE= Can only use HDD for this singular WiiU, cannot use for other game formats i.e. Wii,GC

Not Region Free, so you need the games to be on the same region than your console (except if you use a CFW with region free).
100% compatibility with games.

2: Loadiine - Unencrypted format games placed on SD card
PERKS= Original clean/softmod before above.
NEGATIVE= Limited to SD size, no loading from HDD (still?). Long load times for many games, despite fast Class10 UHSII card speeds. Can only play WiiU titles too(??? I see contradictions in utube videos)

Some games might have glitches/issues/not working with this method.
It's region free.
The SD card is limited apparently by a poor internal SD reader backplane speed in the console. USB is a bit faster to load games indeed.
And yes, Loadiine is only for Wii U games.

3: vWii - Virtual Wii emulator built into the WiiU - Plays Wii. Exploits to use Wii, GC (and more?) from HDD
PERKS= Plays ROM/ISOs off a external HDD, many exploit options, can play other console games.
NEGATIVE= Need HDD in FAT32 (has limits. Need program to format large drive. Cant place roms/ISOs over 4GB on drive(?). Exploit procedure long with many requirements (<2GB SD, Wii game with save exploits) with possible Brickable (break your WiiU) instances. Hard/permanent modification(?) so Bannable/Brickable by Nintendo if found online(??) Multiple exploits used for different games (?Ustealth, Nintendont, USB Loader GX? really don’t understand what is needed/best)

You can use more emulators built for the Wii/vWii to play others consoles. I personally use my vWii to play Wii and NGC games only (via USB Loader GX + Nintendont).
On vWii, you dont need a Wii game with save exploit. Just use WUPHAX from FIX94, and it will flawlessly install the Homebrew Channel on your vWii (thus no need for a <2GB SD, any SD/SDHC/SDXC will work, since you start WUPHAX from the Wii U HBL).
Ustealth is only used to hide the FAT32 HDD from the Wii U (because it will ask you every time to format it otherwise). The HDD will still be visible from USB Loader GX on vWii so no problem.

4: CFW - Custom Firmware - redNAND, Haxchi, CBHC, Mocha
PERKS= ? UNSURE ?, use obtained Virtual console games, DLC, switch between updates? hacks, custom saves and modifications?
NEGATIVE= Hard/permanent modification(?) so Bannable/Brickable by Nintendo if found online(??). Exploit procedure long, many requirements with possible Brickable (break your WiiU) instances.

It's not permanent, but persistant. CBHC can brick your console if not done properly. Haxchi is pretty save. Exploit procedure is kinda simple (starting a homebrew from the HBL and you're done). If you don't want to use a Web exploit each time you want to start a homebrew, Haxchi is usually the best option, especially if you just want to play games/DLC/eShop/VC.

As you can see though, I still have MANY questions and not completely familiar with everything.
Each time I believe I have got it, I find a YouTube video or post saying a different procedure, missing parts or programs out, saying they have found a new method or mentioning just using this or that without much of an explanation. SO confused by the rhetoric

The scene is going fast last few months, so what have been said 3 months ago might not be true now. Sticky topics here are the best place to check for latest info.

 

[DerpDerp]

Ah Thankyou for confirming that so quickly!

"vWii hacking is indeed permanent. I done it and I'm not (yet) banned."
-Has there ever been any record of issues with perma mods (CFW or vWii?)?
Or the perpose of the DNS change blocks update AND checking on firmware to block/brick?

"Wii U games need a dedicated USB HDD or via Loadiine.
Wii + NGC games via USB Loader GX + Nintendont from vWii.
All the others with specific emulators from vWii hoebrews."
Any idea how i keep seeing some Wii, GC, DS, N64 games on people Loadiine carousels when showcased on uTube?
The only other thing ive seen (although dont understand to what end can be used for) is ROM injection?
I presume its a blank rom with one of the above formated roms inserted?

"2: Loadiine
And yes, Loadiine is only for Wii U games"
If Loadiine can only be used for WiiU games, any reason why the Homebrew launcher, that launches Loadiine doesnt have a Wii or GC emulator? So can avoid vWii modification? Or is it down to the raw native support of the vWii that makes Wii games playable on system, rather than a non native emulator through WiiU Homebrew app

"GC game discs are 1.5 GB max. A few games are on 2 discs. Some Wii games are 4GB+"
-Is there anyway i can check what a game size should be?
Like a the Loadiine compatibility list had the sizes of Wii U titles.
Game in question was Rodea the Sky Soldier, which only the early copys of WiiU version had Wii copy.

"Wii U games - brazilian method - app/h3 format (from uTikDownloadHelper).
Loadiine - extracted/decrypted format (labelled READY2PLAY on google)"
can CemU or other emulator PC use either format. Just trying to use damage limitation while can, archive roms just incase WiiU dies and use PC instead.
By looks of it thou, there are programs for transfering between needed formats, just wanted to know which is the complete base format that can convert to others if needed

Since the scene is moving so fast and the news within Dimoks post indicates he
found a way to use a FAT32 drive (so viewable on a PC, unlike a WiiU drive) which would also allow ALL ROMs (WiiU, Wii, GC etc) on ONE drive, rather than several, or a SD and HDD split (Loadiine for WiiU / HDD for vWii and everything else)
https://gbatemp.net/threads/mocha-cfw-the-sweet-chocolate-to-your-latte.452940/page-30#post-6963343
is it worth holding out for now, just using the Clean Brazialian method for WiiU, before using one of the more perminant/persistant methods?

Thanks again for the support so quickly

 

[killmister2]

Only real issues (i.e. bricks) I seen here and there are when people are messing with system titles installation, wrong CBHC installation (creating a booting loop).
The DNS change is to try blocking any official Nintendo firmware upgrade that might come. It doesn't prevent brick.

Those GC/DS/N64 games seen on the Loadiine carousel might certainly be official Wii U VC games (so in Wii U format).

I don't remember seeing a Wii emulator for Wii U, but might be wrong... It just sound stupid when there is a native Wii support via vWii.

Really no idea how to check if the game you have is complete, or corrupted. I usually get them by dumping my own discs with WUDUMP, or via trusted sources.

Best "root" format might be WUD (Wii U Disc RAW image), but they are 25 GB, whatever the real game size is... From them, you can convert/extract/decrypt them to whatever format you want. I keep them in APP/H3 format (for WUP installer). I keep a copy of all my games on my NAS, so if my Wii U console and/or USB HDD dies, I just loose my savegames, since I can reinstall them in another console/HDD.

FAT32 support on Mocha is in development stage, and not released yet if I'm not mistaken. Clean Brazilian method with WUP installer is then perfectly fine. Haxchi can be used still, to avoid relying on a Web exploit each time you want to start HBL, but not mandatory.

 

[GBA rocks]

When there is a way to batch download almost every released game (except for a couple of retail only games like Call of Duty) straight from nintendo servers at like 60-70Mbps...

...and to skip the whole tickets ordeal thank to sigpatching (CBHC) at boot...

...with little effort to reinstall everything on another WiiU should the need arise...

...is it really worth it to look for "universal" iso formats and hope for fat32 support? I guess for "archivial" purpose..

Maybe one's time is better spent on getting better and better at realWii/vWii modding...leveraging years of progress to create a one stop retro outlet for Wii NGC WiiWare VC and emulators with stuff like Wiiflow Masterpiece, emunand, neek2o, ecc...WiiU is more straightforward at the moment: install up to 300 games to sysnand and you're done, case closed (haven't looked much into the Homebrew section but of course it's all WIP compared to the Wii scene).

Now if somehow haxchi/CBHC becomes unavailable this spring (firmware update for new Zelda), that will suck for people who didn't buy the DS game when they had the chance...

 

[DerpDerp]

I appreciate after reading my post, that a long time regular user of the site would look at it with head in hand, and note waste of time approaches asked about. I’m sorry for using layman’s terms throughout referencing exploits, apps and folder results, but.. ill admit I’m a n00b to all of this.

I’ve got to thank killmister2 for taking time to go through my post and address the questions, however stupid of misguided they are. But after going through multiple threads, videos, posts on other sites and reading contradictions or alternatives, I felt needed to confirm the best/economic approach.
I’m sure there are many out there with similar questions.

I still not familiar with all the rhetoric and terminology.
So when you mention sigpatching (CBHC),Wiiflow,emunand, neek2o,sysnand,WIP and "buy the DS game when they had the chance" I have barely any idea what you maybe talking about, other than seeing mild references around about them. Sorry.

BUT neither am I expecting a plug in zip file at this moment, for some 10yr old to slap in and get a free uber all in one console for free, without putting in the work to understand any of it.
I’m here to listen and learn

Speaking of which, the infograph/picture with post HERE really helped understand the formats, and how to obtain them (although somethings got missed out)
Also preferring the guide HERE so far, which does a great job of splitting up the methods and what you need all in one place.
Alas i still had all those questions, and appreciate those willing to answer them.

I do understand though, that many here may look at newbies like 'should think themselves lucky' as things are so much quicker/easier now, and my questions are very entry level.
I'm sure I am missing out on some great modding/homebrew/CFW stuff that i can do.
Maybe I can cure the ignorance by viewing any infographs/video montage of the above out there?
If anyone has a link to something along those lines, showing the differences/features/benifits, I'm all eyes and ears

That "one stop retro outlet" I think is basically what i was trying to describe in my original query though, so looking forward to that.

 

[GBA rocks]

For WiiU modding, this is the way to go currently (late January 2017):

0) ignore anybody mentioning rednand, mocha, loadiine, tickets, simple "brazilian" USB loading (although the latter is technically part of what you're gonna do);
1) update your Wii U to 5.5.1 asap (before 5.5.2 is out, not saying that's a given, but it is a possibility with the new Zelda)
2) buy a suitable (for haxchi) DS game from eShop asap (again, before 5.5.2 is out); don't be a cheapstake, it could mean wasting the chance of a lifetime to perma-hack the WiiU; choose the DS game you like the least among the suitable ones, as you won't be able to play it (probably "Brain Age" is a good bet)
3) install haxchi to test if everything works before installing automatic-haxchi (as stated by every automatic-haxchi guide)
4) install automatic-haxchi (called "CBHC")
5) install "homebrew channel" on Wii U
6) install "WUP Installer GX2 Version 1.1" on Wii U
7) install "Wii U USB helper" on pc, when asked for a source of keys insert the link to the first result when googling "wii u keys"
8) find games (like CoD) that aren't in "Wii U USB helper" elsewhere, they must be "USB ready"
9) use an SD card as boat to carry stuff from PC to WiiU, and on WiiU use "Wup Installer GX2 Version 1.1" to install stuff to USB HDD; install up to 300 games
10) just play with your wii U and never touch the "hack" part ever again (except for updating CBHC), as anything (not actually) could conflict with CBHC and lead to a brick; for the love of god don't try to delete or reinstall the DS game used for the hack (there's a safeguard against doing it anyway)
11) block updates with DNS (or disable networking altogether if you don't plan to play online)
12) come back to gbatemp in 5 years when the dust will settle for more advanced stuff (WiiU native backup USB loaders with ISO fat32 support, WiiU native emulators, etc.) if you want to revamp your mod

this setup plays anything (sigpatch) from any region (region patch), so it's better than plain simple usb loading formerly known as "brazilian method"; it loads automatically when you start your WiiU and can be used completely offline (no need to visit a website), so it feels like a perma-hack

paste this guide to any noob confused by the crapton of outdated information, word salads and stuff meant for advanced tinkerers

Wii U modding is dead simple (or limited one could say) at the moment, you already wasted too much time on it. This video is straightforward as it gets (WARNING: could be outdated if you're reading this past January 2017):



realWii or vWii, on the other hand...there's a lot to read. You could even buy a used Wii and practice with it.

 

[DerpDerp]

Thanks appreciate it.
i had already started alot of that and ended up going down the more basic "brazilian" USB loading method for now, so i could do a bit of online play.

But.. i totally understand the better safe than sorry approach, given the new Zelda title and Switch 2 months away. Almost a given for a new patch.
Was also my rationale for wanting to get backups done quickly and to a base standard archived to storage, for mass compatibility, like playing WiiU,Wii & GC on PC with CemU and Dolphin,..if WiiU dies/blocked etc.

My understanding thou, cant Mocha do same, but less permanent?
Could i not still load alot of these methods after via a selfhosted (server on PC or RaspberryPi) at any date if kept offline?

Appreciate heads up bout DS game purchase for Haxchi ahead of time.

One issue having atm, installed a few titles fine,
but Pokken Tournament always fails install at 2/3.5GB.
Im using same that been using for other installs
Homebrew Launcher 1.4
WupInstaller y mod 1.3
uTikDownloadHelper

Now seen recommended needed to change the E in PokkEn, and after initially failing less that 1Gb in, after change thought would be ok. As explained errors at 2GB in now.
So went to look at HDD, said needed to Delete Unnecessary Data. As for many, this stalls in an never ending loop. Says do not turn off but i did and was fine.
As recommended, installed another game, returned to Storage Management, tried again.
This time took 40secs to delete, rather than nothing for hours.
Tried installing again... same issue!
Even redownloaded and repeated process!

Only other suggestion saw was using WiiUUSBHelper instead of uTikDownloadHelper BUT soon as i try to hit download a title, crashes program.
Yes i do have the .net file asks for.
Any others with issues with Pokken?