Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Wii Homebrew Channel now functions on Wii U]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/wii-homebrew-channel-now-functions-on-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/wii-homebrew-channel-now-functions-on-wii-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/wii-homebrew-channel-now-functions-on-wii-u/#comments Wii Homebrew Channel now functions on Wii UThe Wii Homebrew Channel, which allows users to run unlicensed software on the Wii, is now available for the Wii U with some caveats. The news comes via Hackmii, which notes that the latest release of the Homebrew Channel will work within the original Wii menu that the Wii U uses for backwards compatibility. The release does not, however, work within the Wii U menu itself, something the hacking community hopes to change in the future, no doubt.

Naturally, tampering with consoles is something you do at your own risk (even if you're downloading official firmware updates, apparently). That said, if anyone manages to get the Fatal Frame 4 translation up and running, let us know.

JoystiqWii Homebrew Channel now functions on Wii U originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackshomebrewhomebrew-channelmodsnintendowii-uMon, 10 Dec 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Vita homebrew hack under way, won't allow users to pirate retail games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/08/vita-homebrew-hack-underway-wont-allow-users-to-pirate-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/08/vita-homebrew-hack-underway-wont-allow-users-to-pirate-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/08/vita-homebrew-hack-underway-wont-allow-users-to-pirate-retail/#comments Homebrew developers without access to a PlayStation Vita development kit may have something to look forward to, as independent developer Yifan Lu has purportedly found an exploit that allows retail systems to run native, homebrewed Vita code. Lu is seeking other developers to help with the project, though neither an expected release date nor information regarding how the exploit functions have been made public.

What we do know, however, is that Lu's exploit is being developed for the sole benefit of the homebrewing community, as opposed to purposes more suited to blacker hats. "No tool I will make will benefit piracy," Lu told PlayStation Lifestyle. "This tool, in fact, cannot be used for loading backups/pirated content even if I want to because of the physical limitations of the exploit."

Specifically, the exploit is "userland" and is incapable of decrypting or running retail games, Lu says. Though Lu is aware that releasing his exploit could lead to deeper analysis of the system and subsequently a more nefarious full-kernel hack, he would feel guilty if he "found something that could benefit the community (running homebrews and letting developers who can't pay the license to develop/test games)" and kept it under wraps.

JoystiqVita homebrew hack under way, won't allow users to pirate retail games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Sep 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exploithackhomebrewplaystationplaystation-vitavitaYifan-LuSat, 08 Sep 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony restores PSN games that allowed Vita hack (but there's another one)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/sony-restores-psn-games-that-allowed-vita-hack-but-theres-anot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/sony-restores-psn-games-that-allowed-vita-hack-but-theres-anot/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/20/sony-restores-psn-games-that-allowed-vita-hack-but-theres-anot/#comments
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Sony pulled two PSP titles, Hot Shots Tennis and MotorStorm Arctic Rift, from the PlayStation Network in March when they were found to be open portals to Vita hacking heaven, allowing people to use homebrew programming through the Vita's PSP emulator. Both of these titles are currently back on the Vita and the hack scare is gone forever and ev - er, maybe not.

Vita version 1.67 closed off the ability for hackers to run the VHBL program in Hot Shot Tennis and MotorStorm Arctic Rift, but the folks at Wololo.net have found another game that runs the same program even after the update. The above video shows Wololo's Doom running on a Vita. It hasn't yet disclosed which game allows the hack.

JoystiqSony restores PSN games that allowed Vita hack (but there's another one) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doomemulatorhackhomebrewplaystationplaystation-vitaSONYvitavita-hackFri, 20 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Prince of Persia leaps to Commodore 64]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/prince-of-persia-leaps-to-commodore-64/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/prince-of-persia-leaps-to-commodore-64/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/prince-of-persia-leaps-to-commodore-64/#comments
Finally, those stalwarts who refuse to "upgrade" from their trusty Commodore 64 computers can experience that hot new game, Prince of Persia. Homebrew developer mrsid ported the 1989 game from its original Apple 2 version, making the cartridge image available for download from his site. If you have a C64 or 128 and a flashable C64 cartridge -- or, more likely, if you have a C64 emulator -- you can check out the achievement.

The rest of us will have to settle for this video, which looks remarkably smooth for an unofficial port on such an old system. It drew the attention of Prince of Persia creator Jordan Mechner, who commented to say "I'm amazed and humbled by the amount of work this must have taken."

Mechner also solved the mystery of why there wasn't an official C64 version, even though there were so many ports: "Back in 1989, when I was making POP on the Apple II, I couldn't get anyone interested in doing a C64 port," he commented, "because it was too old a system."

JoystiqPrince of Persia leaps to Commodore 64 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Commodore 64commodore-64homebrewjordan-mechnermrsimpcPrince of Persiaprince-of-persiaPrince-of-Persia-ClassicretroSci/TechMon, 17 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Modder builds homebrew version of Minecraft on DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/modder-builds-homebrew-version-of-minecraft-on-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/modder-builds-homebrew-version-of-minecraft-on-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/modder-builds-homebrew-version-of-minecraft-on-ds/#comments We've long held the opinion that the only thing standing between our world and its inevitable ruin is the creation of a portable version of Mojang's remarkably addictive Minecraft. We're still waiting on the Xperia Play to bring about said apocalypse, but it seems a Nintendo DS modder by the name of Smelaum has beaten Sony to the punch, releasing a demo of a homebrew application aptly titled Minecraft DS.

The software, which is demonstrated in the video above, is fairly basic: Players can only add or remove blocks, and cannot save their towering megastructures. Smelaum hopes to bolster the homebrew with saving and terrain generation -- hopefully those features will be implemented before Smelaum is incapacitated by Notch's shadowy cabal of trademark lawyers. (We're kidding, of course; those clearly don't exist.)

JoystiqModder builds homebrew version of Minecraft on DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dshomebrewMinecraftminecraft-dsmodMojang-SpecificationsnintendoThu, 14 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Move.me invites everyone to develop for PlayStation Move]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/move-me-invites-everyone-to-develop-for-playstation-move/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/move-me-invites-everyone-to-develop-for-playstation-move/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/move-me-invites-everyone-to-develop-for-playstation-move/#comments The PlayStation Move homebrew community hasn't been quite as prolific as Kinect's. But that may soon change with the introduction of Move.me. Coming soon, Move.me is a downloadable application for the PS3 that allows researchers, students, hobbyists, developers, anyone, the ability to develop for the PlayStation Move. "We want to see what innovative applications programmers can create using the PS Move controller, the PS3 system, the PlayStation Eye camera, and a PC," the official site decrees.

Move.me will be available for download via the PlayStation Network this Spring, but interested applicants will be able to register for an early look now. The first 150 qualified applicants that are accepted will receive a voucher in the next two weeks. Are you willing to take the challenge?

JoystiqMove.me invites everyone to develop for PlayStation Move originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 23:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homebrewmove-meplaystationplaystation-moveps3psnThu, 03 Mar 2011 23:20:00 EST<![CDATA[NEStalgia mixes old school RPGs with new school MMOs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/nestalgia-mixes-old-school-rpgs-with-new-school-mmos/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/nestalgia-mixes-old-school-rpgs-with-new-school-mmos/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/nestalgia-mixes-old-school-rpgs-with-new-school-mmos/#comments Are WoW's battles just not random enough for you? Does DCUO look a little too three-dimensional? Do the modern trappings of MMOs genuinely bring you down? Ben Mallahan has created a delightful, free-to-play solution to your dilemma: NEStalgia, a Dragon Quest-esque classic RPG with some built-in MMO functionality, like player grouping and a billion super esoteric, hard-to-collect pieces of armor and weaponry.

You can download the game for free on NEStalgia's official site, or check out a bunch of gameplay videos on its YouTube page. We'd suggest starting with the trailer posted after the jump!

Continue reading NEStalgia mixes old school RPGs with new school MMOs

JoystiqNEStalgia mixes old school RPGs with new school MMOs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-mallahandragon-questhomebrewmmonestalgiapcrpgsilk-gamesThu, 24 Feb 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Smash Land demake trailer and demo show off Game Boy charm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/super-smash-land-demake-trailer-and-demo-show-off-game-boy-charm/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/super-smash-land-demake-trailer-and-demo-show-off-game-boy-charm/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/22/super-smash-land-demake-trailer-and-demo-show-off-game-boy-charm/#comments Dan Fornace recently published a new trailer and demo for his long-time pet project: A Game Boy-style "demake" of the Smash Bros. franchise titled Super Smash Land. Check out the infinitely charming trailer here.

Continue reading Super Smash Land demake trailer and demo show off Game Boy charm

JoystiqSuper Smash Land demake trailer and demo show off Game Boy charm originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demakedemogame-boyhomebrewnintendopcsuper-smash-brossuper-smash-landTue, 22 Feb 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sudoku DSiWare exploit enables homebrew on DSi [update: and it's gone!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/sudoku-dsiware-exploit-enables-homebrew-on-dsi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/sudoku-dsiware-exploit-enables-homebrew-on-dsi/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/sudoku-dsiware-exploit-enables-homebrew-on-dsi/#comments For just 200 DSi Points (that's $2), a whole world of digital sudoku can be yours -- plus DSi homebrew capabilities! The hacking troupe known as "Team Twiizers" has found a hole in EA's Sudoku DSiWare game -- exposed using a false save file -- through which homebrew games and applications can be run on a DSi without a flashcart. Notably, this exploit can not be used to play pirated games or applications, but only enables true homebrew software.

Perhaps most exciting for homebrew developers, this breakthrough brings the DSi's hardware upgrades (over the original DS) into play. "In DSi mode, the DSi SD card slot is accessible, the whole 16MB RAM is available, and the CPU is clocked 2x higher than DS-mode," Twiizers notes in on post on HackMii.

As of publishing, [see below] the Sudoku game is still available in the North American DSiWare store, but has already been removed in Europe. At the very least, it would be an excuse to throw away that ratty copy of Snakes on a Sudoku, right?

Update: Looks like Nintendo has already removed the game from its DSiWare store in North America as well. Sorry homebrewers!

Continue reading Sudoku DSiWare exploit enables homebrew on DSi [update: and it's gone!]

JoystiqSudoku DSiWare exploit enables homebrew on DSi [update: and it's gone!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdsidsiwareeaelectronic-artsexploithackhomebrewnintendosudokuteam-twiizersFri, 28 Jan 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Sony could remotely disable jailbroken PS3s]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/report-sony-could-remotely-disable-jailbroken-ps3s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/report-sony-could-remotely-disable-jailbroken-ps3s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/report-sony-could-remotely-disable-jailbroken-ps3s/#comments With PS3 open territory for hackers and pirates, many have been wondering what action Sony will take to secure its system. The platform-destroying piracy rampant on PSP makes it clear exactly how much is at stake. To date, Sony's response to the jailbreak has been limited to mandatory firmware updates and revoking PSN access to those that refuse to use official system software.

However, a report by Digital Foundry claims that Sony can take far more drastic measures. Even if you've never signed up for a PSN account, your console will communicate with Sony servers every time it boots up. That initial load process is used to upload error logs, download updates to the "What's New" module, and a list of recently-run applications, including any unauthorized backup manager software.

Sony has yet to ban any consoles for taking advantage of the jailbreak, but the terms and conditions of the PlayStation Network make it clear that Sony has the authority to carry them out. Thanks to the system's constant self-reporting feature, "the company even has the means to irrevocably disable your console should it so wish," rendering affected PS3 consoles unusable, online and off. But will Sony ever use such a drastic measure? And if so, how will the hacker scene retaliate?

[Thanks, Vallanthaz]

JoystiqReport: Sony could remotely disable jailbroken PS3s originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackhomebrewjailbreakpiracyplaystationps3sonyTue, 11 Jan 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First PS3 'custom firmware' working, doesn't allow piracy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/first-ps3-custom-firmware-working-doesnt-allow-piracy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/first-ps3-custom-firmware-working-doesnt-allow-piracy/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/first-ps3-custom-firmware-working-doesnt-allow-piracy/#comments Building upon the exploits of the fail0verflow hacking troupe, a tinkerer known as "KaKaRoToKS" has got the first "custom firmware" (CFW) running on PS3. The modification can be applied to any version of the system's official firmware, including the latest 3.55 patch, and simply adds an "Install Package Files" option in the Game section of the XMB.

Importantly, this unauthorized option isn't an open flood gate for pirated games, but rather a means by which users could install signed and encrypted executable files -- in other words, "retail" .pkg files like the ones Sony uses for PSN downloads. While no current homebrew application is packaged like this (and therefore compatible with the custom firmware), it would be possible for homebrew developers to re-package their files to be installed through the CFW. (PSJailbreak offers similar functionality, DigitalFoundry explains, but as its name implies, Jailbreak allows for the installation of unsigned, unencrypted code.)

"Since the kernel is left unmodified, this means that this custom firmware is really meant for future homebrew installation, and it will not allow piracy," writes KaKaRoToKS in a blog post about the CFW. "I plan on keeping it that way."

[Thanks, Roland]

JoystiqFirst PS3 'custom firmware' working, doesn't allow piracy originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cfwcustom-firmwarefail0verflowfirmwarehackhackshomebrewinstall-package-filesmodmodspiracyplaystationps3xmbWed, 05 Jan 2011 11:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Unofficial remake of first Batman game released]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/unofficial-remake-of-first-batman-game-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/unofficial-remake-of-first-batman-game-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/unofficial-remake-of-first-batman-game-released/#comments For a full-color history lesson, we suggest you check out the recently completed and simply adorable remake of Batman -- the first Batman! The 3D isometric gem was developed by Jon Ritman and Bernie Drummond, and published in 1986 by the once formidable British games giant Ocean Software -- a sort of ancestor of the modern-day Atari Inc. through its Infogrames lineage -- for the ZX Spectrum, MSX and Amstrad CPC (and PCW) "microcomputers" (contemporaries of the dominant Commodore 64).

The game stars an Adam West-looking Batman on a scavenger hunt around the deadly Batcave for seven pieces of the Batcraft (so he can get it hovering again and go rescue Robin, of course). According to the Sinclair User review (issue #50, pg. 51), Batman is notable for being an early, if not the first, game to implement a checkpoint system.

The unofficial remake of Batman was developed by Tomaz Kac (who also faithfully remade Ritman and Drummond's Head Over Heels followup) and is available to download and play for free on PC. An earlier freeware remake, dubbed Watman, was released for DOS and Game Boy Advance about ten years ago. Consider yourself schooled.

[Image sources: Retrospec / RudyKoch]

JoystiqUnofficial remake of first Batman game released originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanbatman-1986bernie-drummondhomebrewjon-ritmanocean-softwarepcremaketomaz-kacunofficialzx-spectrumWed, 08 Dec 2010 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DSi firmware 1.4.1U update blocks certain flash carts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/dsi-firmware-1-4-1u-update-blocks-certain-flash-carts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/dsi-firmware-1-4-1u-update-blocks-certain-flash-carts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/dsi-firmware-1-4-1u-update-blocks-certain-flash-carts/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nintendo has released a new firmware update for the DSi -- the first update in over a year. The update does not add any new functionality to the device, but instead provides "behind-the-scenes improvements to system performance." Translation: Several DSi flash cartridges, which enable the use of homebrew or pirated software, have been blocked.

According to GBAtemp.net, the affected carts include (but aren't necessarily limited to) the Acekard 2i, Supercard DSTwo, M3i Zero, iPlayer and DSTTi. A handful of carts are reportedly unaffected by the update, including the EZ-Flash Vi, iSmart DS and Hyper R4i.

And thus the cycle begins anew, with hackers diligently hacking away at Nintendo's new anti-piracy efforts (which didn't take too long last time). Joystiq does not condone piracy, but flash cartridges also have plenty of legal, entertaining uses. For example, did you know the DS makes a handy SCUMM emulator?

JoystiqDSi firmware 1.4.1U update blocks certain flash carts originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.4.1UdsdsifirmwarehomebrewnintendopiracyWed, 08 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flashboy Plus breathes life into Virtual Boy (yes, you red that right)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/27/flashboy-plus-breathes-life-into-virtual-boy-yes-you-red-that/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/27/flashboy-plus-breathes-life-into-virtual-boy-yes-you-red-that/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/27/flashboy-plus-breathes-life-into-virtual-boy-yes-you-red-that/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We apologize that we can't deliver this post to you in glorious red monochrome 3D. Unfortunately, that technology hasn't been invented yet and hopefully never will be. So here in boring old 2D, we bring you news that Nintendo's unloved offspring, the Virtual Boy, is back. Well, sorta. It's back in the sense that someone has actually made a new flash cart that allows for homebrew devs to make games for it. (Or -- and this is never going to happen -- unscrupulous individuals to play pirated ROMS on it.)

That "someone" is Richard Hutchinson and the something he's built is the Flashboy Plus. Hutchinson introduced the original Flashboy back in 2007; the Plus model, costing $130 and already sold out until late this year, can store one game and has battery backup for a single save slot. (Swap games and that save state gets wiped, too.)

We know it's a long shot, but perhaps this device will lead to fan ports of 3DS games to the superior Virtual Boy. Mark our words: Glasses-free 3D is a fad; nothing is more immersive than pressing your face into a sweaty eye hood for hours at a time.

JoystiqFlashboy Plus breathes life into Virtual Boy (yes, you red that right) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flash-cartflashboy-plushomebrewnintendorichard-hutchinsonvirtual-boyFri, 27 Aug 2010 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Unofficial Smash Bros. Brawl rebalancing update released]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/unofficial-super-smash-bros-brawl-rebalancing-update-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/unofficial-super-smash-bros-brawl-rebalancing-update-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/unofficial-super-smash-bros-brawl-rebalancing-update-released/#commentsThe "Balanced Brawl" project, first announced in 2009, aimed to fix Super Smash Bros. Brawl by removing overpowered combos and exploitable moves and by altering individual characters to improve the competitive balance. It was an impressive project then, and it's been made even more impressive by the fact that you can make use of it in your own copy of the game right now -- without having to install the Homebrew Channel or permanently hack your Wii.

The development team has implemented a clever mechanism that loads the Balanced Brawl files from an SD card. You just have to download the files to a card (and remove all your saved custom Brawl stages), pop it in the system and launch the Stage Builder mode -- the loader will automatically take over from there. If you're interested in having a Balanced Brawl party, we suggest throwing one soon, before Nintendo releases a firmware update to block the unlicensed balancing act.

[Thanks, Kyle]

JoystiqUnofficial Smash Bros. Brawl rebalancing update released originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balanced-brawlfightinghackhomebrewmodNintendorebalancingsd-cardssbbsuper-smash-bros-brawlupdateWiiMon, 19 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Smile! Fatal Frame 4 fan translation available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/18/smile-fatal-frame-4-fan-translation-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/18/smile-fatal-frame-4-fan-translation-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/18/smile-fatal-frame-4-fan-translation-available/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A dedicated team of homebrewers has done what Nintendo and Tecmo never did: translate Fatal Frame IV. A team at Fatal Frame fansite Beyond the Camera's Lens has released a patch that swaps out the Japanese text in the Tecmo/Nintendo/Grasshopper Manufacture-developed Fatal Frame IV: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse with its own translated English text and allows the Japanese disc to be loaded in other regions' Wiis. The best part? It runs from an SD card on any Wii -- no matter which region, and without the need for modding.

We suspect sites like Play-Asia and YesAsia are about to experience a significant increase in the number of orders for this 2008 survival horror game.

[Thanks, Antares Meketa!]

JoystiqSmile! Fatal Frame 4 fan translation available originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fatal-Frame-4Fatal-Frame-4-Mask-of-the-Lunar-EclipseGrasshopper-ManufacturehomebrewmodNintendoSurvival-HorrorTecmotranslationWiiMon, 18 Jan 2010 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Spanish judge throws out criminal case against DS flash cart seller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/spanish-judge-throws-out-criminal-case-against-ds-flash-cart-sel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/spanish-judge-throws-out-criminal-case-against-ds-flash-cart-sel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/spanish-judge-throws-out-criminal-case-against-ds-flash-cart-sel/#comments
[Image Credit] Judge D. Gregorio Alvarez Alvarez of Salamanca, Spain, dismissed a complaint brought by Nintendo against Grupo Movilquick, which sells the DSTT flash cart in Spain. The judge ruled that though the device does circumvent Nintendo's DRM, and can be used for piracy, it can also be used to extend the functionality of the DS in other, legal ways -- such as, according to Google's translation of the judge's statement, "backing up original games or other various functions such as managing photos, music or performance of (free software)."

The judge notes that Nintendo might still have grounds for a civil lawsuit if it can be proven that the DSTT infringes on a Nintendo industrial design patent. But his ruling is a far cry from the usual "flash carts are piracy machines" rhetoric that (understandably) angry companies like Nintendo perpetuate.
[Via GamePolitics]

JoystiqSpanish judge throws out criminal case against DS flash cart seller originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsttflash-cartflashcarthomebrewpiracyspainMon, 23 Nov 2009 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Banned PSN player sues Nintendo and Microsoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/banned-psn-player-sues-nintendo-and-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/banned-psn-player-sues-nintendo-and-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/20/banned-psn-player-sues-nintendo-and-microsoft/#comments After being banned from the PlayStation Network for hateful comments stated in Resistance's online community, Erik Estavillo launched not one, but two, lawsuits against Sony for infringing on his "first amendment rights" -- an argument that was shot down by Judge Ronald Whyte simply because "Sony is not part of the government."

However, what Estavillo lacks in civil online discourse, he makes up for with sheer determination and persistence. In addition to Sony, he now has both Microsoft and Nintendo in his sights. Estavillo is seeking $75,000 from Microsoft for the "undue stress" and "sadness" caused by his Xbox 360's RROD. "Microsoft should have to bear the burden that is now put on the shoulders of this disabled plaintiff," his claim states -- a burden that is equivalent to the sum of 375 Xbox 360 systems, apparently. Nintendo is being sued for interfering with Estavillo's "pursuit of happiness." And how exactly is Nintendo doing that? "Deleting, blocking or prohibiting the Homebrew Channel and Ocarina applications" via a system update.

We're hoping you can see the sheer brilliance of Estavillo's strategy. He's offering the perfect opportunity for PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo fans to agree on something for once.

JoystiqBanned PSN player sues Nintendo and Microsoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>erik-estavillohomebrewlawsuitmicrosoftnintendorrodWiixbox-360Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony to release 'non-game' dev kits in Q2 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/sony-to-release-non-game-dev-kits-in-q2-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/sony-to-release-non-game-dev-kits-in-q2-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/sony-to-release-non-game-dev-kits-in-q2-2010/#comments
Already, various non-game applications can be found on both the PS3 and PSP. From Skype to VidZone, the XMB now plays home to a variety of services. Going forward, it appears Sony will open the PlayStation platform further with the introduction of "non-game" development kits in the middle of next year.

Last night's 6.20 firmware update for PSP lays down the framework for additional non-gaming content. The PSP update adds a new category to the XMB called "Extras," which allows users to launch the web browser to download third-party apps on the PSP. The PlayStation Network Digital Comics Reader is the first official "Extra" to appear on the XMB, with more sure to come in 2010.

A wide release of non-game dev kits may attract the active homebrew community to release official programs on the PSP and PS3. We'll be chatting with SCEA soon to get further details. Until then, we'll be dreaming of a native YouTube application for our PSPs.

[Via VG247]
Congratulations to StevenMichael on being the first to comment. You've been emailed a free Battlefield: Bad Company 2 beta code. Click here, for more information on this giveaway. Official rules apply.

JoystiqSony to release 'non-game' dev kits in Q2 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-kitdevelopmenthomebrewnon-gameplaystation-networkpsnsonyThu, 19 Nov 2009 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP Go hacked and homebrew-enabled, becomes Sega CD Go]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/psp-go-hacked-and-homebrew-enabled-becomes-sega-cd-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/psp-go-hacked-and-homebrew-enabled-becomes-sega-cd-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/psp-go-hacked-and-homebrew-enabled-becomes-sega-cd-go/#comments Some folks measure the length of time it takes for a new console to be hacked wide open by how long it takes to display a "Hello, World!" message. For us, that metric is determined by how long it takes to get a Sega CD emulator running on the system. For the PSP Go, that period of time has been finalized: 43 long, lonely, Night Trap-less days.

A YouTube video by "Neon" from "Team Typhoon" (is that some sort of gang?) appears to prove that on some PSP Go, somewhere in the world, one can play Sonic CD. Don't get your hopes up -- the video's annotations repeatedly promise that the hack will not be released to the general public, so for the time being, you're going to have to keep playing that old copy of Wirehead on your clunky, Voltron-esque home console. Still, our heart swells knowing that our wildest dreams are possible -- if not slightly out of reach.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Continue reading PSP Go hacked and homebrew-enabled, becomes Sega CD Go

JoystiqPSP Go hacked and homebrew-enabled, becomes Sega CD Go originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackshomebrewmodpsp-gosega-cdsonicsonyThu, 12 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Quickdev16 cart opens up wonderful world of SNES homebrew]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/quickdev16-cart-opens-up-wonderful-world-of-snes-homebrew/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/quickdev16-cart-opens-up-wonderful-world-of-snes-homebrew/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/quickdev16-cart-opens-up-wonderful-world-of-snes-homebrew/#comments Has your homebrew SNES masterpiece, Secret of Manilow, been trapped within your computer for a decade or so due to technological restraints? Time to dust off your old ROM file -- the Quickdev16 SNES developer cartridge has all you need to get your brainchild up and running on Nintendo's Super console. The cart includes an Atmel AVR ATmega644 with boot loader, a USB connection with which to upload a ROM, 16 megabits of SRAM, and an RS232 converter.

We're assuming that if you possess the technical know-how to craft custom SNES games, then you probably know what all that stuff means. We're also assuming that you'd be more inclined to pony up for the cart's $120 price tag than we are. That's just a tad too steep for an SNES cart -- or rather, an SNES cart that isn't a sealed, mint condition copy of Chrono Trigger.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqQuickdev16 cart opens up wonderful world of SNES homebrew originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adapteremulationhackhomebrewmodquickdev16romsnesMon, 26 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Modders create DS Bluetooth adapter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/modders-create-ds-bluetooth-adapter/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/modders-create-ds-bluetooth-adapter/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/modders-create-ds-bluetooth-adapter/#commentsA team of hardware modders has created a DS cartridge that allows the system to interface with devices using Bluetooth. Since it's a Slot-1 cartridge (and thus fills the space normally occupied by DS games), the DS Bluetooth cartridge isn't going to be of much use in games, homebrew or otherwise, but it does allow the system to "scan its neighbourhood and establish connections to other Bluetooth devices."

Using the API provided by the team, homebrew users should be able to write custom software to interface with any device that uses Bluetooth, from phones to GPS to ... PS3 controllers? The device sells for €59, but the open-source-friendly team released full schematics so you can build your own.

[Via OhGizmo]

JoystiqModders create DS Bluetooth adapter originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothds-bruthomebrewTue, 20 Oct 2009 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Looks like DSi firmware 1.4 is defeated already]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/looks-like-dsi-firmware-1-4-is-defeated-already/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/looks-like-dsi-firmware-1-4-is-defeated-already/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/06/looks-like-dsi-firmware-1-4-is-defeated-already/#commentsThe site for the R4i DSi flash cart posted a video (see it after the break) demonstrating what appears to be the R4i running on a DSi system with the 1.4 firmware. You know, the firmware that was released not even a week ago, and removed flash cart compatibility? Yeah, that one. The video demonstrates a retail game ROM, which is not particularly awesome, but does serve as evidence of flash cart compatibility. The site currently doesn't mention whether this is accomplished through an R4i firmware update or through new hardware. We'll find out more as more flash carts pick up on whatever technique is in use.

If 1.4 has truly been defeated, homebrew users will be able to upload photos to Facebook and play Magnetic Shaving Derby! Magical.

[YouTube video via GBATemp]

Continue reading Looks like DSi firmware 1.4 is defeated already

JoystiqLooks like DSi firmware 1.4 is defeated already originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsifirmwarehomebrewpiracyr4r4iThu, 06 Aug 2009 18:14:00 EST<![CDATA[DSi Facebook update available in Europe, also blocks homebrew]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/dsi-facebook-update-available-in-europe-also-blocks-homebrew/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/dsi-facebook-update-available-in-europe-also-blocks-homebrew/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/dsi-facebook-update-available-in-europe-also-blocks-homebrew/#commentsThe good news: DSi firmware 1.4 is now available in Europe, bringing the Facebook photo uploading capability along with it, according to an announcement by Nintendo. If you want to snap pics from your DSi and upload them to Facebook (after altering them with the DSi's image manipulation stuff, if you like), awesome!

The bad news: DSi firmware 1.4 blocks flash carts. If you've been using an Acekard2i or a DSTTi to run homebrew on your DSi, you should probably not download it. If, on the other hand, you've been using a DSi flash cart to play retail games, we encourage you to update immediately. Gotta have Facebook, right?

JoystiqDSi Facebook update available in Europe, also blocks homebrew originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsieuropefacebookfirmwareflash-carthomebrewThu, 30 Jul 2009 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Fan gets Sonic CD running on iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/fan-gets-sonic-cd-running-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/fan-gets-sonic-cd-running-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/fan-gets-sonic-cd-running-on-iphone/#commentsYesterday, Sega solicited ideas for games to bring to the iPhone platform. Well, here's a suggestion, with a visual aid: How about Sonic CD?

Using a custom engine called the "Retro Software Development Kit," Christian Whitehead put together a demo of Sonic CD running on the iPhone. It looks pretty much like Sonic CD, which is impressive considering that he rebuilt the game from scratch rather than porting the original source (except, presumably, for graphics). In fact, just about the only problem we can see from the demo is outside of Whitehead's control -- the fact that the iPhone doesn't have any buttons.

A note was posted yesterday to the Sega Twitter account indicating that the company had been made sufficiently aware of the demo, with the PR rep promising to "bring it up at our brainstorming meeting." Hopefully the ideas brought up at this brainstorming meeting don't include suing this guy.

[Thanks, cuteSAVAGE!]

JoystiqFan gets Sonic CD running on iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Applechristian-whiteheadhomebrewiPodsonicsonic-cdThu, 30 Jul 2009 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's Net Yaroze homebrew PS1 development community shutting down]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/sonys-net-yaroze-homebrew-ps1-development-community-shutting-do/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/sonys-net-yaroze-homebrew-ps1-development-community-shutting-do/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/29/sonys-net-yaroze-homebrew-ps1-development-community-shutting-do/#commentsIf you've been feverishly coding away on a PlayStation 1 game for the past, say, eleven years in the hope of becoming the next Devil Dice, you should go ahead and shelve the project. Next month, Sony will finally shut down the European server for the Net Yaroze project.

The Net Yaroze is a special black PlayStation console that allowed homebrew developers to run their own code on the system, interfacing with a computer via a serial connection. The mail-order-only system also included development software. Sony's servers allowed Yaroze users to discuss PlayStation development and even share their creations.

"We plan to make a copy of the site available for our original members," said SCEE's Paul Holman, who also said that some kind of get-together would be held for the Yaroze development community, all of whom are now left with nothing but extremely rare PlayStations.

JoystiqSony's Net Yaroze homebrew PS1 development community shutting down originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homebrewnet-yarozesceeSony-Computer-Entertainment-EuropeMon, 29 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Homebrew: This is what Patapon on DS looks like]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/homebrew-this-is-what-patapon-on-ds-looks-like/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/homebrew-this-is-what-patapon-on-ds-looks-like/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/homebrew-this-is-what-patapon-on-ds-looks-like/#comments Anyone who has heard of PSP knows of Patapon. It's one of the most popular titles on that platform and is quite a unique and engaging experience. But, what if you're a DS owner; how will you get in on the action? Well, seeing as Patapon is a first-party Sony title, you won't ever see it on DS ... not without the help of the homebrew community, anyhow.

Apparently, someone called E-eragon is working on a DS version of Patapon, looking to upgrade the original title to include stylus controls. Tiny Cartridge discovered a clip of E-eragon's work (posted after the break), and though it doesn't look as smooth as the original, it is by far a rather good-looking copy. Check out the game before Sony slams the law book on this one.

Continue reading Homebrew: This is what Patapon on DS looks like

JoystiqHomebrew: This is what Patapon on DS looks like originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homebrewpataponTue, 02 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guy runs Windows 95 on Wii, wonders why]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/guy-runs-windows-95-on-wii-wonders-why/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/guy-runs-windows-95-on-wii-wonders-why/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/guy-runs-windows-95-on-wii-wonders-why/#comments
Using a Wii version of the open source DOS emulator DOSbox, a Wii homebrew devotee has managed to get Windows 95 running on the console -- if your definition of "running" is "working, but just barely." In fact, the boot process spans most of two YouTube videos, which the author admits have been edited for brevity. (It takes upwards of 13 minutes just to see the taskbar.)

You're probably asking yourself, "What's the point?" and "Why even try?" Well, to prove it can be done, of course. But even the one who did it -- while providing instructions on how to replicate the process -- advises against following in his footsteps, saying, "I did it and now I can move on to more productive things." But, hey, you could be doing worse things with the system. Waste your time with videos of Wiindows 95 in sort-of action after the break!

Continue reading Guy runs Windows 95 on Wii, wonders why

JoystiqGuy runs Windows 95 on Wii, wonders why originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 May 2009 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dosboxhackhomebrewmicrosoftwindows-95Tue, 26 May 2009 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo convinces eBay and Amazon to ban DS flashcarts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/nintendo-convinces-ebay-and-amazon-to-ban-ds-flashcarts/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/nintendo-convinces-ebay-and-amazon-to-ban-ds-flashcarts/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/nintendo-convinces-ebay-and-amazon-to-ban-ds-flashcarts/#commentsNintendo has announced that it has reached an agreement with Amazon and eBay through which the shopping sites will prohibit the sale of the R4 and other DS flashcarts.

"Nintendo is pleased with the co-operation it has received from both eBay and Amazon to prevent the sales of game copying devices," Nintendo's global head of anti-piracy, Jodie Daughtery told MCV. eBay has actually pulled auctions for copying devices for years (presumably as an "item encouraging illegal activity), so if there is a policy update, it involves even more vigilant policing of auctions.

Amazon UK games director Chris Poad told MCV that Amazon has a "notice and take down" process for its third-party Marketplace. "So where a third party believes that their IP has been infringed, they can highlight it and we can take it down. This is what happened in the case of the R4."

Now Nintendo just has the rest of the Internet to deal with in its efforts to curtail DS piracy (and, as an extremely unfortunate side effect, homebrew).

JoystiqNintendo convinces eBay and Amazon to ban DS flashcarts originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 May 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonDSebayflashcarthomebrewNintendopiracyr4Fri, 22 May 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New FPS on the way -- for Dreamcast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/new-fps-on-the-way-for-dreamcast/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/new-fps-on-the-way-for-dreamcast/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/new-fps-on-the-way-for-dreamcast/#commentsThink The Conduit is the biggest Sega first-person-shooter news this year? ... You're right. But it's not the only Sega-related FPS being published on an unexpected platform. A team of homebrewers is working on a game called Hypertension for Windows, Linux ... and Dreamcast. Great news for all of you who just bought the system!

Hypertension is a reimagining of Blood, made in the Doom-based EDGE engine. The use of fairly antiquated technology, and source material, seem appropriate for a game being released on a console that came out in 1999 After the break, you can see some footage of the current alpha version of Hypertension, which is looking very Doomy. TDGMods has yet to specify a release date for the game, but it's not like there's a rush at this point. The Dreamcast will still be old.

[Via Sega Nerds]

Continue reading New FPS on the way -- for Dreamcast

JoystiqNew FPS on the way -- for Dreamcast originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 May 2009 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dreamcastfpshomebrewhypertensionsegaMon, 18 May 2009 20:10:00 EST<![CDATA['Super Monkey Kong' renders Donkey Kong in LEDs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/16/super-monkey-kong-renders-donkey-kong-in-leds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/16/super-monkey-kong-renders-donkey-kong-in-leds/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/16/super-monkey-kong-renders-donkey-kong-in-leds/#commentsThe Meggy Jr. is a build-it-yourself handheld console with a striking 8x8 LED display, programmed using the open-source Arduino platform. Somehow, clever game designers have managed to shoehorn playable, fun video games into that astoundingly low-resolution display (which, to use TV terms, would be "8p").

Programmer Steven Read has now created "the world's first LED Donkey Kong video game" for the device. The graphics are, naturally, scaled down, and each level now spans multiple screens, but Super Monkey Kong retains the essence of Donkey Kong -- climbing girders and avoiding barrels and fireballs. It even adds a bit of complexity. At the top of the level, you have to jump up and headbutt "Monkey Kong" in the LED beanbag five times to win. Unfortunately, like the NES version, this one lacks the cement factory level.

See Super Monkey Kong for yourself at Read's site.

[Via GameSetWatch]

Joystiq'Super Monkey Kong' renders Donkey Kong in LEDs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinodonkey-konghomebrewledmeggy-jrsteven-readsuper-monkey-kongThu, 16 Apr 2009 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bob's (playable) Game: Homebrew demo released]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/bobs-playable-game-homebrew-demo-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/bobs-playable-game-homebrew-demo-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/bobs-playable-game-homebrew-demo-released/#commentsWe're a bit shocked to see that Robert Pelloni has done something in relation to Bob's Game other than release fake news. In fact, the release of a real, playable demo goes a long way in our minds toward faking an alien abduction. Maybe. At the very least, it's finally something we can believe -- who could ever tell if anything Bob (or the character "Bob") said was real?

The demo is an NDS file and thus requires either a flash cart or a DS emulator. The Bob's Game website says that the game works in NO$GBA. Now here's the really freaky part: we haven't loaded it up yet, but based on early reports from sites like Infendo, it's ... pretty cool! Bob seems to be delivering on the idea of a game about growing up with Nintendo, combining a real-world RPG about "Bob" with Retro Game Challenge-style, Nintendo-inspired minigames.

[Thanks, Sean!]

JoystiqBob's (playable) Game: Homebrew demo released originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bobs-gamehomebrewretrorobert-pellonirpgTue, 31 Mar 2009 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Waninkoko's Wii USB loader demoed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/waninkokos-wii-usb-loader-demoed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/waninkokos-wii-usb-loader-demoed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/waninkokos-wii-usb-loader-demoed/#comments
Following a significant Wii menu update from Nintendo, Waninkoko has revealed footage of its new USB Loader software in action. Using any USB storage device in combination with the software allows gamers to play their "legal game backup collection."

While the software isn't currently available, a pre-release version has ironically been leaked but is said to be unusable for the time being. However, footage of the software in action (found after the break) shows the current release does work. Of course, as our sister site Engadget notes, we are inching up on April Fool's Day so the entire thing could really be too good to be true. But all signs from forum crawlers point to Waninkoko's software as the real deal.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Waninkoko's Wii USB loader demoed

JoystiqWaninkoko's Wii USB loader demoed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homebrewpreviewusb-loaderwaninkokoMon, 30 Mar 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii System Menu updated to 3.5 in Korea]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/05/wii-system-menu-updated-to-3-5-in-korea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/05/wii-system-menu-updated-to-3-5-in-korea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/05/wii-system-menu-updated-to-3-5-in-korea/#commentsA preview of what's on the way for the rest of the world: four months after 3.4, Nintendo has sent out Wii System Menu version 3.5 in Korea. The specific feature changes are as yet unknown, but in terms of security updates, it includes IOS254 code, which, like IOS9, blocks the use of the PatchMii program (a custom update manager tool).

The new menu apparently adds some kind of updates to the Shop Channel, and adds a "Region Select Channel," which the Wiibrew wiki suggests is nowhere near as exciting as it sounds. Until we find out for certain that this somehow blocks new installations of the Homebrew Channel, or removes existing ones, we're going to refrain from panicking. And even in that case, we don't mind waiting a week or so for someone to fix it.

JoystiqWii System Menu updated to 3.5 in Korea originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.5homebrewhomebrew-channelkoreasystem-menuupdateThu, 05 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Japan court bans sale of DS homebrew-enabling R4 flash carts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/27/japan-court-bans-sale-of-ds-homebrew-enabling-r4-flash-carts/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/27/japan-court-bans-sale-of-ds-homebrew-enabling-r4-flash-carts/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/27/japan-court-bans-sale-of-ds-homebrew-enabling-r4-flash-carts/#comments The Tokyo District Court placed an injunction on the Chinese cart manufacturers who make the R4 today, making it illegal to sell the cartridge in Japan. It has already disappeared from shops and Nintendo, Capcom, and Square Enix have all come forward with their support. These companies haven't ceased their efforts yet, however, as they've vowed to continue pursuing those responsible for similar devices.

R4 carts, along with other flash carts, allow users to run homebrew (and pirated) material on their DS or DS Lite (no dice on the upcoming DSi, folks). If this is all still over your head, then check out our guide to homebrew on the DS right here.

[Via Eurogamer]

JoystiqJapan court bans sale of DS homebrew-enabling R4 flash carts originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSflash-carthomebrewjapanNintendor4r4-cartFri, 27 Feb 2009 10:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Supersonic Wii: Classic music game revived through homebrew]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/02/supersonic-wii-classic-music-game-revived-through-homebrew/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/02/supersonic-wii-classic-music-game-revived-through-homebrew/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/02/supersonic-wii-classic-music-game-revived-through-homebrew/#commentsFiled under:

We miss Harmonix's pre-Guitar Hero games FreQuency and Amplitude. Well, we don't miss them -- we've got them right here on the shelf -- but we're sad that Harmonix's plastic-instrument games got so ridiculously popular and the company left its more complex, musically varied series behind.

Aaron Lindsay and Kevin Dodge, rather than just writing wistful blog posts about the defunct series, have created a homebrew "tribute" to Amplitude on the Wii. Supersonic Wii: Winter Edition, submitted to the Drunkencoders Winter Compo, is a pretty accurate imitation of Amplitude, right down to the typeface. In Supersonic, as in Amplitude, various instruments in a song correspond to "tracks" on the game field, and players must complete measures on each track, quickly jumping from track to track to maintain combos.

The game features nine songs, and is totally free! Provided you can run Wii homebrew, of course. If not, there's potentially some cost involved with the setup. Check after the break for gameplay footage!

[Via 4cr]

Continue reading Supersonic Wii: Classic music game revived through homebrew

JoystiqSupersonic Wii: Classic music game revived through homebrew originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amplitudeharmonixhomebrewmusicrhythmsupersonicMon, 02 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Homebrewing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/wii-warm-up-homebrewing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/wii-warm-up-homebrewing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/wii-warm-up-homebrewing/#commentsFiled under:


It's been awhile since we've talked about homebrew. How many of you are doing it? What are your favorite homebrew applications for the Wii? Do you enjoy the original homebrew games, or have you been using homebrew for something else? How many of you are enjoying homebrew on the Wii?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Homebrewing originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homebrewhomebrew-channelWed, 17 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Homebrew Channel turns 1.0]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/wii-homebrew-channel-turns-1-0/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/wii-homebrew-channel-turns-1-0/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/wii-homebrew-channel-turns-1-0/#commentsFiled under: ,


Despite continuing efforts on Nintendo's part to thwart its installation, the Wii Homebrew Channel - which, as its name implies, enables the use of legal, homebrew games and apps on Wii - soldiers on, with development now hitting the version 1.0 milestone.

The big 1.0 brings a slew of changes, updates, and fixes, including support for multiple Wiimotes, the Wiimote's power button, the Classic Controller, and Nunchuk. If you're curious about the Wii homebrew scene and want to try the channel out for yourself, check out this handy-dandy guide.

JoystiqWii Homebrew Channel turns 1.0 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackshomebrewhomebrew-channelWiiwii-homebrewWed, 10 Dec 2008 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[New Wii update targets modded save files, alters user agreement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/new-wii-update-targets-modded-save-files-alters-user-agreement/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/new-wii-update-targets-modded-save-files-alters-user-agreement/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/new-wii-update-targets-modded-save-files-alters-user-agreement/#commentsFiled under: ,

When dealing with new and apparently minor Wii updates, we always consider Nintendo's struggle against the homebrew community to be as futile as Arnold Schwarzenegger's barrage of attacks on the T-1000. The aggressive application of shotgun shells, grenades and liquid nitrogen tanks can do naught but delay the 'brew crew, always reassembling itself and slipping through the next exploitable crack*.

Aside from, once again, removing "unauthorized modifications to save files" (think: Twilight Hack), the 3.4 update alters the Wii's Network Services User Agreement, adds an "enhancement" to parental controls and enables compatible USB keyboards to be used with the Mii channel. Exciting!

[Via Nintendo Wii Fanboy]

*Of course, the T-1000 is defeated in the end ... but then Arnie tosses himself into a smelting pool. Hmm. Honestly, we didn't really think the comparison through. Does the lava represent core gamers?

JoystiqNew Wii update targets modded save files, alters user agreement originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HomebrewWiiWii-MenuWii-UpdateTue, 18 Nov 2008 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Homebrew Channel beta9 works with latest system update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/homebrew-channel-beta9-works-with-latest-system-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/homebrew-channel-beta9-works-with-latest-system-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/homebrew-channel-beta9-works-with-latest-system-update/#commentsFiled under: ,


Well, that was fast. That recent update that wouldn't allow users to install the Homebrew Channel? It's been bested, as the Homebrew Channel beta9 has been released. Among working with the latest update, beta9 also brings the following fixes to the table:
  • Installer / updater now works with the October 23 update
  • SDHC support
  • REALLY fixed the memcard bug
  • Installer now picks newest sane IOS, fixes some beta8 regressions
  • Added a reload button (for SD card changes)
  • Return to system menu skips warning
  • Fixed some graphical glitches
  • Saner XML load code
  • Many fixes to underlying stuff in the newer libogc
[Via /.]

The homebrew community is doing nifty things with the Wii. Have you learned how to play DVDs on your console yet? Or read about the app that lets you play games from other regions? What about getting Goldeneye to run on Wii? Alternatively, you could just use homebrew to get your cheat on.

JoystiqHomebrew Channel beta9 works with latest system update originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beta9homebrewhomebrew-channelsystem-updatesystemupdateupdateMon, 27 Oct 2008 14:29:00 EST