Ye Olde FAQ

Hi. Retro R Us is a group of game-loving folks with enough skill and experience to make great modded products.

We very unintentionally got into modding while our founder Gonga was building a Wii and GameCube collection. He saw poorly executed Wii’s being sold, and figured he’d try his hand for fun. A year later, we’re up to 4 consoles, a website, and plans to greatly expand.

The value of our consoles is similar to the value of a new console straight from the manufacturer: highly polished, guaranteed quality, full usage guides, professional support and service, and free future updates.

We’re not some guys trying to make a quick buck. We want to take the uncertainty out of buying modded consoles from random online folks. We aim to build a community where everyone can freely interact and learn without being judged. 

We spent months researching, developing, testing, and polishing each build. No stone was left unturned: every worthwhile system is included, every title upgraded, customized, or maximized, and every useful app and plugin included. And then we retested everything again.

Some folks think we’re taking advantage of you because “anyone can do this”, but as you might already know, it’s a pain in the ass and can go wrong a hundred different ways. Owning a great modded console shouldn’t be locked behind technical proficiency and elbow grease.

Short answer: Technically, but the risk for you is practically zero.

Real answer: Because the consoles and almost all the games are discontinued and are no longer commercially available (even the download-only games), “stealing” these games results in no loss of revenue to any of the creators. This means no-one cares and no-one with any authority is watching. The selling platforms might poke their heads up, but they almost exclusively focus on the seller, not the buyer.

Short answer: A gaming system that has been modified (“hacked”, “jailbroken”) to play gaming systems it normally can’t, and from digital files instead of cartridges or discs.

Real answer: A gaming system that has its core software (called firmware) modified to allow non-standard software to run. This new software allows us to install emulators to play other systems, create apps with new functions, and bypass outdated software or disabled functionality to increase the useability of the console.

Short answer: It is the software that replaces your console’s official firmware (OFW) to allow other software to run (referred to as homebrew software). It’s essentially the core programming that makes your system what it is, and it’s protected from easy access.

Real answer: Most of you know what a BIOS is for PC’s. What you may not know is that it’s actually the  firmware for your computer. It just has a fancy acronym. So when we install custom firmware on your gaming console, we’re essentially replacing the “BIOS” with our own version.

This new “BIOS” allows us to modify the operating system (the “Windows” of your console) so that we can install software your original system could not. This is the foundation of a modded console.

This is done using an “exploit”, by finding a weakness in the programs that come installed on the console by default. Since all of my consoles are discontinued, the software is no longer supported and updated, meaning once a weakness is discovered, they will never be fixed by Sony or Nintendo.

Short answer: No, but reverting back to official firmware can be risky for some systems.

Real answer: All consoles can have their OFW restored, and the risk to the console is low to nonexistant. That being said, some have a higher risk than others, and usually have a specific process to minimize it.

Short answer: Software “made at home.” These are the apps and plugins that do all the fun things only a modded console can do, created by uber-talented hobbyists with no intent on profit.

Real answer: Homebrew is the whole reason for CFW. Besides gaming emulators, you have theme customization, game cheats, save file manipulation, re-enabled online gaming, replacing discontinued applications and services, game hacks, and wayyy more. We’ve chosen the best, safest and most-supported options available.

Short answer: Yes!

Real answer: All of our systems are able to play online without issue or fear of detection. Many of the official servers are shut down, but we’ve provided alternate solutions for all of them, even the GameCube ones!

Short answer: We’re not developers, so we can’t port anything ourselves, but there are apps that will allow you to play PC games you normally couldn’t on the handhelds (but not the Wii, and it’s not recommended for the O3DS).

Real answer: If you’re an avid PC gamer, chances are you have a nice Steam collection. With the app Moonlight (or on the PSP, PSPdisp), you can connect to your computer via the internet and stream your games directly to your system! This means the games use your computer to run, so you can play anything your PC could. 

To make it work, both your console and your PC need a good internet connection, and the games need to be installed before you can play them, but beyond that the programs work fairly well once set up correctly. though it takes some finessing to get a controller to sub for a mouse and keyboard.

If you’re interested in exploring this, please reach out. 

Short answer: Definitely be aware, but just like a computer, don’t be stupid or gullible and you’ll be fine.

Real answer: If you decide to try out new apps, plugins or other homebrew, try to get them from the sites we provide or from reputable sources.

Reddit is not a reputable source. It’s a starting point at best, do your research and watch for compatibility issues.

Bad software can permanently brick your console (which means ruin it so completely, the only use it will have is as a brick), but that’s unlikely to happen if you play it smart and safe. Always reach out to us first if you’re concerned about something you’re about to do.

Short answer: For Nintendo, the cards included are the maximum size each console can run and remain fully stable. For Sony, it’s more about trading off loading speed and card size.

Real answer: The Wii has 256GB, the PSP and 3DS 128GB, and the Vita 256GB with the option for a second 256GB card.

Cards larger than these still work these systems, but you will also start getting errors, game crashes, and general instability that you can normally avoid. Over time, this can lead to software corruption and other issues that require starting over. The Sony consoles do better than Nintendo, particularly the Vita, but they will still have an increase in problems.

The main reason to avoid larger cards is loading times: loading times go way up as the size increases. As it is, they already take some time to get started. We chose our card capacities as the best middle ground between library size and  speed, and gave you the ability to customize it easily when you want. 

Short answer: Of course. But do you REALLY want to discover the ugly truth that the standards of “fun” have far surpassed what Pong can give you, ruining that beautiful nostalgic memory you have?

Real answer: There are far more systems excluded than included on our consoles. The simple truth is that the Sega Game Gear, Atari Lynx, Commodore 64, Colecovision, Neo Geo and the 30 other systems that can be emulated are, at best, a quick trip down memory lane. 

The games of these systems are either too basic to be considered fun anymore, or the library was too underdeveloped to have many worthwhile titles. I know there’s a few games buried in the heap that have value, and there’s even a “great” or two in there. But anyone who’s that into gaming history probably doesn’t have a need for our services.

If you disagree, please reach out and convince us otherwise!

Short answer: The PS Vita. It’s powerful, versatile, and an overall badass machine. For the serious gamer.

Real answer: Okay, we know you Nintendo-heads are scoffing, and not without good reason: the DS and 3DS libraries have a ridiculous number of must-play games.

But the main weakness of the Nintendo game library is that they’re Nintendo games. Great as they are, there’s a certain “flavor” all of them inevitably have. They’re expected to be accessible, for most if not all ages, and graphics have to take a backseat due to the lower system power.

The strength of the Vita comes with the sheer variety of types, styles, and content of the games, not just in the Sony library but also in the types of consoles it can emulate, thanks to its impressive power.

In addition, adult-themed games are the rule, rather than the exception. Adult-themed Nintendo games are few and far between (and relatively sanitized to boot).

And since the Vita also has the entire capabilities of the PSP, it’s a no-brainer. If you don’t believe us, check the Vita page for a good run-down.

Get the Vita if:

• you’re a PlayStation gamer: God of War, Metal Gear, Uncharted, Persona, Grand Theft Auto, Final Fantasy, Need for Speed, Killzone, Jak & Daxter, Ratchet & Clank, etc.
• you’re an adult, looking for adult-leaning games (themes like violence, philosophy, extreme difficulty, some sexual content);
• you’re what some might call a “hardcore” gamer;
• RPGs and difficult games are your bread and butter;
• you want to experience a wide scope of game types: AAA titles, small indie developers, Japanese-style (JRPG, visual novels), classic and modern classic PC titles, roguelikes, retro, and many more;
• a bluetooth connection is important to you;
• you like your games with superior graphics.

Get the N2DS / N3DS if:

• you’re a Nintendo gamer: Mario, Mario Kart, Smash Bros, Paper Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, Animal Crossing, Yoshi’s Island, Fire Emblem, Kirby, etc;
• you want the true Pokemon experience;
• the 3D gimmick sounds like your cup of tea;
• you enjoy accessible but clever and innovative gameplay and mechanics over other game elements;
• you want a family-friendly hand-held;
• you’re more of a relaxed gamer;
• you want a higher resale value;
• you love the nostalgia only Nintendo products can give you.

Get the Vita if:

• you want a wider set of game types: AAA titles, small indie developers, Japanese-style (JRPG, visual novels), old and new PC titles, roguelikes, rcetro, and many more;
• you’re what some call a “hardcore” gamer;
• RPGs and difficult games are your bread and butter;
• you want to explore N64 and Dreamcast games;
• a bluetooth connection is important to you;
• you like your games with the best graphics possible.

Get the PSP if:

• you’re an American PlayStation gamer and that’s enough for you: God of War, Metal Gear, Uncharted, Persona 3, Grand Theft Auto, Final Fantasy, Need for Speed, Killzone, Jak & Daxter, Ratchet & Clank, etc;
• you want to be able to play DVDs as well as games.

Get the PSP if:

• you’re a PlayStation gamer: God of War, Metal Gear, Uncharted, Persona, Grand Theft Auto, Final Fantasy, Need for Speed, Killzone, Jak & Daxter, Ratchet & Clank, etc.
• you’re an adult, looking for adult-leaning games (themes like violence, philosophy, some sexual content);
• you like a variety of game types.

Get the N2DS / N3DS if:

• you’re a Nintendo gamer: Mario, Mario Kart, Smash Bros, Paper Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, Animal Crossing, Yoshi’s Island, Fire Emblem, Kirby, etc;
• you want the true Pokemon experience;
• the 3D gimmick sounds like your cup of tea;
• you enjoy accessible but clever and innovative gameplay and mechanics over other game elements;
• you want a family-friendly hand-held;
• you’re more of a relaxed gamer;
• you want a higher resale value;
• you love the nostalgia only Nintendo products can give you.

Besides the obvious difference of  portability…

Get the Wii if:

• you want full access to the rare and incomparable GameCube game library;
• you want to explore N64 and PlayStation games more fully;
• you want to play all the Rock Band and/or Guitar Hero games;
• the motion-sensor remote gimmick sounds like your cup of tea;
• you like the idea of all kinds of controller peripherals: gamepads, gun mounts, fitness boards, skateboards, sport clubs and racquets, drums, guitars, and more;
• you love party games and easy-to-start multiplayer games;
• you like your single-player games a bit more challenging.

Get the 2DS / 3DS if:

• you want to have the full Pokemon experience;
• the 3D gimmick sounds like your cup of tea;
• you want to be able to easily swap out games;
• you want a higher resale value;
• you’re more of a casual gamer.

Short answer: Besides getting twice the content, the system loads faster, runs smooth, and has better stability. It also frees up your cartridge slot, so you can still play original carts if you have a whim to do so. And you don’t need an OEM Sony flash memory card anymore, which are known to have a higher fail rate than standard cards.

Real answer: Only available on the 1100 model, we remove the 3G board inside and replace it with the PSVSD, which allows you to have an internal memory card, similar to the 2000 model.

Unlike the 2000 1GB, we use a high-quality 256GB card. This also eliminates the need for the OEM Sony flash memory card the OLED models require. It serves as the location for the base installation. The second 256GB SD card is added the same as the other models: in the cartridge slot via the SD2VITA, and it serves primarily as storage for the game files.

This setup provides numerous advantages:

The PSVSD is superior to the SD2Vita for the base installation: it’s more stable, loads files faster, and runs smoother.

The 256GBx2 setup is faster than a single 512GB (outside of the advantages of the PSVSD)

With our particular setup, we arranged the files so that the SD2VITA storage can be removed without causing your modding any harm. Every setup where the SD2VITA is used for the base installation, such as our 1000 and 2000 models, removing the card while the system is running will cause all sorts of havoc. 

Short answer: Yes.

Real answer: With our setup, the Sony servers can’t tell the difference from a OFW Vita, so all earned trophies will save to your account.

Short answer: Definitely intended for a mature audience. Violence is nocked all the way up to 10 on some games (and Manhunt 2 is off the chart). Content includes child death, murder, revenge, prostitution, extreme mental illness, etc. Profanity is typically present in those games only. Sexual themes are present, in Japanese “anime” style typically. Some take it further, and include nudity and graphic sexual content.

Real answer: The majority of games that have the graphic violence are the American games, particularly PSP and a few Vita.

Sexual themes and content is present in many PSV and PSP games, in particular Japanese anime-style games. God of War and Grand Theft Auto are of course the American exceptions.

If you prefer not to have those games, request to have them removed or delete them yourself.

Short answer: Not anymore, but there are other options.

Real answer: The standard streaming apps have all shut down on the Vita, and the browser is too dated to work correctly. However, that does not mean you have no options.

You can of course put video files directly on the Vita and play them, but if you want to save space, there’s Switchfin. 

This app allows you to stream videos from a Jellyfin client on your PC (similar to Plex). This means you have to have the video files downloaded and on a computer connected to a good internet connection, but it works quite well with the right set up.

 Send us a message if you’d like more information, as it’s not included in our build.

Short answer: The PS Vita is very easy to add new games to, with the exception of ported games: they require technical know-how and hard-to-get access to add.

Real answer: The Vita is very easy to work with: you simply connect to your computer via USB and transfer files back and forth. And for PSV, PSP, and PSX games, you only have to use the included PKGj software to download and install them directly.

Ported games, on the other hand, almost always require game files from either Android or Steam game installations, which are not easy to get unless you already own the games yourself. Some require special plugins or software, or have a unique process to play or install.

If you go for it, Reddit is actually a good starting place, but as always be careful of bad files or how-to’s that can ruin your system.

Short answer: Mostly, but it’s best to leave the setup as is unless an update fixes a serious issue you’re encountering. Reach out to confirm.

Real answer: Some of the included software has been specially modified by us to function differently than what the creators intended, so if you update them willy-nilly, it will overwrite those edits and the apps won’t have the same look or features I intended them to have. 

The two apps to leave alone are RetroFlow and QuickLaunch Installer, but I can show you how to work around that if you want.

In addition, some ported game mods don’t work with newer versions of the software, with no expected updates or support from the developers.

The operating system should not be updated – it’s designed to work as it is.

Short answer: On the single card setups, not without breaking your mods. The dual card setup allows you to do so.

Real answer: The game cartridge slot is occupied by the SD2VITA with your SD card on the single card builds. You can technically remove it and insert a game cartridge, but by doing so you break the modding connection. This forces the Vita to “rebuild”, which will break the file associations even if you try to reinsert it.

Even then it will still technically work, but your bubble-free layout will disappear and many plugins won’t load the way they should.

The dual card setup allows you to remove the cartridge SD, as long as you have no programs launched (games, homebrew, or apps). Once you’re done playing the cartridge game, eject it and replace the SD2VITA in the slot before doing anything else.

Short answer: Nope.

Real answer: Reverting a PS Vita is a relatively simple process, and there’s almost no possibility of bricking or other problems as long as you follow the process.

What, you don’t know how to Google?

Fine, but you only get the short-and-sweet.

VitaShell
An essential file management app with many powerful features. You will use this often.

VitaDeploy
The app that controls your CFW settings. You will not use this normally.

RetroFlow
The replacement to the ugly bubble homepage. Includes all your apps and games, organized and pretty. Everyday use.

QuickLaunch Installer
The app that allows us to customize your QuickLaunch area.

Adrenaline
A wrapper of the PSP operating system that operates exactly the same as if on a real PSP. Where PSP and PSX games are played.

PSV Shell
A simple plugin that controls your overclock settings, as well as displaying important information like FPS.

PKGj
A text-based program that allows you to download PSV, PSP, and PSX games directly from Sony servers, as well as DLC and updates. Decent download speeds.

VitaDB Downloader
A huge repository of tested and safe homebrew apps and games. Some require more work than just downloading, so read each carefully.

AutoPlugin II
A simple app that allows you to manage plugins for both the PSV and PSP side of things.

Custom Theme Manager
The app where you add and install customer themes.

rePatch reLoaded
The plugin that allows you to mod your PSV game files with custom content.

rePatch Manager
A simple tool that allows you to enable or disable PSV game mods and hacks you’ve downloaded.

Vita Save Manager
A save file management and manipulation app.

VitaGrafix
A plugin to enhance the visuals of select PSV games, such as increased resolution, framerates, etc.

VitaGrafix Configurator
A tool that allows you to customize the VitaGrafix settings of each game it’s enabled for.

PSVident
A tool to give you the tech specs of your console.

PIB Configuration Tool
A simple tool that enables key functionality for modded consoles. You will not use this.

Autoboot
The plugin that automatically launches RetroFlow.

PSP States
This plugin allows you to create save states for PSP, PSX, and PSP Mini games.

TempAR PSP
A plugin that allows cheats for PSP and PSX games.

GE Patch
A plugin similar to VitaGrafix, except for PSP games. Increases select game resolutions to the native Vita resolution. 

GTA Native Patch
The same plugin as GE Patch, specific to the GTA games on the PSP.

Per Game
A super-useful PSP plugin that allows you to enable other plugins on a per-game basis. Great for fixing compatibility issues.

Short answer: The PSP is so old, it is not able to connect to modern WiFi routers. The security settings are too advanced. As of 2025, new firmware updates means you can now connect like you normally would, but ONLY for modded consoles!

Real answer: To connect a OFW PSP, you have to reduce the security settings on the WiFi router it connects to.

Unfortunately, this meant that all devices had to use the lower security settings for access, increasing the possibility bad actors could compromise those devices and the network as a whole.

It is a bad idea to do that, so most simply did without an internet connection. Now you can have your cake and eat it too.

Short answer: The PSP is the easiest of all our systems to add new games to, using the included USB cable.

Real answer: The PSP is very easy to work with: you simply connect to your computer via USB and transfer files back and forth. And for PSP and PSX games, you only have to use the included PKGi software to download and install them directly.

Short answer: Yes.

Real answer: The ARK-4 software has a very easy-to-use update process that’s considered safe. The apps included are no longer under development so you won’t have to update them.

Short answer: 100%.

Real answer: The UMD drives are not affected by the modification process. The obvious exception to this is the PSP Go, as it does not have a UMD drive (digital only).

Short answer: Yes, there is a chance of bricking your console, but it is small.

Real answer: The only console that has a not-insignificant risk of bricking when reverting to OFW. We’ve never experienced it ourselves yet (having performed the process many times already), but others have noted it as a distinct possibility. 

However, since the resale value of a standard PSP is very low, there’s almost no good reason to revert.

What, you don’t know how to Google?

Fine, but you only get the short-and-sweet.

PKGi
This is a text-based program that allows you to download PSP, PSX and PSP Minis (plus DLC) directly to your PSP. They’re downloaded directly from Sony servers, so all files are safe and tested.

CM File Manager
This is a simple program: it allows you to browse all the files on your SD card, as well as deleting and moving them if the need arises. Useful for cleaning up unwanted games, etc.

HB Sorter
The PSP unfortunately does not allow you to organize the order games appear natively, the latest game you add will always be at the top. This program allows you to set whatever order you like.

Apollo Save Tool
This tool allows you to manipulate the save files for PSP and PSX games. You can add new ones, modify existing ones, and even download from a database.

PSP States
This plugin allows you to create save states for PSP, PSX, and PSP Mini games.

PSPIdent
A simple program that tells you the tech specs of your system.

ISO Tool
When you start adding games to your library, some DLC requires this program to connect them.

PSP FTPD
This allows you to transfer files to and from your PSP from an FTP server.

CXMB
This plugin allows custom-made themes to be installed.

Custom Home Mod
A plugin that expands the PSP home menu to include more functionality.

TempAR
A cheat plugin for PSP and PSX games.

Category Lite
A game category management plugin. Without this, the games category would just show all the games, all at once. No folders or other ability to organize.

Short answer: “Old” 3DS (O3DS) is the standard version of the consoles, “new” 3DS (N3DS) is the improved ones with better capabilities, but at a much higher cost.

Real answer: The N3DS systems are superior to the O3DS systems, but it may not be worth the cost for the benefits for you.

The CPU speed jumps from 268Mhz to 804Mhz, VRAM from 6MB to 10MB, the system memory from 128MB to 256MB, plus there’s a bigger L2 cache.

All that means is better performance across most games: higher framerates, smoother graphics, and improved textures. We’re also able to include PSX and N64 games.

However, the GPU is the same, which was already weak to begin with, and that’s a core aspect of gaming. The screen resolution is also the same. This led to only a few N3DS exclusive games being made (the important ones being Minecraft and Xenoblade Chronicles 3D), so the rest of the 3DS library is the same.

The 3DS effect is also improved, as it adapts to your face’s location relative the 3DS, making it easier to be comfortable while playing.

Short answer: Get the 2DS if you could care less about the 3D effect. If you want the most out of the games, get the 3DS.

Real answer: There’s no spec differences between the O2DS and O3DS or the N2DS and N3DS. If you struggle with 3D effects, you won’t be missing a whole lot with the 2DS, and you’ll save some serious $$$.

That being said, more than a few 3DS games have a superior experience with 3D enabled, particularly Nintendo-owned titles like Mario. It’s definitely more cinematic, if you can handle it.

Short answer: Yes, the standard screen type is TN, but some N3DS XL systems received IPS screens, completely at random. IPS is highly sought-after due to picture quality and higher viewing angles, but increases the cost.

Real answer: TN screens are a standard gaming screen due to their high refresh rate, making hectic on-screen graphics appear smooth. IPS screens lack a bit in that department, but have better color accuracy and depth, improved image quality, and wider viewing angles.

The 3DS system experience is best with IPS screens, but they are very difficult to find as the systems were not labeled. Only when hacked could you confirm what type of screens you have.

In addition, it could be the top or the bottom screen, or if you were “unicorn” lucky, both. The top screen provides the most benefit, as that is what you look at most of the time.

Short answer: The O2DS, O3DS, and N2DS are easy as pie, as long as you have a way to read SD cards on your computer. Amazon has very cheap USB adapters if not. The N3DS is a bit of a pain for all non-3DS or DSiWare games.

Real answer: All console models besides the N3DS have very-easy access to their SD cards, so you simply eject them, add and remove game files, and stick the card back in to get going. 

The N3DS SD card is hidden behind the bottom panel, which is very fragile and difficult to remove. The method we recommend requires use of FTP servers on your computer. It’s a bit advanced, though free to use.

All models use the hShop software to download and install new 3DS and DSiWare games, no SD card removal required. 

Short answer: 100%.

Real answer: For some reason, Nintendo does not have good “safeguards” in place for the modded 3DS, so you can update software, play online, and just about anything else without any risk.

Short answer: Yes.

Real answer: If you’d rather use a physical copy of a game, uninstall the copy of the game we included (if it’s already on there). The main advantage of this is many games can save files directly on the cartridge, so you can transfer them between 3DS consoles.

Short answer: No risk.

Real answer: Reverting a 3DS is a relatively simple process, and there’s almost no possibility of bricking or other problems.

What am I, Google?

Fine, but you only get the short-and-sweet.

Nimbus
A management tool for you Nintendo and Pretendo account, both used for online gaming.

Wumiibo
Amiibo are real-life toy figurines you use to enhance your gaming experiences on some games. You put it next to your 3DS and it communicates wirelessly. This app fakes it so you don’t miss out on content.

Universal Updater
The best respository of homebrew apps and games.

Anemone
Download and install custom themes and badges. 

Checkpoint
Save file management and manipulation for 3DS games.

NetPass
A replacement of StreetPass, which allows you to virtually socialize with other modded 3DS owners.

3DSIdent
This shows you a full breakdown of your 3DS in all its technogarble glory. 

Pokemon Bank
For Pokemon gamers. Allows you to trade Pokemon between 3DS and older console titles. 

Poke Transfer
Expands the functionality of Pokemon Bank. 

FBI
File browser and application installer. 

FTP 3DS
Allows you to FTP so you can transfer files wirelessly. 

Homebrew Launcher
Some homebrew apps don’t install directly to your 3DS and have to be launched from here instead. 

Short answer: As long as you received an original Wii console (RVL-001), yes you can, with the correct settings.

Real answer: The original Wii included ports on top of the console to plug in GameCube controllers. You can use these to plug in original wired controllers or the wireless Wavebird to play GameCube and other retro game systems.

GameCube games can require special setting adjustments at times for them to work properly, which is covered in the user guide you get on purchase.

You can also use GameCube memory cards, but the default settings is to use the SD card instead (there’s much more space). However, if you need a Wii game to read a GameCube file to import a save (such as Fire Emblem), you will need a physical card with the file saved to it! Message us if you have any questions about that.

Short answer: With a bit of patience and awarenesss, 100%.

Real answer: The only real issue you will have with using guitars and drums on the Wii is not with trying to connect, but knowing compatibility. If you don’t know already, instruments from one series may or may not work with the other series, or for that matter with other games in the same series. 

This has nothing to do with modding: it’s the way they were originally made. The best approach is to confirm the instruments you have (or intend to get) are compatible with the games you want to play. You’ll have to consider getting multiple types if you want to explore the full game catalog.

FYI, the one guitar to stay away from is the first Rock Band guitar. It is the least compatible of all.

Short answer: The game mod developers made them that way.

Real answer: The developers of these game mods made a point of not encouraging or condoning piracy, so for their games to launch properly, you have to have an original disc inserted in the Wii. Including these discs is the main reason why these are more expensive than other Wii editions.

Short answer: As long as you have an SD card reader, it’s very easy to update your library. If you don’t, USB adapters are very cheap on Amazon.

Real answer: Nearly all of the games on the Wii have to be transferred to the SD card from your computer, but beyond knowing the right folder for each game type, it’s no work or know-how required.

The exception to this is WiiWare, which requires accessing an app to install them first, but even that’s easy once you know the steps.

Everything is included in the guide that comes with purchase.

Short answer: 100%.

Real answer: The Wii system does not differentiate between a disc or a digital copy, so you can use both interchangeably.

Short answer: The only system you can’t update: it will erase your entire homebrew!

Real answer: The Wii is the only system that we offer where the accidental deletion of your CFW is possible. The only time this can happen is when the system offers to update: when you connect to the internet the first time, and some physical discs will also prompt you.

As long as you never say yes, there’s no risk involved. If you don’t pay attention and do make the error, the modding process will have to be started over from scratch. The good news is any saved games should remain untouched.

If that happens, you can attempt to do that on your own, or reach out to us to arrange for you to send it in for “repairs”.

Short answer: Nope.

Real answer: Reverting a Wii is a relatively simple process, and there’s almost no possibility of bricking or other problems.

What, you don’t know how to Google?

Fine, but you only get the short-and-sweet.

Homebrew Channel
The app that allows you to run your homebrew apps. Not typically needed to play games.

BootMii
A backup and firmware protection program. It keeps your Wii safe, and allows you to restore it in the event something goes wrong.

PriiLoader
A program that hacks the core functions of the Wii. It’s main use is to enable services and prevent the Wii from updating automatically (and ruining your homebrew).

WiiFlow
The app where you access your Wii, GameCube, N64, and the various GameBoy games. Very smooth and easy to use, with a ton of customization options.

YAWM ModMii Edition
A file management and installer program. Used primarily to install WiiWare titles.

Wii-Themer
A simple program to swap your themes.

Riivolution
A great app that allows you to modify game content when it’s played from a disc. This is how the mod Newer Super Mario Bros. works. 

Short answer: Ugly. Overkill. Expensive. Inferior software required. Compatibility issues. Inefficient.

Real answer: The one advantage a hard drive provides is more space, for more games at once. I made that irrelevant by showing you how to add and delete games from your system at will. In addition, consider this:

At most, you’re going to be playing 20 games simultaneously (if you’re ambitious). If you play them to completion, you’re in for hundreds of hours. Thousands of games at once just ends up bloating your lists and forces you to scroll through hundreds of titles every time you want to switch what you’re playing.

More to the point, the vast majority of games aren’t what we consider “worthwhile,” particularly for the Wii. Why would you want access to games that you’d never want to play in the first place? They would only serve to bloat your interface and slow down your system.

And finally, there’s analysis paralysis: when you have so many choices you struggle to decide. Anyone browsing through Netflix knows exactly what that’s like, but imagine multiplying that by 100. Who needs more of that?