So your Wii is bricked?

When powered on, your Wii displays nothing but an error message, or nothing at all? We may have just the solution for your problem. There's a good chance a nifty little piece of hardware can allow you to fix your system. We call it SaveMii.

Most “bricks” are the result of poor error checking or bugs in the Wii's System Menu. For example, if you have installed a system update off a wrong region's disk, the System Menu will only display an “Opera” error message and halt without running disks anymore. SaveMii will let you break out of this condition.

SaveMii allows to skip most of the System Menu startup process, especially the part that fails and halts the boot process. Instead, it causes the Wii to directly run software off a disk. Depending on the Wii's system version, and whether your Wii has a modchip installed, this allows you to either run a system update off a legit Wii disk, or a custom-made disk containing updates or homebrew tools.

Introducing SaveMii

SaveMii is a small dongle that is plugged into a Wii's Gamecube memory card slot. It mimicks a test interface that is believed to be used in Nintendo's own facilities (dubbed “Waikiki” by Nintendo).

When the System Menu is started and such a device is found, much of the System Menu's code is skipped. Instead, the System Menu checks the validity of the disk, runs an update from the inserted disk if present, and then tries to start a diagnostic – also known “autoboot” – disk.

This will allow updates from legit Wii disks to fix the system data. Or, if the Wii's system hasn't been updated to version 3.3 yet and is equipped with a modchip, even run custom-made disks containing updates or homebrew tools to modify the system.

SaveMii

is a small dongle that is plugged into a Wii's Gamecube memory card slot. It mimicks a test interface that is believed to be used in Nintendo's own facilities (dubbed “Waikiki” by Nintendo).

When the System Menu is started and such a device is found, much of the System Menu's code is skipped. Instead, the System Menu checks the validity of the disk, runs an update from the inserted disk if present, and then tries to start a diagnostic – also known “autoboot” – disk.

This will allow updates from legit Wii disks to fix the system data. Or, if the Wii's system hasn't been updated to version 3.3 yet and is equipped with a modchip, even run custom-made disks containing updates or homebrew tools to modify the system.

Wii Troubleshooting

The following diagrams illustrate the Wii's boot process, what may go wrong with it, and how SaveMii can help. The images are clickable.

Main Diagnostic

Branch A: “Banner Brick”

Branch B: “Semi Brick”

Branch C: “Full Brick”

Branch D

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SaveMii?

SaveMii is a small, experimental device that fits into the GC Memory Card slot of a Nintendo Wii, triggering a special factory diagnostic mode.

Why would I want to do that?

This factory diagnostic mode may be used to fix most “bricked” Wiis, including those broken by installing the wrong firmware update from an imported Wii game.

Who should buy this?

SaveMii is not designed for novices to use. Although it is not difficult to operate, it must be used in conjunction with the appropriate tools to do any good. Anyone who has a Wii which displays an “Opera error” on boot can use one of these, as can console repair shops. Hackers can tinker with it. Developers of channel banners and those who wish to experiment with “theming” the System Menu by editing its resources will find this to be an indispensable tool.

Is this a modchip? Can I use this to play burned DVDs? Can I run homebrew with it?

No. SaveMii does not bypass any restrictions. It activates a special testing mode that was built into the System Menu by Nintendo. It is only useful in the situation where your Wii refuses to read any disc.

Do I need a modchip in order to use SaveMii?

Not necessarily. You will need a modchip so that the Wii will accept a custom-made “autoboot” disc with your recovery tools on it. However, even without a modchip, newer versions of the Wii system software (3.0+) will try to install any valid update that is present on any legit Wii disc you attempt to boot with SaveMii. In some cases, this will be enough to let you install a newer System Menu and recover your console.

I just received my SaveMii; how do I know if it works?

Insert it into the lower GameCube memory card slot (B), and power your Wii on. The red LED on the SaveMii should turn on, followed by the green one. You should seen a black screen, with a version number in the lower right of the TV screen.

Why do I get a black screen with no version number?

We've discovered that earlier versions of the System Menu (<3.0) will not display a version number, nor will they automatically install updates from non-autoboot discs. Worry not -- SaveMii is still useful, but you will have to have a drivechip installed (at least temporarily) and will need to use an autoboot disc.

Resources

Unbricking resources

• HBC boot ISO / template

  This ISO image will normally boot the Homebrew Channel, if it's installed. If you use software tools to make this autoboot and switch it to your console's region, and use it together with SaveMii, and if you have System Menu 3.2 or earlier, you can use this to boot homebrew even if your wii is bricked. Then, use any tools at your disposal to fix the brick. This is particularly handy for people who have bricked their Wiis by improper homebrew use, such as region changers and bad banners. You can also inject any other homebrew app into it and run it without having HBC installed.

• Tona's AnyRegion Changer

  If you screwed up your Wii's region, then this tool is for you. Use it to fix your region settings. You'll need a way of booting homebrew.

• Twilight Hack

  Do you have 3.3 installed, so you can't use the above homebrew ISO? Did you brick your Wii using something other than an incorrect system menu version? If you have a modchip, there's still a way you can fix your Wii, but only if you previously had the Twilight Hack installed. For those who use it to install HBC, don't delete it once you're done! It can mean the difference between a fixable and an unfixable Wii in cases such as this one. If your Wii can't boot fakesigned discs, but you have the Twilight Hack installed, then you can burn a backup of Twilight Princess modified to autoboot (of course, you should only do this if you own the original!), and then use the existing Twilight Hack to launch some homebrew from your SD card, and use that to fix your Wii. Phew!