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October 23rd, 2007, 02:52 Posted By: bandit
Team Symbiote Wii-BOSS Modchip
Manufacturer: Team Symbiote
Site: N/A
Price: $40.00-$45.00
Overview : Almost all other conventional and homebrew modchips consist of two parts where the code is held, of which only the smaller EEPROM section of the chip can be changed easily. This EEPROM part of the code is very useful for small pre defined simple on or off selectable 1’s and 0’s and possibly a very small “additional feature” section. For example: Speed setting your chip or enabling multi-zone. However, if you want to update the entire chip, you need to physically remove the chip from the Wii, put it on a programmer, reprogram it, and then reinstall the chip into the Wii. This is not something you want to be doing constantly keep up with new optimized modchip codes for the Nintendo Wii.
Features :- The Wii-Boss is designed as a ‘quick solder’ chip with an external ribbon cable that can be left inside the machine, taped down on the back of the Wii, or even hidden inside the memory card bay. This chip can be fully programmed inside the machine with any code that supports the 12F629 PIC Microchip.
- The Wii-Boss is also designed to allow external booting off the ribbon cable, therefore protecting the user against ever having to pull the Wii apart ever again if their requirements for a particular style of modchip change. External adapters to make competitor modchips and PC applications like DVD-Tool boot externally have already been designed and will be produced soon after the initial release of the premier product for a very minimal charge. These will likely be included in future kits at no extra charge.
- The Wii-boss even comes packaged with its own RS-232 port external programmer. Software for the programmer is open source and therefore also provided free. The programmer is based on an open source project and therefore could be ‘modded’, theoretically, to be used as a standard RS-232 PIC programmer.
- Contains provision for 2 LED's. LED's are a great look, but also good to use to check to see if your chip is installed correctly without needing to check it with a import or backup game.
Quality/Usability : This review is based on a North American (NTSC-US) Wii. All games tested during this review, we own the original games. This modchip is only compatible with Wii's that have a DMS, D2A or D2B chipset. This will NOT work on a D2C chipset.
Installation : You can find installation manual at Wii-BOSS' installation page. The installation page contains images on how to install the Wii-BOSS as well as to Nintendo Wii's with the 3-legs cut off the chip.
Like all other modchips that requiring soldering, you must dismantle the Wii. The Wii-BOSS also allows you to either install via quick solder or wire method (the latter method is preferred as you can remove the chip easily). Once you have dismantled the Wii, you must locate the points outlined in their installation guide. These points is where you will connect the soldering between the Wii and the Wii-BOSS. When soldering, you must remember to stay within the points and not to use too much solder or you may risk shorting out the chip as well as the Wii.
Once soldered, connect the ribbon cable to the Wii-BOSS. Once connected, you must fold the cable a certain way so that it fits in between the Wii components. Folding the cable may take some trial and error in order to fit correctly in place. If folded correctly, the ribbon cable will now be exiting through the USB port of the Wii once it has been put back together. When the Wii is put back together, connect the Wii-BOSS programmer to the ribbon cable and installation is complete.
The Wii-BOSS is similar to that of the WiiFree Easy Connect in terms of look and installation. But the Wii-BOSS allows you to use any open source modchip of your choice. At the time of this review, Wii-BOSS supports the following codes (in no particular order):- Wii-Free – last stable release ver2.45
- YAOSM – last stable release ver1.8
- Wiinja – last stable release ver2.0 (deluxe currently not available)
- Open-Wii – last stable release ver1.3
- Wii-skas – last stable release unknown
- MaxBoot – last stable release ver1.0 (redirection code for external booting)
We were able to try Open-Wii, Wii-Free and YAOSM. All worked flawlessly and without a problem.
Compatibility issues is dependent on the open source modchip itself. We did not have any problem booting Wii games with any of the above mentioned open sources.
Conclusion : Overall, the Wii-BOSS handled itself pretty well. The included tri-wing screwdriver was durable. The packaging of the Wii-BOSS was very professional unlike some other modchips where they came in either ESD bags or in small bubblewraps. It would have been nice if it included a blank 12F629 PIC chip. Those thinking of purchasing the Wii-BOSS, I suggest picking up one or two 12F629 PIC chips first or you'll be left holding a Wii-BOSS. Reason I mentioned to get one or two is because if you are using Wii-Free and want to swap to another open source, you'll have to erase the Wii-Free in order to load a new open source. With extra PIC chips, all you have to do is swap them. Just make sure to label them or mark them so you know which chip contains what open source.
Please note that none of the "upgrade" products listed in this site are endorsed by Nintendo, Sony and/or Microsoft. DCEmu Reviews and DCEmu Network does not condone piracy. The primary functions of a "modchip" and/or "flashcart" are to allow you to play imported games and homebrew software that you legally own or simply just for experimenting with hardware. We in no way endorse piracy, and encourage all users to do the right thing and support the developers/manufacturers that support them. We do not take any responsibilities for any use outside of these parameters or where the use of such a device is illegal.
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