Wii System Menu version 3.4 + Patched Workaround!
November 18th, 2008
Posted by nedthehead
We have quite a bit to cover in this post. So let’s start with the bad news.
Now, the newly released 3.4 update isn’t all bad by any means. The update text Nintendo sent out says:
With this update, Parental Controls have been enhanced, USB keyboard support is available for the Mii Channel, and system functions have been improved.
The Wii User Agreement, which includes the Wii Privacy Policy, has been updated. Because the updated agreement applies to you and your use of the Wii Network Service, you should view the updated version by clicking on the Wii icon located on the lower-left portion of the Wii Channel menu, selecting Wii Settings, accessing the Internet setting, and selecting User Agreements.
You may also view the updated Wii User Agreement online at http://support.nintendo.com
Because unauthorized modifications to save files may impair game play or the Wii console, updating to Wii Menu version 3.4 will also check for and automatically remove such save files.
Cool. Now what system functions are these again?
Improved disc reading Improved SD card read/write speed
But along with that, we have some bad news: The Twilight Hack does not work! That’s right, Nintendo once again blocked the Twilight Hack. Now, a workaround is in place as usual, but this seems small compared to Nintendo’s next blow to the hacking community. Take a look at the new Wii Network Service Privacy Policy… well, we can point out the bad in there too:
“We may without notifying you, download updates, patches, upgrades and similar software to your Wii Console and may disable unauthorized or illegal software placed on your Wii Console to ensure that your Wii Console is operating properly and efficiently, comply with applicable laws, assist law enforcement, protect us and our customers, or prevent the use and distribution of software obtained through improper channels.” (editor’s emphasis)
Okay. that text is bolded, but it’s actually in the new policy word for word! If that’s not bad enough, some people have even reported having their custom channels deleted once they upgraded to 3.4! However, this is unconfirmed, and should be treated as a rumour.
Also, the update contains IOS254 (a copy of IOS9, to block PatchMii). So if you use PatchMii, you will definitely NOT want to upgrade your console.
At this point in time, we at NES-Hacks do not recommend updating your Wii to the 3.4 System Firmware. Many applications and HomeBrew features have been blocked, and upgrading may cause you to lose some of these features!
However, if you do want a bit of a Patch to get the features of 3.4, read the rest of this entry to hear the good news!
In (rather quick) response to Nintendo’s latest release, the team at Softchip-mod have already given us a work around to get the new Mii Channel, and some of the other 3.4 features:
Nintendo has released a major update today. We’re working as hard as we can to get it fixed. For now, I’m releasing my modification of tona’s IOS51 / Shop channel patchmii installer to patch IOS50 and install the new Mii Channel.
We’re working on the disassembly of the new system menu now. Hopefully, we’ll be able to bring you all the benefits of a working 3.4 without any automatic updating or breakage of the twilight hack.
Not a perfect workaround, but a very appreciated one, considering this was released just hours after Nintendo officially released their update.
