My experience with homebrewing

If you are a Nintendo fan, the chances are you know what Homebrewing is. If you don't, here's a quick recap: Homebrewing is hacking your game console (or really any device) to do more than it was meant to. This can be anything from modding it to new game servers after the original shut down, to even putting a new operating system on the device.

What consoles I've hacked

I actually haven't hacked too many of my Nintendo consoles. The only ones I've Homebrewed thus far are my Wii and my 3DS. However, by doing so, I've opened a large number of options for both consoles.

Game servers

Something very useful for when you are using a homebrewed console is using custom game servers. This can be from a wide range of hosts, including yourself. However, I recommend using trusted ones. For the 3DS/Wii U, I recommend Pretendo Network. For the Wii, I recommend wiimmfi. (Note: Pretendo Network is still in progress. This includes things such as Miiverse, which have not been finished and sometimes, in my case, can softlock the console. It isn't common for it to softlock, though, and the only bad softlock can be on the 3DS, which all you need to do is hold the power button for 10-15 seconds.) Both are free, and if you feel kind today or any day, you can donate to them. The way you transfer to the new server on the 3DS is by downloading the Pretendo app on Universal Updater, and for wiimmfi, it is simply changing the DNS settings.

Custom Homebrew Games

Something cool is that there is custom games for Homebrewed consoles. You can typically find these on the app/game/tool stores for said console. These can be fun games, like Terrifried. Others can be platformers, like Haxor or Cat Mario ;). It is very nice and isn't like what you used to be able to find on the Wii Shop Channel/old eShop. 

App Stores

I wouldn't normally call these app stores, but I can't think of a different phrase to replace it. On these app stores, you can find games, emulators, tools, etc. For the 3DS, the most common app store would be the Universal Updater. For the Wii, it's the Homebrew Browser. Both have various different features that you may like, and they also have different catalogues.

Piracy

Want to get this out of the way quickly, I do not condone piracy, so Nintendo, don't come after me. The piracy experience depends on which console you are using. For the 3DS, it is fairly simple-just go to hShop. The link is hshop.erista.me, or just go to the app on your 3DS, if already downloaded. This gives you access to most games from all regions, all updates and DLCs, some DSiWare, some Virtual Console, and the occasional bit of Homebrew games/software. On the Wii, however, you must first download the ROM to said game, add it to your USB stick/SD card, and then use some sort of software to add it to your Wii. There is a similar way of doing this on the 3DS via FBI, but why put yourself through that pain when you can just use hShop?

Squeezing in a quick PrizVideo update

I've transitioned from a custom made video system to videoJS. This'll require mostly an entire reprogramming of the video system, which I estimate will take about a couple weeks. I'm also fixing major bugs in the algorithm.

Conclusion

That's all I've got for now. Make sure to tune in to the CheeseBlog tomorrow for another post. Cya!