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Nintendo also offers free repairs for UK's 4.2-bricked Wiis
America wasn't the only nation visited by the specter of techno-death this past week when Wii System Update 4.2 was released upon the unsuspecting masses. A number of UK Wii owners have also complained the maligned patch has bricked their unmodified gaming hardware. Don't be sad, our overseas compatriots! You're not alone in your anguish. Fortunately, Nintendo recently confirmed to Eurogamer that the "very small number" of UK-based owners of 4.2-bricked Wiis can get the same free repair service we're eligible for. As long as you haven't diddled around with your console's guts or brains, you can send in your dead Wii for resuscitation at zero cost. Or rather, Wiisuscitation. (Man, Wii portmanteaus are never going out of style.)
Wii System Update 4.2 bricking unmodded consoles
We've received a ton of tips from readers reporting that the recently released Wii Menu Update 4.2 has killed their console. The patch was designed to remove homebrew applications from modded consoles, providing users with the following warning: "Because unauthorized modifications to save data or program files may impair game play or the Wii console, updating to Wii Menu version 4.2 will also check for and automatically remove such save data or program files." However, a number of Nintendo forumites are complaining the update has bricked their completely unmodified Wiis. This problem can be attributed to the fact that the update makes changes to the Wii's all-important bootloader. If any problems arise during installation, the bootloader becomes corrupt, and the Wii becomes incapable of loading any software. A Nintendo technician has responded to the reports, saying anyone who's experienced these problems on their totally legit hardware can send it in for free repairs. In the mean time, you should probably shy away from installing Update 4.2. Unless, of course, you're using a modded console. In that case, you totally deserve your comeuppance. [Via Escapist]
Wii System Update 4.2 now live
Just like the previous Wii System Update, 4.2 offers little in the way of surprises or features and mainly provides "behind-the-scene fixes," designed to "improve the overall system performance." The update also removes unauthorized save data (it wouldn't be a real update otherwise!), so if you've been using things like the Homebrew channel, expect to be annoyed for the few minutes it takes the community to implement a workaround.
Wii System Update 4.1 is now live
But it's not a particularly exciting one, we're afraid. Oh sure, it might play havoc with your homebrewing, but you're not going to see any differences in how the system works. In Japan, 4.1 fixed a bug in Wii Sports Resort, apparently, so we're betting it's the same case here.So go on, update. Or don't. Up to you. We just wanted to temper your excitement when you saw that telltale blue glow. [Image: Wlodi]
