First Ever Wii Modchip REVIEW - CycloWiz for Wii!!!

[Zeus]

Product: CycloWiz for Wii
Reviewer: Marco Rossi
Price: $40 USD
Buy CycloWiz Now: <A href="http://www.divineo.cn/php/affstart.php?affcode=66623&prod=wii-cwz" target="_blank">Divineo.cn</a> / <A href="http://www.divineo.com/php/affstart.php?affcode=66623&prod=dd-wi-cycwiz" target="_blank">North America</a> (<a href="http://www.divineo.com/php/affstart.php?affcode=66623&prod=dd-wi-cycwiz" target="_Blank">$39.99</a>) / <a href="http://www.modchipstore.com/customer/product.php?productid=16429&partner=65565" target="_blank">Modchipstore.com</a> / <A href="http://www.divineo.de/php/affstart.php?affcode=66623&prod=wii-cyclowizz" target="_blank">Germany</a> / <a href="http://www.divineo.es/php/affstart.php?affcode=66623&prod=wii-cwiz" target="_blank">Spain</a> or <a href="http://www.divineo.it/php/affstart.php?affcode=66623&prod=wii-cyclowiz" target="_blank">Italy</a>

Official Website: <A href="http://www.teamcyclops.com" target="_Blank">TeamCyclops.com</a>

CYCLOWIZ REVIEW

Santa is late

Yes, it’s still christmas time for Wii owners. Just one week ago the existence of a Wii modchip was just pure speculation.

<center><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/cyclowizrev.jpg"></center></a>

Now, in just a weekend, two chips have been anounced, and you’re just about to read our review of the one that has the best chances to survive : CycloWiz by Team Cyclops.

Let’s open it!

We received our chip in a pink ESD bag. We’ve been told this is not the final packaging so we won’t comment on it. At first sight, you can see that it was designed and produced in a very professional way.

<Center><A href="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/cyclo_r1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/cyclo_r1a.jpg"></center></a>

The mod itself is quite small, its surface not much bigger than the surface of a 2€ coin. The printed circuit board is the thinnest we have ever seen, yet it seems very solid.

Soldering made easy

One of the very interesting aspects of the CycloWiz is how you don’t need any wire to install it. Simply fill the holes with solder, and the installation is done! Nothing revolutionary here, Xbox chips offered this possibility for ages, and XenoGC offers it on Gamecube. Still, it’s a very handy feature that will save you some installation time.

<center><A href="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/cyclowizsam.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/cyclowizsam1.jpg"></center></a>

Near the quick-solder pads you have small solder pads, so if for some reason you prefer to install your chip using wires, you can do it. The five quick-solder pads on CycloWiz are very well designed. The chip is very easy to align and you have enough space to manipulate your soldering iron without worrying about damaging components.

Opening the Wii

This is not specific to the CycloWiz installation, but of course we had to open our Wii. There are a lot of great tutorials around, it’s very easy as long as you have the proper material, a philips screwdriver and and a tri-wing screwdriver. The tri-wing screwdriver must be inserted deeply, so not every tri-wing bit might work. It seems that some Wii (new ones?) use only philips screws, so check yours before ordering any unnecessary opening tool! Once the case is open there are just four more screws on the drive to remove. It took us less than five minutes for the whole operation.

Shhhhhhhhh... Installation In Progress!

Installation was as easy as it could be. We used a regular small-tip soldering iron. It took us exactly one minute and ten seconds to solder and we were not trying to beat a record!

<center><a href="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mc_cw1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mc_cw1a.jpg"> <a href="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mc_cw3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mc_cw3a.jpg"></center></a>

Thanks to the well designed quick-solder pads the solder goes automatically where it has to, without creating any short. The mod was the covered with tape, as specified by the install procedure. An LED lets you check if there is an installation problem, but everything was fine for us.

<center><a href="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mc_cw4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mc_cw4a.jpg"></center></a>

Thanks to the very thin mod printed circuit board, there was no problem putting the drive back at its place and reassembling the Wii.

Testing that little wizard...

Of course we had a couple of our own Wii and GC backups ready for testing. They were burnt on 12cm TDK DVD-R and DVD+R media. Guess what, they boot just fine, like original discs. Nothing changes in the Wii behaviour. We were told that thanks to the stealth feature, the Wii main CPU receives the exact same data from a Wii backup than it would from an original disc, not even one byte differs, so CycloWiz is totally transparent.

We also tried an original, and a backup Wii import. As expected, they didn’t work, only Wii games from the same region as your system will work.

We also tried a GC JAP and PAL import. We used our own backup of Freeloader to make them run on our NTSC Wii. The JAP import booted without any problem but the PAL one had no picture on screen, yet the game was running with sound. It seems that NTSC console can't display PAL signals at all, so that video mode must be changed by the boot disc. We successfully run this PAL backup using GCOS, more to follow.

Regarding the lack of swap-less GC import support, we were told it was not built-in otherwise the chip would have been too easy to detect. It makes sense: to play swap-less GC import the chip would have to send some region-free code to the Wii main CPU, and this code could be easily detected by Nintendo in a future Wii upgrade. CycloWiz is totally transparent to the Wii main CPU.

GCOS is an homebrew open-source operating system for GC, and the first version for Wii was just released by emu_kidid. It works just fine on CycloWiz, and it allows you to run GC imports easily. It works like Freeloader, but it's free and has better support. Simply boot with GCOS, the disc will stop spinning, hit BOOT DVD, remove the disc, insert your import and press A. It will run just fine, and you can even change the game’s display mode! It looks like changing display mode is needed, as NTSC system can’t display PAL graphics at all. GCOS was not able to fix the display mode of a couple of PAL games we tried, but we except that a new GCOS version will fix that soon!

The fact that we were able to run GCOS demonstrates that GC homebrew code is working fine with CycloWiz!

What about those special GC games ?

It was not enough for us to test this chip with standard GC games. There are two kind of games that were not supported by early GC modchip bioses, those are multi-disc games and audio streaming games. Lets try them on CycloWiz!

For multi-disc games, we tried Tales of Symphonia. An easy way to test the support for multi-disc games is to boot from disc two, without any game save, so it’ll ask you to put disc one instead. This is what we did. We then pressed eject, inserted disc one, and... Yes! It worked just fine.

For audio streaming games, we tried 1080 and a few others. It worked just fine, with crystal clear sound. Around 30% of GC games use audio streaming, and without audio-fix there would be no background music, or they would sound like noise. While it is clearly a must-have feature, it’s yet unknown, but unlikely, that wiinja offers this feature.

CycloWiz rocks!

CycloWiz is a dream come true for many Wii owners. While it still doesn’t allow you to run Wii imports or Wii homebrew it has all the features you’d expect from a drivechip and can not be easily detected by the Wii. We probably already have a winner in the Wii modchip competition that just started! With the chips expecting to hit resellers on Friday, what are you waiting for? Pre-order CycloWiz at your local reseller before they are all gone!

Positives

- Wii and GC backups working exactly like original discs
- Support for GC homebrew and imports
- Full GC compatibility (including audio streaming games)
- Stealth
- Quick-solder
- Works with multi-disc games
- Very well built and great quality

Negatives

- No Wii imports or homebrew

Buy CycloWiz Now: <A href="http://www.divineo.cn/php/affstart.php?affcode=66623&prod=wii-cwz" target="_blank">Divineo.cn</a> / <A href="http://www.divineo.com/php/affstart.php?affcode=66623&prod=dd-wi-cycwiz" target="_blank">North America</a> (<a href="http://www.divineo.com/php/affstart.php?affcode=66623&prod=dd-wi-cycwiz" target="_Blank">$39.99</a>) / <a href="http://www.modchipstore.com/customer/product.php?productid=16429&partner=65565" target="_blank">Modchipstore.com</a> / <A href="http://www.divineo.de/php/affstart.php?affcode=66623&prod=wii-cyclowizz" target="_blank">Germany</a> / <a href="http://www.divineo.es/php/affstart.php?affcode=66623&prod=wii-cwiz" target="_blank">Spain</a> or <a href="http://www.divineo.it/php/affstart.php?affcode=66623&prod=wii-cyclowiz" target="_blank">Italy</a>

Official Website: <A href="http://www.teamcyclops.com" target="_Blank">TeamCyclops.com</a>

[Zombie Posessor]

That's so great. I want to buy one, but I'm going to wait and see if any future Nintendo updates disable it, I wouldn't want to put anything in my Wii that'll die soon. Otherwise, thats awesome.

[Fasman]

What no pictures of the install?

[Ubertraka]

no promised installation video, but otherwise it sounds just like a regular advertisement! ;o) "hurry to our store to buy it before they're all gone!"

Oh yeah, the store isn't up yet! nice...

[ahjuang]

I thought it hashomebrew support(yesterday) but the review says No? Or I just misread.

Can someone make a guide to install this modchip using wire rather than quicksolder? A video will be good.

I might need to change to a better mod chip next year or sometime in the future.

[zevdogs]

can we trust them without a list of places to buy from?????

[kronikdaddy]

I'm not going to pre-order until a trusted site like divineo has them in, They have pretty expensive shipping but they are reliable.

[foundmy]

This will be one that even we will be carrying.

but its nice that a review came out now we can't wait for them to actually hit the shelves! (resellers).

[goombakid]

I'll give props to the quickness of a Wii modchip. But unless the modchip offers a flashable upgrade/update (ala Qoob Pro or Viper Extreme) to overcome Nintendo's updates and the potential of killing any modifications, I think I'll wait. Shouldn't be too far now that a flashable solution may be on the horizon.

Great review, non the less. Ballsy opening up your Nintendo Wii without knowing the negative effects that the Cyclowiz may have, but I personally thank Marco Rossi for taking that risk and reporting back to the masses.:D

[Kaos2K]

This is not the FIRST EVER wii modchip , the Wiinja is , whats wrong with you maxconsole? Are you being paid by CyClowiz? ¬¬

[shangrula]

This isn't even good business. MC dissapoints everytime.

[dylanwhat]

Of course they are, they probably didn't even install and if they did they probably won't show it because they used wires so they can take it out later.

I demand pics..
jk Maxconsole I love you

[11111]

i dont understand what everyone's bitching about. ok so it's obvious it's advertisement and also doubles as news.

why is it such a big deal?

[Souzar]

I agree it was a good review. It helped me to make up my mind whether to but it or not. I won't buy it, I'll end up flashing the drive or putting in a pic chip whatever. But this review helped me get to that conclusion, pictures or not.

[lamotia]

I'm curious if this chip will allow me to watch DVDs and play other media on my Wii?

[Kaos2K]

I'm curious if this chip will allow me to watch DVDs and play other media on my Wii?

No , it will not ;)

[SteveNZ]

I have a copy of Freeloader that doesn't currently run on my Wii (supposedly some do out of the box) and an NTSC copy of Resident Evil 4. Will this let me run RE4 on my PAL Wii? (It can output 576i, 480i and 480p, I'm assuming that a standard GC NTSC game runs at 480i so videomode _should_ be ok...)

My poor GC disk drive is making "interesting" noises and sometimes won't read things, it'd be good if I could run my legitimate NTSC RE4 on my PAL Wii. (RE4 is very hard to find over here as a PAL version and is still full price when you do, usually about US$70! - Plus I've got my gamesaves for the NTSC which aren't compatible with PAL anyhow supposedly :(

[mozzer999]

i dont understand what everyone's bitching about. ok so it's obvious it's advertisement and also doubles as news.

why is it such a big deal?

Because it is an advert masquerading as news, therefore not impartial, which is the point of news (the facts).

So people buy stuff (such as the frankly over expensive DSxtreme - woooooh leds!) because of the still good reputation of maxconsole (ever diminishing might I add).

Believe me a games console news site that is indelibly in the pocket of certain manufacturers loses credibility (hello IGN?).

If MS gave Zeus 2 cents a click 'Vista is good' would be sprayed all over this site.

Just to clarify, adverts in context (banners, even pop ups) are fine to pay for fees, and even to make profit in some cases.

Adverts inside supposedly un-biased comment and reportage very very bad.

Cyclowiz is double plus good!

[Yokotuna]

Of course it's an ad who do you think is doing the distro for the chip? ;)

[Roman]

wow great review...

So let's get this straight: "Wiinja isn't a real modchip and already outdated because it isn't upgradeable" and this Cyclone is the "first real Modchip!!!!!!! GET IT NOW!!!!" because of... because of what?!

Somehow I start to believe that the NME chip for the 360 isn't the piece of crap MC is telling us... I think I change newssites. Any good recommendations besides eurasia.nu?

[DaRk_ViVi]

What about Wii Backups? Have you used directly the raw dump or the unscrambled iso?

[RaDuKa]

what about firmware updates and the thing that nintendo might let games run only with a certain fimrware rlease or higher.
i dont want to pay 80€ for a mod weith install and have to worry about.

and what about multi-game discs(NGC, 3 or 4 games on a disc)
are they possible on the wii then ??

[Enigma85]

Why is everyone dissing the wiinja besides team ninja's history of bad products? :confused:

Yes their chip isn't upgradable and who knows if it has an audio fix, but it is easy to install and has stealth mode and heck they even give you a gcos iso on the website to run GC homebrew and imports. Maybe they actually tried with this one.:cool:

I ordered mine the day it was announced on MC to test it. they just sent it out monday. i should have it anyday now. we'll see if it is a bad apple or not.

honestly they both are kinda horrible chips and all but hey its only the first gen of chips:D

[crono]

what about firmware updates and the thing that nintendo might let games run only with a certain fimrware rlease or higher.
i dont want to pay 80€ for a mod weith install and have to worry about.

and what about multi-game discs(NGC, 3 or 4 games on a disc)
are they possible on the wii then ??

So what about firmware updates,do you think nintendo would upgrade there dvd-drive???¿¿¿Nintendo can update there dash what they wan't it will never effect the drive,THEY CAN"T STOP IT.

If M$ can't stop the dvd hack,why the hell should nintendo!!!

[Nuxx]

Of course we had a couple of our own Wii and GC backups ready for testing. They were burnt on 12cm TDK DVD-R and DVD+R media. Guess what, they boot just fine, like original discs.

Can you elaborate on the Wii backups that you've tried? are they the same as the raw dumps available on different torrents and newsgroups sites? and if so, did you just burn the image onto a media, as simple as that?

[crocchio]

Where to buy this chip in Italy?
Tanks

[memorex]

So basicly its just a bigger , better looking wiinja chip with no more features and it will be harder to uninstall , why would anybody even consider getting this one ? ( and yes wiinja has the audiofix , or so is stated on their site) .

[alexand333r]

"First ever Wii Modchip Review w/No Pictures"

The review is standard, but no pictures! What kind of world exclusive is this! Oh yeah, this comes from the same page who claims the CycloWiz is the first real Wii modchip. Wiinewz states MaxConsole is claiming this only because of the fact the chip is produced by one of it's sponsors. Nice job Zues.

[RaDuKa]

So what about firmware updates,do you think nintendo would upgrade there dvd-drive???¿¿¿Nintendo can update there dash what they wan't it will never effect the drive,THEY CAN"T STOP IT.

If M$ can't stop the dvd hack,why the hell should nintendo!!!

of course there will be new revisions of the wii and these chip swill have to be modified a bit

i am thinking of a possibility to block the chips by DVD Game
nintendo could force us to update the wii by a DVD game and then might change some data and detect the chip

[alexand333r]

I'm curious if this chip will allow me to watch DVDs and play other media on my Wii?

Yes it will. Using a homebrew distro of Linux called MFE you can burn a DVD full of video files (any that mplayer supports) and watch them on your Wii. If you need more information on how to get MFE up and running do a Google for the Mod That Cube FAQ.

[Penne]

The fact that you can only play backups from your own region is reason enough to not buy this chip

[temporary_user]

I'm curious if this chip will allow me to watch DVDs and play other media on my Wii?

No , it will not ;)


It WILL!!!


In conjunction with the "MFE-Player" that was originally made to use with GameCube Linux.

http://www.gc-linux.org



ZEUS should immediately try it out!!!!!!



EDIT: Sorry, didn't see that alexand333r's already posted that......

[11111]

It WILL!!!


In conjunction with the "MFE-Player" that was originally made to use with GameCube Linux.

http://www.gc-linux.org



ZEUS should immediately try it out!!!!!!



EDIT: Sorry, didn't see that alexand333r's already posted that......

that's freaking bomb as hell.

[thebobevil]

You can buy the chip from here.

It's $42 ... despite some of the Spaniards who are supporting the Wiinja claiming that it would have a much higher price tag.

Free postage for the US, and $10 to post to Europe ... I know, because I live in Europe, and I've pre-ordered one.

Pre-orders ship on 10th February.


http://www.cyclowiz.com/

[jaapie18]

can you still play orginal games?

[11111]

You can buy the chip from here.

Free postage for the US, and $10 to post to Europe ... I know, because I live in Europe, and I've pre-ordered one.

Pre-orders ship on 10th February.


http://www.cyclowiz.com/

42 dollars and free shipping is not bad. i can handle that.

jaapie18
yea it should.

[Xenogears V]

A small Modchip to a low price. Excellent.:rolleyes:

[Innes]

The fact that you can only play backups from your own region is reason enough to not buy this chip

and that my friends is a QFT

[BaNDiTo_RoX]

I sure will wait before getting one of the 2 modchips neither one is upgradeable. But I rather buy a wiinja because it will be cheaper and easy to remove. Or maybe yet just wait for the code and spend like 5bux.

This was posted on MC a few days ago

Wiinja to die a short death? Its NOT Upgradeable

Meanwhile CycloWiz is in the same boat. Come on MC lets be fare what good for one is good for the other.

PS. If we waited this long for a modchip why not just wait a bit longer to see who else will release a mod. If there was no mention of a modchip we would still be waiting. Thats just me 2 cents.

[thebobevil]

But I rather buy a wiinja because it will be cheaper


Wiinja = 39.95 euros (without postage)

CycloWiz = 32.46 euros (without postage)

[MikeDX]

Ok.. what I wanna know is..

Do Backups play if burnt to different media (cd for small images etc). If we can burn smaller images (say animal crossing GC which is 40mb) to cds this will be handy.

[BaNDiTo_RoX]

Wiinja = 39.95 euros (without postage)

CycloWiz = 32.46 euros (without postage)

Yea and when the code is released = $5 bux which would you rather buy then. Like I said wait a bit longer your see.

[alexand333r]

Ok.. what I wanna know is..

Do Backups play if burnt to different media (cd for small images etc). If we can burn smaller images (say animal crossing GC which is 40mb) to cds this will be handy.

I haven't read anything claiming that the Wii will read CD based media, but I doubt it will. What you can do is burn a multi-image compilation which is a disc with a few GameCube games on it and boot it using GCOS. I'm not sure if the Wii version of GCOS still supports multi-image discs, but it should. Once again, if you need to know more about this subject Google for the Mod That Cube FAQ or weed through the GameCube forums here.

[Xenogears V]

The consumers wii will be jumping from the joy....

[msa]

i won't buy this because its quicksolder.
i dont wanna have any problems if i wanna remove it..

[Isamu_Dyson]

The fact that you can only play backups from your own region is reason enough to not buy this chip

Ditto. Hope that a decent modchip comes along soon. :D

[marlboro_x]

Negatives

- No Wii imports or homebrew

I think you also forgot

No Multiregion Support
Lack Of Media Support (judging from the samples you've mentioned!)
Not Upgradable
Over-Priced

Thought i'd mention 'em incase you forgot them, or are you gonna keep these negatives for the Wiinja even though it's the same ;)

MHX

[wiggim]

lol, All you guys are expecting a 3rd or 4th gen chip specs like 2 months after the wii got released.

Take what you can get if you wanna play your backups, else wait..

First they make money off the 1st gens to further R&D to get features in 2nd and 3rd gen and so forth. The cyclowiz can also be soldered in with wires - you DON'T have to use the quicksolder method.

Also its VERY unlikely that any chip with further features will be developed in the near future. These are just Optical Drive patching chips, which are identical to how the NON-UPGRADABLE DuoQ/XenoGC works.. The viper/Qoob take over the bios of the GC, which I doubt will happen unless someone gets the key for the CPU so they can directly patch it. Its also unlikely that any wii update will be able to spot this mod, or that nintendo will even care - they never in the past.

[alexand333r]

Actually, if you use a razor blade and some de-soldering braid you can easily remove "quicksolder" chips from your consoles. I've done it a lot with XBOX 1 chips which you solder directly onto the bottom of the board (v1.6 boxes).

From the looks of it it's pointless to argue which chip is better when they both do exactly the same thing. I think it's down to which is cheaper and which you can find. Just don't listen to Zues's hype. I'm sure if NinjaMod paid him more then CycloWiz he'd change his stance in a heart beat.

[thebobevil]

BaNDiTo_RoX, you said the Wiinja was cheaper.

It isn't.

That is what I was commenting on ... and you know it.

I was not commenting on anything other than the current cost of both chips.

[Silversand]

What is this Wii version of GCOS by emu_kidid that I'm hearing about? Is it downloadable yet?

[mosca.br]

wow great review...

So let's get this straight: "Wiinja isn't a real modchip and already outdated because it isn't upgradeable" and this Cyclone is the "first real Modchip!!!!!!! GET IT NOW!!!!" because of... because of what?!

Somehow I start to believe that the NME chip for the 360 isn't the piece of crap MC is telling us... I think I change newssites. Any good recommendations besides eurasia.nu?

You must pay close attention to the review.

Did you see the word upgradable, flashable, anywhere in the review?

So the cyclowiz is just as outdated as wiinja... :rolleyes:

[IBNobody]

If it wouldn't have been a paid review, he would have listed the lack of upgradability as a negative.

On the brighter side, he hasn't deleted the posts "booing" the review. That's something everyone here being negative towards MC has taken for granted.

[chukz]

If i can play devil's advocate for a moment, i will say that yes this is a simple modchip, but it IS still a modchip. It DOES let you play backups. No multiregion, but it is a first gen modchip.

Let me remind you guys of some other first gen modchips:
PSX: No stealth mode, newer games needed to be patched or u get that "call 1-800" with red circle.

PS2: The first modchip reuired gameshark and a swap method (and not upgradeable), after that, the 2nd gen modchips still didn't boot games 100%, and some had problems with dual layer games even after that...and most were pretty complicated installations anyhow.

Xbox: The first modchips were the good old 32 pin IC's that you can buy for $5 USD each, flash them using your old motherboard, and install them (on the bottom side of the motherboard). And those enigma-X and what not, they were not upgradeable either. Those worked for a while, but there was STILL companies coming out with modchips that people were buying, face it not everyone wants to flash their own chips. This is also proven with the success of the newer mods (that went on top of the motherboard) even tho you can find the chips to make your own Tightmod or cheapmods with the available flashes out there, people were still going for the pre-made easy to install solutions.

GC: The first modchips did not boot games 100%, but by the time those came out it was well into the 3rd year of GC lifecycle, previous methods included streaming games from your PC which was not the best way to play a videogame.

So if you look at those, then look at the Wii, you think maybe it's a good start. Is it upgradeable? no... can you easily uninstall it? yes (use the wire installation method, or the solder points method and use desolder braid and razor to remove later, personally I prefer wired method), will there be newer modchips for the Wii? yes... will people find the code that goes on these old chips and put them on their own 8pin chip? yes... will EVERYONE want to do this? no (not everyone has the proper flashing tools). So although it isn't the best chip, currently there isn't anything else really, and I think that's why maxconsole gave it a good review.

Maybe in a couple of weeks we can see an upgradeable type, but until now, this is the chip, if you don't want it, get the Wiinja, or just wait till a better chip comes out.

[ahjuang]

"An LED lets you check if there is an installation problem"

I wonder how does this work? I hope maxconsole update their review >.>

I have alot of curiousity on this thing.

[thebobevil]

"An LED lets you check if there is an installation problem"

I wonder how does this work? I hope maxconsole update their review >.>

I have alot of curiousity on this thing.

Baically, how it works is like this :

You solder down the chip, and then power up the console, with it still all opened up.

If the LED lights up, you did it right ... if it doesn't light up, you f00k'd up.

[goombakid]

In defense for MC:

1. There is no indication that they mentioned that the Cyclowiz was the first Wii modchip, only mention of this being the FIRST Wii modchip REVIEW for MC. Read it again. I don't recall MC ever doing a Wiinja modchip review.

2. Zeus was not the person who reviewed this modchip, it was another forum member (perhaps). Perhaps this was their first review being done for MC, so yes, there are many things left out, which, from what I see, has been updated within 24 hrs. I'm sure if there was another person that got the Cyclowiz, they may have given a better review.

At least give the guy props for opening up his console and taking every single risk involved with new mods for new systems.

[thePANICHIOteam]

Im happy $40, easy install, Play my back ups. Seriously some people think way too much sometimes.

How much were they asking for the Whinger again?

[Wander2000]

Ok, so we know this. Both chips apparently do what they are supposed to do - allow you to play backups. Both cost about as much as ONE Wii game. How many Wii games have you purchased? Divide that number by the amount of the modchip. How much is it worth it to you to have a backup of one of your high priced games in case something happens to them?

Neither solution is upgradeable. Who cares at this point? Yeah so what if Nintendo does something in the future to make these stop working. Do you think this will happen in the next 2 months. How long has the Wii been available?

I doubt Nintendo will even care much about this, and if they do, look at the PSP scene.

Yeah everyone wants to wait until you can flash a chip yourself once the code is dumped. How many of you know how to do this? How many of you have the equipment (chips, programmers, etc)? You really want to remove the drive in the Wii and find a computer to place it in, and burn the rom? Might not be as easy as you think, and if you do, it's more permanent than a chip.

Then there are those who say they don't want to solder a chip to their board because they don't want to mess up their Wii. Well, do what I plan to do. Wire it in, and mount it EXTERNALLY in the back, perhaps with a simple switch that removes power to the board/chip.

Now go ahead and flame me, and claim that I am selling one of these, or am behind one the companies who are selling them, because this is my first post here! :eek:

[Bon Scott]

Wow! I felt like I could do the installation myself! :D . Great review! Wii scene awesome news!

[nonzero]

Hooray - Maxconsole has finally turned into PS2NFO.

[giebdupe]

Ok, since I finally was able to buy a Wii, I´m interested in getting a modchip for it too. The most important feature for me is that I will be able to play import games. Since neither the Wiinja or the CyloWiz is able to do that, I just asked myself if it wouldnt be possible to make a dump of the imported game, and somehow patch it to the region you need ?
For example I buy MK:Armageddon NTSC when it comes out, dump it and patch it to PAL ? Wouldnt that work with one of the chips ?
Of course it should be discovered how, and if the images can be patched to another region ^^

[vandalisthero]

I'll definately be getting one of these once a highly reputable shop gets a stock in. Not because of Zeus, not because of anything anyone else has said about it... because it's a modchip for the Wii, and it's the cheapest one on the market, and I don't give 2 flying rats a**es if the code is public the day I recieve mine in the mail. Everybody is so worried about that because they want everything for free. Sure the people who made this possible publicly released their work for all to see, and although I don't agree with the fact that they used this free information to R&D this product, but what did you think was going to happen? What do you think they thought would happen? Everyones in bitchfest mode right now and there's no reason for it. But like I said I don't care if the code is released the day I get my chip, and do you know why? I don't want to be all ghetto and use some free solution that involves triggered exploits and disc swaps, nor do I want to solder a bunch of wires just to get the drive connected to my pc if some fw flash ala Xbox 360 is made available. I just want to open the thing up, drop a chip in and close it again. If you're that worried about it messing up your console once an update comes out, you must not be that experienced with this kind of thing. Wire it in or learn how to desolder, and if you screw up, omg it's a $250 console. I could buy a Wii any given week and still pay all my bills. However you don't hear the people that are opening up their $400 console to mod it b****ing do you? Or what about the risk involved when they were developing this chip? That's what makes it worth the measly $40. Get it or don't, that's all I have left to say.

**This post is not meant to offend anybody in any way, just my personal views and opinions. However if it does offend you... oh to the well.**

[Mika-]

In defense for MC:

1. There is no indication that they mentioned that the Cyclowiz was the first Wii modchip, only mention of this being the FIRST Wii modchip REVIEW for MC. Read it again. I don't recall MC ever doing a Wiinja modchip review.

No, you read it again:

First Ever REAL Wii Modchip Arrives - CycloWiz!
The chip is supposed to be shipped by the end of the week, so in fact this may be the first "real" Modchip to reach the market!

Tell me where did they mention that it's the first review of a Wii modchip? For me it looks clearly that they mean that CycloWiz is the first real Wii-modchip.

[Roman]

In defense for MC:

1. There is no indication that they mentioned that the Cyclowiz was the first Wii modchip, only mention of this being the FIRST Wii modchip REVIEW for MC. Read it again. I don't recall MC ever doing a Wiinja modchip review.

It started before the review:
http://www.maxconsole.net/?mode=news&newsid=13934
http://www.maxconsole.net/?mode=news&newsid=13918

@mosca.br: You misunderstood my posting. ;)

[vandalisthero]

Maybe they're expecting it to beat Wiinja to the market? Maybe they're against the Wiinja for the fact that while they serve the same purpose, the Wiinja is not only an inferior design, but is supposed to cost a lot more. Which side would you be on if nothing but facts were laid in front of you? None of these (according to half the people on these forums) biased reviews?

[Vic Vance]

This is not the FIRST EVER wii modchip , the Wiinja is , whats wrong with you maxconsole? Are you being paid by CyClowiz? ¬¬
I think they mean that this is the first REVIEW of a wii mod ship.

[Kaos2K]

I think they mean that this is the first REVIEW of a wii mod ship.

In any case they are causing confusion ;)

[thePANICHIOteam]

Sorry but the wiinja, just seems to have been created by a chancer. Hes flashing some pic chips shoving them in a box and charging a ridiculous price for the privellege. They have designed jack shiit and it will cost them virutally nothing to produce. I cant believe people are even comparing the 2.

The whinger isnt even complete, its just a chip in a box. your going to need to get wires and a socket, why doest it come with it at the price there asking.

[Cobra.uK]

Ok, since I finally was able to buy a Wii, I´m interested in getting a modchip for it too. The most important feature for me is that I will be able to play import games. Since neither the Wiinja or the CyloWiz is able to do that, I just asked myself if it wouldnt be possible to make a dump of the imported game, and somehow patch it to the region you need ?
For example I buy MK:Armageddon NTSC when it comes out, dump it and patch it to PAL ? Wouldnt that work with one of the chips ?
Of course it should be discovered how, and if the images can be patched to another region ^^

Yea that's one thing thats holding me back from buying the chip because most of the games backed up already will be NTSC and not PAL, since I live in the UK obviously I can't play an NTSC format game.

Is there actually anyone who knows anything about this? Is there a program that can do this yet? Is there one in development at al.

Cheers to anyone who can answer, it's appreciated. :)

[higurb]

How does it taste?

[Guardian_]

Yea that's one thing thats holding me back from buying the chip because most of the games backed up already will be NTSC and not PAL, since I live in the UK obviously I can't play an NTSC format game.

Is there actually anyone who knows anything about this? Is there a program that can do this yet? Is there one in development at al.

Cheers to anyone who can answer, it's appreciated. :)

That's also my problem, I live in the Netherlands so I can't play NTSC. I wonder if there already is a convert program or one in development.

Thanks!

[soussi]

That's also my problem, I live in the Netherlands so I can't play NTSC. I wonder if there already is a convert program or one in development.

Thanks!

I live in Belgium and i sugest to wait till a better chip for all regions comes out... with converters and such problems can occure...


Grzzz

[LTJ]

Just get yourself an LG drive and dump those Backups by yourself !

[Blackocellaris]

Then there are those who say they don't want to solder a chip to their board because they don't want to mess up their Wii. Well, do what I plan to do. Wire it in, and mount it EXTERNALLY in the back, perhaps with a simple switch that removes power to the board/chip.


How do you plan on doing that? Dont you have to solder the wires to the board anyways? I'm kinda curious on that :)

I'm planning on soldering the wires to the board, then making them long enough to come outside the wii (and have the chip out of the Wii). If I ever need to update the chip and buy a new one for some game, I can just clip the wires and redo it without opening up the Wii again.

[Guardian_]

I live in Belgium and i sugest to wait till a better chip for all regions comes out... with converters and such problems can occure...


Grzzz


Yes, that's right.. I think we Pal-owners have to wait a little bit longer. Just as with all the new consoles etc.. ;)

[Cobra.uK]

I wouldn't mind a program with some bugs in it, atleast I'd be able to play NTSC backups, because most backups will be on NTSC. :(

[coldjim]

so if i were to get this chip, and a new chip can out that WAS upgradeable
could i easily unsolder this chip, and solder the new chip to the board?

[Friks]

The backups that are already in the Scene work with the modchip ??

If yes , what is the best way to burn them ?

Great news to Wii ;)

[merkul]

Easily avoid bricking the system: Have an on/off switch for the mod externally available. Before connecting to the internet, turn the mod off. Download any available updates if you deem them necessary, now turn off Wii. Turn back on the mod and start up Wii. If the Big N update was detrimental to the mod working, the LED on the mod should indicate a failure because it doesn't know what to do. Unless I'm mistaken, the only way N can brick it is if they detect a mod ON while applying the update.

Either that or have some component on the chip (ROM? I'm not too up to date on electronics), that stores the original shipped firmware on the drive. If the chip is on, flash the drive on bootup with the modified firmware that allows backups. If the chip is off and you turn the wii on, flash it back to original shipped firmware.

Am i missing something here?

[kneehighspy]

it looks like a standard sx-28, so in due time the hex will be released or ripped. so i'll just wait for the hex myself.

[Friks]

so if i were to get this chip, and a new chip can out that WAS upgradeable
could i easily unsolder this chip, and solder the new chip to the board?

Cold ! I dont know if YOU can easily unsolder it .. but anyone with skills can do with only 1 arm ..

So Go for it ;)

[halomasta203]

Seems pretty nice, but there isn't any kind video or pics on how the boot up process is or anything like that. Guess I'll wait just a bit for a "real" review or for another manufacturer to make another one (for cheaper).

[mkawa6]

I was wondering if the internet works, such as wiiconnect, the weather, the shop, browser, if we can update the wii and still use the modchip, and use other online functions. thanks

[babb_z]

I dont know what your all moaning about. If maxconsole told you $hit sandwiches tasted good, would you eat them? Its pretty obvious its a biased review but then what exactly is the difference between the 2 - NOTHING. Its all cosmetic and thats it. You know what the chips limited capabilities are so just buy one - it really doesn't matter which one.

[xbox360.8]

considering it's only a drive mod, everything else would run normally without any affect. the chip only injects the correct disc info for the wii to see to pass security.

[fazered]

Yea that's one thing thats holding me back from buying the chip because most of the games backed up already will be NTSC and not PAL, since I live in the UK obviously I can't play an NTSC format game.

Is there actually anyone who knows anything about this? Is there a program that can do this yet? Is there one in development at al.

Cheers to anyone who can answer, it's appreciated. :)

I have some PAL games downloaded (copies of the ones I own for backup purposes) and I saw nearly every PAL game out available. No worries about supply. You can always back you own games up as you should.

[deepsplash]

hi everybody. im new on this forum

can someone tell me if cyclo-wiz will allow my wii to read "original" imported games?

thanks

[Overkill1010]

Omg!!!!!!11 The Wii Modchip??!!! I Love You Team Cyclowiz!

[Yokotuna]

hi everybody. im new on this forum

can someone tell me if cyclo-wiz will allow my wii to read "original" imported games?

thanks

No. It will not play backed up imports either. There will be a new mod coming out this week or next called Wiikey that will play imports.

[felixm477]

No. It will not play backed up imports either. There will be a new mod coming out this week or next called Wiikey that will play imports.

in any case early adopters wont be screwed, once action replay for the wii is released imports will be swappable so nobody should really worry too much about imports.

[nhydro]

what type of solder do u need plz answer as quick as u can

[telleri]

Funny how nowhere in this review does it mention the some games dont work with the cyclowiz like Rayman and Call of Duty 3. This site is becoming more and more irrelevant when its reviews aren't even testing anything just regurgitating the manufactures propaganda. http://www.ps2-scene.org/forums/showthread.php?t=52530

[LenLen]

Funny how nowhere in this review does it mention the some games dont work with the cyclowiz like Rayman and Call of Duty 3. This site is becoming more and more irrelevant when its reviews aren't even testing anything just regurgitating the manufactures propaganda. http://www.ps2-scene.org/forums/showthread.php?t=52530

Very sad indeed. I remember the war going on when maxconsole.net was about to start and became successful due to ps2nfo.com doing a bunch of crap like this. Largely the huge advertisements and lack of fair information (along with trying for exclusive distribution of firmware updates etc. through irc).

Very, very sad. Maxconsole has been my sole source of gaming info since then, and having just bought a cyclowiz, while awaiting it, I don't know what to do with it... and I can't help wondering WHY there is no news on the subject making headlines on the main page.

In case you guys are pissed at all of the bitching, or nervous, or don't want to justify a response from the flaming, or just don't know what to do, please, do this:

Post a news bit about compatibility problems with some games.

Contact Team Cyclops.

Ask about the compatibility issues, specifically, how they will fix it.

Ask them if the upgradability of the firmware is true, and if it is, to make a quick update and video to show it in action..

Ask them when to expect an update.

Post the updated news on the main site.

That's all. A lot of normal people don't like being caught in the middle of this flame war, and are just waiting for appropriate responses from you guys, because incompatibility IS news, (which should also put a fire under their asses to fix it) and prospective buyers deserve to know.

It will help your reputation to boot. Think about it.

[ASSPOP]

Wii KEY FTW! :D

[undertoe]

http://www.iso420.org/wii/cyclowiz/index.htm

Should read before you buy one , i would wait for the wiikey myself

[telleri]

Thats how a review should be done. (If your even listening MC)

[vejita316]

Thats how a review should be done. (If your even listening MC)

Can't wait for Brakken to make more updates to the new ModYaWii page..

It's the one source I went to for Gamecube modding/hacking (ModThatCube)

[richman]

It is ashame when the MODS fail to heed the advice of members that like the Mods and site.

I was told by MOD that he doesn't get paid for monitoring the forum and he doesn't get paid by cyclowiz to do the great service he does. But why isn't he asking himself if maybe someone above him IS GETTING PAID by "planting" news stories that slant it to benifit their SPONSER. On MC main Page it does say CycloWiz is one of the sponsers.

Many people here were trying to say to MC and team ... WAKE UP ... you are screwing around with your reputation ... or "respect" rating. People can see that you are not a NEWS and TRUE Forum but a spin-off of a commerical.

MC and the team really should address the issue of what type of integrity they want to have ... or they might make 'quick" money but people will move to site that does share the NEWS in truthful way. If there are problems with CHIP that should be NEWS.

[PSPWAD]

It is ashame when the MODS fail to heed the advice of members that like the Mods and site.

I was told by MOD that he doesn't get paid for monitoring the forum and he doesn't get paid by cyclowiz to do the great service he does. But why isn't he asking himself if maybe someone above him IS GETTING PAID by "planting" news stories that slant it to benifit their SPONSER. On MC main Page it does say CycloWiz is one of the sponsers.

Many people here were trying to say to MC and team ... WAKE UP ... you are screwing around with your reputation ... or "respect" rating. People can see that you are not a NEWS and TRUE Forum but a spin-off of a commerical.

MC and the team really should address the issue of what type of integrity they want to have ... or they might make 'quick" money but people will move to site that does share the NEWS in truthful way. If there are problems with CHIP that should be NEWS.
I hate to break it to you, but affiliate profits are NOT from chip sales, it's from LINK sales...if you click on the link for "CycloWiz" on Divineo then end up buying a component cable, the affiliate profit is still made, whether you bought a MODCHIP or not...users become "customers of the affiliate" when they click on ANY link, so therefore, it's not about "selling a chip", it's using the resource to link people to sites to buy stuff and gaining money back to SUPPORT the bandwidth of this site (which is a LOT). CycloWiz, Wiinja, Wiikey, NONE of them "pay this site" ANYTHING, NOR does this site make a "profit from chip sales" so get that junk out of your head.

I do mod for free during my free time, this is a service I provide to this site, but I'm a regular user like everyone else. As for me, I don't plan on getting a CycloWiz or any chip as of now, until FURTHER review of all the items is out, but in my PERSONAL opinion, Wiinja has the WEAKEST future because if a later game doesn't work on it, that game will NEVER be playable. IN NO WAY does that mean that I promote CycloWiz, because HONESTLY, I think Wiikey looks the best ATM.

[richman]

The mods on this site are nice guys, and I know they are trying to keep the peace and make sure NO abuse goes on or pirate type behavior goes on that can get the WEB Police on the site, ...BUT ... the mods here should be REALLY understanding if some of your "forum friends" are telling you that this site is "slanting the NEWS" to make one chip appear "better" than it is, and another chip "worse" than it is. And we expect that the "good" mods would look into the matter and "confront" the people who are submitting "news" articles that have that "biased" slant. And at this point , I don't get that ANYTHING is being done about it other than censure posts and ban people that "get really upset about it... when nothing gets done about it"... and vent in abusive way.

If that message is not "understood" some members get "Pissed" ... because they feel the MC site is "mis-leading" others on what chip to buy and "thinking" the MODS here "don't give a damn".

[PSPWAD]

The mods on this site are nice guys, and I know they are trying to keep the peace and make sure NO abuse goes on or pirate type behavior goes on that can get the WEB Police on the site, ...BUT ... the mods here should be REALLY understanding if some of your "forum friends" are telling you that this site is "slanting the NEWS" to make one chip appear "better" than it is, and another chip "worse" than it is. And we expect that the "good" mods would look into the matter and "confront" the people who are submitting "news" articles that have that "biased" slant. And at this point , I don't get that ANYTHING is being done about it other than censure posts and ban people that "get really upset about it... when nothing gets done about it"... and vent in abusive way.

If that message is not "understood" some members get "Pissed" ... because they feel the MC site is "mis-leading" others on what chip to buy and "thinking" the MODS here "don't give a damn".
Honestly I can KINDA see where you are coming from, but to be honest, all that isn't listed in this review (which was written before any of the current "issues" came out) is the drive speed and compatibility...and I'll be honest...these kind of posts NEVER get edited...

I kind of think about it like this, take two basketball players. One player is GREAT, but the coach see's he can't improve, and the OTHER has "potential" to be greater. If you ask the crowd who they think is better, naturally they will pick the one that is better NOW. Ask the coach and he will say "this one is better to go with for the long hawl." I think that is where the procyclowiz additude keeps coming from. Now with the Wiikey, there are TWO chips (as long as an UPDATE comes OUT for CycloWiz) with GREAT potential for the future, where as the Wiinja is leaving a good taste in the mouths of the owers that has a HIGH chance of becoming a "bitter flavor" later on...It's kind of like the Sony execs, they MEAN well, they just don't WORD things well...

[richman]

PSPWAD!
Yeah, I guess some of the forum members feel some member of the TEAM should "update" the cyclowiz review to reflect current affairs, a heads-up ... so people considering buying the chip KNOW the "true" pro's and con's before buying.

You and me are on the same page as to which chip we are leaning towards.

I'm sort of hoping for a softmod or SD card solution so I don't have to get the soldering iron out.

You are right about allowing "reasonable" discussion of situation and have not censured me or banned me ... and there is a "healthy" dose of pro and con opinions on most of these threads, which is a up-front thing (IMHO).

[PSPWAD]

PSPWAD!
Yeah, I guess some of the forum members feel some member of the TEAM should "update" the cyclowiz review to reflect current affairs, a heads-up ... so people considering buying the chip KNOW the "true" pro's and con's before buying.

You and me are on the same page as to which chip we are leaning towards.

I'm sort of hoping for a softmod or SD card solution so I don't have to get the soldering iron out.

You are right about allowing "reasonable" discussion of situation and have not censured me or banned me ... and there is a "healthy" dose of pro and con opinions on most of these threads, which is a up-front thing (IMHO).
I'm hoping for a softmod as well...and so far you are one of the FEW that is reasonable and posted in the RIGHT thread, and isn't spamming the NEWS threads saying "IT SUX, DON'T BUY IT!!!!" so there would be no reason to ban you ;)! If you look at the posts of the users banned over this kind of talk, you will notice they EARNED their bans ;)!

[croatoan]

Suggest we stop replying to this as its well known better chips are available if you research the forums.

Everytime you reply this ends up at the top of the forums and newbies think "oohh cyclowiz"

Cant we kill this thread and have a post release review. Us PAL owners are still waiting for the prophecised update

[thebman919]

Everytime you reply this ends up at the top of the forums and newbies think "oohh cyclowiz"


its kind of stickied....

[ramborai1987]

is this fanboy review?

[SpanKie]

as of right now, this is one of the top dog chips, so it deserves to be on top again...


Any new readers can discard the resent comments within this post, as the v3 update puts this chip on top.

[Bijoruku]

in order to be able to upgrade the CycloWiz chip, do we have to install a switch?:confused:

[whackawookie]

in order to be able to upgrade the CycloWiz chip, do we have to install a switch?:confused:

yes, i wouldn't recommend holding two wires together like i've heard people doing. a switch is your safest bet

[Souzar]

I agree it was a good review. It helped me to make up my mind whether to but it or not. I won't buy it, I'll end up flashing the drive or putting in a pic chip whatever. But this review helped me get to that conclusion, pictures or not.

ah what the heck, I'll have two please.

[BladeX]

in order to be able to upgrade the CycloWiz chip, do we have to install a switch?:confused:

according to the guys who made it you just put the new firmware on a cd, pop it in the wii and it will upgrade?

[numms]

according to the guys who made it you just put the new firmware on a cd, pop it in the wii and it will upgrade?
Yes, but the switch must be installed before you are able to run the update. You cannot update if the switch is not connected.

[v3lv3t]

Hi all.
I'm new in here and got a couple question for the cyclowiz.

I read in a different threads that there's a region patch program such as the Wiigion Free and RegionFrii and I was wondering is it possible if I burn NTSC-J games and patch it into NTSC and then play it using the cyclowiz?

Or did I misunderstand the Wiigion Free program?

Btw, good job on the review:D

[gamers_Pride]

this chip allows to you to play copied games right?
lik imports from japan or anywhere in asia? or homebrews?

[numms]

this chip allows to you to play copied games right?
Not copied, around here they prefer the term "backed up". :D
lik imports from japan or anywhere in asia? or homebrews?
Currently the compatibility between regions (PAL, NTSC-J) is as good as any chips on the market, but still some games just don't work. Homebrews, yes.

[ashhong]

I don't see any info about the switch itself. What exactly is it comprised of? How do you install it?

[mthegreatone]

sooooooo judging by everyone's criticism's about Zeu's so-called review of Cyclowiz..........the mod chip has a resounding two thumbs down?

[numms]

sooooooo judging by everyone's criticism's about Zeu's so-called review of Cyclowiz..........the mod chip has a resounding two thumbs down?
Actually, no, not at all. I've had mine installed for about 4 months now and don't have a complaint about it. There WAS an issue with the drive speed in the chips, but that was resolved with the v3 patch. Yes, the patch took a while to come out, but it did come out. The chip has been proven to be upgradable via DVD (not that I expect much more in terms of functionality). Any games that can be played from region to region work fine without settings changes, and it's worked reliably for me since install. Overall, I recommend it to anyone. If you're looking for cheap with no support, but plays Wii backups reliably, I'd suggest the wiikey clone.

[mthegreatone]

regardless i'm still waiting for next-generation mod-chips to come out though. although from the looks of it it seems that in general Cyclowiz looks promising. the reason i say that is because so far that's the only modding team i'm hearing from that's currently has plans to work on the D2C chipset for the latest Wii's.

i haven't taken the time to open up my Wii yet, but i have a feeling there's a D2C chip in there because i got the Wii just last Sunday...........