wii Mini

[noobcube]

Hmm... wonder if that unused area in the middle at the front was intended for an SD port?

Edit: Looks like (unused) connector P13 might be for Wi-Fi, not SD. Even so, Wi-Fi would make it more usable, assuming that HBC could be installed somehow.

[megalomaniac]

right under the serial number bar code sticker on the left:

the dvd drive connection looks more like the GC drive port...but a little different in size and with only 30pins
....so no plug and play WKF/WODE

most likely since there is no GC support, then there is no reason to have the additional GC audio streaming pins...(assuming those specific pins were not required for anything else other than GC audio streaming)

[Sintendo]

Since it has a single USB port, couldn't you just use one of those Wii LAN adapters and go online through that?

[Ashen]

Well I'll be damned.

[Diminuendo]

that thing does look right tiny. If the SD card function can be restored I think this would be a great portable

[Benni]

And for HD Video - use a hdmi-key...

So i don´t see any problems...

Why not to hook ub a SD Card Reader via USB?
WII Lan Adapter for USB...

So, there is everything we need available.
BUT: Does it work?
This need to be tested...

[wii_HD]

For those asking but need did read the review over @engadget linked to on page 3 here - you can not just plug in a usb lan module and expect it to work ( they tried ) the firmware on this machine is different just look at the barren menus

Nintendo could have at least put some effort in the look of the OS - a different theme or even a straight direct boot no menu would be better than what is there right now

[Diminuendo]

might be able to steal firmware from an earlier wii and install it on a mini to make the LAN adapter work.

[megalomaniac]

i dont see the mini getting much real support by looking at the board...
it would be possible to install a WKF/WODE, but only the brave will attempt, and seeing as how it might not sell much, those chances are kinda slim....but it could be done.....assuming: no issues with the firmware to recognize the WKF/WODE as a "drive"

also, it does not look like any "easy" possibilities to add SD either...so adding a different firmware with no SD or no WKF/WODE may be an issue...and all the other disc hack methods to install HBC are useless without SD...

agree with wii_HD, does not look like any effort was put into the mini other than hardware redesign and (temporary) roadblock of modchips/softmods

not to mention, i dont think many dealers will be willing to develop and produce a modchip for a console which will see very little sales

[wii_HD]

Okay its arrived.







Uploaded with ImageShack.us

The first thing I noticed was the flip top lid flys open (Nintendo saves more money) - not a nice smooth motion like the GC.

Composite lead at the ready but I dont have any time to plug the mini in today so I will try some ntsc discs later.

[emu_kidid]

Does it have a power LED or reset button?

[wii_HD]

^ It as the same red/blue off/on led located in the power button. No reset button.

Funnily enough in red state you can see the led through the thinner plastic side panel.

I used my UK wii power supply without problem and also RGB scart works - have not tried component yet but not expecting that to work as reported elsewhere. Plus I do not have a true three plug S-Video cable to test either.

As expected Japanese wii and any GameCube discs do not boot.

Firmware is stripped down 4.3U

[Cubelover]

have not tried component yet but not expecting that to work as reported elsewhere.

Why should component not work?

[wii_HD]

There is no option to switch to component in the menus.

engadget tried a cable in their review plus http://techforums.nintendo.com/message/81838

[emu_kidid]

anyone have a picture of the bottom of the mainboard?

[megalomaniac]

anyone have a picture of the bottom of the mainboard?

The AVE?
That should be the same, just to communications available to change the chips video type output...

[AC_Orange]

It seems the only thing mini has got going for it is the size. No component cable was a nail in the coffin for me- as if it wasn't missing enough key features.

I wonder how many people will buy this just for the sake of collecting (including myself if I ever buy one:))

[wii_HD]

Its certainly an odd release from Nintendo especially coming so close to the wii U launch - Still if anyone is still enthusiastic for this console another review is in.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/df-ha ... ini-review

[noobcube]

anyone have a picture of the bottom of the mainboard?

[BenoitRen]

So, what's the model number of this thing? RVL-201?

[megalomaniac]

So, what's the model number of this thing? RVL-201?

"RVL-nothing"

[emu_kidid]

I'm pretty sure we can add in a SD Card port somewhere there

[Diminuendo]

I'm more interested on the draw of this thing and whether it contends for power use with the original Wii.

I would also love a shot with the thermal grease wiped off the CPU so we could tell if the old wii and the mini have the same CPU as well

[Diminuendo]

Also a NAND flash chip swap might bring back some features that Nintendo has since removed. I think it's that 48 pin chip on the bottom of the mini. I can't see any text on it but maybe it's just super light. Can anyone who has a mini see if there is a serial number on there? see if it matches this one from the wii biggie?

[emu_kidid]

If you swap NAND you need to swap the chip with starlet/console unique key too.