Wii-Linux Wiki - User contributions [en]

Wii U Hardware/R700

2026-10-20T18:40:32Z

Techflash: Basic R700 page

'''R700''' is one of the names of the [[Wii U]]'s GPU, based on its microarchitecture (ATI Radeon R700). It is also referred to as '''GX2''' (in contrast with the [[GameCube]]/[[Wii]]'s [[Hardware/GX|GX]]), and '''GPU7'''. It is sometimes erroneously called [[Wii U Hardware/Latte|Latte]], however that's actually the name of the SoC which houses this GPU, among many other components.

IOSU

2026-10-20T18:36:01Z

Techflash: Basic IOSU page

'''IOSU''' is the community-made name for the "[[Wii U Hardware/Starbuck|Starbuck]]"/IOP-side firmware of the [[Wii U]]. It is officially called simply IOS, but is referred to by the community as IOSU to differentiate it from the [[Wii]]'s [[IOS]].

Wii U Hardware/eMMC

2026-10-18T14:43:13Z

Techflash: Add basic Wii U eMMC page

The [[Wii U]] has an eMMC module attached to its 3rd [[Hardware/SDHCI|SDHCI]] (SDHCI2). It officially contains a [[WFS]] filesystem, but it can be reformatted to contain anything (e.g. an ext4 root filesystem for [[linux-wiiu]]) with almost no danger, as the eMMC isn't touched for any boot-process purposes, containing only user data.

WFS

2026-10-18T14:39:16Z

Techflash: Basic WFS page

'''WFS''' is the name of the filesystem stored on the [[Wii U Hardware/eMMC|Wii U's eMMC]], as well as on USB storage devices CafeOS/[[IOSU]] formats. Despite serving (in part) a similar purpose to [[SFFS]], it is an entirely different (and much more complex) format.

== Caveats ==
When reading a WFS filesystem from the eMMC, it is important to also apply updates from the [[SCFM]] first, else you will get stale data. Many WFS dumping/extracting utilities do not do this. [[NPLL]]'s WFS driver does.

== Compatibility ==
While NPLL supports reading files from WFS, neither [[Wii-Linux]], nor [[linux-wiiu]], nor [[NetBSD]] can do so.

SFFS

2026-10-18T14:35:19Z

Techflash: note the iosu sffs is not exactly directly compatible with the ios one

'''SFFS''' is the name of the filesystem stored on the [[Wii Hardware/NAND|Wii's NAND]], and on both banks of the [[Wii U Hardware/NAND|Wii U's NAND]] (although the Wii U one has a very slightly revised format). It has a plaintext block of metadata (a superblock), pointing to, through FAT, encrypted (via AES) clusters of data.

== Compatibility ==
While [[NPLL]] supports reading files from SFFS, neither [[Wii-Linux]], nor [[linux-wiiu]], nor [[NetBSD]] can do so.

Main Page

2026-10-18T05:17:59Z

Techflash: Link more related resources, not just Wiibrew

== Welcome to the Wii-Linux Wiki! ==

You've reached the wiki page of [[Wii-Linux]]. Here you may find some information related to Wii-Linux, it's development, and a bit about the [[GameCube]], [[Wii]], and [[Wii U]] hardware itself.

''' Useful related resources:'''
* [https://hitmen.c02.at/files/yagcd/yagcd/index.html YAGCD] - GameCube hardware/software info
* [https://wiibrew.org WiiBrew] - Wii hardware/software info
* [https://wiiubrew.org WiiUBrew] - Wii U hardware/software info
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20180817055037/http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/Main_Page gc-linux wiki (archived)] - Historical info from the old gc-linux project

== Navigation ==
{| class="wikitable"
! Hardware !! Software !! Misc
|-
| valign="top" |
* Consoles
** [[Wii U]]
** [[Wii]]
** [[GameCube]]
* Accessories
** [[Hardware/Expansion Interface|EXI]] bus (incl. MemCard Slots)
*** [[SD Gecko]]
*** [[USB Gecko]]
*** [[Memory Card]]
*** [[Microphone]]
*** [[Broadband Adapter]]
*** [[Modem]]
** [[GameCube Controller]]
| valign="top" |
* [[Wii-Linux]]
* [[Wii-Linux Distros|Distros]]
** [[ArchPOWER]]
** [[Void-PPC]]
** [[Debian-Ports PPC]]
* [[Recommended Apps]]
* Bootloaders
** [[NPLL]]
** [[Gumboot]]
| valign="top" |
* [[Installation Guide]]
* [[Troubleshooting/FAQ]]
* [[Useful Development Info]]
|}

NetBSD

2026-10-18T00:00:54Z

Techflash: Linux doesn't do sw color conversion anymore

{{seealso|[https://netbsd.org/ Official NetBSD Website]}}

'''NetBSD''' is one of the BSD operating systems, descended from the Berkeley System Distribution. Starting with version 10.0, NetBSD supports the [[Wii]] as a first class platform, with further enhancements to hardware support added in version 11.0.

=== Comparison with Wii-Linux ===
* [[Wii-Linux]] is launched from [[BootMii]] via [[Gumboot]] or [[NPLL]]. NetBSD is started from the [[Homebrew Channel]], or, as of NetBSD 11.0, from BootMii via a NetBSD-specific bootloader.

* When NetBSD starts from the Homebrew Channel, it can only use MEM1 and part of MEM2, since IOS reserves the upper 12MB. Wii-Linux is able to use all of MEM2, as can NetBSD if started from BootMii.
* NetBSD's init system is ''much'' simpler and lighter than systemd.

* The Wii-Linux [[ArchPOWER]] image has better menu-driven configuration tools. While NetBSD's <code>sysinst</code> can be used for tasks like network configuration, it is not as easy to use as tools like <code>nmtui</code> or [[ConfigMii]].

* NetBSD's package manager is not included as part of the base system, and has to be installed using <code>sysinst</code>.

* The framebuffer driver in both Wii-Linux and NetBSD emulates RGB colors, so graphical software doesn't have to be rewritten for the Wii's YUYV framebuffer. NetBSD's driver does this via the [[Hardware/GX|GX]] GPU, using a scratch framebuffer in memory, copying into the EFB (via the CPU) every frame, and then using GX to do the conversion + copy back to the XFB. Linux previously did this via software math. Those 2 approaches have similar performance. Modern Linux versions, however, do this by exposing the RGB linear framebuffer as GX tiled texture, then using an indirect texture to remap the output to appear correct after rendering into the EFB, and thus appearing correct on the display after copying out to the XFB (also using GX).
* Wii-Linux has more complete hardware support in some areas:
** Recent versions of Wii-Linux present the EXI bus as SPI, allowing the use of SPI drivers (most notably using the mmc-spi driver for SD Gecko support). NetBSD has a bespoke SPI stack, with driver support limited to the RTC and the USB Gecko.
** Because NetBSD has no general "game pad" or "joystick" input abstraction, the [[Hardware/Serial Interface|SI]] driver simulates a USB hub and presents [[GameCube Controller|GameCube controllers]] as USB game controllers.
** NetBSD has no [[GameCube]] support whatsoever.
* NetBSD has superior hardware support in other areas:
** There seems to be a wider array of USB drivers enabled in NetBSD, so many devices will work on NetBSD but not Linux.
** The NetBSD driver for the Wii's [[Wii Hardware/BCM4318|BCM4318]] Wi-Fi has been reported to be faster and more stable than Linux's driver (although performance is still not good.)
** NetBSD has support for Hollywood's AES engine. Allegedly, this is used for accelerating WPA as well as disk encryption.

NetBSD

2026-10-17T23:57:43Z

Techflash: correct memory claim

{{seealso|[https://netbsd.org/ Official NetBSD Website]}}

'''NetBSD''' is one of the BSD operating systems, descended from the Berkeley System Distribution. Starting with version 10.0, NetBSD supports the [[Wii]] as a first class platform, with further enhancements to hardware support added in version 11.0.

=== Comparison with Wii-Linux ===
* [[Wii-Linux]] is launched from [[BootMii]] via [[Gumboot]] or [[NPLL]]. NetBSD is started from the [[Homebrew Channel]], or, as of NetBSD 11.0, from BootMii via a NetBSD-specific bootloader.

* When NetBSD starts from the Homebrew Channel, it can only use MEM1 and part of MEM2, since IOS reserves the upper 12MB. Wii-Linux is able to use all of MEM2, as can NetBSD if started from BootMii.
* NetBSD's init system is ''much'' simpler and lighter than systemd.

* The Wii-Linux [[ArchPOWER]] image has better menu-driven configuration tools. While NetBSD's <code>sysinst</code> can be used for tasks like network configuration, it is not as easy to use as tools like <code>nmtui</code> or [[ConfigMii]].

* NetBSD's package manager is not included as part of the base system, and has to be installed using <code>sysinst</code>.

* The framebuffer driver in both Wii-Linux and NetBSD emulates RGB colors, so graphical software doesn't have to be rewritten for the Wii's YUYV framebuffer. NetBSD's driver does this via the [[Hardware/GX|GX]] GPU, using a scratch framebuffer in memory, copying into the EFB (via the CPU) every frame, and then using GX to do the conversion + copy back to the XFB. Linux does this via software math. Both approaches have similar performance.
* Wii-Linux has more complete hardware support in some areas:
** Recent versions of Wii-Linux present the EXI bus as SPI, allowing the use of SPI drivers (most notably using the mmc-spi driver for SD Gecko support). NetBSD has a bespoke SPI stack, with driver support limited to the RTC and the USB Gecko.
** Because NetBSD has no general "game pad" or "joystick" input abstraction, the [[Hardware/Serial Interface|SI]] driver simulates a USB hub and presents [[GameCube Controller|GameCube controllers]] as USB game controllers.
** NetBSD has no [[GameCube]] support whatsoever.
* NetBSD has superior hardware support in other areas:
** There seems to be a wider array of USB drivers enabled in NetBSD, so many devices will work on NetBSD but not Linux.
** The NetBSD driver for the Wii's [[Wii Hardware/BCM4318|BCM4318]] Wi-Fi has been reported to be faster and more stable than Linux's driver (although performance is still not good.)
** NetBSD has support for Hollywood's AES engine. Allegedly, this is used for accelerating WPA as well as disk encryption.

ArchPOWER

2026-10-17T18:28:41Z

Techflash: Overhaul ArchPOWER page

[[File:ArchPOWER-Wii-Linux-Screenshot.png|thumb|Screenshot of ArchPOWER running i3, NetSurf, xterm and fastfetch.]]
ArchPOWER is a Linux distro developed by [https://github.com/kth5 kth5] for the purpose of porting Arch Linux to run on 32-bit Big-Endian PowerPC (what the [[Wii]], [[Wii U]], and [[GameCube]] use), 64-bit Big-Endian PowerPC and 64-bit Little-Endian PowerPC. It supported 64-bit RISC-V until May 7th, 2025. The project has a [https://archlinuxpower.org website] and a [https://github.com/kth5/archpower GitHub].

The developer, kth5 is an active member of the [https://discord.gg/K6ea48VUXU| Wii-Linux Discord], and is quite interested in getting the full lineup of PowerPC-based consoles working.

Official ArchPOWER console kernel packages include:
* <code>linux-xenon</code> (Xbox 360)
* <code>linux-ps3</code> (PlayStation 3)
* <code>linux-wiiu</code> (Wii U - [[linux-wiiu]] project)
* <code>linux-wii</code> (Wii - [[Wii-Linux]] project)

Techflash maintains 2 custom ArchPOWER package repositories:
* <code>extra</code> - misc packages for all architectures
* <code>wiilinux</code> - Wii-Linux kernel, bootloader(s), and userspace utilities

He also produces an unofficial is produced with these - the primary Wii-Linux distro as of current writing.

[[Category:Software]]
[[Category:Wii-Linux Distros]]

Wii Remote

2026-10-17T18:08:52Z

Techflash: The LEDs also show battery status

The Wii Remote is the main controller used on the [[Wii]]. It's primarily focused towards motion control based games.

It's sometimes referred to by the unofficial name "Wiimote".

== Features ==

* Sensors
** Accelerometer
** Infrared sensor (used alongside the Sensor Bar)
** On Wii Remote Plus models or with the MotionPlus addon
*** Gyroscope
* Physical Buttons
** POWER, D-Pad, A, B (located on the back of the controller), +, HOME, -, 1 and 2
** SYNC button hidden in the battery compartment
* Connectivity
** Bluetooth
** Accessory port (I²C interface)
*** Used for connecting the Nunchuk, Classic Controller, MotionPlus addon, and other accessories
* Miscellaneous
** 16KB of storage
** Speaker
** 4 lights to indicate which player the controller connected as, and show the battery status during connecting/pairing

== Compatibility ==
With the mainline [[Wii-Linux]] kernel the Wii Remote will connect automatically when pressing a button, if it was previously paired to this console under official software. It binds using the official <code>hid-wiimote</code> driver, same as it does on a PC. It can be used under [[X11]] using [[Xwiimote]].

[[NPLL]] connects to Wii Remotes like other official and homebrew software does. That is: it automatically fast-reconnects any known Wii Remotes, which should work if they were already connected just-before starting NPLL, and they can also be connected manually be a pressing a button.

Wii Remote

2026-10-17T18:07:54Z

Techflash: Fix accessories list grammar

The Wii Remote is the main controller used on the [[Wii]]. It's primarily focused towards motion control based games.

It's sometimes referred to by the unofficial name "Wiimote".

== Features ==

* Sensors
** Accelerometer
** Infrared sensor (used alongside the Sensor Bar)
** On Wii Remote Plus models or with the MotionPlus addon
*** Gyroscope
* Physical Buttons
** POWER, D-Pad, A, B (located on the back of the controller), +, HOME, -, 1 and 2
** SYNC button hidden in the battery compartment
* Connectivity
** Bluetooth
** Accessory port (I²C interface)
*** Used for connecting the Nunchuk, Classic Controller, MotionPlus addon, and other accessories
* Miscellaneous
** 16KB of storage
** Speaker
** 4 lights to indicate which player the controller connected as

== Compatibility ==
With the mainline [[Wii-Linux]] kernel the Wii Remote will connect automatically when pressing a button, if it was previously paired to this console under official software. It binds using the official <code>hid-wiimote</code> driver, same as it does on a PC. It can be used under [[X11]] using [[Xwiimote]].

[[NPLL]] connects to Wii Remotes like other official and homebrew software does. That is: it automatically fast-reconnects any known Wii Remotes, which should work if they were already connected just-before starting NPLL, and they can also be connected manually be a pressing a button.

Wii Remote

2026-10-17T18:06:14Z

Techflash: Improve compatibility section

The Wii Remote is the main controller used on the [[Wii]]. It's primarily focused towards motion control based games.

It's sometimes referred to by the unofficial name "Wiimote".

== Features ==

* Sensors
** Accelerometer
** Infrared sensor (used alongside the Sensor Bar)
** On Wii Remote Plus models or with the MotionPlus addon
*** Gyroscope
* Physical Buttons
** POWER, D-Pad, A, B (located on the back of the controller), +, HOME, -, 1 and 2
** SYNC button hidden in the battery compartment
* Connectivity
** Bluetooth
** Accessory port (I²C interface)
*** Used for connecting the Nunchuk, Classic Controller. MotionPlus addon and other accessories
* Miscellaneous
** 16KB of storage
** Speaker
** 4 lights to indicate which player the controller connected as

== Compatibility ==
With the mainline [[Wii-Linux]] kernel the Wii Remote will connect automatically when pressing a button, if it was previously paired to this console under official software. It binds using the official <code>hid-wiimote</code> driver, same as it does on a PC. It can be used under [[X11]] using [[Xwiimote]].

[[NPLL]] connects to Wii Remotes like other official and homebrew software does. That is: it automatically fast-reconnects any known Wii Remotes, which should work if they were already connected just-before starting NPLL, and they can also be connected manually be a pressing a button.

Homebrew Channel

2026-10-17T18:00:53Z

Techflash: Fix formatting

The Homebrew Channel (often abbreviated "HBC") is an application developed by fail0verflow (previously known as Team Twiizers) which is primarily used to run other applications (homebrew) stored on an SD Card or USB mass-storage device (e.g. flash drive, HDD, etc).

It also supports loading applications via the network or [[USB Gecko]].

[[Wii-Linux]] can be launched from the Homebrew Channel either by launching [[NPLL]] as a regular homebrew application or by booting into [[BootMii]] IOS (from the HOME/START button menu).

[[NetBSD]] can be launched from the Homebrew Channel either by launching it directly as an application (in which case it runs underneath IOS with limited RAM), or by booting into BootMii IOS.

Homebrew Channel

2026-10-17T18:00:36Z

Techflash: Note NetBSD compat

The Homebrew Channel (often abbreviated "HBC") is an application developed by fail0verflow (previously known as Team Twiizers) which is primarily used to run other applications (homebrew) stored on an SD Card or USB mass-storage device (e.g. flash drive, HDD, etc).

It also supports loading applications via the network or [[USB Gecko]].

[[Wii-Linux]] can be launched from the Homebrew Channel either by launching [[NPLL]] as a regular homebrew application or by booting into [[BootMii]] IOS (from the HOME/START button menu).
[[NetBSD]] can be launched from the Homebrew Channel either by launching it directly as an application (in which case it runs underneath IOS with limited RAM), or by booting into BootMii IOS.

Homebrew Channel

2026-10-17T17:58:06Z

Techflash: Add more opening info

Homebrew Channel

2026-10-17T17:55:53Z

Techflash: Clarify which, and where, on "booting into BootMii"

The Homebrew Channel is an application developed by Team Twiizers which is primarily used to run other applications stored on an SD card or USB flash drive.

It also supports loading applications via the network or [[USB Gecko]].

[[Wii-Linux]] can be launched from the Homebrew Channel either by launching [[NPLL]] as a regular homebrew application or by booting into [[BootMii]] IOS (from the HOME/START button menu).

Bootstrapping a Wii-Linux Distro

2026-10-15T23:06:12Z

Techflash: Remove kernel section because mainline exists now

There's 4 or 5 stages to bootstrapping a [[Wii-Linux]] Distro, depending on the current state of the distro you'd like to bootstrap.

== 1. Porting the distro to 32-bit Big-Endian PowerPC 750, if required ==
This is obviously the hardest step. If the distro does not already natively support 32-bit PPC (e.g. [[Debian-Ports PPC|Debian]]), or have a community-maintained port (e.g. [[ArchPOWER]]), or perhaps doesn't support PPC750, then you will need to create the port yourself. The difficulty of this step could range from Impossible (distro is set up in such a way to make this task 100% impossible), to very easy (most of the groundwork is already there, just needs to be compiled), to already done (such a port already exists).

Due to the incredible variety of difficulties that could be encountered in this step, accomplishing it will not be covered here, but here's some tips, if you do find yourself in this incredibly unfortunate situation:
* Work with other members of the PowerPC community. Maintainers or contributors of other projects that support 32-bit PPC (like ArchPOWER or Adélie) are often willing to help, share patches, etc.
* Establish a team of multiple people that are also interested in porting your target distro to 32-bit PPC.
* Try to get a minimum-viable-product built first, before trying to get anything more difficult. Tackle basic system utilities (coreutils, bash, util-linux), important applications (an init system), and important libraries (libc, libstdc++, readline) first, and see if you can get something booting.

== 2. Making sure that it boots correctly on the Wii ==
It's also possible (modern versions of Debian are good examples of this) that the distro may need more than 88MB of RAM in order to boot. If this is the case, you'll need to mod the loader to enable swap before booting that distro.

It's also possible that the distro might not support PPC750, and requires PPC7400/"G4" or higher. If that's the case, you will need to rebuild the distro for PPC750 or under.

Assuming that none of those are an issue, it probably boots up mostly unscathed. Now, there's a few more things you'll want to check and/or fix:
* Are the kernel modules working?
** Do necessary ones load automatically? If not, you may need to force some on startup. '''b43''' is particular problematic for this.
* Is networking working properly?
** Does the distro have any network management out of the box? If so, you'll want to add some.
** Does the Wi-Fi card function properly?
*** If not, make sure that you added the '''openfwwf''' firmware.
*** Also, make sure that the '''b43''' kernel module is loading, it sometimes doesn't by default.

If you've gotten all of these essentials working, you're ready to move onto step 3.

== 3. Adding Wii-specific customizations ==
After you have a successfully booting distro, you'll want to customize the system to be more well-suited to the Wii. Here's some ideas:
* Include the Wi-Fi firmware by default
* Build the kernel (+ modules) and loader as packages that can be seamlessly upgraded with the rest of the system
* Add detection for your distro to the loader
* Including networking and Bluetooth configuration utilities by default
* Port Wii-Linux applications like [[ConfigMii]] and [[HelpMii]]

== 4. Automating everything so far ==
Now that you have a fully working system, you'll want to automate all of the steps to get there. This will allow for easier updates in the future.

If you need an example of how to do this, the [https://github.com/Wii-Linux/build-stack/blob/main/generate-archpower-rootfs.sh build script Wii-Linux uses to make ArchPOWER images] is on GitHub.

== 5. Publicize it! ==
The final step - get your new distro out there so people can use it! There's 2 routes you could reasonably go with this, both of them are described here.

=== Get it hosted by the Wii-Linux project ===
Feel free to reach out! If your distro port is actually good, the Wii-Linux project will gladly host images for it, and provide (limited) build infrastrcture. Talk to us via any of the standard methods (e.g. Discord), and we can discuss possibilities.

=== Hosting it yourself ===
You'll need the following:
* VPS or dedicated machine
** Ability to set up an HTTP server
** Enough disk space to hold any required files
* Decent networking
** Public, static IP address(es)
** High speed (preferablly 100mbps or higher upload speed)
** High uptime
* (optional, but highly recommended) domain name

You'll need to set up hosting for your built images, custom packages, and probably also a project homepage.

Wii-Linux

2026-10-15T23:03:37Z

Techflash: update mainline ver

''' Note: ''' This page has been written by Techflash. As the creator of the current iteration of Wii-Linux, I am of course biased towards my own work. However, I do attempt to remain as neutral as possible here.

----

Wii-Linux can refer to multiple things. It often refers to the project started by Techflash, which bears the name of Wii-Linux. It can also refer to other, often older, efforts of putting Linux on the Wii.

This page details the history of Wii-Linux as a whole, as it leads up to, and relates to, Techflash's current Wii-Linux project.

== Background ==
Please see [https://wiibrew.org/wiki/Wii-Linux the related WiiBrew article] for background info on Wii-Linux.

== History ==

=== gc-linux (2005 ~ 2010) ===
The gc-linux developers were the ones who originally got Linux running on the GameCube (and later, the Wii). They were the developers of the MIKE (MINI Kernel) series of kernels for the Wii, as well. All of the gc-linux kernels were of the 2.6 line, and the final release was 2.6.32. They developed the [https://wiibrew.org/wiki/Wii-Linux/Distros#Whiite Whiite] distro, based on Debian "lenny" / 5.0.

This is where the vast majority of the current kernel changes originated from.

=== DeltaResero and neagix (2014 ~ 2018) ===
==== 3.15 kernel / "stable-v3.x" ====
During this period of time, both DeltaResero and neagix both were working, occasionally trading commits around, to try to port the old 2.6.32 patches over to a new, 3.x version. Eventually they ended up settling on 3.15.10. This kernel worked quite well with very minimal problems.

==== 4.3 kernel / "experimental-v4.x" ====
By this point, focus had largely shifted over to neagix's wii-linux-ngx repository, however, both neagix and DeltaResero were still quite active together, working on things such as USB fixes. This kernel sadly did not have the same level of polish as "stable-v3.x", however. Some features, like the framebuffer patches, were not implemented here. This was unfortunately the last Wii-Linux related activity from the two.

=== Wii-Linux Continuation Project (2022 - Present) ===
The history of the Wii-Linux Continuation Project is a little confusing, as it originally started as 2 different projects, from 2 different people. Here's an attempted explanation.

==== TheOtherOne's 4.4 CIP kernel ====
TheOtherOne created a kernel port, based on the Linux 4.4 LTS, with the CIP80 patches applied. This was based off neagix's "experimental-v4.x" kernel. This kernel sadly had a few problems. Namely, due to being on "experimental-v4.x", it was lacking a few quality of life features. This is where Techflash got involved. He attempted to fix up the kernel and add some quality of life features back into it. He shipped this kernel with the Wii-Linux Continuation Project's Void-PPC based rootfs for a while, up until 5/30/2024, the transition to the 4.5 kernel. Unfortunately, TheOtherOne seems to have discontinued development on this kernel, and Techflash has largely abandoned it in favor of 4.5.

==== Techflash's kernel ====
Techflash originally attempted to rebase TheOtherOne's 4.4 kernel onto 4.5, however, this proved challenging, due to the CIP patches that were applied. Ultimately, he ended up going for the original set of 4.4 patches that TheOtherOne applied to her CIP tree, directly applied those onto a clean copy of Linux 4.4, and rebased that to 4.5. Of note is that this code still shares it's origin with neagix's "experimental-v4.x", and as such, shares it's problems. Of particular importance is the lack of neagix and FarterSoft's RGB patches, exposing an RGB565 framebuffer, as opposed to the Wii's native YUV framebuffer, to usespace. This is a feature that's natively supported using the DRM graphics subsystem in modern Linux versions, however, this was still the best way to do this translation back during the time when the patches were written. Techflash later added these changes from the "stable-v3.x" branch in, allowing Xorg and other graphical apps to run correctly. He has also re-added the legacy USB Gecko driver, and overhauled the EXI stack, allowing users to use the USB Gecko as a TTY once again. The latest stable version of Techflash's kernel is '''7.2.10'''. Older versions (4.14.336 LTS, 4.14.275 LTS (for [[OpenWRT]]), 4.9.337 LTS, 4.6.0, and 4.5.0) are still present. The mainline port received a release as stable on 7/14/2026 and replaced kernel 4.19.325. It includes many fixes like improved USB support, audio support, proper EXI support, working DVD drive support and many more.

== Compatibility & Support Matrix ==
[https://github.com/Wii-Linux/wii-linux-ngx/issues/6 Detailed regression tracking is available here]

If a release isn't listed here, it's implied to also be an old interim release and should not be used.
{| class="wikitable"
|+Last updated: October 15th, 2026
!Kernel Version
!2.6.32
!3.15.10
!4.3.6
!4.4.302-cip80
!4.5.0
!4.9.337
!4.14.275
!4.14.336
!4.19.325-cip121
!5.4.293
!5.10.237
!5.15.184
!6.6.0¹
!7.2.10
!Upstream
|-
|Wii-Linux Kernel Branch
|stable-v2.6.32
|stable-v3.x
|experimental-v4.x
|wii-v4.4
|wii-v4.5
|wii-v4.9
|wii-v4.14-openwrt
|wii-v4.14
|wii-v4.19
|wii-v5.4
|wii-v5.10
|wii-v5.15
|wii-v6.6
|wii-mainline
|N/A
|-
|Original Creator
|gc-linux
|DeltaResero
|neagix
|TheOtherOne
|Techflash
|Techflash
|Techflash
|Techflash
|Techflash
|Techflash
|Techflash
|Techflash
|Techflash
|Techflash
|Linus Torvalds
|-
|Wii-Linux Support Status²
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO (Old stable)
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO (Old interim release)
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |'''YES (For OpenWRT)'''
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO (Old interim release)
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |'''DEPRECATED (Old stable)'''
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO (Broken)
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO (Broken)
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO (Broken)
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:lightgreen;color:black" |'''YES (Latest stable)'''
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
|-
|Recommended for use
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES (if using OpenWRT)
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |'''DEPRECATED (Old stable)'''
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO (USB issues)
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO (USB issues)
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO (USB issues)
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:lightgreen;color:black" |'''YES (Latest stable)'''
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
|-
|[[GameCube]] Support
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:orange;color:black" |UNKNOWN
| style="background-color:orange;color:black" |UNKNOWN
| style="background-color:orange;color:black" |UNKNOWN
| style="background-color:orange;color:black" |UNKNOWN
| style="background-color:orange;color:black" |UNKNOWN
| style="background-color:orange;color:black" |UNKNOWN
| style="background-color:orange;color:black" |UNKNOWN
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL
| style="background-color:salmon;color:black" |BROKEN
| style="background-color:salmon;color:black" |BROKEN
| style="background-color:salmon;color:black" |BROKEN
| style="background-color:orange;color:black" |UNKNOWN
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:orange;color:black" |UNKNOWN
|-
|[[Hardware/Drive Interface|GameCube/Wii DVD-ROM]]
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:salmon;color:black" |BROKEN
| style="background-color:salmon;color:black" |BROKEN
| style="background-color:salmon;color:black" |BROKEN
| style="background-color:salmon;color:black" |BROKEN
| style="background-color:salmon;color:black" |BROKEN
| style="background-color:salmon;color:black" |BROKEN
| style="background-color:salmon;color:black" |BROKEN
| style="background-color:darkred;color:white" |REMOVED
| style="background-color:darkred;color:white" |REMOVED
| style="background-color:darkred;color:white" |REMOVED
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
|-
|[[Wii Hardware/Starlet|Wii IOS Boot]] Support
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL
| style="background-color:salmon;color:black" |BROKEN
| style="background-color:salmon;color:black" |BROKEN
| style="background-color:salmon;color:black" |BROKEN
| style="background-color:salmon;color:black" |BROKEN
| style="background-color:salmon;color:black" |BROKEN
| style="background-color:salmon;color:black" |BROKEN
| style="background-color:darkred;color:white" |REMOVED
| style="background-color:darkred;color:white" |REMOVED
| style="background-color:darkred;color:white" |REMOVED
| style="background-color:darkred;color:white" |REMOVED
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL (Indirectly via NPLL)
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
|-
|[[Wii Hardware/Starlet|Wii IPC]] Support
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL
| style="background-color:darkred;color:white" |REMOVED
| style="background-color:darkred;color:white" |REMOVED
| style="background-color:darkred;color:white" |REMOVED
| style="background-color:darkred;color:white" |REMOVED
| style="background-color:darkred;color:white" |REMOVED
| style="background-color:darkred;color:white" |REMOVED
| style="background-color:darkred;color:white" |REMOVED
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
|-
|[[Wii Hardware/BCM4318|Wii Wi-Fi]] Support
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:salmon;color:black" |BROKEN
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:salmon;color:black" |BROKEN
|-
|[[Hardware/USB|Wii USB]] Support
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
|-
|[[Wii Hardware/Hollywood|Wii SD Card]] Support
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
|-
|[[Wii]] Power Button Support
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
|-
|[[GameCube|GCN]]/[[Wii]] Framebuffer Support
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
|-
|[[GameCube|GCN]]/[[Wii]] Audio Support
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
|-
|[[Hardware/GX|GCN/Wii GX (GPU)]] Support
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL (in -gxfb branch)
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
|-
|[[Hardware/Expansion Interface|EXI]] Bus Support
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL³
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL³
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL³
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL³
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL³
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL³
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL³
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL³
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL³
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL³
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL³
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL³
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES (as SPI host)
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
|-
|[[SD Gecko]] Support
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL³
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL⁴
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL⁴
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL⁴
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL⁴
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL⁴
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL⁴
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL⁴
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL⁴
| style="background-color:darkred;color:white" |REMOVED
| style="background-color:darkred;color:white" |REMOVED
| style="background-color:darkred;color:white" |REMOVED
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES (via mmc-spi)
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
|-
|[[USB Gecko]] Support
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:yellow;color:black" |PARTIAL
|-
|[[Microphone|GCN Microphone]] Support
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
|-
|[[Memory Card|GCN Memory Card]] Support
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
|-
|[[GameCube Controller|GCN Controller]] / SI Bus Support
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
| style="background-color:green;color:white" |YES
| style="background-color:red;color:white" |NO
|}
¹ - Upstream-based 6.6 branch, not based on gc-linux

² - Status of whether or not you will recieve support for getting it running or doing anything with it. You should use the version marked as '''Latest Stable''' unless there is a specific reason not to

³ - Bespoke downstream EXI stack that doesn't tie into the upstream SPI stack and duplicates tons of code

⁴ - Via bespoke EXI stack, unusably slow
[[Category:Software]]

NPLL

2026-10-14T07:54:20Z

Techflash: Add v0.6 updates and some more general info

[[File:Npllssht mainmenu.png|thumb|Main Menu]]
[[File:Npllssht sysinfo.png|thumb|The System Information screen]]
NPLL is the [[Nintendo]] PowerPC Linux Loader - a bootloader that functions as a universal PowerPC binary, executable on all 3 of Nintendo's PowerPC consoles: the [[GameCube]], [[Wii]], and [[Wii U]]. It was created by [[User:Techflash|Techflash]] to replace the legacy [[Gumboot]], due to its many shortcomings. It is currently the primary bootloader of the [[Wii-Linux]] project.

As of October 14th, 2026, NPLL is currently at version v0.6.

== Features ==

* Console support
** GameCube
** Wii
** Wii U
* Environment (what loaded NPLL) support
** Notes
*** This is a non-exhaustive list, it is quite likely that other loaders work and are not mentioned here
*** Not all loaders support all output binary formats of NPLL, see [https://github.com/Wii-Linux/NPLL#output-files the README on GitHub] for more information
** GameCube
*** Swiss
** Wii
*** [[Homebrew Channel]]
*** [[MINI]] (via [[BootMii]]-as-boot2 or -as-IOS, or exploits which load it)
*** NDEV Boot Program
*** Priiloader
*** [https://hackmii.com/2008/08/open-source-apploader-iso-template/ FOSS Apploader] (via System Menu)
*** Installed as TitleID 1-2 (System Menu), loaded by [[IOS]]
** Wii U
*** [[linux-loader]]
* Graphics support
** [[GameCube Hardware/Flipper|Flipper]]/[[Wii Hardware/Hollywood|Hollywood]] Video Interface framebuffer
*** Mode autodetection (similar to libogc homebrew, and official SDK software) from:
**** GameCube:
***** Existing video state
***** IPL ROM
**** Wii:
***** Existing video state
***** SYSCONF and setting.txt from the [[SFFS]]
** [[Wii U Hardware/Latte|Latte]] R700 framebuffer (both TV and [[Wii U Hardware/DRC|DRC]])
* Text console output support
** Framebuffer text console with multi-framebuffer output support
** [[USB Gecko]] text console over EXI
* Block storage support
** SD Cards over Hollywood/Latte [[Hardware/SDHCI|SDHCI]]
** eMMC over Latte SDHCI
** SD Cards in an [[SD Gecko]] over EXI
** [[Wii Hardware/NAND|NAND]] over Hollywood/Latte [[Hardware/NAND Interface|NAND Interface]]
** [[NROM]], DVD-ROM (in compatible drives), and DVD-R (in compatible drives), over [[Hardware/Drive Interface|DI]] on the Wii
** NROM, miniDVD-ROM, and miniDVD-R over [[Hardware/Drive Interface|DI]] on the GameCube
** USB Mass Storage
* Filesystem support
** FAT + exFAT, via [https://elm-chan.org/fsw/ff/ FatFs], on standard storage media
** ext2/3/4, via [https://github.com/Wii-Linux/lwext4 lwext4], on standard storage media
** ISO9660 on optical storage media
** [[SFFS]] on NAND
** [[WFS]] on [[Wii U Hardware/eMMC|Wii U eMMC/MLC]]
* Partition table support
** MBR
*** Extended partitions
** GPT
** Statically defined (e.g. on NAND)
** No partitions (use whole device)
* Input support
** Wii front buttons via Hollywood [[GPIO]] and [[Hardware/Processor Interface|Processor Interface]]
** Wii U front buttons via [[Wii U Hardware/SMC|Wii U SMC]]
** [[GameCube Controller]], GameCube Keyboard, and N64 Controller, via Flipper/Hollywood [[Hardware/Serial Interface|Serial Interface]]
** USB HID Keyboards, via Hollywood/Latte OHCI/EHCI
** [[Wii U Hardware/DRH|DRH]] (Wii U GamePad Host) via Latte EHCI
** [[Wii Remote|Wii Remotes]] via Hollywood/Latte OHCI
* Executable support
** Standard ELF executable (incl. Linux <code>zImage</code>)
** Linux <code>vmlinux</code>
** Standard DOL executable
** Wii channel
* Config format support
** Legacy Gumboot config (<code>gumboot.lst</code>)
** NPLL config (<code>npll.cfg</code>)
* Return-to-loader stub support
** GameCube ([[Swiss]]-compatible)
** Wii ([[Homebrew Channel|HBC]]-compatible)

Linux-loader

2026-10-14T07:26:33Z

Techflash: Basic linux-loader page

'''linux-loader''' is the official [[Wii U Hardware/Starbuck|Starbuck]]-side bootloader of the [[linux-wiiu]] project. It only operates in native [[Wii U]] mode, not in [[vWii]] mode. It can be used to load [[NPLL]] instead of directly loading a linux-wiiu dtbImage if more flexibility over what to load is desired.

Wii Hardware/NAND

2026-10-14T07:22:37Z

Techflash: Link to IOS page, fix grammar

[[File:Wii-Nand-Hynix.jpg|alt=|thumb|333x333px|Hynix branded NAND on a Wii's motherboard]]
{{seealso|[https://wiibrew.org/wiki/Hardware/NAND Wiibrew page about the NAND]}}

The [[Wii]] contains a 4 Gigabit (512 Megabyte) NAND flash memory chip. The NAND is used to store, among other things, every [[IOS]] installed on the system, each stage past boot0 (which is stored in ROM) of the bootloader process as described on [[Wii Hardware/Starlet|Starlet]], your System Menu, channels, and your save files.

The NAND is accessed using using the [[Hardware/NAND Interface|NAND Interface]] of the [[Wii Hardware/Hollywood|Hollywood]] SoC.

== Data Sizes ==
The NAND is split into 4096 sections referred to as "Blocks". Each block contains 64 pages, and each page contains 2048 bytes of data with 64 bytes of error correction info.

== Physical Data Layout ==
* Block 0 contains boot1, which is the encrypted second stage bootloader, loaded and decrypted by [[Wii Hardware/Starlet|Starlet]] during execution of boot0. There is currently no safe way to modify the contents of this block.
* Blocks 1-7 contain 2 copies of boot2, with blockmaps. Boot2 is stored in a modified WAD format, with a ticket encrypted and signed using [[Nintendo]]'s common key. It is recommended to only modify this area when installing [[BootMii]] as boot2, and only when you have a vulnerable version of boot1.
* Block 8 contains the start of per-console data, as well as the header metadata for the NAND filesystem (SFFS). This and the next 4087 blocks are generally safe to modify, as long as you have BootMii as boot2 and don't erase the FAT. This is the area that would be exposed with a filesystem by a driver, were one to be made.

== Compatibility ==
There is currently no way to read or write the NAND in [[Wii-Linux]] nor [[NetBSD]], though [[NPLL]] can read files from the [[SFFS]] filesystem stored on it.
[[Category:Wii Hardware]]

Hardware/Audio Interface

2026-10-14T07:20:43Z

Techflash: Basic AI page

The '''A'''udio '''I'''nterface (AI) is an interface found in [[GameCube Hardware/Flipper|Flipper]], [[Wii Hardware/Hollywood|Hollywood]], and [[Wii U Hardware/Latte|Latte]] SoCs. It is fed audio data by the [[Hardware/DSP|DSP]] and outputs it according to the specified settings (sample rate, volume, etc). See the DSP article for more info about how audio data arrives at the Audio Interface.

Hardware/DSP

2026-10-14T07:17:24Z

Techflash: Basic DSP page

The [[GameCube Hardware/Flipper|Flipper]], [[Wii Hardware/Hollywood|Hollywood]], and [[Wii U Hardware/Latte|Latte]] SoCs feature and audio DSP made by Macronix.

== Components ==
The DSP can be divided into 3 logical components:
* DSP Core
** Runs a program from IROM or IRAM to perform computations
** Official usage:
*** [[Memory Card]] unlock algorithm
*** Audio effects
** [[Wii-Linux]] driver: None
** [[NetBSD]] driver: None
* ARAM Accelerator
** Does DMA to/from ARAM and the Hi-Speed Port
** Wii-Linux driver: <code>drivers/block/gcn-aram.c</code>
** NetBSD driver: None
* Audio playback engine
** Sends audio data from system memory to the [[Hardware/Audio Interface|Audio Interface]]
** Official usage:
*** Audio playback
** Wii-Linux driver: <code>sound/ppc/gcn-ai.c</code>
** NetBSD driver: <code>sys/arch/evbppc/nintendo/dev/bwdsp.c</code>

IOS

2026-10-14T07:03:21Z

Techflash: Basic IOS article

'''IOS''' ('''I'''OP '''O'''perating '''S'''ystem) is the official firmware running on the [[Wii Hardware/Starlet|Starlet]] (known officially as the IOP) in the [[Wii]]. The distinct software running on the [[Wii U]]'s [[Wii U Hardware/Starbuck|Starbuck]] (also known officially as the IOP) is also known as IOS, but referred to by the community as [[IOSU]] to distinguish it from the Wii's version.

Modern versions of [[Wii-Linux]] cannot boot under IOS. Very old versions were able to, but this caused many drivers to be duplicated unnecessarily (to have versions that used IOS IPC calls instead of direct hardware access), and was later removed. [[NPLL]] will automatically reload into [[MINI]] if booted under IOS. [[NetBSD]] can run under IOS (if started with AHB access enabled (HW_AHBPROT=ffffffff)) at the cost of lower available memory (since IOS uses 12MB for itself).

Video Playback

2026-10-14T06:32:09Z

Techflash: Basic video playback guide

The [[Wii]] is capable of playing back video under [[Wii-Linux]] reasonably well if you prepare it properly. The [[GameCube]] does not have the CPU horsepower, spare RAM, nor I/O bandwidth, to playback any form of video.

== Formats ==
* '''MPEG-1''': Works well
* '''MPEG-2''': Works well (recommended format)
* '''H.264''': Works only for very low-FPS (~16FPS at best) content
* '''Others''': Untested

== Considerations ==
* Runtime rescaling is far too taxing; you must rescale video content to exactly match the target framebuffer resolution ahead of playback
* Video is streamed from disk; if your storage medium is too slow it will become a bottleneck
* Audio seems to be unusually taxing and causes stuttering in the video stream, with warnings like <code>[aist#0:1/mp2 @ 0x5a2250] Resumed reading at pts 32.592 with rate 1.050 after a lag of 0.489s</code> appearing in the logs
* The Wii cannot output HD video, so don't expect stunning quality out of it

== Optimal commands ==
* For converting your content to the optimal format (MPEG-2) at the target resolution (640x448) at decent quality: <code>ffmpeg -i <input file> -c:v mpeg2video -b:v 1400k -maxrate 2500k -bufsize 2000k -qmax 40 -g 15 -bf 2 -vf "scale=640:448:force_original_aspect_ratio=decrease,pad=640:448:(ow-iw)/2:(oh-ih)/2:black" -c:a mp2 -b:a 128k <output>.mpg`</code> (replace <code><input file></code> with your input filename and <code><output></code> with your output filename)
* For playback (run under a VT, not Xorg): <code>ffmpeg -re -i <file>.mpg -pix_fmt rgb565be -f fbdev /dev/fb0</code> (replace <code><file></code> with your filename)
** To add audio playback (although it will probably make your video stutter), add <code>-f alsa default</code> to the end

Nintendo

2026-09-30T19:31:47Z

Techflash: Slightly clean up Nintendo article

'''Nintendo''' is the video game company who created the [[GameCube]], [[Wii]], and [[Wii U]], as well as many others.
You can find more info about Nintendo on their [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo| Wikipedia Article]

Wii Family Edition

2026-09-30T19:28:32Z

Techflash: Fix DI link

The '''Wii Family Edition''' is a variant of the [[Wii]], released by [[Nintendo]] in 2011.

== Differences ==
The Wii Family Edition has a few differences from a standard Wii.

* Features that were removed:
** [[GameCube Controller]] and [[Memory Card]] ports
* Features that were changed:
** Button labels and logo on the front are printed in an horizontal layout rather than the usual vertical layout
** The console and bundled Wii Remote were released in different colors including the usual white

== Limitations ==

* Limitations imposed by hardware:
** No ability to read GameCube discs (no support in the [[Hardware/Drive Interface|optical drive]])

== Linux support ==
Wii-Linux can be run on a Family Edition console with any method possible on the regular model.

Wii Mini

2026-09-30T19:28:22Z

Techflash: Fix DI link

{{Distinguish|MINI}}, the [[IOS]] replacement for the [[Wii]] by fail0verflow

The '''Wii Mini''' is a variant of the [[Wii]], released by [[Nintendo]] in 2012.

== Differences ==
The Wii Mini has several differences from a standard Wii.
* Features that were removed:
** Front SD Card slot
** [[GameCube Controller]] and [[Memory Card]] ports
** [[Wii Hardware/BCM4318|Internal WiFi Card]]
** Ability to use component video
** Ability to connect to the internet
** Ability to read [[GameCube]] discs.
* Features that were changed:
** Unit is now marginally smaller
** Top-loading optical drive rather than a slot-loading one
** Only one USB port instead of 2

== Limitations ==
These limitations fall into various distinct classes.
* Limitations imposed only by official software:
** No internet connection ability (it still has a perfectly functional USB port, in which you can connect a USB Ethernet adapter)
* Limitations imposed by lack of onboard connectors:
** No front SD Slot nor WiFi board connector (though the [[Hardware/SDHCI|SDHCIs]] still exist in [[Wii Hardware/Hollywood|Hollywood]], and they can be soldered back on)
* Limitations imposed by hardware:
** No ability to output component video (I believe they changed the [[Wii Hardware/AVE-RVL|AVE-RVL]]{{check}})
** No ability to read GameCube discs (no support in the [[Hardware/Drive Interface|optical drive]])

== Linux support ==
[[Wii-Linux]] can run on the Wii Mini, by loading [[NPLL]] via the Homebrew Channel from USB Mass Storage, which in turn loads the kernel from USB Mass Storage, which in turn boots the rootfs from USB Mass Storage.

Wii

2026-09-30T19:28:03Z

Techflash: Fix DI link

The Wii is a video game console that was produced by [[Nintendo]]. It is the primary target device of the [[Wii-Linux]] project. It is largely an iteration in hardware over the [[GameCube]], keeping a lot of the same underlying hardware, but adding new features, including a heavy focus on security.

There have been many hardware revisions of the standard Wii hardware released over time, and two different variants, the [[Wii Family Edition]] and the [[Wii Mini]].

== Hardware ==
* IBM PowerPC 750CL-based CPU "[[Wii Hardware/Broadway|Broadway]]", 729MHz
* "[[Hollywood]]" SoC, 243MHz
* 24MB of 1T-SRAM, "MEM1", shared from the GameCube
* 64MB of GDDR3, "MEM2", new to the Wii
* 512MB of [[Wii Hardware/NAND|NAND]] storage (inaccessible to Wii-Linux for now)
* SD Card slot
* [[Hardware/USB|2x USB 2.0 ports]], expandable using a USB hub
* [[Wii Hardware/BCM4318|Broadcom 4318 Wi-Fi Radio]], connected over SDIO
* [[Hardware/BCM2045A|Broadcom 2045A Bluetooth Radio]], shared by the Wii U
* [[Hardware/Drive Interface|DVD-ROM drive]]

More detailed information about the Wii can be obtained from its [https://wiibrew.org/wiki/Wii WiiBrew article], or its [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii Wikipedia article].

[[Category:Nintendo Consoles]]

Hardware/Drive Interface

2026-09-30T19:27:13Z

Techflash: Refresh the DI page

The [[GameCube]] and [[Wii]] contain a DVD optical disc drive. Their intended purpose is to read the proprietary [[NROM]] format, but this is not all they can be used for. This drive is interfaced with via the DI (Drive Interface) in the [[GameCube Hardware/Flipper|Flipper]] and [[Wii Hardware/Hollywood|Hollywood]] SoCs.

== Non-NROM media support ==
In early model Wiis (pre-2008), this drive is capable of reading burned DVD-R or pressed DVD-ROM discs, through special "DVD video" commands, blocked from being sent to the drive via an <code>HW_COMPAT</code> bit normally, but they can be enabled by setting it. Later drive models removed this functionality, regardless of whether commands are permitted to be sent according to the SoC. All GameCube drives can have their firmware patched via software to support reading DVD-R/DVD-ROM.

== Software compatibility ==
There is a driver in [[Wii-Linux]] known as <code>rvl-di</code> (file path: <code>drivers/block/rvl-di.c</code>) for interfacing with the DVD drive. Older versions of Wii-Linux supported the DVD drive, however support has heavily deteriorated over the years:

* 3.15.10 (stable-v3.x): Full support
* 4.3.6 (experimental-v4.x): Hang trying to read data from the disc.
* 4.4.302-cip80: Can't read any drive response data (even metadata).
* 4.19 (possibly older?): can't even send basic commands to the drive, like a drive reset.
* Mainline: Full support (via new driver, ported from [[NPLL]])
[[NetBSD]] has a functional driver for the Wii's DVD drive.
[[Category:Wii Hardware]]

Hardware/Drive Interface

2026-09-30T19:22:21Z

Techflash: Techflash moved page Wii Hardware/Drive Interface to Hardware/Drive Interface without leaving a redirect: It's the same hardware

The [[Wii]] contains a DVD optical disc drive. In early model Wiis (pre-2008), this drive is capable of reading burned DVD-R discs, through a hidden "DVD video" mode that the drive can be set to. Later models removed this functionality. It is interfaced with via the DI (Drive Interface) in the [[Hollywood]] chipset.

== Compatibility ==
There is a driver in [[Wii-Linux]] known as <code>rvl-di</code> (file path: <code>drivers/block/rvl-di.c</code>) for interfacing with the DVD drive. Older versions of Wii-Linux supported the DVD drive, however support has heavily deteriorated over the years:

* 3.15.10 (stable-v3.x): Full support
* 4.3.6 (experimental-v4.x): Hang trying to read data from the disc.
* 4.4.302-cip80: Can't read any drive response data (even metadata).
* 4.19 (possibly older?): can't even send basic commands to the drive, like a drive reset.
* Mainline: Full support (via new driver, ported from [[NPLL]])
[[NetBSD]] has a functional driver for the Wii's DVD drive.
[[Category:Wii Hardware]]

NPLL

2026-09-30T19:21:38Z