Wii Mini: Difference between revisions

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The Wii Mini is a Wii model released as a cheaper alternative to the regular Wii models.
{{Distinguish|MINI}}, the [[IOS]] replacement for the [[Wii]] by fail0verflow


== Features ==
The '''Wii Mini''' is a variant of the [[Wii]], released by [[Nintendo]] in 2012.
To cut costs, the Wii Mini has different features compared to other Wii models such as


* Top loading DVD drive instead of a slot loading one
== Differences ==
* No Wifi card and network support completely disabled in official software
The Wii Mini has several differences from a standard Wii.
* No Gamecube controller/memory card ports
* Features that were removed:
* No SD card slot and only a single USB port compared to the usual two
** Font 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 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 [[Wii 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.

Revision as of 21:04, 29 July 2026

Not to be confused with 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:
  • 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 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 SDHCIs still exist in Hollywood, and they can be soldered back on)
  • Limitations imposed by hardware:
    • No ability to output component video (I believe they changed the AVE-RVL[check])
    • No ability to read GameCube discs (no support in the 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.