My Wii is currently modded with a WiiKey V2, updated to the latest WiiKey software (V1.3 "Oddysey?"). Works perfectly, letting me play any backups I have. However dealing with DVD-Rs is a pain, of course. I'm looking for your recommended simple oh-so-elegant solution that will let me connect a USB External Hard Drive and just play the ISO copies of games directly from it.
I've spent some time searching, and have heard of various USB loaders, so "Try USB Loader X" doesn't get me too far, XD. I think one solution would be install the homebrew channel, get the USB Loader of choice on an SD card and run it's installer (tutorial here). The biggest concern, though, is that I'd rather not softmod my Wii more than necessary. If I have to softmod, does my WiiKey make that easier? I read things about homebrew-install discs not work anymore, can someone explain why - I thought the WiiKey is supposed to make it so discs are a lot more free with the system to do these sorts of things. I'd rather not have to go through several other softmods just to get the one (USB Loader) that I want. Thanks for your help!!
Edit: I think I have wii version 4.1 or somewhere below. When I go into "Wii Shop" it tells me there's an update, so I'm not at 4.2 yet.
All you have to do is softmod it. Then install your usb loader of choice. I used this way here http://bannerbomb.qoid.us/index.new.php But there are many other tutorials out there. I updated to 4.2 and went from there. And no the wiikey does not make it any easyer. Atleast it didnt for me. It did not make it harder either though! It just dont matter I guess. And yes you have to install the homebrew channel to install the usb loader. No way around that as far as I know.
I have 2 softmod guides in my sig. Go to the 1 that corresponds with the firmware you have. Then go to the USB Loader guide I have in my sig as well after softmodding the Wii.
It sounds like if I install a softmod I will not be able to update my Wii anymore, for example to 4.2 or above. I want to still be able to play new games that come out requiring newer versions, or is this somehow not an issue? This is one of the reasons I have a WiiKey - I don't have to deal with software issues.
How about doing some research on softmods and how to install new IOS that newer games need. I am not about to go through all of this when a little searching and reading could give you this information.
As well if you want to use a USB Loader you have to softmod the system. No way around it.
