Earlier this week, Nintendo
released firmware version 3.3 for the Wii in the hopes of deterring some of the homebrew work being done for the console. The update nixed the commonly-used "Twilight Hack," which made use of a modified save file to launch homebrew applications. It didn't take long for the community to respond, though, as
a fix has been released which counters Nintendo's efforts.
The fix essentially tricks the Wii into thinking that the modified Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess save is a normal one. One diligent code digger found the newly-added functions which specifically checked for a "corrupt" Twilight Princess save file and then deleted it, and a group then worked to create the new fix, which takes advantage of some openings in the new firmware.
While the solution may only be a band-aid until Nintendo rectifies its error, the homebrew community continues to impress. It seems like there's little that companies can do to ward off those who want to use their consoles for more than what comes out of the box. I wonder who will be the first to say "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em."
