If you're lucky enough to be on Firmware 5.5.1, then your Wii U is vulnerable to a very safe, simple & Free Web Browser Exploit.
This means its very easy to Soft-Mod your console.
The only downside is you will ALWAYS NEED AN INTERNET CONNECTION
(If you want a solution that doesn't require constant Internet Connection Continue to 'Haxchi CFW' Below)
(If you want a solution that doesn't require constant Internet Connection Continue to 'Haxchi CFW' Below)
- Simply we will Visit a Bookmarked Website on our Wii U's Browser that will allow us to boot into the Homebrew Launcher.
- After booting into the Homebrew Launcher, we are able to run any homebrew from our SD card.
On top of that we are also able to run "Mocha Custom Firmware"
- A temporary Custom Firmware that will run until we restart our console.
- Each time you boot your Wii U you'll have to use the Web Browser Exploit again to:
Open the Homebrew Launcher, then Launch Mocha CFW
Mocha modifies nothing permanently & will leave no trace of being used after restarting your Wii U.
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What can I do while in Mocha CFW?
- Install Game Backups from SD card
- Install DLC/Updates/Virtual Console Games
- Install Wii & Gamecube ISO's onto your Wii U Menu
- Install the Homebrew Launcher onto your Wii U Menu (must be in Mocha to launch)
- Install & Play Emulators/Retroarch
- Use Cheats (TCPGecko)
- Use Other Controllers (Wired & Over Wifi from a PC)
- Install Game Mods (such as the popular Zelda BOTW Character & Weapon Mods)
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Install Haxchi Permanent Custom Firmware ($10)
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- Haxchi is the same as Mocha CFW in terms of functionality
- Haxchi is accessible without the Internet, through a Virtual Console Game Installed onto your Wii U
- Most people Buy "Brain Age" from the eShop & use it to install Haxchi (Costs around $7.99)
- After Installing Haxchi, Launching Brain Age will take you to the Homebrew Launcher (Internet not Needed)
- You can also Customize Hot-Keys on your WiiU Gamepad to Launch CFW or different Homebrew Apps without Entering the Homebrew Launcher
Since you need to Purchase an eShop game & use the Web Exploit, you'll need an Internet Connection to Initially Setup Haxchi (afterwords you do not need an Internet Connection)
If you don't want to Spend 10 Dollars or just want to Try out Custom Firmware, I highly recommend using Mocha CFW & coming back to Haxchi in the Future
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Install Cold Boot Haxchi/CBHC (Requires Haxchi Already Installed)
- After you Install Haxchi you can Learn about Cold Boot Haxchi or CBHC
- Cold Boot Haxchi will load Haxchi CFW everytime your Wii U Boots
- This means Haxchi Custom Firmware is basically Always on
- There is also a Higher (although minimal) Risk of Bricking your WiiU Beyond Repair by Installing CBHC
I would Consider this an Advanced form of Custom Firmware
I do not Recommend this Method unless you are sick of Loading Custom Firmware Manually each time you boot your Console.
Due to me not wanting to brick your Console by some random act of the nintendo gods - the CBHC link will take you off site to a different guide.