Tech - News
Have An Old Nintendo Wii? Here's The 9 Best Ways To Use it
By JACK GOODWILLIE
M1 Mac Mini Conversion
While this experiment isn’t for those without technical experience, YouTuber Luke Miani converted his 16-year-old Nintendo Wii console to an Apple Mac Mini.
Miani moved the Mac Mini’s internal components, a small 12 V fan, and power supply into the Wii’s case. However, he did need to shave down the top of the chassis to fit I/O ports.
Media Center
Thanks to its WiiMC compatibility, the Wii is a great children’s entertainment center. WiiMC is a media center suite for the Wii, but it does require the Wii’s Homebrew Browser.
The program also turns the Wii into a DVD player, but this feature will only work on some models. This setup will be capable of playing video files up to 720p.
Wii Linux Conversion
Rather than converting the console into a Mac Mini, more gaming-focused users could install a Linux operating system onto the hardware instead.
There are several methods of installing Linux onto the Wii, and quite a few advantages, such as making it very difficult to brick.
Homebrew Games
The Wii is a great choice for those looking to develop indie games, as the system has a Homebrew channel specifically related to Homebrew games.
This channel allows users to do things they usually couldn’t do on their Wii, such as access fan-made games and develop their own using the devkitPPC program.
Strobe Alarm Clock
For an alternative way to wake up in the morning, Wii owners can transform their old consoles into a unique alarm clock that combines both WiiStrobe and Alarmii.
Be warned that the app's flashing lights can trigger seizures for about three percent of people with epilepsy according to the Epilepsy Foundation.