I'm about to get started, does method 1 100% not work on 5.5.2?
Edit: I did get it to work.
I didn't have time to update the guide after 5.5.2 exploit was released, so it still says you need 5.5.1. but it works fine, you just need to use the correct browser exploit if you don't have haxchi or cbhc yet.
Is the main issue the fact that WiiU NEEDS its own format USB Drive?
Yes, you need a full dedicated HDD for WiiU. it will delete all existing partitions and format/encrypt it to lock it to your console.
I looked into WiiVC but cannot understand how this tool is used to convert Wii games to WiiU HDD
nintendo released official "wii games channels" installed on WiiU menu.
these official channels are in fact :
- a WiiU to vWii launcher
- a Wii ISO
- a vWii autoboot program emulating the Disc drive from an ISO file.
- a special IOS (wii firmware) which allows the use of the WiiU gamepad instead of Classic Controller.
What the injector is doing is :
take an existing Wii virtual console (like xenoblade, or Rhythm music game), unpack, replace the Wii ISO, repack.
It's an injector, replacing Wii ISO from an official WiiVC channel from nintendo.
it doesn't "convert" the wii game at all, it just "put the Wii ISO" inside a WiiUtovWii launcher+autobooter.
- NTFS 500GB HDD (1. Why are you saying FAT32, I thought NTFS worked fine with vWii??)
NTFS works fine for wii games.
it doesn't work for Gamecube games, and some Wii homebrew (emulators, games, apps, media players, etc.)
It doesn't work with EmuNAND (WiiWare and Wii's virtual consoles games installed on SD or USB). You can use your 64GB SD for that if you really want to play some wiiware/VC games.
- Setup SD card with how it used to be for Browserhax ( 2. Is there anything special I may need to do for Haxchi?)
SD card can be used for both WiiU and vWii homebrew at the same time.
SD:/apps/ <-- vWii homebrew
SD:/wiiu/apps/ <-- WiiU homebrew
Haxchi doesn't need the SD card. But you need it for any other homebrew (WUP installer, homebrew launcher, etc.) unless you install them to your WiiU menu.
- If WiiU time, Run Haxchi, Launch Loadiine_GX2 to play games off SD.
Ah, you still want to use Loadiine?
your console is a 8GB model?
if you have a 32GB model, you have enough space to install the games on the console. you don't need 300 games at the same time. just install and play the one you want. play, complete them, delete it, and play new game etc.
Loadiine is old, slow, sometime not working at all, and offline only.
If space is really an issue, there's a way to install WiiU games to FAT32 but it's a lot of hassle to setup and install new games.
The same method can be used to play WiiU games with loadiine from USB (no need to install, it's easier but you still have the loadiine restriction and compatibility)
in both cases, you need FAT32.
what I recommend to you:
1 HDD for vWii (NTFS if you want)
SD for both WiiU and vWii homebrew
SD for Wii emuNAND (if you want/need that)
Install WiiU games to your console's internal memory
Use loadiine only for games you don't play often, or don't have compatibility problem, or don't need online access.