From: wiihacks.com ( admiral victorinox)
TITLED: Gamma/Loaders (softchip) VS Modchip
this is a simple guide to tell you the differences between the 2 so youre informed, and can make the right choice be it what ever you want.. im gonna try to be as fair to both methods as i can, many people know i do have my leans like everyone else, but i will try my best, and most people will agree
please note softmodding =/= iso loader ill explain later
Softchip/ISO loader/Gamma
Pro's
Free
doesnt require any real skill
easy to get support here
barly voids the warranty
no opening the wii
you get homebrew channel, though this method by default *since its needed to get the loader working =P*
Con's
slower than a modchip
some games dont work
more patchs required to work
can break your wii in a error
requires lots of attention/very high maintenance
newer games with issues take longer to fix
you need to patch, or hook to get out of region
games can randomly freeze
cant boot from the disc channel
can be removed in a later firmware
cant play region free gamecube
cant play gamecube backups
you will have to either add the required IOS for new games or pay to get it added
the softmod is defeated every time you update your wii
a small guide to working, and not working games are [Only Registered Users Can See Links. Click Here To Register]
Modchip
Pro's
once its installed it works
works faster than the loader, and 1:1 with originals in all cases
out of region
can block updates on any firmware *some chips*
can boot from the disc channel
region free gamecube
can play gamecube backups
partial region free
fixes are usually easier
works on any firmware
can fix bricks easier like "banner"
can install Homebrew via ISO *3.2 or lower*
Con's
costs money
can break your system if you mess up
MUST get the right chip for your drive
if the team stops making updates you might become SOL
not 100% region free
can cause odd issues
a bad chip might break your system, or require you to return/get a new one
might be a clone -,_-, *buy from a trust worthy site!*
newer chips could leave you in the dust *IE ISO streaming, and fancy features xD*
Neutral *IE same with both methods*
can use homebrew
plays backups
can play online
3.2 = the best
Softmodded =/= loader or anything like that
Homebrew channel was made to make the wii better for everyone, not pirating games! it is recommended for modchip, and 100% needed for gamma/loader... this is in no way a PERK for the loader, modchip is easier the channel...
if you need to know the perks of having this channel... if you have a modchip.
can get 100% region free
can block updates *3.2 only* unless you boot in a loader
can cheat on games
can change wii region
can install new channels
can install VC/Wiiware games
can load DVD's/media
can patch updates
can downgrade
can prevent bricks *3.2 only*
can extract saves you couldn't before
can use emulators
can fix some problematic games, and Black/white and flickering problems
in the end, the chip is the way to go if you just want to play games, plug it in and BAM done!
it works with all games
it is region free
it has solderless solution for people without skills to solder, and kids
because softmodding sumed up is... free but risky, and only for people whom want to keep reading and learning!
It is very easy to brick your Wii with the continual softmod updates
requires lots of attention/very high maintenance
i hope this makes it a little easier, yes there is more Con's, then Pro's but in the end that's because, theirs only so much difference between the 2, and the Con's are all most people care about =\
if you got something you feel i didnt cover or mention, pm or post and ill add it
