14 DAY TRIAL // The modern consoles are used to receive firmware updates more than any other previous generation. But “they don't make them like they use to” definitely seems to apply to gaming platforms. Not only do they need constant updates to operate in compatibility with all the official releases but it looks like they'll need updates to provide a fix for the previous updates too, since firmware patches aren't made like they were either.
The latest 4.2 firmware update for the Wii looks like it breaks more than it fixes. The patch became available on Monday and should not have made any actual changes but just “improve the overall system performance.” Still it does look like the people behind this update had an individual agenda, since the update also contains a warning for all improvised modifications brought to the console as well as for unsanctioned programs. "Because unauthorized modifications to save data or program files may impair gameplay or the Wii console, updating to Wii Menu version 4.2 will also check for and automatically remove such save data or program files," the fine print said.
The patch stirred up a complaint storm as console owners started to report it freezing up their consoles. A thread that was started on Nintendo's forum contains a detail announcement in which a system administrator states that "The symptoms most people are describing usually occur when the Wii has been modified. However, some of you also mention your system has never been modified. We'd like to help get your system working properly again. If you're experiencing problems with your Wii console after downloading Wii System Menu 4.2, and you believe your system has not been modified, please give us a call. If we find that you have a normal system and the update caused your system to not work, we'll repair it at no charge."
This is very nice of them, to fix the product at no extra charge, since they're the ones that broke it. The patch is also necessary to access the Wii Shop Channel, without which you cannot purchase any WiiWare, Virtual Console titles or download additional software, like the News Channel or Forecast Channel. It looks like the people of Nintendo have had enough with people modding their Wiis and set forth in motion a Trojan plan to eradicate their foes.