--==M37R01Dz M0Dz ==--

--==D2Ckey Review==--

Its been long enough, and just when you thought you were going to give up, The D2Ckey team drops the D2Ckey for all D2C console Wii’s.

I would like to thank www.D2Ckey.com for the samples and many questions they helped answer.

Now before I get into details, let me first say this install IS NOT FOR THE NOVICE. This chip has a 31 wire count, and 1-2 jumps depending on the region your console is.

--== Feature List==--

DVD Media Compatibility

• DVD+-R
• DVD+-RW
• Dual-Layer DVD (Movies and GCOS)

Game Disc Support

• Direct boot of Wii original and backup games from the same region
• Direct boot of Gamecube original and backup games from the same region
• Direct boot of different NTSC region Wii and GC games on USA and JAP consoles
• Partial region free support on Wii and GC original and backup games with different videomode (ie PAL<->USA, JAPAN)
• Improved read settings for recordable media
• Supports running GC games at Wii disc speed
• GC Audio streaming Fix
• Supports full-size DVD and DVD9 discs for GC homebrew
• Supports GC multigame discs
• Supports Wii and GC multidisc games

True Stealth Mode

• Does not modify RAM, making it virtually undetectable for the Wii
• Full command set emulation

--==First Impressions==--

The D2Ckeys comes in a electrostatic bag, and is quite a bit bigger then any other chip for the Wii. The D2Ckey is on a high quality PCB and wont feel easily breakable like some of the older chips. Also take notice to the Actel chip that powers it, another high quality part.

--==Installation==--

As said above this install is for professionals only, if you haven't soldered before this console is not the version to learn on. Break out some old circuitry and PRACTICE!!!!!

http://www.d2ckey.com/resources.html

I'm not going on with details to install the chip, a pro should be doing it anyways, and should need no explanation, but here are some tips

• Installation should take no more then an hour, maybe two if its your first time and taking things easy.
• Once everything is ready to go I would start with the left side of the D2C chip, then bottom then right side.
• Be extremely careful not to bridge any pins. You may want to check continuity between every solder point as you go along.
• Do not cover the air vent hole on the left side of the chip
• Use a bit of hot glue to hold the chip down in place, as it will kinda hang over the side

To set your region you will want to solder JP1 and/or JP2

• No region override, you will not bridge any
• Patching for PAL, bridge JP2
• Patching for NTSC/USA, bridge JP1
• Patching for NTSC/JPN, bridge JP1 & JP2

--==Testing==--

Once everything is installed I know you cant wait to test the console. Their is no setup menu or config disc of any sort, just plug it in and go. Their are 2 LEDs on the Chip, LED1 is blue and LED2 is red. On first boot LED1 will light up and dim down real quick, don't worry, this is normal. with originals, LED1 will flash, and LED2 will stay lit, once the original is detected, LED1 will flash, and LED2 will shut off. For backups, once inserted, LED1 will flash and LED2 will stay on. Once the backup is detected LED1 will flash and LED2 will stay on.

I first tested an original Wii and Gamecube Disc which booted flawlessly. Next we tested backups of each, both booted fine, although sometimes going from GC mode to Wii mode, would need a reset. If you encounter an error screen, take out the disc, reboot the Wii by pulling out the power wire, and try again. We then tested our emulator disc, which booted perfect (GCOS may be needed depending on your Wii firmware). Next we tried a Dual Layer DVD-R with a few GC backups on it, and sure enough booted without a problem. Finally we tested a couple imports, which all booted great, even the ones that require an update.

--==Conclusion==--

The D2Ckey is most definitely a rock solid product, and I must say we are very impressed with the features and complexity of the chip. It booted everything we threw at it, and even more that I haven't tested yet, such as DVD playback and multidisc wii games. Being the first chip on the market for the D2C Wii, everyone's long wait is over. What are you waiting for? D2D?

--==Pros==--

• Plays Originals, Backups, and Homebrew
• Partial Region Free
• LED Indicators
• High Quality parts

--==Cons==--

• 31 wire install, not for the faint hearted
• Sometimes seems buggy going from GC to Wii
• No announced upgrade features

Any part of this review is subject to change without any notice

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