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Wiiload

Wiiload is a tool for sending homebrew executables directly to a Wii running the Homebrew Channel over the network. This enables rapid iteration during development without needing to swap SD cards.

Prerequisites

  1. devkitPro installed with wiiload:
  2. Windows: wiiload.exe at C:\devkitPro\tools\bin\wiiload.exe

  3. Linux: wiiload available in PATH after devkitPro installation

  4. Homebrew Channel installed on your Wii

  5. Network connection: Both your PC and Wii must be on the same local network

Finding Your Wii's IP Address

  1. Launch the Homebrew Channel on your Wii
  2. Press the Home button on your Wii Remote
  3. The IP address is displayed at the top-left of the screen (e.g., 192.168.1.42)

Editor Configuration

  1. Open Preferences > External > Launchers
  2. In the Wiiload (Wii Hardware) section, enter your Wii's IP address
  3. The setting is saved automatically

Usage

Build & Run On Device

  1. Open the Packaging window (File > Package Project)
  2. Select or create a build profile with Platform set to Wii
  3. Click Build & Run On Device
  4. A confirmation popup will appear
  5. Ensure your Wii has the Homebrew Channel open and is on the network
  6. Click Send

The build will be compiled and sent to your Wii. The Homebrew Channel will automatically launch the application.

How It Works

Wiiload uses the WIILOAD environment variable to specify the target device:

# Windows (cmd)
set WIILOAD=tcp:192.168.1.42
wiiload MyGame.dol

# Linux/macOS
WIILOAD=tcp:192.168.1.42 wiiload MyGame.dol

The editor constructs and executes this command automatically based on your configured IP address.

Troubleshooting

"wiiload not available"

  • Verify devkitPro is installed
  • Windows: Check that C:\devkitPro\tools\bin\wiiload.exe exists
  • Linux: Run which wiiload to verify it's in your PATH

"Wii IP address not configured"

  • Open Preferences > External > Launchers
  • Enter your Wii's IP address in the Wii IP Address field

Connection Failed

  1. Verify your Wii is powered on with the Homebrew Channel open
  2. Confirm both devices are on the same network
  3. Check that no firewall is blocking the connection
  4. Try pinging your Wii's IP address from your PC

Slow Transfer

Wiiload transfers over TCP which can be slow on congested networks. Ensure your Wii has a stable network connection.

Technical Details

Item Value
Protocol TCP
Default port 4299
Supported formats .dol, .elf
Environment variable WIILOAD=tcp:<IP>

See Also