The Inclusive 4GB SD Card Workaround Solution for Wii!

[Knoxximus]

UPDATE: Thanks to the great SD Storage Update of Spring 2009, you no longer have to pad your card. HOWEVER, it has been discovered that game data from disc based titles released prior to the update (i.e. Animal Crossing, Rock Band, etc.) cannot be transferred to SHDC cards. They CAN, however, still be transferred to SD cards. So, until this issue is addressed in a future firmware update, a 4GB SD card is still the most viable alternative!

Special Thanks!: Kur, a reviewer on NewEgg for the idea of 'padding' the card with .AVI files, tripredicus for the space making program/tutorial/links, to Solofire for taking the time to run transfer time tests, Miranda for testing/confirming that the new version of SDFormatter works, and the folks at GBAtemp for the SDFormatter program!

ATTENTION !: For the people who DON'T LIKE TO READ, THIS SOLUTION ALLOWS YOU TO USE AN OTHERWISE UNSUPPORTED SIZE SD CARD (4GB) TO ITS FULL POTENTIAL AND STILL HAVE BETTER THAN AVERAGE TRANSFER SPEEDS! NO MODDING (hardware or software) NECESSARY!! :D

Okay! Now we all know that Nintendo's official line is that cards larger than 2GB will not work on the Wii...and for the most part this is true. However...what about a 4GB SD (NOT SDHC) card that PRETENDS it's a 2GB, but then over time can be slowly expanded to meet it's 4GB potential?

I scoured the net for info on how to get this to work, and now I present to you the fruits of my labor. Here is a mini FAQ on how to get 4GB SD cards to work on your Wii.

1st of all, get a hold of this non-SDHC SD card:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51-WS6LiltL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

Here is a link for it at NewEgg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820208411

If you can get it cheaper, please post that in this thread.

OK! So you got your SD card. You'll notice that if you format it through Windows or your Disk Management, regardless if you do FAT/FAT16/FAT32, the Wii will NOT recognize it. No problem. Google and download an app called SDFormatter. Better yet, just use this link:

EDIT: Miranda discovered a new version of SDFormatter 2.0.0.3 that works great!

http://gbatemp.net/index.php?download=4003

EDIT: Solofire has determined that the long format might not be necessary, and to use these settings for the initial format with the SDFormatter program:

Format Type: QUICK

Format Size Adjustment = OFF

These are the default settings, so they should already be selected. But in case they are not, there you go.

Now, in case the above settings don't work for you, then do this:

Click OPTIONS

Select 'FULL (Erase ON)' under FORMAT TYPE and 'ON' under FORMAT SIZE ADJUSTMENT.

This format will take upwards of 3-5 minutes, but your card should work without any problems after that.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Okay, so now you format your SD with this program. It might take a LOT longer than a normal SD format. Don't panic!...it's normal. When this is done, if you were to insert the SD back into the Wii, it would at least display empty channels, which at least means it recognizes the card. However, you will not see a how many blocks remaining number, and the Wii will refuse to write data to it.

Bummer, right? No problem. Now the trick is to fool the Wii into thinking that your 4GB card is actually a 2 GB card.

1st, take your current Wii Card and make a copy of it on your computer. Then, drag that folder to the 4GB card to copy. Then go into my computer, right-click the SD card, select properties, and keep your eye on the free memory.

An empty 4GB card reads as 3.72 or so GB. In my case, after I copied my existing Wii data to it (544 MB), I had like 3.20 GB's of free space. If you were to insert the card now, you would SEE your Wii data, but would be unable in transfer anything to the SD from the Wii. You can only go one way...from the SD to the Wii.

Now comes the fun part. Your job is to get the free memory down to 1.99GB or lower...basically anything under 2.00GB. I accomplished this by using a 700 MB Naruto movie, 2 double episodes (298 MB and 285 MB) and a few odd episodes of Game Center CX which took me down to 1.99GB on the nose (took me some trial, error, and different sizes and genres of .AVI's to nail it). Doesn't matter what you use...apps, programs, porn....as long as it pads your card down to 1.99GB or lower, you're in business.

Thanks to tripedicus, padding your card is now easier than ever! Here's an insert of his post:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here are a couple of files that should make your padding of the SD cards easier

http://www.sendspace.com/file/rk8idm

This is an app called creatfil.exe from the NT4 resource kit that creates any size dummy file for you by basically just making a text file with a bunch of spaces in it.

To use the application you copy the exe to the folder where you want to create the dummy files, open a command prompt to that folder and type 'creatfil.exe filename size'

- example C:\createfil.exe dummy.txt 1024 (this will create a 1 MB text file of nothing)

To make the process easier I've included a quick batch file we use on our Exchange servers here:

http://www.sendspace.com/file/jsqpoi

I've modified it so that it will create 10 100MB files where ever you execute it.

Create a new folder on your SD card
Copy both creatfil.exe and whitespace.bat to the new folder
Double click on whitespace.bat

Whenever you need more space you can just delete one or more of the dat files the whitespace batch file created. You can edit the batch file to have it create as many files of whatever size you need.

Hope this helps.

edit: here is a snazzy VBS script that will ask you how much space you need to fill and how big you want the dummy files. Much easier than my batch file.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/j5fl4j

Instructions!

1.) Create a new folder on your SD Card

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/7290/clipboard01xl8.jpg



2.) Name it Dummy Files

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/9126/clipboard02me2.jpg



3.) Copy the creatfil.exe and createfile.vbs files to the Dummy Files folder

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/8251/clipboard03ni0.jpg



4.) Double-Click the vbs file, and enter the amount of whitespace you wish to create

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/3926/clipboard04jh9.jpg



5.) Click Ok, and now enter how many files you wish to create

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/8928/clipboard05yf9.jpg



6.) Click Ok, and now enter the FULL PATH to the folder on your SD card (example - F:\Dummy Files)

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/9877/clipboard06ya0.jpg



7.) Click Ok one last time and you should see a black command window pop up and creatfil.exe will start making your whitespace files. After it is done, you should have your whitespace files and a batch file in your Dummy Files folder that you can run again anytime to recreate the files.

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/193/clipboard07nv5.jpg
================================================== =====================================

After a quick 5 minute crash course in Command Prompt editing, I have modified tripedicus' original script and made it so that when it runs, this will automatically create 3 512MB files and 1 300MB file, which if you are starting with a brand new 4GB card, will set you up perfectly to use your card!:bouncy:

Here's THAT link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/827n4p


Note that whatever you use will be transparent, meaning that nobody would see your porn AVI's recognized as data. Just make sure that it's not one big azz file....I will explain why in a moment.

NOW put it in your Wii. You will now see something like this:

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/9254/4gbbr5.jpg

As you might have noticed, the number of blocks will be greatly increased for the same amount of Wii data! What you DON'T see is that I have 2 1/2 more pages of games on this card. On my 2GB card, my total blocks remaining was 11108!

*Also, a blank, freshly formatted 2GB card weighs in at 15466 blocks available, which makes my case with the picture above that much more solid.*

NOW! Some of you are saying, "Well geez Knoxx! I might as well stick with my 2GB card if I can't even use the full 4GB's of space!" Valid point. Now here's why you shouldn't:

1) The speed gain for transfers is comparable and in most cases a bit faster, depending greatly on factors such as brand, read/write speed, and format.

Here are the transfer times with this SD card compared to the Wii branded SanDisk 2GB SD using this method.

EDIT: Official test data from CAG member SOLOFIRE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Test setup: My Wii only had the required channels (Disk Channel, Mii Channel, Wii Shop Channel, Photo Channel 1.1, Forecast Channel, and News Channel).

This meant that there were 1800 free blocks for channels. Before every test, my Wii was reset to this state.




I tested 4 of my largest channels:

Y's Book I & II - 272 blocks
Sin & Punishment - 287 blocks
Paper Mario - 249 blocks
Internet Channel - 232 blocks

http://cdn1.gamepro.com/article_img/gamepro/119088-2-1.jpg

With my old card, a 2.0 GB SanDisk Wii-branded Card:




Transfer from Wii to SD card:

Y's Book I & II - 1 min 16.81 sec
Sin & Punishment - 1 min 29.10 sec
Paper Mario - 5 min 8.95 sec*
Internet Channel - 1 min 21.92 sec

* I ran this multiple times, and this is the average.




Transfer from SD card to Wii:

Y's Book I & II - 57.95 sec
Sin & Punishment - 1 min 2.17 sec
Paper Mario - 53.43 sec
Internet Channel - 1 min 1.9 sec

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51-WS6LiltL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

With my new card, a 4.0 GB Transcend 133x SD Card:




Transfer from Wii to SD card:

Y's Book I & II - 55.52 sec (28% faster)
Sin & Punishment - 59.49 sec (33% faster)
Paper Mario - 56.34 sec (91% faster)
Internet Channel - 58.91 sec (28% faster)

Transfer from SD card to Wii:

Y's Book I & II - 51.21 sec (12% faster)
Sin & Punishment - 54.48 sec (12% faster)
Paper Mario - 45.33 sec (15% faster)
Internet Channel - 1 min 0.60 sec (2% faster)

Just for fun:




Wii Shop Channel to Wii:

Y's Book I & II - 4 min 44.86 sec
Sin & Punishment - 3 min 52.34 sec
Paper Mario - 2 min 34.41 sec
Internet Channel - 2 min 10.32 sec

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EDIT 11/19/08: After I downloaded update 3.4, I tried my original benchmark for my 4GB card trick. I pulled those results down awhile ago, since it seemed to distract everyone from the real function of my "hack". So, as a refresher:

Original Wii to SD transfer times with 4GB card
--------------------------------------------
Mega Man 9 - 66 Blocks -
4GB SD transfer time: 18 sec

Sin & Punishment - 287 Blocks -
4GB SD transfer time: 1min 16sec

NEW Wii to SD transfer times with 4GB card
---------------------------------------------
Mega Man 9 - 66 Blocks -
4GB SD transfer time: 5 sec

Sin & Punishment - 287 Blocks -
4GB SD transfer time: 16 sec

Now, I would assume that transfer times for all cards have increased across the board, but I can only vouch for my card.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2) As you slowly fill your SD with videogamey goodness, and as you get low on blocks, stick your card back into your PC and lose that 700MB Naruto movie. When you stick it back in the Wii, your remaining blocks would have magically increased and you still have all of your previous data!

Bottom line: As long as your card's free memory stays at 1.99GB or lower, you WILL be able to use MOST if not ALL of that 3.72 GB's of space. It takes a little bit of juggling, but I feel it is worth it.

Well....there you go! You're welcome!!

Disclaimer: Whenever you decide to remove a file to increase your space, save a copy of the card in it's current state on your computer, just in case. I can't guarantee that this method is infallible, but it has been working AWESOME for me thus far. And who knows....if this makes too much noise, Nintendo might try to squash it (though I highly doubt it).

EDIT: Official test data (thanks to SOLOFIRE)

[crystalklear64]

Cool stuff. Didn't even know there were non sdhc cards that went above 2gb.

What about having a 4gb card makes it faster though?

[hero101]

I want a hack to watch movies on the wii.

[Knoxximus]

Cool stuff. Didn't even know there were non sdhc cards that went above 2gb.

What about having a 4gb card makes it faster though?

Dunno, but it is DEFINITELY faster.

[mastagoalie]

great faq OP! You get many gold stars on your work!

[Knoxximus]

great faq OP! You get many gold stars on your work!

Haha thanks! Though I'd settle for a sticky.;)

[yukine]

The card you linked to doesn't seem to be available.

Anyway, I don't think the increase in speeds has anything to do with it being a 4GB card. It's just that SD cards vary in speed. Although I can't say that conclusively until someone can test both the 4GB version and the 2GB version of the same brand of card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820208043 (although this one doesn't have the 133x symbol on it).

Regardless though, impressive numbers. Although it's not as drastic of a difference as your times suggest. I copied over Mega Man 9 and clocked it at 47 seconds. Not as speedy as the 18, but not nearly as bad as the 4 minutes and 22 seconds you recorded.

[Knoxximus]

The card you linked to doesn't seem to be available.

Anyway, I don't think the increase in speeds has anything to do with it being a 4GB card. It's just that SD cards vary in speed. Although I can't say that conclusively until someone can test both the 4GB version and the 2GB version of the same brand of card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820208043 (although this one doesn't have the 133x symbol on it).

Regardless though, impressive numbers. Although there isn't as drastic as a difference as your times suggest. I copied over Mega Man 9 and clocked it at 47 seconds. Not as speedy as the 18, but not nearly as bad as the 4 minutes and 22 seconds you recorded.

My original card was a SanDisk Ultra II 2GB, which I thought was pretty speedy. Well, this might be the case, but as gamers, we always want bigger and better, so more storage with your speed boost is always nice. 8-)

Oh, and I fixed the link. 8-)

[Kaijufan]

It took you 17 minutes to transfer Sin and Punishment to your 2 GB SD card? You must have a slow one, it only took me a couple of minutes.

[Knoxximus]

It took you 17 minutes to transfer Sin and Punishment to your 2 GB SD card? You must have a slow one, it only took me a couple of minutes.

NOT ANYMORE!!:lol:

[62t]

I know it does not take 4 mins to transfer mega man 9 on my 512MB SD Card. I think your 2GB card might have some problem.

[Knoxximus]

I know it does not take 4 mins to transfer mega man 9 on my 512MB SD Card. I think your 2GB card might have some problem.

You know it just might, but that isn't the point! FUCK my 2GB...be HAPPY that you can use a 4GB even though it's not officially supported!

Geezus!

[eliter1]

I want a hack to watch movies on the wii.

Been there, done that. I love watching movies on my Wii because it is not nearly as loud as my 360.

[Sir_Fragalot]

So what you are saying is if I get the 4gig card under 2 gigs with random crap, then lets say I use up 1 gig of Wii stuff, then I can get 1 gig of non Wii stuff off to still make it still under 2 gigs and it will still work? So by the end I can have all 4gigs of Wii data?

Pretty awesome

[Knoxximus]

So what you are saying is if I get the 4gig card under 2 gigs with random crap, then lets say I use up 1 gig of Wii stuff, then I can get 1 gig of non Wii stuff off to still make it still under 2 gigs and it will still work? So by the end I can have all 4gigs of Wii data?

Pretty awesome

In theory, yes. Haven't gotten that far yet, but as long as the Wii sees 1.99GB's or less free, you'll have more blocks to fill. So far so good tho!8-)

[Purkeynator]

Wow! nice thread. Tagged for later.

[lilboo]

This is neat.
But I'll agree with others here; My transfer rates suck but they weren't THAT high. I know Sin & Punishment took like 2 1/2 months to transfer, but the smaller games only take a minute or 3.

Either way, as long as this isn't in danger of ruining anything..then this is great.

[jbroush99]

My transfer rates suck but they weren't THAT high. I know Sin & Punishment took like 2 1/2 months to transfer.

:shock:

[Knoxximus]

:shock:

lulz:lol:

[munch]

Reported for hacking the Wii.

[Knoxximus]

Reported for hacking the Wii.

:lol:

The Wii isn't modified at all, be it software or hardware. This is just a workaround that anyone can do with a stock Wii and this memory card (maybe others too, but this is the one I tested and the price is right.).8-)

[bmulligan]

Yeah, your original SD x-fer times are off, or your Wii is.

Transferring a 250block Wiiware game from memory onto a Wii 2GB card only took about 4 1/2 minutes last night. It doesn't appear this "improvement" would affect me much.

[Knoxximus]

Yeah, your original SD x-fer times are off, or your Wii is.

Transferring a 250block Wiiware game from memory onto a Wii 2GB card only took about 4 1/2 minutes last night. It doesn't appear this "improvement" would affect me much.

Remember, Sin & Punishment only took 1min and 16secs....and that's a 287 block VC title. In your case, that would give you an extra 3min 14sec of your life back. Not to mention the extra space you'd have should you need it without having to swap out 2GB cards one day.

Wow, tough crowd.:drool:

[StarKnightX]

Got a theoretical question. You say that as long as there is 1.99gb or less data available on the card at any one time the wii can read the data off the card. Now what happens if for example you forget about keeping it at 1.99 or less and start deleting various things off the card (whether they be the filler items from before or stuff from the wii)?

Does the card just cease to be recognized by the wii again and you have to start the process over again , or would you lose some of the wii data that was on the card? I'm guessing the former?

[Strell]

Now what happens if for example you forget about keeping it at 1.99 or less

WE ALL DIE.

[Knoxximus]

Got a theoretical question. You say that as long as there is 1.99gb or less data available on the card at any one time the wii can read the data off the card. Now what happens if for example you forget about keeping it at 1.99 or less and start deleting various things off the card (whether they be the filler items from before or stuff from the wii)?

Does the card just cease to be recognized by the wii again and you have to start the process over again , or would you lose some of the wii data that was on the card? I'm guessing the former?

This actually happened during testing! I was on the cusp, and I deleted Sin & Punishment from the SD to prepare to test the benchmark, then suddenly the Wii refused to write to the card! I had the card at exactly 2.00GB, and I guess erasing that game made it like 2.02 or something.

So then I just simply re-inserted the card back into the PC, deleted the card, dragged my copy of the card from the PC to the card (I'm not familiar with the filesystem the Wii uses so I didn't bother trying to figure out which game was S&P considering I have like 65 games), and then reconfigured my .AVI files to get me more into the safe zone.

But in normal use, this shouldn't happen because the SD is the Wii's 'hard drive' so you'd likely never erase any data from it other than maybe game saves. You would usually only erase from the main system memory to make room for a new download or a copy from the SD.

But yeah, this is why I said whenever you go to adjust your 'filler items', make a copy of your card to the PC 1st in case you don't get your math right. ;)

[Knoxximus]

WE ALL DIE.


Haha Strell! I was just about to hit you up! You likey?

[hero101]

WE ALL DIE.

Just enter, 4 8 15 16 23 42 every couples of hours. No worries. :D

[Strell]

I like the trick, yes. It does call into certain "don't cross the beams" dangers, as StarKnight and I so brilliantly point out.

If Nintendo actually fixed the storage issue and gave us the ability to stream data, then this would be even more useful. That is not to say it is not so much as it is me pissing on the dead horse a little while longer.

As it stands, neat find and cool trick. Congrats, good sir!

[Knoxximus]

I like the trick, yes. It does call into certain "don't cross the beams" dangers, as StarKnight and I so brilliantly point out.

If Nintendo actually fixed the storage issue and gave us the ability to stream data, then this would be even more useful. That is not to say it is not so much as it is me pissing on the dead horse a little while longer.

As it stands, neat find and cool trick. Congrats, good sir!

:bouncy:

[munch]

:lol:

The Wii isn't modified at all, be it software or hardware. This is just a workaround that anyone can do with a stock Wii and this memory card (maybe others too, but this is the one I tested and the price is right.).8-)

Reported for working around the Wii.

[Knoxximus]

Reported for working around the Wii.

:lol::lol:

[StarKnightX]

I like the trick, yes. It does call into certain "don't cross the beams" dangers, as StarKnight and I so brilliantly point out.

If Nintendo actually fixed the storage issue and gave us the ability to stream data, then this would be even more useful. That is not to say it is not so much as it is me pissing on the dead horse a little while longer.

As it stands, neat find and cool trick. Congrats, good sir!

Didn't nintendo say something like that since the DSi would be able to use SD cards , that when the DSi came out they would give a firmware update that would finally allow VC games to be playable right off an SD card?

[Knoxximus]

Didn't nintendo say something like that since the DSi would be able to use SD cards , that when the DSi came out they would give a firmware update that would finally allow VC games to be playable right off an SD card?

That's just speculation based off of interpretations of Iwata's vague statement about it. Remains to be seen.

[lilboo]

I thought there was a way to hack the SD card so you can play games from them. IS THIS TRUTH.

[yukine]

Like VC and WiiWare games? Not that I've heard of. You can run roms directly from the SD card using an emulator.
So it is definitely possible, Nintendo just blocks it.

[Snake2715]

Neat good work!

[Knoxximus]

Hang on fellas!!....we've gotten DUGG!!

http://digg.com/nintendo/The_Inclusive_4GB_SD_Card_Workaround_Solution_for_ Wii

Thanks to whomever dug me!!

[Strell]

Looks like 4tygames (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/member.php?u=35025) did it, or so the submitter name on Digg would lead me to think.

[Knoxximus]

Looks like 4tygames (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/member.php?u=35025) did it, or so the submitter name on Digg would lead me to think.

Thanks Strell! I just sent him my thanks.:applause:

[KingBroly]

I can tell you that files over a certain size (I'm going to say 225) take about 3x times as long as a 175-200 size do. Mostly Wii Ware games take an assload amount of time to copy. I think Strong Bad took 10 minutes to copy over from Wii to SD card.

What format did you make this new card, anyway?

[Knoxximus]

I can tell you that files over a certain size (I'm going to say 225) take about 3x times as long as a 175-200 size do. Mostly Wii Ware games take an assload amount of time to copy. I think Strong Bad took 10 minutes to copy over from Wii to SD card.

What format did you make this new card, anyway?

With the card pictured in OP and the formatter I used, I'm sure you saw that Sin & Punishment, a 287 blocker, only took a minute and some change.:bouncy:

To answer your question, it's FAT32 format BUT you have to use that 'SDFormatter' program, which is linked in the OP.

Good luck!

[KingBroly]

I'd personally like to see a video of it in action comparing a transfer with another SD card.

[Knoxximus]

I'd personally like to see a video of it in action comparing a transfer with another SD card.

That would be a long, BORING video. Quite frankly, I would, but I have no sound on my camera. Would maybe I could overdub some music?

[KingBroly]

It's up to you to entertain us somehow. A couple of points I'd like to make.

I just transferred MM9 to my sd card (without deleting it) using a Wii-branded 2gb SD card. It took 69 seconds. A lot shorter than what you claimed.

After looking at the reviews of said SD card, it truly is a roll of the dice with it.

[Knoxximus]

Actually Broly, read the edit I made on the OP at the bottom. I read up on my 2 GB card (Sandisk Ultra II) and discovered that it had read/write speeds of UP TO 10/9 MBps respectively, whereas the Transcend 133x 4GB has a SUSTAINED read/write of 20 MBps. That probably explains the difference.

Gotta love double the maximum space that is currently allowed, though. ;)

[LeXxX]

tag for later

[Knoxximus]

It's making the rounds! On GoNintendo now!

http://gonintendo.com/?p=59028#comments

:bouncy:

Only thing is those yahoos aren't reading the whole post (IF at ALL) and think that it's a waste of time over a 2GB card.:bomb:

[Chakal]

Knoxximus, I'd like to know what the transfert times to your 2gb card is if you format it before hand. Slow transfert times might be caused by fragmentation of the data on the SD card. If the Wii has poor data management, it could be the cause of the delay.

With your 4gb card, you started fresh. You only copied thing to it, so the Wii just put the files one after the other. If your 2gb card had been used a lot before (adding and removing files), the fragmentation might be the cause

Please re-test your 2gb card with a fresh format.

Thanks

[Knoxximus]

Knoxximus, I'd like to know what the transfert times to your 2gb card is if you format it before hand. Slow transfert times might be caused by fragmentation of the data on the SD card. If the Wii has poor data management, it could be the cause of the delay.

With your 4gb card, you started fresh. You only copied thing to it, so the Wii just put the files one after the other. If your 2gb card had been used a lot before (adding and removing files), the fragmentation might be the cause

Please re-test your 2gb card with a fresh format.

Thanks

Okay, but you do understand that the main point of all of this is that you are able to eventually max out a 4GB card on a system that does not officially support anything larger than a 2GB card, yes?

Oh, and I put a direct copy of my 2GB card onto the 4GB card at the outset, so the 4GB card did not just get data copied over from the Wii all neat and orderly like, BTW.

[Chakal]

Okay, but you do understand that the main point of all of this is that you are able to eventually max out a 4GB card on a system that does not officially support anything larger than a 2GB card, yes?

Yes, that's fine, but the speed benchmark might be wrong.

I don't question the size upgrade but the speed gain.

[Knoxximus]

After a fresh format, I left the card empty and inserted it into the Wii. This time, Mega Man 9 took 3 min and 22sec....a savings of 1 minute. So maybe fragmentation did have something to do with that. But still, horrendous. Also, I could have miss read the stop watch by a minute, since it is not digital. I will adjust my official times for this card by 1 minute for the margin of error, since the seconds were indeed dead on.

On a another note, a freshly formatted 2GB card is recognized by the Wii as having 15466 blocks available...this further solidifies my photographic proof in the OP, as that shows 16108 blocks available WITH data already on the card.

So there you go....please 5-star me while you're at, will ya?;)

[slowpoke2]

Hey, I think I found a site, for a homebrewer working on a usb sdhc mass storage workaround using the wii's usb ports. I've only read some of the info, but it seems he's got an beta release, which is dated from may 08.

Read this 1st to get the info on the wii usb mass storage workaround:
http://svenpeter.blogspot.com/2008/04/reading-data-on-wii.html

Read this to get the link to the homebrew elf program at the very bottom of the page:
http://svenpeter.blogspot.com/2008/05/usb-storage-status.html

Read this update to the homebrew:
http://svenpeter.blogspot.com/2008/05/usb-storage-status-11.html

I haven't seen how much it can do but from what I've read it can read usb sd(hc) with the right usb sdhc reader attached to the wii usb ports. Hopfully someone with a lot more powerpc assembler knowledge can help the guy out who's running this little homebrew.

[Knoxximus]

Hey, I think I found a site, for a homebrewer working on a usb sdhc mass storage workaround using the wii's usb ports. I've only read some of the info, but it seems he's got an beta release, which is dated from may 08.

Read this 1st to get the info on the wii usb mass storage workaround:
http://svenpeter.blogspot.com/2008/04/reading-data-on-wii.html

Read this to get the link to the homebrew elf program at the very bottom of the page:
http://svenpeter.blogspot.com/2008/05/usb-storage-status.html

I haven't seen how much it can do but from what I've read it can read usb sd(hc) with the right usb sdhc reader attached to the wii usb ports. Hopfully someone with a lot more powerpc assembler knowledge can help the guy out who's running this little homebrew.

Nice, but the main point of this thread is that the solution I've outlined is relatively simple and does not involve modding or homebrew of any sort....anyone who is online reading this can get a 4GB card to work on their Wii!:bouncy:

[slowpoke2]

True, I'm just giving out this info for those who want to use the higher capacity sdhc cards, u know the "geeks and otaku (http://gonintendo.com/?p=46866)" out there who always wants more space, more speed, more power *Imitates Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor grunts*, hehe. Also, using a homebrew app that plays mp4/mov/avi's would make it worth your while to put that 700mb pron/anime/etc onto your sd, muahaha.

[itachiitachi]

Been there, done that. I love watching movies on my Wii because it is not nearly as loud as my 360.
How I have looked for way to do this but they only thing I found had poor quality, bad frame rate and skewed the image.

[Kaijufan]

Yeah I think your card choice may have been a factor in your transfer speed Knoxximus, I transferred over 2 Wiiware games to my SD card today (Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles and Wild West Guns, both of which are about 300 blocks) and they only took around 3 minutes each.

[Knoxximus]

Yeah I think your card choice may have been a factor in your transfer speed Knoxximus, I transferred over 2 Wiiware games to my SD card today (Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles and Wild West Guns, both of which are about 300 blocks) and they only took around 3 minutes each.

Yeah, I'm aware of that now, and have revised my OP. But the MAIN point I hope to get across is that you can use a 4GB card in it's ENTIRETY on a non-modded Wii, which is nice, considering cards larger than 2GB are not officially supported.

*exhales*

And, if you did use the 4GB card, you would have saved approx a minute and a half per 300 block title, as Sin & Punishment, a 287 block title, only took a little over a minute to transfer.

Thanks for the heads up though!:bouncy:

[dakranii]

Great testing, thanks for doing this. I had posted over at GoNintendo's forums asking if anyone had tried this as I read that review on newegg too. I'm glad someone had the resources and the initiative to test it out. I was debating between the Transcend 2 GB and 4 GB, based on whether I wanted to play around with maximizing the 4 GB or not. I imagine this will be nice for GHWT when it comes and the speed will help with whatever file transferring takes place with DLC.

Again, thanks. I didn't even read the speed part of your post because that's relative to the speed of your card and I recognized that wasn't the point of your post anyways. The size was. A great find, not to be diminished by irrelevant information like that.

Kudos!

[Knoxximus]

Great testing, thanks for doing this. I had posted over at GoNintendo's forums asking if anyone had tried this as I read that review on newegg too. I'm glad someone had the resources and the initiative to test it out. I was debating between the Transcend 2 GB and 4 GB, based on whether I wanted to play around with maximizing the 4 GB or not. I imagine this will be nice for GHWT when it comes and the speed will help with whatever file transferring takes place with DLC.

Again, thanks. I didn't even read the speed part of your post because that's relative to the speed of your card and I recognized that wasn't the point of your post anyways. The size was. A great find, not to be diminished by irrelevant information like that.

Kudos!

Thanks man. I glad SOMEBODY finally got the point!

I've also trimmed the OP a bit and deleted the irrelevant info. Bottom line is, DOUBLE THE OFFICIAL STORAGE CAPACITY and GOOD TRANSFER SPEEDS.:bouncy:

[ften]

Thanks man. I glad SOMEBODY finally got the point!

I've also trimmed the OP a bit and deleted the irrelevant info. Bottom line is, DOUBLE THE OFFICIAL STORAGE CAPACITY and GOOD TRANSFER SPEEDS.:bouncy:

I glad your post has started to get people to notice that 2GB isn't the limit on SD cards for the wii. I made an spreadsheet on some of the formatting data for what the Wii can read properly and what it has issues with different size partitions.
http://gbatemp.net/index.php?showtopic=99545
-FTen

[Knoxximus]

I glad your post has started to get people to notice that 2GB isn't the limit on SD cards for the wii. I made an spreadsheet on some of the formatting data for what the Wii can read properly and what it has issues with different size partitions.
http://gbatemp.net/index.php?showtopic=99545
-FTen

Hey man! I saw your spreadsheet and info while I was figuring this whole thing out. That was what I was referring to when I was debating with another poster about how the method I detailed actually allows you us use the whole 4GB's, as opposed to formatting a 4GB card into a 2GB card.

The concept is similar though, although the way you accomplished it was to actually turn it into a 2GB card. This method allows you to eventually unpack the 'pad' data as needed until you actually reach the 4GB ceiling.:bouncy:

Good to see you though! I guess this post is really making the rounds!:applause:

[Purkeynator]

Found your 4 GB SD card cheaper. $13.93 shipped from an Amazon.com partner http://www.amazon.com/Transcend-Flash-memory-card-133x/dp/B0012ZL56A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1223919415&sr=8-1

Any chance that there are 8GB non SDHC cards out there?

[Knoxximus]

Found your 4 GB SD card cheaper. $13.93 shipped from an Amazon.com partner http://www.amazon.com/Transcend-Flash-memory-card-133x/dp/B0012ZL56A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1223919415&sr=8-1

Any chance that there are 8GB non SDHC cards out there?

I doubt it. I think 4GB is as big as they went, and that was pushing it. 8GB SD's didn't even come out until SDHC was the new standard.

[Purkeynator]

I am thinking about buying the 4GB card and giving it a try. However, I hesitate when I see the Newegg reviews where people say they couldn't even get their computer to recognize it in their card reader. If my card reader does not recognize it then I would not be able to properly format it. It probably depends on your card reader. Some probably read it and some don't. Most likely if it didn't read it would be a firmware issue on your individual card reader.

[XorpheusX]

What's stopping Nintendo from allowing SDHC support? Is it more complicated than a firmware update?

[yukine]

Yes, it's a hardware limitation. You won't ever have SDHC support unless they release a new Wii that supports it.

[Koggit]

It's pretty ridiculous that a $250 GameCube can't even support SDHC cards, I didn't know that the Wii lacked SDHC support until reading this thread

[Strell]

It's pretty ridiculous that a $250 GameCube can't even support SDHC cards, I didn't know that the Wii lacked SDHC support until reading this thread

Uh huh.

SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity, SD 2.0) is an extension of the SD standard that appeared in June 2006. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secure_Digital_card#SDHC)

Considering the Wii was probably being manufactured at that time OR before it, I doubt they could have fit it into the innards of the machine.

[Knoxximus]

Uh huh.

SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity, SD 2.0) is an extension of the SD standard that appeared in June 2006. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secure_Digital_card#SDHC)

Considering the Wii was probably being manufactured at that time OR before it, I doubt they could have fit it into the innards of the machine and still made their target launch date.

fix'd before ignorant flames.8-)

Oh, and thanks for the digg congrats, Strell!:bouncy:

[Clarke]

What's with the total off topic posting on Kotaku?

[wampa8jedi]

Awesome, detailed post--deserves to be stickied.

[Knoxximus]

What's with the total off topic posting on Kotaku?

Well, if I hadn't, you would have never posted here, now would you?

If trying to increase awareness of something that could benefit a lot of people who complain about the Wii's (non-homebrew) allowable storage space is a crime, then I am guilty as charged.

I did it in a thread about a freaking Wii lens cleaner, for crissakes.

You'll get over it.:)

[atm94404]

Uh huh.

SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity, SD 2.0) is an extension of the SD standard that appeared in June 2006. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secure_Digital_card#SDHC)

Considering the Wii was probably being manufactured at that time OR before it, I doubt they could have fit it into the innards of the machine.

I initially thought it wasn't possible for an SD device to read SDHC cards, but I recently bought a refurbished SanDisk MP3 player that had an SD slot. It "officially" only supports SD cards and it was originally made in 2006. The Rockbox open source firmware on the same hardware will allow the player to use SDHC cards. So for at least some hardware, it is possible for a firmware update to allow an SD device to read SDHC cards. SD and SDHC use the same physical form factor, so it is possible that a firmware update MIGHT (I stress MIGHT) allow for SDHC cards to work on the Wii.

[tripredicus]

Here are a couple of files that should make your padding of the SD cards easier

http://www.sendspace.com/file/rk8idm

This is an app called creatfil.exe from the NT4 resource kit that creates any size dummy file for you by basically just making a text file with a bunch of spaces in it.

To use the application you copy the exe to the folder where you want to create the dummy files, open a command prompt to that folder and type 'creatfil.exe filename size'

- example C:\createfil.exe dummy.txt 1024 (this will create a 1 MB text file of nothing)

To make the process easier I've included a quick batch file we use on our Exchange servers here:

http://www.sendspace.com/file/jsqpoi

I've modified it so that it will create 10 100MB files whereever you execute it.

Create a new folder on your SD card
Copy both creatfil.exe and whitespace.bat to the new folder
Double click on whitespace.bat

Whenever you need more space you can just delete one or more of the dat files the whitespace batch file created. You can edit the batch file to have it create as many files of whatever size you need.

Hope this helps.

edit: here is a snazzy VBS script that will ask you how much space you need to fill and how big you want the dummy files. Much easier than my batch file.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/j5fl4j

Instructions!

1.) Create a new folder on your SD Card

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/7290/clipboard01xl8.jpg



2.) Name it Dummy Files

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/9126/clipboard02me2.jpg



3.) Copy the creatfil.exe and createfile.vbs files to the Dummy Files folder

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/8251/clipboard03ni0.jpg



4.) Double-Click the vbs file, and enter the amount of whitespace you wish to create

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/3926/clipboard04jh9.jpg



5.) Click Ok, and now enter how many files you wish to create

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/8928/clipboard05yf9.jpg



6.) Click Ok, and now enter the FULL PATH to the folder on your SD card (example - F:\Dummy Files)

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/9877/clipboard06ya0.jpg



7.) Click Ok one last time and you should see a black command window pop up and creatfil.exe will start making your whitespace files. After it is done, you should have your whitespace files and a batch file in your Dummy Files folder that you can run again anytime to recreate the files.

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/193/clipboard07nv5.jpg

[Knoxximus]

Here are a couple of files that should make your padding of the SD cards easier

http://www.sendspace.com/file/rk8idm

This is an app called creatfil.exe from the NT4 resource kit that creates any size dummy file for you by basically just making a text file with a bunch of spaces in it.

To use the application you copy the exe to the folder where you want to create the dummy files, open a command prompt to that folder and type 'creatfil.exe filename size'

- example C:\createfil.exe dummy.txt 1024 (this will create a 1 MB text file of nothing)

To make the process easier I've included a quick batch file we use on our Exchange servers here:

http://www.sendspace.com/file/jsqpoi

I've modified it so that it will create 10 100MB files whereever you execute it.

Create a new folder on your SD card
Copy both creatfil.exe and whitespace.bat to the new folder
Double click on whitespace.bat

Whenever you need more space you can just delete one or more of the dat files the whitespace batch file created. You can edit the batch file to have it create as many files of whatever size you need.

Hope this helps.

edit: here is a snazzy VBS script that will ask you how much space you need to fill and how big you want the dummy files. Much easier than my batch file. http://www.sendspace.com/file/ebv9vk


This. THIS is AWESOME!:bouncy:

However, please check out your custom script. I know nothing about such things, but I do know that when I click on it, unlike the one that spits out 100MB space files with the DOS prompt/window open, the custom scripts window doesn't stay open nor does any space filler files appear.

If you can nail that down, I will be more than happy to add this to the OP!

PM'd also.

[tripredicus]

This. THIS is AWESOME!:bouncy:

However, please check out your custom script. I know nothing about such things, but I do know that when I click on it, unlike the one that spits out 100MB space files with the DOS prompt/window open, the custom scripts window doesn't stay open nor does any space filler files appear.

If you can nail that down, I will be more than happy to add this to the OP!

PM'd also.

My bad, I should have taken a look at the code before uploading. It was referencing a path to the creatfil.exe which didn't exist on your system so it couldn't create the files.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/j5fl4j

Here's an updated version of the VBS, the old link has been deleted. I'll update my original post with this and how to use the vbs, since I debugged it and know it's working.

[Knoxximus]

My bad, I should have taken a look at the code before uploading. It was referencing a path to the creatfil.exe which didn't exist on your system so it couldn't create the files.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/j5fl4j

Here's an updated version of the VBS, the old link has been deleted. I'll update my original post with this and how to use the vbs, since I debugged it and know it's working.
:applause:
You stack 'em, I'll rack 'em!

[eugaet]

Here are a couple of files that should make your padding of the SD cards easierHa, beat me to the punch. I was going to post up basically the same thing today. :)

[the byter]

Knoxximus, I'd like to know what the transfert times to your 2gb card is if you format it before hand. Slow transfert times might be caused by fragmentation of the data on the SD card. If the Wii has poor data management, it could be the cause of the delay.



Fragmentation is a problem with hard drives where the head needs to seek back and forth, seek times are near instantaneous with an SD card, so even extreme fragmentation won't affect transfer times.

Its much worse with old slow-seeking media like floppies and zip disks.

[Kayden]

I'm confused. Reading this, it seems my SDHC card doesn't actually work? I put it in my Wii and saw it detected a card. I didn't actually try to add anything to it...

[Knoxximus]

I'm confused. Reading this, it seems my SDHC card doesn't actually work? I put it in my Wii and saw it detected a card. I didn't actually try to add anything to it...

Well, give it a go! Who knows?:)

[Solofire]

I can confirm that this process works. Now, I didn't have the speed issues that Knoxximus was reporting (I was using the Wii-branded SanDisk 2.0 GB SD card), but that's not really the point.

It does appear that I will be able to use all of the available space on the 4.0 GB card (about 3.72 GB, as stated by Knoxximus).

Now, I don't have 2.0 GB worth of data (yet), but the memory blocks available seems to confirm that I will be able to use everything... if not, then I have another 2.0 GB memory card (which was purchased for a fraction of what my original one was).

So far so good... thanks Knoxximus.

[Knoxximus]

I can confirm that this process works. Now, I didn't have the speed issues that Knoxximus was reporting (I was using the Wii-branded SanDisk 2.0 GB SD card), but that's not really the point.

It does appear that I will be able to use all of the available space on the 4.0 GB card (about 3.72 GB, as stated by Knoxximus).

Now, I don't have 2.0 GB worth of data (yet), but the memory blocks available seems to confirm that I will be able to use everything... if not, then I have another 2.0 GB memory card (which was purchased for a fraction of what my original one was).

So far so good... thanks Knoxximus.

Thanks for the vote of confidence man!:applause:

I also have had no issues since I've done this trick. I downloaded Tetris Party, World of Goo, and Mana today and dumped them all to the SD and still have over 15,000 blocks remaining, plus about 1.5GB's of 'filled space' waiting to be tapped into. Works like a charm!

Have you noticed that your transfer time have improved at all? Which 4GB card are you using?

[Solofire]

Have you noticed that your transfer time have improved at all? Which 4GB card are you using?

I'm using the Transcend 133x card that you are using (it seemed to be one of the cheapest best ones... if that makes sense). Transcend had another card that was 150x, but I didn't feel the difference in price was worth it.

I have not done any empirical timing tests. I'll get back to you on that (since it seems that's what a lot of people are most curious about).

[Knoxximus]

I'm using the Transcend 133x card that you are using (it seemed to be one of the cheapest best ones... if that makes sense). Transcend had another card that was 150x, but I didn't feel the difference in price was worth it.

I have not done any empirical timing tests. I'll get back to you on that (since it seems that's what a lot of people are most curious about).

Yeah, I didn't think that extra 12x was worth the extra 20 or so bucks either.:lol:

[Solofire]

Have you noticed that your transfer time have improved at all?

So, I did some timing tests...

Test setup: My Wii only had the required channels (Disk Channel, Mii Channel, Wii Shop Channel, Photo Channel 1.1, Forecast Channel, and News Channel). This meant that there were 1800 free blocks for channels. Before every test, my Wii was reset to this state.


I tested 4 of my largest channels:
Y's Book I & II - 272 blocks
Sin & Punishment - 287 blocks
Paper Mario - 249 blocks
Internet Channel - 232 blocks
http://cdn1.gamepro.com/article_img/gamepro/119088-2-1.jpg

With my old card, a 2.0 GB SanDisk Wii-branded Card:


Transfer from Wii to SD card:
Y's Book I & II - 1 min 16.81 sec
Sin & Punishment - 1 min 29.10 sec
Paper Mario - 5 min 8.95 sec*
Internet Channel - 1 min 21.92 sec
* I ran this multiple times, and this is the average.


Transfer from SD card to Wii:
Y's Book I & II - 57.95 sec
Sin & Punishment - 1 min 2.17 sec
Paper Mario - 53.43 sec
Internet Channel - 1 min 1.9 sec
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51-WS6LiltL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

With my new card, a 4.0 GB Transcend 133x SD Card:


Transfer from Wii to SD card:
Y's Book I & II - 55.52 sec (28% faster)
Sin & Punishment - 59.49 sec (33% faster)
Paper Mario - 56.34 sec (91% faster)
Internet Channel - 58.91 sec (28% faster)
Transfer from SD card to Wii:
Y's Book I & II - 51.21 sec (12% faster)
Sin & Punishment - 54.48 sec (12% faster)
Paper Mario - 45.33 sec (15% faster)
Internet Channel - 1 min 0.60 sec (2% faster)
Just for fun:


Wii Shop Channel to Wii:
Y's Book I & II - 4 min 44.86 sec
Sin & Punishment - 3 min 52.34 sec
Paper Mario - 2 min 34.41 sec
Internet Channel - 2 min 10.32 sec

[Knoxximus]

^ So in conclusion, I wasn't crazy? ;)

Oh, and if you don't mind, I will replace my SD card pic with the one you have...no advertising on it.:D

EDIT: I've also updated the OP with your data and credited you accordingly, if you don't mind.

Thank you for taking the time out to do this!! :applause:

Oh, and I bet the 1st time you did Paper Mario with the 4GB, you FREAKED THE PHUCK OUT!! :lol::lol:

[lilboo]

Ok I might consider doing this if it makes switching games back and forth pretty easy..as it won't be as painful.

I can't transfer my games from SD card to new SD card, right? I'm going to have to load as many onto my Wii THEN transfer them to the new SD card, right?

[Knoxximus]

Ok I might consider doing this if it makes switching games back and forth pretty easy..as it won't be as painful.

I can't transfer my games from SD card to new SD card, right? I'm going to have to load as many onto my Wii THEN transfer them to the new SD card, right?


Did you read the part in the OP about making a copy of your old Wii SD on your PC, then dragging it to the 4GB SD after the format?:drool:

This was one of my main points, people! More space AND improved transfer times!!

...not yelling at you, lilboo, just venting some frustration at most naysayers on the net.

[lilboo]

:rofl: I love not reading stuff. <333 me

[treydfleming]

I can't get this to work to save my life. I followed the directions exactly (even ordered the exact SD card) and my Wii will not recognize the card! I reformatted after the first attempt and tried to see if the Wii would recognize it straight off the format (like you say), and still nothing. Am I doing something wrong in the format process. What options exactly should I be selecting in the SDformatter? I'm assuming either one "FULL FORMAT" options should do the trick. I have a launch day Wii- are you sure that the tech to recognize larger cards would be in a launch system? Let me know what you think!

[Knoxximus]

I can't get this to work to save my life. I followed the directions exactly (even ordered the exact SD card) and my Wii will not recognize the card! I reformatted after the first attempt and tried to see if the Wii would recognize it straight off the format (like you say), and still nothing. Am I doing something wrong in the format process. What options exactly should I be selecting in the SDformatter? I'm assuming either one "FULL FORMAT" options should do the trick. I have a launch day Wii- are you sure that the tech to recognize larger cards would be in a launch system? Let me know what you think!

Settings:

Click 'Options"

Format Type = FULL (Erase ON)

Format Size Adjustment = ON

It'll take like 3-5 minutes to format with these settings. Give it a go and report back! :bouncy:

EDIT: Also make sure that the little slide lock of the SD is not in the 'LOCK' position.

[Solofire]

Settings:

Click 'Options"

Format Type = FULL (Erase ON)

Format Size Adjustment = ON

It'll take like 3-5 minutes to format with these settings. Give it a go and report back! :bouncy:

EDIT: Also make sure that the little slide lock of the SD is not in the 'LOCK' position.

Not to contradict, but I looked up the manual for the formatter (http://www.sdcard.org/consumers/formatter/SD_Formatter_Manual_English.pdf) to see what all the options were. In the end, I decided to do a Format Type = QUICK, and Format Size Adjustment = OFF. These are the defaults, and the formatting takes about 2 seconds. Everything else worked as advertised.

[Solofire]

Did you read the part in the OP about making a copy of your old Wii SD on your PC, then dragging it to the 4GB SD after the format?

The other nice thing about transfering the Wii private folder from your PC to your SD card is that it organizes your channels by system (not necessarily alphabetically). As a semi-anal retentive person, this was a fantastic side-effect.

[Knoxximus]

Not to contradict, but I looked up the manual for the formatter (http://www.sdcard.org/consumers/formatter/SD_Formatter_Manual_English.pdf) to see what all the options were. In the end, I decided to do a Format Type = QUICK, and Format Size Adjustment = OFF. These are the defaults, and the formatting takes about 2 seconds. Everything else worked as advertised.

Nice work again, Solofire...I will update the OP with this info.

@ treydfleming

If you haven't yet, I'd say try it Solofire's way since it is MUCH faster...if that doesn't work, then try it the way I outlined it. Either way, both ways worked for Solofire and myself, so at least one of them should work for you.

[treydfleming]

Success! I tried the original post way and plugged it into the Wii every step of the way to try to pin point the prob... only there was no problem this time. Nice. I just want to thank you for finding this and putting up with all the naysayers. I for one will be downloading a slew of WiiWare titles that I had been putting off until Nintendo's "storage solution." This will work for now, and I thank you!

[Knoxximus]

Success! I tried the original post way and plugged it into the Wii every step of the way to try to pin point the prob... only there was no problem this time. Nice. I just want to thank you for finding this and putting up with all the naysayers. I for one will be downloading a slew of WiiWare titles that I had been putting off until Nintendo's "storage solution." This will work for now, and I thank you!

YAY!!:applause:

Another satisfied customer. 8-)

[dakranii]

I purchased the Transcend 133X 4GB card yesterday from buy.com for $14ish. Hopefully it'll be here later this week or next. Just in time for GHWT.

I'll post if I have success or not.

Thanks again for all of the work and the updates to the OP, that should make it easy to get going.

[lilboo]

I really, really would love to find a way to hack the SD card to play these games directly from the card...:drool:

[UjnHunter]

What about having a 4gb card makes it faster though?

Rose colored glasses? ;)

[JJSP]

Lifehacker, Gizmodo, and now Kotaku have picked up on this thread. Nice work!

[chakan]

Congratulations on being featured on Kotaku!

[Knoxximus]

They didn't even credit me on Kotaku...and I'm a Gold Star member.

T_T

EDIT: Ok, they got around to crediting me...but by now NO ONE CARES. :roll: :cry:

[dakranii]

Well, I've already got an issue with it all. Figures. I bought the card, followed the directions on the OP, put it in my Wii...nothing. The Wii says the media in the drive isn't supported.

So now I have to figure out what's wrong. Why can't things just work?

[ranting]

[dakranii]

SDFormatter must not have done it's job. I'll try it again.

[Knoxximus]

Well, I've already got an issue with it all. Figures. I bought the card, followed the directions on the OP, put it in my Wii...nothing. The Wii says the media in the drive isn't supported.

So now I have to figure out what's wrong. Why can't things just work?

First my stupid laptop's card reader wouldn't even recognize the card. So I had to fiddle around with the firmware and edit my registry for it work...what the hell. Then, when it did finally read the card, it read it so slowly and constantly that it would freeze up my computer and not allow me to do anything, including format it.

So I switched to another computer, where it finally recognized it off the bat. However, when I tried to install SDFormatter, the InstallShield on stupid Windows was f'ed up!! What?? So I had to spend an hour researching to figure out what the heck was up with that. I finally figured it out, formatted the card, transferred over my old card's info, created the dummy files, put it in the Wii...and nothing.

Too much damn work for it to not work.

So yeah, I need to start over and see what I did wrong.

Just venting...

You might need to do the LOOOOONG format, where you click on the 'Options' button of SDFormatter, select 'FULL (Erase ON)' under FORMAT TYPE and 'ON' under FORMAT SIZE ADJUSTMENT.

Also, after the format, stick your card into the Wii 1st BEFORE you do all that data transferring. This way, you can nail down what the possible problem is in each step.

Good luck and add me as a friend on Kotaku!:bouncy:

[Kayden]

I don't know if this has been mentioned, but when I format my 4gb with the panasonic utility, windows can't read it.
I found I had to install this: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/944345/en-us

[Knoxximus]

I don't know if this has been mentioned, but when I format my 4gb with the panasonic utility, windows can't read it.
I found I had to install this: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/944345/en-us

Is it an SDHC card?

[dakranii]

You might need to do the LOOOOONG format, where you click on the 'Options' button of SDFormatter, select 'FULL (Erase ON)' under FORMAT TYPE and 'ON' under FORMAT SIZE ADJUSTMENT.

Also, after the format, stick your card into the Wii 1st BEFORE you do all that data transferring. This way, you can nail down what the possible problem is in each step.

Good luck and add me as a friend on Kotaku!:bouncy:

Yeah, I think I got a little ahead of myself in going straight through.

I'm going to reformat it now and then try it in the Wii. I'll probably finish the process tomorrow and repost.

[Kayden]

Is it an SDHC card?
:lol: Oddly enough, no. It's the 4gb Transcend SD card from the OP, but installing that fix worked.

I also figured out why my mini SD card from my phone worked, it's not SDHC either.

[yukine]

Not that it needs any confirmation, but homebrew programmers have just enabled SDHC compatibility with the Wii SD slot.

So yay for Nintendo!

[lilboo]

The minute hackers find a way to play games from your SD card--official games, not just random roms & emulators--I'll be haaaackin in a miiiinute.

I think it'll happen. I do <3

[dakranii]

I got mine up and working. I had to do a full format with SDFormatter and it worked fine from there. I confirmed it by downloading some Guitar Hero DLC last night to the SD card and then playing a song from the SD card. Worked great.

With GHWT songs being about 190ish blocks each, that will translate to 168 songs on an SD card? My math and numbers may be off. How many blocks would be available on this 4GB card?

[Knoxximus]

I got mine up and working. I had to do a full format with SDFormatter and it worked fine from there. I confirmed it by downloading some Guitar Hero DLC last night to the SD card and then playing a song from the SD card. Worked great.

With GHWT songs being about 190ish blocks each, that will translate to 168 songs on an SD card? My math and numbers may be off. How many blocks would be available on this 4GB card?


Hmmm....2.00GB is approximated 16,000 blocks.

So, 1GB is about 8,000 blocks.

So 3.72 GB would be around.....approximately 30,000 blocks.8-)

[mistermayy]

Hey guise, I had a question. Would it be possible to watch movies and other video from these 4gb cards using the Wii Photo Channel? I'm sure you've heard of Wii Video 9; it's a program that converts video for use with the Wii. The thing is, the converted video's filesize is usually so astronomical as the Wii is apparently only able to read MJPEG videos, which have bad compression. For instance, if you have a 300mb .avi file, the converted video will probably come out to being around a gig.
But what I'm trying to ask here is, would watching, say, a 2.5 gig .avi file be possible with this little trick? It seems like it would, as there would be no need to fill up any empty space. I myself only have a 1gb card, so I will be getting the 4gb one linked to from the first post if anyone can confirm that this works. Thanks, and good find, by the way. :)

[Knoxximus]

Hey guise, I had a question. Would it be possible to watch movies and other video from these 4gb cards using the Wii Photo Channel? I'm sure you've heard of Wii Video 9; it's a program that converts video for use with the Wii. The thing is, the converted video's filesize is usually so astronomical as the Wii is apparently only able to read MJPEG videos, which have bad compression. For instance, if you have a 300mb .avi file, the converted video will probably come out to being around a gig.
But what I'm trying to ask here is, would watching, say, a 2.5 gig .avi file be possible with this little trick? It seems like it would, as there would be no need to fill up any empty space. I myself only have a 1gb card, so I will be getting the 4gb one linked to from the first post if anyone can confirm that this works. Thanks, and good find, by the way. :)

I don't see why not. Uncompressed, it would definitely take up more than enough space on the card. And even if it didn't, you're not concerned about writing to the card....just reading from the card. So, I would think it would work out fine. Give it a try! :bouncy:

Oh, and if you don't mind me asking, how did you come to find out about this thread?

[mistermayy]

I don't see why not. Uncompressed, it would definitely take up more than enough space on the card. And even if it didn't, you're not concerned about writing to the card....just reading from the card. So, I would think it would work out fine. Give it a try! :bouncy:

Oh, and if you don't mind me asking, how did you come to find out about this thread?

Ok, thanks, I just ordered the Transcend 4gb card, so I'll report on how it works. I found this thread through google; my dad just got a Wii and I noticed in the instructions only up to 2gb SD cards could be used, but knowing many things can be worked around if you know where to look, I googled something about using larger SD cards with the Wii, and found this gem. Thanks again for the info!

[EriktheRed53]

Thanks for posting this, but I have a question. My Wii just updated the other day, and I'm curious if it somehow disabled this.

I'm going to get Rock Band 2 when it's released, and having twice as much room for DLC would be very helpful. I found this thread a while back when someone linked it on either ScoreHero or GameFAQs, and wanted to ask before I risk some insane amount of money like... $10.

[Knoxximus]

Thanks for posting this, but I have a question. My Wii just updated the other day, and I'm curious if it somehow disabled this.

I'm going to get Rock Band 2 when it's released, and having twice as much room for DLC would be very helpful. I found this thread a while back when someone linked it on either ScoreHero or GameFAQs, and wanted to ask before I risk some insane amount of money like... $10.

I updated also, and not only does it still work, but transfer times have improved by quite a large margin from this update! So, GO FOR IT! :bouncy:

Oh, and the card is $8.75 now. 8-)

[Wolfkin]

4gb for $8.75? that's better than the microcenter generics.. I might have to get one of those cards on principle.

[mistermayy]

Well, I got the card working correctly after formatting it, but it seems that the Photo Channel can't handle such large files. I suppose it's the fault of the Wii only being able to display MJPEG video files, but Wii Video 9 definitely is not the way to go for watching video on the Wii. For instance, a 200mb video file will come out to be around a gig (!) on the highest quality setting, and even that is too large for the Photo Channel. So, it seems that the largest file you can use with the Photo Channel (before conversion) is around 150mb. And with most movies being at least 700mb, that just won't cut it.
I'd say the best way to view video at the moment is to use one of those internet browser media center things like Orb or TVersity...that's what I started using after I found out that watching video won't work using the Photo Channel. It's not perfect and there may be some frame skipping, but it's much more productive than Wii Video 9.

[EriktheRed53]

Well, my card finally arrived, but it doesn't work at all, right out of the box. Trying to explore it on my computer just tells me it needs to be formatted first, but I can't seem to do that with either the SDFormatter program or Windows' internal process. Every time, it waits thirty seconds or so just to tell me that the card cannot be formatted. It's not the lock switch, as I've tried each position just in case. Is my card just somehow broken?

[Knoxximus]

Well, my card finally arrived, but it doesn't work at all, right out of the box. Trying to explore it on my computer just tells me it needs to be formatted first, but I can't seem to do that with either the SDFormatter program or Windows' internal process. Every time, it waits thirty seconds or so just to tell me that the card cannot be formatted. It's not the lock switch, as I've tried each position just in case. Is my card just somehow broken?

Geez...u voted my thread down because YOUR card doesn't work?:roll:

Which card did you get?

[EriktheRed53]

No, actually, I didn't vote at all.
I got the one you linked in the first post. It looks just like the one in the many pictures in this thread, too.

[Knoxximus]

No, actually, I didn't vote at all.
I got the one you linked in the first post. It looks just like the one in the many pictures in this thread, too.

Well, no way to tell anyway, but the coincidence was curious. I apologize then for my rash remark.:cry:

Anyhoo, does it read normally? Does it work ok otherwise? Maybe it's just a bad card. Does your memory card reader recognize it okay?

[EriktheRed53]

Well, no way to tell anyway, but the coincidence was curious. I apologize then for my rash remark.:cry:

Anyhoo, does it read normally? Does it work ok otherwise? Maybe it's just a bad card. Does your memory card reader recognize it okay?

Don't worry about it. :)

No, it doesn't work at all in either my Wii or laptop. Windows tells me the card needs to be formatted as soon as I try opening it, but all attempts to do so fail after about a minute. Other SD cards work fine, though. It's really puzzling.

[nmarchan]

Same here. I just got mine and the card is doing the same thing. For some reason, the card I'm trying to format shows up as a 13.9 gb card though. I'm currently trying to get a windows format to go through, though the thing's been going for an hour or two already.

[nmarchan]

Well, my problem was actually solved by getting a new (external USB) card reader.

[distrunner06]

Hi, I was wondering if someone could help me out with a problem. I purchased the Transcend card(thats displayed on page 1) from amazon. I got it today, I followed the directions, but the programs wouldn't open for me. SO i decided to place the card into my wii, wii reconized the card, but it doesn't tell me how many blocks are available to store stuff into. So what am I missing.

[Knoxximus]

Hi, I was wondering if someone could help me out with a problem. I purchased the Transcend card(thats displayed on page 1) from amazon. I got it today, I followed the directions, but the programs wouldn't open for me. SO i decided to place the card into my wii, wii reconized the card, but it doesn't tell me how many blocks are available to store stuff into. So what am I missing.

What programs are you talking about? Also, you may need to get a new card reader.

[Miranda]

Anywhere else to buy this card? Newegg is sold out!

[Knoxximus]

Amazon has a decent deal through a 3rd party vendor...$10.78 shipped ($3.80 + $6.98 shipping).

http://www.amazon.com/Transcend-Flash-memory-card-133x/dp/B0012ZL56A/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1230760058&sr=8-1

[Miranda]

Amazon has a decent deal through a 3rd party vendor...$10.78 shipped ($3.80 + $6.98 shipping).

http://www.amazon.com/Transcend-Flash-memory-card-133x/dp/B0012ZL56A/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1230760058&sr=8-1

Thanks! :) Looks like it's back in stock again at Newegg though, so I'm ordering from there. $9.25 now though.

[Miranda]

Just got my card today and going to try this out soon. There's a new version of SDFormatter:

2.0.0.3:

http://gbatemp.net/index.php?download=4003

Also, Newegg's price on the card is now $9.06.

[Miranda]

Just got my card today and going to try this out soon. There's a new version of SDFormatter:

2.0.0.3:

http://gbatemp.net/index.php?download=4003

I tried it with this version. Quick format didn't work for me, so I had to do a full format, but after that it worked just fine! My Wii can read it and I have no problems copying stuff to the card. I haven't tried copying stuff from my card to the Wii yet though. Speed seems pretty quick. I don't know if that's because of the 3.4 firmware or if it's the 133x speed of the card or a combination of both. But it's working for me.:)

[Knoxximus]

I tried it with this version. Quick format didn't work for me, so I had to do a full format, but after that it worked just fine! My Wii can read it and I have no problems copying stuff to the card. I haven't tried copying stuff from my card to the Wii yet though. Speed seems pretty quick. I don't know if that's because of the 3.4 firmware or if it's the 133x speed of the card or a combination of both. But it's working for me.:)

Awesome! Thanks Miranda! I will update the OP with this info sometime this weekend (gotta work my 12-15 shifts today and tomorrow:cry:).

[MorPhiend]

I want a hack to watch movies on the wii.How I have looked for way to do this but they only thing I found had poor quality, bad frame rate and skewed the image.
PlayOn will be adding Wii support sometime soon.
Just got my card today and going to try this out soon. There's a new version of SDFormatter:

2.0.0.3:

http://gbatemp.net/index.php?download=4003

Also, Newegg's price on the card is now $9.06.I have been holding off on buying one of these until Nintendo decides to allow to stream games from them. But I finally bit on a card the other day and it showed up today. The card froze my comp when I first put it in. So I re-booted and inserted it and it read just fine. I downloaded v.2.0 and it said that the drive was not recognizable by the program. I tried adding and deleting files from the card and formatted the card using Windows. All went well. So I re-read the whole thread (I read it a while back) to see if anyone had similar problems. Finally I got to this post. I re-installed the newer 2.0.0.3 version and it recognized the card and the format took about 2.5 seconds. Now I will go through the rest of the process and hopefully I can re-download all of my content onto my card tonight. :))))


EDIT: My Wii didn't recognize the quick format card. So I did the full format and the Wii showed blank channel windows with no number of blocks in the corner. So I padded the card and I had 16083 free blocks or so. Now I have all of my current games and past downloaded games on my card with tons of room to spare. Hopefully it won't be long until we can access games straight from the card!

[XorpheusX]

Finally got around to buying the card, and it works perfectly. Now if Harmonix would just get the Rock Band store online, I could put this thing to good use.

[Radish]

I had some difficulties getting things to work, so I thought I would share my results in case it can help someone else.

I bought the Transcend card from Amazon, and first tried it in the card reader of an HP DV6910us laptop. The card reader didn't read it. I next tried a Nikon Coolpix S550 camera, and it was able to format the card with the camera's built in format function. It then worked in the camera, but the Wii didn't accept the formatting. SDFormatter didn't list the camera's drive as a formatable SD device either. Finally, I put the card in a TomTom OneXL GPS unit and thankfully SDFormatter was able to format the card, and it now works in my Wii. I'm really glad I didn't have to go spend money on another SD card reader.

Thanks for this awesome guide!

And I agree, XorpheusX, I can't wait to put this to use in RB2 as well--thats the entire reason I got the card.

[blackbird3216]

wait, i have a question. If i just format the card and load RB2 DLC directly onto the card to make it under 1.99 GB, would that work instead of loading crap data onto it? BTW, does anyone know where i could get a cheap SD card reader, because i don't have one.

[Knoxximus]

wait, i have a question. If i just format the card and load RB2 DLC directly onto the card to make it under 1.99 GB, would that work instead of loading crap data onto it? BTW, does anyone know where i could get a cheap SD card reader, because i don't have one.

Yeah, if you have 1.73 GB of Rock Band 2 DLC already, that'll work fine. If not, you unload some dummy data when you get there.

[Nithorias]

I need help, I bought a regular 4gb SD Card and I try the Format Type: QUICK, Format Size Adjustment = OFF AND THE (Select 'FULL (Erase ON)' under FORMAT TYPE and 'ON' under FORMAT SIZE ADJUSTMENT.) and nothing works, my Wii doesnt want to read it anyway, am I doing something wrong? Please I need help ASAP lol!

[Nithorias]

I check and the lock isnt on, and I have try a lot of time both ways to format the SD Card and the Wii still doesnt read it. This is the 4GB SD Card I'm using, please reply if you find some problem with it or something I'm doing wrong, or could it be the USB Reader/Writer I'm using???
This is the link of my SD Card!

http://cgi.ebay.com/4GB-4-GB-HighSpeed-SD-Secure-Digital-camera-Memory-Card_W0QQitemZ270333873346QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDigit al_Camera_Memory_Cards?hash=item270333873346&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 18|301%3A0|293%3A2|294%3A50

[dragonjud]

I check and the lock isnt on, and I have try a lot of time both ways to format the SD Card and the Wii still doesnt read it. This is the 4GB SD Card I'm using, please reply if you find some problem with it or something I'm doing wrong, or could it be the USB Reader/Writer I'm using???
This is the link of my SD Card!

http://cgi.ebay.com/4GB-4-GB-HighSpeed-SD-Secure-Digital-camera-Memory-Card_W0QQitemZ270333873346QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDigit al_Camera_Memory_Cards?hash=item270333873346&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 18|301%3A0|293%3A2|294%3A50 (http://cgi.ebay.com/4GB-4-GB-HighSpeed-SD-Secure-Digital-camera-Memory-Card_W0QQitemZ270333873346QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDigit al_Camera_Memory_Cards?hash=item270333873346&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318%7C301%3A0%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A50)

First off, it's definitely not the card in the OP's message.
Second, it looks like some knock-off card (made in China and probably fake)
And third it needs to be a regular SD card, it cannot be SDHC.

[Nithorias]

First off, it's definitely not the card in the OP's message.
Second, it looks like some knock-off card (made in China and probably fake)
And third it needs to be a regular SD card, it cannot be SDHC.


So I got scammed! :cry:

What about this card, since I cant buy the one from newegg...

http://cgi.ebay.com/TRANSCEND-Standard-4GB-Secure-Digital-SD-Memory-4-GB_W0QQitemZ200265642562QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Defa ultDomain_0?hash=item200265642562&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2|65%3A15|39%3A1|240%3A1318 (http://cgi.ebay.com/TRANSCEND-Standard-4GB-Secure-Digital-SD-Memory-4-GB_W0QQitemZ200265642562QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Defa ultDomain_0?hash=item200265642562&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A15%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318)


What about this one, will it work? I know it doesnt have the x133speed but its transcend and it says that is a 4GB SD Card, I dont care much about the speed thing. Please reply back and thank you 8-)

[Knoxximus]

So I got scammed! :cry:

What about this card, since I cant buy the one from newegg...

http://cgi.ebay.com/TRANSCEND-Standard-4GB-Secure-Digital-SD-Memory-4-GB_W0QQitemZ200265642562QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Defa ultDomain_0?hash=item200265642562&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2|65%3A15|39%3A1|240%3A1318 (http://cgi.ebay.com/TRANSCEND-Standard-4GB-Secure-Digital-SD-Memory-4-GB_W0QQitemZ200265642562QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Defa ultDomain_0?hash=item200265642562&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A15%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318)


What about this one, will it work? I know it doesnt have the x133speed but its transcend and it says that is a 4GB SD Card, I dont care much about the speed thing. Please reply back and thank you 8-)

You're gonna care about the speed in the long run. And why can't you buy it from NewEgg if you can buy crap from Ebay? Here's a link for Amazon even.

http://www.amazon.com/Transcend-Flash-memory-card-133x/dp/B0012ZL56A/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1233265865&sr=8-1

I can't vouch for any other card than the one that worked for me and others. Take your time and do it right.

EDIT: *sighs* and if you absolutely MUST use eBay....TADAAAH!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Transcend-Flash-memory-card-4-GB-133x-SD_W0QQitemZ360125691752QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDigital _Camera_Memory_Cards?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

[Nithorias]

You're gonna care about the speed in the long run. And why can't you buy it from NewEgg if you can buy crap from Ebay? Here's a link for Amazon even.

http://www.amazon.com/Transcend-Flash-memory-card-133x/dp/B0012ZL56A/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1233265865&sr=8-1

I can't vouch for any other card than the one that worked for me and others. Take your time and do it right.

EDIT: *sighs* and if you absolutely MUST use eBay....TADAAAH!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Transcend-Flash-memory-card-4-GB-133x-SD_W0QQitemZ360125691752QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDigital _Camera_Memory_Cards?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

Wow thanks a lot man :applause:, sorry for all this trouble lol, and the reason I couldnt buy it from newegg its cuz of the shipping since I dont live in the US, but anyway I will try either amazon or ebay to buy it.. once again thanks!!! I'll let ya know if it works when I recieve it and do the hack.

[Knoxximus]

Wow thanks a lot man :applause:, sorry for all this trouble lol, and the reason I couldnt buy it from newegg its cuz of the shipping since I dont live in the US, but anyway I will try either amazon or ebay to buy it.. once again thanks!!! I'll let ya know if it works when I recieve it and do the hack.

Liar.:lol:

[Petti]

You wrote: 1st, take your current Wii Card and make a copy of it on your computer. Then, drag that folder to the 4GB card to copy. Then go into my computer, right-click the SD card, select properties, and keep your eye on the free memory.

What do you mean when you say Wii card? And do you need a 2 gb sd card when you do this?

[Petti]

Answer Me!

[tsmvengy]

You wrote: 1st, take your current Wii Card and make a copy of it on your computer. Then, drag that folder to the 4GB card to copy. Then go into my computer, right-click the SD card, select properties, and keep your eye on the free memory.

What do you mean when you say Wii card? And do you need a 2 gb sd card when you do this?
I don't think you need another card - you just need to fill it up with stuff to the point where the free space is under 2GB.

[Petti]

But what do he mean with "take your current Wii Card"? What kind of card is that? Please help me, I want to get a good AC town :'(

[tsmvengy]

But what do he mean with "take your current Wii Card"? What kind of card is that? Please help me, I want to get a good AC town :'(
#1, I just explained it, and #2 what the heck does this have to do with "getting a good AC town?"

He meant if you have an SD card that you're using already, copy that stuff to the 4GB card. If you don't have one then you have to fill it up with stuff until there's less than 2GB of free space left. The Wii will not read it otherwise.

[Petti]

Ok, Thanks! That was all i wanted to hear, and I meant that I could hack a good AC town if I got homebrew channel.

Do I need to use the SD card program too? I filled the SD card to under 2 gb, but i doesn't work on the Wii, but I didn't use the SD formater...

[Ireland914]

So, I bought a similar card: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820208086

The formatting program won't recognize it to format it. Is this card not usable? Also, although it's supposed to be a 4GB card, Windows lists it as being 1.99 in size. I'm not sure if that's a mistake or if my card reader isn't reading it properly. Any help would be much appreciated.

I just tried using the card on the Wii. Without having used the formatting tool, the Wii is reading the card and I can successfully save data onto it. So... I'm pretty sure I got ripped off with this card as it's actually only a 2GB.

[Knoxximus]

So, I bought a similar card: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820208086

The formatting program won't recognize it to format it. Is this card not usable? Also, although it's supposed to be a 4GB card, Windows lists it as being 1.99 in size. I'm not sure if that's a mistake or if my card reader isn't reading it properly. Any help would be much appreciated.

I just tried using the card on the Wii. Without having used the formatting tool, the Wii is reading the card and I can successfully save data onto it. So... I'm pretty sure I got ripped off with this card as it's actually only a 2GB.

I would try a newer card reader. I had a 4GB card once that I thought I got gipped on...turned out my card reader wasn't new enough. Give it a shot!

Also, while I'm pretty sure that card should work, I can only vouch for the card that is linked in the OP, as it is the only that myself and others can vouch for 100%. If you do get your card working, post about it so I can add it to the OP.8-)

[Ireland914]

Okay, actually all I have for a card reader is a digital camera. Maybe the camera can only read up to 2 gigs? I'll see about getting an actual card reader and see what happens. I'll let you know if the card is good after all. The reason I think I actually was ripped off is because the Wii instantly recognized it without requiring the workaround.

[nubecoder]

Can someone confirm that you are actually able to have over 2GB of Wii data on the card and the Wii will still write to it?

I recently bought the card in the OP, and have it working on my Wii, so thankx for the guide & info!

But I'm still curious to know if anyone has actually past the 2GB limit with Wii data.

My thinking is that there is still a chance that the Wii will stop writing to the card after it has 2GB of Wii data on it.

Sorry if this has been answered already, I read through most of the 8 pages here, but I could have missed it.

Thankx!

[Blacktooth_Grin]

Thanks for the thread Knoxx. I just ordered the card, gonna give it a shot next week when I get it. This is invaluable for anyone playing Rock Band as we are fastly approaching the 2gig DLC limit. I can't bear switching out SD cards when someone wants to play randomsong_155.

If Homebrew has an SDHC solution, how hard can it be for Nintendo to have one? Not taking away the genius of your idea, but unfortunately, 4gig only buys me 4-6 months before I fill it up with songs. You working on the SDHC non hack solution yet Knoxx? :D

MacGuyver said he could do it with a paperclip and some duct tape.

[rocky435]

I wonder if the sd card update is coming.... March is almost over.. Two Mondays for them to get the update out..

[Knoxximus]

I wonder if the sd card update is coming.... March is almost over.. Two Mondays for them to get the update out..

Not really. They said "Spring". Spring doesn't end until the last day of May.8-)

[SpinachRag]

I'm sad to say I couldn't make this work. The Wii still says that the device in the SD card slot can't be used, even after the formatting. Could the problem be the type of card? I'm using a 4GB Kingston SD card.


edit: Just read that this doesn't work with SDHC cards. :cry:

[Knoxximus]

Looks like my job, and this thread, are finished thanks to Nintendo as of this am, 25 March 2009.

Thanks for playing everyone...and rejoice that SHIT IS EASY NOW!!!

Oh, and erase your dummy files everyone...you won't need them anymore.8-)

[Strell]

"The Wii can now handle high capacity SD cards" so you're no longer limited to 2GB. The Wii Shop channel is also getting updated so you can download content direct to and SD card. That will mean less shuffling between menus.


Let's give Knox a big hand though, folks!

*kicks him off the stage, I'm tired of airplane food jokes*

[Wolfkin]

fun while it lasted

[StarKnightX]

Looks like my job, and this thread, are finished thanks to Nintendo as of this am, 25 March 2009.

Thanks for playing everyone...and rejoice that SHIT IS EASY NOW!!!

Oh, and erase your dummy files everyone...you won't need them anymore.8-)

Let's give Knox a big hand though, folks!

*kicks him off the stage, I'm tired of airplane food jokes*

Links to the article about this or is there one?

Either way , at least we are halfway there. If they can allow running of VC/WiiWare games off of an SD card then we will really be in business.

Edit: Scratch that , I just had to check the main wii forum. Nevermind.

[Strell]

Links to the article about this or is there one?

Either way , at least we are halfway there. If they can allow running of VC/WiiWare games off of an SD card then we will really be in business.

Oh, but we can. Yer so 19 minutes ago.

This is all being revealed right now from Iwata's GDC Keynote.

Save to SD card, run from SD card - an actual solution.

Peep this thread. (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=218930)

[StarKnightX]

Oh, but we can. Yer so 19 minutes ago.

This is all being revealed right now from Iwata's GDC Keynote.

Save to SD card, run from SD card - an actual solution.

Peep this thread. (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=218930)

Like I mentioned in my edit , I saw all the threads about it right after I posted my original message. The running games off the SD card bit was a legit surprise though.

Now I really need to get my wii working again.

[foltzie]

Snif... Going to miss this sticky.... Mods... Do your thing!

[XorpheusX]

Word on the street (okay, the Rock Band forums) is that SDHC is incompatible with older games (Rock Band 2), and thus the update does absolutely nothing for aspiring DLC whores. One guy even said that the update broke his capability to use his 4GB card.

My card is fine though, hahahahahah I win

[Friend of Sonic]

Word on the street (okay, the Rock Band forums) is that SDHC is incompatible with older games (Rock Band 2), and thus the update does absolutely nothing for aspiring DLC whores. One guy even said that the update broke his capability to use his 4GB card.

My card is fine though, hahahahahah I win

That's interesting. I wonder if Nintendo will address that.

[tsmvengy]

Man I feel bad for the guy who did all that work to get this working last week.

OK not that bad.

[Knoxximus]

Welp, looks like I spoke too soon....

http://gonintendo.com/?p=76927#comments

No SDHC support for Wii titles (http://gonintendo.com/?p=76927)

Having a storage solution (http://gonintendo.com/?p=76927#) for your WiiWare/VC/VC Arcade games is absolutely fantastic, isn’t it? This is something we should have had from day one, but at least we finally got it! Too bad we can’t use these same SDHC cards for our Wii titles. Games like Animal Crossing: City Folkhttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/mag-glass_10x10.gif (http://gonintendo.com/?p=76927#) still see the SDHC card as an unknown device, so no luck there. Oh well, you can’t always get everything you want.


THE PARTY IS STILL ON, FOLKS!!!

[tsmvengy]

Ahh so this is worthless for storing DLC for GHWT and Rock Band 2... NICE!

THX NINTENDO!

[Ireland914]

Sooo... does this workaround still work or is my 4GB card useless for Rockband DLC now?

[tsmvengy]

Sooo... does this workaround still work or is my 4GB card useless for Rockband DLC now?
I believe it does - I was just talking about the new SDHC storage system.

[Purkeynator]

So what were the features in Smash Bros and Animal Crossing? Can't you just use the Wii ineternal memory for those two particular games and use the sdhc for everything else?

[greenrocks]

Cool, will do it when I get time. I will definitely buy this card.

[crunchewy]

So what were the features in Smash Bros and Animal Crossing? Can't you just use the Wii ineternal memory for those two particular games and use the sdhc for everything else?

In Animal Crossing you can save pictures to the SD card. I don't think there is anything else, but we use that capability frequently as you can otherwise only take one picture.

Now I'm glad I didn't buy an SDHC card. Maybe a future firmware update could bring compatibility for older games, but who knows. They could do this by... supporting patches! Then the games could be patched to support SDHC and all would be well. If you've got tons of space on an SDHC card and those patches can be stored there, then all will be right with the world. I'll keep my fingers crossed. It seems like patches should be doable - code is stored on SD (or internal) and is loaded when the game is loaded.

[Kindrik]

One guy even said that the update broke his capability to use his 4GB card.
I'm one of those guys. Things were working fine for me before the update but now while the card works fine with the SD Card Menu I can't play any of my DLC from GH or RB2. :cry:

EDIT: http://www.wiiloaded.com/Rumor-User-Created-SD-Card-Fix-Blocked-With-New-Firmware-t-18114-wii
(http://www.wiiloaded.com/User-Created-SD-Card-Fix-Blocked-With-New-Firmware-t-18114-wii)

[Knoxximus]

I'm one of those guys. Things were working fine for me before the update but now while the card works fine with the SD Card Menu I can't play any of my DLC from GH or RB2. :cry:

EDIT: http://www.wiiloaded.com/Rumor-User-Created-SD-Card-Fix-Blocked-With-New-Firmware-t-18114-wii


Nice writeup...you coulda shouted me out you know.;)

So, from your findings, are you saying that maybe the new workaround would be to have one card JUST for DLC (i.e. Rock Band 1/2, GH), and then ANOTHER card for VC/Wiiware? Would that circumvent this problem?

[Blacktooth_Grin]

My 4GB solution worked all the way upto today when my wife powered down the surge protector it was plugged into. I load the game up, and now SD card not detected. I will start troubleshooting this on the weekend. Not sure if the loss of power during gameplay zapped the card or something yet. I hate doing the format, but will even do that again if needed. DL'ing 100+ songs will take awhile again :(

The firmware upgrade didn't effect my capability of using the 4GB solution. Unless a complete power off has something to do with the SD slot resetting or something. If I am back to 2GB, my DL content will be so picky....switching cards out is an absolute pain in the ass.

[smith99]

Hi,

Thanks for sharing the useful information.

An empty 4GB card reads as 3.72 or so GB. After copyng the existing Wii data to it (544 MB), 3.20 GB's of free space exists. If you were to insert the card now, you would SEE your Wii data, but would be unable in transfer anything to the SD from the Wii. You can only go one way...from the SD to the Wii.

[Wolfkin]

In Animal Crossing you can save pictures to the SD card. I don't think there is anything else, but we use that capability frequently as you can otherwise only take one picture.

Now I'm glad I didn't buy an SDHC card. Maybe a future firmware update could bring compatibility for older games, but who knows. They could do this by... supporting patches! Then the games could be patched to support SDHC and all would be well. If you've got tons of space on an SDHC card and those patches can be stored there, then all will be right with the world. I'll keep my fingers crossed. It seems like patches should be doable - code is stored on SD (or internal) and is loaded when the game is loaded.you want Nintendo to allow patches and allow the patches to be stored on a the SD card? Dude that wouldn't fly back in the gamecube days.

[rocky435]

Has anyone here got a 32 gig sd card? Curious as to what brand too. Also what the amount of blocks it provdes.

Also newegg has a patriot 32 gig for 79 dollars which is a good deal. Since i could use for both the dsi and the wii.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220359

[cymbalsnare]

Help I think something went wrong when I used the SD formatter. At first it said I had 3.7 GB free, then when I formatted it, it went down to 900 MB. I don't know what happened and nothing happened when I tried formatting it again.

Edit: Nevermind I figured it out.

[llamaaction]

Hi,

I recently purchased a 4GB non-SDHC card from Newegg so I could get more Rock Band songs. Following all the instructions, without any dummy files my SD card has about 1.8 GB free. Rock Band refused to recognize it, saying 'this SD Card cannot be used. SD Card mode disabled.'

I tried many different things to get it to work; I did it from scratch with a long format twice, I tried using it with only 2GB of dummy files, I tried it without the .loc files after I saw the thread a few posts up, but it would still give me a 'cannot be used' error. Help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Mad D]

Are you trying to do the 4GB hack because you are running one of those home brew programs and don't want to update?

[llamaaction]

No. I'm trying to download songs with Rock Band 2. Rock Band didn't get SDHC upgrades at that time. I updated in April.

[InvaderZim]

How do you even copy Wii data/games from one card to another (2gb to 4gb)?

[llamaaction]

I just copied from the 2GB to the computer, and then the computer to the 4GB. But this may not be right, seeing all the problems I'm having with this.

[llamaaction]

Any suggestions?

[rjj]

I am having a problem very similar to what llamaaction described.

I have been using the 4GB workaround for several months without any significant issues. But yesterday, after downloading a song in RB2, the system indicated that there was no more space on the SD card. I figured no problem, I would just delete one of the dummy files I was using to pad the card. However, when I restarted RB2, it indicated that the SD card was unuseable, and that the SD mode was disabled. I figured that perhaps when it ran out of space during the download/transfer that something happened to make the card unreadable. I have tried low level formatting with SDFormatter numerous times, with no luck. The Wii itself is fine with the card and can read and transfer information to it. But RB2 won't, even when there is less than 1.99 GB free.

Any suggestions?

TIA

[utopianmachine]

Is it possible to games load from the SD card and still have the channel present on the Wii menu?

[icedrake523]

I downloaded Sin & Punishment to my SD card since I didn't have room. Then I made room and downloaded it to my Wii. Is it possible to delete it off the memory card?

[dakranii]

I am having a problem very similar to what llamaaction described.

I have been using the 4GB workaround for several months without any significant issues. But yesterday, after downloading a song in RB2, the system indicated that there was no more space on the SD card. I figured no problem, I would just delete one of the dummy files I was using to pad the card. However, when I restarted RB2, it indicated that the SD card was unuseable, and that the SD mode was disabled. I figured that perhaps when it ran out of space during the download/transfer that something happened to make the card unreadable. I have tried low level formatting with SDFormatter numerous times, with no luck. The Wii itself is fine with the card and can read and transfer information to it. But RB2 won't, even when there is less than 1.99 GB free.

Any suggestions?

TIA

This happens with me as well, where RB2 won't recognize my Transcend 4GB card sometimes. It's frustrating. I usually take it out put it back in several times. Sometimes the game eventually recognizes it, sometimes not. I don't know what causes it or how to fix it. All I can suggest it trying to remove the card and put it back in. Mine works flawlessly for VC and WiiWare games, but just has this recognition issue in RB2.

Taking the card out and putting it back in makes me feel like I'm trying to get a game working in my NES again. :-p

[dakranii]

Is it possible to games load from the SD card and still have the channel present on the Wii menu?

Unfortunately no. It sucks and makes me wonder what the point of having 48 channels on my main menu is when I can barely use 18 without filling up the internal memory.

[dakranii]

I downloaded Sin & Punishment to my SD card since I didn't have room. Then I made room and downloaded it to my Wii. Is it possible to delete it off the memory card?

You downloaded it to your SD card. Then did you download it again from the Shop Channel? You didn't have to do that, you could have moved it from your SD card.

Go into data management in your Wii menu, choose channels, then pick your SD card. It will show all the games and channels on your SD card. When you find S&P you can choose to delete it or move it. Since it's already on your internal memory, just delete it. You could choose to move it in the future if you feel that's easier than re-downloading it.