I just read an article about a new USB loader that will apparently allow you to play your “legal game backup collection” from any USB mass storage device.  How cool is that?  The person responsible is Waninkoko, who is well-known in the DIY homebrew world.

Thanks, Engadget!

At the GDC2009, Satoru Iwata gave a keynote speech, and talked about the new Wii system update.  This new update allows players to download from the Wii Shop Channel directly to an SD card - and play the games right off the card.

I found information about the new update on the Wii system memory Wikipedia page - it’s version 4.0:

• Update includes SD Card Menu to “move” files and channels between the Wii console and SD card
• You can download and play Virtual Console or WiiWare games directly to the SD card from the Wii Shop Channel
• Wii Shop Channel supports classic arcade games
• Ability to save and access Wii Channels from the SD card
• SDHC card (up to 32 GB) support for System Menu, Wii Speak Channel, Shop Channel, and Photo Channel. Other features may not support SDHC cards.
• Deletes every version of the Twilight Hack (including 0.1beta2)
• Patches IOS16, which was the last official IOS with the signing bug
• Fixed the bug that was used in the Homebrew Channel installer (so all existing IOS-versions were updated)
• Added IOS38, IOS53, IOS55, IOS60, and IOS61

Right now, version 4.0 supports SD memory cards of up to 32GB!  Have you updated lately?

Now, a side note: It is my understanding that you can use any SD card in the Wii.  You do not need to buy a special Wii-branded SD card.  That is all.  Go nuts.

4 GB SD Cards on Amazon - I saw 4GB SD cards for $4.50!

Thanks, Kotaku!