Wii Homebrew Channel is a free Wii homebrew game uploader. The channel was created to provide an easy way to run unofficial software on the Wii console. After installing this freeware, it appears as a standard Wii channel in the Wii Menu. Once launched, a list of apps found on an SD card is displayed. Users can select an application to launch with a GameCube controller or the Wii Remote.

The Homebrew Channel also accepts application uploads via a USB Gecko or TCP/IP (via WiFi or Ethernet) allowing quick testing of applications during development. On first launch of the HB Channel, it will check for updates and allow the user to automatically download them if desired.

Installation of Wii Homebrew requires the use of software vulnerabilities, as Nintendo designed the Wii game console to prevent the use of unauthorized software. One way to install the channel on a Wii is to use a disc signature verification bug and a modchip. Another way to install this channel is by using an exploit in the game “The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess”. Dubbed “Twilight Hack”, this exploit was developed by Team Twiizers, it is a specially crafted game copied from an SD card. . Wii firmware version 4.0 has completely disabled this cheat. However, Twilight Hack currently runs on all versions of Wii system software except version 4.0. Nintendo announced that as of December 2008, Wii updates will no longer remove the Homebrew Channel if it is already there.

The Wii HB Channel is compatible with many different types of controllers, including the Wii Remote, Wii Remote Nunchuck plus, Classic Controller, and Les Paul Guitar Controller. The channel has its own browser that can download apps to do a variety of things. Other applications can also be downloaded from the official hackmii website. It has been reported that many websites are selling the freeware in violation of Team Twiizers’ copyright claim. Some of these sites have been stopped, but there are still others trying to sell this free software.

The Wii Homebrew Channel site advertises itself as a channel for launching homebrew apps and games without running Twilight Hack first. The menu it displays is a list of apps stored and organized on an SD card, which can be easily customized to look exactly how the user wants it to look. Homebrew applications will run over TCP or USB Gecko.