Pirated Nintendo Wii Games and Modchip Spotted

Rocky and I just found out the latest news about Nintendo Wii modchips. When we went to V-Mall in Greenhills Shopping Center last March 24, 2007, we saw what's in the photo above, over 50 pirated Nintendo Wii DVD games being sold for only P350 each (around USD $7.14), and Wii modifications are now available.

In the photo, you can see The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess in front of the game rack, also selling for P350. That’s way cheaper than the original version at DataBlitz, which costs more than P3,500.

I asked the salesladies what modchip they were using, but they (and even the technician) didn’t know. They also weren’t sure if the chip could play pirated Nintendo GameCube discs. When I asked how much each game cost, they had to call someone else since the games had just arrived. They offer Wii modification for P2,500 (around USD $51.02).

After that, Rocky decided to ask around Shoppesville. One stall was selling a modified US Nintendo Wii with 5 pirated games of your choice for P22,000 (about USD $448.98). We were also surprised to see a modified Xbox 360 with 10 pirated games for just P19,000 (about USD $387.76).

If you just want to play import (original) games on your Wii, GameOPS recommends EYO Sales. They were one of the first to bring modchips to the Philippines. Their Wii modding service costs P3,500 (around USD $71.43). It’s a bit more expensive, but your console will be in good hands. You can call them at +63(2)724-0755 and look for Eric, the owner. (GameOPS does not support pirated games.)

If Wii modchips and pirated games keep spreading, the Nintendo Wii might end up like the PlayStation 2, super popular and full of bootleg games in the Philippines.