Make Your Wii Region Free With the USB Gecko

Are you a Wii gamer who wants to play games that have been released in other regions without risking the chance of bricking your console? Or are you desperately seeking a replacement for that Datel Freeloader so you can update your firmware? Well look no further! The Wii USB Gecko is your answer to region-free gaming!

The USB Gecko released “Gecko OS,” previously called “Gecko Region Free,” for Wii gaming without the console region restriction. With the Gecko OS, you can play games from other regions on your very own console. The Gecko OS is also constantly updated, so that you are able to play the hottest new releases or to iron out the bugs. The USB Gecko is not a Datel clone either – it was created solely with the homebrew libogc library and decrypts through hardware instead of software.

Here’s a quick walkthrough guide that you can follow to set up your Wii USB Gecko to make your console ready for region-free gaming.

1. Install ‘The Homebrew Channel’ on your Wii console.
2. After installation, turn your console off.

At your Computer…

3. Access your SD card and open the “Apps” folder. Create the folder if it is not in the SD card.
4. Transfer the “Gecko OS” directory into the “Apps” folder.

At your Console…

5. Turn on your Wii.
6. Insert the SD card.
7. Go to ‘The Homebrew Channel’ and click the [Start] button.
8. Select [Config Menu] and apply your preferred settings. Click [Return to Menu] after you set-up your configuration.
9. Lastly, select [Launch Game].

Congratulations! Your Wii is now ready for ready for region-free gaming!

For your convenience – and gaming pleasure – the Gecko OS includes a Wii Remote Debugger, coined as ‘WiiRD,’ which is a full-on package for the ultimate Wii experience. You can manage your memory, develop your own tools or software, access and develop codes, and take screen shots of your gameplay with ease! The WiiRD database already has a full list of NTSC and PAL codes and is updated daily. All support is handled at the USB Gecko forum, so you’re never left in the dark after you set up your Wii USB Gecko!

Buy the USB Gecko for £24.95 here

XCM Custom Hard Drive Shell Installation Tutorial

For anyone interested in customizing their Xbox 360 Hard Drives but not sure if they've got the skillz to fit the case, we've added a comprehensive tutorial guide. They're actually really easy to fit and the package includes everything you need for installation - check out if you think you can install it right here.

We've also added a brand new crystal clear colour for just £12.95

PS3 on the Mayflash 1080p RGBHV to YPbPr Transcoder (Component to VGA Converter)

In the follow up to our guide on how to setup the popular Mayflash 1080p YPbPr to RGBHV Component to VGA Converter with the Nintendo Wii, we now present a step by step guide to getting the Playstation 3 to work with the Mayflash VGA Transcoder. If you're having problems setting it up, just follow our simple ten step guide. This tutorial works with all types of monitors - LCD, TFT, CRT etc.

Please note: not all monitors support 480\ progressive/interlaced so you may find that PS2 games/DVDs won't run on your monitor, as they display in 480p/i. It will play all your PS3 games perfectly in 720p/1080p High Definition though..

The advantage of using this type of component to VGA transcoder over a HDMI to DVI cable
is that your monitor doesn't need to be HDCP (High Defintion Content Protection) compliant, as the PS3 only enforces this when played through HDMI cables.


Anyway, on with the tutorial:


1. Connect your PS3 to a conventional TV using either a SCART, Svideo or composite cable.

2. Turn on your PS3. In the main menu, scroll across to 'Settings' and then select 'Display Settings' and 'Video Output Settings'.

3. You're offered various choices of connections. Select 'Component / D-Terminal'. The screen will go blank for a few seconds while it recalibrates and you'll be asked whether you want to keep these settings. Select 'Yes.'

4. The next screen will ask you what resolutions you want to select. Working within the parameters of your individual monitor, check each box.

5. Press right on your controller's D-Pad. You will hear a 'click' sound and the screen will go blank. You won't be able to see the screen, but press left on the D-pad and then press X.

6. With your PS3 still turned on, unplug the video cable from the back of the PS3 and plug in your PS3 Component Cable where the AV cable was before.

7. Plug the red/green/blue ends of the component cable into the approprioate sockets of the Mayflash VGA box.

8. Plug your monitor's VGA cable into the 'VGA output' socket on the Mayflash VGA box and plug in the AC power adapter. A yellow LED should come on to indicate it's receiving power.

9. Make sure the switch on the VGA box is set to "YPbPr".

10. The PS3 will now be displayed on your monitor in glorious High Definition. You should be at the 'save settings' screen, which will then lead you onto the audio output options. The spare red/white phonos on the component lead will provide your speakers with analog audio.

How to Install a PS3 Battery Tutorial

The conventional battery in the Playstation 3 Sixaxis joypads lasts for approximately 20 hours of gametime from a 2-3 hour charge. With the Playstation 3 finally getting some decent games (Call of Duty 4, Eye of Judgment, Pro Evo 2007, Assassin's Creed...), you might find you want to squeeze a little more juice from your controller before you have to wire it back to the console to charge.

The 1200 mAh battery lasts twice as long as the original battery that comes with the PS3 - a massive 40 hours! It's also an ideal replacement if your pad has died and you don't want to fork out a lot of money on a brand new controller, or if you're finding the battery isn't lasting as long as it used to.

But how do you install the battery into a PS3 Sixaxis controller? It's actually a very easy three stage process:


1.Using a crosshead screwdriver, unscrew the 5 deep screws on the back of the PS3 controller:
2. Push the back of the casing forward to remove the back of the pad. This will reveal the battery. Unclip the wire that connects the battery to the controller Remove the battery from the pad:
3. Clip the wire from the 1200 mAh into the clip where it was previously disconnected. Slot the battery into place. Place the back of the pad onto the controller and screw back the 5 screws.