An hacked Wii U machine is no longer necessary to access the open-source Pretendo Network, an alternative to the Nintendo Network. The Pretendo Network revealed a new workaround that allows (limited) access to its homebrew servers without jailbreaking your dated system, after Nintendo’s servers for the outmoded console shut down on Monday.
An encrypted connection between a device and its servers is made possible via the SSL (secure sockets layer) protocol. With just a straightforward DNS change—which can be done on the original firmware—you may connect to the network using the Wii U’s SSL exploit, also known as “SSSL,” which was uncovered by the Pretendo Network shutterbug. The architects of the network stated in a blog post that they had been keeping onto this exploit for this day for some time, “in case Nintendo decided to issue patches for it.” This is the new solution.
Not everything will work, though. The Pretendo Network team says third-party titles that use their own SSL libraries aren’t compatible. That includes Watch Dogs, the YouTube app and anything running an embedded browser (like TVii, the eShop and the Miiverse applet). However, the network creators stress that in-game Miiverse functionality still works.
The workaround requires a Wii U running at least firmware version 5.5.5. If yours has software lower than that, you should still be able to go online and install the latest update. Nintendo last pushed a Wii U firmware update in August 2022, when the current version (5.5.6) arrived.
Shutting down the Wii U and 3DS online servers doesn’t prevent Nintendo from providing new firmware updates to the consoles. Given Nintendo’s aversion to hacking its devices, the Mario maker could, at least in theory, update the 12-year-old Wii U to patch the DNS workaround.
