We'd expect no less from the ever-so-incredible Morpheon Mods crew, who've put together quitea nicecollectionof Wiis for us to gawk at. The Super Mario Galaxy theme of this particular mod, though, helps it rank as our favorite of the bunch.
The LEDs are a nice touch, especially the ones in the back-lit marquee, and we approve of the various sounds they've rigged to the console. We also like the twinkling stars effect -- simply awesome.
All in all, it's a stunning mod that can be yours if you have deep pockets, since it's up for auction on eBay. This is one auction that we won't mind seeing skyrocket, however, since a portion of the profits will be donated to Child's Play!
Gallery: Super Mario Galaxy Mod
[Update: The eBay auction has been removed, for unknown reasons. If the item gets relisted, though, we'll be sure to update the post again with the new link!]
[Update 2: Yay! The auction was relisted and the eBay link above has been fixed. Or, you can just click here.]
When we hear the word "extreme" in the title of anything, we usually assume we'll hate it. (Note: This rule of thumb is especially important when the "ex" syllable is replaced by the letter "x".) We were therefore surprised to see how utterly freaking awesome SiebenDX's "Wiimote extreme LED mod" was.
It's not even just the Wiimotes, Nunchucks, and Classic Controllers modded with LED bling that make them worth checking out, but the video itself is entertaining. While "Through the Fire and the Flames" wouldn't be our first choice at accompanying music (well, maybe it would be someone's first choice), we enjoy how the LEDs coordinate with the music. It's like watching some sort of LED-mod-meets-Guitar Hero hybrid.
Then again, maybe we're just easily amused. Ooh, look at the pretty colors!
Posted Mar 10th 2008 11:15AM by Eric Caoili Filed under: Mods
With Metroid, The Legend of Zelda, and even Yoshi-themed Wii casemods already out in the wild, it was only a matter of time before someone personalized their console with everyone's favorite mascot, Mario. BeerBellyJoe sculpted the plumber's figure out of clay, affixing him to one of the Wii's side panels before painting the entire system. Interestingly, that cloud looks nothing like the bush!
It isn't visible in the image above, but there's a pipe on the other side that doubles as a Wii remote charger. The front of the decorated base also has an extra USB port and an LED mushroom that lights up when the port is in use. Hit the gallery below for more shots or click the "read" link to check out Joe's guide on how to make your own Mario Wii mod.
Posted Jan 25th 2008 6:00PM by Eric Caoili Filed under: Mods
Well, you can't expect everyZeldamodtoknock your pants off. In fact, you might want to put an extra pair of pants on to help shield your legs against the oh-god-this-is-awful rays emanating from this NES paint job. Consider the rest of your body tainted, your eyes suffering the worst of all.
What's that cone shape in the back? Does that paint look as sickening in real life as it does in this photo? And why is Link pouring glowing sludge out of his Gust Jar and into the Triforce?
Next to those offenses, the handwritten controller port numbers and "version" text are almost cute. We imagine the modder's thoughts behind those touches went like this: "Oh, it's nearly perfect ... I just need to write the word 'version' on it! Otherwise, people will think I just named this NES Zelda." Rumor has it that when you open the cartridge slot door, you can hear the system crying.
Jump past the break for a close-up of the Link figure dumping ooze onto this Teenage Mutant Nauseating Mod. Make sure to bring a friend -- it's dangerous to go alone!
Oh, to have a Wii console such as this. Maybe it's unnecessary to do such a thing to your Wii, considering its sleek, simple white look is one of the things we love about it. Then again, it would be kind of cool to show off to others, like "look at me, I'm pretty awesome at doing stuff." And, really, case mods never get old, even if the system is almost ancient.
Posted Dec 24th 2007 4:00PM by Eric Caoili Filed under: Mods
Hori's USB Illumination Stand -- available in black and white -- seems straightforward, lighting up your Wii with LEDs as it siphons power off the console. But what's with the $19.90 price tag at Play Asia ($22.90 on NCSX), and why is that extra cord in the back also plugged into one of the system's two USB ports? Though you can't tell just by looking at it, the front flap of the base opens up to reveal a USB port powered by that extra hook-up.
With the port conveniently positioned on the front, you can plug in a USB keyboard or, one day, an external drive without having to mess with the tangle of wires in the back. You can see a close-up of the hidden port and another shot of the base after the break.
Posted Dec 21st 2007 7:00PM by Eric Caoili Filed under: Mods
We showed you Cyber Gadget's slick hat for the Wii earlier this week, so we felt compelled to also feature some new kicks for the console. That's what you kids are calling shoes now, right? Kicks?
Unlike the standard gray stand, Talismoon's Wii bases come in a variety of colors -- Pink Chrome, Blue Chrome, Red Chrome, Green Chrome, Silver Chrome, Black Chrome, Clear, and Clear Blue, the last two of which seem perfect for LED modding, if that's what you're into. We heard that's what you're into.
Online shop Divineo already has Talismoon's stands up for sale for $12.99 each. What should you do with your old base once you've bought one of these, you ask? We suggest throwing it at children you race coins against each other to see which ones roll down the ramp the fastest. Slide past the break for more images of the colorful stands.
While we wish we had more pictures of this mod from the multiple angles we're used to regarding these types of things, the look is still inspired. We're not big fans of how the paint came out (the balance of black and orange is off a bit), but that logo on the side came out really great. Overall, it's a success of a mod and the one responsible should be proud.
Ever since Nintendo's Satoru Iwata revealed the Wii remote's motion-sensing capabilities, gamers have been clamoring for someone, anyone, to help realize their deepest nerd fantasy -- using the Wii's controller to act out the Star Wars Kid video.
Now, for only £14.99 (approximately $31), you, too, can record an embarrassing video of yourself looking like a damn fool fighting imaginary Stormtroopers with your special moves. The peripheral uses three AA batteries (not included) to power its 22 LEDs, just like the lightsabers used by real-life fictional Jedi!
As lifelong fans of the original Star Wars Kid series, we can't begin to express how excited we are that someone is finally bringing some lightsaber action to the Wii. We're already making lightsaber sound effects at our desk while simulating a duel with our pens in anticipation. Swing past the break for a couple Star Wars Kid clips. Also, may the force be with you! May the force be with you all!
You know, we've probably told you fine folk a million times what town our heart currently calls its home. But, even we can appreciate an inspired and love-driven mod, even if it highlights sports teams we could care less about. And, even though the LED lights under the analog stick and buttons has been done before, the paint jobs are what really got our attention.
Posted Sep 14th 2007 6:13PM by Eric Caoili Filed under: Mods
For only $7.95, Talismoon's Wii Gate kit enables you to change the notification light on your console's disc drive, replacing its blue glow with a new DVD gate assembly that uses either red or green LEDs. If, for some reason, you have two systems, you can buy one of each for a Christmas theme!
Talismoon advertises it as "one of the easiest customizations for the Wii," reassuring interested buyers that installing the mod won't require breaking any warranty seals. You can look over the Wii Gate's instruction sheet past the post break and see for yourself.
Posted Sep 7th 2007 11:15AM by Eric Caoili Filed under: Mods
Adding color to your console no longer means you'll have to void your warranty by breaking it open. While more complicatedmods have you pulling off panels to replace the Wii's shell, GT Coupe's "crystal clear cases" -- available in blue, pink, green, white, and black -- allow you to just slip the system into the plastic housing for the desired hue. Each case come with a blue-LED-lined, cooling-fan-equipped stand to accommodate your refitted console.
DealExtreme lists the Dazzle Colorful and Luxury Kit at about $30, but only has the pink case in stock. You can find the other colors for much cheaper ($22) if you're willing to make your purchase through eBay. Head past the break for a couple more photos of the kit.
As if installing LEDs into the Wii's remote, nunchuck, and casing wasn't enough, the art of arbitrarily jamming lights into things has spread to Wii peripherals, like an STD infecting a new host after amorous contact.
Selling for about $20.50, CoolMods' handgun shell is as direct as you can get; just slide your remote into the pistol's plastic housing, and you're good to go. Though there doesn't seem to be any room to hook up a nunchuck, the LED-friendly clear design more than makes up for it. Of course, you could always just wrap a string of Christmas lights around the Wii Zapper when it comes out, but don't you think that'd look a little goofy? Check past the post break for another look at this totally-not-goofy-at-all gun shell.
Inspired by the craftsmanship and generosity of Morpheon Mods' Zelda-themed Wii and DS Lite auctions, Australian Michael Page hacked together a Hylian GameCube of his own to sell, pledging a portion of the proceeds to Penny-Arcade's Child's Play charity.
The black-and-gold-painted system (PAL) features 11 bright LEDs in total, four of which light up through the holes drilled above the controller ports to indicate their player numbers. Additional LEDs have been installed next to the vents and inside the disc tray. According to Michael, the image of Navi on the transparent cover "looks amazing" when the blue glow hits it.
The Legend of Zelda's phoenix and Triforce emblem have also been slapped onto the controller panel for extra effect. All that's missing now is the trademark "secret" chime whenever you open its lid. Hop onto Epona and gallop past the post break for more photos of the mod.
Posted Jun 18th 2007 4:45PM by JC Fletcher Filed under: Mods
The classy white-with-blue light Wii theme can add a touch of awesome to any game console. We won't say anything to impugn the vaunted N64 in any way-- we think the white paint job makes it look damned cool. The paint is nice and smooth, too.
Colorvariations are nothing new for the N64, but Nintendo didn't release one in white. And they certainly didn't put LED's in it. What do you think about this mod? Can you think of any other consoles that would benefit from some white paint?
