Publishers and platform holders alike are willing to go to some incredible lengths to protect their IPs. Be it invasive-DRM, aggressive firmware updates or simply taking legal action. Yet Nintendo have yet to respond to this video showing a hacked version of Mario Kart 8 running on the Wii U.
The uploader, MrBean35000vr, claims he is “now in complete control of this Wii U”. Unfortunately he wasn’t available for comment, but we like to think he made this statement whilst stroking a white cat… or Yoshie plushie. The video demonstrates modifcations to the menu fonts, music and track names.
The hack makes use of an exploit in old 5.0.0 firmware whereby the Wii U’s web-browser is used to edit Mario Kart 8’s memory. Youtube commenters were quick to express concerns over the mod as it might facilitate cheating. MrBean35000vr responded to criticisms stating: “Remember guys: We’re not going to be encouraging cheating with this and won’t let our work be used for it. Our goal is to make game mods; custom tracks, etc. Relax and enjoy what we come up with 
[sic]“.
Nintendo has packaged mandatory firmware updates on disc with its new game releases for some time now, so those looking to stick to the 5.0.0 firmware and take advantage of the exploit might have to choose between a hacked Mario Kart 8 or the ability to play the new Zelda or Smash Bros. down the line.
Speaking of Smash Bros, this isn’t the first time a Nintendo game has been modded. Super Smash Bros. Brawl received a huge mod called Project M. The mod was designed to alter game balance for tournament level competitive play as Brawl was filled with design choices that introduced luck in to the equation.
Shehzaan Abdulla
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