A New Wii firmware update from Nintendo, which was to address the creation of a channel to download and run unauthorised applications has now been confirmed by Nintendo to cause a number of consoles to become bricked.
The new version 4.2 firmware update for the Wii was recently released to address an issue that allowed a “channel” for unauthorised application to be installed and launched by hackers. The update was claimed to be a success by Nintendo, although it has led to the “bricking” of legitimate console as a side-effect of the firmware update. Console apparently became locked in a frozen state that could not be resolved by rebooting when Gamers began the downloading and installation process.
Although Nintendo has noted that this “bricking” issue normally occurs on consoles that have been modified in some way, it has confirmed that it is now aware of the situation. It has also been confirmed, however, that exactly the same issue is being experienced by consumers that have unmodified console. Wii owners are now being forced into calling the Nintendo support-line in order to arrange for their console to be repaired as the issue cannot be easily fixed.
Nintendo have advised “If you’re experiencing problems with your Wii console after downloading Wii System Menu 4.2, and you believe your system has not been modified, please give us a call. If we find that you have a normal system and the update caused your system to not work, we’ll repair it at no charge.”
It is hoped that this free of charge repair statement that has been release by Nintendo will also cover the cost of shipping charges for the consoles and will also cover out of warranty Wii consoles as well as the new units.
Source - Toms Guide