Wii firmware casualties "small" - Nintendo
UK consoles will be repaired for free.
Nintendo has told Eurogamer that UK Wii consoles broken by firmware update 4.2 will also be repaired free of charge, as in the US.
"We are aware of a very small number of reported problems with Wii consoles after updating to the Wii System Menu 4.2," said the platform holder in a statement.
"The symptoms described usually occur when a Wii console has been modified. However, there are a very small number of people reporting problems when a system has never been modified.
"If anyone is experiencing problems with their Wii console after downloading Wii System Menu 4.2, and believe their system has not been modified, please contact our customer service centre. If we find that you have a normal system and the update has caused your system to not work, we will repair it at no charge," added the statement. "Please do not return anything to our customer service department without contacting them first for advice." The problem occurs during installation of firmware version 4.2, which reportedly crashes part-way through and therefore upsets the digital innards of the machine.
The firmware was designed by Nintendo to clamp down on modders and the Homebrew movement, but has spread to innocent bystanders.
Obviously, Nintendo will not repair modded consoles free of charge.