All you need is Gecko OS from the USBGecko page and WiiRd from its own page (click Downloads at the top of the page, then look under WiiRd related downloads (Windows): for everything you need). WiiRd is for your PC while Gecko OS should be copied on your SD card like a simply Homebrew Channel application. The current version as I am wrtiting this is Wii GeckoOS 1.06d color fixed. Simply extract the whole ZIP archive (containing a folder apps) on your SD card. Once you insert that SD card in your Wii and start the homebrew channel it will show Gecko OS as a menu point. Gecko OS can now already be used to boot import games (in fact its compatibility is higher than that of the freeloader), it additionally allows you to select special options (force special video mode and so on). To get into cheating.. we'll get to the next point where the USB Gecko will be needed for the first time!
Well, you're very close. Now take your USBGecko.. and insert it into the Memory Card Slot B (the left one) as well as the cable of it into a PC USB connector. If this is the first time you connected it to your PC you'll have to install a driver for it which is shipping with the USBGecko (Win9x/ME users will have to download the drivers from the FTDI Chip webpage).
Now start your Wii and enter the Homebrew channel. Select and launch Gecko OS there. If the USB Gecko is properly inserted in the lower left corner a green icon should appear (if the connection was unsuccesful it is gray). Now insert and launch your game (sometimes games require special options, just play around with them I can barely help you on those)!
Once the game has started you can start WiiRd on your PC (start WiiRdGUI.exe ). It might ask you for the game name. This doesn't mean anything bad, it just means WiiRd's game list doesn't include that game which isn't too rare - you can always share your gamelists and update game lists on the WiiRd blog.
If you're just out for cheating.. then the GCT Codes tab is the only interesting tab for you.. maybe you'll also have your fun with the "Screen capture" tab as it provides better quality than any TV capture card can - and if you use a component cable and play in 480p mode, the quality is comparable to that of Smash Bros Brawl so you won't need that SD card converting detour anymore. I personally recommend: enable auto-resize (WiiRd normally does not resize depending on 16:9 and 4:3) - additionally EFB provides better screenshot quality than XFB just screenshots turn out wrong for several games - XFB should always work.
Click me to see me in full size!
This screenshot was taken in widescreen mode with 480p in XFB mode!
The GCT code tab is the only real interesting part for cheaters. To use it.. click on "Add code" and a new code will appear.. by clicking it you can rename it. Then you can add codes. Adding multi-line codes can be done by simply copying them into your clipboard (mark them, press CTRL-C) and then select "Paste from Clipboard". Don't forget to often save your codes list. To send codes to the Wii.. click on "Apply codes" - the codes will be sent to your Wii and active immediately.
What can I do besides using cheat codes?
Basically WiiRd was developed to create cheat codes.. using them.. is a nice side effect, I'd say ;) .
Once codes are applied... can I unplug my USB Gecko?
Yes! But note that you need it again to exchange data (including screenshots).
Should I buy a USB Gecko? $40 is much money and Nintendo might block it in the end, am I correct?
You are correct.. but this is a question you have to answer yourself! Sorry!
Can I use the USB Gecko for Gamecube games?
Generally yes but not using these instructions. Please refer to
the USB Gecko homepage for more information on that!
Okay, so are you ready for the codes? Click this way!!!