You can still play Mario Kart Wii online even if your Wii hasn’t been modded, thanks to fan-run services that replace Nintendo’s old servers — but you’ll need to use an unofficial method because the official Wii online service was shut down in 2014. Easiest non-modding method: Use a custom DNS to connect to Wiimmfi The simplest way — and what most people do with an unmodded Wii — is to point your console at a fan-run server called Wiimmfi, which functions like the old Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection did: Turn on your Wii and connect it to the Internet Make sure your Wii has active Wi-Fi (or wired) internet set up in Wii System Settings → Internet. Change the DNS settings Go to Wii Settings → Internet → Connection Settings Choose your connection and go to Change Settings → Auto-Obtain DNS → No → Advanced Enter the Primary DNS that Wiimmfi uses (community guides often cite something like 95.217.77.181) and a common Secondary DNS (e.g., 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8). Save and test your connection It should still connect to the internet — you’re just telling it to talk to the custom server instead of Nintendo’s dead one. Launch Mario Kart Wii and choose Nintendo WFC It’ll try to connect — maybe show an error — but on the next try it should connect through Wiimmfi and let you find races. ? No Homebrew / No Mod Required: This DNS trick doesn’t require custom firmware or modding your Wii at all — so it works on a totally stock console. ? Notes & Tips Official online play no longer exists: Nintendo’s Mario Kart Wii online servers have been offline since May 20, 2014, so any online play now uses fan-run replacements like Wiimmfi. DNS may change: DNS server addresses sometimes change — if the above numbers don’t work, check the official Wiimmfi site or community forums for updated DNS values. Smaller player base: Because this is a fan community rather than Nintendo’s official service, lobbies may be smaller or slower to fill than if it were still official. Error codes: You might see codes like 60000 when connecting — often due to saved profile issues; creating a new in-game license can fix it. ? Optional alternative (not required but worth knowing) If you were open to modding later, installing the Homebrew Channel and using a patched game loader (like the Wiimmfi Patcher or CTGP-R) will give a more stable online experience — but the DNS method above is the easiest way to play online without modding.
