Comment by tech234a

Web browsers on game consoles have also been easy entrypoints for modding systems without using additional hardware.

For example, the Wii U browser has been the primary entrypoint for modding the Wii U for much of the console's lifespan [1] [2].

And the original Wii had some browser-based exploits as well later in its lifespan. For example, FlashHax [3], a 2017 exploit for the Flash player in the Wii Internet Channel, and str2hax [4], a 2018 exploit which took advantage of the fact that the EULA was HTML loaded over HTTP. I believe the exploits were primarily used to distribute a simple patcher that would change the server address for online play in games to point to Wiimmfi which was a replacement for Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection [5] [6]. Most other homebrew tools required an SD card, and most other entrypoints used an SD card as well.

[1]: https://wiiu.hacks.guide/aroma/browser-exploit.html

[2]: https://chadsoft.co.uk/install-guide/#wiiu_55

[3]: https://gbatemp.net/threads/new-free-homebrew-entry-point-fl...

[4]: https://gbatemp.net/threads/a-channel-less-sd-less-entry-poi...

[5]: https://wiimmfi.de/patcher/flashhax

[6]: https://wiimmfi.de/patcher/str2hax