GameCube + external storage - just a dream ?

How USB port on Wii is wired, and how SN Systems USB to ?

 

Did anything ever develop? I use a Wii for Gamecube gaming, but recently wondered if either a networked or USB type of game storage / loading ever came to be for Gamecube consoles. I can solder / modify hardware.

Does anyone know more about Wii "versions" ? Much like PS2 versions, there is the V0 - V17 (whatever the latest is). Going through the PS2 changes, you can pinpoint what hardware changed. I can't seem to figure this out for Wii consoles. Is there such a thing as finding the newest Wii revision just before GC hardware was dropped? Do Wii's have "versions" ?

Is the gamecube support in a Wii even hardware? Does a Gamecube even an advantage over a Wii for gamecube games? If not, then I guess there is no point in external storage for a gamecube.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks!