Topic: Wii Hardware Revision Confirmed for North America

[Shaymin]

Truth be told, I didn't know the original Wii couldn't play CDs.

Of course, that's probably because I haven't listened to a CD since about 2005 or so.

[Chocobo_Rider]

Why are people worried about GC support in 2011 when the original Wii and Gamecubes are still available all over the place (for low prices!)... ?

Oh right, cuz gamers looooooove complainin'!

[BlackNMild2k1]

If we ain't complainin' (or trollin') then we ain't happy.

[Chozo Ghost]

Why are people worried about GC support in 2011 when the original Wii and Gamecubes are still available all over the place (for low prices!)... ?

Oh right, cuz gamers looooooove complainin'!

That's what I said. But it doesn't only take that away, it also takes away the ability to stand the system vertically which is something some people might care about.

The only possible positive thing this revision might offer is it might possibly be more durable and less prone to breaking down or malfunctioning compared to the original Wii model. Since all the GC stuff has been stripped out I guess the design is more simplified and there's less stuff that could potentially break down, so its possible it could be more durable. But then again, if cutting manufacturing costs was the objective Nintendo might have cheapened things and cut corners inside the machine that we don't even see, so it might end up being even less durable. So it could go either way, and I guess the only way we will know is months from now when Brandogg starts doing repairs on these things. If he starts seeing a lot of these show up in his shop then we can surmise the redesign is shittier in terms of quality.

[Kytim89]

My Nintendo fanboyism is begining to reach a crisis point. I am starting to question my faith as to whether Nintendo even has the fortitude to compete in the world of HD systems considering the way they carry themselves with the mediocre Wii system. Hell, a year ago I was all syched for the Wii and DS and their successor systems, but after the failure of Operation Rainfall, the lack of quality Wii titles after Skyward Sword and this half assed attempt at trying to stream line a console that was outdate five years ago is just pushig me to the breaking limit. Honestly, I would be willing to splurge on this cosnole on the condition that th Operation Rainfall titles be released in America next year. If not, I wil keep my Gamecube enabled Wii and flip Nintedo (of America) the bird after Skyward Sword is out and then not buy a new system or software new until the launch of the Wii U.

[Mop it up]

The problem here is that this new model drops functionality without reducing the price. I believe this happened with the GameCube when it removed the component output, and it was lame then, too. If I remember rightly, the NES and SNES revisions launched at a lower price than the previous model, which was the way to go.

[Adrock]

Removing the Gamecube ports just makes Super Smash Bros. Brawl even more annoying to play. I'd only consider getting the new model if I could get it for less than $100 and to add the Homebrew channel for The Last Story and Xenoblade. I don't think I have the time or money for any of that.

[UncleBob]

So pretty much if I want a Wii to have after WiiU I should go ahead and get one.  GCN BC should be the only reason to own a Wii really after WiiU.

Why not just buy a GCN?

Wireless.  I have a Cube with a network adapter.

I'm still confused.  Unless there's some kind of homebrew/piracy that uses it, any GCN titles that used the Broadband Adapter/Modem can be played (in online/LAN) modes on the Wii... ?

[Chozo Ghost]

Nintendo should at least bump up the internal memory on the revision from 512mb to... well, anything higher than that. 1GB is hardly anything these days, yet even that is TWICE what the Wii has, and its not like 1 or 2 or even 4gb flash memory is expensive these days. Heck, I doubt it would cost anything more in terms of manufacturing cost than the existing memory capacity used. At least if Nintendo did that there would be one positive things for consumers out of it.

[Kytim89]

This is never going to happen, but if Nintendo allowed controller emulation through either the Wii slim USB ports or new Classic Controllers for each Virtual Console then I would be interested in this new version of the Wii. However, I prefer to play my Genesis VC games with an actual Genesis controller thanks to a Gamecube port adapter, so unless there is a way to bypass this, I am going to pass, or atleast for now that is.

[broodwars]

Why are people worried about GC support in 2011 when the original Wii and Gamecubes are still available all over the place (for low prices!)... ?

Oh right, cuz gamers looooooove complainin'!

I think the reason some of us have a problem with this is that Nintendo of America has been so incredibly complacent in the last year or so.  It's the end of the Wii's lifespan.  The focus should be announcing new software to tide people over until the next system, not releasing inferior new versions of existing hardware to try to cater to an extremely small new audience.  This Wii does not need to exist.

And on a personal note, I've been literally begging Nintendo to release these soundtrack CDs on Club Nintendo since the service began.  Hell, if I had to pay real money on that website to get these OSTs, I would.  But it's a real slap in the face for me after all that pleading to see these things just thrown in to these new Wii bundles, especially since the game bundled with this Wii is New Super Mario Bros. Wii, NOT either of the Mario Galaxies.  It just feels like a big "**** YOU!" to the fans by Nintendo of America, since only the fans will care about that soundtrack and they can't have it without buying another Wii.

[Chozo Ghost]

This is never going to happen, but if Nintendo allowed controller emulation through either the Wii slim USB ports or new Classic Controllers for each Virtual Console then I would be interested in this new version of the Wii. However, I prefer to play my Genesis VC games with an actual Genesis controller thanks to a Gamecube port adapter, so unless there is a way to bypass this, I am going to pass, or atleast for now that is.

Would something like this work?

http://www.amazon.com/Nintendo-Wii-4--Virtua-Retro-Adapter/dp/B003KMWMOW/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1318398576&sr=8-9

[Kytim89]

This is never going to happen, but if Nintendo allowed controller emulation through either the Wii slim USB ports or new Classic Controllers for each Virtual Console then I would be interested in this new version of the Wii. However, I prefer to play my Genesis VC games with an actual Genesis controller thanks to a Gamecube port adapter, so unless there is a way to bypass this, I am going to pass, or atleast for now that is.

Would something like this work?

http://www.amazon.com/Nintendo-Wii-4--Virtua-Retro-Adapter/dp/B003KMWMOW/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1318398576&sr=8-9

That adapter is the same one that I am currently using. If I were to buy this new Wii then that adapter would become useless. Now, if I could find an adapter like this one that uses a USB cable instead of a Gamecube one then I would be set. Also, I would recommend that you buy that adapter for yourself. It is great and really substitutes the controllers for you. Lastly, it says four-in-one on the box, but it can actually use the Master System and Commodore 64 controllers on the Genesis port due to thme having the same port hole.
 
Secondly, I found a website where a guy converts older controllers into USB or Gamecube cables. He is a little on the pricey side, but the reviewers of his work say that his quality can not be matched. He offered to convert my TG16 controller cord into an NES one for about $40, so I would save up if you are interested.
 
http://infiniteneslives.com/products.php

[Chozo Ghost]

What if you took that same Gamecube port adapter you have and then plugged it into this?

http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Joy-Box-PS2-XBOX-Adapter/dp/B000RLWF7I/ref=sr_1_2?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1318400692&sr=1-2

You would then have two adapters linked together which might or might not work, but you could try it out and see what happens.

[Kytim89]

It all depends on whether Nintendo opens up the USB ports on the Wii slim. This is one reason for why I like the Wii U having two USB ports in the front. This leads me to beleive that Nintendo intends for them to be used for accessories such as controller adapters (which they will sell to you).

[famicomplicated]

I may sell my Wii and keep my GameCube when the Wii U comes out, that way I can play everything on 2 systems instead of 3. (assuming they allow transferring of VC/WiiWare games)


I did the same when I got my 3DS, sold my Lite but kept my GBA SP, so I can still play everything all the way back to the original GB, but only requiring 2 handhelds to do so.


What I do not get with this new Wii though is how it's not on the side, making it practically indistinguishable from a Wii U system.
Part of some long term ingenious plan that we don't know about, or just stupidity?


Only time will tell I guess...

[Adrock]

Nintendo has gone on radio silence since E3. It's possible that they might completely redesign the Wii U model they showed. They should. Wii U should look nothing like the Wii.

[Ceric]

The problem here is that this new model drops functionality without reducing the price. I believe this happened with the GameCube when it removed the component output, and it was lame then, too. If I remember rightly, the NES and SNES revisions launched at a lower price than the previous model, which was the way to go.

That's exactly the point I'm making.  The only thing that makes this system unique from what is already out there is being gimped and the Galaxy OST.  This is a terrible move on NoA part and out of all the crazy thing people take legal action on I think this one actually makes sense because you'll be paying for services not delivered.

Nintendo has gone on radio silence since E3. It's possible that they might completely redesign the Wii U model they showed. They should. Wii U should look nothing like the Wii.

Agreed.  It needs something to make it Thematically distinct.

[UncleBob]

While this doesn't directly translate to a price cut, let's face it - Wii is EOL hardware.  We're going to start seeing price drops on it.  I'd bet someone a copy of Mario Kart 7 that we'll be seeing Day-After-Thanksgiving sales on this new Wii Configuration that will, effectively, make the hardware $99 (or less).

[Ceric]

While this doesn't directly translate to a price cut, let's face it - Wii is EOL hardware.  We're going to start seeing price drops on it.  I'd bet someone a copy of Mario 3D Kart that we'll be seeing Day-After-Thanksgiving sales on this new Wii Configuration that will, effectively, make the hardware $99 (or less).

Specifically this Hardware alone?
My prediction is that there will be Black Friday specials that will put any Wii Bundle to $99.  Same with the DS.

[UncleBob]

While this doesn't directly translate to a price cut, let's face it - Wii is EOL hardware.  We're going to start seeing price drops on it.  I'd bet someone a copy of Mario 3D Kart that we'll be seeing Day-After-Thanksgiving sales on this new Wii Configuration that will, effectively, make the hardware $99 (or less).

Specifically this Hardware alone?
My prediction is that there will be Black Friday specials that will put any Wii Bundle to $99.  Same with the DS.

Possibly.  My guess is that the "old" hardware will be phased out and by this time next year, you won't really see them new.

Like how Nintendo never "officially" discontinued the Wii Sports Resort-less bundles or the Wii Sports/Sports Resort bundles.  They just kinda stopped making them.  With that said, I can see the possibility of using Black Friday to fire sale the older inventory.

[Ceric]

I would hope by Black Friday next year finding a non-used Wii would be terribly hard because the WiiU will be sitting in its place.

[Chozo Ghost]

Nintendo has gone on radio silence since E3. It's possible that they might completely redesign the Wii U model they showed. They should. Wii U should look nothing like the Wii.

The name should change to something without Wii in the name. I've said that before, and probably will say it again. Up until the time it launches they have an opportunity to change it. Once they launch it however, its set and can't be changed ever. Wii U is both stupid and confusing to consumers, so that's two very good reasons why it should be changed.

[Chozo Ghost]

I would hope by Black Friday next year finding a non-used Wii would be terribly hard because the WiiU will be sitting in its place.

Actually, I'm hoping the shelves are completely empty. If the Wii U is sitting on shelves on black friday that would be a terrible thing. If it doesn't sell out for the first few months of its existence then it could be deemed a failure and Nintendo may be forced to slash the price on it just like with the 3DS.

But if the Wii U is sold out, old Wii stocks may be placed on the shelves where it was, and my concern is with the similar name many consumers (mainly parents) who don't know any better are going to grab the Wii as a gift when really what little jimmy asked for was the newer and better Wii U. If that happens its going to be Nintendo's fault for not giving it a more distinguishing name and appearance.

[Adrock]

You're preaching to the choir. I've been saying all of that about the name since E3. I'm still pretty partial to "Nintendo Stream" or even something as boring as "Nintendo 6."