To Wii Or Not To Wii

[Turok]

Fellas:

With games like Metroid Prime Corruption out now, its time to get yourself a Wii. Got my version (original) today and can't wait to get behind the visor and start on this adventure! Wiith some big games coming out, its time to get Wiith it!

Turok

[Etrigan]

Suggest you read last weeks datapost supplement. James Heins writes a very good article as to why nobody should buy a Wii, ever. Especially the modded ones so common over here!

[dekka007]

Why is that?

I bought a modded USA Wii. No problems playing all backups jap/usa/eur and online as well.

Also updated the firmware to play the latest games that require the latest firmware. Updated no problem at all with the modded wii and plays the new games fine.

My advice is buy it.....i didnt read the database post last week maybe he knows something different to me....but i am happy playing my modded Wii.

[A_Traveller]

From Bangkok Post Database section 15/08/07 by James Hein

Reasons not to buy a Nintendo Wii. Wait a minute, you say, I thought you liked the Wii? I think it is an excellent game machine with some very innovative technologies built in.

So why would I not buy a Wii. First off, the version you get here is from the US so support is only from there in most cases.

Second there is the problem of the Wii Brick. It works like this, you are currently running a PAL based machine that does not have the latest software update. You legally purchase a new game that happens to be NTSC with a later patch. The game installs the NTSC patch and your Wii dies.

And I really mean it dies. Not even a reflash will bring it back - you have to ship it back to Nintendo, in the US and from the US. This will cost you more than half the price of the machine and when it comes back you may have to pay import duty, so total cost could be more than a new one.

The real issue here is why doesn't the Wii ask you something like: "Are you sure you want me to try and update your software and turn your machine into a brick?" before it does so. Over to you Nintendo.

However later in the same column:-

Some gyms have added the PS3 and Xbox to stationary bikes but the Wii wins yet another round by being included in a Canadian gym's new circuit training facility. It uses the Wii for running, jumping and punching exercises in a room with a large projection screen. Personally I can't wait to see what the as-yet unannounced Wii Controller Pro might be able to do.

Regards

/edit add second quote //

Edited August 30, 2007 by A_Traveller

[dekka007]

can only comment on my own modded Wii (USA) never experienced this bricking. But then again 99.9% games u get in BKK are USA / JAP games which are NTSC I guess.

Latest games I have played that required update:

Brain Age (Bought in MBK) updated no problem.

Mario Strikers (Bought in MBK) updated no problem

Paper Mario (Bought In Fortune) Updated no problem

I guess if u buy the NEWEST/LATEST games here they are always released in US and JAP first with the PAL EURO version coming later. So the latest in MBK etc will most certainly be US/JAP.

[Turok]

AjarnR:

Firstly, I have an original USA Wii and would never get it modified! I am not interested in Japanese games nor cheapo 70 baht USA games. I'll pay the 2000 baht for the original game in the original case wiith the original instructions. I have never had a problem downloading from the VC or playing online. So I don't find the posters reason a valid enough reason to not buy a Wii. Finally, I would be missing out on some really great games coming out soon ie... SuperSmash, Mario, Guitar Hero etc...

Wiith Metroid Prime 3 out now, its hard not to want to be Samus Aran and blast the crap out of the space pirates with your arsenal of weapons!

Ajarn: Sit back and watch the rest of us play our Wii. Meanwhile, its just a game.

Turok

[Jimjim]

Does Wii have a football (soccer) game using a normal controller?

[dekka007]

Not Yet. Only Mario Strikers Charged but that cant really be considered as a proper soccer game.

FIFA 08 is coming in October : Fifa08 with standard control option

Edited August 30, 2007 by dekka007

[Firefoxx]

The problem with bricking the Wii is caused by playing a game from a different system (either PAL or NTSC) from your Wii, and the game has a firmware that is newer than your own. If that is the case, the game will try to update your firmware with its own, and therefore you'll have a firmware for the wrong TV system, which bricks the Wii.

It will not be a problem if:

1. The game you're playing doesn't have any firmware on it

2. Your Wii's firmware is up to date (just connect it to the net via your router)

3. The game is from the same TV system as your Wii

The Database writer really has a narrow view of the Wii. He could just as easily buy a non-modded Wii and buy original games, which is what he should be doing when writing for a newspaper article. In that scenario, there is really no problem.

Personally, I wouldn't buy a USA Wii in Thailand, since the premium is way too much. I'll be asking a friend to bring it over and save around 4,000 baht, even when modded.

[cooL_guY_corY]

got my wii, bought in Canada, modded in gcornerz @ victory monument. so far no probs at all... they dont sell PAL games here (that ive seen anyway) so i dont think the bricking thing is a worry. Altho i dont have a stable connection at my room, i can just update firmware when needed ( just make sure the country is set to a ntsc country i guess eh?)

Anyone have the new Metroid yet? looks awesome but ill get it in a bit, kinda busy with zelda right now.. cant wait for mario though! and smash bros.. on a side not anyone know a place with a GOOD collection of gamecube games? most places only seem to have 20 or so..guess theres not a big market, only thing that pisses me off about playing GC games is you need a GC controller (which isnt that big a deal) but also a memory card!! why cant you use SD card or internal wii hd space? oh well, maybe ill pick those up some other time. wii is awesome and yes i have to agree with Firefoxx that the author of the database article is really lacking in professionalism, and his points are laughable.

[Turok]

Cool:

Just got Metroid 3 today at MBK for 2000 baht. I am not a mod type guy. All originals for me. Just go through the first boss in Metroid. You can fly Samus's ship. This will be a tough game. Still working out the wiimote to get the feel for it. I am a huge Metroid fan. Metorid Prime on the GC is still the best.

I have tons of original Gamecube games and controllers. I still play them. Some I have not completed. There are gems in the collection.

My Wii has never had a problem. From the first day it hooked right up and went online without a hitch. I refuse to open the console up. No tinkering with the innards.

Its a good time to have Wii.

Turok

[Gluestick]

The Database article is wrong. The Wii does ask you if you want to update your firmware. In the last patch, it actually warned you that if you have a modded system, you might get bricked.

[stumonster]

BlueTunes is a program that will allow you to use the Nintendo remote (Wiimote) as a remote control for your computer music library (Windows only). Using bluetooth technology, the Wiimote will allow you to control your iTunes collection from 50 feet away. Walls and floors pose no problem at all. Even the Wiimote's motion sensing is utilized - shake the Wiimote to the right and the next track is played. Best of all, the BlueTunes software is completely free. You will need to purchase a Wiimote if you don't already have one (a Nintendo Wii is not needed) and a bluetooth transceiver (if your computer isn't already bluetooth enabled).

http://home.comcast.net/%7Ebluetunes/

and interesting stuff to read if you have a Wii moment

http://wiihacks.blogspot.com/

[nikster]

Allright you got me. I want a Wii now. Some cool games other than the (fun) Wii sports is all I needed... what does the Wii go for in BBK these days? I saw it in Chiang Mai for BHT 15,000 modded + 10 games. Which seemed excessive.

PS: Didn't see an un-modded version here.

Edited August 30, 2007 by nikster

[Turok]

Nikster:

If you can find an unmodded version I would get it. But I think everything here is modded. Too many cheapos around. A new game costs 2000 baht at MBK. I just don't have faith in Thai handiwork and I can afford to be honest and stick with the real stuff.

wiicade.com has some homebrew stuff you can play with the wii and wiimote.

Games:

Metroid Prime 3

Legend Of Zelda

Mario Party 8

Mario Strikers Charged

Also Gamecube Games can be played on the Wii. And there are some beautiful GC games if you can get your hands on them.

The Virual Console download service also has some oldies available. I see now why Super Metroid was a classic.

I am not into FIFA soccer, driving, or RPG style games.

There is a bunch of must haves coming out soon. Mario Galaxy, Super Smash, Guitar Hero, Manhunt, Donkey Kong etc...

Not many people talking about PS3 or Xbox 360. Wii is it!

Turok

[quiksilva]

Wii looks like great fun I must admit and wouldn't be put off by that article - just buy games from the correct region!

Whilst the Wii is very innovative and certainly has a very unique and appealing control setup it cant pump out comparable graphics, to the PS3 or 360, and there are very few games on the PS3 (although Warhawk comes out soon which is looking good).

So for that reason I will be picking up a 360 Elite this weekend in Singapore (good idea Reimar ty), a and will wait a wii bit longer for my nintendo

[Etrigan]

I think the Wii is probably a great machine.

It's just that with my bad experience of the 360, coupled with last weeks article, I've become perhaps too cynical of this new generation of consoles.

Anyhows, enjoy gaming everyone!!!

[Ian_B]

The Wii is great console to play NINTENDO FIRST PARTY GAMES ONLY

Pretty much every single non-Nintendo published game for the Wii is crap compared to the 360 & PS3 versions

Do not buy a Wii if you are expecting the best versions of the multi-format games cos this will not be the case

I've always been a Mario, Zelda & Metroid super-fan so the Wii was an essential purchase just for these games, but people who are not into these games need to know the Wii is has its strengths and weaknesses just like the 360 & PS3.

[Gluestick]

I'm going to pick up Metriod this weekend. It should be good. I'd go with a modded Wii all the way. I bought one a few months back and I've had no problems with it.

[Firefoxx]

The Wii's graphics and processing units are much worse than the PS3/360, so it's obvious that if there are any cross-platform games, the Wii will lose every time in terms of graphics. It could win in terms of control, but cross platform games are generally not designed to use a single console's strengths to its fullest. The games that were actually developed with the Wii in mind are generally very good.

The Wii is, like the DS, something that is very accessible to everyone. I mean *everyone*. A 2 year old could probably enjoy many of the games on it, as well as your grandpa.

If you want a console for teens up to middle age guys, the PS3/360 are perfect.

[johnong]

I gave in and bought an american chipped wii... The thing is fantastic! I have owned a lot of consoles in the UK and was slowly going off them. But after finishing super paper mario and being about 5 hours off the end of zelda I can say I haven't been as absorbed in games for a long time! I still have to play resident evil 4, metroid, excite truck and the the new mario etc...

I go back to the uk soon, but am glad I have an american console as the european releases are so far behind. I am thinking of buying a uk one just for the VC / online games. But am also thinking of an xbox 360 for halo 3 / half life orange box (but I am put off by the wmount of them breaking!)

The wii is the console that you can play with friends and family on multiplayer and all get into it though.

too many games and too little time

[dekka007]

I am thinking of buying a uk one just for the VC / online games.

you can buy play the VC games / online games using your USA Wii. I purchase Wiipoints here in Thailand using a Singapore credit card on a USA Wii. No need to buy a UK machine for that. They dont cross check the credit card address with the address you put in on the wii store therefore you just need to input a valid USA address from the web somewhere for the address.

For me I had to have both the Wii and the 360 next to each other cant beat that combo.

[Firefoxx]

For anyone considering the 360 and afraid of the heat issues, wait a bit for the new generation of 360's that are coming out (actually, they're already out, but not widely available yet). They have bigger heatsinks and HDMI ports. Or you can wait even longer for the 65nm CPUs to be used on them.

[stumonster]

I went and bought metroid prime and RE4 today for my Wii

I have a modded USA Wii that I purchased from Saphan Lek

after reading about bricking I thought I should read up about the problems

I upgraded my Wii online with no problems 2 days ago and RE4 works fine but when I placed the metroid disc in it asks me if I wish to upgrade and warns me that this might cause a problem with my Wii

as far as I can ascertain the upgrade should not cause my Wii to brick - but I think I will try the Wii Brick Blocker program first

below are links to a couple of threads with info

http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/523776

http://www.wii-addict.fr/forum/viewtopic.php?id=2017

when I have some more info I will post - though I am interested if anyone has played metroid prime on their chipped Wii they have bought in thailand

[dekka007]

Upgrade through Wii menu to the latest firmware then try run metroid i think it will not mention the update that way.

I updated via Wii menu and dont get upgrade prompt when play Metroid after that on a modded wii (USA)

[Ian_B]

Yep no probs with upgrading to latest Wii firmware with modded games

That message is just a scare - my copy of Metroid ran fine

Picked up the original on Tuesday as i do with all AAA games

[Firefoxx]

As I said before, the Wii bricking problem arises from game discs from different TV systems (NTSC/PAL) trying to update your Wii, resulting in the wrong firmware for your Wii. If you already have your Wii up to date, or if the game uses the same TV system, you have no problem. Since nearly all of the modded Wiis and games sold here are NTSC, I really see no problem. It just goes to show how little research the Bangkok Post writer did.

[stumonster]

I did the Wii upgrade a couple of days ago and the firmware is 3.0U - everything on the net seems to say I will be ok running the update.

and it seems I need a certain type of LG reader to image the Wii disc and add brickblocker to the ISO - so I will have to bite the bullet and say yes to the upgrade.

[johnong]

I did the Wii upgrade a couple of days ago and the firmware is 3.0U - everything on the net seems to say I will be ok running the update.

and it seems I need a certain type of LG reader to image the Wii disc and add brickblocker to the ISO - so I will have to bite the bullet and say yes to the upgrade.

hi, you don't get a problem on an american chipped wii doing the metroid prime 3 update. I did it with firmware 2.2U and all is fine. Infact it doesn't update to firmware 3. If you do it on a PAL wii it adds an extra forcast and news(?) channel that can't be deleted, but still works. I have also read that you can't use brick blocker on it as its a small update and brick blocker removes part of the game data by the way it wipes over a set size area allocated for updates.

Just play it, its a very sweet game!

Edited September 5, 2007 by johnong

[Big Guy]

This sounds like it may be a good system for me. Have a 10 year old at home and concerned about the amount of time is sitting playing games in front of tv, at present we have a ps2 but was thinking of getting either ps3 ( think is overpriced as i am not interested in a blu ray player) or xbox 360 which I have concerns about with reliability problems. This system sounds like he may actually get some exercise whilst playing which may be a good thing. He is right into sports games on the ps2 so think this may be a much better option.

What are the other BM's views on this.

Also does anyone have any idea of price of the item in Phuket, (i am out of the country until next month) or any Phuket game shop websites. Or otherwise any reports of online purchases of game consoles etc thru any of the Bangkok shops,as I see several of them have that option, although I cannot read all of the information on their websites because of bank details etc being in Thai.