Wii Memory Question

[albionmoonlight]

Santa is bringing me a Wii for Christmas. Which means that I will spend the first few days after Christmas cashing in whatever gift cards I have and buying accessories for it.

From what I can tell, if I just plug a 1GB USB Thumb drive into it, that should (in addition to the internal memory) serve me for a while.

I would want the memory for save games (both gamecube and Wii) and Virtual Console games.

Any reason a thumb drive does not make sense? Should I look at cards instead? Does it matter?

[MikeVic]

I don't think you need anything at the start. Just use the internal memory. I know SD cards work, but never tried a USB stick.

[Atocep]

Santa is bringing me a Wii for Christmas. Which means that I will spend the first few days after Christmas cashing in whatever gift cards I have and buying accessories for it.

From what I can tell, if I just plug a 1GB USB Thumb drive into it, that should (in addition to the internal memory) serve me for a while.

I would want the memory for save games (both gamecube and Wii) and Virtual Console games.

Any reason a thumb drive does not make sense? Should I look at cards instead? Does it matter?

Gamecube games use the gamecube memory cards. There's two slots on top of the Wii to put them in along with 4 slots for gamecube controllers.

For VC games, you shouldn't need any additional memory for quite some time. I have 7-8 installed on my son's Wii right now and we're in no danger of running out of space anytime soon.

To let you know (because I didn't until buying a gamecube game), most VC games will use the classic controller while gamecube games will only use the gamecube controllers.

[stevew]

you have to use a one or two gig SD card. I dunno if the thumb drive will actually work. Honestly, out of the box you don't need anything.

[albionmoonlight]

To let you know (because I didn't until buying a gamecube game), most VC games will use the classic controller while gamecube games will only use the gamecube controllers.

I thought that most (all?) VC games at this point could use the gamecube controller. Is that not the case?

[MJ4H]

It is the case (almost all).

[oliegirl]

We never used anything for a memory other than what was in the box and have never had a problem...I never heard that you needed external memory for it...

[Synovia]

I bought myself a pair of these

http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=802044

They're like $20 each, seem to work pretty well, and have a 5 year warranty.

I bought some cheapo ebay controllers, but I broke the D-Stick on both of them. left/right still worked, but up and down didnt. I wasn't particularly rough on them.


I bought a 1 gig (or 2 gig, don't remember) sd-card for like $20 when I bought my Wii, but I don't think theres anything on it at this point.

[Celeval]

I haven't used or purchased any additional memory for our Wii yet - just gamecube cards for the GC saves.

[stevew]

Buy a wavebird wireless controller if you're wanting to play many GC games. They work exceptionally well.

[Daimyo]

The Wii has 512 MB of internal memory and a SD slot for adding to that. However, as far as I know you can not save game files directly to or play VC games directly off of an SD card so its kind of useless. I have a 2GB one in mine because when I purchased it the sales guy told me I needed it for saving games, but that is completely false. As far as i can tell the only use for additional storage right now is for backing up save files and VC games or displaying photos with the Wii.

[Eaglesfan27]

To piggyback on Albion's thread. I'm just reading a wikipedia entry on the Wii and I just wanted to confirm: Does the Wii have wireless internet connectivity built into it? I don't recall reading that earlier and I'm reading up in case I do get one for Christmas to see what (if any) accessories I might need to buy.

[stevew]

To piggyback on Albion's thread. I'm just reading a wikipedia entry on the Wii and I just wanted to confirm: Does the Wii have wireless internet connectivity built into it? I don't recall reading that earlier and I'm reading up in case I do get one for Christmas to see what (if any) accessories I might need to buy.

yeah, wireless built in from the get-go

[Big Fo]

The Wii has 512 MB of internal memory and a SD slot for adding to that. However, as far as I know you can not save game files directly to or play VC games directly off of an SD card so its kind of useless. I have a 2GB one in mine because when I purchased it the sales guy told me I needed it for saving games, but that is completely false. As far as i can tell the only use for additional storage right now is for backing up save files and VC games or displaying photos with the Wii.

One or two games like Excite Truck let you put MP3s on an SD card for custom soundtracks but yeah, you totally don't need one unless you go crazy on the Virtual Console. I have nine VC games and still have a lot of space left.

This probably will become a problem next year when the WiiWare (basically like XBLA/PSN games) games start coming out. I don't want to be backing up files onto an SD card if I can't run them off it.

Nintendo's current answer to this potential problem is laughably stupid-

"But if your refrigerator's full, you've got to pull something out and put something else back in. I mean, really, are you using everything thing there?"

Probably one of the stupidest quotes from these gaming companies this generation, alongside "You know, things break." and "It's probably too cheap... We want consumers to think to themselves, 'I will work more hours to buy one.'"

[Daimyo]

You have to think they'll eventually enable playing directly off SD cards... but then i still expect them to offer a DVD player channel for $10 any day now.

[sterlingice]

Dumb question that I don't actually know the answer to. If you have saved games from playing them on the Gamecube and you slap that memory card and game in the Wii, does it run seamlessly? There are some *ahem* other consoles where I've heard you have to create new saved games each generation and I was wondering if this was true with the Wii/Gamecube.

SI

[Celeval]

I'm pretty sure it works seamlessly.

[MikeVic]

Dumb question that I don't actually know the answer to. If you have saved games from playing them on the Gamecube and you slap that memory card and game in the Wii, does it run seamlessly? There are some *ahem* other consoles where I've heard you have to create new saved games each generation and I was wondering if this was true with the Wii/Gamecube.

SI

I've played a couple of games that I had save files for previously and it worked seamlessly.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I've played a couple of games that I had save files for previously and it worked seamlessly.

I've done the same with some old saves. No problem there. I'd also echo other comments stating not to bother with a SD card initially. I bought one for the system, but haven't come close to using up the internal storage yet.

To be honest, the way its set up makes it look like the Gamecube functionality is almost built into one end of the box. The controller and save card inputs are all in one end of the system.

I've actually got more good gaming out of the old Gamecube games than the new Wii games thus far. There's several great games that I hadn't played before that I caught up on from that system.

[Bonegavel]

I picked up 2 - 2gb SD cards. A friend has discovered an app you can run off your pc to stream music to the wii. I'm definitely checking that out.

[Bonegavel]

oh, i just found orb which seems to do it all.

hxxp://corp.orb.com/en/mycasting

looks promising and for more than just the wii. Has to be a catch with this, however. Seems to good to be free.

[SackAttack]

Gamecube games use the gamecube memory cards. There's two slots on top of the Wii to put them in along with 4 slots for gamecube controllers.

For VC games, you shouldn't need any additional memory for quite some time. I have 7-8 installed on my son's Wii right now and we're in no danger of running out of space anytime soon.

To let you know (because I didn't until buying a gamecube game), most VC games will use the classic controller while gamecube games will only use the gamecube controllers.

There's a Thrustmaster wireless controller out there that's been getting rave reviews that has the VC design, but plugs into the GC slot, so you can actually use them with both types of games.

[albionmoonlight]

There's a Thrustmaster wireless controller out there that's been getting rave reviews that has the VC design, but plugs into the GC slot, so you can actually use them with both types of games.

Funny. I am looking around for that controller (and it looks great). I think that I will have a lot more trouble finding it than I did finding the Wii.

[Eaglesfan27]

I got a Wii for Christmas. Now I have a few questions, one of which sounds like it was answered above:

What is the best controller for old Gamecube games? I'm guessing the answer is the Thrustmaster from the above posts.

We are hooking it up in our living room to a 42 inch Sharp Aquos HD TV. Are component cables worth buying for an improved picture?

Also, are there different rechargable battery packs/methods for recharging out there for the Wii's remotes and if so, which one is the most recommended?

[Atocep]

Also, are there different rechargable battery packs/methods for recharging out there for the Wii's remotes and if so, which one is the most recommended?

Nyko makes a solid charging station for the wiimotes that works pretty good. I think it runs $25-$30 and I've seen them at Target and just about every other place that sells Wii stuff.

I have been told to avoid the chargers made by Psyclone. They're notorious for burning up Wiimotes.

[Daimyo]

I have a bunch of NiMH rechargable AA batteries and a one hour charger. I just swap charged ones in as needed. Lots of other things use AAs too so it works well.

IMO the component cables at 480p are a significant improvement over the composite cables at 480i on an LCD TV.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

We are hooking it up in our living room to a 42 inch Sharp Aquos HD TV. Are component cables worth buying for an improved picture?

Also, are there different rechargable battery packs/methods for recharging out there for the Wii's remotes and if so, which one is the most recommended?

1. Definitely get component cables.
2. Nyko is the best recharger.

[gstelmack]

1. Definitely get component cables.

I need a new receiver. My TV has 2 component inputs and one DVI input, and my cable box, DVD player, and 360 are using them up. But I want the Wii component cables to get 480P. That's the only reason to get them: the included composite cables actually look pretty decent on my 34" Sony widescreen CRT HDTV.

[Celeval]

+1 on the Nyco charger, works great for us.

w00t MLB Power Pros.

[Eaglesfan27]

+1 on the Nyco charger, works great for us.

w00t MLB Power Pros.

Yeah, that was my only minor disappointment. No MLB Power Pros. Maybe, I'll get it next week for my Birthday from Mrs. E. No big deal as I have several Gamecube games to catch up on plus she got me Trauma Center: Second Opinion which she thinks I'll like and Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn which is a series I have enjoyed.

So, I know to get the Nyco charger tomorrow and component cables. Anyone have any tips on the best place to get the Thrustmaster T-Wireless NW Gamepad? I'm assuming that is the one receiving the rave reviews as it is the only one I can find info on the web about. However, Gamestop, Best Buy, and Circuit City's websites don't even mention the controller and I have no idea where to buy one.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I need a new receiver. My TV has 2 component inputs and one DVI input, and my cable box, DVD player, and 360 are using them up. But I want the Wii component cables to get 480P. That's the only reason to get them: the included composite cables actually look pretty decent on my 34" Sony widescreen CRT HDTV.

I used the composite cables initially and then upgraded. I personally thought it was a significant upgrade in quality to go to the 480p picture. I would note that the difference was much more noticable on my 42" screen than it was on my 32" screen in the other room, so your mileage may vary depending on your personal opinion and eyesight. :)

[albionmoonlight]

Anyone have any tips on the best place to get the Thrustmaster T-Wireless NW Gamepad? I'm assuming that is the one receiving the rave reviews as it is the only one I can find info on the web about. However, Gamestop, Best Buy, and Circuit City's websites don't even mention the controller and I have no idea where to buy one.

I'll make a deal with you. If I find out where to get one, I will let you know, and if you find out, you can let me know.

If you go to froogle.com and type in T-wireless Wii, you will find lots of e-tailers, but none have it in stock. That is the best I could do.

My best guess is that they made a very few of them, on the theory that "who would want a strange Gamecube controller for the Wii," only once people realized that (1) it worked well, and (2) it is a great all-in-one wireless controller for all VC games AND all Gamecube games, the demand went through the roof.

I'm hoping that Thrustmaster has its elves working overtime to fill the e-shelves over the next few weeks.

[Synovia]

I have a bunch of NiMH rechargable AA batteries and a one hour charger. I just swap charged ones in as needed. Lots of other things use AAs too so it works well.

IMO the component cables at 480p are a significant improvement over the composite cables at 480i on an LCD TV.


Component = 480p
Composite = 200 lines of resolution, not 480.

So yeah, huge improvement.

[Synovia]

Y and Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn which is a series I have enjoyed.



Did you play through Path of Radiance?


Radiant Dawn makes POR look like a kid's game. I don't think I've ever reloaded so many times. My god. Theres a real sense of urgency in the escape/arrive type maps that wasn't there in the previous games.




As to controllers, my $12.99 Gamestop (made by Madcatz) wireless GC mini controllers seem to work great, other than the occasional minute or two after being turned on when they can't seem to sync up.

[Eaglesfan27]

Did you play through Path of Radiance?


Radiant Dawn makes POR look like a kid's game. I don't think I've ever reloaded so many times. My god. Theres a real sense of urgency in the escape/arrive type maps that wasn't there in the previous games.




As to controllers, my $12.99 Gamestop (made by Madcatz) wireless GC mini controllers seem to work great, other than the occasional minute or two after being turned on when they can't seem to sync up.


Path of Radiance is one of the games I still have from the Gamecube that I never finished. I was planning on restarting it today, when I realized that the wired Gamecube controller is much shorter than I remembered (probably because we were in a small apartment the last time I played the Gamecube.) So, I'm debating on sitting in an uncomfortable chair to play some of that today vs just playing Trauma Center from my couch until I can either find a wireless gamecube controller or an extension cable for my gamecube controller.

Edit: I've thought about those mini-controllers, but I read some reviews that were unflattering, talking about them being overly sensitive. If other people have had good experiences with them, I might pick up one until I can find Thrustmaster controllers.

[Synovia]

The stick on the left side is definitely a little oversensitive. I seem to have gotten used to it though.

[Synovia]

Nyko makes a solid charging station for the wiimotes that works pretty good. I think it runs $25-$30 and I've seen them at Target and just about every other place that sells Wii stuff.

I have been told to avoid the chargers made by Psyclone. They're notorious for burning up Wiimotes.

Do you have any more info on this? I'm pretty sure my charger is Psyclone. I got the Psyclone essentials pack (like $39 IIRC) that came with the charger, component cable, and a whole bunch of other crap.

[gstelmack]

w00t MLB Power Pros.

I'm hoping to fire this up in the next day or two, but I've got to tell you I took one glance through the controller section and my eyes about bugged out. I'm hoping this is more intuitive than it looks at first glance, otherwsie I'll be doing a lot of home-run derby with the WiiMote setup...

[evil homer]

the nyko charger is a must.

here's a link to the component cable for $5.78 shipped:

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4256~r.53733725

hooked mine up yesterday and the picture is a big improvement.

[Godzilla Blitz]

Buy a wavebird wireless controller if you're wanting to play many GC games. They work exceptionally well.

+1

I picked up one on Ebay used for $30. Very satisfied.

[Eaglesfan27]

+1

I picked up one on Ebay used for $30. Very satisfied.

I'm actively looking for one, but they appear to be as hard to find as the new Thrustmaster controller.

[Celeval]

I'm hoping to fire this up in the next day or two, but I've got to tell you I took one glance through the controller section and my eyes about bugged out. I'm hoping this is more intuitive than it looks at first glance, otherwsie I'll be doing a lot of home-run derby with the WiiMote setup...

It is, actually, really intuitive; although I haven't entirely got the hang of baserunning (but then, I haven't really tried to much yet).

[Atocep]

Do you have any more info on this? I'm pretty sure my charger is Psyclone. I got the Psyclone essentials pack (like $39 IIRC) that came with the charger, component cable, and a whole bunch of other crap.

The info I have is 2nd hand that they had a tendency to burn up wiimotes. I checked the user reviews on Amazon and two people posted that their wiimotes quit working and actually had scorch marks in the battery slot.

[albionmoonlight]

Anyone have any tips on the best place to get the Thrustmaster T-Wireless NW Gamepad? I'm assuming that is the one receiving the rave reviews as it is the only one I can find info on the web about. However, Gamestop, Best Buy, and Circuit City's websites don't even mention the controller and I have no idea where to buy one.

If you have not found one yet, you may want to do a general froogle search for it. I just got some from pcconnection. I am thinking that other places probably have it, too. Good luck.

[Synovia]

The info I have is 2nd hand that they had a tendency to burn up wiimotes. I checked the user reviews on Amazon and two people posted that their wiimotes quit working and actually had scorch marks in the battery slot.

Right, but all of those reviews are for one where it has a caddy, and the issue appears to be a poor connection. The psyclone one i have is essentially just a mini-usb that plugs into the wiimote.

[Eaglesfan27]

If you have not found one yet, you may want to do a general froogle search for it. I just got some from pcconnection. I am thinking that other places probably have it, too. Good luck.

Thanks. I'll check that out tonight.