Wii gets wired ethernet kit
by Ludwig Kietzmann 
{ Oct 4th 2006 at 8:30PM }
CVG reports that one of the accessories you'll be able to purchase for your Wii later this year will be a wired ethernet kit, presumably a device that automagically enables you to connect your console to the interwebs via an antiquated cable. Like the high-end model PS3, the Wii features Wi-Fi capabilities without the need for an additional adapter, though it seems decidedly odd for an online system to ship without a standard ethernet port. Nintendo has long made a big deal about embracing all-inclusive standards (which exclude HDTVs) and getting everyone in on the game -- making users pay extra in order to utilize a standard wired connection (which most wireless routers also support) seems contrary to that. It's a strange sort of reversal of the option found in the Xbox 360, where the wireless adapter is purchased seperately and the ethernet port is already included. A further option can be found in Nintendo's USB Wi-Fi dongle, as it's been confirmed to work with the Wii as well.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Concerned @ Oct 4th 2006 9:06PM
just giving more options to those without a wireless router
not everyone owns one
D:
Vincent @ Oct 4th 2006 9:14PM
Yes but people mostly own a modem? probably.
so including a ethernet port would make it more umm shall i say useful to everyone with internet?
comradetrotskii @ Oct 4th 2006 9:17PM
I have taken issue with Nintendos anti-logic regarding this in the past.
'We wont support HDTV because not enough people have them'
'Wifi out the box with no ethernet because everybody and their dog has and wants to use a wireless router'
At least they are now giving an official solution to those of us who would rather use a wire.
Jonn @ Oct 4th 2006 9:22PM
Anyone remember that "Mr. Potatomoto" VGCats comic? The thrust was that Nintendo makes good games, and plenty of those good games require X obscure and expensive accessory to work.
Good thing Sony and Microsoft never pull anything like that, eh?
Concerned @ Oct 4th 2006 9:22PM
But that is logical
not alot of people own HD Tv's
Seriously watching a normal Tv and a HD version of the same program side by side..
I can see why, they is barely a difference
but even though not EVERYBODY owns a wireless router, ENOUGH people own wireless routers, for that idea to be implemented
Everybody should of saw the "ETHERNET ADD ON" thing from a mile away
OFCOURSE you HAVE to add ethernet
HD isn't a HAVE to HAVE though
Bored @ Oct 4th 2006 9:23PM
comradetrotskii,
As mentioned, Nintendo sells their WiFi USB antanae for $10. It works wih the DS and the Wii. That's why they didn't need an ethernet connection.
Everyone can have Nintendo WiFi for a one-time price of ten bucks. Not bad.
moofree @ Oct 4th 2006 9:23PM
I just hope it supports WPA.
Concerned @ Oct 4th 2006 9:25PM
"Good thing Sony and Microsoft never pull anything like that, eh?"
Steel battlion
guitar hero
D:!
Moogle @ Oct 4th 2006 9:30PM
Wifi means you can steal your neighbor's connection if you don't have your own. I wonder how many people without internet will set theirs up on day one and be online without having a clue as to why or how? I wonder if Wiis will automatically talk to each other, forming a mesh network, gain intelligence, and take over the world. Err, went too far there...
I've had a wireless router for 5 years. Sadly it's so old that I have to throttle it down to 2 mbit/sec just to get my DS to talk to it. I really only need it for connectivity, not throughput, so it's not a *problem*, but kinda annoying.
comradetrotskii @ Oct 4th 2006 9:37PM
I have one of those dongles, I also have a wireless router these are not issues to me (but they will be to some people when they find out they HAVE to purchase an adaptor/router/dongl) to go online).
In no way either am I saying that wireless routers and HDTV are on par with each other in regards to uptake etc etc.
It is however contradictory on Nintendos part to support one non standard but eschew another for no other reason than it fitting in with their goals (Nintendo has almost tried to claim ownership of 'wifi' using the name like its their own).
FTR: I will be using a wired connection even if I have to pay an extra £15 for it.
Andrew @ Oct 4th 2006 9:43PM
I'll wager more people own a wireless router than a HDTV.
Anonymous @ Oct 4th 2006 9:46PM
I'd rather buy a wireless router or Nintendo's dongle for $20 than a Wi-Fi adapter for $100.
sjenky @ Oct 4th 2006 9:49PM
Uhm, is it that hard to imagine? The most obvious reason for me is DS connectivity! If they didn't include wifi in the Wii, not many people would bother getting an external adaptor just to connect to the DS, and they still wouldn't be able to show off the greatness of connectivity (which will probably be their new secret weapon in a couple of years). Besides that they've probably got a sweet ass deal with the DS's wifi-chip-thingy manufacturer ;-)
Whatever the reason, dudes.. be glad! You can buy a wireless router for under 30 bucks.. or a Nintendo wifi stick for half of that! (which is a whole lot cheaper than what the 360 ultimately costs to go wireless). I'm pretty sure most people were planning on going wireless anyway.
WedgeTalon @ Oct 4th 2006 9:51PM
It's not insane for them to have included one at the exclusion of the other, if that's what you're trying to say Joystiq. Wired and Wireless standards use different chipsets. And it's not even that insane to have chosen wirelless over wired because (1) wireless is pretty common these days, and (2) how many people who DO have wired netorks have a network cable that just happens to be right by their TV.
Vinnk @ Oct 5th 2006 6:44AM
I don't know about you guys, but my internet connestion is in a different room than my entertainment system. I think $15 is a pretty small price to pay to not have to run a cable through my living room. Also this is really cool for people who live in college dorms that have wifi.
Grandma won't know how to set it up, but grandma dosn't have ethernet to begin with.
JRM @ Oct 4th 2006 9:57PM
I don't see what's the big deal. you're going to need a router to go online anyways. you might as well get a wireless router; it's relatively cheap and has more functionality than the ethernet router.
My tv is in the basement, my router is on the 2nd floor. There's no way I'm going to spend on a ridiculously long ethernet cable and make holes on the floor/ceiling just for the sake of having an ethernet connection.
Wireless is the way to go. either with the router or the dongle.
otakucode @ Oct 4th 2006 10:11PM
Concerned: You seriously, seriously need glasses or contact lenses. If you can't see the difference between a 480x480 image and a 1920x1080 image, you have severe vision problems.
Tons of people have HDTVs. Those people that insist that only 5% of the market have HDTVs are deluding themselves. They're just trying to make themselves feel better with their tiny SDTV sets.
I didn't realize until now that the Wii won't come with a wired port... I certainly hope the wired ethernet kit won't be expensive and/or impossible to find like the component cables were for the gamecube... or the network adapter was for the gamecube... and heck, there wasn't even an adapter for digital audio on the Gamecube. Even if you DID get the component cables for the Gamecube, the only way to get every game to play in 480p mode is with a modchip.
Me again @ Oct 4th 2006 10:13PM
I'm pretty sure the Wii has no type if wifi included already. You will have to buy an adapter. Now their talking about it not even having an ethernet port !!! Most people do not have a wireless router or even know shit about wireless networks. I have a wirless network simply cuz the router was given to me from a friend, so i use it like a basic router for all of my things (computer,PS2,and 360) How do you get online without an ethernet port ???? Tha's just dumb as shit !!! If anything that should be standard on anything that involves playing games (excluding portables). Not that i care seeing as I'm not getting a wii anyways, especially for $250 (no freakin ethernet) just to play old games again with a different controller that will most likely cause more problems than any system has ever seen before.
_habit_ @ Oct 4th 2006 10:17PM
I assume this cable was mathemagically engineered to become a "device that automagically enables you to connect your console to the interwebs", all unbeknownst to man ... silly Wizard's, we're up to you!
troc 59 @ Oct 4th 2006 10:19PM
Let's keep it to a simple power cord, huh? 102 year old grannies aren't gonna know or care what all that crapola is about while their arms are flailing about wildly in the midst of a back alley shootout playing RED STEEL.
otakucode @ Oct 4th 2006 10:20PM
As for wired versus wireless... Wired is much, much faster on both latency and throughput fronts. Wired is much more stable and doesn't share the 2.4GHz spectrum with wireless controllers, wireless doorbell extenders, cordless phones, garage door openers, and 900 other devices around the house all on 12 channels, only 3 of which do not overlap. Wired doesn't have the security issues of wireless. Wired hardware is cheaper. Adding an ethernet port to the Wii would cost no more than $1. If the Wii is only 802.11b instead of 802.11g... surprise! All your 802.11g devices you might have will all step down to 802.11b as soon as you turn it on, stepping down from 54mbps to 11mbps. (It may have been said which standard the Wii will adhere to, but I haven't paid enough attention to know) And of course in crowded areas, you deal with networks stepping on each other and interfering with each other.
Me again @ Oct 4th 2006 10:21PM
One more thing.....I'm kind of confused about one thing said above...."presumably a device that automagically enables you to connect your console to the interwebs via an antiquated cable. Like the high-end model PS3"......The high end PS3 ??? Hmmmm both have an ethernet port and $499 is not a high price at all considering what your getting..sooo...a little confused about this. Maybe just high end compared to the wii.
where2go @ Oct 4th 2006 10:22PM
Gasp! post 19 and not one anit joystiq message. Thank you Ludwig.
Seer S @ Oct 4th 2006 10:28PM
"22. Gasp! post 19 and not one anit joystiq message. Thank you Ludwig. "
omg joystiq suxors it is so anti-sony M$ and kidtendo are teh suxors.
:)
Steve @ Oct 4th 2006 10:44PM
Me again... clearly you're 15, but even my 15 year old brother can be informed about a topic before he preaches it.
1) The Wii has wifi INCLUDED in the box. It's part of the reason why the Wii is $250.
2) My neighbourhood has tons of wireless routers, phones, and all kinds of other things crowded in the 2.4ghz spectrum. All I had to do was set my router up properly, and I don't have to worry about interference.
3) Go play the same games with "shinier graphics" on your 360 before bitching about new ways of playing in a Wii thread.
4) The controller won't be causing problems, it will be defining a new standard if Nintendo's previous track record (and Sony's last minute adoption of accelerometers) is anything to go by.
5) The Wii is 802.11g, backwards compatible with B.
MetaHuman @ Oct 4th 2006 10:55PM
No, it goes with Nintendo's goal that the machine be primarily used for games. If you pay for the extra, that is YOUR choice and your preference. Is Nintendo supposed to provide technical support for every wireless router as well?
And I thought Wii demonstrated wireless interconnectivity with Battalion Wars at Leipzig, so Wii COULD have WiFi in the box, just not an Internet ethernet physical connector. Over all the moaning about the 'letdowns' I cannot tell if it was true or not.
Spartacus @ Oct 4th 2006 10:58PM
Yes, it is odd that a product offers an accessory that seems like a downgrade (ie: price of technology), but no, wireless is NOT better than CAT5 cable...
1. Offering WiFi out of the box is great, but if the expense has been made to do this, one would think the other CHEAPER option would also be included. Having to buy a dongle (read: non-sexy accessory) to support the older technology seems pretty ridiculous. Accessories are supposed to INCREASE the value of the product, not provide a more BASIC service than the product currently has. Imagine an HDTV coming equipped with only 2 HDMI ports on the back with "upgrade" kits available for $20 that allow you to plug in component and composite cables as well. It's just bass ackwards. If a product supports the "new" and "expensive" tech, one would expect that it comes standard with the "old", "cheap" tech as well. Is Ninty in trouble for this decision? I doubt it, but it does seem like they were either lazy or they're just nickel and diming people on the only console that makes a profit on hardware.
2. People please, wireless is not better than wired connections. CAT5 cable has higher transfer rates and is more secure. It also isn't as finicky and prone to interference issues. Wireless is popular because it allows people to be lazy, not because it's a superior connection. I'd take a wire over a wave any day, but I do appreciate the ease of wireless for PORTABLE devices, such as a laptop or handheld device.
ChronoZaga @ Oct 4th 2006 11:07PM
If you think Ethernet is antiquated you've read too much wireless networking PR material. 1000 MBPS with NO PACKET LOSS due to interferance is still a far off dream for wireless.
JPRacer @ Oct 4th 2006 11:24PM
Wireless is good for portable devices like the DS or a laptop but I'll take a wired connection over a wireless one anyday.
chudgoo @ Oct 4th 2006 11:35PM
"though it seems decidedly odd for an online system to ship without a standard ethernet port. "
Yes, because my TV is right next to my datacenter...
(actually it is, but I'm not the norm... As long as Wii supports WPA, I'll be happy)
"...making users pay extra in order to utilize a standard wired connection (which most wireless routers also support)"
Ok, so if wireless routers do both anyway why would you need wired ethernet?
Your broadband connection is likely nowhere near as fast as 'vanilla' 802.11G (54Mbps) so where exactly does this implied bottleneck hit you?
Sigh...if nintendo had included wired only you'd be pissed. If they included both you'd call it wasteful. WTF.
Not every little tidbit of information deserves a snarky 'commentary'.
Some news is just *news*...nothing else is needed.
(though in writing this comment I think it's become apparent as to WHY now...$$!)
Night Elve @ Oct 5th 2006 11:23PM
@ 5.
Hmmm if i set my Samsung Bordeaux side by side with a regular TV watching for example Seinfield, trust me it will look 10 times better on my Bordeaux.
So yeah HD TVs rocks.
murray b @ Oct 9th 2006 2:38PM
I think he was meaning if you watch a standard signal on an HDTV or a regular TV, you can't tell the difference, and that is true. I only notice the difference on the HDTV specific channels playing the things that are "recorded" in HDTV. My wireless is already set up for my DS and is all ready for my WII. I just need to get roadrunner to stop resetimg all the damn time.
Concerned @ Oct 5th 2006 12:12AM
I have the same brand of Tv night elve my man
Hey i could really care less
i've done the comparisions
didn't notice the difference
Thats just me
and i know several people who will agree with me
but that just might be i've been watching some good quality images for a while
i don't remember the last time i've used a old Tv
its all about preferences
Some people notice
and some people don't
lets leave it at that
but back on topic, More people own wireless routers then Hdtv D=
ill trooper @ Oct 5th 2006 12:13AM
Hey, did you hear Nintendo got weird and DIDN'T enable this thing to play DVDs either?
I know, I know. You, yeah YOU, the one about to type how you already have 4 DVD players, who needs it, "ill trooper you suck," I know you're tired of hearing about people complaining about DVD playback. But this is just another stange move by Nintendo in my books - it's harder to join a wireless network than to just plug in a cable, it's more expensive to make the Wii wireless, but I'm sure a lot of people on here will make up some excuses as to why this is BETTER... ("It allows the footprint to remain the size of 3 DVD cases!")
Chudgoo, this is news - it's pretty lame that there's no ethernet port on the machine, but yet it's WiFi. I doubt anybody would have called 'including both' wasteful, except for fearless defenders of the Nintendo faith like Steve and Sjenky, who somehow point out that this way is CHEAPER? How's that again? Owning something already does not equal 'free.' Typical fanboy pointing out how 'wireless routers are only $30' but defending how NOT including an ethernet port keeps the machine at $250. I'm sure Nintendo could have fit one in for less than the $30 in question here. And probably my DVD playback too! Why are you guys OK with everything EXCEPT the 360 or the PS3?
Don't worry, fanguys, I'm still buying a Wii. But mark my words - the 'Wii quick start guide' is going to be one of the longest 'quick start' guides we've seen - wifi set-up, calibration, sensor placement...
When all this is said and done in December or so, I want Joystiq to post photos of all the cords, power adaptors, wifi and ethernet dongles, HD-DVD drive, etc. that all three 'next-gen' systems require so we can see all of this crap in all it's glory. I bet the PS3 will look smaller than jokes about.
And let's add up the end prices, too.
ill trooper @ Oct 5th 2006 12:16AM
typo - "I bet the PS3 will look smaller than *everyone* jokes about."
Sean @ Oct 5th 2006 12:29AM
I'm willing to bet that the number of people with ethernet jacks in their entertainment rooms is approx. equal to the number of people with HDTV sets.
I'm not saying that I don't have one, it's just I'm not deluded enough to think that most everyone else insists on sticking cat5 cable next to their cable/DSL jack. The difference between me and the other cat5 zealots here is I understand that getting a wireless connection installed and running is much easier for the demographic that Nintendo is targeting with the Wii.
Which is probably the same reason there is no >480p support on the Wii either. I'm sure Nintendo has done the market research here, as has Sony and Microsoft. The difference is Nintendo bundled the more expensive solution (WiFi) where as Sony and MS essentially make it an "optional" add-on.
Concerned @ Oct 5th 2006 12:30AM
i lost you up at "DvD playback"
because you don't have to be a fanboy to say "i already have 4 dvd players"
and im pretty sure you have a few yourself there troop
Concerned @ Oct 5th 2006 12:37AM
And why do you act like setting up Wifi is just a mundane task?
It differs from person to person i suppose
murc @ Oct 5th 2006 1:09AM
To correct what one poster said about "hardly being able to see the difference". Dude, Get your eyes checked.
I have had a HDTV for a few years now, and my tv lets me have to shows on it at the same time...kinda like a picture in picture, except the pictures are side by side, and not a small picture on top of the larger main picture. And I've switched one to analog tv, and the other to HDTV...There is a huge difference.
But to the topic: Nintendo has it backwards.
I was happy to see MS had it, and the wifi thing was an extra...since I have no laptops I have no use for wifi, and I dont see any need in the future to ever get it. I plan on using a ethernet cable once I get my 360. adding wifi in it would of drove the price up...making it a useless feature for everyone who doesn't want/need it.....like me.
WedgeTalon @ Oct 5th 2006 1:05AM
ill trooper - you want to talk total cost of ownership?
Ok, I'll aproach this a few different ways...
1) "Just the games please!"
A[Wii]) $250(console) + $60(extra controller set) + $50(one game) = $360.
B[360]) $300-$400(console) + $50(extra controller) + $60(one game) = $410-$510
C[PS3]) $500-$600(console) + $50*(extra controller) + $60(one game) = $610-$710
1b) "But I need a HDTV for my system to look next-gen!"
A) Not needed = same, $360
B) above + $500-$1000 (for 30" or below with 1080p) = $910-$1510
C) above + $500-$1000 (for 30" or below with 1080p) = $1110-$1710
2) "I want HD movies!!"**
A) Probably would wait until the dust of the format war settles, but let's say they adopt early.
A1) HD-DVD: $500(player) + $500-$1000(tv) = $860-$1360
A2) BluRay: $500(player***) + $500-$1000(tv) = $860-$1360
B) HD-DVD addon: $200 = $1110-$1710
C) No addon required = same, $1110-$1710
That's funny, it looks like the Wii is STILL actually cheaper to own than either of the others. Thanks for helping me open my eyes to this, ill trooper! Wow, I can't believe that owning a Wii could be $250-$350 cheaper! That's between FIVE and SEVEN extra games! w00t!
*$42 price was announced in Japan. Extrapolated that Sony would match MS's US controller price.
**Actual movie prices not factored in as the titles' prices vary too widely on both platforms.
***Other players can't compete at $1000 when the PS3 does the same at $500. Either prices will drop, most anyone will buy a ps3 instead, or bluray will lose (most likely IMO)
WedgeTalon @ Oct 5th 2006 1:05AM
Concerned - setting up Wifi CAN be pretty trivial. Linksys has this whole "one button push" thing going on Never tried it and probably never will, but that's cuz I'm a hands on guy.
Concerned @ Oct 5th 2006 1:14AM
I don't need my fucking eyes checked you morons
its a difference in opinon
deal with it
i can't tell the difference
and im pretty sure my vision is better then most people out there
Dear fucking god
You're talking to a guy who hates a resolution under 800x600 on his Monitor
Man
some people
Concerned @ Oct 5th 2006 1:15AM
Over*
Resolution over*
Concerned @ Oct 5th 2006 1:16AM
now back on topic
Wedge talon brings up a very good point
Jackie Chan @ Oct 5th 2006 1:17AM
I am better than all of you. I have the biggest HDTV. Insecure SDTV users burn in hell!
Concerned @ Oct 5th 2006 1:19AM
Why jackie chan?!
WHY!?
I LOVED YOUR MOVIES
=(
Concerned @ Oct 5th 2006 1:26AM
i better not be the only one who bought the ps2 Network adapter...
seriously my very first online console experience right there...
gooooood times
Some console fanboy @ Oct 5th 2006 1:34AM
To be honest, I can barely see the difference between standard and high definition myself. I'm just not into movies enough to be concerned. I'll upgrade to an HDTV only when I absolutely have to. Until then, my consoles play well enough on this shit TV.
"Tons of people have HDTVs. Those people that insist that only 5% of the market have HDTVs are deluding themselves. They're just trying to make themselves feel better with their tiny SDTV sets."
I've been called out!
Strike Man @ Oct 5th 2006 3:24AM
"its a difference in opinon
deal with it
i can't tell the difference"
I can deal with it. Trust me, I can. I have seen family members who claim they cannot see any difference between VHS and DVD, hear any difference between cassette and SACD, etc. So when you say this, I really do believe you feel this way.
But looking at the two side by side ( http://blogs.snapstream.com/wp-content/resolutionComparisonLarge.jpg and http://blogs.snapstream.com/wp-content/Leno_Large.jpg ), I don't think it's all that hard for most of the rest of us to see a really big difference...
epobirs @ Oct 5th 2006 3:40AM
The cost of a 10/100 port, especially when WiFi is already being implemented on the system, is measured in nickels and dimes. The lack of this is a major inconvenience for many of us and completely unnecessary. A USB dongle would bridge the gap but I've little doubt that Nintendo's official version of this will be exhorbitantly expensive compared to what Fry's offers for $10. (Note that TiVo manages to support a wide range of these inexpensive devices based on the reference platform drivers, which are as readily available to Nintendo.) At least on the Xbox 360 I have many tions beyond Microsoft's own pricey wireless adapter, because they included a standard ethernet port.
WiFi is useless in my home. The density of access points in the vicinity along with other devices crapping on the 2.4 spectrum slot has made access to my own router via WiFi intermittant and entirely unavailable for hours at a time. For a time I was able to alleviate things by giving my neighbors free assistance in setting up their equipment to use channels other than the default and other mitigating factors that they'd never understand on their own. But that only helped so much and now one of them is using one of the awful pre-N units that completely ruins the spectrum for older equipment.
Even when the WiFi was working it was lousy. The interference made for an intermittance so severe that less than half of the available bandwidth from the DSL line was reaching any clients, with latency normally seen on satellite based connections. (I have some professional experience there.)
But a solution was available and one that allows an ethernet port to be right by your entertainment center or anywhere in the house that has an electrical outlet. This is the HomePlug Powerline standard.
http://www.homeplug.org/en/index.asp
This essentially treats your house's electrical lines as one big ethernet bridge. Plug in a module at the electrical outlet powering your router and run a cable between them. Then plug in another module at any outlet where a wired internet connetion would be useful. It's completely transparent and looks like a direct connection to the router for the equipment. It works bueatifully in my home, providing connectivity in three locations for two PCs and the entertainment center. (I'm not much for online multiplayer gaming but having my DVR get its update via broadband is far more convenient than giving it a phoneline connection.
The prices are pretty reasonable. Fry's has recently had their 85Mbps bridge modules for $25 each. 200Mbps speeds were recently demonstrated at IDF and products should be availlable in a few months. Some companies offer more expensive models with multiple switched ports and other intended to serve as WiFi extenders, so you could get WiFi service into a single room far from the router without having to make the wireless usable for that entire distance.
There is a competing technology using telephone lines called HPNA. I was using that several years ago before WiFi became widely available but it has issues that make it hard to predict whether the signal will reach every desired phone jack in a location. (It does coexist fine with DSL.)
So, WiFi isn't viable for my home but I have connectivity anywhere I need it so long as the device speaks regular ethernet over Cat 5. Nintendo's solution for this needs to be reasonably priced if they expect a Wii to be on my broadband 24/7.