Back of the Wii box sparks speculation
by Kevin Kelly 
{ Oct 18th 2006 at 9:28AM }
The good people at Wiixors snagged some decent shots of the back of the Wii box at an EB Games and, besides making us want one of our very own, it has caused a few rumors to pop up -- namely, what is the Wii Startup Disc?
The rumors seem to be split into several camps: One says it's nothing more than the Wii Sports disc; others say it's an OS disc; other still say it's the Wii Opera browser, some sort of tutorial, or something far more insidious ... like a firmware update. It's a mystery.
If it's just the Wii Sports disc, why wouldn't the box say that? There's already a huge notice on the front of the box proclaiming the Wii Sports disc to be inside, so what else could it be? What do you want it to be?
[Via GoNintendo]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Chad @ Oct 18th 2006 9:35AM
I think its for a firmware update of the system. I remember reading just before the release date was known that they did an update and that it was being put on disk as they had so many systems built and ready to go.
bm @ Oct 18th 2006 9:36AM
I'm guessing "startup disk" is meant in the sense that it's meant to "get you started" instead of getting the console started. So, probably Wii Sports then.
Unimental @ Oct 18th 2006 9:36AM
It's likely a "catch-all" name for the included game. Put that on the back and place the appropriate sticker on the front as the pack-in changes.
Not news.
ahhhhh @ Oct 18th 2006 9:41AM
Old article, seen it before...
It CAN'T be Wii Sports cause Wii Sports is just a limited offer and not offered in all regions. Also, Wii Sports is just a STICKER on the front of the box. Thoughts firmware or OS or maybe even Opera. I would say it is Opera because they said it would be free for a limited time but that means after a couple of months they have to make a NEW box and no company will do that.
Lastly, there is an idea that it is a demo/tutorial of things since it is being marketed to all ages (old ladies included) meaning they might not how to properly use it so this disc will help them out.
So chances are, it is OS of some sort, demo/tutorial disc, or firmware, even though in regards to comment #1 they could make if for this batch but why not include that on the next batch of of systems and then have to make a NEW console? Eh, whatever. I have mine pre-ordered, can't wait to get it!
GregZ @ Oct 18th 2006 9:40AM
It can NOT be the Wii Sports disk. Nintendo may not intend to package the system with Wii Sports forever - not all regions are even getting it packed in at launch - which is why it is indicated by only a sticker on the front of the box.
This is most likely a firmware update. Nintendo has been manufacturing consoles for quite some time, and I'm sure they are ready to make a few minor changes after the four or five months they have been cranking out systems.
Paul Gale @ Oct 18th 2006 10:10AM
Hmm, Wii Startup Disc could very well be Wii Sports, because we know that's being packed in with the console, but yeah...if this is the case, why not call it "Wii Sports disc"? Perhaps it is relating the Wii's Operating System or even the Opera Browser like previously mentioned. Or maybe it's the return of MEGATON! Yes, Nintendo is packing in
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess...or maybe not...yeah, probably not.
Paul Gale
1up.com
dsub @ Oct 18th 2006 10:11AM
I agree with bm. I think since the controls are so new, and Nintendo is trying to reach so many non-gamers, it's more or less an instructional disc that comes with it to coach you on how to use the new controller and all the features that come with the Wii. Wiisports is likely on the disc as well.
DJPrymalInstynct @ Oct 18th 2006 9:46AM
My best guess and what seems most logical is that it is either an interactive user manual that will show the basics of navigating the wii interface because it would be hard to discribe in a paper one or a disc with sensor bar calibration software or something like that.
Dan @ Oct 18th 2006 9:48AM
I don't think it's the wii sports disk, but still, why would they package in an OS update disk? Why not just have Wii's download it? Unless their not counting on everyone having a net connection, in which case, do they plan to release a disk for every update?
G99 @ Oct 18th 2006 10:09AM
My belief? It is litterally wwhat it says. A "Startup disk". Meaning you plug it into your computer and it not only walks you through installation of the console to your TV, but it also helps you set up the Wi-Fi service with the console.
Daniel @ Oct 18th 2006 9:48AM
Could it have something to with the WiFi?
Lorben @ Oct 18th 2006 9:50AM
Maybe it's a controller configuration disc? Pop it in the first time to get the quirks in the controls worked out, like you do with a gamepad in Windows, or a light gun game.
Frosty22 @ Oct 18th 2006 9:52AM
Bravo for those of you who consider this old news and irrelevant. Why are you commenting then? Those comments are so damn annoying. If it is not news to you, or you don't care about it, then don't comment.
ahhhhh @ Oct 18th 2006 9:53AM
#7
Nothing to do with WiFi...cause that just works. Only trick is "activating" it which usually depends on your wireless router. As in I had to put in a password/code to get my iMac's Airport to work. Easy as a snap as long as you know the password/code.
eM @ Oct 18th 2006 9:54AM
It may be include a firmware update, but my guess is that from the user's PoV it's a "Welcome to the Wii" set-up guide that introduces the system and the controller, possibly with an interactive tutorial.
The Big N will probably add some demos to the disk next year.
Mode7 @ Oct 18th 2006 9:56AM
I'd say its most likely some sort of network setup disk, like one of those 30 or so AOL disks i've got lying around.
James Spiers @ Oct 18th 2006 9:57AM
Opera browser, game demos or maybe the OS. Incidentally, was in a local Gamestop ystday (just outside Manhattan) asking how their PS3/Wii preorders went. 8 PS3 and 30 Wii not surprising given production of each, but what WAS surprising was the interest they had in all related pre-orders (i.e. controllers, games etc). The PS3 had around 25 seperate preorders for stuff, while the Wii had a whopping 251. That seems like a 10:1 level of interest. I guess folks just assuming they have no chance of getting a PS3 this year...
Allen Straith @ Oct 18th 2006 11:35AM
OOOH!!!! ITS SO YOUR MAC CAN USE THE WIIMOTE!!! HECK YEA! Anyway, that was my Mac fanboyism. It's a firmupdate, guys. It has to be. They wouldn't call Wii SPorts a Startup Disk. It could have to do with Wi-Fi, maybe telling you how to do it, but it's nothing major. Maybe, JUSt maybe, it tells you that the Wii is a super computer, though, and that Nintendo has just entered into the world of super computer...and of course, going to take over the world.
Seriously guys, it's a firmware update or something of the sorts.
Zero_ @ Oct 18th 2006 10:09AM
It's a Wizard. Throw it in and it'll guide you through everything; how to use the Wiimote, how to alter options, how to get online, the features etc.
Either that, or it's just Wii Sports.
Ben Grout @ Oct 18th 2006 10:22AM
Doesn't the Wii have 512MB of internal flash memory though? Surely they'd stick the initial setup and calibration on there instead?
Unimental @ Oct 18th 2006 10:08AM
It's a "Howard & Nester" Wii tutorial.
32_Footsteps @ Oct 18th 2006 10:14AM
Since nobody else has commented on it, I find it highly entertaining that the analog attachment is apparently officially named "Nunchuck."
Unless, of course, that's just a really good Photoshop effort.
matthew @ Oct 18th 2006 10:16AM
I love that comment #5, or "ahhhh" has seen this boring old poopy article before and Joystiq is just horrible but he still reads it anyway. The best part is if the article is old and you've seen it before, you still don't know what the disc is actually for?
I offer you this personal motto #5, "Been there, done that, still don't have a clue."
voltron80 @ Oct 18th 2006 10:17AM
It's a magical disk that turns you into a super computer to work with the wii, so that way....
Er... who cares. Probably the same start up disk that came with the PS1 and PS2. Some lame demos, and some usless info.
macuseros9 @ Oct 18th 2006 10:18AM
Its the instructions for the Waffle Iron!!!!
FINALLY!!!!
Lou D @ Oct 18th 2006 10:19AM
It seems the rumor of the firmware upgrade is true. I wonder if these early units will have a security hole that hackers can take advantage of.
It probably also includes some video tutorials on how to use the system.
Mike @ Oct 18th 2006 10:21AM
Yeah, I'm thinking it's a start up disk that just walks you through some wizards and demos. Nothing to be alarmed about. Seeing this picture makes me want one even more though. One month and one day away!!
Anonymouse Rep @ Oct 18th 2006 10:19AM
Hey, Zero...
Shouldn't that be spelled Wiizard? :)
And Novacharged - just shut up and go wait for your P0S3. When you get it, turn it on, play for a while, and then be sure to call the fire department once it catches fire.
(Heck, it's no big shock that I'm a Microsoft supporter - but first and foremost I'm a gamer. We should all be able to make lighthearted comments to each other. It's when your comments sound like something out of GTA that you need to just shut your yap. We're excited to see the Wii come out, even if the name does suck - which I think everyone agrees on. After all, it should be all about the games - unless you're Sony, when it's all about shoving a movie format down our throat whether we want it or not - that, and TWO consoles in a row that cause fires. Note - the Xbox only caused shocks due to misuse of the power cord by consumers - the PS2 DID cause fires as well as was stated on their recall notice.)
Patrick @ Oct 18th 2006 10:21AM
#18:
It's a Wizard. Throw it in and it'll guide you through everything; how to use the Wiimote, how to alter options, how to get online, the features etc.
This is what I think as well.
Bubba @ Oct 18th 2006 10:26AM
@ #16 - Unimental
Howard and Nester, now there's some memories! Haha. Thanks for that.
anoon @ Oct 18th 2006 10:16PM
Has Nintendo shown Gamecube backwards compatability running on the Wii yet? I don't recall so.
Remember the Gameboy Player for the GC? It required a disc. I wouldn't be surprised if you had to pop in that startup disc to play GC games.
> @ Oct 18th 2006 10:31AM
Interesting that theres an "opera" logo on the back.
So, does it come preinstalled, or on the disc? If its on the disc, theyre just inviting piracy. If its preinstalled; they'll need a new box for when they begin charging for it next year.
Scooby Doo @ Oct 18th 2006 10:31AM
I'm with Paul, if I get to pick what I want it to be, it would be a copy of Zelda:TP. However reality tells me it probably is just an initial wizard for getting Wi-Fi set up, probably calibration settings and maybe a tutorial. I could also see it having some of those 'tech demos' they were showing when they first announced the new controller.
I don't think they would normally put the set information in Flash Memory or BIOS simply because it would probably too big for the BIOS and you wouldn't want this kind of information taking up internal memory space. A CD is a much better route to go in this instance.
ddoogggiiiirrr @ Oct 18th 2006 10:38AM
its a tutorial, wizard, getting started guide, whatever you want to call it. wii sports is not on this disk.
Jake @ Oct 18th 2006 11:00AM
It has to be a disc that the name would be appropriate for. It can't be Wii Sports because you wouldn't call that a startup disc. It is most likely a tutorial. It may even has some minigames to practice new things. My guess would be that you download the Opera Browser, but I could be wrong. It could very well be some kind of firmware. Maybe it is something to get you through the connecting to Virtual console and getting set up. Maybe it is for a computer to help you set up the Wii.
My final answer. It contains tutorials on how to do just about anything on the Wii. If you think about it, there is a lot of new stuff, even to gamers. However, gamers are usually smart enough to figure out the channels and all that crap. But nongamers aren't. :0 snap
Blue Sam @ Oct 18th 2006 10:39AM
I do NOT think it's fireware update! *slap*
I bet most of you don't look at the source where I see Opera Software. Obviously, some goodie softwares is in there.
BlindsideDork @ Oct 18th 2006 10:47AM
Well didn't they say Opera was something that could be downloaded for free before a certain time? Otherwise you have to buy it.
Lou D @ Oct 18th 2006 10:43AM
whoa, someone found a way around ebay and posted on another site a Wii-preorder:
www.gameparts.biz
GlitchCog @ Oct 18th 2006 10:48AM
I really hope it's not a firmware "upgrade." Complete your product, then ship it in a final form. It shouldn't need any updating after you release it. If Sony's use of these "upgrades" is any indicator, they're just used to help the company control the use of their product under the guise of improvements.
Lou D @ Oct 18th 2006 10:46AM
The Opera browser is a free DOWNLOAD for a limited time. Startup Disc Opera Browser!
or as the 'C' guys do it:
Startup_Disc != Web_Browser
Raquor @ Oct 18th 2006 10:49AM
I agree with those that figure it to be a setup disc. It can't or shouldn't be a firmware upgrade because not everyone will necessarily stick this puppy in the drive, any firmware upgrades will likely be handled similarly to PSP firmware upgrades, that is shipped with the games and not separately or solely for download.
I figure a video configuration/installation guide is the most appropriate thing. Help us figure out where to put the sensor bar, give us some tips and guidelines for using the Wiimote, walk us through setting up the WiFi connection. These things all seem like things, particularly for the cascrowd, that will need some additional assitance in getting setup.
Optimus @ Oct 18th 2006 11:18AM
Disc, with a 'c'.
chods @ Oct 18th 2006 10:51AM
Didn't the PS2 come with a free game 'Hardware Online Arena' and that was on the disc labelled 'Network Setup disc'?
Maybe its 33 said and included setup etc as well as the sports game?
mykie @ Oct 18th 2006 4:55PM
It's the disc that enables the 3D projector underneath the flap!!!
OMMUGAWDZLOLZWTFROTFLMAO!!!!!1
jayntampa @ Oct 18th 2006 10:57AM
Guys, this was posted 35 days ago --- old news:
http://digg.com/gaming_news/Wii_to_ship_with_Firmware_Update_Disc_So_is_Wii_ready_to_ship_now
DWells55 @ Oct 18th 2006 11:06AM
As stated earlier, it's most likely that is a setup disc of some sort. A wizard and video tutorial to help you learn your way around the system. Set up your TV settings, your Mii character, sound settings, network settings, etc. It could also have a firmware update. I, for one, won't be using it until I know if there is a firmware upgrade and what is. I want to be able to mod my Wii at one point, and I'm sure it'll be easier than the 360. Lots of homebrew potential.
Tenacious-G @ Oct 18th 2006 2:51PM
DISCA-TON!!!!!!!
design @ Oct 18th 2006 11:14AM
It's a hardware test disc.
DWells55 @ Oct 18th 2006 11:11AM
Apologies for the double post, but does this mean stores have fully ready-to-go retail boxed Wiis in stock already? Or is this just a display box. If they've got those suckers in stock, I think it's time to rob them. Just kidding. But I want the new Zelda, and I want it now.
Kevin @ Oct 18th 2006 11:15AM
#41 - That same link says "The content of the disc - referred to internally at Nintendo as Wii Start-Up Disc - is unknown." So there's still a lot of speculatin' goin' on.