Many Wii online functions not ready for launch [update 1]
by Kyle Orland 
{ Nov 16th 2006 at 2:55PM }
Nintendo announced today in a press release that many of the Wii's online functions would not be available when the system launches in North America on Sunday. The release reveals the forecast channel will debut on Dec. 20, while the news channel (with content from the Associated Press) will debut Jan. 27 of next year. The release also suggested that the Wii's Opera browser would not be available for download immediately, saying "more information about the availability of the browser will be released in the coming weeks."Nintendo did confirm that 12 Virtual Console games would be available on launch day, including Donkey Kong, SimCity, Super Mario 64, Sonic the Hedgehog and Bomberman '93. The release also confirmed that new VC content would be released every Monday and established pricing for Genesis and Turbo-Grafx games at 800 points ($8) and 600 points ($6) respectively.
Of course what is perhaps the key online feature for a game console -- actual online game play -- still won't be available until next year, making a lot of this moot from a certain perspective. Still, this delay in more basic online functionality makes us wonder how well Nintendo's online strategy will be able to go from a practical standing start to keeping up with the big boys.
[Thanks Stephen]
[update: Original article said Jan. 17 for the News Channel launch. This has been fixed above.]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Sgt Payback @ Nov 16th 2006 3:02PM
No online play?! Good grief.
John @ Nov 16th 2006 3:01PM
Big deal. It's news and weather.
Adding these things along the way will just make it seem like little bonuses you get throughout the first bit your Wii ownership.
syco @ Nov 16th 2006 3:06PM
... The only multiplayer game I'm even vaguely interested in buying is Super Monkey Ball, which wouldn't even make sense online since the whole point of party games is having the party.
I probably won't even be interested in playing Wii online until SSB:Brawl comes out.
> @ Nov 16th 2006 3:04PM
It'll be funny to see how the fnabois defend this one...
- BUT ITS ONLY A GAMING CONSOLE
- BIG DEAL
- ONLINE DONT MATTER
- ZELDA WILL KEEP ME BUSY
- WHATS ONLINE?
SNK Shill @ Nov 16th 2006 3:05PM
Argh. I was looking forward to Metal Slug Anthology and VC games with online multiplayer. Kawaks just isn't the same.
TwilightKnight @ Nov 16th 2006 3:06PM
As long as I get to play old Nintendo and Sega games on the VC then it has a much better online functionality then the other two. I can play online games on my PC for free and better quality.
BF2 and WCIII can handle my online gaming needs until SSBB launches. Along with my various NiWiFi DS titles.
fnaboi @ Nov 16th 2006 3:06PM
Hey >, quit talking mean about Nintendo and stuffs please.
boywundr @ Nov 16th 2006 3:23PM
As small as these things are, they add up. Don't promise this stuff "out of the box" if you aren't delivering. I have used some of these things (weather and news) to "sell" it to a few of my non-gamer friends. Not that they are running out to camp on Sunday, but still, don't advertise what isn't there. Kind of annoyes me but I am still stoked about the games.
whosmav @ Nov 16th 2006 3:06PM
i think theres gonna a severe lack of wii's anyway...i'm pretty worried about not getting one right now.
the ps3 lines are crazy. 1000s lining up for twenty ps3's
they'll probably just stay in line for the wii. and piss me off.
Zoë K. @ Nov 16th 2006 3:07PM
Actually, Kyle... the News Channel is being supplied with items from CNN, not the AP.
Give me just a sec, I'll get you a link.
B33 @ Dec 7th 2006 4:33PM
Nintendo never was keen on online play.
BlindsideDork @ Nov 16th 2006 3:09PM
I got a Wii pre-ordered and love Nintendo and this news sucks but it is not the end of the world. I mean Nintendo said it WAS coming, not that it MIGHT happen so I am not worried, I mean it will be FREE.
Although like alot of ppl said, ExiteTruck online would've been SWEET! But I will take what I can get and I will gladdly take my Wii.
bassbeast @ Nov 16th 2006 3:08PM
Yeah,I'm kinda miffed right now. I can't finish configuring the Wii because their servers aren't up and running. It confirms my settings are correct, then states that the system would like to do an update. It begins trying, then says the server isn't responding. I hope it'll be up and running soon.
John @ Nov 16th 2006 3:12PM
Guys, be realistic. Nobody really gives a shit about these features. They won't take the place of the computer you're using to comment with right now.
Zoë K. @ Nov 16th 2006 3:13PM
CNN teams up with Nintendo to bring news to Nintendo's Wii:
http://www.maxconsole.net/?mode=news&newsid=11371
http://www.nwiizone.com/nintendo-wii/nwii/cnn-to-feed-the-wii-news-channel/
http://onnintendo.com/Index.aspx?page=1&post=48&year=2006&month=10
funkonaut @ Nov 16th 2006 3:15PM
Donkey Kong. Can't wait!
Marty @ Nov 16th 2006 5:56PM
There aren't any online multiplayer games coming out at launch anyway, are there?
I'm not gonna be picking up a Wii this year I don't think, but Nintendo's WiFi service on the DS works fine, so I have no concerns about how the Wii's multiplayer will turn out.
At least they aren't rushing some of these things out before they are ready.
James @ Nov 16th 2006 3:17PM
*blinks* @ #10
Why would you be miffed about the online service not being up... the system isn't supposed to launch officially until sunday. Sony didn't even launch their U.S. service until earlier this afternoon. Calm down, take some deep breaths and just relish in the fact that you have the console 2 full days before the rest of us that don't work in the industry. Damn, I'd be bouncing off the walls just for that little fact.
Big Earl @ Nov 16th 2006 3:16PM
It's pretty lame, but I really am not giving a shit about the Wii's features like browser and weather information. My computer wouldn't be more than 10 steps away. As long as Wi-fi is ready in time for SSBB, I'll be happy.
Franky Digital @ Nov 16th 2006 3:16PM
The fact that online multiplayer wasn't going to be up for this year anyway really doesn't make this revelation in lack of features all that detremental: while a nice little addition, I don't think this is going to break anyone's heart.
Honestly, I can't say I'm surprised. Nintendo really is not the master of online, and you can't really compare them to the likes of Micorsoft in this regard: the latter company has been working with the internet for decades.
That said, I do look forward to playing games online with the Nintendo eventually - but it really isn't a selling feature of the console for me. That's what my 360 is for.
Kevout @ Nov 16th 2006 3:29PM
Guys it's just like the DS,, the wifi sat idle for a year and then really picked up with some great titles later. No worries
Steve @ Nov 16th 2006 3:17PM
Is this any surprise? The can't even manage to get component cables out for launch and those are nothing but wires covered with rubber. (If Nintendo would actually support standard output jacks the lack of a component video cable wouldn't even be an issue)
Aaron @ Nov 16th 2006 4:55PM
WHAT........... this a disappointment. I was fully expecting to use the weather function at least. Sigh.
Zing @ Nov 16th 2006 5:41PM
> Is a troll. Please don't listen to him, he justs angry that he's still a virgin.
Blargh...another setback for Wii. But you know what? The 360 wasn't perfect and the PS3 sure as hell wont', but the Wii is no exception.
Richard @ Nov 16th 2006 3:24PM
I am dissapointed at the high prices for each VC game. For the price of 2 Genesis VC dl's I can buy a Sega Genesis compliation CD for my GC..
Sonic @ Nov 16th 2006 7:52PM
You say big boys as if Nintendo isn't big in their own right. If you mean big boys as dumb bouncers with all muscle and no intelligence then you'd be right on the money, but as you're not a bias Joystiq employee you're probably saying their better all around. Wait, you are a bias Joystiq employee that cares only about discrediting a company that made gaming what it is today which pretty much gave you a job of which you probably would be working at McDonalds instead.
On topic, I'd rather them not launch a subpar online service out of the box and make it something that doesn't suffer from glitches and give less then they say it will.
Steveo @ Nov 16th 2006 3:25PM
With soooo many games coming out, what exactly is the problem? If anything i think this is a smart move. Continually adding new things up and after the launch gives us all things to look forward to.
> @ Nov 16th 2006 3:26PM
"I am dissapointed at the high prices for each VC game. For the price of 2 Genesis VC dl's I can buy a Sega Genesis compliation CD for my GC.."
SHHHHH.. with all three consoles networked now, it is basically the end of compilation type dsics; its so much more profitable to sell piecemeal.
Justin @ Nov 16th 2006 3:34PM
@12
Seriously. This stuff is fun to tell people about so they go "that's kinda cool," but beyond that I don't think anyone will actually be using it. My laptop sits next to me at just about every time during the day and I don't have to give up whatever's on the TV at the time to use it.
Online interaction/play that's game or Wii-specific could be useful, but this news or weather stuff is just fluff. Virtual console and online play are all that matters. However if online play is still down when games come along for it, I'll be pissed.
Todd @ Nov 16th 2006 3:53PM
Every console has a delay in the online content being turned on.
Adam @ Nov 16th 2006 3:43PM
@#19
"I have used some of these things (weather and news) to "sell" it to a few of my non-gamer friends."
I agree 100%! I used quite a few of these features to talk family and friends into purchasing a Wii, and now they won't even be able to use some of these features for almost two and a half months!?!?
If it's on the box, it should work from day one!
Raynre @ Nov 16th 2006 3:40PM
Im may be wrong here, but isnt Nintendo Wi-Fi going to be up on launch day in Japan? Pokemon Battle Revolution will be using it, and it's a "launch window" title over there.
number40one @ Nov 16th 2006 3:48PM
About VC games... was it cleared up whether or not Genesis games will be playable with a GC controller?
thrillho @ Nov 16th 2006 3:52PM
the game list on nintendo's site shows which games need what controllers, says sega needs the classic controller, full virtual list here:
http://www.nintendo.com/gamelist?start=1&oord=asc&osort=title&sort=&cmd=&toggle=&query=virtual&tf=&cf=&sf=Wii&ef=&rf=&pf=&mf=&af=&vf=&nf=
Jeff S @ Nov 16th 2006 3:57PM
>
Why would it be funny when those points are pretty much true? Does the truth amuse you?
Skwurl @ Nov 16th 2006 3:59PM
#29
Yeah, that's pretty much what I thought.
I could be wrong but didn't the 360 have a delay on launch?
#3
Is your life so boring that you need to constantly troll Nintendo threads? I pity the fool.
Mr. Khan @ Nov 16th 2006 4:00PM
@ 25, aye, Nintendo WiFi Connection will be up and functional at launch (otherwise the Wii shop channel wouldn't be there), its just that it has no software support (Battle Revolution won't be out for some time, since Diamond and Pearl don't have a US release date yet) My bet is that Strikers: Charged will be the first North American Game with WiFi compatibility
As for the browser, i'm actually dissappointed, my PC takes forever to boot up (somethings wrong with the RAM), and i was wishing for the instantaneous Boot times of the Wii to make this easier (although Opera will probably be available by Christmas)
Joshua @ Nov 16th 2006 11:39PM
Crap you mean I have to check news and weather on a computer?? Or heaven forbid go to a news or weather tv station.
What a crappy game console that won't let me check the weather!
get over it @ Nov 16th 2006 4:18PM
and people are trashing the PS3 online service while defending nintendo...
Korexz @ Nov 16th 2006 4:25PM
Sony should take a queue from Nintendo and state what the system WON'T do BEFORE it gets released...
Backwards compatibility issues?
Downgrade from 1080i to 480p....
NO games...
Do you think people would still want the PS3 if they knew all of this up front? Not for $600.
However at $250 these minor issues are digestible.
Mostly because it is a game console... not an all in one mega media multiplex box targeted at complete domination of multiple markets that share no common consumer base...
Dirk Dorkelson @ Nov 16th 2006 4:27PM
"I could be wrong but didn't the 360 have a delay on launch?"
I was able to go online within a week of buying my console on the Nov. 22. I think Live was enabled from Day 1. (I didn't go online right away b/c I opted to buy a wireless adapter, and didn't get around to it for a few days.) I dont' remember there being any delay at all.
I'm bummed about Nintendo's semi-lackluster online play. The fact that there's a good chance that none of the VC titles will have online play bums me out. As I've stated before, I want some online classic Bomberman! (Not that Xbox 360 game where there's no local multiplayer, though.)
MrD @ Nov 16th 2006 4:29PM
@ Zoe K
Where do you think CNN gets most of their stories from?
Unimental @ Nov 16th 2006 4:27PM
Half of the comments here seem to be missing the last, and IMO most important, paragraph of this post... no online gaming until next year. That's HIGHLY unfortunate.
I spend at least 75% of my gaming time playing online via XBox Live, whether it's co-op with a friend (Marvel:UA and Gears of War lately) or competitive with friends and/or strangers (danger!).
I still plan on picking up a Wii after the holidays, but I may push it back a bit longer. Zelda awaits... and I shall wait patiently.
zero2dash @ Nov 16th 2006 4:39PM
***RE: 31. I could be wrong but didn't the 360 have a delay on launch?***
Live was started with the Xbox around the 2nd year of its existence.
When the 360 launched, Live had already been around for 2 years. Therefore: no, there was no Live delay on the 360 launch.
nick @ Nov 16th 2006 4:48PM
Dammit... I wanna browse porn with my wii!
Tamago @ Nov 16th 2006 5:04PM
Ps3 isn't backwards compatible with 200 old ps2/ps1 games = everyone freaks out and makes a big deal
Wii doesnt come with a lot of the online functionality from the get go = So what!
obo @ Nov 16th 2006 5:05PM
I love it when hype backlashes.
Even at $250, it's not worth it if there's no online play for a year, the VC has a poor launch selection and no online play, and even basic online functionality is missing. (How hard is it to set up a glorified RSS feed reader pulling Associated Press content?)
Microsoft can steal a lot of market share if its only competition is a couple of consoles that are feature-crippled at launch. The DS WiFi delay was forgivable because it was the best portable on the market; the Wii online delay won't be because it's not the best console on the market.
AzaMcWazza @ Nov 16th 2006 9:07PM
I'm a fanboy but I'm not defending this. I'm almost feeling like there's been some bait-and-switch going on from Nintendo lately - not good karma.
Zoë K. @ Nov 16th 2006 5:32PM
@MrD
Dude, I realize that AP, Reuters, and other large news agencies are where these news stations (such as CNN) get their news. That doesn't negate the fact that Nintendo has teamed up with CNN, not the Associated Press.
That's like buying a PS3 from GameStop (as if), and when someone asks you where you got it, you tell them, "I got it from Sony." Doesn't make sense, man.
Kyle Orland @ Nov 16th 2006 10:24PM
To all the commenters saying the headlines are from CNN and no AP, check this line from the press release:
"Then on Jan. 27, the Wii Menu News Channel will make headlines with the latest news from around the world provided by the Associated Press."
Yes, Nintendo did announce a partnership with CNN in the past, but barring any other sources, I'm gonna go with the most recent announcement.