Harmonix: Wii needs hard drive for DLC
by Alexander Sliwinski 
{ Apr 9th 2008 at 12:30PM }
Speaking to CVG, Harmonix Design Director Rob Kay states the Wii needs a hard drive for Rock Band to offer downloadable content on the console. Actually, Kay does more of plea, "Come on Nintendo, we need a hard drive."
Kay explains that Harmonix would "jump on" offering content if it could -- given sales of the DLC it's not surprising -- but notes that Nintendo's console just doesn't have the capabilities currently. He says that a three-song pack is about 100MB and the Wii only has 512MB of internal storage. The whole SD card issue probably gets messy due to retrieval times and DRM issues. Harmonix obviously wants to make more money, but it appears the company won't try to do it while running into a very clear storage (and possibly technological) issue.
Kay explains that Harmonix would "jump on" offering content if it could -- given sales of the DLC it's not surprising -- but notes that Nintendo's console just doesn't have the capabilities currently. He says that a three-song pack is about 100MB and the Wii only has 512MB of internal storage. The whole SD card issue probably gets messy due to retrieval times and DRM issues. Harmonix obviously wants to make more money, but it appears the company won't try to do it while running into a very clear storage (and possibly technological) issue.
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
RealDoubleJ @ Apr 9th 2008 12:35PM
boo-hoo
my heart bleeds for you
WiiSports Machine...Fernandos in disguise PSN: Killjebus @ Apr 9th 2008 1:13PM
But, somehow...someway...this is a POSITIVE for the Big N eh Fernandos?
The WiiSports Machine is a rip-off and a joke. And little by little, inch by inch...the Wii's white dress is coming off and is slowly but surely revealing how truly UGLY and OLD she REALLY is.
t_m @ Apr 9th 2008 1:44PM
Did a Wii murder your family and leave you for dead, leaving you on a quest for revenge?
If not, what do you care if the Wii succeeds or fails?
WiiSports Machine...Fernandos in disguise PSN: Killjebus @ Apr 9th 2008 2:28PM
Because if the Wii succeeds like the PS2 did then videogame companies will not care about making more immersing and realistic or ORIGINAL experiences and we will have nothing except the KRAP that takes up 90% of the Wii's game library.
My idea of innovation is NOT slapping a new coat of paint on an old unsuccessful console, and including a different input device.
If Nintendo had come out with the Wii back in 2001, I would consider it a viable gaming platform. And the PS2 would not have had near the amount of success that it did.
Instead, Nintendo spends almost no money on RD with the Wii and somehow, even though Nintendo themselves said that they are not competing with Sony or Microsoft, the Wii gets the same treatment as a REAL now-gen home console.
smartguy1600 @ Apr 9th 2008 3:37PM
"Because if the Wii succeeds like the PS2 did then videogame companies will not care about making more immersing and realistic or ORIGINAL experiences and we will have nothing except the KRAP that takes up 90% of the Wii's game library."
Of course! I want original, non-franchise games like Halo, Halo 2, and Halo 3! Or hey, lets play some more Rainbow Six Vegas 2...or was that Rainbow Six Vegas 1? I can't really tell the difference.
But heaven forbid games like Mario Galaxy, Zack and Wiki, Trauma Center, No More Heroes, De Blob, and so offer original, fun games with a unique way of controlling them. No sir!
This statement of sarcasm comes with the fact that I acknowledge that yes, Wii has shovel ware and no hard drive and that yes, there are unique and fun experiences on 360/PS3 but I chose to respond in this manner because claiming there isn't a shred of originality on the Wii is ridiculous. Don't blame the console, blame the developers that are creating quick cash cows based on the Wii's family oriented success.
TheDave @ Apr 9th 2008 3:37PM
Rip off? Hardly, just because you hate seeing it be the #1 console does not make it a rip off.
$500 for a POS3, there is a "rip-off" for ya!
Anyways, this is a sad joke on Harmonix AND Nintendo's Part.
They need to put some effort in there!
SD Cards will work! (The DRM excuse is pathetic, have they never heard of ENCRYPTION?!?!)
I'm sure that Anyone willing to buy DLC is more than willing to buy an SD Card to store it.
Sign up! Show em that this IS NOT ACCEPTABLE!!!
http://www.petitiononline.com/rbwii/
WiiSports Machine...Fernandos in disguise PSN: Killjebus @ Apr 9th 2008 4:06PM
TheDave,
My rip-off for $500 gives me...
60GB HDD...thats 59.5 MORE GB of storage (actually it is 54.5 since 5GB is not accessible) than the WSM
Blu-ray player (upgradable and fastest loading with best the best chip for even better looking BD movies than stand alones (at least for now)
Cell chip
PS2 chip EE/GS
PSone emulator
Web browser (continually updated for faster surfing and wider support)
TREE card readers
Wifi...wadya know, the WSM has this too
Store and play back digital fotos in different styles
Store and play back music
Store and play back movies
Play upscaled DVD's
F@H
Install Linux or other OS
Plays games that do not look like KRAP
PSN games that are NEW
Home (by July)
Remote play with PSP
Yeah, you are right, I GOT RIPPED OFF.
TheDave @ Apr 9th 2008 4:45PM
WiiSports Machine...Fernandos in disguise PSN: Killjebus:
Shorten your name, lol. :)
Your right, you did get all of that. Good Job.
----News flash for you----
YOU WERE FORCED TO BUY IT JUST TO PLAY GAMES!
So, yes, you paid $500(!) just to play games, and you got all that... Good Job. You and all the other suckers out there.
WiiSports Machine...Fernandos in disguise PSN: Killjebus @ Apr 9th 2008 4:57PM
ummn,
I was not FORCED to buy a PS3. I WANTED to buy a PS3...so I did.
This is not 1990. I LIKE that the PS3 does SO MUCH MORE aside from playing games. I LIKE my EC to be a clutter free as possible without wires or unnecessary equipment.
Even if you NEVER play a PS3 game or any game on the PS3, I still say it is worth the money for all of the other things it can do and WILL do.
Brendon @ Apr 9th 2008 5:09PM
Shall I get you guys a ruler?
KeenCommander @ Apr 9th 2008 5:45PM
Well as soon as I care about a single one of those listed features, which is to say never, I'll get ripped off buying a PS3. For the moment I'm happy with my Wii, even if it'll have a crappy version of Rock Band, and wishing I had a 360.
TheDave @ Apr 9th 2008 6:09PM
WiiSports Machine...Fernandos in disguise PSN: Killjebus:
I did not say you were forced to buy a PS3, I said that you were FORCED to pay for all that other junk that the PS3 does just to play video games.
I can't help you then if you really wanted all that junk along with your video game system. Good for you, just the kind of sucker Sony is looking for.
Vidikron (FU) @ Apr 9th 2008 6:14PM
"I can't help you then if you really wanted all that junk along with your video game system. Good for you, just the kind of sucker Sony is looking for."
How are you a sucker if you wanted it? I actually did want a Blu-ray player anyway, so the PS3 was actually a very good value.
TheDave @ Apr 9th 2008 6:31PM
Vidikron (FU):
Given that Sony just won the HD format war it looks a lot less dumb now. Still a sucker though.
Was it not Sony that installed Root Kits on peoples computers just for putting a music CD they bought into their computers? Real trustworthy company there. It's a shame that everyone pretty much ignores this fact.
WiiSports Machine...Fernandos in disguise PSN: Killjebus @ Apr 9th 2008 6:41PM
Lets see, should I
A. Get suckered into buying a GameCube in a different box with under utilized waggle controller/pointer for $150 MORE than the GameCube by falling into the FAD/Hype?
OR
B. Buy an all in one machine that will still be a valuable part of my entertainment experience in 5 years?
Yeah.....REAL tough choice there.
Not to mention Sony is known for NEW (keyword here) NEW IP's and BIG NAME franchises that get better and better with each console generation.
Where as Nintendo is known for the SAME franchises with VERY LITTLE new content that stay the same over and over.
With each passing moment you make yourself MORE Nintendo's SLAVE.
bm @ Apr 9th 2008 6:48PM
lol oh wow
The biggest joke, killjebus, is you. And ironically, you're the only one who doesn't get it. ;)
Matt B @ Apr 9th 2008 8:54PM
Actually bm, he is right and the jokes on you.
bm @ Apr 11th 2008 7:38AM
He's not right, he's a fanboy geek who wasted half a grand on a second PC except without as many good games or features, and now needs to make at least a hundred internet comments per day bitching like a preteen at some other console to make himself feel better about his bad decision, or else he'll cry himself to sleep at night. ;)
toonraver @ May 12th 2008 6:50AM
Well I own all three consoles. Each console has its reason for owning it. Mine go along the lines of this:
Xbox360 - Overall "adult gaming experience"
Much better game library atm
Has better online gaming
Has better online store as far as movies and
original content go
Wii - Fun gaming experience with friends/virtual
console
Great virtual console for the older gamers
Excellent "family" machine
Cheap
PS3 - Blu ray/dvd player
If you are in the market for a cheaper bluray
player, this were it is at.
Sad library of games atm
Crap online gaming and store
Biggest hope here is that with Sony winning the
HD war they will again focus on what has made
them so much bigger...the gaming community
Incredible possibilities if Sony would just
start doing something...like making games for
the damn thing!
Shmil (Brawl Code 2621-2310-1994) @ Apr 9th 2008 12:40PM
Well I think we all saw this coming a mile away.
Greyseal @ Apr 9th 2008 12:41PM
This article makes me happy. The Wii has been in sore need of a hard drive since it was released, and Nintendo's responses have been stubborn and insulting. I love my Wii, and I'm a Nintendo fan in general... but whoever is in charge of the "no hard drive" policy should be fired from the company.
They haven't listened to the players. Maybe they'll listen once otherwise lucrative developers start dropping not-so-subtle hints. Every day Nintendo stalls on this simple solution, they lose money.
Noshino @ Apr 9th 2008 12:45PM
"They haven't listened to the players"
They have...Nintendo is well known for their simplicity, a HDD would not only confuse many people, but it would also increase the price of the console (if to be made standard)...
ck @ Apr 9th 2008 1:10PM
I'm sure making an optional hard drive wouldn't confuse consumers. Most people understand what hard drives are now and they can make it easy to hook up and use - why not pursue this option? It's not like hard drives will ruin their image of simplicity. Nintendo could sell it at a fairly cheap price (hell they could sell it at a horrible price point and people would still pick it up) and it would make people buy more VC games and WiiWare titles...
I cannot imagine why they haven't figured this out yet.
Matt B @ Apr 9th 2008 1:14PM
You will see one when a nintendo game needs one.
WiiSports Machine...Fernandos in disguise PSN: Killjebus @ Apr 9th 2008 1:18PM
Why do you think Nintendo would bother with an add-on HDD? If you have STILL not figured it out....NINTENDO does not CARE about the gamer. They only care about soccermoms and 12 year old Billy and old folks homes.
This Joke of a machine is STILL selling like gossip in a church to the Lemmings. (masses) Sure they would please the hardcore Nintendo faithful if they did sell a HDD, but why should they? They are making their money off the Lemmings and will continue to do so till this FAD dies out by early 2009.
deaftly @ Apr 9th 2008 1:20PM
Matt hit the nail on the head.
FOXHOUND @ Apr 9th 2008 1:20PM
Noshino ---
Granted, it's been joked that Nintendo(specifically the Wii)demographic are either youth or elderly gamers; but admittedly with the simplified angle of its hardware and gaming thus far... it's no wonder that it would confuse a certain, somewhat significant lot of those who purchased it.
Though I'm not holding my breath for it because Nintendo isn't known for this sort of tactic --- it WOULD be nice if Nintendo either released the console with a much larger HDD; or at least one that had a simplified way of increasing HDD space without using the Secure Digital(SD)memory card port. Or better yet, some sort of USB add-on for the system that would work as an external, protected, and expanded memory source for gamers to use and for companies to retain DRM of their media. I had suggested early in the Wii's console life to Nintendo via mail that they could possibly do this by having a "vertical snap on, backward L-shape USB attachment with cooling mini fan/vents" that would connect to the back & bottom of the unit(if the Wii was set vertically upright as normal)and act as an external HDD. It could either have the HDD within this add-on, or act as a reader for specialized memory cards(a la GCN's memory cards).
Or even better, if it were made to rest underneath/adjacent to the side of the Wii where the 4 grip stands are(i.e., when the Wii is set up horizontally flat); they could be similar to the PS3 and have a swap ready SATA drive for the system for increased storage. Since Nintendo's so "gosh-darn family friendly", they could even customize the SATA drive entry to be durably safe both in interface & hardware loading as well... compared to the PS3's direct way of simply opening the side tab, unscrewing the lock, and pulling out/inserting in the drive.
Pipe dreamin' though. Nintendo won't lift a finger on it, and Harmonix is just throwing comments like this out for laughs. Knowing either, they'll settle on just releasing some kind of expansion disc like that damnable GH:ROCKS THE 80s or whatever; and forget about bitchery of expanding the HDD.
kbomb1upc @ Apr 9th 2008 1:33PM
@CK
Optional hard drives would cause a bigger fuss than making hard drives standard. Because if some games like Rock Band uses the hard drive, people without a hard drive would not get the same benefits as the others. This would cause people to check to see if their games needed a hard drive before they purchased it. Just like how you can't play Burnout online without a hard drive. And then you would get weird phone calls from your Grandma asking "What's a hard drive?"
ck @ Apr 9th 2008 1:51PM
@kbomb1upc:
I still don't think it would be that confusing. Obviously playing Rock Band DLC should be optional, like the hard drive. Playing Burnout Online is optional, like the hard drive. I don't think it would be too hard for someone to play a game and when they try to download stuff - a warning comes up - "Hard Drive Needed." It's not like Wii Sports would be utilizing the hard drive. 99% of the games that would use the hard drive are geared towards the younger kids anyways. And I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to tell your grandma to get a hard drive if you don't have one already. That's not a tough conversation.
FOXHOUND @ Apr 9th 2008 2:06PM
ck ---
No offense, but you'd be surprised at some of the trouble people have with what you would think are normal, simple tasks on electronics. Some are either intimidated, wary of breaking the device, or just unwilling to learn. Having worked technical support in the past; I've learned that even the most simple diagrams and instructions can cause a world of headache(i.e., a multiple hour long troubleshooting effort to teach someone the "evils" of haphazardly deleting things).
As aforementioned... given Nintendo's main sales demographic, they're going to have to tread carefully if they actually get off their ass and opt to increase the Wii's HDD space via external means. I personally doubt they'll bother at all.
Noshino @ Apr 9th 2008 2:31PM
ck,
just like FOXHOUND stated, you would be surprised...
I have worked at support and sales department, and there have been occasions in which despite having a huge "SAMPLE PRICE" notice on top the customers think that it is the regular price, or like customers buying the online version of an antivirus yet they thought they were getting the CD version...
"It's not like hard drives will ruin their image of simplicity."
yes it will, for something to be "simple" on today's society, it has to come as an standard and not require much effort.
The fact that it didn't come with the Wii at launch confuses people, and not only that, it would also piss off people because once someone explains them what's going on they'll feel that they have been ripped off...yes, I know that that sounds stupid, but if you have worked on the sales department, then you would see that sadly it is true...
ThornedVenom (Harley Quinn Defense Force) @ Apr 9th 2008 2:38PM
"Every day Nintendo stalls on this simple solution, they lose money."
Sorry, but that sentence sounded hilarious.
kbomb1upc @ Apr 9th 2008 3:28PM
@CK
Noshino and Foxhound pretty much summed up my point. I worked in the IT department for computer installs at my college and you wouldn't believe how dumb smart-people can be when it comes to computers. While I was trying to installs an old monitor in a professor’s office, he came in and told me to stop because he said that we couldn't take his monitor because he had all his files on them. He thought that just because you see the files on your monitor that the files are actually on the monitor. And if Nintendo decide to add a hard drive there will be a lot more "duh" moments like that.
McWeen @ Apr 9th 2008 12:42PM
Its silly that they still don't have a hard drive on the horizon. Maybe the hard drive will be like online play, and not show up until the next generation in a grossly under developed form.
tmacairjordan87 @ Apr 9th 2008 2:36PM
"There, we finally gave you guys a hard drive. Wait, what do you mean 5 GBs isn't enough?...WHY CAN'T WE WIN???"
Mr Khan @ Apr 9th 2008 4:30PM
According to IGN's Matt C, they DO have one on the horizon, he has not said it outright, but in a number of podcasts he has said a lot to that effect in a "wink-wink-nudge-nudge" sort of way
But Halo DS says to take that with a grain of salt
koehler83 @ Apr 9th 2008 12:44PM
Whats the situation with GH3 DLC on the Wii? I have the game on PS3, so I don't know. But other than the stereo sound issue (for the very few owners savvy enough to even realize it), nothing seems to be slowing down Guitar Hero sales on the Wii..
So what's Harmonix' problem? Other than publishing under EA.
Sir Fidlious Wong (Zeon Defense Force) @ Apr 9th 2008 12:49PM
GH3 DLC doesn't exist on Wii.
Clay @ Apr 9th 2008 12:50PM
GH3 on the Wii has DLC just like it has Dolby Pro-Logic II. They say they're gonna get it to me, but I haven't seen it yet!
My guess is that they're finding out the same thing as Harmonix, but not coming out and saying it.
Burritoclock @ Apr 9th 2008 2:10PM
GHIII DLC barely exist on any platform...
Shogan @ Apr 9th 2008 12:49PM
The Wii really needs a hard drive. It needed one built in, rather than an add on. But Nintendo insisted that 512 megs would be MORE than enough space. They also promised a good online service. I know I won't be standing in line early in the morning for the next Nintendo console.
Chris @ Apr 9th 2008 12:51PM
Anyone know why a software update and the old WD HDD that's been gathering dust in my room wouldn't work? Seems like that would be great PR- everyone bitches about downloadable content, Nintendo listens!
ThePremierAssassin @ Apr 9th 2008 12:51PM
Wii need a lot of things but Nintendo probably won't give them to us until next gen...if EVER.
I'm so glad I got a 360...I'd probably have gone mad by now if I only had a WIi.
Majiq @ Apr 9th 2008 3:49PM
That's why I got rid of my Wii. It was cool at first, but then, it got old. I'll pick one up after they drop the price, whenever that is. There are only a few games I want to play that are out now but the 360 definitely got played much more and I couldn't justify keeping my Wii. Now it's being enjoyed by a family of 4 daily instead of a being a little white box that flashed blue every now and then.
XanthouS @ Apr 9th 2008 12:58PM
Come on guys, it's just like VC titles.
If you want more than a few DLC tracks it's quite easy to do:
1) Play the DLC song you want
2) Delete the song from the system
3) Download the next song you want to play
4) Install the song
5) Repeat as desired
Nintendo has done a fantastic job of marketing the Wii as a simple machine that can be used by the entire family. That said, they need to cater to the consumers who turned them from a playing card company into one of the world's biggest names.
I enjoy a lot of games on my Wii (SSB:B, LoZ:TP, SMG, RE4, WW:SM) but I couldn't imagine it being my only console. Sure, it offers some of the big name multi-platform titles, but it lacks simple features that make those games so engaging (online play, DLC, etc).
FOXHOUND @ Apr 9th 2008 1:41PM
XanthouS ---
"Come on guys, it's just like VC titles. If you want more than a few DLC tracks it's quite easy to do:
1) Play the DLC song you want
2) Delete the song from the system
3) Download the next song you want to play
4) Install the song
5) Repeat as desired"
...see, that's the problem in itself. Gamers SHOULDN'T have to do that though. And it's not being nit-picky to speak out against this annoying issue(not that you personally said so; but others have). I own a Wii myself with a bunch of VC games, but I had to stop after FATAL FURY was released because I'm running so low on space due to the VC saves, Wii GameSaves, and the various Wii channels I use.
Yes, I do play a variety of those on a daily basis, which is why I don't delete/re-upload constantly from my 2GB SD card. Having said that, if HARMONIX eventually opts to have DLC via Wii Shop Channel D/L; there won't be room for it. Even if I didn't have VC games or extra channels, as the Joystiq article mentioned, it'd fill remarkably fast with all the songs I like that they've released thus far. It would get waaaay too tedious to just delete/re-download songs; which most likely would have to be done from the Wii menu and not the game itself... unless Harmonix does an in-game shop download/deletion like PS3 or X360; but yes, that would also require some kind of Shop Channel/DLC effort.
Trust me on this ... starting with the latter part of the year, Wii owners will start complaining more and more to the public media(sites like this, blogs, talkbacks, et al)about the issue of limited memory space as VC downloads, new games, and even new channels are trickled out.
XanthouS @ Apr 9th 2008 1:53PM
Fox,
I should have laid my sarcasm on a little thicker, I apologize.
I was pointing out Nintendo's lame "work-around" for consumers who want to download more than 512MB worth of DLC/VC to their Wii. As you mentioned, it's a terrible system and something needs to be done.
FOXHOUND @ Apr 9th 2008 2:08PM
LoL No worries, man. :]
I did literally choke though in initially seeing the steps you mentioned - it hit close to home on this end because of all my VC downloads.
Adam Fischer @ Apr 9th 2008 1:05PM
Did someone here say that a HDD would be CONFUSING? More so than 512MB of Flash built in? Things get confusing for users when they start to see "Memory Low" messages. Listen I'm a Nintendo Fanboy at heart, but as we get further away from release the more I'm starting to think that in ten years everyone will look back at the Wii and say "Wow, Nintendo really pulled a fast one on everyone, didn't they?"
ck @ Apr 9th 2008 1:18PM
Yeah, I might have to agree with you on this one. How hard is it to see how successful things like Xbox Live is until you incorporate that same vision into your console? It seems like Nintendo, as usual, is too stubborn to let go of their original ideas and goals and embrace what the norm.
I love what they've done so far, but it seems to me they keep shying away from what we regular gamers want.