Virtual Console: Secrets exposed

[Zeus]

Nintendo has revealed some of the secrets behind their Virtual Console service.

Newly revealed information on Virtual Console for Wii

- Games can be downloaded to the Wii's internal memory or SD card, the console logs all downloads so if you have to delete a file, you can download it for free at a later date.
- VC games are locked to the console that they have been downloaded on.
- The classic controller can not be used for Gamecube games.
- All virtual console titles can be played via the classic controller or GC pad.
- Each VC title will come with a digital instructions manual.
- 2,000 point cards will only be available to begin with.
- You can buy Wii VC points online via a credit card.

News Source: <A href="http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=148658" target="_Blank">CVG</a>

[SteveNZ]

Does this imply you can download GAMECUBE games!? Or have they simply tacked that comment into an unrelated list?

That's going to make for some fairly sizable downloads if so, those disks can hold up to 1.5GB!

Being able to download games to SD, then back them up to my computer so I don't need to own a whole stack of SD cards will be great though, I don't care if the games have encryption locking them to my Wii, as long as I don't have to fork out for a bunch of new media :)

[Raist3d]

Does this imply you can download GAMECUBE games!? Or have they simply tacked that comment into an unrelated list?

That's going to make for some fairly sizable downloads if so, those disks can hold up to 1.5GB!

Being able to download games to SD, then back them up to my computer so I don't need to own a whole stack of SD cards will be great though, I don't care if the games have encryption locking them to my Wii, as long as I don't have to fork out for a bunch of new media :)

No gamecube games. You have to own the gamecube game to run it form the disc.

- Raist

[Mr Doctor]

Why has nobody smegging well asked "Are the games online enabled"!? I mean, if they arent XBLA is going to rape it If its just basicly downloading a rom with no extra functionality, whats the point? Personally, I own the vast majority of the VC games that Id want to play, but if they were online enabled I would most definately buy them again! If they arent.... then... I can go on ebay and buy the original cart for the same price as the VC games (original hardware+original cart is always better!).

[Lazycus]

Does this imply you can download GAMECUBE games!? Or have they simply tacked that comment into an unrelated list?

That's going to make for some fairly sizable downloads if so, those disks can hold up to 1.5GB!



No implication. As you said the size is a limiting factor. Plus the Wii can play GC disks right out of the box.

I'm just happy I can use all my Wavebirds without buying extra classic controllers.

[BirthFromFire]

The only game that I'm going to buy is paper mario for n64, (when and if it becomes available) since it is quite expensive to buy the original cart here in europe. Apart from that I don't think that I will be buying anything else... Also Dracula X for pc engine... if it becomes available...

[Mr Doctor]

Just get Mario&Luigi for DS, Paper Mario N64 is actually really rubbish - such a very over rated game.

[xllzerollx]

- 2,000 point cards will only be available to begin with.
.
this means that when i get the console i already have 2000 points to buy??
how much a VC will cost?

[Mr Doctor]

No, it means at launch there will only be 2000point cards avalable to buy in shops.

[WhyKlef]

Ok it answers a few questions but please don't tell me this is the secret Reggie been talking about because if it is... -_-!! Supa lame...

Seriously i'm disappointed by the Classic controller won't work with GC games... Really lame! They better come up with a new firmware eventually to fix this crap.

[Mr Doctor]

Why would you want to use the classic controler when you could use the much more ergonomic GC pad?

[Al3xand3r]

Why has nobody smegging well asked "Are the games online enabled"!? I mean, if they arent XBLA is going to rape it If its just basicly downloading a rom with no extra functionality, whats the point?This particular function is only emulated versions of the original games therefor no changes will be done (except I think some of them may be enhanced with analogue controls if needed, not sure).

Other than that, Nintendo said it's possible to use the service for new games as well rather than only emulation so you may see what you want in that form, like it's done on Live Arcade.

[FeistyGirl]

- VC games are locked to the console that they have been downloaded on.


I don't like this one at all... what if my console dies and I have to get a new one? Do I lose all my downloads?

It should be tied to an account, not a console... I hope this point is wrong...

:mad:

[xllzerollx]

thats true, it will suck if the downloads are locked to the console
:mad:

[Mr Doctor]

Did you not read the article? It says if your console dies Ninty would transfer the games across to your new console.

[FeistyGirl]

Did you not read the article? It says if your console dies Ninty would transfer the games across to your new console.


No way baby, I live my life on the edge.. RTFA is for girlie-men :D

[knux896]

I'm just happy I can use all my Wavebirds without buying extra classic controllers.
I have been wondering about that. After all the ports on the wii are on a flat surface while the Wavebird receivers are curved to contour to the Gamecube. It would seriously suck if the Wavebird receivers didn't fit, especially since Nintendo made them themselves.

[thePANICHIOteam]

nm. what about online play?

[nonzero]

Just get Mario&Luigi for DS, Paper Mario N64 is actually really rubbish - such a very over rated game.

Mario & Luigi on DS is exactly the same as the excellent GBA version minus all of the things that make it good.

Paper Mario on the 64 is a good game, the GC sequel is amazing.

[Havok154]

nm. what about online play?

I think the first couple sets of games will be direct rom ports, but down the line when they get more time, I can see them adding online and possibly better graphics to some games.

[knux896]

I have been wondering about that. After all the ports on the wii are on a flat surface while the Wavebird receivers are curved to contour to the Gamecube. It would seriously suck if the Wavebird receivers didn't fit, especially since Nintendo made them themselves.
I just found this picture in a forum:

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a400/Emylno/5-2.jpg

and this is the receiver of the Wavebird:

http://home.comcast.net/~swbfii/IMG_0004.JPG

According to these there doesn't seem to be any way that the Wavebird receivers would fit due to the size and shape of the signal receivers. Unless the Wii somehow automatically sees active Wavebird controllers then it looks like we might be stuck with cords for Gamecube games.

[jaz]

The wavebird will work check http://nintendo.about.com/b/a/256562.htm and look at this picture from Matt-Ign's blog:


http://wiimedia.ign.com/wii/image/article/740/740530/matt-blog-20061026074502070-000.jpg

"So, there's no more doubt: the Wave Bird receivers fit just fine into the controller ports on Wii's GameCube docking station."

[knux896]

The wavebird will work check http://nintendo.about.com/b/a/256562.htm and look at this picture from Matt-Ign's blog:


http://wiimedia.ign.com/wii/image/article/740/740530/matt-blog-20061026074502070-000.jpg

"So, there's no more doubt: the Wave Bird receivers fit just fine into the controller ports on Wii's GameCube docking station."
Thank goodness! I was really starting to be concerned because it didn't seem like it would work because of the curve on it. Good to know that it works.