Just bought Wii - fishing for advice

Hi,

I'm a little late to the party, but that's the way it's been for me for more than a decade now, so I'm used to it. The price dropped, and I finally bit. This makes my first new console since N64. Thursday, I hit Gamestop. That night I disconnected, wrapped up, boxed up, and put away three dear friends (N64, PS1, DC). Friday night, I mounted the motion sensor bar to the top of the tv, and I haven't looked back (though, the X-Box is still hooked up for now).

So far, my only disappointment is that the Wii Sports disc that came with the system doesn't play. I get a black screen telling me to eject and turn the power off every time. I cleaned it, still nothing, and I can see what might be a hairline scratch on it. I bought a used copy of Super Paper Mario that has visible scratches all over, but has no trouble playing (great fun, btw). So, I guess my first Q is how good is Nintendo about replacing games? Twenty years, I've never had to call customer support, but the guy at Gamestop says I would have to bring back the whole system for an exchange. The wires are tucked away and my Mii's are kicking, so that ain't gonna happen unless smoke starts rolling out of the deck.

Fortunately, I had the (precognative?) idea to buy Wii Sports Resort with the intent of saving it until Christmas. Needless to say, it was the trial game that proved this system's value. The kids dig it, the wife digs it, and I'm digging it while I search forums for good suggestions for myself to dig even more (it's time for some Metroid mojo, methinks).

In the meantime, I do want to get this thing up and running online in a few months, and I'm looking for any and all advice on the matter. Presently, our geriatric PC gets us onto the berm of the information superhighway with good ol' 56K to the gallon. I know Wii doesn't do low gear, so I've already looked into DSL through my current ISP and I'll be shopping for wireless routers in the coming weeks. The big (& long overdue) computer upgrade will have to wait until after the transition, though, so I'm nervous about running a new, faster modem and router while not having the ability to maintain them. If there is anyone out there doing just that, I would be very interested to hear how well it is working.

Any other tips, suggestifications, whatever, I'm eager to hear. Thanks.

Was the Wii new? I don't trust GameStop, especially if a new game disc is scratched. I would just suck it up and return it for another Wii because Wii Sports is great. As for internet options, higher speeds are a must for most games, unless you like laggy connections of course.:P I have both a LAN adapter and wireless router and they are pretty much the same in connection quality. However, the wireless router eliminates wires, always a plus. Some router go for as low as 40 bucks but take my advise and get one that is rated for gaming. It'll cost more but you'll regret getting a wireless router that can't handle your Call od Duty sessions online. Trust me. All game recommendations must be submitted here.

Also, congrats.:)

If a disc doesn't work and it has a scratch, try putting it in boiling water for a few minutes. You'd think it'd destroy the disc, but I've done it many, many times, and it doesn't hurt the disc. It doesn't always work, but you can always try.

Was the Wii new? I don't trust GameStop, especially if a new game disc is scratched. I would just suck it up and return it for another Wii because Wii Sports is great. As for internet options, higher speeds are a must for most games, unless you like laggy connections of course.:P I have both a LAN adapter and wireless router and they are pretty much the same in connection quality. However, the wireless router eliminates wires, always a plus. Some router go for as low as 40 bucks but take my advise and get one that is rated for gaming. It'll cost more but you'll regret getting a wireless router that can't handle your Call od Duty sessions online. Trust me. All game recommendations must be submitted here.

Also, congrats.:)

FFCYAN

Yeah, it's new. The one possibility I humbly considered is that when I slid the disc out of the cardboard sleeve it made contact with one of the staples on the spine of the booklet. All of the used stuff I bought with it (Wii remote, nunchuck, klassic controller, game, etc.) worked perfectly, but I am familiar with Gamestop's reputation. A lot of the used hardware and games I bought in the last bunch of years has been from them, and this is the first problem I experienced first-hand. I've heard of boiling before - never tried it. I'll find time to call Nintendo first.

I've seen the recommendations thread, and I've scanned through a number of the guides. There's a lot to read, but much of it has been helpful, too.

I bougth my brother a second-hand SNES and lent him my only copy of Super Metroid oh...nine years ago and haven't seen it since. Having missed out on Gamecube altogether, I'd say it's high time for me to get back on that horse. Samus was my homegirl back in the day.

As far as connection speeds, my primary need is for DLC and updates. I seriously doubt I will engage in very much online play right away, or at all. It was pretty clear to me some 11 years ago that I could either sign up for Ultima Online or have a life. Now, I don't mean that in a way that portrays online gamers in a negative light - I just realized that for me, the stereotypical slob in his mom's basement would have fit. I often envy the connected life5tyle but deep down I know that if I had made a different decision back then I would probably be dead by now, and that MMORPG spells divorce. I digress. I'll probably go wireless, but I'll likely go with the more affordable DSL package for a while.

Thanks!

About Wii Sports:

Don't sweat it, it's not a big deal. WSR is a much better game, you're not really missing anything.

About Online:

You don't have to worry about getting addicted to online play. The Wii's online functionality isn't really all that good.

Recommendations:

You have an actual family. So do I. Buy more local-MP games. The Wii is fantastic for that, no contest. Suggestion threads abound.

Props to Gamestop - I got my Sports disc. I stopped by yesterday to return Super Paper Mario (nothing wrong with it - I loved it - but it's above my daughter's skill level) and pre-ordered Super Mario Wii. While I was there, I figured if the same guy that sold me the thing (manager, maybe) was in I would try again to exchange the title. "No problem. We can swap it with a used copy if that's alright." Used copy is win.

Yeah, we could have lived without it, or had this failed I was going to call Nintendo. This way saves some hassle. When the new game comes in, I'll probably be ready to pick up the Wi-Fi and get that rolling.

I've read about one of the latest updates causing some problems. How often does that happen?

It's an uncommon reaction because of Nintendo putting in a code change to combat Homebrewers who hack their Wiis. If it bricks your Wii, just send it to Nintendo and they'll fix it free of charge.

Glad the Wii Sports thing worked out. I was going to suggest that you save your Miis to your Wiimotes (you can save several to each, if I recall correctly) and any other data on an SD card (which wouldn't be a problem since you don't have any games that feature online yet). A little late now, but something to keep in mind, esp. if your Wii ever fails for whatever reason (I had that happen, so saved my Miis to Wiimotes and all available data to my SD card.

When it comes to game advice, the best place here to check would be the recommendation thread, or, if you're cheap like me, the budget thread (all good-great games on the cheap). There's also the Wii Gaming thread, which is a catalogue of games coming out this year and next year that gets updated as new scores and announcements come in.

As for a family multiplayer game, Mario Party 8 worked wonders for me. You'll have to be careful about the minigame collection titles though as, while there's some really good ones out there, most are cheap shovelware. We'll keep ya from the crap though. :D

Oh, and about the latest update: yeah, it's uncommon, but knowing what I know now, I'd wait till the next update comes along before doing anything, just to be on the safe side.

Thanks for that.

While I was reading through the 4.2 thread for insight, someone posted that the new Mario will include this update, or that the update is required to play. The post was a little confusing, but it doesn't seem likely that Nintendo would put out a game that you can't play without the additional cost of equipment and a broadband connection. Am I to understand that they do have a propensity to pack updates into flagship titles? I have no plans to mod my Wii, so I'm not inclined to worry - just curious.

I will be keeping an eye on that bargain thread, too. *thumbs up*

I'm not sure about them putting in an update through a game, but requiring an update to pla a game is not unheard of. Super Smash Bros. Brawl caused a big stink when people bought it but couldn't play it due to some Wiis not being ale to read dual-layered discs. An update was then required to fix it.

Well, first off, since you're interested in Metroid, get Metroid Prime Trilogy. It has all three Prime games on one disc for the price of a regular retail game ($50). It's a definite steal if you're wantin' some Metroid action.

Second, whenever you deicide to connect your Wii online to the Internet, if you have any troubles connectin' to games like Brawl or Animal Crossing, this is an awesome tutorial made by one of GameSpot's own that will definitely help you. It has three parts.

Lastly, I suggest that you get an SD Card. 4GB is probably the best, and you'll be able to store any VC or WiiWare games that are purchasable from the Wii Shop Channel. You have to be connected to the Internet first, though, to be able to buy stuff from the Wii Shop Channel.

P.S. Whatever you do, do not buy any controllers made by anyone other than Nintendo. Their quality and durability are very questionable, so just stick to the good 'ol faithful Nintendo brand.

Lastly, I suggest that you get an SD Card. 4GB is probably the best, and you'll be able to store any VC or WiiWare games that are purchasable from the Wii Shop Channel. You have to be connected to the Internet first, though, to be able to buy stuff from the Wii Shop Channel.

HipYoungster42

Also, you'll need to update your Wii to be able to use any SD card larger than 2GB, so keep that in mind.

Oh, and in regards to my original post, the recommendation and gaming threads are stickies and so are always easy to find, but not the budget one. If you search "budget" though, then it should pop up near the top of the list every time.

If a disc doesn't work and it has a scratch, try putting it in boiling water for a few minutes. You'd think it'd destroy the disc, but I've done it many, many times, and it doesn't hurt the disc. It doesn't always work, but you can always try.

LittleEnid

Lol?

[QUOTE="LittleEnid"]

If a disc doesn't work and it has a scratch, try putting it in boiling water for a few minutes. You'd think it'd destroy the disc, but I've done it many, many times, and it doesn't hurt the disc. It doesn't always work, but you can always try.

brakey101

Lol?

What the heck?!?:P

[QUOTE="HipYoungster42"]

Lastly, I suggest that you get an SD Card. 4GB is probably the best, and you'll be able to store any VC or WiiWare games that are purchasable from the Wii Shop Channel. You have to be connected to the Internet first, though, to be able to buy stuff from the Wii Shop Channel.

MischiefmAker

Also, you'll need to update your Wii to be able to use any SD card larger than 2GB, so keep that in mind.

Oh, and in regards to my original post, the recommendation and gaming threads are stickies and so are always easy to find, but not the budget one. If you search "budget" though, then it should pop up near the top of the list every time.

Yep. Already tried the 4GB card from our camera and it couldn't read it. Found out why in the handbook, and have since learned about the update that allows the Wii to read larger cards.

That sucks that you need an update for certain games. It's definately something I should have looked into more before I made the purchase. I remember the precedent with the expansion pak for N64, but I had known about that well in advance. I'll have to look for news on Mario to see if it is the same case.

Lastly, I suggest that you get an SD Card. 4GB is probably the best, and you'll be able to store any VC or WiiWare games that are purchasable from the Wii Shop Channel. You have to be connected to the Internet first, though, to be able to buy stuff from the Wii Shop Channel.

HipYoungster42

[QUOTE="MischiefmAker"]

[QUOTE="HipYoungster42"]

Lastly, I suggest that you get an SD Card. 4GB is probably the best, and you'll be able to store any VC or WiiWare games that are purchasable from the Wii Shop Channel. You have to be connected to the Internet first, though, to be able to buy stuff from the Wii Shop Channel.

ImbaIance

Also, you'll need to update your Wii to be able to use any SD card larger than 2GB, so keep that in mind.

Oh, and in regards to my original post, the recommendation and gaming threads are stickies and so are always easy to find, but not the budget one. If you search "budget" though, then it should pop up near the top of the list every time.

Yep. Already tried the 4GB card from our camera and it couldn't read it. Found out why in the handbook, and have since learned about the update that allows the Wii to read larger cards.

That sucks that you need an update for certain games. It's definately something I should have looked into more before I made the purchase. I remember the precedent with the expansion pak for N64, but I had known about that well in advance. I'll have to look for news on Mario to see if it is the same case.

Actually, if you want to update your Wii console, all you have to do is first go to "Wii" icon in the lower-left hand side. Then go to "Settings". Then go to the third page, and click on "Update Wii System Menu" or somethin' like that. It'll update your console to the newest firmware, and you'll be able to play any game you want.:)

Be cautious, though, because I heard that some Wii consoles become pretty much useless after updating to the current firmware update (4.2). I don't think there's any chance at all that it'll happen to you, but just wanted to warn you:P

Actually, if you want to update your Wii console, all you have to do is first go to "Wii" icon in the lower-left hand side. Then go to "Settings". Then go to the third page, and click on "Update Wii System Menu" or somethin' like that. It'll update your console to the newest firmware, and you'll be able to play any game you want.:)

Be cautious, though, because I heard that some Wii consoles become pretty much useless after updating to the current firmware update (4.2). I don't think there's any chance at all that it'll happen to you, but just wanted to warn you:P

HipYoungster42

He already knows about 4.2, and he doesn't have broadband yet. Give the man some credit. :P

[QUOTE="HipYoungster42"]

Actually, if you want to update your Wii console, all you have to do is first go to "Wii" icon in the lower-left hand side. Then go to "Settings". Then go to the third page, and click on "Update Wii System Menu" or somethin' like that. It'll update your console to the newest firmware, and you'll be able to play any game you want.:)

Be cautious, though, because I heard that some Wii consoles become pretty much useless after updating to the current firmware update (4.2). I don't think there's any chance at all that it'll happen to you, but just wanted to warn you:P

MischiefmAker

He already knows about 4.2, and he doesn't have broadband yet. Give the man some credit. :P

lol It's just that when I read his post he gave me the impression that updates to your console are really troublesome. Just wanted to make sure he knew it was fast and simple.:P

Hi,

I'm a little late to the party, but that's the way it's been for me for more than a decade now, so I'm used to it. The price dropped, and I finally bit. This makes my first new console since N64. Thursday, I hit Gamestop. That night I disconnected, wrapped up, boxed up, and put away three dear friends (N64, PS1, DC). Friday night, I mounted the motion sensor bar to the top of the tv, and I haven't looked back (though, the X-Box is still hooked up for now).

ImbaIance

[QUOTE="MischiefmAker"]

[QUOTE="HipYoungster42"]

Actually, if you want to update your Wii console, all you have to do is first go to "Wii" icon in the lower-left hand side. Then go to "Settings". Then go to the third page, and click on "Update Wii System Menu" or somethin' like that. It'll update your console to the newest firmware, and you'll be able to play any game you want.:)

Be cautious, though, because I heard that some Wii consoles become pretty much useless after updating to the current firmware update (4.2). I don't think there's any chance at all that it'll happen to you, but just wanted to warn you:P

HipYoungster42

He already knows about 4.2, and he doesn't have broadband yet. Give the man some credit. :P

lol It's just that when I read his post he gave me the impression that updates to your console are really troublesome. Just wanted to make sure he knew it was fast and simple.:P

Troublesome, no, but I'm from 8-bit. I've never had to update a console before. There are consoles in my collection that I have personally owned for longer than most of the users here have been alive that work every bit as well as the day they were made, and that I still play on. The whole idea that I have to plug this thing into a network and have another computer somewhere out there in the ether teach it how to be a better machine is pretty alien to me. That said, I ain't skeered of it, just taking it all in for the first time, and also not afraid to ask even if I do sound like a noob. Not taking offense, just offering some POV.

Again, Gamestop has always been decent for me, but I really miss Circuit City now. :( My only other choices for local retail are either TRU or WalMart, so really, just TRU. Been browsing online stores in the meantime...

^It's all good now - see above.

Out of curiosity, I dug into the settings last night. Our Wii is version 3.4U. Looking ahead, I may try and have our DSL and everything ready to go by December - a month earlier than I had initially planned. This will hopefully insure that any creeping updates will have been taken care of in advance of their need.

Again, thanks to everyone for the helpful information. I'll probably be around this forum from now on, picking up on more good recommendations and the like. Good community here.