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Satoru Iwata Talks Wii Memory Solution
on 01.05.2008 at 18:09
Posted by Jorge Ba-oh (jb) 
Comments: 24 
Reads: 2241
Tags:
Satoru Iwata, Wii Memory, Q&A
Posted by Jorge Ba-oh (jb) Comments: 24 Reads: 2241 Tags:
Satoru Iwata, Wii Memory, Q&A Recent News
Satoru Iwata recently commented on the Wii's memory solution for the "small number of customers" that feel it's too small.
Following an English translation of the company's recent Q&A session, the company president discussed the Wii's limited storage capacity and possibility for a solution in the future.
If Nintendo were to question gamers on their storage needs, perhaps they might just find out that many are crying for a larger means of holding content - even more so with WiiWare on the way this May.
Support for USB-based hard-drives are what a fair chunk of Wii owners have been desperate to have since the console's release in 2006.
Thanks to C3 reader Linkyshinks for the tip.
Following an English translation of the company's recent Q&A session, the company president discussed the Wii's limited storage capacity and possibility for a solution in the future.
Statistically speaking, it is true that there are a small number of customers who feel that the flash memory is too small, while many others find that they have plenty of memory. However, because this small number of people are none other than the most avid players, we know we have to review the best possible solution to eliminate their inconvenience.
Satoru Iwata - Nintendo President
Satoru Iwata - Nintendo President
If Nintendo were to question gamers on their storage needs, perhaps they might just find out that many are crying for a larger means of holding content - even more so with WiiWare on the way this May.
Support for USB-based hard-drives are what a fair chunk of Wii owners have been desperate to have since the console's release in 2006.
Thanks to C3 reader Linkyshinks for the tip.
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26
L3 Gooba
I guess this might mean that a hard-drive of some sort is on the way then. Not much of an issue for me - yet - but I know of a few people who are genuinly concerned that they are going to be having problems soon.
270
L24 Crawlton
There is nothing worst than companies putting spin on topics they dont want to face up to. Who did they interview? Mothers and grandparents who play wii fit/play/sport and have no intention of downloading a snes game. Any gamer will say they want a harddrive it isn't a small percentage unless they the normal gamer makes up a really small percentage
So yeah, Golden Sun 3.
18113
C3 Mod
"Small number of customers".... yeah. Oh well, still, it's great they've awknowledged the problem, hopefully it won't be long now. It's getting ridiculous ><
Wishing for a new Rival Schools!
15712
Founder/Admin
Price to put up a poll on their official sites?
Not much. Quick and easy solution to see what we, the paying consumers, want and need.
jb(at)cubed3.com
Not much. Quick and easy solution to see what we, the paying consumers, want and need.
jb(at)cubed3.com
will be right back after the break.
5803
L100 C3 Master
Basically what it means is that only a small percentage of Wii owners are actually 'hardcore' gamers. 
This is a major issue with the Wii, and I doubt anyone would say no to more memory options.
This is my newer, bigger, reasonably sized signature. I hope it's not too big.
This is a major issue with the Wii, and I doubt anyone would say no to more memory options.
This is my newer, bigger, reasonably sized signature. I hope it's not too big.
Resident Evil 5 and Bionic Commando PC Announced
8336
L100 C3 Master
jb said:
Price to put up a poll on their official sites?
Not much. Quick and easy solution to see what we, the paying consumers, want and need.
Price to put up a poll on their official sites?
Not much. Quick and easy solution to see what we, the paying consumers, want and need.
I think Nintendo know exactly what games all users own via our Wii Numbers and Wii Connect 24. As a result they will be aware of memory issues for some. All that info is freely available to them if a Wii is connected to Wii Connect 24. They know exactly what we have played on our Wii and even when. I think they now are starting to see that the onboard memory is being used up rapidly and with Wii Ware on the way that they need to provide a solution.
Lets hope something is revealed at E3. Matt C at IGN seems very confident something will be, without actually breaking embargo-
"something Wii owners have been asking for from the start is on the way", is what he said in a VC episode in January.
( Edited 01.05.2008 18:43 by Linkyshinks )
Got my copy of The Conduit.
4644
C3 Mod
USB memory support would be nice.
At the moment I don't need it, but I have a 1GB USB Memory Key, and it would be nice if I could just plug it in and use it.
At the moment I don't need it, but I have a 1GB USB Memory Key, and it would be nice if I could just plug it in and use it.
~Top 20 Nintendo DS Games~
[ Moderator :: Head of Secret Police :: Legendary Member :: United State-ian ]
[ Moderator :: Head of Secret Police :: Legendary Member :: United State-ian ]
Resident Evil 5 and Bionic Commando PC Announced
8336L100 C3 Master
Jacob4000 said:
USB memory support would be nice.
At the moment I don't need it, but I have a 1GB USB Memory Key, and it would be nice if I could just plug it in and use it.
USB memory support would be nice.
At the moment I don't need it, but I have a 1GB USB Memory Key, and it would be nice if I could just plug it in and use it.
I don't think that's a long term solution at all myself, there is memory heavy content on the way and even a 2Gig SD is not enough. It would be a cumbersome short term solution. It could also cause piracy issues.
Nintendo will want to make money wherever possible, they currently do not make much on branded SD cards for Wii, and with good reason.
A Nintendo branded USB Wii HD is more likely.
( Edited 01.05.2008 18:59 by Linkyshinks )
Les Enfants Terrible
285
L25 Kyle Hyde
I have a 250gb external drive, will that work? its usb.
83
L9 Peahat
nintendo better release a hdd
its not like we need a massive one. Hell, a 32GB usb stick would do.
But then again, that will be much more money than a standard HDD.
its not like we need a massive one. Hell, a 32GB usb stick would do.
But then again, that will be much more money than a standard HDD.
I'll have what she is eating.
406
L31 Pokey
Please enlighten somebody who does not know...
Would it take a hardware change for the Wii to play dvd movies or is it a firmware/software issue?
If it is the latter, could an external hdd facilitate the playing of dvd movies?
Would it take a hardware change for the Wii to play dvd movies or is it a firmware/software issue?
If it is the latter, could an external hdd facilitate the playing of dvd movies?
Look unto me in every thought. Doubt not. Fear not.
256
L23 Fire Leo
Oh ffs, just use the SD slot properly, Iwata!!
Bored? Take my advice and have a wank.
7821
L100 C3 Master
Too little, too late.
BRAWL FTW!!!!
259
L23 Fire Leo
cough hardrive?
A fail so epic, it may just be a win.
FJD
3427
L84 Crono
You could buy Gigabyte SD cards for next to nothing when the Wii came out, what justification did they have for not giving it an adequate amount in the first place?
If it had say 10GB storage space, it would bump the console up by what, few quid at max?
If it had say 10GB storage space, it would bump the console up by what, few quid at max?
Playing through the Metal Gear Saga!
2508
L75 Dedede
I think Oni is right there...
Still though, i havnt maxed out my memory, but i dont use it like half you lot do, or as much as i should.
Ive got like 11 VC games on there (although only 1 N64 game) and i have most of the channels avaliable.
Still though, i am alright for memory just for now anyway. Thats with 512mb, i havnt even thought about using my 1gb Wii SD card for it yet.
Still though, i havnt maxed out my memory, but i dont use it like half you lot do, or as much as i should.
Ive got like 11 VC games on there (although only 1 N64 game) and i have most of the channels avaliable.
Still though, i am alright for memory just for now anyway. Thats with 512mb, i havnt even thought about using my 1gb Wii SD card for it yet.
Just discovered why police dogs are called K9.
783
L45 Funky
Linkyshinks said:
I think Nintendo know exactly what games all users own via our Wii Numbers and Wii Connect 24.
I think Nintendo know exactly what games all users own via our Wii Numbers and Wii Connect 24.
I haven't bought anything from the Wii store yet. I didn't even have internet on my Wii for the first year.
BlueRocks said:
Please enlighten somebody who does not know...
Would it take a hardware change for the Wii to play dvd movies or is it a firmware/software issue?
If it is the latter, could an external hdd facilitate the playing of dvd movies?
Please enlighten somebody who does not know...
Would it take a hardware change for the Wii to play dvd movies or is it a firmware/software issue?
If it is the latter, could an external hdd facilitate the playing of dvd movies?
( Edited 01.05.2008 21:24 by Canyarion )will be right back after the break.
5803L100 C3 Master
Fenton said:
You could buy Gigabyte SD cards for next to nothing when the Wii came out, what justification did they have for not giving it an adequate amount in the first place?
If it had say 10GB storage space, it would bump the console up by what, few quid at max?
You could buy Gigabyte SD cards for next to nothing when the Wii came out, what justification did they have for not giving it an adequate amount in the first place?
If it had say 10GB storage space, it would bump the console up by what, few quid at max?
Exactly. I remember when they announced the 512MB internal memory I though "that'll be up to 1GB by the time it launches".
This is my newer, bigger, reasonably sized signature. I hope it's not too big.
feeling Fragile.
1696
L65 Tails
I think theres a few gamers, like me, that just dont care.
I dont mind redownloading, I dont see the need to have games physicaly. (as long as the prices reflect that).
Multiplayer games are the only real exception I can think off...Id probably want all of those instantly accessible.
But one player stuff?
I'd only be playing 2 at a time at best. If I finnish a WiiWare game I'm unlike to replay straight away.
Massive storage support is more a "why not" thing for me. I dont get why people think its so desperately needed.
(unless you got a dial up modem, that is :p)( Edited 01.05.2008 22:05 by Darkflame )Darkflames Favorate Games! - Darkflames Favorate Films! - Darkflames Favorate Foods?!
Dissagree with me?
Make your own reviews at;
www.rateoholic.co.uk : Reviews for anything, by anyone.
I dont mind redownloading, I dont see the need to have games physicaly. (as long as the prices reflect that).
Multiplayer games are the only real exception I can think off...Id probably want all of those instantly accessible.
But one player stuff?
I'd only be playing 2 at a time at best. If I finnish a WiiWare game I'm unlike to replay straight away.
Massive storage support is more a "why not" thing for me. I dont get why people think its so desperately needed.
(unless you got a dial up modem, that is :p)( Edited 01.05.2008 22:05 by Darkflame )
Dissagree with me?
Make your own reviews at;
www.rateoholic.co.uk : Reviews for anything, by anyone.
Bored? Take my advice and have a wank.
7821L100 C3 Master
512MB is nothing. I just got a 2GB MicroSD card for my phone. The card itself is like the size of your little pinky fingernail, and they go up to 8GB. My 2GB one only cost £7. 2GB isn't even that much. Enough for a few chunes.
Wishing for a new Rival Schools!
15712Founder/Admin
Don't think the Wii supports SDHC technology, but you can get cards up to 16GB I think.
Recently got a 4GB SHDC card for £8.
jb(at)cubed3.com
Recently got a 4GB SHDC card for £8.
jb(at)cubed3.com
hopefully I get to play all the games I wanna play in the weeks to come!
1750
L66 Sonic
I don't want an hdd. It's a device consuming power, it will always stay online and plugged in, because no one will unplug it when done.
Maybe sd-cards will do, they don't take up much space, power and are easy to handle. Plus you can reload things when you have lost your card.
Redownloading is not an option, because I don't want to manage my space. I want to have everything available right when I want it. Hell, sometimes I sit there and are to thick to get up and insert a DVD into Wii. Does Nintendo really think then I would redownload game XY from VC? It takes 10 minutes to do so: enter channel (i connects slowly!), check your downloads (the UI is way to slow to power-surf), check what game you actually have erased, maybe you forgot it. then redownload it, wait minutes until you N64 or Neo Geo title arrives.
I downloaded some games - in fact I have taken up to three sites on the dashboard - and got 350 blocks or so left. When Wiiware starts this will melt in no time.
When there's a memory-solution available, then all the companies will release DLC. I desperately want Guitar Hero tracks to be available, I want all the vintage songs from GH 1 and 2 and a lot of the DLC released for X360 and PS3. Companies even wont think about DLC if there's no memory solution available. It's easy to deny such a storage device, then it wont be considered being filled up by 3rd parties.
So direct access SD-cards up to... 16 GByte please, where you can store DLC, Wiiware and VC content, access it directly via Dashboard.
Maybe sd-cards will do, they don't take up much space, power and are easy to handle. Plus you can reload things when you have lost your card.
Redownloading is not an option, because I don't want to manage my space. I want to have everything available right when I want it. Hell, sometimes I sit there and are to thick to get up and insert a DVD into Wii. Does Nintendo really think then I would redownload game XY from VC? It takes 10 minutes to do so: enter channel (i connects slowly!), check your downloads (the UI is way to slow to power-surf), check what game you actually have erased, maybe you forgot it. then redownload it, wait minutes until you N64 or Neo Geo title arrives.
I downloaded some games - in fact I have taken up to three sites on the dashboard - and got 350 blocks or so left. When Wiiware starts this will melt in no time.
When there's a memory-solution available, then all the companies will release DLC. I desperately want Guitar Hero tracks to be available, I want all the vintage songs from GH 1 and 2 and a lot of the DLC released for X360 and PS3. Companies even wont think about DLC if there's no memory solution available. It's easy to deny such a storage device, then it wont be considered being filled up by 3rd parties.
So direct access SD-cards up to... 16 GByte please, where you can store DLC, Wiiware and VC content, access it directly via Dashboard.
I find your lack of faith disturbing!
So yeah, Golden Sun 3.
18113C3 Mod
Yeah, direct SD cards would be the best idea.
problem is, some games CAN'T be transferred to the SD Card, like Smash Bros for instance.
So what do you do when your Wii is filled up with games like that? You can't do ANYTHING, except delete data, but why should we be made to delete data?
Also, I'm not sure how many people have done this already, but it takes AGES to transfer Channel data to and from an SD Card, and that won't do at all.
problem is, some games CAN'T be transferred to the SD Card, like Smash Bros for instance.
So what do you do when your Wii is filled up with games like that? You can't do ANYTHING, except delete data, but why should we be made to delete data?
Also, I'm not sure how many people have done this already, but it takes AGES to transfer Channel data to and from an SD Card, and that won't do at all.
Resident Evil 5 and Bionic Commando PC Announced
8336L100 C3 Master
jb said:
Don't think the Wii supports SDHC technology, but you can get cards up to 16GB I think.
Recently got a 4GB SHDC card for £8.
Don't think the Wii supports SDHC technology, but you can get cards up to 16GB I think.
Recently got a 4GB SHDC card for £8.
Yeah the Wii does not support SDHC due to the way the data is compressed in them.
(OT:Ive seen a new Microsoft HD that allows you to stick in numerous SD card into a housing device to use as a proper HD on your PC.
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