Confirmed: Impossible to transfer Virtual Console games between Wiis

[Wolfpup]

Finally got a response from Nintendo, and they confirmed there's no method to transfer Virtual Console games (and possibly even game saves?) between Wiis. If you have a unit repaired by Nintendo, they'll change what Wii the games are associated with, but other than that you're out of luck.

Makes me further hesitant to get a Wii (although at least if they repair it you're okay-but you can't ever buy a "Wii Lite/SP" or whatever).

[ArthurDigbySellers]

Game saves can be transferred between Wiis. There is an entire website devoted to sharing them over the internet.

If the sole reason that you don't want to purchase a Wii is because you can't play Donkey Kong for NES at your friends house, I feel bad you for.

As far as not being able to play previously downloaded VC games on a redesigned Wii, Nintendo will have a method. Just like you can transfer your old DS settings to a DS Lite so you don't use your online records, etc.

[pilferk]

My only concern would be "long term". Just like many people have gone through 2 or 3 PS2's....I wonder what happens IF the Wii has issues like that what NOA will do for it's customers. I'll bet they'll have a plan, of some sort, in place for that eventuallity. Right now, while the warrenty period is still active, it's no big deal. But once it expires, there comes a point where it's cheaper to buy a new console than it is to ship it to Nintendo, pay for repairs/replacement, and ship it back.....

[Sleepkyng]

playstations need to be replaced, nintendo products don't - still own my first n64, snes, gamecube

[Vinny]

playstations need to be replaced, nintendo products don't - still own my first n64, snes, gamecube

But what if you want to sell the white one to get one of the different colors? That's what bothers me about the VC games.

[ZoneFighter]

If you associate the Wii with your MyNintendo account all of your VC purchases show up in the list of games you own on the MyNintendo.com site. There is an option in the Wiii menu to break the MyNintendo association and erase all of your content from the Wii (it even mentions you should do this if you sell the Wii.) I would think that if you do that and associate a new Wii with your MyNintendo account you could download the VC games to the new system.

[dothog]

I don't understand why this was an expectation of Wii/VC to begin with.

[SpazX]

Yeah, we all knew you wouldn't be able to take VC games around due to the Wii association, but if you get a new one or it breaks you'll be able to transfer them somehow.

Just take the Wii if you want to play your VC games at some other guy's house, it weighs like an ounce :-P.

[-Never4ever-]

Been over this a million times. Call Nintendo, tell them the old system SKU, then the new system SKU. End of problem.

[pilferk]

playstations need to be replaced, nintendo products don't - still own my first n64, snes, gamecube

Me, too, actually. But with the PS2, it was (for me) the optical drives that failed. In the case of the n64 and snes....that wasn't an issue.

In the case of the GC, for me at least, I suspect it was a case of use level. I used my GC far less than I used by PS2...so I would expect the drive to last longer.

Though I'll agree that Nintendo scores very high on the reliability scale and, hopefully, it won't ever be much of an issue.

[pilferk]

If you associate the Wii with your MyNintendo account all of your VC purchases show up in the list of games you own on the MyNintendo.com site. There is an option in the Wiii menu to break the MyNintendo association and erase all of your content from the Wii (it even mentions you should do this if you sell the Wii.) I would think that if you do that and associate a new Wii with your MyNintendo account you could download the VC games to the new system.


Been over this a million times. Call Nintendo, tell them the old system SKU, then the new system SKU. End of problem.


I would suspect, in the long run, that's what we're going to find out: Nintendo has a relatively easy way to work around this in extreme cases.

[Wolfpup]

My only concern would be "long term". Just like many people have gone through 2 or 3 PS2's....I wonder what happens IF the Wii has issues like that what NOA will do for it's customers. I'll bet they'll have a plan, of some sort, in place for that eventuallity. Right now, while the warrenty period is still active, it's no big deal. But once it expires, there comes a point where it's cheaper to buy a new console than it is to ship it to Nintendo, pay for repairs/replacement, and ship it back.....

Exactly. And I'd rather buy a new console for $100 or whatever, than pay $80 for a refurbished one.

If you associate the Wii with your MyNintendo account all of your VC purchases show up in the list of games you own on the MyNintendo.com site. There is an option in the Wiii menu to break the MyNintendo association and erase all of your content from the Wii (it even mentions you should do this if you sell the Wii.) I would think that if you do that and associate a new Wii with your MyNintendo account you could download the VC games to the new system.

According to Nintendo that doesn't work. There SHOULD just be a "deauthorize" button on the Wii, but it doesn't work like that.

I don't understand why this was an expectation of Wii/VC to begin with.

Because it's something really basic and obvious for a DRM system. Apple handles it decently, and is really the only successful DRM implementation. You're throwing money away if you buy something you can't use once you change hardware.

Been over this a million times. Call Nintendo, tell them the old system SKU, then the new system SKU. End of problem.

According to who? Not Nintendo. Doing that wouldn't deauthorize the first Wii.

[-Never4ever-]

Exactly. And I'd rather buy a new console for $100 or whatever, than pay $80 for a refurbished one.



According to Nintendo that doesn't work. There SHOULD just be a "deauthorize" button on the Wii, but it doesn't work like that.



Because it's something really basic and obvious for a DRM system. Apple handles it decently, and is really the only successful DRM implementation. You're throwing money away if you buy something you can't use once you change hardware.



According to who? Not Nintendo. Doing that wouldn't deauthorize the first Wii.

That was the answer I was given by Nintendo, first tell them the old SKU, then the new SKU. Problem solved.

[Wolfpup]

Oooookay, that's not what they told me at all. They flat out said it's not possible unless you're sending it in for warranty service.

[sasukekun]

playstations need to be replaced, nintendo products don't - still own my first n64, snes, gamecube
I had an original ps2 (fat one on launch day) and I never had to replace it.

However, I did trade it in for the new slim one with 5 games. I figured, why not...

[Sleepkyng]

yeah, i know people have had good ps2s, but a lotta people had to replace theirs.

[bmulligan]

Finally got a response from Nintendo, and they confirmed there's no method to transfer Virtual Console games (and possibly even game saves?) between Wiis. If you have a unit repaired by Nintendo, they'll change what Wii the games are associated with, but other than that you're out of luck.

Makes me further hesitant to get a Wii (although at least if they repair it you're okay-but you can't ever buy a "Wii Lite/SP" or whatever).

You must have completely missed the FAQ that's accessible from your Wii AND on Nintendo.com.

[T16skyhopp]

people may eventually find a way to hack it, maybe by taking the files off the SD card and patching them or something., or a homebrew boot program.

[foltzie]

That was the answer I was given by Nintendo, first tell them the old SKU, then the new SKU. Problem solved.

This is a slight missquote. Its old serial number, new serial number. The SKU for the Wii should stay the same.

However, Nintendo has already done this for the few unlucky folks to have bricked or otherwise damaged their Wii's during the first few updates.

[MarkMark]

But what if you want to sell the white one to get one of the different colors? That's what bothers me about the VC games.

for a different color? wtf? spraypaint it if you are that desperate for a different color. also you might as well stuff the wii with some white bread so you can have toast after the chemical explosion

[Wolfpup]

You must have completely missed the FAQ that's accessible from your Wii AND on Nintendo.com.


Okay, so where is this FAQ? Can you link to it? I couldn't find anything on their site about it, which is why I contacted them directly.

[torifile]

Bumping an old thread. I exchanged Wiis and following the instructions on nintendo.com, I unlinked my mynintendo account and formatted the Wii. I can see the VC games in my account on nintendo.com but there's no way to redownload them. None. I spent 30 minutes on the phone trying to get them to let me. They sent me a Zelda game guide (worth $6 more than the VC games I wanted them to replace) in their stead.

Now, I bought a used Wii with 4000 points on it. Can I unlink the previous owner's mynintendo account and keep the 4000 points there? That's $40 so I'd rather not. Any ideas?

[Steggy]

Bumping an old thread. I exchanged Wiis and following the instructions on nintendo.com, I unlinked my mynintendo account and formatted the Wii. I can see the VC games in my account on nintendo.com but there's no way to redownload them. None. I spent 30 minutes on the phone trying to get them to let me. They sent me a Zelda game guide (worth $6 more than the VC games I wanted them to replace) in their stead.

Now, I bought a used Wii with 4000 points on it. Can I unlink the previous owner's mynintendo account and keep the 4000 points there? That's $40 so I'd rather not. Any ideas?

id prefer you did... lol. Your games were deleted because you had a credit card on file and needed to delete that as well. I could just do it on the mynintendo.com site but figured ud doing it would be easier.

[torifile]

id prefer you did... lol. Your games were deleted because you had a credit card on file and needed to delete that as well. I could just do it on the mynintendo.com site but figured ud doing it would be easier.

Yeah yeah. ;) I just want to be sure before doing it.

[Serpentor]

playstations need to be replaced, nintendo products don't - still own my first n64, snes, gamecube


True for the N64, SNES or even the less powerful GC, but not the Wii...

I got a bit scared after reports of overheating Wii's video card (see the Wii graphic threads). I don't have this problem b/c i don't play my Wii more than two hours a day (i love to play more, but hey, i got other reponsibilities). However, if the Wii's graphic card problem is something Wii owners should concern about, i think a "new" Wii will be out later this year? If that's true, then people do want the VC games to be ported over, if not, what's the point?

Personally, i haven't purchase any VC games, 1. being a CAG, it costs too much 2. you can't really share it (i understand the logic behind this, but seriously, if Nintendo is releasing a better "Wii" later, i want to be able to play the already purchased VC games on the new Wii.)

Don't tell me not to look too far into the future... i brought my Wii b/c people said it's different and great things will come out for the Wii.

[Foo228]

Been over this a million times. Call Nintendo, tell them the old system SKU, then the new system SKU. End of problem.exactly

[torifile]

exactly
What? The SKU is the same for all Wiis. And this doesn't work.

[soonersfan60]

He means the unique system number (not SKU), but has anyone on here actually done this? I know people have claimed that someone at Nintendo told them this, but we don't know if their CSR misunderstood or are guessing or whatever. So, has someone actually transferred their games?

[torifile]

He means the unique system number (not SKU), but has anyone on here actually done this? I know people have claimed that someone at Nintendo told them this, but we don't know if their CSR misunderstood or are guessing or whatever. So, has someone actually transferred their games? I can tell you that I was told unequivocally by Nintendo that there's no way to transfer games without sending the system back to them and they'll transfer them to the other system for you. Did I give the CSR the serial numbers for the old and new Wiis? No, she didn't ask for them. Had she asked for them, they were readily available to both of us if she had wanted them. One was registered in mynintendo and the other was sitting next to my t.v.

I don't think it's possible for an end-user to do this. Boo, Nintendo. Shame on you. DRM gone bad.

[soonersfan60]

Ok. Thanks for the clarification of what you were told. I'm just saying that there are people in this thread talking like they know it can be done, but it seems to be only hearsay so I was looking for more.

[Masterkyo]

i haven't purchase any VC game and I used to played VC games on my friend WII. I wonder its OK i ask my friend download all his VC games on my DS card so i can playing it on my WII instead his Wii ??

[Strell]

i haven't purchase any VC game and I used to played VC games on my friend WII. I wonder its OK i ask my friend download all his VC games on my DS card so i can playing it on my WII instead his Wii ??

Jesus Christ...

[Apossum]

Ok. Thanks for the clarification of what you were told. I'm just saying that there are people in this thread talking like they know it can be done, but it seems to be only hearsay so I was looking for more.


I had the same experience. I asked them every possible way of transferring games and they said no to all of them.


boo, indeed. it's a freaking online download that's verified by serial numbers, system numbers, registration, online profiles, credit card statements, etc. etc. etc. and they're still too paranoid to let people redownload their games. oh, and the games are almost 100% profit on top of that. sheesh. sorry for the mini rant.

[CosmosTheMouse]

I kind of figured this.

My Wii recently went "off center" fucking up the syetem so I had to send it in for repairs (god knows how that happened. I hardly touch it). They gave me 2 options. 1, fix the Wii I have and retain my VC games, or 2. give me a new Wii and lose the 80 bucks soaked into Wii points, lose my data and Mii's, etc etc. So I had to go with 1.


I'm sure though it won't be too long before they create some kind of system where you can move them from one to the next but prevent you from getting them back. I'm only going to DL the one's i'm 100% sure about playing for now, because if you go off and spend 10000 bucks on VC you could get screwed in the long run.

[Serpentor]

Cosmo dude, what exactly happened to your Wii? i hardly otuch mines and i wonder if that "off center" thingy gonna happen to my Wii....

rereading your post, you said you don't really know, but can you describe the "off center" problem a bit?

[Serpentor]

i haven't purchase any VC game and I used to played VC games on my friend WII. I wonder its OK i ask my friend download all his VC games on my DS card so i can playing it on my WII instead his Wii ??

*sigh* where have you been?
1. no, you can't download VC games to the DS
2. no, you can't play your friend's VC games on your Wii
3. YOU CAN'T EVEN TRANSFER YOUR OWN VC GAMES TO YOUR 2ND Wii

[Serpentor]

err, correction, your could transfer the VC games around, but you can't play them except on the first Wii they're downloaded from, that's what i really meant...

[torifile]

The stupid thing is that you can copy VC games to an SD card but you can't get them off! (I know because I thought I had successfully backed up my games to the SD card - they showed up on the new Wii in the data management section - before I formatted the old Wii.)

[Wolfpup]

This still blows my mind that NONE OF THE THREE companies have done this right.

YEARS before the 360 launched Apple got this pretty close to right.

You can authorize the hardware yourself, making the content you purchase work. Then ANY TIME YOU WANT you can DEAUTHORIZE your own hardware, letting you then authorize any other piece of hardware you want.

What is so hard about that that Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft don't get it?

Are they intentionally just trying to rip us off? Like they think people are so stupid they'll buy this stuff, and then buy it a second time (and then a third time...)

I really hope they're losing sales from this. I have no problem with Nintendo's prices, and probably would have sunk $50 or more into Virtual Console games already...IF THEY HAD REASONABLE DRM!

[torifile]

Exactly. I can see them not wanting to foot the bandwidth bill again (just like Apple doesn't let you re-download) but to actively prevent someone from safeguarding their purchases by backing them up onto an SD card is just asinine. Why this hasn't gotten more press is beyond me.

[Wolfpup]

Exactly. I can see them not wanting to foot the bandwidth bill again (just like Apple doesn't let you re-download) but to actively prevent someone from safeguarding their purchases by backing them up onto an SD card is just asinine. Why this hasn't gotten more press is beyond me.

A lot of people (and press!) just seem to laugh it off for some reason. As though it's "totally outrageous" that we'd actually want to OWN THE CONTENT WE BUY and play it where we want.

I really don't care if we're allowed to download stuff again-especially on a platform like the Wii or PS3 where we can easily back stuff up. That wouldn't affect my purchase decision one way or the other-but I'm not buying stuff until I can use it on another console. I'm okay with a one time internet connection being required just to "activate" or "deactivate" the console (though I wonder if even that could be set up to alternatively be doable over the phone, reading off a string of numbers or something).

It pisses me off, because I feel like people "buying" all of this stuff are suckers. I wish the gaming community wouldn't even talk about these downloadable games until it's done right.

[dallow]

This still blows my mind that NONE OF THE THREE companies have done this right.

YEARS before the 360 launched Apple got this pretty close to right.

You can authorize the hardware yourself, making the content you purchase work. Then ANY TIME YOU WANT you can DEAUTHORIZE your own hardware, letting you then authorize any other piece of hardware you want.

I'll have to agree with you on that one.

[panasonic]

I don't understand why this was an expectation of Wii/VC to begin with.

because 360 and ps3 offer it and it is a safety against the purchase. I don't want to buy a game and if my console craps out then i have to rebuy it.

[Scrubking]

A lot of people (and press!) just seem to laugh it off for some reason. As though it's "totally outrageous" that we'd actually want to OWN THE CONTENT WE BUY and play it where we want.

That's why digital distribution and DRM suck ass and infringe on our ownership rights.

The reality is that if we don't do something about the growing trend to rent content out - and yes selling digital content that you have to rebuy if you lose, break, etc is effectively a rental - consumers won't own their own enterainment anymore.

[Wolfpup]

That's why digital distribution and DRM suck ass and infringe on our ownership rights.

The reality is that if we don't do something about the growing trend to rent content out - and yes selling digital content that you have to rebuy if you lose, break, etc is effectively a rental - consumers won't own their own enterainment anymore.

Yes! Glad I'm not the only one who realizes it's just a rental. I just wish more people got it. A lot of people don't seem to realize the problem until they get hit with it themselves.

[torifile]

Yes! Glad I'm not the only one who realizes it's just a rental. I just wish more people got it. A lot of people don't seem to realize the problem until they get hit with it themselves.
When you call it a rental, you really do a disservice to those of us who don't think that this type of DRM is good because it's NOT a rental. There's no time limit on how long you can use it. There's no additional charge if you wish to use it in perpetuity. When you call it a "rental" you set up a nice strawman argument for those who espouse this as a good thing to knock down.

You do own it, but with *very* tight restrictions. They need to loosen these up - that's the problem I've got with it.

[Wolfpup]

When you call it a rental, you really do a disservice to those of us who don't think that this type of DRM is good because it's NOT a rental. There's no time limit on how long you can use it. There's no additional charge if you wish to use it in perpetuity. When you call it a "rental" you set up a nice strawman argument for those who espouse this as a good thing to knock down.

You do own it, but with *very* tight restrictions. They need to loosen these up - that's the problem I've got with it.

I suppose that's fair enough, though you certainly don't own anything "purchased" through those three systems. I've sometimes referred to it as an "extended rental", since that's basically what it is. Probably needs a new word.

Crap would work. I get so mad every time I see a new thread on here about some DRMed game, and people fawning over themselves to "buy" it.

[Vegan]

Yes! Glad I'm not the only one who realizes it's just a rental. I just wish more people got it.

We "get it," we just refuse to accept that instead of lying down and being tools.

[Strell]

I really like how the people who are complaining about this/refuse to buy such things suddenly act like those of us that do are somehow retarded or something.

[Wolfpup]

We "get it," we just refuse to accept that instead of lying down and being tools.

I'm not sure what you're saying. Lying down and being a tool would be "buying" that garbage.

[dallow]

I really like how the people who are complaining about this/refuse to buy such things suddenly act like those of us that do are somehow retarded or something.

OMG Strell, do you eat meat?!
I can't believe people still eat meat these days. Savages!

As for the DRM'ed games.
I buy them even though there's a chance of losing them in the future.
Why?

Well, they're relatively cheap in the grand scheme of things, and last me longer than the $50 worth of drinks I bought last night.

[Wolfpup]

I really like how the people who are complaining about this/refuse to buy such things suddenly act like those of us that do are somehow retarded or something.

Well, you are supporting it. You are hurting the future of games you can buy and actually own.

[JDUB X]

So aparrently Nintendo says they will put them your replacement Wii if you send it in to the Repair Center, But that absolutely screws anyone who has a in store warranty.

Now Microsoft's DLC replacement is far from perfect as well, but At least after some fussing around you can Get points issued to replace the content.

If Publishers really want to push this whole Digital Distrubition sales model, they really have to figure out how to make sure the content cant just dissapear on consummers. Untill They figure it out, Whenever I buy a XBLA game, I never Quite feel like Im actually owning it.

[Wolfpup]

So aparrently Nintendo says they will put them your replacement Wii if you send it in to the Repair Center, But that absolutely screws anyone who has a in store warranty.

Now Microsoft's DLC replacement is far from perfect as well, but At least after some fussing around you can Get points issued to replace the content.

If Publishers really want to push this whole Digital Distrubition sales model, they really have to figure out how to make sure the content cant just dissapear on consummers. Untill They figure it out, Whenever I buy a XBLA game, I never Quite feel like Im actually owning it.

Well ideally, DON'T spend your money on that stuff. I know there some tempting games on there sometimes, but just don't do it!

All they need to do is copy Apple's model that they've been using for YEARS before the release of the 360. They can just stick an option in there to "authorize" the system-punch in your username (or email) and password, it goes out to the internet, and then allows that hardware to work with your content. Then give an option to "deauthorize" the hardware, which then allows you to authorize a different unit.

It's all automated, and means we only need an internet connection during the rare times we're switching hardware. It's still not 100% perfect, but it's a hell of a lot more fair to us then the current system, and has no drawback for the publishers either (unless they seriously think they're going to sell the same game to the same person multiple times!)

[torifile]

So aparrently Nintendo says they will put them your replacement Wii if you send it in to the Repair Center, But that absolutely screws anyone who has a in store warranty.
Which is absolutely ridiculous because there are times things don't get sent back for warranty repair but are replaced. Like say you break it yourself. It's irreparable. It's stolen. It's sold. It's gifted. And on. Lame reasons and justifications by Nintendo. If my wii didn't have points on it already, I wouldn't buy anything from them.

[UncleBob]

Which is absolutely ridiculous because there are times things don't get sent back for warranty repair but are replaced. Like say you break it yourself. It's irreparable. It's stolen. It's sold. It's gifted. And on. Lame reasons and justifications by Nintendo. If my wii didn't have points on it already, I wouldn't buy anything from them.

If you break yourself or it's irreparable, Nintendo will probably still replace the unit super-cheap. This is what they've done in the past, at least.

If it is stolen, well... you're SOL. I mean, what if someone breaks into your house and steals your PS2 and all your PS2 games? Does Sony automatically replace those?

If you sell it, well... include the downloaded content into the price you sell the system for. It's part of the package you sell. If you sell your XBox and all your XBox games, does Microsoft automatically replace those?

Ditto the same if you "Gift" it. Aside from the fact that one must wonder why you're giving a used Wii as a gift (and, I assume, purchasing yourself a brand new one), you're giving the games tied to it as a gift as well.

-----

I'm willing to bet that, if, for whatever reason, you purchase a new Wii in the future (different color, Wii+DVD, etc) that you could send both units to Nintendo to have your VC Downloads transfered over (or they'll have a better method in place by then) at no charge (aside from, possibly, shipping to NoA)

-----

Additionally, when you download ringtones and games to your cell phone, they're tied to that handset. Does anyone refuse to buy a cell phone because of that?

[Wolfpup]

If you break yourself or it's irreparable, Nintendo will probably still replace the unit super-cheap. This is what they've done in the past, at least.

"Super-cheap" typically means almost as much as a new console. Most of us would rather buy a new console.

I'm willing to bet that, if, for whatever reason, you purchase a new Wii in the future (different color, Wii+DVD, etc) that you could send both units to Nintendo to have your VC Downloads transfered over (or they'll have a better method in place by then) at no charge (aside from, possibly, shipping to NoA)

Nintendo has given absolutely no indication they're going to do this. And if they are willing to do it...then why not do the far simpler thing of fixing their DRM system so the hardware can be deactivated for a new piece of hardware to get activated?

Additionally, when you download ringtones and games to your cell phone, they're tied to that handset. Does anyone refuse to buy a cell phone because of that?

No, but if they're smart they refuse to "buy" ringtones for it (even aside from getting tied to the hardware, they're a complete rip off-and would be completely redundant unless the service provider locks the phone so user content can't be added)

[UncleBob]

"Super-cheap" typically means almost as much as a new console. Most of us would rather buy a new console.

Have you ever had a system replaced by Nintendo out of warranty? I can't speak for the Wii, but I know "super-cheap" doesn't always mean "as much as a new console". I had a mother with her young kid come in awhile go with an original DS (out of warranty) that had been chewed to bits by the family dog. At the time, DSLites were still near-impossible to come by, so I asked her to hang on a second. I called Nintendo's customer service and the rep hooked the mother up with a new unit (and a box to ship back the old one) for $50. Less than half the cost of a new unit (and, I think, cheaper than a used one from EBGames/GameStop).

Nintendo has given absolutely no indication they're going to do this. And if they are willing to do it...then why not do the far simpler thing of fixing their DRM system so the hardware can be deactivated for a new piece of hardware to get activated?

And Nintendo has given absolutly no indication that they're not going to do this. The fact that they have the ability to do this and the fact (i.e.: my opinion) that, for the most part, Nintendo has the best damn customer service of any company in the industry tells me that if and when new colors/better systems come out in the future, they'll offer this service.

And the DRM system doesn't need "fixed" because it isn't "broken". Just because you don't agree with it, it doesn't make it "broken".

No, but if they're smart they refuse to "buy" ringtones for it (even aside from getting tied to the hardware, they're a complete rip off-and would be completely redundant unless the service provider locks the phone so user content can't be added)

So now people who buy ringtones are stupid?

[drfunk85]

So now people who buy ringtones are stupid?

Yes. Just like people who buy PS3s. For one thing, they are super expensive. They're just letting the upward trend of expensive consoles continue. Everyone else is standing up against this injustice! Not only that, but they don't even play VC games! What kind of stupid company wouldn't allow me to move the digital games I bought on one system to another? We need to all refuse to accept this and demand that digital downloads be available on every console. Why be restricted to one console, it's bogus! If I "own" this download of Super Mario, I should be able to play it on any console I want.

[torifile]

And Nintendo has given absolutly no indication that they're not going to do this. The fact that they have the ability to do this and the fact (i.e.: my opinion) that, for the most part, Nintendo has the best damn customer service of any company in the industry tells me that if and when new colors/better systems come out in the future, they'll offer this service. This quote is absurd. Will Nintendo give me One Million Dollars if I ask them to? They've given no indication that they won't. They've got good customer service and I'm a loyal customer, owning everything they've put out but the SNES and N64. ;-)

And are you actually suggesting that Nintendo would take the time, set up the facilities and infrastructure and bear the liability of caring for potentially millions of customers' brand new undamaged Wiis (times 2 for each person who wants the transfer) for free? LOL. That's funny.

Further are you suggesting that sending two relatively big boxes of expensive electronics across the country to get $20 of games transfered to be something people will gladly do and something that's even remotely acceptable when the fucking solution is so incredibly obvious to anyone who's either not a fanboy or has half a brain (notice that I used "or" so fanboys can have half a brain but they don't use it in this case)?

Think a little. This situation is ridiculous.

[UncleBob]

OKay, I just got off the phone with Nintendo. I'm going to reply to the bulk of things in the other topic, but real quick in reply to the post above:

The Nintendo rep said that they didn't currently have anything in place if you wish to purchase a new (DVD/new color) system later and send in your units to transfer content, however she said that such a thing has been discussed and that it's likely they would offer such a service in the case that a new color/+DVD unit is released.

Now, she could have just been saying that in order to not make me feel bad for already buying a Wii.

Do I think it's a little out of the way to do that? Yeah. However, again, if someone else can come up with a better method of protecting Nintendo's rights to their IP that doesn't rely on the honor method, then sell it to Nintendo and fix the situation for everyone.

[jerger]

actually nintendo informed me if i get a system repaired, they need the system to transfer the games directly too, and you get everything back.

[torifile]

The Nintendo rep said that they didn't currently have anything in place if you wish to purchase a new (DVD/new color) system later and send in your units to transfer content, however she said that such a thing has been discussed and that it's likely they would offer such a service in the case that a new color/+DVD unit is released.
Yeah, I'll believe that when I see it. It's such an absurd suggestion and I'd bet you a VC game they're not going to do it that way.

[UncleBob]

Yeah, I'll believe that when I see it. It's such an absurd suggestion and I'd bet you a VC game they're not going to do it that way.

I'd bet you a Wii Points card that they will, but then I'd have to buy another Wii when they release a new one... ;)

[Arkay Firestar]

Well, they should do it where they add software to connect two wii wirelessly, and the software verifies that the vc games are encoded to the correct wii before sending them over to the new one, all the while connected to nintendo wi-fi so that they also get the system number for the new wii and know that youve transferred...or something...i don't know...what ever.

[torifile]

I'd bet you a Wii Points card that they will, but then I'd have to buy another Wii when they release a new one... ;)
Alright. :) I'll take you up on this. If they announce a VC game transfer program that entails sending your systems in, you win. 2000 point card? If they remove the restrictions on using an SD card to transfer them or they allow you to redownload those games in your mynintendo account free of charge to a Wii that's linked to it, I win. How's that sound?

[dtcarson]

The main issue I see, is, are people really going to upgrade their Wiis that they already have, just because there's a color change? I personally don't need to 'accessorize' my game consoles so they match or serve as a counter point to other furniture in my room. (Adding features, including a more space saving size, is a different matter).
I can't imagine them requiring to send the Wii in to transfer them. Too much shipping, too much risk, too much hassle. I would expect/hope them to allow transfer to card or have the games linked to the account, like torifile said. One Wii serial number linked to one Wii Shop/Mynintendo account at a time, if you 'deactivate' a serial number (due to selling it or upgrading or returning it for not working), you can then link your new Wii's s/n.
They might be doing it (hardware swap) now because it's not needed often enough to worry about, and if it's required, you've probably already sent you wii in for repair anyway.

[UncleBob]

Not quite.

Personally, I'm confident that there will be someway to transfer VC games to a new system in the event that a major new color/upgrade comes out. I'm not confident enough to say that it will involve sending both systems in or loosening of the DRM restrictions. I am just saying that I do believe there will be *some method* offered to get this done - and since Nintendo has established that they do have a method for doing this (by having both units in their possession) that this is one particular possibility of addressing the situation.

I read over my posts and now I notice that I'm pretty much backpeddling over what I posted before. While in my mind, I was thinking that Nintendo would do *something* to allow transfer of VC content from an older system to a newer one, apparently I was too hung up on the 'send the units to Nintendo' method to realize what I was posting. ;)

I'm willing to bet a Wii points card that there will be *some* official way for a user to geit their VC content transferred from an older machine to a newer machine - thus making the arguement that it is "Impossible to transfer Virtual Console games between Wiis" invalid (well, not so much 'invalid', since you probably won't be able to do it however and whenever you want...)

[RedvsBlue]

Its also possible that their method of transferring the games involves taking the flash memory out of one unit and installing it in the new unit...

[torifile]

I'm willing to bet a Wii points card that there will be *some* official way for a user to geit their VC content transferred from an older machine to a newer machine - thus making the arguement that it is "Impossible to transfer Virtual Console games between Wiis" invalid (well, not so much 'invalid', since you probably won't be able to do it however and whenever you want...)
Shit. We're saying the same thing, then. You're just saying that at this point, it's ok that you can't and I'm saying it's not ok.

I'm sure there will be an official way to do it at some point. There has to be otherwise the bad press will kill the VC in its tracks.

[UncleBob]

We agree more than we disagree. ;)

Anywhoo, I say that it's "okay" at this point because, for the large, large majority of users, the only reason they'll need to transfer their VC content is because their unit is broken - and there is a pretty simple solution to address this issue that is cheaper than buying a new unit (or free).

[Wolfpup]

Do I think it's a little out of the way to do that? Yeah. However, again, if someone else can come up with a better method of protecting Nintendo's rights to their IP that doesn't rely on the honor method, then sell it to Nintendo and fix the situation for everyone.

YES!!!! OF COURSE WE CAN THINK OF A BETTER METHOD! I've already said it a dozen times in THIS THREAD!!!

APPLE. iTunes.

It's DRM lets you deauthorize a piece of hardware whenever you want, and reauthorize a new piece of hardware in it's place. The only time a network connection is needed is when you get a new piece of hardware. It's still not perfect (still requires the service exist, and that the hardware be functional enough to deauthorize), but it's a hell of a lot better than Nintendo's non-method.

Apple's method was around for YEARS prior to the release of the 360, let alone the Wii or Playstation 3.

Apple's method would GAIN SALES FOR NINTENDO. I would buy nearly every VC game I was interested in if the DRM was fair. I'm not alone in that. I have no problem with dropping $5-10 on an interesting game. I *DO* have a problem flushing $5-10 down the toliet.

In the case of the VC, the very people who are going to be most interested in it-people who like access to older games, and collectors, are the very ones who are going to lose interest when they learn they don't really OWN the stuff they supposedly BOUGHT!

My current VC investment $0. My investment if it had more fair DRM-probably easily. $50-100 with the current offerings. I'm not alone. (Okay, I can't actually find a Wii yet, but that's what I'm sure I would have spent by now, and would spend once I get a Wii...if the DRM didn't cheat consumers.)

Have you ever had a system replaced by Nintendo out of warranty? I can't speak for the Wii, but I know "super-cheap" doesn't always mean "as much as a new console". I had a mother with her young kid come in awhile go with an original DS (out of warranty) that had been chewed to bits by the family dog. At the time, DSLites were still near-impossible to come by, so I asked her to hang on a second. I called Nintendo's customer service and the rep hooked the mother up with a new unit (and a box to ship back the old one) for $50. Less than half the cost of a new unit (and, I think, cheaper than a used one from EBGames/GameStop).

I'd much rather have the new unit for double the cost. And often when a system breaks or needs to be changed for a newer model it'll be later in a life cycle when the price has come down.

And Nintendo has given absolutly no indication that they're not going to do this.

And they also haven't said they're going to buy me a pony. That's not an argument.

The fact that they have the ability to do this and the fact (i.e.: my opinion) that, for the most part, Nintendo has the best damn customer service of any company in the industry tells me that if and when new colors/better systems come out in the future, they'll offer this service.

If they were going to do it, they'd sooner fix it so WE can do it, which is both cheaper, will lead to higher game sales, and higher customer satisfaction. I agree that Nintendo always seems good to deal with, but regardless they're not handling this issues fairly at all.

And the DRM system doesn't need "fixed" because it isn't "broken". Just because you don't agree with it, it doesn't make it "broken".

Of course it's broken. Under the current scheme you can't rationally say you "own" a game that you "buy", and it's vastly inferior to DRM schemes in place years before the Wii's launch.

[UncleBob]

YES!!!! OF COURSE WE CAN THINK OF A BETTER METHOD! I've already said it a dozen times in THIS THREAD!!!

APPLE. iTunes.

A quick Google search tells me that Apple's perfectly wonderful DRM method has already been cracked.

Apple's method would GAIN SALES FOR NINTENDO. I would buy nearly every VC game I was interested in if the DRM was fair.

Nintendo could also gain sales if they lowered VC purchase prices to one point/download.

I'd much rather have the new unit for double the cost. And often when a system breaks or needs to be changed for a newer model it'll be later in a life cycle when the price has come down.

A.) We're not talking double the cost. 3-5 times the cost.
B.) You're speculating that in the future, the price of the new system will be lowered while the cost of repair/replacing it will not be. And that there won't be a better solution by then. Additionally, what is the logical reasoning behind purchasing a new unit at a higher cost in place of getting a unit at a much, much discounted price, both with the same new warranty? (aside from the one week wait time, of course)

And they also haven't said they're going to buy me a pony. That's not an argument.

Speculating on what Nintendo will offer is about as valid as speculating on what they will not offer. My Speculation is based on the fact that:
A.) Nintendo has a proven method for transfering VC data.
B.) Nintendo has an awesome track record for taking care of their customers.

Nintendo hasn't ever purchased ponies for random people.

Of course it's broken. Under the current scheme you can't rationally say you "own" a game that you "buy", and it's vastly inferior to DRM schemes in place years before the Wii's launch.

Opinions.

[edit to fix a quote tag]

[daroga]

Wolfie, you need to understand that just because you don't like the DRM system, doesn't mean it's objetively broken or wrong.

Apple wouldn't have made that DRM system that way if they didn't have to. A console is a different animal than a PC. I format my PC once very 6 months; I've yet to have any piece of Nintendo hardware break on me. With as often as viruses hit computers, upgrades to the OS are needed, etc. there had to be an easy way to deauthorize a PC and reauthorize it.

Nintendo will provide a way to get games moved over to a different system if something goes wrong (in fact, they already do). It may not the instant gratification that you're looking for, but it works.

[Wolfpup]

A quick Google search tells me that Apple's perfectly wonderful DRM method has already been cracked.

As far as I know the versions for the last few years haven't been. And anyway that has nothing to do with anything-that's on a computer that's much more open than a Wii (or 360). Being able to reauthorize a different piece of hardware had nothing to do with how Fairplay was cracked.

I'm talking about the MECHANISM for authorizing hardware, not really the specifics of how the content are locked.

Nintendo could also gain sales if they lowered VC purchase prices to one point/download.

Well sure, but that wouldn't get them as much money.


A.) We're not talking double the cost. 3-5 times the cost.
B.) You're speculating that in the future, the price of the new system will be lowered while the cost of repair/replacing it will not be. And that there won't be a better solution by then. Additionally, what is the logical reasoning behind purchasing a new unit at a higher cost in place of getting a unit at a much, much discounted price, both with the same new warranty? (aside from the one week wait time, of course)

It's good speculation because that's what's always happened. Getting something repaired doesn't make much sense as the repairs are usually so close in price to a new unit. And we'd want a new unit for the usual reasons-odds are it'll be more reliable, it may have design improvements, it hasn't been used as a toilet by some 2 year old, etc.

Wolfie, you need to understand that just because you don't like the DRM system, doesn't mean it's objetively broken or wrong.

I can objectively say buying a piece of software that I get to keep and run on any hardware I want is better than "buying" software I can only run where I'm told to run it.

Nintendo will provide a way to get games moved over to a different system if something goes wrong (in fact, they already do). It may not the instant gratification that you're looking for, but it works.

No, it doesn't work, as has already been pointed out repeatedly in this thread. It only covers people who have a broken Wii, and want to pay Nintendo for a refurb/fix. That dosen't cover any of the other situations.

[jollydwarf]

Successfully navigating through a Wii (mis)information thread doesn't just require a mouse and a monitor, it requires a glass of water and two extra-strength aspirin. I sometimes wonder if discussions like this ever resolved themselves, or if someone just conceded defeat out of weariness, if at least one participant wouldn't cease to have Purpose, fill with white light, and explode.

If we're lucky, that is.

[UncleBob]

I'm talking about the MECHANISM for authorizing hardware, not really the specifics of how the content are locked.

"I want Nintendo to use a method of protection that has already been cracked, just in a different way so that it just has to be cracked again."
Right?

Well sure, but that wouldn't get them as much money.

Neither would a method of VC copying that doesn't fully protect Nintendo's rights to their IPs.

The trick is that Nintendo needs to come up with a method that both protects their IPs and gets people to want to buy their stuff. Until they come up with a method better than they have now that does protect their stuff, it will probably continue to be this way.


Getting something repaired doesn't make much sense as the repairs are usually so close in price to a new unit. And we'd want a new unit for the usual reasons-odds are it'll be more reliable, it may have design improvements, it hasn't been used as a toilet by some 2 year old, etc.

Again, repair/replacement of a Wii through Nintendo is $50-$75. I don't consider that "so clone in price" to a new unit myself...

Additionally, mass-manufactured electronics are, typically, more reliable after they've been repaired/'replaced' by an authorized repair center.

The Wii you purchase at your local Wal*Mart comes off a mass assembly line. During the process, each unit might be midly tested while an occaional random unit is put through major testing to make sure something in the manufacturing process isn't going wrong.

OTOH, when you get a repair/replacement from an authorized repair center, the unit is ran through quite a bit of testing before it is returned to you.

If you get a Wii that has been covered in wee, I'm sure Nintendo will sanitize it real good for you. (where's that rolling eyes smiley?)

I can objectively say buying a piece of software that I get to keep and run on any hardware I want is better than "buying" software I can only run where I'm told to run it.

I can objectively say that a Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly sandwich is better than a Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jelly sandwich. It doesn't mean that the PB&SJ sandwich is "broken".

No, it doesn't work, as has already been pointed out repeatedly in this thread. It only covers people who have a broken Wii, and want to pay Nintendo for a refurb/fix. That dosen't cover any of the other situations.

My phone insurance doesn't cover replacing my phone in case of nuclear incidents. I guess that means my phone insurance is broken and not worth having.

[Wolfpup]

"I want Nintendo to use a method of protection that has already been cracked, just in a different way so that it just has to be cracked again."
Right?

:roll: :roll: :roll:
No. Again:
-I don't pay much attention, but I don't think modern versions of Fairplay have been cracked
-I don't expect Nintendo to use Fairplay, but rather to copy the mechanism of authorizing/deauthorizing a playback device
-even if they did use Fairplay, and it has been cracked, that doesn't mean it would be crackable on a closed system
-there's nothing to say that their current system can't be cracked, or that it would somehow be more vulnerable just be letting people use it more fairly.

Neither would a method of VC copying that doesn't fully protect Nintendo's rights to their IPs.

How would the mechanism I describe offer less protection?

The trick is that Nintendo needs to come up with a method that both protects their IPs and gets people to want to buy their stuff. Until they come up with a method better than they have now that does protect their stuff, it will probably continue to be this way.

And as I've said, there already is a way, but they'd rather screw their customers than implement it.

Again, repair/replacement of a Wii through Nintendo is $50-$75. I don't consider that "so clone in price" to a new unit myself...

And again, what about when a Wii costs $100-150? And what if I get a warranty through a store? And what if I just want a new unit for whatever reason? Their current "system" doesn't cover any of that.

Additionally, mass-manufactured electronics are, typically, more reliable after they've been repaired/'replaced' by an authorized repair center.

Do you have stats to back that up? Consumer Reports says to replace cheap electronics. They even publish charts telling when to repair versus replace something depending on the age (and we're talking more expensive items like computers or washing machines, not cheap game systems).

The Wii you purchase at your local Wal*Mart comes off a mass assembly line. During the process, each unit might be midly tested while an occaional random unit is put through major testing to make sure something in the manufacturing process isn't going wrong.

OTOH, when you get a repair/replacement from an authorized repair center, the unit is ran through quite a bit of testing before it is returned to you.

In real life most people would sooner trust a new unit than a refurb. In real life, quite often a refurb still has issues, and also already has wear and tear so that something else will fail sooner. You're really trying to spin this here...

I can objectively say that a Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly sandwich is better than a Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jelly sandwich. It doesn't mean that the PB&SJ sandwich is "broken".

As you well know this isn't the same situation. Neither is the other goofy comparison. Do you remember the uproar when it was revealed Sony was looking into a mechanism for locking discs to a single console? Same deal here, except more people seem unable to grasp how they're getting raped. A DRM scheme that's especially onerous on the consumer is broken. Some would argue that any DRM is broken-probably rightfully so. But regardless, a DRM scheme that makes it so you can't actually own content that you've purchased isn't acceptable.

[UncleBob]

Have you ever purchased a cell phone game?

[daroga]

No, it doesn't work, as has already been pointed out repeatedly in this thread. It only covers people who have a broken Wii, and want to pay Nintendo for a refurb/fix. That dosen't cover any of the other situations.If it's under warranty, they fix it for free. I got a brand new unit when I had GPU issues in my old box, and you know what? I got all my VC games transferred just fine.

I seem to recall that there used to be no way to transfer data from one 360 harddrive to another. And yet, once Microsoft put out a new size drive, BAM, just like magic there was not only software but hardware as well to transfer stuff to the new harddrive.

Of course Nintendo won't do that if they release a new model / color / whatever of Wii. Never. Just ignore the fact that the DS already has a way to transfer all the "system specific" stuff from one unit to another via WiFi so you can keep all your friend codes, settings, etc when getting a new machine.

[torifile]

FYI, iTunes DRM has actually been cracked (through the current version even) but only through a difficult workaround - and you've got to have the keys to unlock the files in the first place. IOW, if you're not authorized to play the songs in iTunes the crack won't work for you.

Out of curiousity, has anyone ever read the EULA for a VC game? I haven't and I'm interested to know if it says that games are restricted to that particular Wii (since that's really what it comes down to barring N's intervention).

[UncleBob]

There are ways around the iTunes crack without the 'keys'.

Not to mention you can always simply burn the song to a ("virtual") CD then rip it from the CD with some basic software. Or loop the audio through your audio in jack...

[daroga]

There are ways around the iTunes crack without the 'keys'.

Not to mention you can always simply burn the song to a ("virtual") CD then rip it from the CD with some basic software. Or loop the audio through your audio in jack...I've burned them with iTunes and ripped that CD in iTunes. Works like a charm.

I do want to make one thing clear in all of this. I'm in no way shape or form pro-DRM. I understand it, but I think it sucks. When I buy music from iTunes, I immeidately make myself some DRM-free copies for backup purposes. I don't like not being able to backup/transfer my VC games at this point either. But I don't believe for a second that Nintendo won't make that option available once a new model or color console come out, or even when the Wii warranties start running out.

[UncleBob]

I've burned them with iTunes and ripped that CD in iTunes. Works like a charm.

I do want to make one thing clear in all of this. I'm in no way shape or form pro-DRM. I understand it, but I think it sucks. When I buy music from iTunes, I immeidately make myself some DRM-free copies for backup purposes. I don't like not being able to backup/transfer my VC games at this point either. But I don't believe for a second that Nintendo won't make that option available once a new model or color console come out, or even when the Wii warranties start running out.

Exactly.

And until then, it's really not *that* big of a deal for the majority of Wii owners.

[Wolfpup]

Have you ever purchased a cell phone game?

No.

If it's under warranty, they fix it for free. I got a brand new unit when I had GPU issues in my old box, and you know what? I got all my VC games transferred just fine.

That dosen't cover the other possible situations.

I seem to recall that there used to be no way to transfer data from one 360 harddrive to another. And yet, once Microsoft put out a new size drive, BAM, just like magic there was not only software but hardware as well to transfer stuff to the new harddrive.

Basically only bundled with a $180 hard drive, and they didn't solve the real problem. TRANSFERRING content isn't a huge issue on the 360, as you can just redownload stuff, or use a memory card. The real issue is the same as on the Wii-everything's tied to one console.

Of course Nintendo won't do that if they release a new model / color / whatever of Wii. Never. Just ignore the fact that the DS already has a way to transfer all the "system specific" stuff from one unit to another via WiFi so you can keep all your friend codes, settings, etc when getting a new machine.


I do want to make one thing clear in all of this. I'm in no way shape or form pro-DRM. I understand it, but I think it sucks. When I buy music from iTunes, I immeidately make myself some DRM-free copies for backup purposes. I don't like not being able to backup/transfer my VC games at this point either. But I don't believe for a second that Nintendo won't make that option available once a new model or color console come out, or even when the Wii warranties start running out.

Nonetheless, you guys are taking a gamble. I'm not willing to take that gamble, and shouldn't have to. In the mean time, there are tons of great games I can get for cheap that don't have any restrictions on when or where I can play them.

[Strell]

God are we having this bullshit argument again?

[supershammy]

Like you, Strell, I am amazed this topic is still around, let alone at the friggin' TOP of the forum.

[Wolfpup]

Like you, Strell, I am amazed this topic is still around, let alone at the friggin' TOP of the forum.


So why did you two post to say you don't like posting? 8-[

And I'd guess topics like this are still around, BECAUSE THE PROBLEM IS STILL AROUND. Watch them dry up if Nintendo fixes the issue.

[Strell]

So why did you two post to say you don't like posting? 8-[

Really? Did I say that?

Or did I call this argument done to death raping-the-dead-horse bullshit?

I think I'll let your amazing deductive abilities tell me.

[supershammy]

So why did you two post to say you don't like posting? 8-[

And I'd guess topics like this are still around, BECAUSE THE PROBLEM IS STILL AROUND. Watch them dry up if Nintendo fixes the issue.
Right. Note that saying "Yeah, I think it sucks ass" repeatedly isn't a fix.

Also refer to Strell's previous post.

[Zen Davis]

I can't believe for a second that everyone wouldn't use this for piracy purposes. I mean just look at the PC industry.

[torifile]

There are ways around the iTunes crack without the 'keys'.

Not to mention you can always simply burn the song to a ("virtual") CD then rip it from the CD with some basic software. Or loop the audio through your audio in jack...
I'm talking about a lossless process. Going lossy to lossy is a terrible way to go. The way I'm talking about preserves the original quality, such as it is.

[CocheseUGA]

Really? Did I say that?

Or did I call this argument done to death raping-the-dead-horse bullshit?

I think I'll let your amazing deductive abilities tell me.

He whines at every chance to lambast not having physical copies of something. OMG, teh h0rr0rz!!!11

Cue the tin hat brigade...

[chosen1s]

I've burned them with iTunes and ripped that CD in iTunes. Works like a charm.

I do want to make one thing clear in all of this. I'm in no way shape or form pro-DRM. I understand it, but I think it sucks. When I buy music from iTunes, I immeidately make myself some DRM-free copies for backup purposes. I don't like not being able to backup/transfer my VC games at this point either. But I don't believe for a second that Nintendo won't make that option available once a new model or color console come out, or even when the Wii warranties start running out.

Agreed. Nintendo's business model seems to revolve around getting people who already own systems to buy more of the same system with small changes. Gameboy --> Gameboy Pocket, Gameboy SP --> Gameboy SP with bright screen. "Pikachu" systems, "Spongebob" systems - now those things bring new users in, but there's no way Nintendo isn't fully betting on repeat purchases from current owners as well.

With any new iteration of the Wii, it would be to Nintendo's disadvantage to have current users locked in to their current Wii systems and I would have a hard time believing that if there isn't some solution already in existence now Nintendo doesn't have one sitting in their back-pocket.

[SpottedNigel]

Well, they're relatively cheap in the grand scheme of things, and last me longer than the $50 worth of drinks I bought last night.

My feeling exactly :)

[masterh]

I bought a launch day Wii. Last January, it got stolen - I had something like 5 VC games at the time. I called up Nintendo and told them and they said don't worry, call us back when you get your new Wii.
I ended up calling them last week and they ended up transfering all my VC games to the new Wii. It took all of two business days. There IS a way for them to do it, and it seems fairly easy, whatever it is.

[torifile]

I bought a launch day Wii. Last January, it got stolen - I had something like 5 VC games at the time. I called up Nintendo and told them and they said don't worry, call us back when you get your new Wii.
I ended up calling them last week and they ended up transfering all my VC games to the new Wii. It took all of two business days. There IS a way for them to do it, and it seems fairly easy, whatever it is.
Tell us more! Did they push them to your Wii or what?

[supershammy]

Also, did you have your Wii connected to your MyNintendo account? I am curious if they had you prove you had bought those games.

[UncleBob]

I'm not willing to take that gamble, and shouldn't have to.

It's the best of both worlds! You don't have to take the gamble and we get to enjoy some fun games. Isn't life grand?

[masterh]

I had my VC account linked to my MyNintendo account and they said that was a BIG help in transferring to the new console.
From what I understand, they just pushed them to the new console and off the old. I can't really make 100% sure of this until I get my new wireless router, since that was taken too. But I called the toll free number on the Wii box and talked to them - it really didn't take long, and they actually called the next day and left a message saying it was done. For now, I can only take their word for it, but I'm excited. I'm thinking the Wii points I had are gone completely, but I only had 400, so no big deal.

[daroga]

I had my VC account linked to my MyNintendo account and they said that was a BIG help in transferring to the new console.
From what I understand, they just pushed them to the new console and off the old. I can't really make 100% sure of this until I get my new wireless router, since that was taken too. But I called the toll free number on the Wii box and talked to them - it really didn't take long, and they actually called the next day and left a message saying it was done. For now, I can only take their word for it, but I'm excited. I'm thinking the Wii points I had are gone completely, but I only had 400, so no big deal.That is fantastic to hear. Yet another case of Nintendo Customer Service being in top .1% of all companies. They're great.

So, in the end Wolfie, you've got nothing to worry about! Belly-up to the VC bar and enjoy some of the best games ever made! :)

[Wolfpup]

I can't believe for a second that everyone wouldn't use this for piracy purposes. I mean just look at the PC industry.

What are you referring to specifically? The iTunes model would no more allow piracy than Nintendo's current model (but maybe you were referring to something else).

I had my VC account linked to my MyNintendo account and they said that was a BIG help in transferring to the new console.
From what I understand, they just pushed them to the new console and off the old. I can't really make 100% sure of this until I get my new wireless router, since that was taken too. But I called the toll free number on the Wii box and talked to them - it really didn't take long, and they actually called the next day and left a message saying it was done. For now, I can only take their word for it, but I'm excited. I'm thinking the Wii points I had are gone completely, but I only had 400, so no big deal.

The thing with this is-this actually makes no sense. Anyone could just call in and duplicate their VC games with this process. They need a real iTunes style authorization procedure (which as a nice bonus for them, isn't subject to social engineering).

Really? Did I say that?

Or did I call this argument done to death raping-the-dead-horse bullshit?

I think I'll let your amazing deductive abilities tell me.

Whatever. This won't ever be over until Nintendo fixes the issue. If you don't want to read about it, DON'T READ ABOUT IT, and quit worthless posts in threads. That doesn't make the issue (or the threads) go away.

[Roufuss]

The thing with this is-this actually makes no sense. Anyone could just call in and duplicate their VC games with this process. They need a real iTunes style authorization procedure (which as a nice bonus for them, isn't subject to social engineering).
.

What doesn't make sense about it? He had his games linked to his MyNintendo account, which they checked, and put them on his new system. He even said the fact he linked them to his My Nintendo account was a big help, and I'm assuming it was a big help in seeing what he had already downloaded.

I'm not quite seeing what you're getting at here, since he provided hard proof of what he had bought, and you can't really forge VC games onto your My Nintendo account.

It's not like he called up and said "Hay guys I had Zelda and Mario on my Wii can I get them back" and Nintendo said "Sure, we'll do it right away!"

Well, I thought his console was broken, it was actually just stolen, but even in the event my console does break I'm now 100% confident Nintendo can put all my Wii games on a new system for me since I have proof of what I bought.

[Wolfpup]

The issue is if it's actually policy to do this (and not YMMV), anyone can just duplicate their games to someone else. The iTunes model doesn't have this problem, doesn't require human interaction, and can be done as many times as needed.

Regardless, if this is policy, the procedure needs to be clearly spelled out.

[UncleBob]

It'd be interesting to see what happens to the stolen Wii when/if it tries to connect online...

[daroga]

The issue is if it's actually policy to do this (and not YMMV), anyone can just duplicate their games to someone else. The iTunes model doesn't have this problem, doesn't require human interaction, and can be done as many times as needed.

Regardless, if this is policy, the procedure needs to be clearly spelled out.If by duplicate you mean give, then yes. THe games will only run on one system.

This is, actually, exactly the iTunes model, only you need Nintendo to do the deauthorizing / authorizing for you. It's just far more secure with Nintendo. I'm guessing that as long as the stolen system stays offline forever, it'll be fine. But the moment it checks in with HQ, its going to lose all of its access to the downloaded games.

[Wolfpup]

If by duplicate you mean give, then yes. THe games will only run on one system.

This is, actually, exactly the iTunes model, only you need Nintendo to do the deauthorizing / authorizing for you. It's just far more secure with Nintendo. I'm guessing that as long as the stolen system stays offline forever, it'll be fine. But the moment it checks in with HQ, its going to lose all of its access to the downloaded games.

Maybe. You're just guessing that, and regardless it is a lopehole that doesn't exist in Apple's system.

You're also just guessing that Apple's authorization system has been broken. To my knowledge it never has been.

Furthermore, Nintendo has never spelled out any official policy on transfering VC purchases. If it's been updated, I'd love to know about it!

[supershammy]

If you buy a Nintendo console, you are strongly encouraged to register it, just like many other products. With the Wii, when you register your console, all VC games bought with that console are also automatically registered as well. If you bought the games before registering your console, you can have the games retroactively registered.

Now, here is a portion of the End User License Agreement for the Wii:


Article: Wii Shop Channel Account.
Your Wii Console includes a Wii Shop Channel Account that allows for your use of the Wii Shop Channel Services. A Wii Shop Channel Account is personal to you. Your Wii Shop Channel Account and any Content or Product associated with your Wii Shop Channel Account may not be sold or otherwise transferred to another person.


"Wii Shop Channel Account" means an account on your Wii Console and which you use in connection with the Wii Shop Channel Services.

What this says is that when you buy a Wii and use the Wii Network with it, you are using your own personal Account to access and shop the Wii Shop Channel. When you sell your Wii, the account remains yours and will NOT be transferred to the third party user along with the physical console. Nintendo explicitly states this, and explicitly differentiates your actual Wii unit from your Wii Shop Channel Account.

When you register your product with a company, say Adobe for instance, you are proving to them that you now personally own the rights to use their product and are therefore given warranty-like support for said product (at the company's OWN DISCRETION - companies who do this are nice!). With Nintendo, your MyNintendo account is basically a catalogue of games and consoles you have proven to Nintendo that you own. These include VC games.

When you sell your Wii, you are responsible for deleting your Wii Shop Channel Account or having it cancelled by calling Nintendo directly. Both are the same, the latter is just more difficult and leaves information on the Wii (although it is rendered useless by cancellation). However, you are still the registerred owner of the VC games you have bought. If you buy a new Wii down the line, you are again responsible for registering this new Wii. When you do, it replaces the old Wii registration you filed, meaning that you can only register one Wii at once to your name. However, with the new registration you do not start with a clean slate of registrations for the Wii games purchased; you still have your VC games registered. If you contact Nintendo and inform them that you now own a new Wii and that you HAVE cancelled/terminated your old Wii Shop Channel Account, they will likely (just as any other company is only likely to) allow you to use the rights to the VC games you have purchased in the past in order to redownload them on the new console you have registered.

All of this banks on the fact that the Wii is always properly registered to the respective owner at the time of ownership.

You can read the End User License Agreement here:

http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/wii/en_na/privacyEULA.jsp

Basically, you are encouraged to register your console (and, therefore, your VC games) to prove to Nintendo you own them so that, in the future, you will be provided support for the games you have bought.

If registering a product to receive support is bullshit for some reason and buying the game should be enough proof, then it is not the company's fault that you are not taking advantage of the support that they offer. And honestly, if you have the forethought to think YEARS into the future about your VC purchases and what will ever become of them, you ought to have the forethought to register your stuff so that you can protect it down the line.

[Wolfpup]

That's great if Nintendo is moving to an Apple-like model, but I'm not seeing any proof of that (and regardless, for their sake and ours they should automate it).

Also, like I said, this current method could technically be used by people to steal games (assuming Nintendo really is allowing people to register a different Wii unit).

[CocheseUGA]

I'll save everyone a bunch of time here.

Next ten pages:
Try to explain to Wolfpup that you could recover your games.
Wolfpup complains Nintendo isn't Apple.
We say 'your loss.'
Wolfpup complains and wonders why he can't have physical copies of everything he buys.
We stop talking to a brick wall.

The End.

[supershammy]

First of all, the question "Can I transfer VC games that I have purchased in the past to a new Wii?" has been answered. The answer is 'Yes'.

They are not "moving toward an Apple-like model", no matter what you mean by that - the End User Agreement has been the same since the release of the console. They have always been in whatever 'model' you now conceive them to be in.

Since you now appear to have problems with how this system is actually tilted in favor of the user (in its lax restrictions on transferring VC games), I don't think anyone has anything else to say to you anymore. According to your last post, your heart now bleeds for Nintendo. It appears to me that your only concern is concern itself.

There are workarounds built in to the language of almost every piece of digital property. Did you know you can buy one Xbox Live Arcade game for TWO consoles and TWO profiles by buying just ONE copy of the game? It's right there in the language of the agreement when you buy an XBLA game if you read it right, and it can be done. So technically yes, you can also register someone else's Wii as your own and then contact Customer Service asking them to allow your friend's Wii to have access to the games you've bought in the past. But why is this bad to you? This is not bad for you. If this affects you in any way (which it probably won't), this is actually good for you. It is legally possible, so there is no problem.

There is no problem.

[Wolfpup]

First of all, the question "Can I transfer VC games that I have purchased in the past to a new Wii?" has been answered. The answer is 'Yes'.

Actually no it hasn't been answered. One person claimed it can be done, with no information backing up that claim, and no proof that it wasn't YMMV.

They are not "moving toward an Apple-like model", no matter what you mean by that - the End User Agreement has been the same since the release of the console. They have always been in whatever 'model' you now conceive them to be in.

If in fact the person's claim is accurate, and it isn't YMMV, then yes, they are moving closer to Apple's model.

Since you now appear to have problems with how this system is actually tilted in favor of the user (in its lax restrictions on transferring VC games), I don't think anyone has anything else to say to you anymore. According to your last post, your heart now bleeds for Nintendo. It appears to me that your only concern is concern itself.

I was pointing out that if correct, this system is actually worse for users AND Nintendo.

[Wolfpup]

blah blah blah
Wolfpup complains and wonders why he can't have physical copies of everything he buys. blah blah

I never said anything of the sort. I have no problem with digital distribution, as long as it's fair to the consumer, and gives some meaningful advantage over physical distribution. To date, the three hardware companies don't fulfill that.

[drfunk85]

My favorite part about this thread is the title. Apparently even though at least one person has had it done, it has been "confirmed" that it is "impossible" to do.

[daroga]

Actually no it hasn't been answered. One person claimed it can be done, with no information backing up that claim, and no proof that it wasn't YMMV.What? I had it done. Nintendo hooked me up just fine.

I'll save everyone a bunch of time here.

Next ten pages:
Try to explain to Wolfpup that you could recover your games.
Wolfpup complains Nintendo isn't Apple.
We say 'your loss.'
Wolfpup complains and wonders why he can't have physical copies of everything he buys.
We stop talking to a brick wall.

The End. :applause:

[Wolfpup]

My favorite part about this thread is the title. Apparently even though at least one person has had it done, it has been "confirmed" that it is "impossible" to do.

If you actually read it rather than acting like a jerk, you'd know Nintendo did confirm they wouldn't do it. One person has (months later) claimed they will do it, but that could be YMMV or a change in policy.

(For the assholes/idiots on this thread, obviously I'm not referring to them transferring it if you send it in for repairs.)

[Strell]

If you actually read it rather than acting like a jerk, you'd know Nintendo did confirm they wouldn't do it. One person has (months later) claimed they will do it, but that could be YMMV or a change in policy.

(For the assholes/idiots on this thread, obviously I'm not referring to them transferring it if you send it in for repairs.)

YEAH GUYS. WTH. STOP BEING SO STUPID. GOSH. IDIOTS.

I MEAN OBVIOUSLY IF I SET THE CONDITIONS AND CRITERIA AND IGNORE CERTAIN FACTS, THEN I CAN CLAIM WHATEVER I WANT.

THE WII WON'T SAVE YOU IN THE EVENT OF A CAPSIZING EITHER, FOR IT IS NOT BOUYANT.

JERKS.

[Wolfpup]

YEAH GUYS. WTH. STOP BEING SO STUPID. GOSH. IDIOTS.

I MEAN OBVIOUSLY IF I SET THE CONDITIONS AND CRITERIA AND IGNORE CERTAIN FACTS, THEN I CAN CLAIM WHATEVER I WANT.

THE WII WON'T SAVE YOU IN THE EVENT OF A CAPSIZING EITHER, FOR IT IS NOT BOUYANT.

JERKS.

Do you ever have anything to contribute? Or is it all random, irrelevant tirades?

[Strell]

Do you ever have anything to contribute? Or is it all random, irrelevant tirades?

I don't understand. Am I supposed to ask the same thing to you?

[CocheseUGA]

Do you ever have anything to contribute? Or is it all random, irrelevant tirades?

Are you ever happy with anything?

[daroga]

(For the assholes/idiots on this thread, obviously I'm not referring to them transferring it if you send it in for repairs.)Ah! Stipulations!

What the thread title should be is "Confirmed: Slightly Cumbersome to transfer Virtual Console games between Wiis." Cause I had one with VC games on it, then I had another one and had the same games, so the title is in grevious error.

[Wolfpup]

Seriously. Quit acting like assholes. As you all well know, this thread is for PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY LIKE GAMES, AND WANT THE VC FIXED.

As has been discussed 12 million times, sending in a console to get reparied doesn't cover most of the situations people would want their VC games transfered.

[Roufuss]

http://www.ahajokes.com/cartoon/lazy_cat.jpg

Hay guyz what's going on in here?!?

I like the VC which must mean I hate video games.

[supershammy]

So, we've come a conclusion, right?

Wolfpup is a joke.

[daroga]

Seriously. Quit acting like assholes. As you all well know, this thread is for PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY LIKE GAMES, AND WANT THE VC FIXED.

As has been discussed 12 million times, sending in a console to get reparied doesn't cover most of the situations people would want their VC games transfered.Actually, I bet it covers well more than 50% of the times. Of course, I can't substantiate that anymore than you can your claim. The average person (especially the Wii buyers new to console games or games in general) isn't going to buy a brand new system just because a new color hits or a version with 2 GB of memory comes out.

The VC isn't broken. I pay to download games and I can play those games (I can even play them on a new console!) just fine. So, I guess this thread is for no one? Unless of course by "fixed" you meant "changed based on my arbitrary whims and wishes" and then that might be closer to the truth.

Me and Roufuss will be chilling over here, playing the VC, hating video games. Peace.

[Roufuss]

I can only imagine what kind of angry reply he is furiously thrashing about on his keyboard typing out, as anger seethes from his pores as he curses everyone in this thread for being idiots and ruining the games industry.

I like to picture Wolfpup as this guy:

http://www.ugo.com/versus/images/characters/gallery_Napoleon_Dynamite_1.jpg

Try it, it makes all his posts so much better!

[daroga]

I like to picture Wolfpup as this guy:
I kid you not, picture of my Dad from college look just likeNapolean there. And not like "Hey he has the same glasses!" look alike. Pretty much from mouth to face to hair to body size he looks exactly the same. It's scary.

My Dad likes the VC too. Even if he downloaded Ecco the Dolphin without calling me to ask what it was first. Silly Dad.

[Roufuss]

I kid you not, picture of my Dad from college look just likeNapolean there. And not like "Hey he has the same glasses!" look alike. Pretty much from mouth to face to hair to body size he looks exactly the same. It's scary.

My Dad likes the VC too. Even if he downloaded Ecco the Dolphin without calling me to ask what it was first. Silly Dad.

:rofl:

Does your Dad sound like him too? Now I'm going to picture YOU as Napoleon just because you are the spawn of your Dad.

It's sad that your Dad also hates video games, so it must run in the family. I'll make sure to thank your Dad when the industry is dead because he bought a VC game.

[CocheseUGA]

My Dad likes the VC too. Even if he downloaded Ecco the Dolphin without calling me to ask what it was first. Silly Dad.

How is it?

[daroga]

:rofl:

Does your Dad sound like him too? Now I'm going to picture YOU as Napoleon just because you are the spawn of your Dad.

It's sad that your Dad also hates video games, so it must run in the family. I'll make sure to thank your Dad when the industry is dead because he bought a VC game.hehe, It would be improper to picture me as such. I've gotten about 95% of my physical appearance from my Mom's side. I'd make a pretty beefy Napolean anyway. ;) I'll try to get you guys hooked up to exchange friend codes so you can send him a Blue-Light-Special thank you.

How is it? The same as it was on the Genesis I assume. Odd, hard to control, unintuitive, and not worth $8. ;)

[Wolfpup]

Actually, I bet it covers well more than 50% of the times. Of course, I can't substantiate that anymore than you can your claim. The average person (especially the Wii buyers new to console games or games in general) isn't going to buy a brand new system just because a new color hits or a version with 2 GB of memory comes out.

No, but many of us do, and also want the option to buy a replacement system on our own, or use an extended warranty, etc.

As for the rest of these recent responses...I'm amused. Either this forum is filled with 13 year old boys, or Nintendo fanbois have serious mental health issues :lol:

[UncleBob]

As for the rest of these recent responses...I'm amused. Either this forum is filled with 13 year old boys, or Nintendo fanbois have serious mental health issues :lol:

http://www.bigplansbigcrash.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/12/cat-1.jpg

[daroga]

No, but many of us do, and also want the option to buy a replacement system on our own, or use an extended warranty, etc.

As for the rest of these recent responses...I'm amused. Either this forum is filled with 13 year old boys, or Nintendo fanbois have serious mental health issues :lol:Either that, or you're just really taking this whole thing WAY too seriously and need to relax a bit, man. I mean, we're talking $5 video games, not road-blocks on the way to the cure for cancer. :)

[CocheseUGA]

As for the rest of these recent responses...I'm amused. Either this forum is filled with 13 year old boys, or Nintendo fanbois have serious mental health issues :lol:

Or, you have serious issues at when to not take something so seriously. As Kenny Rogers would say, 'Know when to walk away.'

[masterh]

Just a quick update - I got my wireless router today and Nintendo did indeed transfer all my Wii games to the new system. At least the licenses - I had to redownload everything. Even cooler, they transferred the leftover Wii points on my stolen system to the new one - THAT was a nice surprise I didn't expect.
I also got a couple of callbacks to confirm that everything went smoothly. Man, I've only called them two or three times in the last 19 years, but Nintendo's customer service department has ALWAYS been the best I've ever experienced.

[Wolfpup]

Just a quick update - I got my wireless router today and Nintendo did indeed transfer all my Wii games to the new system. At least the licenses - I had to redownload everything. Even cooler, they transferred the leftover Wii points on my stolen system to the new one - THAT was a nice surprise I didn't expect.
I also got a couple of callbacks to confirm that everything went smoothly. Man, I've only called them two or three times in the last 19 years, but Nintendo's customer service department has ALWAYS been the best I've ever experienced.

Great! So you actually had to call in, but they didn't give you any problems?

Anyone find an official statement from Nintendo on there?

If they've fixed this (and it's not just YMMV), I can't wait to pick up a Wii. Just this week they released Final Fight...I'd pick that up in a heartbeat. (Well, maybe not if I hadn't sold Final Fight One, but I did, so...)

Do VC games let you save your state at any time (like, say Sega Genesis Collection on the PSP)?

[supershammy]

Yes, there is a save-state function by exiting to the Wii Menu, as well as support for in-game saves if the game features them.

[daroga]

Do VC games let you save your state at any time (like, say Sega Genesis Collection on the PSP)?The VC games let you pause them at any time and leave and come back (the non-N64 games that is), but they're not tradiaitonal Save States like you might be familiar with. Once you restart the game that save is deleted so if you botch it up, you can't reload to where you were before. It's essentially just like playing it on the old systems, even emulating keeping the system on all day to save your spot in the game while your parents drag you shopping or something. ;)

[masterh]

Nah, Nintendo never gave me any problems - but all of the tech people were VERY careful to say things like, "We'll do what we can, but we can't promise anything." For all their hesitancy, it seriously took all of two 15 minute phone sessions (one to call and tell them my Wii was stolen and put a note in my account, one to ask them to transfer everything to my new Wii) and two business days (and actually, I think I called Friday morning and they called me back Saturday afternoon and then again Monday evening to verify everything was in place.) Really, really awesome of them.

[Wolfpup]

Nah, Nintendo never gave me any problems - but all of the tech people were VERY careful to say things like, "We'll do what we can, but we can't promise anything." For all their hesitancy, it seriously took all of two 15 minute phone sessions (one to call and tell them my Wii was stolen and put a note in my account, one to ask them to transfer everything to my new Wii) and two business days (and actually, I think I called Friday morning and they called me back Saturday afternoon and then again Monday evening to verify everything was in place.) Really, really awesome of them.

Thanks for the update. I'm glad it worked, though it does sound very YMMV. Hopefully Nintendo will get this fixed soon!

[CocheseUGA]

http://schinckel.blogsome.com/images/BrokenRecord.jpg