At launch I was disappointed in the multiplayer offerings for the Wii. What's the deal? Why is Wii Sports the only game anyone wants to play when they check out the Wii?

It was bad enough that Excite Truck was only two player, but no computer opponents? I'm sorry, I don't remember having that problem on Cruisin' USA on the N64. Surely this isn't a performance issue.

Same for 4 player Red Steel (if you can find the extra nunchucks). With no computer opponents it's a couple people wandering around a big empty level. Again, N64 Goldeneye had better multiplayer. Why ignore every decent FPS out there? Have these guys even heard of the Time Splitters series?

In Rayman Raving Rabbids, every single redundant game has to be unlocked for multiplayer. It's not that great a game to begin with. But when I sat down with some friends the first time, we couldn't play anything. After unlocking a few games, none of them were really worth playing. Most have you take turns and some don't make a lot of sense to begin with.

The problem here is not only is there an inexcusable lack of decent multiplayer, but that these games aren't selling systems to anyone. The only game that is selling systems on multiplayer is Wii Sports.

Wario Ware really set me off last week. It's bad enough multiplayer has to be unlocked (seriously, can we cut it out with this unlocking nonsense?). But multiplayer only uses one remote. This isn't being said enough: One remote has to be passed around the room. Spent $120 on three extra remotes? It doesn't matter. You have to use one.

This shouldn't even need explaining, but the point of Wario Ware is to be bombarded with rapid-fire micro games. This doesn't really work when you have to unhook the wrist strap, pass it to someone, have them put it on, then get the "how to hold it" diagram, then play a 2 second game. Again, this was fantastic on the Gamecube.

Not to mention I spent an hour trying to figure out why my other remotes kept "losing sync" every time the game started.

I can understand not taking a huge leap forward in graphics, but taking 2 steps backwards in multiplayer really irks me. That's the main thing Nintendo had going for it for the past 2 generations. And most of these problems make no sense and have no explanation. They could have easily been remedied by adding bots, supporting extra controllers, and not locking away standard game content.

- idiot
nyc

Good question. So good, in fact, that we picked this question for our listener mail segment of this week's upcoming episode of Radio Free Nintendo. You can get an expanded debate to better your answer your question by tuning in this Wednesday, but I'll answer it here, too. It's a pressing question.

First and foremost, Wii Sports is the best multiplayer game on the Wii. That, and it comes free with every system. So of course most people will want to look to it first. Past that, however, the early Wii games are pretty thin on multiplayer options, or the ones that do have them take a little grunt work to get to. Red Steel was a very disappointing multiplayer game, and an unfinished game at that; Rayman was fun, but required tedious unlocking; Monkey Ball was a terrible disappointment; and while Excite Truck was a terrific game, the multiplayer could have been more fully-featured.

So what's the deal? Well, the big culprit can probably be pinned on the newness of the Wii. This is the development community's first crack at making games for the system, which means it's their first crack at making multiplayer games for it. Many launch games weren't very good to begin with, so any multiplayer features they had wouldn't be that good, either. Until the core of a game can be brought to a high level of quality, the multiplayer isn't going to be there. However, with design choices such as unlocking content or limited competition in versus modes, you kind of have to wonder what some development teams were thinking. Oh wait, I know: Hurry to get the product out for launch and inflate the lastability value by forcing people to unlock content.

Unlocking things is nice if it's for bonus purposes, but not if you're forced to do it to enjoy the product as a whole. That drags it down to collect-a-thon status, and no one likes those. I hope that developers have gotten the message, and we won't need to put up with that stuff again in future multiplayer Wii games.

I've noticed that the downloads for VC games seem a little larger than I thought they would be, I can only guess that you download a new or the same game emulator with the game you download on VC, that and it was also said how the game Dungeon Explorer on TG16 was delayed cause of emulation problems. My question is, do you think this is a wise decision and don't you think it will cause your Wii flash memory to fill up quite quicker than if all the games used the same emulator. Also, do you think Nintendo might eventually release an update that will allow VC games to be played from the SD Card, so a constant backing up, and copying back and forth isn't necesary. Thanks

- NeoThunder
Topeka, KS

I find it strange that Nintendo would include the emulators for each game with every download, but it looks like that's what they choose to do. Then again, they probably knew they were going to do that when they designed the Wii with 512 MB of flash memory. Most VC games I've seen are around 30 blocks in size, which I believe translates to something like 3 or 4 MB in actual space. This means the internal memory can hold well over 100 games, so in the short-term, you shouldn't need to worry about it filling up any time soon.

You don't even really need to backup games, either , because you can recover them by re-downloading them from the Wii Shop Channel. (If you lose your Wii, Nintendo can arrange for you to get your VC downloads back on a new system. SD backups won't work if you use a different Wii, don't forget.) If you need to delete a game for any reason, you can get it again for free. So it's not like you lose it when you delete it. You bought it, and Nintendo knows it, so you can get it again. Not everyone has an SD card, so this feature was probably designed in mind for them.

I have a wifi usb connector and got connected without any problems but my question is, Do you have to keep the computer on for the wii connect 24 to work.

- wendy
nj

Yes, because the USB adapter takes power from your computer. That, and you can't get Internet without your computer being on. So you need your rig powered up to connect to the Internet on Wii via the adapter.

Hi - I got a question for you guys. When do you think we'll FINALLY hear about the new IP from Mr. Miyamoto?

He keeps saying we'll have to wait "Just a little longer" for him to reveal it - I can't stand the wait! Do you think they've quited down about it soo that he can focus on finishing up his current projects like Super Mario Gallaxy - or do you think they'll hold off until the GDC or E3 to reveal it?

After seeing Nintendogz, and Pikmin - I can't wait to see what he has in store for us next (I want a Wii sequal to BOTH of those games too)!

BTW: Thanks for getting back to me on my question about the name "Wii" a few months back - you have good a point about why it couldn't mean (W)ireless (i)nteractive (i)nterface.

You guys rule! :)

- NINTENDOGAMER17

Well, we'll know what he's up to by E3 at the latest, that's for sure. I doubt we're going to need to wait until July for the bombs to drop, though, because Miyamoto will be delivering a keynote address at GDC. That would be the perfect time and place to announce something big, particularly something about new game ideas. That's kind of what Game Developers Conference is all about, and if Mr. Miyamoto wants to speak to an audience of his peers, it's got to be something they'll appreciate. We'll find out soon enough!

This isn't a question really but it's a concern that I'm sure others have as well...

I've downloaded 10 games for Virtual console so far and there are others that I would have download but there are a couple reasons I didn't.

1. I don't want to download a lot and fill up the 48 channels and have to constantly swap games between the Wii memory and my SD card every time I want to play one that isn't currently in the Wii memory. I thought the Wii would support a USB hard drive, it was mentioned by Nintendo last year. Why can't the Wii read the channels on the SD card instead of having to copy them to internal memory?

2. I don't want to put a lot of money into Virtual Console games because they are locked to only the Wii they were downloaded on. I am planning on buying a second Wii system for another room in the house and will not be able to play my downloaded Virtual Console games on it. This was never a problem when using the normal cartridge or CD based games. What if my Wii system dies 10 years from now and I have purchased 300 games for it? I'm sure the Wii will not be supported by Nintendo in 2016 so I'll just be out of luck.

- spitman

1. Like I just said, memory space shouldn't be a problem. If you have filled up your 512MB of memory already (is that even possible yet?), you can delete games and just download them again from Nintendo's servers. No constant swapping necessary. However, like you and NeoThunder pointed out, the Wii can't read data directly from an SD card. This is quite stupid, actually. Nintendo had better make this happen in the future, or else the SD card feature will be mostly wasted.

2. Once you buy a VC game, it's yours. You may want to consider calling up Nintendo to see if they can arrange for you to get the games you bought to also be playable on another system you own. With how Nintendo's online service is setup, locking VC games to consoles is the only way to ensure people don't get freebies, so you can't fault them for that. As long as Nintendo's next system keeps on doing the Virtual Console thing (and it will), you'll always be able to recover your games from Nintendo. Stop worrying about things that haven't happened yet!

Do you think that along with the unveiling of Super Smash Bros. Brawl will come another announcement of a "Shell Controller" for Wii? Is there even a "remote" chance (heehee). The classic controller is great and all, but it seems kinda awkward to have that controller used frequently because it's two items with the Wiimote going off to the side. Additionally, I'm sure Nintendo would want rumble in their "regular style" games. I'm thinking that they'll have the classic controller be used for the Virtual Console mainly, but then one with a different button layout for the "shell".

It screws over the people who bought the Classic Controller, but... oh well!

- thepoga
Irvine, CA

No shell. The "shell" controller concept was kicked around during the Revolution phase of the Wii's life, but that eventually turned into the classic controller. (We think.) As such, I predict SSBB will use all three controller styles: Wii remote+nunchuk, Wii classic controller and the GameCube controller. The remote combo has enough buttons at the ready to perform basic actions (attack, jump, block, item) and special attacks will likely be performed with simple controller movements. It seems pretty obvious to me. Of course, purists can stick with the traditional controllers.

Hey, NWR! Long time reader, first time writer....

I don't know what state you live in, but I live in the state of notoriously high taxes, New York, and I do get taxed when I use my credit card to get Wii Points. So it doesn't matter if people buy from the store or buy online, for people who live in New York, they're getting hit either way. Just thought I'd give you the heads up.

Secondly, in regards to the reader who was writing about Nintendo's touting of GBA expansion for the DS. If he's interested in Pokemon, he'll be a happy man - the new games (Diamond and Pearl) will feature connectivity with your GBA Pokemon games to upload your Pokemon to a new Safari Zone. Also, by inserting either FireRed or LeafGreen, you can unlock Pokemon to catch that you can't catch any other way.

Third, I have a question - is Nintendo truly making enough controllers to satisfy demand for Wii owners? That would theoretically require four full controllers, and perhaps one classic controller, per Wii console. Every single store in my area that sells electronics is sold out of Wii controllers. A worker at one of my local EBGames can't believe their popularity - they sell out within hours of arriving. Is Nintendo taking steps to remedy this, or will I have to play two-player Mario Party with my 7-member family?

- Nick
Buffalo, NY

I haven't seen a single controller or nunchuk available for purchase since launch, and a lot of people haven't, either. It's not that Nintendo isn't making enough, but instead they're just not releasing all of the ones they are producing. Wii Play comes with a free remote, dont' forget, so Nintendo needs to make sure there are enough controllers to go around for that. They are also probably stockpiling nunchucks to meet the demand the will come for them once the game is released next month.

But yeah, the demand is high, too. Accessories are always hard to come by around launch time, but hopefully Wii Play will mark the end of the controller drought. I hope so, because I want another controller.

So the Wii can support .avi and .mov, but is there a limit on the length of video played? I want to buy a 2 gig SD card if I'll be able to play the .avi videos of anime and movies that I have.

- thepoga
Irvine, CA

I don't think there's a time limit, but you can't just put any old AVI or MOV file on an SD card and expect the Wii to play it. Those formats only work if they are encoded in MJPG, which is a terrible compression format. Your movies may not fit on a 2GB card after you get done encoding them into something the Wii can play back. (Wii Video 9 can help you with that.) You may want to consider checking out Wii Media Center X instead, which will let you stream media from your PC to the Wii, regardless of their format.

I'm so frustrated with the Wii remote that I'm about to toss it on purpose. But before I do that, I wanted to ask for your help. Maybe there's something wrong in my setup, rather than the remote itself...

Anyway, here's the problem. In Red Steel, when I turn around too sharply, the remote loses line of sight to the sensor bar (obviously). But when I point the controller back at the screen, there's a period of lag until the controller recognizes the sensor bar again. During that time I'm caught in an uncontrollable tailspin.

Obviously the game could handle the situation better, but the controller is the root of the problem. It should detect the sensor bar more quickly. I can see this effect on Zelda also, but it's not as critical because Zelda is not a fast paced game. However, I'm really starting to get nervous about Metroid Prime 3...

I can't believe anyone would call this the best FPS controller ever, when it obviously has a glaring design flaw. Which brings me to my question. Do you have any "tips" for making this better? Can i move the sensor bar, adjust sensitivity or something? Anything? Is it possible that my Wii remote is defective?

Do you think they will ever release a new Wii remote that detects the sensor bar more quickly?

Thanks

- dubnobasswithmyheadman
Boston

Red Steel's problems are not the remote's fault, nor are they fault of the sensor bar. The responsive cursor in the Wii menu proves that conclusively. The reason why some games have laggy pointer response is because they were programmed that way.

As noted in my Red Steel review, I had the same problem with the game you are having. The game was designed in a way where you would be shooting down hallways or across large rooms, so that close encounters requiring large, quick movements would be kept to a minimum. At the times you need to turn really fast, however, the game gets confused and the cursor doesn't know what to do exactly, so it just assumes you want to spin around like a loony until it sees the sensor bar in the controller's sights again. The delay encountered when aiming at the sensor bar again is due to the fact that the game needs to verify that the thing is sees in the remote's IR field is in fact the sensor bar. If it didn't do that, any old light source would make the cursor go even more haywire.

Red Steel was a first attempt at a Wii FPS, and a pretty decent one at that. (The rest of the game could have been better, however.) The controller is capable of pin-point shooting, but there are still wrinkles to be ironed out. Metroid Prime 3 will be the big test, but playing it at E3 felt way better than Red Steel. I'm sure it'll be even better by the time it's done. (Whenever that will be.)

Whatever happened to Louie the Cat's rumor reports? It seems as if there hasn't been one since the middle of the GameCube's life. In fact, whatever happened to Nintendo rumors in general? It seems that the past two generations (both handheld and console) has yielded less rumors than any previous generation. Why is this?

- None
Lindenhurst

Louie decided that it was best to leave the site for various reasons, including us refusing to change his litter box multiple times. We still have rumor reports, however; click here to see the most recent ones, including the Super Paper Mario to Wii? rumor that turned into fact this past week.

There are still plenty of rumors floating around out there, of course. It's just that so many of them lack credibility. Any yahoo can start a rumor, and any ravenous pack of fanboys can spread it. We only report on rumors that either likely to be realized or are so utterly false that they need to be debunked. We're a serious news site, so we don't pick up any old story and run with it. A lot of other major sites are like that, too. That may be why you're thinking there aren't as many rumors nowadays. Sites aren't as gullible as they used to be, so not as many are reported.

Whatever happened to the US release of the DS game 'Band Brothers'? It was announced way back that it was going to be released in the West under the title 'Jam With the Band', but it has been over two years since it was released in Japan. What's the hold up?

- SleepDeprived
Antioch

Bad news: Nintendo has pulled the game from their official game list, so you can forget about ever seeing it in English. From what I've heard, the reason why it didn't come to America is because the original game code for the game was somehow lost after it was released in Japan. You can't very easily get the original game code from a retail DS card, so there was no way to get a translation going without reprogramming the entire game. At that point Nintendo probably decided to abandon the thing altogether. It's too bad, because it would have been nice to play with an Americanized soundtrack.

Band Bros. is the type of game that you should import if you haven't imported anything before. It's very worth it to do so, and considering that it will never come Stateside, it may be your only choice.

This upcoming week is a very special one here at Nintendo World Report. I won't say what it is here, but I will say that you should check back here tomorrow (Monday) and Noon pacific time to see what it is. Trust us, you'll like it a lot.

Next week's mailbag will be a special one, so I won't be answering any of your regular questions. If you want to get in that mailbag update, don't send me anything having to do with the Wii, DS, GBA, Virtual Console, anything having to do with Nintendo before the year 2000 or anything having to with Nintendo from 2007 onwards. Yes sir, if you want to be in next week's mailbag, you're going to have to send in a question (or letter!) that doesn't have any of that stuff in it. Because you know, we're dedicating the whole week to whatever it is I'm talking about. Can you figure it out before lunch time tomorrow?

See you next week.