"A very small number" of Wii owners are finding their consoles can't read the dual-layer disc used by the game. Others can't see the Wi-Fi options when connected. UPDATED: Nintendo claims the Wi-Fi Options issue is resolved!
UPDATE: A thread posted by "NOA_TECH_JANE" on Nintendo's Tech Support Forums is now claiming that the missing Spectator Mode and Options issue is resolved. Has it been resolved for you? Let us know in Talkback!
There are reports of Brawl failing to boot from the Wii Menu. A few people have been experiencing read errors, and some are unable to install the firmware update that comes included on the Brawl game disc. Nintendo of America has released an official statement on the matter through a company spokesperson:
"Nintendo of America has received some reports that a very small number
of Wii consoles cannot properly read the dual-layered disc for the new
Super Smash Bros. Brawl game. Upon examination, Nintendo has
preliminarily determined that this disc-read error is caused by the
soiling of the consoles' optical lens by environmental factors such as
excessive dust and cigarette smoke. Nintendo is offering to clean these
systems free of charge, and recommends that consumers do not attempt to
clean the systems on their own. Information regarding the cleaning
service can be found at support.nintendo.com or by calling customer
service at 1-800-255-3700."
NWR readers affected by this issue might do better to jump directly to the support claim form page and get it taken care of as soon as possible. Nintendo’s website claims that it will expedite the shipping of affected Wii consoles both ways to hasten the repair process.
NOA is also aware of issues people are having with the online features of Brawl. We will pass along any official statement about known problems (missing menu options, generally poor connection quality of online matches, etc.) as soon as we hear it.