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Latest Wii update has unseen negative effects, like bricking Wii consoles that were not tampered with.
Without the update, however, you can't access the various channels like Shop Channel, News and Forecast Channels.
Latest firmware causing problems for some gamers; Nintendo points to modified consoles as the culprit, pledges to repair affected unmodified systems for free.
This generation of consoles has seen firmware updates become frequent and routine. Nearly as commonplace have been the post-patch gamer complaints that the latest update has rendered their systems inoperable.
The 4.2 firmware update is turning some Wiis…
The latest system to repeat the cycle is Nintendo's Wii. On Monday, Wii owners received a message from Nintendo informing them that the system's 4.2 firmware was available for download. The notice of the firmware explained that the update would not affect any existing features "but will improve the overall system performance." It also contained a cautionary note for users of homebrew applications and other unsanctioned programs.
"Because unauthorized modifications to save data or program files may impair gameplay or the Wii console, updating to Wii Menu version 4.2 will also check for and automatically remove such save data or program files," the notice said.
The effects of the update have apparently caused an upswing in activity for Nintendo's customer service team, as the company's official forums include a stickied announcement for anyone whose system has been rendered inactive after installing version 4.2.
"The symptoms most people are describing usually occur when the Wii has been modified. However, some of you also mention your system has never been modified," an administrator on the forums wrote. "We'd like to help get your system working properly again. If you're experiencing problems with your Wii console after downloading Wii System Menu 4.2, and you believe your system has not been modified, please give us a call. If we find that you have a normal system and the update caused your system to not work, we'll repair it at no charge."
Those who choose not to update the Wii firmware are unable to access the Wii Shop Channel, making it impossible to purchase Virtual Console or WiiWare titles or download additional utilities, like the News Channel or Forecast Channel. Nintendo of America's customer service line is 1-800-255-3700 and is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific time every day.
News story attached to:
Additional sources:
- Wii system update 4.2 bricking even non-hacked consoles (neoseeker.com)
Comments
Second, this is not the kid down the street, modding your Xbox; this is NINTENDO! A multi-national corporation that has been around for almost 100 years (in one form or another). They employ thousands of people and single handedly brought back the industry from the brink. I expect a little better quality control from a product I had to spend hundreds on.
Third, I don't have a Wii anymore, so the issue is moot to me. It is the principle I have a problem with and one of the reasons I don't intend on ever buying a Wii again.
I would like to make the parallel that car manufacturers make mistakes too; given that life or death is involved, would it be ok for them to make mistakes? I know that's a far cry from the Wii, but the logic is sound.
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