Process of elimination: No hard drive means… something else
As the internet, and our friends over at GoNintendo, has fully exploited about recent chats with Laurent Fischer from Nintendo, it seems we aren’t getting a shiny new hard drive for the Wii.
Fischer says about the matter:
“Definitely there’s no plan to issue hardware, an external hard drive, but we know that we have an issue in that area. It’s very obvious and we’re perfectly aware of it, but there’s nothing we can say beyond this. This area is fully handled by the development team in Japan. It’s very linked to the overall strategy; that’s something they’re working on.”
If there isn’t a plan to issue hardware, then Nintendo will likely stick to their guns and encourage users to download and re-download Virtual Console and Wii Ware titles, with some sort of added interface. Maybe they’ll include added SD card support, but little else it seems (unless they use special Nintendo magic).
But that’s beyond the point. Something else should demand your attention. Since Nintendo recently posted a job opportunity for a tester to work with usb devices, we still can ask the question, “what usb devices?”
So what else can Nintendo spring on us, that isn’t a memory solution, that connects to the Wii’s usb ports?
So through a process of elimination, here’s my top three picks of devices that might have a usb connector in the works:
1.) Voice Chat
Game developers like High Voltage Software are really craving the option to include voice chat in games like The Conduit. Even first party titles like Mario Kart Wii and Super Smash Bros. Brawl are empty online experiences when you can’t [jokingly] trash talk your opponents.
If we’re lucky, Nintendo will realize that sacrificing a little bit of that family-friendly, so safe we’re wrapping you in bubble wrap image, will be worthwhile to make the online experience better. I would gladly use a usb port, for some reason, to make it better.
Obviously in this case, the Wii uses bluetooth technology to communicate with the Wii Remote. Since the system has a limitation of four Wii Remotes per console, does this mean that a wireless headset may need a separate dongle to be plugged in the back of the console? I would certainly hope not. Then again, Nintendo doesn’t like talking anyways, apparently.
2. Rock Band/Guitar Hero IV equipment
Sure, Nintendo has Gamecube ports for this, but third party companies would surely like to put those usb ports to use letting you do your drumming and singing for some of the biggest upcoming titles. To expand, DDR pads from the PC versions could possibly be used through the usb ports for convenience.
3. Keyboards
Yeah, yeah, we know keyboard support has been included for the Wii. Yes, we all want to see a new Typing of the Dead game. But who said that’s what I’m talking about?
In fact, it would be more interesting if Nintendo released a small [piano] keyboard that would span a few octaves for the upcoming Nintendo-developed music game, Wii Music.
Think about it: doesn’t Miyamoto like to play piano? As inspiration from his fondness of weighing himself, Nintendo made a balance board and Wii Fit to boot. Why wouldn’t they make a piano peripheral?
So to end, I want Synth Hero!
Uncategorized | 
Mike Suszek | June 18, 2008
