That strange “start up disc” that was shown on the back of a Wii retail box is, wait for it, a start up disc, probably loaded with a last minute firmware update. Over at Joystiq a commenter makes a good point: that this disc probably means Nintendo started manufacturing the hardware before the firmware was 100% complete. This move, in theory, would ensure more units available at launch.
Joystiq blogger Ross Miller asks why Nintendo didn’t just push the start up disc data via the Virtual Console when the Wii boots up, but I think I have a simple explanation: Online can be notoriously buggy the first time its summoned to life — especially if it’s being summoned almost simultaneously by millions of North American gamers on Nov 19. If the update didn’t work right away, then you’d have more than a handful of pissed off players on your hands with a bunch of bricked — but shiny brand new — Wii consoles. So, push the update via a disc in every box. Problem solved, especially if you don’t happen to have online access. Duh.
This news also bodes well for you Infendo readers who have signed onto the Wii DVD codec update theory, since the Wii is capable of accepting updates both from disc, and online formats.
Online firmware updats are a baaaad idea. Other than the fact that not everyone will have internet access, it hightens the chances of bricking peoples systems. Doing it with a disc also makes it seem much more elegant.
Hmmm does this also mean that if you attach your external hard drive you can then format it and have it Wii ready??? I am still waiting for word if Wii will allow External Hard Drives.
not everyone has the net… good reason for a disc…
Yeah, I'm not gonna have my Wii hooked up to the internet at first because I cant figure out how. Heck, I cant figure out how to make my DS work with my internet, and I even have wireless internet.So yeah, I'd rather have a disc.
I'm afraid that the codec idea is probably not gonna turn out.It seems to me that Nintendo has saved some money on the drive itself. So far as I know, in an effort to curb piracy GC game discs are pressed in reverse, and require drives that spin in the opposite direction to standard discs (as well as having their own proprietry formating). Wii games more than likely also turn in reverse. To play DVDs, (and most standard disc formats) would require making the drives bi-directional, as well as slot loading, as well as capable of accepting 8+12cm discs, as well as being pretty flexible
It seems I was wrong. GC discs spin clockwise just like all other standard disk drives.