Nintendo Apologizes for the Wii U Set-up Process

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By Jane McEntegart
published

You can add 'software updates,' to the list of life's certainties.

We've all been there. You fire up your console to play some games only to be told you can't do anything until you've installed a very important update. Sometimes, these only take a few minutes. Other times, they can take quite a while. This can be especially annoying if you're just trying to squeeze in 10 or 20 minutes of play time before leaving the house or getting back to work.

If this kind of thing frustrates you, imagine how it feels to be forced to do a massive update right out of the box. You're excited to get your new toy home and see how she runs. Once you get everything all plugged in and fired up, you're told you have to wait even longer to get started because of updates. This is exactly what owners of Nintendo's new Wii U are facing. Even Nintendo recognizes users' plight.

Speaking in an interview with IGN, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has said he's sorry for the lengthy set-up time involved in getting the Wii U up and running.

"Personally I think that users should be able to use all the functions of a console video game machine as soon as they open the box," IGN cites Iwata as saying. "So I feel very sorry for the fact that purchasers of Wii U have to experience a network update which takes such a long time, and that there are the services which were not available at the hardware’s launch."

The Wii U went on sale in the United States on November 18 and the company shifted 400,000 units in the first week of availability. It launches in Europe on Friday.

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Jane McEntegart
15 Comments Comment from the forums
  • mouse24
    Why don't they just give out a CD to whoever requests it? Its not like they don't have massive manufacturing lines already built.
    Reply
  • jojesa
    Nintendo Apologizes for the Wii U Set-up Process
    B.S.....They knew it and they have no learned. If they were sorry they will give you a choice when to update.
    A simple message "Update available" "Install Now" "Remind me Later"
    Choices Nintendo! There is no need to force updates.
    Reply
  • cats_Paw
    This wouldnt bohter me at all, since everytime i want to play a new game on PC, i have to install it, then install the DirecX, then installe the new drivers probably. I just got used to it i guess.

    Helps develop pacience, and that is required in the future if you plan to have a girlfriend :D.
    Reply
  • vertigo_2000
    The update wasn't that big of a deal, but I read about it before and planned accordingly. I set it to update before I went to bed. Woke up the next morning and it was all good.

    The "apps" on it also need updating. I tried the YouTube app to see how it worked and it needed a 10 minute update too.

    The web browser on it seemed surprisingly quick.

    Overall, I was impressed. NintendoLand, the game that game with it, is nothing to write home about, but it does help showcase what the system can do. I'll get my money's worth out of it I'm sure.
    Reply
  • mouse24
    lostmyclanlol thats wii i never get one my last nitendo product is the Super nintendo a 1900 years back
    So you refused whole systems with slews of games based on them needing updates? I take it you don't purchase games or any MMOs at all ever either? Its not a big of a deal as most people make it out of. Leave it on overnight and it will be ready to play in the morning. Simple, easy and its kind of a lot easier than shoveling snow out of your drive way so you can make it to work.
    Reply
  • velosteraptor
    This isn't that different from the console games themselves. Most of them have a day 1 update.. Not that i agree with that way of doing things.
    Reply
  • weaselman
    And what do you do if you have no internet connection ? What a lack of thought.
    Reply
  • tburns1
    Perfect opportunity for the Brick and Mortars to charge a little more. How about a service fee for doing for us before we buy it, so it's ready out of the box? I am sure there are non-tech savvy parents who would appreciate that.
    Reply
  • ddpruitt
    jojesaB.S.....They knew it and they have no learned. If they were sorry they will give you a choice when to update.A simple message "Update available" "Install Now" "Remind me Later"Choices Nintendo! There is no need to force updates.
    What are you, like 5 years old, ever hear of grammer?

    Ever try to play games on a PS3? First time I tried to play GT5 I had to download an 300 Meg update, then a 120 Meg update, then a 180 Meg update. All systems do this, it allows the developer to fix problems that were discovered after the devices where made.

    Do you really think all the Wii Us were made in the week before they were released? No they where made months before, get over it people.
    Reply
  • MKBL
    I think it's close to a criminal negligence. Needing update as soon as you turn on your console means you bought incomplete product, which was not disclosed to the buyer. You know that most IKEA items have "Assembly Required" or something of that effect printed on their package. Even some kids' toys have them. If the console had issues undiscovered before launch, the console still should have been able to function at least some basic. I will not be surprised if bunch of lawyers take Nintendo to court for this, and I won't blame them this time. I usually do blame them for frivolous lawsuit, but this time Nintendo deserves it.

    I didn't buy Wii U, and have no plan to buy one. I have Wii, PS3, XBox 360, and a decent gaming PC, which are quite enough at the moment. And I think Wii was a heck of a gaming console. Maybe still is.
    Reply