D
Deleted member 17706
Unconfirmed Member
Whatever the reason is, you'll probably just not deem it as a "good" one.
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Wii U Gamepads are region locked
- Thread starter Wario64
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Whatever the reason is, you'll probably just not deem it as a "good" one.
Jinfash
needs 2 extra inches
Regardless of the size of the issue, whether the game pads are on sale or not, "region locked controllers" is one of those ridiculous sounding things I never though I'd hear.
This news, alongside how the "stolen pad" thread developed, and the fact that the system supports a second pad theoritically but no firm plans of their rollout were shared, have almost convinced me that Nintendo doesn't consider it as a peripheral at all but an integral, inseperable part (Which is *just* as silly, tbh).
This news, alongside how the "stolen pad" thread developed, and the fact that the system supports a second pad theoritically but no firm plans of their rollout were shared, have almost convinced me that Nintendo doesn't consider it as a peripheral at all but an integral, inseperable part (Which is *just* as silly, tbh).
Well, I actually bought a GameCube controller from Play Asia once as there were no new US/European controllers available.
But I ask those of you who say it is an issue. Please tell me what I need to do in order for it to become an issue for me right now. So far the only thing that came to my mind was breaking the original GamePad, travelling to USA or Japan and stealing one there. And I suspect there is something wrong with it.
Alexios
Cores, shaders and BIOS oh my!
I would expect the seller to list the region since it's important in this case, like it is for games, or I wouldn't buy it.
Impressive, I know.
If I go to the length of importing a super cool controller it's likely for collection purposes... I can collect it even if I can't use it. I can also collect a super cool Japanese Wii U and super cool Japanese Wii U games, if they ever arrive, much like the controller. But yeah, hypothetical problems like this have hypothetical solutions like that, when someone presents a practical issue a consumer actually encountered we'll see how/if it can be resolved.
I mean, yeah, I can somehow understand the "lol what" comments but the trolling and this being a reason for not purchasing it and piling on with completely unrelated shit like what people think of what's under the hood, games, the company, etc, nope.
Pie and Beans
Look for me on the local news, I'll be the guy arrested for trying to burn down a Nintendo exec's house.
Glad this wayward company is being pissed on by at least the PAL market. They've taken region locking to such new anti-consumer heights it just seems like the next underpowered hardware they'll punt out on the cheap will clamp electrodes to testicles on activation and let rip.
Why would they even code this in, its madness.
Why would they even code this in, its madness.
Horse Armour
Member
Well, it does match up to what their marketing has been telling consumers so at least there's a bit of consistency there.
Because Japan usually gets the cool shit when it comes to consoles/controllers. etc.
So its just for the update that you need the Gamepad of the same region?
Maybe they can try with a game (i dont know if they already made that).
But one way or another, i dont see a real reason why nintendo did something like this, aside from the price differeces between regions
I already gave one 2 pages ago.
I had to import a white PS3 controller, because stupid Sony didn't sell those in Europe. There you have your reason. Nintendo ever creating a Pokemon controller and only releasing it in Japan? There you have your import reason.
Hell, crazy people paid premium to import a SNES Wii controller from Japan before.
Captain Smoker
Member
Then inform yourself by reading the description of the seller or ASK him.
I don't see the point complainig about a potenial problem in the future, which probably isn't a problem at all.
This is also a very good point, and adds to the fact that we have no working knowledge of the legalities under which the GamePad operates. Again, I state that it is irresponsible of us to assume Nintendo's position.
It is best for us to seek out a proper explanation and take no stance on this unless it directly affects you. Those who assume the worst are simply doing so to generate negativity and have no 'logical' reason to be angry.
Dreamwriter
Member
In what way is following the laws of each region anti-consumer?
tkscz
Member
Ok then, let me rephrase it for you. Give me a reasonable one. Something where I would absolutely need to buy a controller from outside my region, where buying it within my region wouldn't work.
The only time you'd need to do that is if you bought a WiiU from outside your region, and the gamepad for that one broke, but I'm pretty sure a VERY small majority will do that.
Would the black one not work?
Mr. Enigma
Member
Ok what if Japan gets a super cool controller that doesn't come out anywhere else.
Wouldn't you be pissed off then?
There are many situations where this could be a problem or an annoyance.
Why are people being so obtuse?
It's not that you need to do anything for it to become an issue or not, most will never have an issue. However, imagine that someone liked the Wii U enough to own two, one for their home region and say one for Japan, since it's fucking region locked, and they break one of their gamepads. With anything else they could just use the other contro...err.gamepad but now they can't. It does suck.
That said, I'm not really bitching about this as I don't know why it was like this nor do I think a large amount of people will ever be inconvenienced by it but it's still silly.
I dunno, would every seller even know or think a controller's region locked?
Horse Armour
Member
Oh no, he's been possessed by the Nintendo demon! Quick, someone tell him Santa isn't real, that will drive the demon out of him!
Korean Gamecube was just the japanese model imported by a company called daewon i think.
Bingo. That's the problem.
StreetsAhead
Member
"Dear ebay seller,
I see you have a Wii U Gamepad up for sale. I am interested in purchasing it, however, I am living in North America (the US) and I would like to know which region the game pad is? You may, or may not, be aware that the firmware in the gamepad restricts controllers to systems of the region they were produced for/purchased in, so if the controller is from a different region, it will be useless to me.
Sincerely,
An informed consumer"
If you're considering making a post referencing GAF as a single entity, or making broad strokes about other users, I would advise against it. Please respond directly to the people with whom you disagree, and try to have a little bit more respect for your fellow posters. Don't immediately assume that they're blindly anti-Nintendo (or pro-Nintendo) and toss away their opinion just because they have a specific stance on an issue. There is a debate to be had on this subject, but it won't go anywhere with people assuming everyone else has some sort of agenda.
Captain Smoker
Member
What if we get the controller too, wouldn't you be happy?
Mockingbird
Member
Only reason this would suck is when Japan starts getting some LE colored Gamepads that the US doesn't get; otherwise, meh.
Region locked controllers!?!?!?
The only reasonable reaction to this.
If you can afford to travel country to country, why can't you afford to import a Wii U gamepad if/when they become available for purchase?
This is another great comment. It implies, again, that we as humans have reasonable ability to inquire about our surroundings. Obviously this hasn't been a problem as no one has actually contacted Nintendo. If it were to become a problem, I am willing to bet that Nintendo's customer services would provide a solution.
Until that point comes in which they have no solution, there is no reason to be outraged by this. But again... lol GAF.
This is fair reasoning, thank you.
It's an abomination Nintendo AAAAAAHHHHH!
Thunder Monkey
Banned
Given some of the reactions in this thread I take it's impossible to love Nintendo games and yet still sit back and go "Wow... just wow." when they make a completely batshit insane move?
Mihael Mello Keehl
Banned
Is the pro controller locked too?
tkscz
Member
That's what no one here is helping me understand. How is it that bad of a thing when you don't NEED to have a controller outside your region? How many people will have an actually issue with this in the future?
Why does "reasonable" mean posting lol gifs instead of trying to understand why it was implemented?
Is this actually a thing?
Thunder Monkey
Banned
Jinfash
needs 2 extra inches
I'm willing to swallow this (nsfw) if there is indeed a confirmed technical issue imposing this, but for now I'll just marvel.
LiquidMetal14
hide your water-based mammals
Well, trying not to be hard on them but this is emphatically pathetic.
This is the whole problem with competing with other egotistical assholes on the internet.
I work for a wireless component manufacturer. Japan has much stricter rules regarding wireless communication standards. Assuming they are using 2.4GHz for the rf on these, the Japanese version will have significantly shorter range due to a power limitation. The US and European ones will also have the appropriate certification labeling (FCC and EU).
If you want to find out more, you could look up the FCC ID on the game pad on the FCC's website and read the test report. It might mention why it's region locked.
If you want to find out more, you could look up the FCC ID on the game pad on the FCC's website and read the test report. It might mention why it's region locked.
Phife Dawg
Member
Not really an issue for most. Importers can't resolve to buying controllers locally though - might add to the costs.
I wanted a white one. I even wanted a white PS3. I didn't like the look of the black PS3. That's why I even imported a white PS3 1 year later or so.
We can't call it "batshit" as long as we don't know the reason. If it is following the specific protocols of each region, for example, it is completely understandable.
Jinfash
needs 2 extra inches
We should enforce a moratorium on this argument/defense.
Thunder Monkey
Banned
There's not much to understand honestly.
It will affect very few people. The fact that it affects anyone is the problem. First region locked controller in gaming history. Won't hurt many, but why set the precedent?
Unless there are significant hardware differences between each regions controller this should be a problem fixed with syncing and firmware updates.
It should not be a problem in a consumer model product.
I'm sorry, but you're too reasonable for this thread. You should have posted a laughing gif, write "lol nintendo" and mention underpowered hardware, mountains of Wii Us on shelves or a stupid gimmick controller.
StreetsAhead
Member
http://rocketnews24.com/2012/12/25/279608/
Having read this article, it does say the US pad will sync up with a Japanese Wii U, but that it requires the firmware in the US pad to be the latest Japanese firmware for it to sync, however, it won't [yet/ever] download onto the US pad.
The article also ends stating that it may be possible for it to work, depending on the method.
Having read this article, it does say the US pad will sync up with a Japanese Wii U, but that it requires the firmware in the US pad to be the latest Japanese firmware for it to sync, however, it won't [yet/ever] download onto the US pad.
The article also ends stating that it may be possible for it to work, depending on the method.
Mihael Mello Keehl
Banned
I guess this is looked down on because Im defending it or whatever but the controller is more than just a controller. im not a tech guy or nothing but wont it be some issues if the controller can run something like Nintendo Tvii NA application and the something wont work if its running Nintendo Tvii Japan version? That looks like it could matter to me.
I'm in inquiry mode, where I would like to know why they did it too. But until I know, I'm not going to be arm-chair ceo and say it was a stupid decision. Not saying you're a dogpiler, but I suspect that some people are drive-by dog-piling because they don't like Nintendo right now.
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