Overheating the Wii

radioheadrule83 · 06:59 PM

I've started noticing green dots on my screen when playing Resident Evil 4 and Mario Strikers charged. I haven't played any other games, but it probably happens with those too. I have a December 8th UK launch system, and when I called Nintendo they said the problem was likely overheating and that the GPU may have been damaged. They said if its still working, its probably going to continue working, but the problem/glitch isn't going to get any better so I should send my system in. I managed to ignore it through the majority of RE4, but I'm going away to Dublin for a few days and figure its the perfect time to send it off.

I know Chespace is having this problem. Anyone else?

And what do we think is the culprit for this? I did have the thing on for about 24 hours, which is rediculous I know. I kind of fell asleep having left it on. Could this just be a case of putting the machine where its likely to get hot? Does the console stand block the bottom vent? Is it because the fan is off when its in standby and WiiConnect 24 is going?

edit:

I decided to do a quick capture to show you how subtle the problem is...

greendots.avi

Look to the right of the screen, just below the centre. Slight green dots. Those are the 'sparkles', as they've been dubbed. It rarely gets worse than that. Although there was one point in RE4, with a lot going on, that made it fairly obvious.

VOOK · (07-03-2007, 12:26 PM)

Leaving the Wifi on heats it up, stuff the GPU... Send to Nintendo, nothing you can do.

DefectiveReject · (07-03-2007, 12:28 PM)

i turn mine off standby everytime i finish playing.
Hopefully a firmware update will have the fan kick in every so often whilst in WiiConnect24 standby mode.

Only major issue with the console

wormstrangler · (07-03-2007, 12:29 PM)

Just turn WiiConnect24 off to be sure.

Mine just sits in Standby mode all the time - not WiiConnect24.

Visualante · (07-03-2007, 12:31 PM)

Originally Posted by radioheadrule83:

I know Chespace is having this problem. Anyone else?

Plenty of people are having the problem, they're just not complaining about it.
Nintendo's turnaround for this problem is fairly good. They should offer you a new system shipped immediately or wait a week to have your saves and virtual console points transferred to a new system.

The GPU problem was happening with fresh systems on day one- and Nintendo is actively aware of it. So I'd be more inclined to believe it's a manafacturing defect on a batch more so than pure overheating.

Some people have tried to link it to having WiiConnect24 turned on. However the temperatures produced by the wireless chipset there would not be a direct cause for such a hardware failure. It is a case of people are looking for a cause rather than accepting the most obvious. Despite it being contradictory to Nintendo's history of super reliable hardware.

Nintendo hasn't released any statistics about failures afaik.

dog$ · (07-03-2007, 12:32 PM)

Wii Heating issues...
What's wrong with my Wii? :(

ksamedi · (07-03-2007, 12:36 PM)

WiiConnect is meant to stay on, not off. If for whatever reason you turn of WiiConnect24 and your Wii does have an overheating problem your only going to delay it and it will probably die when the warrenty doesnt hold anymore. Its stupid to leave it off. Mine is working fine for 7 months now and i have never turned of WiiConnect24.

Visualante · (07-03-2007, 12:41 PM)

Originally Posted by ksamedi:

WiiConnect is meant to stay on, not off. If for whatever reason you turn of WiiConnect24 and your Wii does have an overheating problem your only going to delay it and it will probably die when the warrenty doesnt hold anymore. Its stupid to leave it off. Mine is working fine for 7 months now and i have never turned of WiiConnect24.

WiiConnect24 is a non-issue on it's own. When functioning as normal it uses far less energy than other consumer electronics do in standby- because it only checks every 15-20 minutes for updates.

Computers survive much more intensive heats for extended periods of time without suffering failures. I think it should be left off solely because the lack of content.

catfish · (07-03-2007, 12:44 PM)

Originally Posted by Visualante:

WiiConnect24 is a non-issue on it's own. When functioning as normal it uses far less energy than other consumer electronics do in standby- because it only checks every 15-20 minutes for updates.

Computers survive much more intensive heats for extended periods of time without suffering failures. I think it should be left off solely because the lack of content.

I disagree. My replacement system for the issue, I left wii 24 connect on for one night and could nearly cook eggs off the thing.

Nintendo will swap it out no problems and all your downloads/miis will be transfered or available for redownload. What I don't know is if they correct the issue with a replacement system.

Visualante · (07-03-2007, 12:47 PM)

Originally Posted by catfish:

I disagree. My replacement system for the issue, I left wii 24 connect on for one night and could nearly cook eggs off the thing.

Well that's why I said when WiiConnect24 is functioning normally. If the console overheats when you have it turned on then the system is screwed and you should send it back.

What is the point in living with a console where you can't turn WiiConnect24 on? It's touted as a fairly integral feature of the system.

ksamedi · (07-03-2007, 12:47 PM)

Originally Posted by Visualante:

WiiConnect24 is a non-issue on it's own. When functioning as normal it uses far less energy than other consumer electronics do in standby- because it only checks every 15-20 minutes for updates.

Computers survive much more intensive heats for extended periods of time without suffering failures. I think it should be left off solely because the lack of content.

Yes thats true but people have had some problems with defective Wiis because of WiiConnect24. Lack of content aside, it could be a problem if you leave it on and your Wii is defective. Leaving WiiConnect24 off would only delay the problem.

shuri · (07-03-2007, 12:50 PM)

turn off the wireless stuff, it heats up the thing to death, even when in standby mode.

Quote:

What is the point in living with a console where you can't turn WiiConnect24 on? It's touted as a fairly integral feature of the system.

...

herod · (07-03-2007, 12:51 PM)

I know anecdotal evidence is useless, but I've had my Wii in both vertical and horizontal positions for very long periods with WC24 enabled and in standby (hey, I'm a Euro owner) since launch day, and it's been totally fine. Warm, but fine. I agree that disabling it is just delaying the inevitable.

DSWii60 · (07-03-2007, 12:52 PM)

If your Wii overheats, just let it cool down for a while. It only overheats, if you play with it too much.

big_z · (07-03-2007, 12:53 PM)

send it to nintendo for repairs.

now since this is a my wii is fuct thread here's a question:

those of you with your wii in the stand when you put a wii game in does your wii vibrate?
Also can you hear a low vibration sound???... and i dont mean up close a couple feet away or more too. keep your room quiet to notice.

mine does this and im not sure if the drive is messed or if it's the surface it's on. i've tried other places and some reduce the noise but still it's a lot of sound for a little machine.

ksamedi · (07-03-2007, 12:54 PM)

Originally Posted by shuri:

turn off the wireless stuff, it heats up the thing to death, even when in standby mode.

...

If you cant leave on your WiiConnect24 your Wii is defective.

ksamedi · (07-03-2007, 12:58 PM)

Originally Posted by big_z:

send it to nintendo for repairs.

now since this is a my wii is fuct thread here's a question:

those of you with your wii in the stand when you put a wii game in does your wii vibrate?
Also can you hear a low vibration sound???... and i dont mean up close a couple feet away or more too. keep your room quiet to notice.

mine does this and im not sure if the drive is messed or if it's the surface it's on. i've tried other places and some reduce the noise but still it's a lot of sound for a little machine.

Does your Controller vibrate? maybe they mixed up and put the rumble in your console

Jokes aside, i never had that.

Axl · (07-03-2007, 12:59 PM)

Sent my Wii out last week for this same problem =\

mentalfloss · (07-03-2007, 01:02 PM)

I'm finding that if you have the system set vertically as opposed to horizontal it really helps alot. Don't keep it too close to your sound system either -- any secluded spot it good. And obviously somewhere where it will typically be in the shade.

Thoren · (07-03-2007, 01:05 PM)

I'll just tell you this, make sure you leave it standing up vertically. The bottom heads up like a hotplate sometimes.

big_z · (07-03-2007, 01:07 PM)

Originally Posted by ksamedi:

Does your Controller vibrate? maybe they mixed up and put the rumble in your console

Jokes aside, i never had that.

wouldn't surprise me with the lack of quality control at nintendo lately :p

but it's a serious question for those that check. the vibration from the disc spinning sounds like a distant lawnmower when it sits on my desk. pick the wii off the desk and you dont hear it so it's definately coming from the drive spinning. i just dont know if the drive should be shaking that much... it's like it has parkinsons.

DeaconKnowledge · (07-03-2007, 01:08 PM)

I wonder what percentage of Wii's this will happen to.

ksamedi · (07-03-2007, 01:08 PM)

Originally Posted by big_z:

wouldn't surprise me with the lack of quality control at nintendo lately :p

but it's a serious question for those that check. the vibration from the disc spinning sounds like a distant lawnmower when it sits on my desk. pick the wii off the desk and you dont hear it so it's definately coming from the drive spinning. i just dont know if the drive should be shaking that much... it's like it has parkinsons.

Does it do that with all games? I had drive noises with RedSteel, constantly loading shit.

Sharp · (07-03-2007, 01:10 PM)

Originally Posted by DeaconKnowledge:

I wonder what percentage of Wii's this will happen to.

30-33%.

Xavien · (07-03-2007, 01:11 PM)

I also had this problem, got it replaced a few months ago and haven't had a problem since.

Mine was a Euro Launch one. I think it was probably a bad batch that got through.

big_z · (07-03-2007, 01:13 PM)

Originally Posted by ksamedi:

Does it do that with all games? I had drive noises with RedSteel, constantly loading shit.

only wii(dvd) sized games. cube games dont cause it for some reason. possibly because it spins slower or the discs dont have enough mass... i dont know

even if im on the channel menu and i put any wii game in you can hear/feel it vibrate. it's not from the laser head moving, it's the disc spinning itself.

ksamedi · (07-03-2007, 01:15 PM)

Originally Posted by big_z:

only wii(dvd) sized games. cube games dont cause it for some reason. possibly because it spins slower or the discs dont have enough mass... i dont know

even if im on the channel menu and i put any wii game in you can hear/feel it vibrate. it's not from the laser head moving, it's the disc spinning itself.

Theres probably a problem with the drive. You should call Nintendo before it gets worse.

Akinola · (07-03-2007, 01:20 PM)

"My Wii runs so hot guys"

I turn my WC24 off ever since I heard that problem--but it shouldn't be happening.

Hopefully you have a My Nintendo subscription tied to your VC games (if any) because if you have to get a new one shipped out, you might have to re-buy them.

swerve · (07-03-2007, 01:31 PM)

My Wii gets crazyhot, but has been on for 7 months and hasn't caused itself damage. It certainly doesn't get hotter than my laptop. WiiConnect24 is, as has now been said many times, a fundamental part of the system, and one which Nintendo goes to great lengths to promote.

I wholly agree that turning it off just means that when they do introduce their assumed future exciting uses of the feature (and if you have a defective unit) you're going to get screwed. At a time you'll miss it, too.

Dimmuxx · (07-03-2007, 01:56 PM)

Don't turn off Wiiconnect24 because the only thing that will happen is that your Wii will break down later when you don't have any warranty left. If the console can't handle Wiiconnect24 then something is wrong with it.

Syth_Blade22 · (07-03-2007, 02:18 PM)

don't let the duct tape cover the vents?

_RT_ · (07-03-2007, 02:38 PM)

I just turn it off at the console. Hold down the power button till it turns red.
Or.. turn off Connect24.

Either way, it seems like an easy solution.

Satter · (07-03-2007, 02:55 PM)

Originally Posted by Sharp:

30-33%.

I see what you did there.

I've had mine in the hortizontal position, in standby mode, and connected to WC24 for 5+ months. No problems so far.

RurouniZel · (07-03-2007, 03:56 PM)

I've also experienced this problem and have since sent it back to Nintnedo for repair/replacement.

I recently saw a little fan for the Wii made by a 3rd party for $14.99.

http://www.ebgames.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=802575 <-- this little gizmo.

Anyone know if this helps any?

AstroLad · (07-03-2007, 04:01 PM)

I thought the system getting hot when WC24 was on was a universal thing. I noticed it, Googled it, and found several discussions that seemed to indicate as much. Anyway, I turned it off. Benefits of intentional bricking aside, I just don't like having something get hot like that--makes me uncomfortable.

Plus, it's by my 360, and would probably kill it in its sleep if given the chance.

Saitou · (07-03-2007, 04:04 PM)

If Connect24 makes your console overheat, send it back to get repaired. Turning it off will delay the inevitable.

This cannot be stated enough.

Nintendo made the Wii with the idea of never turning it off in mind. Shit, even at full power it consumes less energy than the NGC. Connect24 should not cause overheating under any circumstances whatsoever.

Miktar · (07-03-2007, 04:04 PM)

I played through Super Paper Mario just fine (not in one sitting, roughly 30 minute sessions every day), started up Zelda and about 30 minutes in, noticed odd screen artifacts and video memory corruption. WiiConnect24 has never been turned on.

It is currently winter here, and we even had snow. SNOW.

I bought my Wii at the Nintendo World Store in NYC during a rare visit there, now I'm back in South Africa.

No more Wii for me. ;..; (No, I can't just replace it here, we're still missing a Nintendo distributor).

(Of course, I think it's karma. My 360 has never given me a single problem).

Mithos · (07-03-2007, 04:05 PM)

Mine is affected too. problem is... I must send it to USA to get it replaced, and they are making a fuzz about it must be sent from an US residence.

So they said i have to ship it to a friend i US first and they will have to make the replacement arragement.. that will be costly...

AstroLad · (07-03-2007, 04:15 PM)

To those who feel they have unbroken systems: Does the system still get fairly hot (not scalding, just quite warm) in standby with WC on? I didn't have any issues, but the warmth was bothering me so that's why I turned it off.

Koomaster · (07-03-2007, 04:24 PM)

Hmm, just checked mine, it's sort of warm, like a real light warmness. For people who have Wii24Connect on, does it produce any heat at all? The warmth on mine doesn't seem to be anything to be concerned about, it's hardly what you would call hot, but like I said, a real light warmness.

*gets paranoid*

Saoh · (07-03-2007, 04:27 PM)

the other day i was playing SSX Blur and i noticed some "noise" on the black areas of the game. i thought it was this same problem too, but i can´t send it to the US, i don´t live in the US :(

shuri · (07-03-2007, 04:27 PM)

when i had wiiconnect on, the wii was warm.

ksamedi · (07-03-2007, 04:29 PM)

Originally Posted by AstroLad:

To those who feel they have unbroken systems: Does the system still get fairly hot (not scalding, just quite warm) in standby with WC on? I didn't have any issues, but the warmth was bothering me so that's why I turned it off.

Yes thats normal, it gets warm sometimes, usually when there are updates like news channel and weather channel updates.

Grecco · (07-03-2007, 04:30 PM)

Can you notice the sparkles only on 480p?

swerve · (07-03-2007, 04:31 PM)

Yeah, it gets really really toasty hot in warm weather. Not painful to touch, but not far off. Like I said above, I've got other electronics that get equally as hot, and my laptop has to get way hotter than Wii does before it engages the fans. It's weird to turn it off because 'it might break', because if it's going to break you want it to happen ASAP so you can get it repaired. Normal systems don't melt themselves.

Like I said, seven months, and it's only been in red-light off mode when there's been a powercut (it reboots into 'full off'). It was a little concerning to realise it gets hotter when turned off, but I've gotten used to it. Electronics are meant to take and sustain temperatures much greater than human hands...

acuul · (07-03-2007, 04:32 PM)

Originally Posted by ksamedi:

WiiConnect is meant to stay on, not off. If for whatever reason you turn of WiiConnect24 and your Wii does have an overheating problem your only going to delay it and it will probably die when the warrenty doesnt hold anymore. Its stupid to leave it off. Mine is working fine for 7 months now and i have never turned of WiiConnect24.

me too.

if the wii has overheating problems it's not turning off wiiconnect the solution

Grok4Spock · (07-03-2007, 04:34 PM)

I have had my Wii in standby with WC24 on since launch day. It does get slightly warm, but not scalding hot. I have not had any problems with it other than the controllers losing sync every now and then. Some of this whole Wii overheating thing is fanboyism, of course some it is probably hardware related and simple call to Nintendo should fix it...

AstroLad · (07-03-2007, 04:35 PM)

Originally Posted by swerve:

It's weird to turn it off because 'it might break', because if it's going to break you want it to happen ASAP so you can get it repaired. Normal systems don't melt themselves.

Come on, you're talking to the 360 generation here, where people put consoles by ACs, limit playtime, and do all manner of crazy things to keep their consoles alive. I guess for me it's just a matter of my not really seeing the benefits of WC so it doesn't bother me to turn it off. I do agree that it's less hot than a laptop (well, mine at least), but it's certainly in that area of warmth.

Sharp · (07-03-2007, 04:39 PM)

Originally Posted by AstroLad:

To those who feel they have unbroken systems: Does the system still get fairly hot (not scalding, just quite warm) in standby with WC on? I didn't have any issues, but the warmth was bothering me so that's why I turned it off.

Reasonably warm, I suppose. Then again, even when my brother leaves the Wii on for a day or two it doesn't get unduly hot, so I may have a strange model.

chespace · (07-03-2007, 04:42 PM)

I've been putting off sending mine back just because I've been so damn busy. Mine was a launch day system. It didn't start happening until I popped in Wii RE4. Before that, I played a shitload of Zelda and most recently played some crazy games of Wii Sports with my mom. No green dots... that is, until I popped in RE4 and within a couple minutes, they appeared.