Does any device do that? I can't think of any device or OS that requires no other partitions.
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Wii U: a 2 TB HDD is a waste.
- Thread starter Cheesemeister
- Start date
Does any device do that? I can't think of any device or OS that requires no other partitions.
I don't see it. Constantly lunging a 3,5" hard drive enclosure (which all require their own power supply) between two devices that are often even used a the same time isn't remotely practical.
I think the idea is that you go for the other advantages (lower power, no moving parts, runs cool), but that only works once the SSD prices/sizes are comparable to what we're seeing here. Or if you're insane and stupidly rich, then well fuck it.
firehawk12
Subete no aware
The only other time I've connected an HDD to a console was to do a PS3 back up, so I have no idea. I suppose someone can try it out this Sunday to see what happens.
Eh, I don't know either... but then again, I have like 10 2tb/3tb drives lying around my desk, so I'm not the best judge of storage usage. lol
I don't think an SSD would be a good idea for the same reason Nintendo isn't recommending the use of USB flash drives.
I bought a 3TB drive from NewEgg a week or so ago because they were running a promo that made it the same price as a 2TB. No skin off my back if that 1TB doesn't get used.
I bought a 3TB drive from NewEgg a week or so ago because they were running a promo that made it the same price as a 2TB. No skin off my back if that 1TB doesn't get used.
There isn't much of a noticeable difference in the setup outside of what netBuff mentioned, although bear in mind that SSDs are a hell of a lot more durable due to the lack of moving components. It will also be a more future-proof upgrade if you want to use it for any other USB 3/internal setup in the future.
I'm not suggesting you go for an SSD, as they are a magnitude more expensive than SATA drives at the moment I'm just illustrating the point that if your disk consumption is consistently low over a long period of time, it's more cost effective to buy "smaller" drives frequently than it is to buy an excessively large drive up-front that'll last you 3 - 5 years.
xemumanic
Member
I would say 2 TB is a bit much (a 1 TB is probably enough) but HDD prices are dropping again, but most importantly, its not very smart to compare space requirements today, to what may be in the future. As an owner of an original 20 GB 360 (5 free RROD repairs), I can tell you that 32 GB isn't going to be enough. Also, I think the Wii U seems to be getting underestimated in this regard, because its a Nintendo platform.
superchunk
Member
Considering a HDD is never 100% available and the OS takes (initially) ~5GB, if you put NOTHING but games on the HDD, you'd be closer to 35 full disc games (25GB). Considering most would be far less than the 25GB, you're likely around 40 games.
However, I think its obvious to assume WiiU will grow in applications and digital media support. The 3DS can play movies and music, etc. I'd bet the WiiU will have support to download and store media from your network/web at some point if its not there already.
This is where it all comes into play and why Nintendo said eventually, they'll add support for more than one HDD at a time. You have to anticipate that the system could be your end all TV media storage device. That has to be part of Nintendo's plan with its full Nintendo TVii feature.
However, your advice to take a wait and see approach if you have the Deluxe model, makes a lot of sense. HDD prices drop rapidly and if and when you need that storage that first TB could be cheap. At least that's my plan.
However, I think its obvious to assume WiiU will grow in applications and digital media support. The 3DS can play movies and music, etc. I'd bet the WiiU will have support to download and store media from your network/web at some point if its not there already.
This is where it all comes into play and why Nintendo said eventually, they'll add support for more than one HDD at a time. You have to anticipate that the system could be your end all TV media storage device. That has to be part of Nintendo's plan with its full Nintendo TVii feature.
However, your advice to take a wait and see approach if you have the Deluxe model, makes a lot of sense. HDD prices drop rapidly and if and when you need that storage that first TB could be cheap. At least that's my plan.
A SSD is completely different than a USB Flash Drive, they are not comparable. I'm using a SSD not for it's speed, but for it's reliability. There isn't a high chance of a catastrophic data loss if you drop an SSD for example. It will also not wear out as fast as a HDD(motor) based on wear-level algorithim and low heat output. I'm using a 256GB size SSD because I haven't even used up a third of the space on my PS3/XBOX360 with installed games. I got a 256GB for less than $120, so I think I made a good choice considering I don't think I will ever fill it up. I mostly buy retail anyway.
superchunk
Member
The speed of an SSD is wasted when its connected through a USB2.0 connection. A good USB 2.0 HDD is the best option for WiiU.
I haven't even filled up 30GB of my 120GB PS3.
Joeshabadoo
Member
yea... this
if we know the sort of formatting that the Wii is looking for before connecting a USB drive (FAT32 right?) then are we sure the system wont just identify whatever it can and go from there?
this is important, and I dont think that this external HDD functionality has been locked out of early review consoles sent out that dont have the update yet. can we enlist a GAFer to experiment with the USB storage stuff?
DonMigs85
Member
The 360 would let you set aside a certain portion for regular use though. You can't do that here?
MagicWithEarvin
Member
Also, don't put all of your eggs in one basket, digital gamers. Make sure to have a back-up HDD handy and back-up frequently, IMO.
I'd worry about that with game saves, not games. Not unless they ARE stupid and decide to do the "let's bundle save data and game data together!", in which case I think I'm going to hate Apple forever.
Considering all my purchases on the next wave of platforms will be digital-only, I'm sure I'll buy more than 81 25GB games. Not to mention all the smaller downloadable stuff I'll end up buying too. I'll probably end up needing more than 2TB, if I was to buy a Wii U. I know I'll need more with Xbox The Third and PS4
Cheesemeister
Member
How would you propose doing that? A Wii U-formatted HDD can be used only with the Wii U that formatted it, and you cannot copy software, only move.
Dreamwriter
Member
You realize that the partition is part of the disk operating system, right? If Nintendo doesn't choose something your PC can read (FAT32, NTFS, or exFAT), then your PC won't be able to understand what a partition on it is, let alone be able to format the partition or write data to it. So it's not that the DOS wouldn't support multiple partitions, it's that the entire DOS would be incompatible with Windows.
ChosenPredator
Banned
so what kind of HDD are you guys going to buy just curious
CrunchyFrog
Member
EDIT: misread, see several posts below
Noisepurge
Member
I have around a 100 PSN titles downloaded, some of those are in that 10GB range a pop.
Having a 500GB drive it's constantly full. So i would not overestimate with the 1TB drive. 2 might be stretching it unless you are storing movies in there.
Having a 500GB drive it's constantly full. So i would not overestimate with the 1TB drive. 2 might be stretching it unless you are storing movies in there.
Cheesemeister
Member
I've seen no such manual text. Do you have a scan?
firehawk12
Subete no aware
The FAQ thing says that bus powered drives may not work, for what that's worth.
CrunchyFrog
Member
EDIT: I misread, it's FLASH drives that can't be used to play games from that was specifically mentioned.
I've never had a problems using a HD with two partition types, Ubuntu and w7/w8/xp. Windows won't recognize the Linux partition but it doesn't make it unusable.
firehawk12
Subete no aware
The argument is that by the time you need 2TB, the drives will be cheaper/technology will be better.
Ashler
Member
Its not really that hard, tbh. Between all my DLC's, game patches to support DLC even if you do not buy it, PSN titles, Full free PS+ games from the store + about 130 Singstar songs that my wife bought... it kind of creeps up on you.
If you take into consideration the growth of digital content from the last generation to this 'new' generation of consoles, its pretty much guaranteed that (depending on your gaming habits) you will need more space.
Error Macro
Member
Gee, a disc install function would be very nice. It would certainly save the optical drive from wear and tear. The unfortunate reality is that Nintendo probably doesn't even consider this option. 
superpickleman
Member
I don't plan on downloading every game I purchase so even 500gb sounds like overkill to me. That's still what I'm getting though.
AkimbO_Arcana
Banned
I got my PS3 in late 2008 and my 620 GB HD can't hold all of my digital content at this point. I expect day one digital releases to increase in the future. So I don't see how 1-2 TB is too big. Like, not at all.
Femmeworth
Banned
I've been out of the loop, is the Wii U's disc format basically Blu-ray?
Yikes, you must have compressed those to hell.
CrunchyFrog
Member
It's similar, holds about as much as a single layer BR, about 25GB, though not as flimsy and with smexy rounded edges.
Clay Davis
Member
I need some advice.
I was looking at these hard drives.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/1tb-my-passport-portable-hard-drive-635978
http://www.maplin.co.uk/2tb-my-passport-portable-hard-drive-635976
it's usb powered and suports usb 2 and usb 3. should I go ahead with pne or can it bought for cheaper elsewhere?
I was looking at these hard drives.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/1tb-my-passport-portable-hard-drive-635978
http://www.maplin.co.uk/2tb-my-passport-portable-hard-drive-635976
it's usb powered and suports usb 2 and usb 3. should I go ahead with pne or can it bought for cheaper elsewhere?
Error Macro
Member
It's not Blu-ray.
But it is Blu-ray.
The specifications sound identical, it's just not called that--presumably because calling it Blu-ray would indicate some sort of licensing agreement with the Blu-ray Disc Association.
Which would mean paying monies to someone else.
And of course, Nintendo ain't having any of that nonsense.
Smiles and Cries
Member
good advice... too late for me :3
ChosenPredator
Banned
So you can buy bran new games just released on WIIU off of their online store?
Femmeworth
Banned
Since when are Blu-ray discs flimsy?
Ashler
Member
Why buy a 1 or 2TB HDD when you can get a 128GB SSD instead?
Cause it's connected through USB 2.0, i.e: there's no point.
brochiller
Member
Any ideas on a good drive to get considering the new info? I'm probably going to jump on a black friday deal somewhere, but I'd like to get an idea of what I'm looking for.
All Nintendo titles and some third party titles are available, day one, from eShop. It's up to the publisher.
All Nintendo titles and some third party titles are available, day one, from eShop. It's up to the publisher.
Cheesemeister
Member
Why buy a 1 or 2TB HDD when you can get a 128GB SSD instead?
As has been mentioned several times before, not only would any gains in read speed would be bottlenecked by the USB 2.0 interface, but it's also much more expensive, and you may exceed write limits.