If you looked at page 1, they do have separate production lines.
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Wii U Gamepads are region locked
- Thread starter Wario64
- Start date
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If you looked at page 1, they do have separate production lines.
I can't understand how one piece of news can be simultaneously nearly irrelevant and entirely stupid.
Like, I can't imagine that this will actually have an impact on more than thirty people on the planet, but there's still no reason to do something so ridiculously dumb.
It's the dumbest thing in the world to region lock a controller, and that makes me super confused, but at this point this is a problem that will impact roughly six people on Earth, so it's also not important.
But since it's not important, why do it?
I don't even know where Nintendo's head is at anymore.
Like, I can't imagine that this will actually have an impact on more than thirty people on the planet, but there's still no reason to do something so ridiculously dumb.
It's the dumbest thing in the world to region lock a controller, and that makes me super confused, but at this point this is a problem that will impact roughly six people on Earth, so it's also not important.
But since it's not important, why do it?
I don't even know where Nintendo's head is at anymore.
What about people who would import a replacement controller or a second one if games support them? Its not unreasonable to assume that replacements will total more than six units worldwide in the next five years.
And its always going to be cheaper to import for some territories.
KungFucius
King Snowflake
I will only buy things myself if overpriced imported version of accessories that have some significant portion of the OS running on them do not work with units not designed to run that version of the software because I am just that much of a whiner.
Yeah, people should never base their purchases on principles, they should always take what they're given with a smile. And for lots of regions imported controllers will no doubt be much cheaper.
Fuck me, I didn't think Nintendo could get any lower than they already have with their region locking. How the fuck can people support such a disgusting anti consumer company.
I am still feeling burnt from my original 3DS which has a built in production fault that permanently marks the top screen when closed.
And you people might think this is not an issue now but just wait until they start selling the replacements and there is a $50+ difference between regions.
I am still feeling burnt from my original 3DS which has a built in production fault that permanently marks the top screen when closed.
And you people might think this is not an issue now but just wait until they start selling the replacements and there is a $50+ difference between regions.
Ban Puncher
Member
shinra-bansho
Member
Where does it say that the US, PAL and Japanese controllers aren't identical in terms of hardware and transmission frequency? In the technical discussion thread people have confirmed that the transmission frequency band is the same between different regions.
And in this thread topic it's already been indicated that syncing isn't the problem. That this is a firmware i.e. software-based lock.
And if this is a regulatory issue, why aren't other consumer electronics with wireless communications subject to the same region-locking?
Sapphire Dreams
Member
I used to love you so much Nintendo, why don't you love me ? 
Davey Cakes
Member
They make some of the best games and offer some of the most unique experiences on the market?
You can support a company while still disagreeing with their policies.
DXB-KNIGHT
Member
Nintendo: "You are already locked!!!"
Shao Kahn Brewing a Stew
Banned
Oh my fuck!!! :lol :lol
Chittagong
Gold Member
Wii U supports a new style of off-screen region locking.
sakipon
Member
It was mentioned on the last page or so. However on GAF, anything that's not included in the thread title does not exist.
Chris23235
Banned
I really don't understand why people owning a Wii U are upset, even without the clarification from Destructoid, I found this pretty easy to understand.
When I first set up my Wii U and chose the language, the system transfered data from the console to the gamepad. This process took several minutes, so I was pretty much aware of the fact, that the gamepad has it's own firmware. And because of this, I found it easily understandable, that gamepads from 2 different regions with 2 different firmware versions won't work together, just because they run on different versions of the fimware.
When I first set up my Wii U and chose the language, the system transfered data from the console to the gamepad. This process took several minutes, so I was pretty much aware of the fact, that the gamepad has it's own firmware. And because of this, I found it easily understandable, that gamepads from 2 different regions with 2 different firmware versions won't work together, just because they run on different versions of the fimware.
Jinfash
needs 2 extra inches
Fixed.
And "it might as well doesn't." If people *really* wanna do something about it, they should contact the OP or a mod instead of wisecracking at the sidelines. This thread is almost at 500 posts.
Chris23235
Banned
You managed to break a Gamecube controller?
IdreamofHIME
Member
It's a very unimportant thing to get mad about, but at the same time there had to have been an internal meeting about this and you have to wonder why.
I don't care that it's locked, I just find it weird that it is.
I don't care that it's locked, I just find it weird that it is.
YES !!!
IdreamofHIME
Member
Oh wait, the OP didn't update the story?
You can use foreign pad....you just can't use it to do the firmware upgrade?
lol, 10pages...
You can use foreign pad....you just can't use it to do the firmware upgrade?
lol, 10pages...
After much smash bros, the sticks do eventually get a bit worn.
Dreams-Visions
Member
my oh my.
You ever actually dealt with Nintendo, Sony, or MS First Party?
The Op is Darth !!!
Update what? I posted a link to the story.
I'm locking this because Destructoid's update and the original Japanese article make it vague as to whether this affects actually playing games or just performing firmware updates. Once more information is available (i.e., if someone who actually has two different Wii Us goes through this process and provides information about it), a new thread can be made, or someone can PM me with info and we'll open this one back up.
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