Zuhzuhzombie!!
Member
Probably a technical reason they're too cheap to resolve.
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Wii U Gamepads are region locked
- Thread starter Wario64
- Start date
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grap3fruitman
Banned
This is Nintendo. When a nice color gamepad comes out, it'll come out in Japan and Japan only. So even if someone was willing to import one, it would be useless to him or her.
I imported a white PS3 controller way before they became available in the US because I liked how they looked. It's both hilarious and said that Nintendo's region-locking accessories.
I would've gladly imported a white 3DS XL at launch because the US colors were, and still are, disappointing but the thing's region-locked.
With the 3DS's successor, Nintendo's going to include GPS hardware and make the hardware useless once you cross certain borders so you're forced to buy one from that region.
Say your friend has an import machine and when (eventually) a 2-player gamepad Wii-U game comes out he comes round to play it with you. But oh wait, he can't. His pad doesn't fucking work. It's a crazy limitation if it's solely for region restrictions.
i'd be surprised if any LE controllers are released that aren't tied to a LE console.
dragonflys545
Member
LOL seriously?
Laughing Banana
Weeping Pickle
Wow... so many bans in here, and all of them are on the Nintendo's side of the fence too, hahaha.
It's a non-issue, but nonetheless kind of baffling as to see why Nintendo would bother to do stuff like this *scratches head*
They can be so weird sometimes.
It's a non-issue, but nonetheless kind of baffling as to see why Nintendo would bother to do stuff like this *scratches head*
They can be so weird sometimes.
Cheesemeister
Member
It's not clear whether this is just about GamePad firmware updating, or usage altogether. Destructoid updating with an assumption that gameplay will work post-firmware update, but I'd like to see some verification.
This does affect me. I was hoping that a cross-region GamePad could be used for future 2P games, allowing me to import an American system to Japan and get around the software region-lock. Having to get a 3rd and a 4th GamePad for 2P games on each region's system would be ridiculous.
This does affect me. I was hoping that a cross-region GamePad could be used for future 2P games, allowing me to import an American system to Japan and get around the software region-lock. Having to get a 3rd and a 4th GamePad for 2P games on each region's system would be ridiculous.
br0ken_shad0w
Member
The Classic Controller Pro took months for it to get to the U.S./Europe (especially Europe). Now imagine if a superior gamepad is released (Japan first of course) and it's region locked. But hey it's "no big deal" right?
It really sounds more like it's a firmware issue.
My guess:
A Japanese Gamepad has a certain firmware loaded that can only communicate with a Japanese WiiU with a compatible firmware.
Trying to use a US Gamepad won't work because the Japanese WiiU goes "Nani kore?! Watto isu dissu shitto."
This is probably not engineered to be a region locking measure, but merely making sure the Gamepad and the WiiU can work together because they are using compatible, rigorously tested, internal software.
Unless you can somehow put different software on a Gamepad it does effectively behave like region-locking though.
Now, if you imported a Japanese WiiU (which I might consider myself in the future if there are any Japan-only titles being released [region-locking is the devil]), and your overweight mother-in-law sat on your Japanese Gamepad and broke it, then yeah, it's gonna be annoying that you just can't use a Gamepad from your own region, and will have to import a Japanese Gamepad.
So yeah. It is a problem, not a major one, but still a small problem. And obviously someone cares, otherwise we wouldn't be in this thread.
My guess:
A Japanese Gamepad has a certain firmware loaded that can only communicate with a Japanese WiiU with a compatible firmware.
Trying to use a US Gamepad won't work because the Japanese WiiU goes "Nani kore?! Watto isu dissu shitto."
This is probably not engineered to be a region locking measure, but merely making sure the Gamepad and the WiiU can work together because they are using compatible, rigorously tested, internal software.
Unless you can somehow put different software on a Gamepad it does effectively behave like region-locking though.
Now, if you imported a Japanese WiiU (which I might consider myself in the future if there are any Japan-only titles being released [region-locking is the devil]), and your overweight mother-in-law sat on your Japanese Gamepad and broke it, then yeah, it's gonna be annoying that you just can't use a Gamepad from your own region, and will have to import a Japanese Gamepad.
So yeah. It is a problem, not a major one, but still a small problem. And obviously someone cares, otherwise we wouldn't be in this thread.
Aquamarine
Member
It's not impossible. I'm a huge Nintendo fan and this kind of decision just strikes me as completely unnecessary and anti-consumer.
I'm disappointed, but I'll move on and I'll still love Nintendo games.
People were getting too heated and started degrading other forum members.
The small problem here is making the Gamepad region-specific in the first place. Region-locking for games is one thing, but region-locking for controllers is pushing the envelope. It's a deliberate effort by Nintendo...they could have easily avoided this.
FlutterPuffs
Member
I will steal this and use it all the time. Thank you.
Diddy Kong
Banned
This post is truly mind boggling. Where would you even get a separate gamepad atm?
Why on earth would someone import a spare gamepad?
As far as importing controllers goes, Ive done this in the past out of necessity. PS3 controllers cost $99.95 for the first few years. That works out to something like $110 USD for a dual shock 3.
So I imported them from play asia if/when I needed a new one. Even today, the difference is $78 for a controller bought in Australia, or $47 bought online.
I would like to think that if Wii U pads are ever sold separately down the line, should I need one I expect they would be at least 30% cheaper to purchase a Japanese one via online than a local one at whatever they end up being. And that would probably be a substantial saving, maybe $40 or so.
So I imported them from play asia if/when I needed a new one. Even today, the difference is $78 for a controller bought in Australia, or $47 bought online.
I would like to think that if Wii U pads are ever sold separately down the line, should I need one I expect they would be at least 30% cheaper to purchase a Japanese one via online than a local one at whatever they end up being. And that would probably be a substantial saving, maybe $40 or so.
Jake Tower
Banned
WiiU clearly inspired by the PC-Engine/Turbografix-16.
So in this world of make believe..
A. There is no date for a release of a 2nd gamepad.
B. Who is going to make a game for a 2nd $150 controller ( since its make believe land, that's the price)
C. You are already aware of the problem and would tell him to not waste his time. That you've already bought the right extra controller and he just needs to bring the beer.
I'm sorry but what? His scenario is one that Nintendo themselves suggested before. They wanted Wii U owners to bring their controllers along because they are aware price is an issue.
This isn't a big deal for me since I'm not planning to import controllers. But this is still a problem that needs to be resolved. I can easily see people in the future being absolutely pissed off at this issue.
I'm honestly a bit baffled by this.
Twenty7KVN
Member
Although this is silly it's not a big deal for me,i'm still going to get a wii-u in a few days.
GiantEnemyGoomba
Member
I'm shocked at how stupid this decision is, but at least this won't affect anybody significantly...yet.
Kazuma Kiryu
Member
DidntKnowJack
Member
Now that the story is updated, this doesn't seem like a big deal.
why you gotta reminds us of that
Because I'm still bitter about it lol. Want to play Animal Crossing so bad!
Coolio McAwesome
Member
I stand by my statement that this is something that likely won't affect most people reading this. Moreover, most of the people making their "because Nintendo" comments (like the one you made) are not going to be affected either.
By all means; correct me if I am wrong. If you were planning on buying a WiiU controller from another region and are upset, please forgive my assumption that people are coming into this thread to complain about a minor issue that is not going to affect them in any way.
I was a little taken aback by your "you know this how?" line, to be honest. My assumption that the vast majority of people don't import controllers is completely reasonable.
Don't get me wrong. I'm sure that there are people that are going to be affected by that. It really sucks for them, and discussion about this issue is completely warranted. I just feel that many comments are completely out of place. An inordinate amount of posts in this thread amount to nothing more to than "lol Nintendo".
sakipon
Member
Would Japanese GamePads display menus in Japanese when connected to a Western console? In that case the masses wouldn't be as interested in importing them as traditional controllers for PS3, 360 and so on.
Yup, so it'd just mean that a foreign controller can't be the master controller. I hope so.
Yup, so it'd just mean that a foreign controller can't be the master controller. I hope so.
MrGame&Watch
Member
I feel like 1% of users ever import a game. I imagine an extra controller that isn't supported is even less people.
If you're angry at this it's because you have an agenda, nothing more.
If you're angry at this it's because you have an agenda, nothing more.
PowerSmell
Member
The reason they're doing this is likely because the Gamepad is a major cost center for them and want to have the option of selling it for different prices in different regions.
D
Deleted member 17706
Unconfirmed Member
What is with the enormous amount of people who seemingly lack the ability to put themselves into other people's shoes. Is having empathy, even when it comes to fringe cases, that difficult for some of you?
It's like, if these people feel like they have theirs, they don't give a shit about anyone else and will defend idiotic decisions that hurt other people and benefit no one.
It's like, if these people feel like they have theirs, they don't give a shit about anyone else and will defend idiotic decisions that hurt other people and benefit no one.
i bought a wii remote and pro controller for Wii from overseas to save money.
It's 50% cheaper to import from Japan/Hong kong to Australia rather than buying locally.
Napalm_Frank
Member
If you didn't buy a Vita you deserve region lock
.
ed controllers
br0ken_shad0w
Member
It's always amazing how some people in a hardcore gaming enthusiast forum think it's only a slim minority that import and don't understand why people are upset. I mean really?
But it is a slim minority that import game consoles and games.
It might be a large sounding number like 5 million,
but we have over a 150 million consoles floating around this gen.
RurouniZel
Asks questions so Ezalc doesn't have to
Completely sucktacular, but I really doubt this was intentionally designed to region-lock the controller. Moreso it was inevitable considering the nature of the controller in question. Other systems don't have their controllers running part of the OS directly on them, so if the OS is region-locked, so too will the controller.
Is less than 10% a slim minority? I'd be willing to bet it's under that percentage, if not lower.
...Off to find hard data! EDIT: Didn't find crap. But in 2010, only 15% of gamers buy DLC. So the percentage of importers has to hover around 1%, lol.
WrenchNinja
Member
Region locked controllers. Now Ive seen everything.
viewtiful_dru
Member
this is EXACTLY what they are trying to stop
I can imagine japanese gamers wanting to get the american pad because it'll end up being cheaper (just like most games)
now they can't, more money in nintendo's coffers.
I hope you're being facetious.
Quadraphonic
Member
Dreamcast guns were region locked, too. I'd SAY it's because of American laws regulating orange rings to prevent them from looking like weapons, but the American ones didn't work on the Japanese version.
Or since the different companies have different standards bodies, it's easier to let only the GamePad for that region work with that region's console.
A gamepad approved for use by the Japanese government isn't going to automatically be cleared by the FCC for use in the United States. And the other way around. Didn't matter before because controllers were either directly wired into the system or used a pre-approved standard such as Bluetooth.
This is really such a non-issue. You can't get a Gamepad separate from the system and won't be able to for a good while. If you have a JPN Gamepad, you have a JPN Wii U.
And if it's not a wireless thing, the GamePad can do things without the Wii U actually being on.. so it could also be that they want the remote/other stuff to match language-wise.
Please do tell me more about my agenda and how I dont really import games and dont play them multiplayer
CoffeeJanitor
Member
That is some seriously dumb shit. LMAO.
Yep. Fuck enforcing this shit just to ensure regional price gouging.
Eidt: Or maybe not even that, it works everywhere except an update? Clowns.
This is a bullshit excuse, just wait until there is a teardown done and it's revealed the hardware inside the gamepad chassis is identical. You manage different regional standards in software where possible because it's far cheaper than operating multiple production lines. That's how pretty much all wireless technology works.In any case I'm out of this thread, and I'm done with Nintendo and anyone who defends them. The 3DS XL I purchased late last year is the last Nintendo platform I'm ever going to own, their anti consumer tactics go so far and beyond what is necessary (and what their competition uses) so I'm not even bothering with them anymore.
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