Ars Technica: Wii U's restrictive DRM is a baffling throwback

[ThatObviousUser]

Op-Ed: It's time for the Big N to catch up to other digital delivery companies.

The new Nintendo Network ID system that debuted on the Wii U is a sign of progress for a company that has, historically, not shown a lot of savvy in setting up its online systems. The Wii U lets users connect up to 12 separate Nintendo Network IDs to a single system and use those IDs to easily connect with online friends and strangers. The new Wii U eShop includes many retail games for download on the same day they reach stores, and does away with the "Wii Points" virtual currency that characterized Nintendo's previous console. The company has even promised to roll out a cloud save feature sometime next year.

Given all of these improvements, it's a bit baffling that Nintendo is still caught in the past when it comes to the extremely limiting digital rights management system that ties downloaded game and content purchases to a single console.

As Nintendo's Wii U FAQ makes clear, "a Nintendo Network Account can only be used on the console where it was created." Thus, any games tied to that unique online ID will only work on the first system they're purchased and downloaded to. This is in essence the same setup that Nintendo used to protect downloaded Virtual Console and WiiWare games on the first Wii, a setup that not only utterly failed to stop piracy on the system but also caused headaches for many early Wii owners with faulty systems.

 

[NateDrake]

I fully expect things to change once Nintendo gets accounts on PC, tablets, phones, 3DS, etc. available. For now, they just haven't pushed the button as there is no reason to sign-in to your account from another system since the system just launched. If they didn't have a future plan, why would a Wii U currently have the option of signing-in with an existing NNID....

 

[funkystudent]

They are going to add cloud saves?

Whats the point of cloud saves if you cant log into your account on another console?

:/

Maybe this a sign they are going to fix this account/console mess at some point?

 

[pslayer666]

They are going to add cloud saves?

Whats the point of cloud saves if you cant log into your account on another console?

:/

Maybe this a sign they are going to fix this account/console mess at some point?

maybe just for backup purposes.... who knows, lol?

 

[Bjoern the Smexy]

Weren't Wii owners with faulty systems able to transfer their bought Virtual Console and WiiWare stuff to a new console?

 

[Eusis]

Yeah, I'm fairly optimistic they'll open up in the long run, simply because cloud saves make next to no sense if you can't log into a new system anyway and save space isn't really a premium so long as developers are at least somewhat efficient with save data, but until they open it up I wouldn't be too comfortable buying anything that isn't, say, $40 at most. And not even many of those, they have to have a real appeal to being on the console all the time like Sonic All Stars Racing.

Weren't Wii owners with faulty systems able to transfer their bought Virtual Console and WiiWare stuff to a new console?

Had to send it in for repairs, and it sounds like depending on the problem you could be SOL. Only recently could you transfer without sending it in, and that's purely Wii to Wii U.

 

[EatinOlives]

If you ask me this is the real reason why Nintendo drags their feet in online implementations in general. They've always been extremely adverse to piracy, even basically killed one of their own platforms (N64) over it. And it isn't like this is unfounded, considering the large amounts of piracy on the Wii and 3DS, they're all the more paranoid now.

But backwards DRM is backwards DRM, as in it's never acceptable, and the minute it starts affecting legitimate users it simply crosses the line. Out of Sony, MS, Valve, and Nintendo, I trust Nintendo the least when it comes to maintaining reasonable ownership/access to my digitally-bought games. Can't think otherwise when they still keep happily rolling out tied-to-console bullshit.

 

[ThatObviousUser]

This is the first I've heard of Wii U cloud saves. Anyone have a link to where Iwata specifically says that?

 

[NateDrake]

This is the first I've heard of Wii U cloud saves. Anyone have a link to where Iwata specifically says that?

It was a rumor a while back. Only confirmation I found even related to this was DQX will have Cloud saves.

 

[Eusis]

If you ask me this is the real reason why Nintendo drags their feet in online implementations in general. They've always been extremely adverse to piracy, even basically killed one of their own platforms (N64) over it. And it isn't like this is unfounded, considering the large amounts of piracy on the Wii and 3DS, they're all the more paranoid now.

But backwards DRM is backwards DRM, as in it's never acceptable, and the minute it starts affecting legitimate users it simply crosses the line. Out of Sony, MS, Valve, and Nintendo, I trust Nintendo the least when it comes to maintaining reasonable ownership/access to my digitally-bought games. Can't think otherwise when they still keep happily rolling out tied-to-console bullshit.

Well, they're the worst of the platform holders. On PC we DO have worse, GameFly pulled games after absorbing D2D, then pulled a few games after putting them up on their services (NWN2 anyway), D2D by proxy had that restrictive install set up that required only their patches and made the old installers duds when GameFly bout them, and Digital River is an abomination outright. At least with Nintendo so long as the system works I can redownload whatever I bought, even if it's been delisted.

 

[Medalion]

Cloud saves... Nintendo only discovered the internet last year, they are learning

 

[ThatObviousUser]

It was a rumor a while back. Only confirmation I found even related to this was DQX will have Cloud saves.

Loooooooooooooool, it's an MMO, it probably has its own account based system anyways. XD

I'd be highly surprised if it used NNIDs instead of whatever the Wii version uses.

 

[Eusis]

Loooooooooooooool, it's an MMO, it probably has its own account based system anyways. XD

I'd be highly surprised if it used NNIDs instead of whatever the Wii version uses.

Not going with cloud saves in an MMO is insane anyway. You're just begging to be hacked, and storing that stuff's trival compared to running a persistent world with thousands playing anyway.

 

[Castor Krieg]

I fully expect things to change once Nintendo gets accounts on PC, tablets, phones, 3DS, etc. available. For now, they just haven't pushed the button as there is no reason to sign-in to your account from another system. If they didn't have a future plan, why would a Wii U currently have the option of signing-in with an existing NNID....

Really? How about reselling stuff and buying WiiU later? Whops, too bad you fuck, you sell WiiU, you lose all your purchases.

This is clearly about reselling the console. It is a disgusting tactic that fits Nintendo perfectly, even Microsoft is not so fucking dumb.

 

[POWERSPHERE]

How did you do red text?

 

[ThatObviousUser]

How did you do red text?

GAF Gold. I invoke the powers of red letters whenever I'm particularly disgusted, which is usually when I'm talking about this precise issue.

I briefly considered posting the full article and making the whole thing red, but then I realized no one would read it, defeating the purpose of posting this thread in the first place.

 

[xxracerxx]

How did you do red text?

GAF Gold.

I can't believe how this choice was made.

 

[QaaQer]

Really? How about reselling stuff and buying WiiU later? Whops, too bad you fuck, you sell WiiU, you lose all your purchases.

This is clearly about reselling the console. It is a disgusting tactic that fits Nintendo perfectly, even Microsoft is not so fucking dumb.

That makes so much sense.

 

[RagnarokX]

So what's the point of the article? We already know that they currently can't let consumers migrate their own accounts, but we know it's possible and, judging from the options available when you set up your NNID, planned.

When my Wii U broke and I sent it in, Nintendo gave me a brand new unit as a replacement. My NNID wasn't preinstalled on it, but I was able to link the one I had already made and download stuff I had purchased with it.

 

[ThatObviousUser]

So what's the point of the article? We already know that they currently can't let consumers migrate their own accounts, but we know it's possible and, judging from the options available when you set up your NNID, planned.

When my Wii U broke and I sent it in, Nintendo gave me a brand new unit as a replacement. My NNID wasn't preinstalled on it, but I was able to link the one I had already made and download stuff I had purchased with it.

Awesome, Nintendo's done all they can do then. No reason to fix what ain't broke.

 

[freddy]

How did you do red text?

<----Use these tags.

 

[Tellaerin]

Whats the point of cloud saves if you cant log into your account on another console?

Sharing saves between devices (WiiU <-> 3DS)?

 

[RagnarokX]

Awesome, Nintendo's done all they can do then. No reason to fix what ain't broke.

This doesn't fix the problem or tell us anything new about it.

 

[boiled goose]

Nintendo needs to center their entire business model around the account, not the hardware.

Think of people that use itunes vs other services, think of the tons of ppl here on gaf that only buy games on steam, think of windows and iOS loyalists, etc.

Having a Nintendo account will drastically increase consumer loyalty and retention. With WiiU , nintendo has to reacquire every single customer. When Durango and PS4 launch, plenty of people invested in PSN and xbox live will smoothly transition over.

The nintendo account should be like a steam library with all your games. 3DS, WiiU, vitual console, wiiware, dsi ware, etc., etc. etc. Not all games are going to be compatible on all platforms, but they will all be tied to your account.

Digital content is fundamentally different from retail content. I cannot resell it, therefore I do expect to be able to keep it forever. Just like itunes and just like steam.

Mario world from the VC gets ported to 3ds? great, you can now play it on the go.

I would buy the WiiU and 3DS IN A SECOND, the moment nintendo fixes their online account system.

 

[freddy]

This doesn't fix the problem or tell us anything new about it.

The point is there should be a system in place already and people should know how to do it. The more this is highlighted, the more chance they will pull their finger out and make it the priority it deserves to be.

 

[surly]

For now, they just haven't pushed the button as there is no reason to sign-in to your account from another system.

I dunno about that. I have 2 Xbox 360s and sign in on whichever one I'm using at the time. I also sign in on friend's console occasionally. You can't do that with a Wii-U.

If they release a revision of the console and you want to upgrade, what then?

Also, being in the UK we have pretty great consumer laws. If I buy a Wii-U from Amazon and in 5 months time it dies, I can have Amazon replace it with a new one. What happens to my downloaded content if that happens? I just lose it? Or I have to chose a worse option of sending it to Nintendo for repair?

There's really no defending this one.

 

[Castor Krieg]

Nintendo needs to center their entire business model around the account, not the hardware.

Think of people that use itunes vs other services, think of the tons of ppl here on gaf that only buy games on steam, think of windows and iOS loyalists, etc.

Having a Nintendo account will drastically increase consumer loyalty and retention. With WiiU , nintendo has to reacquire every single customer. When Durango and PS4 launch, plenty of people invested in PSN and xbox live will smoothly transition over.

The nintendo account should be like a steam library with all your games. 3DS, WiiU, vitual console, wiiware, dsi ware, etc., etc. etc. Not all games are going to be compatible on all platforms, but they will all be tied to your account.

Digital content is fundamentally different from retail content. I cannot resell it, therefore I do expect to be able to keep it forever. Just like itunes and just like steam.

Mario world from the VC gets ported to 3ds? great, you can now play it on the go.

I would buy the WiiU and 3DS IN A SECOND, the moment nintendo fixes their online account system.

They are increasing consumers' loyalty but in a wrong way - if you made WiiU digital purchases you are not going to sell the console in the future - the fact you won't be able to access your purchases in the future is enough to prevent a lot of people from selling the WiiU, instead throwing it in the box someplace.

Apple ties you to iTunes ecosystem through App Store, not the most elegant way but at least the apps can be freely shared across any compatible device. You cannot do that with WiiU.

Wonder if you can get class-action going...

 

[PokéKong]

Didn't Nintendo talk all about making the Miiverse accessible from computer and smartphones? That seems to imply being able to log in from other devices, so you'd be able to use a NNID on all other devices EXCEPT other Wii U consoles??

Unless the separate Miiverse access is merely for viewing and not posting and has no log in at all, which I now do not doubt...

 

[NateDrake]

I dunno about that. I have 2 Xbox 360s and sign in on whichever one I'm using at the time. I also sign in on friend's console occasionally. You can't do that with a Wii-U.

If they release a revision of the console and you want to upgrade, what then?

Also, being in the UK we have pretty great consumer laws. If I buy a Wii-U from Amazon and in 5 months time it dies, I can have Amazon replace it with a new one. What happens to my downloaded content if that happens? I just lose it? Or I have to chose a worse option of sending it to Nintendo for repair?

There's really no defending this one.

I mean at this moment there is no reason since the system just launched. 6 months down the line they could activate such a function.

 

[SkyMasterson]

Nintendo better have this shit settled by E3. Not to mention having an account based system will make lives easier for Nintendo themselves, not just the customer.

Off-Topic: Is there anyway to find out if a names been used for the Nintendo network ID? I don't have a WiiU yet(well haven't opened it yet haha).

 

[Tash]

Pretty much the reason I hold off on getting a WiiU at home. We have one at the office though and also thought the whole linked to hardware is baffling..

 

[darkwing]

Nintendo found a way to fight the second hand console market

 

[Deleted member 1235]

why can't they do the steam system of 'authorise console with this code we email you' ?

IDIOTS

 

[boiled goose]

Nintendo found a way to fight the second hand console market

nintendo found a way to fight the first hand console market.

why can't they do the steam system of 'authorise console with this code we email you' ?

IDIOTS

I don't even care if i can only activate one 3ds and one WiiU at a time.
Just tie all my purchases to my online account and let me upgrade or change consoles in an easy straightforward way.

 

[darkwing]

nintendo found a way to fight the first hand console market.

really? I think it sold more than the ps3 during Thanksgiving

 

[QaaQer]

really? I think it sold more than the ps3 during Thanksgiving

are you arguing with a joke?

 

[Htown]

Wonder if you can get class-action going...

Seriously?

 

[Leflus]

They really need to get their shit together. I'd love to go digital only on the 3DS, but the lack of proper DRM is preventing me from giving Nintendo my money.

 

[electroshockwave]

really? I think it sold more than the ps3 during Thanksgiving

 

[Dynamite Shikoku]

Nintendo don't get digital

 

[Clay Davis]

I mean at this moment there is no reason since the system just launched. 6 months down the line they could activate such a function.

what makes you so sure? what makes anyone so sure they will even bother activating it? there's currently no supporting evidence to suggest it's in their future plans to activate it. as someone mentioned above, this very strongly points to this as a misguided tactic to stop the second hand market from being flooded with consoles.

if it is, they are only hurting themselves by putting people off from buying more than a few titles from their eshop. their online ecosystem suffers in the long term with companies simply not bothering to release games on it...just like the wii.

 

[Dreamwriter]

I'll never understand why so many people think this is so bad. OK, it's not perfect, of course there are a few small inconveniences with it. But people act as if it's the worst DRM ever made, as if Nintendo is the horrible and stupid and backwards company for not allowing people to install their games on their friends' consoles, and then suggest that nobody ever buy any game digitally.

No, you won't ever loose access to your games, unless your Wii U console physically gets stolen (and in that situation there's a decent chance you can get Nintendo to transfer the account, as long as you filed a police report and whatnot). Want to buy a new Wii U because Nintendo releases a new model or a new color, well Nintendo's going to make a transfer utility for when that happens, just like they did with 3DS. Your system breaks, send it into Nintendo, there's no reason to ever NOT send it into Nintendo, they will always be cheaper than buying a replacement console even if it's all your fault and falls out of warranty. Even if your console has been turned to a pile of dust, Nintendo can transfer your account to the replacement, because the account *is* technically all on their servers, they don't have to move anything off of the console.

 

[RagnarokX]

what makes you so sure? what makes anyone so sure they will even bother activating it? there's currently no supporting evidence to suggest it's in their future plans to activate it. as someone mentioned above, this very strongly points to this as a misguided tactic to stop the second hand market from being flooded with consoles.

if it is, they are only hurting themselves by putting people off from buying more than a few titles from their eshop. their online ecosystem suffers in the long term with companies simply not bothering to release games on it...just like the wii.

There's no evidence that it's a misguided DRM tactic. We do, however, know that using an existing account is an option when setting up an account. It seems likely Nintendo will make it available down the road; it just wasn't a launch priority.

 

[CambriaRising]

I don't know but as long as accounts and purchases are tied to the hardware I won't be buying one.

 

[Oersted]

Never thought these things are such a big thing, probably have to rethink it. Btw: Would someone call the Vita memory cards a restrictive and baffling throwback? Honestly, just curious.

Seriously?

Its Castor Krieg. Just move along and pretend nothing happened.

 

[Castor Krieg]

Seriously?

Why not? As mentioned, I don't believe this is related to DRM or piracy, this is Nintendo's attempt to tie you to your hardware. You won't be reselling your WiiU because you lose access to all your purchases. Imagine the parallel example - you sell your PS3, you lose all your trophies and PSN purchases. You sell X360 - bam - Gametag gets deleted. This is what it comes down to.

As mentioned in the article, PS3 and X360 have ways to go around it. Apple allows you to download your purchases to any compatible device as long as you are using the same Apple ID. By this Nintendo indirectly prevents you from reselling something you own. Last time I checked you are buying a physical console, not a licence to use said console.

Its Castor Krieg. Just move along and pretend nothing happened.

So it is ok now to bitch about DRM all the time on this board, however this being much more serious has to be dismissed?

 

[soxinthebox]

I fully expect things to change once Nintendo gets accounts on PC, tablets, phones, 3DS, etc. available. For now, they just haven't pushed the button as there is no reason to sign-in to your account from another system since the system just launched. If they didn't have a future plan, why would a Wii U currently have the option of signing-in with an existing NNID....

They don't have it on 3DS currently. They didn't put it on the Wii U. What makes you think it exists if they've pushed out two consoles without it already?

I don't know but as long as accounts and purchases are tied to the hardware I won't be buying one.

+1

Burned on the 3DS by their anti-consumer lazy bullshit

 

[Terrell]

I've said it in every thread since this became a big deal... this is likely due to the Deluxe Digital Promo.

If you're swapping around your account and your purchases willy-nilly before your account has the promo attached to the console you bought, I could see this causing a few nightmarish scenarios for people who want to use the promo legitimately and cause the potential for a lot of "promo scalping" (giving your details to a Basic owner for a fee to use the promo from your Deluxe, as an example).

As soon as they stop offering the promo to new buyers (which I imagine will be sooner than we think), we'll get our NNID account freedom.

They don't have it on 3DS currently. They didn't put it on the Wii U. What makes you think it exists if they've pushed out two consoles without it already?

You're comparing a system that released without a user account system to one that does. Even if the end result to you as a consumer is the same, it does not make it the same situation at all.

 

[Thoraxes]

Is it DRM or them not knowing how to do better though?

 

[Seik]

Is it DRM or them not knowing how to do better though?

I think its the latter. Though I believe things will get better.