Wii and PlayStation 3 Q&A
By Ryan Block 
posted Nov 11th 2006 1:38PM
posted Nov 11th 2006 1:38PM
It's becoming very quickly apparent that everybody has a lot of questions about the Wii (not to mention the PlayStation 3), and we'd be obliged to answer. Go ahead and leave 'em in the comments and we'll post our replies. Please note: the Wii's online channels (Wii shop, News, Weather, etc.) are not yet enabled, so we don't know much more there than you probably do.
How do we put wire joysticks ps3? can we put only wireless or both?
i would like to know how to take my ps3 online and to download rockband songs
I watch very little TV, and am holding off on picking up a nice HDTV for at least six months. Can I hook a PS3 to the old composite in on my ghetto TV (maybe using the PS2 connection) or do I need to hold off until I have a fancy new TV with component/HDMI etc.
Clearly things will look better in 1080P but since I can't get any GTA IV love on an old console, I am wondering if I can run the PS3 as a stopgap.
- I really should use a fake name for this.
can u use the wii remote for gamcube games that u r playing in the wii
I have downloaded a video file (avi). It's a serie (Naruto). I have watched the serie for a very long time on my PS3.
But since the aspect ratio has changed to 16:9 my PS3 said: incompatible file. And i can't play the video.
Thanks in forward. Hope that somebody can help me.
PS3 won't save some PS2 games. It tells you before game start its a lack of space, but there is plenty internal spce.
i recently Copied about 10 gigs of music from an external hard drive to my PS3. any way i can transfer them to my ipod? is there any way to burn a CD using the files i copied?
thanks
How loud is the Wii? What are the load times for the games? What way do you insert the disks? In the unboxing videos, what were those 'decals' plastic things?
Is it possible to attach an external hard drive, keyboard, mouse, etc. to the USB ports on the back of the Wii?
can the ps3 stream video's, movies, pictures, etc. from a PC. If so does it require media center or some type of additional software?
what was you main cons about the PS3?
Thanks
How long the Wii batteries last? Are they rechargeable?
If you've looked at any unboxing pictures, you'll have seen that it uses AAA (maybe they're AA) batteries; 2 come in the package, like with any remote-controlled electronics, and they go into your standard-issue battery compartment on the wiimote.
What are your sources saying about being able to walk into say Fry's or Best Buy on the afternoon of the 19th and seeing readily available Wii's? Supposedly Nintendo is going to launch about 2 Million units.
Does the PS3 include an eyetoy?
Was there a "Wii Startup Disk" included in the box?
What is the best way to go about connecting it up to a regular monitor? What cables or connectors provided the best results?
don't you know about compatibility of PS3 sold in Japan/US this week to run in Europe ?
HDMI has nothing to do with PAL/NTSC and only difference would be power adaptor (110V there vs 230V here)
any ideas?
can i stream videos from my pc to the ps3?
Although we've seen images of the PS3 motherboard, they were too small in resolution to make out the chips, does the PS3 hold it's OS in NVRAM or is it relying on the HDD? This is specifically about replacing the drive and how it gets the OS back on the system (is it in NVRAM or do you need to insert a game or other disk).
http://s137.photobucket.com/albums/q208/chudgoo/PS3%20Disemboweled/?start=all
71 pics of PS3 completely broken down...
Now let's see the Wii guts! ;)
How long are the standard composite AV cable's?
Does the Wii's sensor bar limit you from what kind of TV you can hook it up to? For example, a 60" projection TV that sits on a pedastal -- can you put the sensor bar above the TV or does it HAVE to go below? How about for setups where the gamer does not sit directly in front of the V but perhaps off to the side?
Thanks guys!
Can the PS3 copy videos from a Data DVD?
Is there a minimum number of characters for the PS3 online names? I hope I can use my standard name which is 4 letters.
Can you do HD in a 4:3 ratio? Our HDTV is 4:3 but supports 1080i (Samsung 62" projection TV from around 2003)
Can you access a USB hard drive? Like connect an external HDD with USB and stream media from it.
That's pretty much it for me, Thanks!
Can your PS3 fold (Folding@Home) out-of-the-box or is that coming in a later update?
What's a henway?
About 20 ounces...google conversions
How much heat does the PS3 dissipate? How hot is it compared to the X360?
How steep is the learning curve on the wii, is it worth the invested time learning a new way of gaming?
Wii:
1) Have you tried freeloader and will it allow you to play imported games?
2) Does the wii recognize an external HD/keyboard when you hook them up via the USB on the back?
3) Is the blue light always on during gameplay?
4) Is there any screws outside of the Wii allowing you to open the unit?
5) Does the sensor bar not function properly when it is exposed to sunlight from outside or from many reports, when somebody points a laser pointer on it?
6) Does cursor speed change when playing in a totally dark env & in a lighted room?
7) Is the Wii totally silent/cool? (say compared to the GC)
8) What happens when a disc is inserted the other way around?
9) What video formats does the Wii photo channel allow you to play?
10) What the hell does the Sync button do on Wii? Does it 'refresh' the Wii to let it know that a new SD card was inersted?
11) Will the Opera browser allow you to watch flash movies on Youtube? (and to some extent, will it also allow you to post videos via the wii)If so, this would certainly be a great non-game feature. Viewing/posting videos online.
PS3:
1) People have managed to replace the PS3 HD with a normal sized HD (but of course you can't put it back in the PS3 which leaves it dangling outside. However, does the PS3 recognize the drive and allow to still use in (ala preload portions of RR7).
2) Is it BC w/ all the PS2 games you tried?
3) How easy is it for the PS3 to collect fingerprints/dust? Is it already dustmagnet?
can the ps3 make me dinner?
can the Wii make me smater? xD kidding :P
Does the Wii have built-in wifi? IF so, does it support WPA?
How to the graphics of the games for the Wii compare to that of the previous generation consoles?
Are you sure that you did everything available in the photo channel? On the Wii website, it shows many more options. Did they scrap these ideas?
what is the extent of the motion sensing for the ps3 controller? will it be as dramatic as the wii's?
"What are your sources saying about being able to walk into say Fry's or Best Buy on the afternoon of the 19th and seeing readily available Wii's? Supposedly Nintendo is going to launch about 2 Million units."
I can answer that. My store is getting 102 (I work there so I know... lol) And I'm not lining up to get mine, I'm just gonna go that morning and walk in. (Fore refernece: my store had 45 360 pros, 5 cores and 70 people lined up. so im sure there will be some left in the afternoon.
1)Will I be able to buy a Wii anytime before christmas?
2)If the wii is in a small room will the wii pointer be very sensitive, or can you change the sensitivity?
What are the Wii graphics like "in-game"?
Some Zelda videos i've seen remind me of the N64...
"Some Zelda videos i've seen remind me of the N64..."
Twilight Princess
http://media.wii.ign.com/media/748/748589/img_4061136.html
http://media.wii.ign.com/media/748/748589/img_4061140.html
Ocarina for reference:
http://media.ign64.ign.com/media/000/000437/img_1501534.html
You were saying?
"3) Is the blue light always on during gameplay?
5) Does the sensor bar not function properly when it is exposed to sunlight from outside or from many reports, when somebody points a laser pointer on it?
7) Is the Wii totally silent/cool? (say compared to the GC)
8) What happens when a disc is inserted the other way around?
10) What the hell does the Sync button do on Wii? Does it 'refresh' the Wii to let it know that a new SD card was inersted?"
After watching various other videos of people using the Wii's they just got (gamespot, etc.) ill answer a few i know.
3.) No, it only flashes when the system starts. Haven't seen an option to keep it on either. (yet anyways)
5.) I'm not 100% sure about sunlight, but the halogen light thing was a rumor. Gamespot had their wii / sensor bar under bright studio lights and it worked flawlessly.
7.) Gamespot held the mic up to the Wii and you couldnt hear anything. They said the only thing they heard was the disc being read.
8.) It will pop the disc back out.
10.) Sync button is for the controllers. First time you use a controller on the Wii you need to sync it to the system your using. So you press the sync button on the back of the controller (under the battery door) and then on the system and they will find each other. has nothing to do with sd cards except for the fact its next to the sd card slot.
Does Google Reader play nice with the PS3 web browser?
Can you play gamecube games with the Wii's 'classic controller' thats sold seperately?
Same question as Justin, but, how long is the Wiimote battery life?
Thanks
When you insert an SD card into Wii with photos and videos on, do they need to be converted to display/save onto Wii?
What video formats does the photo channel support? I'm hoping it'll play the type of MPEG4 that the Samsung NV3 records video in.
When an SD card is inserted with downloaded VC games or other channels on, do the things on the card automatically pop up on the channel interface, or do you have to access a seperate menu for thnigs saved on the SD card?
When you save Wii game save data, do you get a choice of saving it to the internal memory or SD card, or can game save data only be saved to the internal memory?
Basically i'd like to know how everything works reguarding internal memory and SD cards.
Thankyou.
Can you use Wii game save slots for GC games?
how is the overrall game play for both?
PS3:
1) So does it come with Yellow Dog Linux, or whatever it is called, and what significant features does this have compared to other Linux distributions, like Fedora Core or Ubuntu?
2) If yes, then where is this Linux OS stored(HDD, NVRAM, ROM...)?
3) What video(DivX, xVid, H264...) and audio(MP3, Ogg, AAC, AAC+, FLAC...) codecs does it support?
4) What video containers(MP4, OGM, MKV...) does it support?
5) Can you hook up an external HDD to it through USB?
6) What kinds of USB accessories(mouse, keyboard, HDD, webcam, USB hub...) did it recognise?
7) Anyone tried sticking Win XP on it? :D
Thanks!
"PS3:
1) So does it come with Yellow Dog Linux, or whatever it is called, and what significant features does this have compared to other Linux distributions, like Fedora Core or Ubuntu?
2) If yes, then where is this Linux OS stored(HDD, NVRAM, ROM...)?
7) Anyone tried sticking Win XP on it? :D
"
1. No, it doesn't come with the system.
2. It will be stored on the HDD
7. XP won't work, it's compiled for an x86 processor, not the PowerPC based CELL.
What exactly can you do with the PSP and PS3 connectivity? Can you still subsitute a PSP for a controller for the PS3, via wireless or plug in via USB? I know soon after launch you will be able to transfer files (music, video, photo) back and forth between PSP and the PS3 just localy, but will there be an update where you will be able to do that through the internet?
How does the Wii work on a smaller TV?
Is it hard to aim on the smaller TV?
After playing with the Wii for a few days, do you feel that your interest in the Wii will last? I mean, I still kind of see it as a gimmick that I would get tired of a few plays (like Samba de Amigo).
Will the Wii rock? And will PS3 bring Sony to bankruptcy?
Quote from the first post:
"How loud is the Wii? "
Wii be as loud as Wii can be.
Does Excite Truck indeed support custom soundtracks off of the SD card?
Does the sensor bar have to be in the exact center of the display, or can it still be accurate if its a little bit off.
Is the sensor bar setup tough (does it require a level or anything like that)?
How long do the batteries last in the wii controller? Nunchuck change the battery life much?
How long do the batteries last in the wii controller? Nunchuck change the battery life much?
I'm refering to 7. Does that mean with a little bit of messing with the code someone could get OSX on the ps3?
Do the PS3 can play all (or a big part of) PS2 games?
Wii:
1) What are the details of the "Extend your Warranty for Free" booklet?
2) Does Wii support SDHC cards?
Can the PS3 video ouput be set to 16:10 instead of 16:9 so as to be connected to a 1920x1200 as apposed to a 1920x1080 display?
For the Wii. I have a 60" 1080p capable HDTV, how good will the Wii scale up for display on my TV?
Does anyone else out there believe that the two new game consoles are receiving far more coverage than either of them deserve?
Is there anyway you can change the aspect ratio on the Wii for the pictures??. that would get a bit annoying to see all of your pics squeshed.
@Ryan:
The reason the photos were squished was because he had set the Wii into 16:9 mode, but left his television in 4:3 mode. Had he changed his TV to 16:9, the photos would have had the correct ratio.
Has anyone tried playing the Wii on a projector? Does it work? I have a feeling that the some of the sensors needed for games will make this impossible.
(e.g. you can't play light gun games on a projector because it needs to reflect off of the glass screen)
"Has anyone tried playing the Wii on a projector? Does it work? I have a feeling that the some of the sensors needed for games will make this impossible.
(e.g. you can't play light gun games on a projector because it needs to reflect off of the glass screen)"
Wouldn't have any problems, just have to put the sensor bar by the screen, not the projector. Wii doesn't use the image on the screen at all.
Light gun games didn't work with a reflection on the screen anyway.
To answer the question that a lot of you are asking about sensitivity, you will not be effected by smaller screens. The way it works is that the sensor bar can tell how far your turning the Wiimote and where it is. These movements combined with gyroscopes and accelerometers in the controllers will be able to lessen the effect of different sized screens. Essentially, the Wii will compensate for a smaller screen because your motions will be smaller when you calibrate it.
If the cell really is PowerPC based, could you put OSX on it? I would definately want Front Row running on mine.
"Alex @ Nov 11th 2006 3:11PM
If the cell really is PowerPC based, could you put OSX on it? I would definately want Front Row running on mine."
It would likely have to be hacked, similar to how the x86 OSX was hacked to run on a PC.
MythTV is a similar Linux program.
"If the cell really is PowerPC based, could you put OSX on it? I would definately want Front Row running on mine."
1) the Xenon chip in the Xbox 360 is PowerPC based as well. how many people do you know running OSX on their 360s?
2) the Cell is a very poor chip for general purpose computing. OSX on a Cell would be like running it on an older G4. there was a reason Steve Jobs specifically rejected the Cell when Sony proposed it.
3) the CPU is one part of what makes a computer. several cable boxes / DVRs / etc run on PowerPC based processors. doesn't make them able to run OSX. same with the Gamecube. no one ran OSX on that either.
I was curios as to whether you could hook up a huge 500GB USB harddrive to the PS3, and install the game caches to that instead of the internal harddrive. And if so, how much of a load time is incurred by load the game from the USB instead of the internal. I'm going to get a PS3, and i want to upgrade the drive. However current 2.5" drives only go as high as 160GB. I'm all about the space!!!
Does your warrenty get voided if you chuckit out the window? Does the ps3 suck ass?
I would be very interested in how it works with a smaller tv. College student with only a 20" tv currently, so if it is tough to use on such a small screen I may have to hold off until I can upgrade.
Wii:
Can you store your game saves, etc. on SD cards and external USB harddrives/flash drives? Can you also access media stored on harddrives?
Will the Wii play video off of the SD card, if so what formats?
Will USB flash drives work with the Wii?
Can you change the region on the PlayStation 3 menu? I saw a video of the xmb options once and You could change the Region but the author did not go into detail!?
Can you play import Gamecube games on the Wii?
Is the Wii fully Gamecube compatible?
Will it be possible to transfer game saves from PS1 and PS2 memory cards to memory sticks (or CF, or SD, etc), so the memory card doesn't have to stay plugged in?
And how long does it take to set up the sensor bar on the Wii? I move my PS2 back and forth between a small TV and a large one (depending on if anyone's watching the big TV). If it takes a long time to set up, it wouldn't be worth it to me. (For reference, some weekends I switch twice or three times a day)
Are the battery contacts coiled sprints, or bent metal? The latter allows for a battery pack like the official GBA pack in Japan. The official GBA pack also fits Nintendo's wireless Wavebird GC controller. Would be nice if it fits the Wii remote too.
What happens if you try to associate the PS3 controller with a PC using Bluetooth 2.0EDR? Does the SIXAXXIS have a Synch button other than the Playstation button? Try holding it for 20 seconds...what happens then?
Is the Wii controller REALLY Bluetooth-compliant, or is it simply RF? What happens if you try to pair it with a Bluetooth 2.0EDR capable PC? Try holding the Synch button (under the battery cover) for 20 seconds or so with the batteries inserted...
Are the Wii remote's battery contacts coiled springs or bent metal? The latter allows for a battery pack like the official GBA pack in Japan. The battery pack snaps in and the original cover still fits in place. The official GBA pack also fits Nintendo's wireless Wavebird GC controller. It would be nice if it fits the Wii remote too...
my sources say that there arnt gonna be that many Wiis in stores. I live in a suburban area and the CompUSA here is only gonna get 14!!!
Andrew...your sources are stupid. Nintendo has millions of Wiis in warehouses, they'll have plenty for Xmas, you stupid dumbass.
what input does the power brick take, just 110v or right up to 40v, also how many watts
I have a DS and I'm not going to lower my home network's security by dropping it to WEP. Can I have have the Wii connected to my network using WPA, and the DS connect to the Wii with WEP, and still access Ninty's WiFi Connection service on the DS through the Wii?
Wii wifi: WEP only or WPA too?
A>
can you copy blu-ray movies, to the PS3 Hard Disk?
1. How big/heavy is that power brick? It seemed large in the video but that might just be bad reference points
2. Again, can I use SD cards to save GC games?
3. Will Wii read videos (DivX?) off the SD card?
4. Can the GC Wavebird's wireless adapter fit on the GC controller ports up top without the cover getting in the way?
5. How well does Wii work on small screens when sitting from a distance?
4. Can the GC Wavebird's wireless adapter fit on the GC controller ports up top without the cover getting in the way?
See image:
http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/14/0,1425,sz=1&i=145720,00.jpg
Does the drive on the Wii have the sexy blue light that it was originally shown having?
Dude, chill. He's just asking a question, and it's a good question if the store he's looking to buy from is only going to get 14 consoles. Wii should have plenty of consoles on release date, at least compared to PS3. However his local store might not have enough. Even if they do run out, there should be another shipment coming in after that soon enough.
In Excite Truck, can you ONLY play mp3 files, or can you play other formats too? (you know, like ogg vorbis?)
is there OFFICIAL (i.e. proof with links) news that the ps3 does or does not upconvert DVDs?
I was wondering whether the PS3 network allowed users to upload their own icons or avatars or whatever is used in the friends list?
How do you put the mini-gamecube discs into the slot-loader?
Does the Eyetoy Really do what the videos on youtube show?
Please tell us the compatibility out of the box with the GameCube????
couold you upload a photo with the wii lying down, the wiimote, and a hand beside plz
i have some trouble picuring sizes :D
Hey!
I want to use my Wii with my panasonic projector. so I'm wondering: how long is the cable of the sensor bar? of not long enough, do you know if there will be some extension cable for the sensor bar at the launch day? maybe is it a standard cable?
I'm asking theses questions 'cause the sensor bar has to be under the projection area right? my projector is 3/4m away from the wall/screen ... so the Wii has to be connected to the projector and sort of "connected" to the screen (via the sensor): it might create some problems if sensor bar cable isn't long enough
Thanks Engadget for answering!