Hooking up a Wii to your HDTV? Preorder cables now

The Nintendo Wii might max out at a 480p resolution, but plenty of HDTV owning gamers will be picking one up at launch. Unfortunately, component cables for the console (not included -- although even some high priced consoles don't have them either) won't be available on store shelves at launch either. With the cables not listed as arriving until December at popular videogame retailers, the only sure option is to order now from Nintendo's website and spend extra on shipping. If you're asking yourself why cables are so important when the system is at best EDTV anyway, remember the lessons learned from the last generation. PlayStation 2 and Xbox games (and other sources) are considerably clearer on HDTVs when using component connections as compared to S-Video or composite cables, and early reviews of the Wii show the same trend. Remember, friends don't let friends game in 480i.

Read - Wii component cables available online now, in stores December 5
Read - PSA: Use the right cables for your TV

[Fuzz @ Nov 15th 2006 6:05PM]

I ordered mine first thing this morning. Status says "preparing order", but I have a tracknig number for Canada Post, so it should be on its way. I hear they don't have alot of these things.

It is sorta weird they don't have them in stores at launch.

[Eric M @ Nov 15th 2006 6:17PM]

Anyone know where I can buy component cables for GameCube and not get ripped off on ebay? They are going for like $50 bucks there.

[warrenpeace� @ Nov 15th 2006 6:24PM]

Didn't I just read a while ago that all the accessories (like these cables) would be available at launch? Their Pres said that in an interview.

Maybe I'll just wait a month to get anything.

[JBo @ Nov 15th 2006 6:24PM]

Aren't component cables component cables? Why would you need to order them from Nintendo?

[Enzo @ Nov 15th 2006 6:34PM]

jbo, they use nintendos proprietary connector.
Also, I won't be waiting in line on saturday night because of this. No way I'm hooking this guy up to my HDTV with composite cables. Ugh.

[Michael May @ Nov 15th 2006 6:36PM]

I've never seen so many people get so excited about some cables.
CABLES!! calm down.

[StooMonster @ Nov 15th 2006 6:43PM]

JBo: component cables are component cables if they have RCAs at either end. But not the case here.

Nintendo Wii component cables have three RCA for video and two RCA for Dolby Surround II sound at one end, but at the other is the Nintendo AV connector.

I've heard that games look much better with component cables, for progressive output, and widescreen should also be selected too.

640x240 pixels per field = interlaced (composite, s-video) and 4:3 ratio [square]
720x240 pixels per field = interlaced (composite, s-video) and 16:9 ratio [widescreen]
640x480 pixels per field = progressive(component) and 4:3 ratio [square]
720x480 pixels per field = progressive(component) and 16:9 ratio [widescreen]

So you want to be using component cables to get 720x480 pixels per field.

The European Wii will have different vertical resolution:
640x288 pixels per field = interlaced (composite, s-video, RGB) and 4:3 ratio [square]
720x288 pixels per field = interlaced (composite, s-video, RGB) and 16:9 ratio [widescreen]
640x576 pixels per field = progressive(component) and 4:3 ratio [square]
720x576 pixels per field = progressive(component) and 16:9 ratio [widescreen]

However, in 576p mode the Wii may operate at 50Hz refresh rate rather than 60Hz. At this time this is unclear. Maybe like GameCube European gamers can choose 480/60Hz or 576/50Hz -- although PAL60 would be best of all at 720x576/60Hz!

[Avi @ Nov 15th 2006 7:11PM]

Does anyone know if the component cable for the Gamecube will work with the Wii?

[Paul Carroll @ Nov 15th 2006 7:14PM]

No, they dont.


Check it out dudes. These tags are from best buy.

http://img1.putfile.com/main/11/31818133584.jpg

[Victor @ Nov 15th 2006 7:14PM]

Can someone link me to the component cables at Nintendo online store? I've spent time looking and can't find them.

Thanks.

[tenchi221 @ Nov 15th 2006 7:32PM]

i ordered these this afternoon .. just checked status .. it says they're on BACKORDER!!!!!!!!

[lakiolen @ Nov 15th 2006 7:53PM]

Ordered mine this morning. I'm with Enzo, no composite cables are touching my Wii. Especially since I'll be hooking it up to my 24" Dell monitor.

Nintendo Store Link

[lakiolen @ Nov 15th 2006 7:59PM]

Stupid filters.
http://store.nintendo.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?currency=USD&storeId=10001&jspStoreDir=NOASTORE&productId=117711&categoryId=63205&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&ddkey=SetCurrencyPreference

[Cody @ Nov 15th 2006 9:23PM]

Could anyone one tell me if it would be better to just use regular cables and an old analog CRT TV, or get a nice new HDTV and use the component cables? I am asking strictly in terms of Wii visual quality.

[J1000 @ Nov 16th 2006 9:40AM]

Cody, definitely the HDTV. And definitely component cables, even if you have a non-HD TV. I have a 27" standard TV and the component cables look MUCH better than composite (yellow video cable) video does.

[Jerod @ Nov 16th 2006 12:13AM]

Sry, i know this isn't the place to ask a question like this...but i have this toshiba tv that is a CRT, but it has component inputs. Does that mean it is a EDTV supporting 480p???

I'll look at it's manufactures number or something but I wanted a quick answer since it's tucked away in the entertainment center.

[JP @ Nov 16th 2006 2:26PM]

Jerod,

Sounds like your tv is about the same as mine (27" Toshiba flat screen CRT with component input). Mine is NOT an EDTV and does NOT support progressive scan. However I've still found component cables worth it since the picture and color of the image is still a lot nicer than with my s-video cables.

[CM @ Nov 16th 2006 3:38AM]

The visual quality scale goes something like this:

RF coax - bleah!
composite - tolerable
S-video - good
component - very good
DVI/HDMI - very good; under some circumstances a miniscule amount better

(RGB/VGA is just like component)

[CM @ Nov 16th 2006 3:40AM]

Component inputs can be 480i, 480p, or higher (720p, 1080i, 1080p).

You'll have to check your specs to know what it can handle.

[kjartan @ Nov 16th 2006 5:04AM]

I hope they have a VGA or DVI connector in the near future. My 360 looks beautiful on my 20" Dell widescreen.

[Jason @ Nov 16th 2006 12:35PM]

Nintendo is already sold out of these cables on their we site, and they're not accepting any new orders. Thanks Nintendo!

How freakin' hard is it to have the damn cables ready and in stores when the console is released??

[Deathwish238 @ Nov 17th 2006 12:26PM]

Component cables make a huge difference even if your display is only 480i