Wii being hit by fatal error "110213" -- could be funky firmware

While so far Sony's PS3 launch seems to have gone off relatively error-free (we're talking hardware here, crime still doesn't pay, kids), Microsoft's 360 was notoriously plagued by errors at launch, and it doesn't look like the Wii is going to escape unscathed either. Reports have been coming in on the official Nintendo forums that after the initial firmware/software update that is downloaded during your first attempt to use WiiConnect24, some users are experiencing a "110213" error code, which bars them from using WiiConnect24 completely. Some people are conjecturing that the update is frying a necessary component to connect to the service, possibly being caused by corrupt downloads due to the incredible demand on the update servers currently. Whatever the cause, Nintendo phone support is apparently calling this a "fatal error," and replacing the units for free, including pre-paid shipping labels to make the process as smooth as can be -- of course, "smooth as can be" is little solace to launch day junkies who are halfway through Zelda already and will have to start over on a fresh box.

[Thanks, Christian]

[Andy @ Nov 20th 2006 12:50PM]

I got this and then tried again a couple times and it worked.

[Alcaron @ Nov 20th 2006 1:00PM]

Yet another awesome post from PM.

"little solace to launch day junkies who are halfway through Zelda already and will have to start over on a fresh box." um...memory cards?

"possibly being caused by corrupt downloads due to the incredible demand on the update servers currently."

You don't really know how the internet works do you?

Even IF the servers suddenly started spewing out corrupt files, one would think there would be a CRC check on the users end. I cannot remember the last time I saw a firmware updater that didn't CRC check the image before applying it. And if the server isn't spewing out bad files then there is very little likelihood that the internets, and even if it did, the aforementioned CRC check would invalidate that problem.

So unless nintendo is INCREDIBLY stupid about the way their firmware updates, I think its more likely a bug in the update itself or the hardware itself has flaws and the update just uncovers them.

It is highly unlikely that the firmware itself torches a physical component. Especially if only a small number are affected.

[Sam @ Nov 20th 2006 2:58PM]

I am unable to copy save files from my SD card back to the wii.

Also, its likely that they didn't test an update thoroughly and so everyone dl'ing for some time window got the bad one. I'm sure it didn't break hardware, but that resetting the wii to its original condition is too complex for them to ask end users to do it.

[philadelphonic @ Nov 20th 2006 1:04PM]

Hmm, I have heard problems with the PS3 freezing (from Best Buy) and with some HDMI errors... error free?

[Jagster @ Nov 20th 2006 1:15PM]

PS3, error free? Lets see,
- Won't upconvert, leaving non 720P tv owners playing in 480 mode.
- Overheating issues
- Consoles dying (3 flashes of death)
- Errors outputting 720P HD movies
- Controller errors that make them loose sync with the console every few seconds.

Thats just the ones I know of. So I wouldn't exactly call the PS3 launch error free. In fact, I don't remember 360 having any errors other than some consoles failing early in their lifespan. Other than that, they were functionally error free.

[Alfred @ Nov 20th 2006 1:10PM]

"While so far Sony's PS3 launch seems to have gone off relatively error-free"

Really have to wait and see. They are all still on ebay.

[John Gegier @ Nov 22nd 2006 8:28PM]

Ehehe... Still on E-Bay... you got that right!

[Ninja @ Nov 20th 2006 3:51PM]

It looks like I'm one of the lucky ones..I'm getting this error code and tried multiple times last night to connect to WiiConnect24 and again this morning. I think something really is borked on it because this morning, neither of my controllers would sync with the unit. This sucks.

[andy @ Nov 20th 2006 1:13PM]

My morning show "mj morning show" reported that a couple of PS3's had been returned because they wouldn't play PS3 launch titles.

I wouldn't call that error free.

[DJ @ Nov 20th 2006 1:14PM]

So what about those of us who purchased the console as a Christmas gift??? Do we open it now and try to see if it is flawed or do we wait til Christmas day when there's no support available?

[matthew @ Nov 20th 2006 1:15PM]

I had this happen to my launch Wii, and just got off the phone with the CSR at Nintendo. They're sending out a replacement UPSRED (though I haven't yet gotten a shipping notice) free of cost, so that's good.

Fortunately, this CSR says that I shouldn't have a problem transferring my saves to an SD card and then over to the new Wii. Who knows, maybe I'll be screwed, but will it really be a big deal to replay the first week of Zelda and DBZ?

(Wii Sports, btw, is tremendously fun with other people)

[alex @ Nov 20th 2006 2:55PM]

im supposed to get a replacement because i received the "Please insert the Wii Startup Disc."(which it does not bring) message when i turn on my wii but my order says UPSBLUE, unlike yours, whats the difference? i doubt its the error message that changes the name of the order.

[Molly C @ Nov 20th 2006 1:19PM]

"While so far Sony's PS3 launch seems to have gone off relatively error-free"

There are reports of hardware errors on various video game message boards, and there are videos on YouTube showing the PS3 giving the "red light of death" after just 3 hours of use.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVXzN7jCcRA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjAeKMyxt3I

It's way too early to call the PS3 "error free".

[jahhar @ Nov 20th 2006 1:20PM]

well, that's because beta-testing is a MUSTBE, and Sony understands it, while others don't

my home: http://www.baseselfdefense.com

[Kevlar @ Nov 20th 2006 1:24PM]

huh? never got that error. calling myself lucky, i guess. my Wii experience has been completely positive. my friend had a couple of problems syncing the controllers, but they worked themselves out.

[Hojimoto @ Nov 20th 2006 1:27PM]

Yeah, I got this error too and wicked slow response times. I tried before I left for work this morning and zipped right through adding Wii points to my account. My guess is it's similar to an HTML 404 or 500 error.

[Alex Gorstan @ Nov 20th 2006 1:45PM]

I had this error as well. I initially downloaded the first update on my neighbors weak wifi signal (too excited to type in the 24 digit hex code for my own wifi). I bet the signal crapped out mid download and the system rebooted and tried to run an update that was malformed or just not there at all. Who knows. But I am getting a fresh wii from nintendo in a few days, so I'll be patient and play my wii sports until then.

[Cycosuicide @ Nov 20th 2006 1:41PM]

ummm...I think the phrase I am looking for here is...."You get what you pay for" :)

[Wow. @ Nov 20th 2006 4:06PM]

Yes, that's a totally valid argument! You know, because $250 is equivalent to what...99 cents? Because It's not $600? Or $400?

No system is without problems.

The 360 had the red lights of death, the PS3 has various compatibility problems, and Wii has this. Big whoop. Did the people who stood on line for a PS3 get what they paid for? Mistakes happen, ass.

[Mel Marcelo @ Nov 20th 2006 1:47PM]

I'm getting a replacement Wii this week because I got an error when trying to sign-in to the shop. (Error 205927) If you check their website, the page you get for that error states that you have to get your unit repaired. Customer service (phone) also confirmed that my unit is poop.

Maybe they have some weird DRM things going on since I have no problems going online, managing game saves or playing games--the error pops up when the store should be done loading.

For my replacement, I have to drive to Chatsworth (an area a bit North of Los Angeles). It would probably be easier to have them ship me a new unit but I wanted to have it in my hands by Turkey day.

[tiuk @ Nov 20th 2006 1:50PM]

At least they're replacing them no-questions asked. That's more than MS did when people had problems with the 360 (at launch, I know they took care of it later on)

[Garry @ Nov 20th 2006 2:31PM]

Actually, tiuk, I had a launch 360 that crapped out on me after two days. Called Microsoft support, and they overnighted me a box to ship the console back to them. According to them, the whole process would be a 4-day turnaround, all free of charge. I was very impressed.

Interestingly enough, when the box arrived at my doorstep the next morning, the console came back to life, and I haven't had a problem since. Best I could figure was the faulty wiring in my ancient apartment was screwing with the PSU. Either that, or the cranky console gnomes inside didn't want to go on a vacation UPS-style.

[olivermajer @ Nov 20th 2006 1:56PM]

I like to call those "corruptdates."

[briguybb @ Nov 20th 2006 1:57PM]

Using my wireless connection, I was able to receive the update and it was successfully installed. To this point I have not seen any issues with the Wii.

I also, had an Xbox 360 at launch and didn't have any issues. Although I didn't play my system 24 hours straight (I do recall some overheating issues on some message boards).

Having worked in a support environment a few years ago...sometimes ppl forget that we only hear about the "problems" and not the successes. If we had 500 ppl say that got this error with nintendo ppl will be quick to say that there is a MAJOR issue with the Wii.

Personally, I know 10 ppl that have received the update and it worked just fine.

[tofu @ Nov 20th 2006 2:00PM]

hmm... i had no problems getting the update. Neither did my significant other.

Maybe it's localized to a certain batch or a region.
I'm in Houston, TX. How about you guys that got the error?

[Duodenum @ Nov 20th 2006 2:03PM]

I'm getting this error, too. Haven't been able to get through to customer support yet.

[Mario Mejia @ Nov 20th 2006 2:09PM]

that freakin sensor bar is messing with my projector set-up.

other than that my roomates had a lot of fun watching me and my roomate box it out on Wii Sports - my arms hurt today :(.

Number 3 in line at Target biznatches!

[k0an @ Nov 20th 2006 2:19PM]

I'm experiencing this problem and it has me bummed out. I was really looking forward to the Virtual Console. Time to call Customer Support I guess...

[scott @ Nov 20th 2006 2:28PM]

My local gamestop's ps3 display fried within 10 minutes of playing it. It decides by itself when to play...plus the fan that was used to cool it inside the display is loud as hell.

[zverg @ Nov 20th 2006 2:33PM]

Wii experience has been flawless for me. I'll cross my fingers. I've pretty much explored every thing I could, including photo sharing, buying and downloading games, doing file transfers, playing games, syncing controllers, going through all the settings. I've logged probably 6 hours of gameplay between myself playing Zelda and my mom kicking my butt in Trauma Center. I haven't even gotten a chance to play Wii Sports yet.

[scott @ Nov 20th 2006 2:37PM]

btw...the wii is freaking awesome.

[Martin Corona @ Nov 20th 2006 2:50PM]

XBOX 360 still better than ps3


http://www.hardcoreware.net/reviews/review-348-1.htm

[matthew @ Nov 20th 2006 3:24PM]

W/ regards to copying save files to/from SD cards:

I discussed this w/ my CSR (because I'm getting a new system due to the 110213 error), and he told me that first update should have enabled copying Wii > SD, and the second update should have enabled SD > Wii. So, if you're having a problem copying SD > Wii, your new unit should presumably have no such problem.

[gorkon @ Nov 20th 2006 3:03PM]

Too early to call this nothing more then a complete failure of one testing and two.....BAD website. The Nintendo servers were so crushed by the onslaught that it's not at all surprising that they had firmware update issues. My guess is that they will beef up the infrastructure and then issue a update to the firmware that fixes this by checking a MD5SUM or something BEFORE updating the firmware. My only question is why did you have to update the Wii out of the box? Was it because they were in boxes already? If that's the case then it can be excused a little. I don't have mine yet, but I hope to buy one in oen of the shipments before Christmas.

[Sam @ Nov 20th 2006 3:21PM]

These things almost always have updates day one. They find bugs after they've produced for example. I know nintendo had already manufactured a bunch of wii's in September, so there has been plenty of time to come up with enough for an update.

[Ninja @ Nov 25th 2006 10:06AM]

But then you have to be able to get back online to get this NEW update...something us 110213'ers can't do.

[Sam @ Nov 20th 2006 4:09PM]

These things almost always have updates day one. They find bugs after they've produced for example. I know nintendo had already manufactured a bunch of wii's in September, so there has been plenty of time to come up with enough for an update.

[Tidmore @ Nov 20th 2006 3:05PM]

So the fact that my Wireless router is not working and I can't get the update, may be a good thing!

[k0an @ Nov 20th 2006 3:40PM]

I called Nintendo's support phone # and they said to call back later because the call volume is too high!

[tykomyk @ Nov 20th 2006 3:44PM]

The problem isn't that bad as some people think. The system itself plays Wii games great. I've got the error and just called up Nintendo about getting a replacement.

The error is only a problem for you if you want to connect to the internet/WiiConnect24 service. And considering that there really isn't much on the service (other than the Virtual Console stuff) then it shouldn't be a problem for people.

[juniversal @ Nov 20th 2006 3:46PM]

Read people...PS3 got off RELATIVLY error free. They didn't say there weren't any. Lol @ you fanboys

[k0an @ Nov 20th 2006 3:54PM]

tykomyk - I agree, it's not a "fatal" error in the sense that the Wii can still perform a lot of its core functions.

However, a lot of people were looking forward to using the Virtual Console and also when the Opera browser comes out this will be a huge disappointment. The current problem means it's not even possible to perform a "Test Connection" on the wireless connection.

[some person @ Nov 20th 2006 3:56PM]

i'm on those forums, and i, and other people think it has something to do with the way the connection is set up

[Barseman @ Nov 20th 2006 3:59PM]

Why are people turing this topic around on the ps3 and 360?

[Wow. @ Nov 20th 2006 4:10PM]

I've yet to get this error, because I can't even connect to my router. My DS connects to it no problem with just plain autoconnect. My Wii won't do it, even if I assign it a static IP.

[k0an @ Nov 20th 2006 4:10PM]

some person - I don't agree. The connection was working fine at the beginning. And then after the first update it stopped working. Dozens of people have the same problem.

[chenry @ Nov 20th 2006 4:12PM]

Apparently not getting a unit on Launch day isn't so bad after all.

And yet it is. It really is :(

[Vinn @ Nov 20th 2006 4:48PM]

Oh snap indeed. Damn, looks like I won't be getting one just yet. Glad to see they're willing to replace the broken ones without any hassles, this assures me that it won't be much of a problem for long.

[Daniel DeWitt @ Nov 20th 2006 5:44PM]

I heard that the PS 3 has problems playing the PS 1 and 2 titles. Not outputting the audio and graphics properly. I also heard that Need For Speed Carbon will cost you about $1000 to unlock all the game unlockables! You guy's shouldn't be worrying about the wii connect right now. Hold on for a week or two so that they can fix it properly.

Are the games able to go online yet?

[ryan bean @ Nov 20th 2006 6:09PM]

I got this too, I thought I had screwed something up it's nice to know others are having this too. Nin said I would get my new Wii in 3-4 days! It's a weird issue. My router is connecting to my Wii but the Wii will not connect to the internet. oh well Zelda is still looking to be the best game ever!!