DIY Nintendo Wii component cables

While finding a Wii system isn't out of the question this holiday season, getting your hands on component cables has been nearly impossible, with the connectors MIA at most retailers so far and occasionally sold out on Nintendo's own website. At times like these we must take matters into our own hands. We've made our own cables before but this time you'll have to follow the lead of the NFG forums, and MacGyver a connection together; since the composite cable included with the system doesn't have all the pins necessary, some clever modders have resorted to paper clip stand ins. We don't know how well this will work as a long term solution, but if you're waiting the long two weeks or so before the official cables hit store shelves this should definitely hit the spot.

[Via Joystiq]

[skestes @ Nov 22nd 2006 4:46PM]

Occasionally sold out? Backordered until Dec 18th is more like it...

[tiuk @ Feb 18th 2007 2:41PM]

I've been trying to find a Wii for over a month now, and at all the stores I make my weekly (sometimes more like daily) rounds to, I've seen Wii component cables for sale. I thought the shortage was over.

[tiuk @ Feb 18th 2007 2:43PM]

Err, sorry, ignore that. I was linked here from the recent (Feb 18th) Wii component cable problem entry, and didn't realize which one I was replying to.

[xVariable @ Nov 22nd 2006 5:55PM]

Let's see: A hacked together *analogue* cable, made necessary because nothing else is available due to shortages?

Yeah, that's not at all pathetic, and is sure to result in top-notch image quality. /rolleyes

[MarvinK @ Nov 22nd 2006 7:20PM]

It is absolutely ridiculous this system ships with only a composite video cable! Not only can you download original NES games--but you can connect the system with the same style connector you used on your NES! I know its got weak graphics compared to other current-gen systems, but Nintendo: get with the times! Between the $60 controllers (remote + nunchuck), extra cables required (but not readily available) for decent performance, lack of digital audio output, lack of included memory and mediocre graphics--this system is just barely a value or a next-gen system. I'm thinking of returning mine to the store. Most disappointing console purchase ever.

[R @ Nov 22nd 2006 8:03PM]

Sony only ships the PS3 with a composite cable as well. Always sell to the LCD.

[Ihar `Philips` Filipau @ Nov 23rd 2006 4:03AM]

I thought you bought your console for games!?

Or have your bought yours it for nice graphic? Do you actually play games? Or you watch the special effects only?

I'll trade nice graphic for good game play anytime.

[Aaron @ Nov 23rd 2006 1:08PM]

MarvinK, I'll buy your Wii if you are tired of it already ;) I can't track any down locally.

[Eallan @ Nov 22nd 2006 10:00PM]

At least you can find an HDMI cable for the PS3. These cables should be in stores and readily available, this is nuts.

[xVariable @ Nov 22nd 2006 9:03PM]

The 360 comes with a component AND composite cable.

[Ryan @ Nov 22nd 2006 11:39PM]

360 was designed to be used on HD displays. 360 also costs a helluva lot more.

[michas_pi @ Nov 22nd 2006 9:32PM]

ONLY if you purchased the Premium package.

[Jonathan Keim @ Nov 22nd 2006 9:55PM]

Well then ps3 should have hdmi or component in their premium

[Patrick @ Nov 22nd 2006 11:18PM]

Marvin, the original NES system had a box that plugged into your antenna line. Are you really that upset that a company that specifically said "We're not supporting HD" doesn't have the component cables in stock? You're playing NES games, they're not going to look magical when you use some new cables.

[Tony Jones @ Nov 22nd 2006 11:23PM]

Marvin, take your hatred and go to bed. You are a bad jerk.

[xmarcelo @ Nov 22nd 2006 11:25PM]

Is there something unique about the WII composite video cables? Would 3rd party composite video cables work?

[xmarcelo @ Nov 22nd 2006 11:28PM]

Meant to say component not composite

[Ihar `Philips` Filipau @ Nov 23rd 2006 4:08AM]

Well, the question is still open: would be any interesting games released for Wii?

I'm delaying my Wii purchase since there is no PFS yet for it - Metroid is still unreleased.

I have tried PS2/Xbox360 FPS and am confident that in online I would infinitely frag anybody using the standard game controllers - vs. mine PC keyboard+mouse.

Wiimote does look very promising for FPS. Reaction time/delays/etc are yet to be tested.

[Pyrofer @ Nov 23rd 2006 2:42PM]

Who cares if the Wii doesnt have the greatest graphics in the world, you still want to see them in the best possible way dont you?
I hope you buy all your games consoles for games not graphics, including PS3 and xbox360, but I bet you wouldnt run them in composite because "it doesnt matter, its about the gameplay not graphics" would you?
Or did you buy your expensive HDTV just to run composite through it?
Whats that? You LIKE fuzzy interference and unclear poorly defined pictures? Cool you go ahead and stick with composite.
If you want a picture you can see, just take any device with a choice of composite Vs S-Video and compare the difference. Now Imagine the change from Composite to Component.

Its not about resolution, its about clarity. Seeing what you have paid all that money to see.

[MarvinK @ Nov 23rd 2006 9:55PM]

Patrick: The original NES shipped with composite AND RF (antenna) connections. It is truly unfortunate that Nintendo no longer feels generous enough to package 2 types of connectors. The Xbox ships with component and composite.

I'm mostly disgusted not because it isn't included--but because its impossible to find. The GameCube component cables never caught on, and Nintendo actually stopped even adding the port to the back of the newer systems! I'm sure I'm not the only one who is frustrated with the lack of widescreen support in the vast majority of Gamecube games--I hope Nintendo recognizes their mistake with the Wii, when they see the huge demand for component cables. I am really disgusted with Nintendo... they really dropped the ball with this issue. Here's the note I sent them:

I bought the N64, GameCube, GBA & DS on launch day. Of course, I did the same for the Wii. Unfortunately, I didn't do enough reading about the system to realize that Nintendo would, yet again, be leaving HDTV users on the back burner. It is bad enough that the Wii doesn't include component cables (my 360 contained both composite & component--the way any modern console should), but that because Nintendo failed to realize the demand and you can't actually buy them anywhere (stock). It is unfortunate that my GameCube component cable won't work--because it certainly hasn't been heavily utilized on THAT system!

In fact, I'm so disgusted by Nintendo's backwards-thinking and lack of availability, I'm returning my Wii to the store. This is more ridiculous that making the N64 cartridge-based! There are launch titles that don't even have Widescreen support (ie: Trauma Center). Hopefully this isn't going to turn into the same downward trend we saw with the GameCube.

Sorry, Nintendo--I'm no longer a fan boy. Just because I can buy NES games on the Virtual Console, doesn't mean I should be stuck playing them on the same composite connections we used back then.

You've lost a customer to Microsoft.

[Andrew @ Dec 9th 2006 11:04PM]

Dude, you are a spazzz. The console hasn't even been out for an entire month and you are willing to return it because you don't get instant satisfaction. I'm so glad companies don't increase the price of their system just to appease everyone. I'd rather go buy an extra cable than be the person stuck shelling out an extra $20+ for something added to the system packaging that i'll never use. Personally i can't even bring myself to call the PS3 and Xbox 360 "next-generation systems". As far as i know, next-generation was about innovation and change. So far, sony and microsoft have the exact same gameplay as their previous systems but with better graphics. The same cannot be said with Nintendo. They are all about innovation. Also, i wouldn't buy a system such as the PS3 when companies are in the middle of a format war (HD-DVD/Blu-Ray).

[fopkins @ Nov 25th 2006 7:44PM]

Marvin-

No one cares.

-fop

[DMan @ Dec 5th 2006 12:26AM]

Marvin... NO ONE CARES! You're shallow and childish. I'm sure Nintendo execs won't miss you, and I'm sure Microsoft execs cringe that morons like you might someday be whining to them becasue 3 pixels in the upper left corner of you "high end" "super premium" video system display wrong, and its all their fault.

If you're this upset over a lack of an OPTIONAL (not required by anyone, ALL TVs, HD or otherwise come with composite support, only certain ones come with component), then that's your fault. I'm sure Nintendo was more concerned about getting the actual GAMES AND SYSTEMS into their customers hands than getting optional components into the market. In all truth, they'd have made a ton of alot more money selling cables, as most cables are horrbly marked up items vs the systems themselves. I applaud Nintendo for not screwing over 40% more customers for the sake of providing the 60% that could get systems with perks, while the other 40% had to wait for more systems to become available.... But I guess you don't care about anyone but yourself.... poor you!

[dopey @ Dec 8th 2006 10:43AM]

marvin, just don't talk anymore. i think everyone would enjoy that

[jason @ Dec 10th 2006 6:09AM]

hmm got my wii day one and picked up a compnent cable the same day. plugging it in seems a bit of a mystery seeing as with PAL systems you actually get les resolution using this cable no?
standard composite cable res 575 @ 50hz or 480 @ 6ohz then with the component cable plugged in you get 480P actually a downgrade of resolution no?
love some feedback on that one

[bemerick @ Dec 13th 2006 12:02PM]

marvinK, maybe you should've done your research before purchasing. you're obviously tech savvy enough to be on engadget, but you didn't read the 8 months or so of reviews detailing the specs? it's not new info, or a surprise. Wii isn't a high end PC, it's a game machine for the common man. it's supposed to be fun and cheap, not $700 and runs your entire entertainment center.

and the NES didn't have RCA jacks, it had an RF connector.

[cpu64 @ Jan 6th 2007 8:41PM]

I have 15 systems hooked up to my tv and none of them output anything better than 480. I also have a SDTV and moving up to an HDTV would only make my games look worse. I don't seem to need 1080 or HDMI. I'm happy with the Wii which I got instead of a 360.
But I did get the Wii component cables.. For free.