Nintendo Wii USB devices on the way?
By Joshua Fruhlinger 
posted June 10th 2008 8:08PM
posted June 10th 2008 8:08PM
Some wily web browsers have found a job listing at Nintendo of America that suggests the game company is finally getting serious about USB support for the Wii. The job search, found a few days ago, was for a "Software/Hardware Tester" who can execute a "test plan for Wii's USB devices." Some think this could mean compatibility for external USB storage devices like hard drives and flash drives given the Wii's limited 512MB internal memory. We, however, hope this means some sort of support for USB keyboards. It's about time, isn't it, Nintendo?
Umm... the Wii already supports usb keyboards for the message board and the internet channel. But that's all that is (officially) so far.
All I want is external storage support and support for one decent video codec and some software for playing it. I don't mind if it's really basic like the Photo Channel. Let's call it the video channel. Just choose some open source format and it wouldn't even cost Nintendo a penny. I don't mind if I'd need to re-encode all my video. I know you can do the MJPEG but let's face it, the compression ratio is horrible and it only looks ok. Come on nintendo, I'd even pay for the download. I know you want to focus on games, but come on, you already have the photo channel and the let's vote channel so it's not all about games...
All I want is external storage support and support for one decent video codec and some software for playing it. I don't mind if it's really basic like the Photo Channel. Let's call it the video channel. Just choose some open source format and it wouldn't even cost Nintendo a penny. I don't mind if I'd need to re-encode all my video. I know you can do the MJPEG but let's face it, the compression ratio is horrible and it only looks ok. Come on nintendo, I'd even pay for the download. I know you want to focus on games, but come on, you already have the photo channel and the let's vote channel so it's not all about games...
Uhm, I am not sure if this is something you would want to consider, but I have played videos via my Wii using streaming tech. Winamp comes bundled with some software, and there is another site that does it as well (though I cannot think of the name).
Basically, you install software on your computer, point to different folders, and tell the program to share them, and "broadcast".
Next you visit a website, login to your account, and browse your home computer, launching whatever you want (watching).
I use it at work, as well as the Wii, just makes watching Anime that much more enjoyable ;)
(Of course you need broad band speeds to get any type of real use out of it)
it's called pimpstreamer it does the same for ps3, xbox 360, and psp also. i've used it and it works fine. you need to mess around with the settings a bit so it's not jumpy, but otherwise it's pretty good. you can find more info and the dl at pimpware.org
Epic fail!!!
Who will buy these crap white ipod wannabes?
Apple and iPhone eat Nintendo for breckfast.
Nintendo and Palm Sux
Apple rulezzz
Looking at the Wii's sales, I would say a lot of people want to buy it. So your post, my friend, is an epic fail.
not to mention, a gaming console and cellphone are two completely different markets...
"harware" [sic] ?
You sir, Joshua Fruhlinger, are epic fail. Hoping for Nintendo to bring features that already exist. No wonder y ou're never happy.
What's A Wii? Seriously...
Sweet, I work in QA now...in GA.
Totally applying for this job. Damn contract work though.
Hey Josh.... the Wii does support USB keyboards. I use one currently on it. Wtf are you talking about bro? Did you seriously post that? Geez. Ryan is the only competent poster on here.
I have a wireless kingston pilotboard keyboard and mouse kit and the keyboard works on the Wii while the mouse and board work on the PS3. I is a good lil kit for 60 or 70 bones. If you got a Wii and a PS3 you can't go wrong with the kit.
sorry thats kesington. oops
Yeah, and they'd call it a Wiiboard.
Umm...There has been support for USB Keyboards on the Wii for a long time now; however, the addition of support for USB Hard Drives would be nice, but unnecessary unless true multimedia playback is supported on the Wii (Video player, music player, etc.).
Yep, USB keyboards have been supported for months now (still have mine hooked up).
Like Potato said, the Wii already supports USB keyboards. It was in a major update quite a while ago.
How about Bluetooth Keyboard support!?
I've heard that Logitech bluetooth keyboards will work with the Wii. Of course you could also just use a wireless USB keyboard.
*Whew* that's a relief; I was getting worried that Nintendo would start running out of ideas for peripherals soon, and I wouldn't be able to buy anymore useless pieces of plastic to clutter up my apartment.
I guess extra storage could be nice for some people, but I can't see Nintendo getting very innovative other than that for USB. The Wii has potential to be more than just a gimmick, but Nintendo hasn't shown that they're interested in stepping up to the plate and making a solid entertainment system. They've said before that they see the things they make as toys, rather than media centers.
It's nice to dream though =)
1. The Wii has USB keyboard compatibility, I have one!
2. An External Hard Drive will be nice because you cannot save games on an SD card (You can, but you can't transfer it back onto the Wii)
We all know Wii has had USB keyboard support for a while. More importantly, how do I get the Opera browser without having to pay 5 bucks?
oh, and @el taco: - wouldn't "LAST" be the ultimate post?
ive been using a USB keyboard for almost a year. HOWEVER, it only works with the internet channel.
I just picked one up via toysrus.com on Monday morning. It will arrive via UPS tomorrow.
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Yeah, $20 shipping sucks - but better than going store to store in vain.
I hope they'll support USB mice.
The Wii has usb keyboard support... I don't know what your complaint is.
The Wii does support USB keyboard! I even use my Logitech DiNovo Edge for my 360, PS3 or Wii which ever needs typing as it's very annoying to point and click on the screen.
too bad its only usb 1.1
Uh, the Wii does in fact have USB 2.0 ports.
wii does support usb keyboard, it has since last year. this article needs to be fixed.
What a shame to get busted like that, should have made it more secret.
Anyway, nintendo seem to be lacking since they've started givin away em for free? Check http://www.wildgiveaways.com/wii/
Ohh usb on nintendo :) the possibilitiessss.
Hers some more -
http://www.cut-rate-gizmos.com/6-usb
and and usb3.0 section :) - http://www.cut-rate-gizmos.com/14-usb-3