Wii box back claims console comes with startup disc

by David Hinkle { Oct 18th 2006 at 10:25AM }

This snapshot of the back of the Wii box, found at an EB Games, has the whole of the Nintendo-lovin' internet collectively stroking their chin and raising a single eyebrow in silent contemplation. Some think this "startup disc" is none other than Wii Sports, while others claim it to be a disc controlling the OS of the system. Some have said it is none other than the Opera browser, however we feel that is likely untrue.

What do you guys think?

[Via Joystiq]

Tags: back, box, disc, startup, wii

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Moogle @ Oct 18th 2006 10:55AM

Possibly a system recovery disk? That or generified Wii Sports.

Foppe @ Oct 18th 2006 11:25AM

Why would they include a System Recovery disc?

DocGonzo @ Oct 18th 2006 11:26AM

It'll be a firmware upgrade that happens while you are walked through a tutorial on how to use the Wiimote properly. By the end of the tutorial, you'll be so good at using the Wiimote, you'll be able to do the system setup, which coincidentally comes next in the line - region settings, date and time, internet/wifi connection settings, and personal preferences. Then while Wiiconnect24 goes online and communes with its masters at HQ, you'll be given the chance to create your first Mii.

It'll be smooth as buttered baby butt, and it will probably even be fun. I bet Mario does the tutorial.

Dave @ Oct 18th 2006 11:31AM

could it be related to virtual console games? When you get the GBA player for gamecube, you need to use the disk that comes with it in order to play the GBA games. Maybe it's something like that.

Maybe it is a system restore disk though...

Patrick @ Oct 18th 2006 11:54AM

Wouldn't have to be Wii Sports? We are getting it with the console (dee dee dee), but it isn't listed under "INCLUDES". I am hoping that it is something like a VC game but IDK.

West End Stench @ Oct 18th 2006 12:07PM

Well there's 2 options:
A. It's Wii Sports
B. Wii Sports isn't included and this is something such as a system start up disk.

My money is on A. for 2 reasons:
1. The rest of the box advertises the inclusion of Wii-Sports.
2. It would be useless to include system startup software when such a small program could be included in the system memory itself...printing out startup disks just causes more overhead.

vidGuy @ Oct 18th 2006 12:19PM

Wii Sports IS included... but only in select boxes (Nintendo isn't packaging Wii Sports in Japan, and they may remove it later on in the console's life). Thus the sticker on the front works better - they don't have to produce a different box when Wii Sports isn't included.

My money says the disc is a step-by-step guide on configuring the console: where to place the sensor bar, how to adjust the remote settings, creating user profiles and Miis, how to save games to SD cards and how to use the Wii Channels. This startup disc won't be necessary for regular gamers, but it will be helpful. And it will be nearly necessary for the masses that Nintendo is aiming at.

MaHe @ Oct 18th 2006 12:28PM

DocGonzo: Where did you get that information?
But yes, it does sound very likely.

Dave @ Oct 18th 2006 12:50PM

Has anyone heard if the sd slots will be SDHC or are they SD 1.1? If it is the former we will have much better and larger storage option in the future. 32 GB per slot. Otherwise we will be left with 2 GB per slot.

A larger shot of the info on the box might clue us in.

Justin @ Oct 18th 2006 12:52PM

My money is on configuration utility/tutorial. They would have to have one for each language, so it makes since why they would put it on disk and not on internal mem. They wouldn't include the pack-in game on the back contents, not when they might have to yank it - that's why they use a sticker.

metayoshi @ Oct 18th 2006 1:34PM

I agree with the people who say it's a configuration utility of some sort. Just like when you buy a new pre-built computer... they have that "Install Windows XP" CD that comes with it.

Wii Sports is most likely a limited time offer only, so having that on the back of the box wouldn't be reasonable. Plus Wii Sports is hardly a "Wii Startup Disc" of any kind.

GMan @ Oct 18th 2006 2:20PM

For all of those who think it's the Wii Sports disk, please remember that there is a removable sticker on the front for that. This is part of the permanent packaging. I think it's safe to say that it is *not* Wii Sports.

It may be a firmware upgrade, but I think mostly it will be a setup wizard. Placing the sensor bar, synchronizing the Wii Remote (which must be done once for each remote + console pairing), and possibly getting online, are complex enough to warrant a walkthrough. Think about it: if your Wii Remote isn't set up properly, you won't be able to navigate the configuration menus or do anything else.

I would guess the Wii will come with instructions that teach you how to hook up the power, video, and audio. The startup disk will walk you through the rest. When the startup disk is complete, you can drop back into the Wii operating system to configure it. This is much like many computer peripherals and systems, where you start by inserting a CD and at some point the wizard instructs you to plug in or power on your new hardware.

Mankosuki @ Oct 18th 2006 2:54PM

seems about right since nobody ever reads instruction manuals anymore.

The only other thing it could be is a demo disk really.

tripleanica @ Oct 18th 2006 3:19PM

It's simply the OS, I'm pretty sure nintendo has mentioned that it'll be upgradeable. It'll make their job easier to upgrade it, this way when they upgrade the OS all they have to do is put the new disc in with the console and new buyers will have their system nice and updated. that's what i think at least, it makes the most sense.

GMan @ Oct 18th 2006 3:24PM

@tripleanica
Definitely. It could be both, actually - a setup guide *and* an update.

Nimbus @ Oct 18th 2006 3:44PM

HOW THE FUCK DID U GET THE BOX!!!????

vidGuy @ Oct 18th 2006 3:50PM

@Nimbus,

The empty display boxes are in select stores now. So keep your eyes out and maybe you'll get a first-hand experience... of the box! You know hype's big when the BOX generates news!

Isaac @ Oct 18th 2006 5:44PM

I've gotta agree, it'll be a config utility. However I don't think it'll contain any firmware upgrades. I think the standard config util will continue to be packaged throughout Wii's life, and the initial (and most likely largest) firmware upgrade will happen via WiiConnect24 in the background while you make your Mii etc.

Obviously that would mean internet connection would need to come early in the config process, but that's OK cus what else are Dad's gonna spend Christmas Day fiddling with?

CC @ Oct 18th 2006 6:05PM

I got the answer

Firmware update!

http://digg.com/gaming_news/Wii_to_ship_with_Firmware_Update_Disc_So_is_Wii_ready_to_ship_now

wAkO @ Oct 18th 2006 6:55PM

When I bought the PSP, on the back of the box it did not say Spiderman 2 UMD Movie disc was included. Same thing with the Xbox360, it didnt say the remote was included. Both of them didnt say because it was just an extra bonus to what you bought. So Im not too worried about this.

Tom @ Oct 18th 2006 7:26PM

Nintendo probably intends to have a pack-in game of some sort throughout the Wii's lifetime. They're likely leaving this generic "Wii Startup Disc" on the box permanently, but might switch to a "Super Smash Bros. Bundle", for example, next year. That way the package contents list will always remain accurate, yet doesn't need to be changed based on what game is included with the system.

seige1337 @ Oct 18th 2006 7:34PM

it's a tutorial most likly for tje lerningcurve and how to use the channels

Kurtis @ Oct 18th 2006 7:35PM

@CC

That is just speculation and not fact. Says so at the page the link sends you to.

amiga_tone @ Oct 18th 2006 7:59PM

Did anyone consider that it might just be an interactive walkthrough of the Wii?

i.e. A startup intro to the Wii?

Josh @ Oct 18th 2006 8:23PM

Follow the "Read" link...and check out the first picture on that site...Are those the guys fingers?!

Then HOLY ****! THAT IS ONE SMALL CONSOLE BOX!

Tirol @ Oct 18th 2006 11:36PM

My guess is that he's looking from the bottom down so that it looks like that's the whole box but not. But agreed, it is a small box.

Patrick @ Oct 19th 2006 2:47AM

Given the lack of inherent logic in having to pair a remote and a console to Grandpa and Grandma (who nintendo are targeting,) my money's on a "Push the sync button on the console and the remote, here's how you set up the sensor bar, now would you like to go online and register your purchase" type instructional movie/interactive system. As others have indicated, it would dovetail nicely into setting the clock, setting up your first mii, and so forth.