Is WiiConnect24 damaging your system?
by David Hinkle 
{ Jul 16th 2007 at 5:30PM }
Apparently, many a gamer are stating that leaving their Wii console connected to Nintendo's WiiConnect24 service is damaging the system. Now, we aren't ones to say "we told you so," but ... we told you so. Perhaps our Wii is still very much alive and kicking because of our paranoia? Or maybe these folks just had bad consoles to begin with? Whatever it is, the ones reporting these issues of damaged pixels showing up on their TV (due to overheated GPUs) all have one thing in common: leaving the console in Standby mode.
Are any of you having issues?
[Via VG Chartz]
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)
The_Wind_Waker8 @ Jul 17th 2007 9:39AM
I doubt it's WC24... I just checked how warm my Wii is, which isn't too warm, but anything can melt over time. I am, however, worried as I've seem to have lost the receipt and now probably can't claim a repair under warranty. So I'm going to play it safe and turn it off for now. It wasn't used much anyway... (We're overdue for an update, anything really. Just make my Wii glow! >_
Psycho300x @ Jul 17th 2007 10:04AM
Well, my shipping label is on its way, I thought either I was going crazy seeing dots all over the place, or it was my Nintendo component cables, but nintendo was pretty eager to have my system fixed for free, which is a good thing, so I can't complain too much, thanks wii fanboy for pointing out that my system was damaged!
Michael @ Jul 17th 2007 10:50AM
I just had to send my Wii in to Nintendo because of a damaged GPU, the culprit according to the tech I spoke with....Connect24. Regardless, Nintendo customer service was the best customer service experience I have ever had, the send out an Advanced Order Replacement and I had my new Wii in 2 days....the only gripe I have, I don't get the free Opera Browser back.
JIB @ Jul 17th 2007 12:59PM
A little while after I got WiiConnect24 all set up, my disk drive made a loud buzzing sound. I sent it into Nentendo to see if they could fix it.
oni-link @ Jul 17th 2007 1:38PM
Will testing the graphics card using GCN version of RE4 work. I'm assuming they have the same graphics engine and heard that the Wii version is equal in visuals to the GCN one!!!
Sonic_13 @ Jul 18th 2007 1:15AM
Not to say that WiiConnect24 is or isn't the cause, but using a statement like "all have one thing in common: leaving the console in Standby mode" is pretty broad.
You might as well say that the cause is playing games or having it connected to a TV because I'm sure they all have that in common as well.
Sonic_13 @ Jul 18th 2007 1:17AM
I have had my Wii on standby 24/7 since launch night. It is in a fairly well ventilated place and have had zero problems.
It doesn't even get that warm after hours upon hours of playing Zelda or other games.
Sonic_13 @ Jul 18th 2007 1:28AM
Something that doesn't make sense to me is why doesn't regular use damage the graphics chip. Even though the fan is on while in use, the GPU is still at a much hotter temperature than while in standby.
Also, the wireless chip is fairly separated from the graphics chip, although the Wii is pretty small and compact.
http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2006/1129/ninten37.jpg
Eric @ Jul 18th 2007 5:52PM
Actually, I just recently got WiFi, and I've left in in WC24 since. And all of a sudden, I started to notice those "damaged pixels." I'd turn it off, but then I can't use the internet channel, news, forecast, or everybody votes! Maybe I should just get a cooling fan...
Don @ Jul 27th 2007 9:32AM
I totally had this problem. I suggested to the support guy at Nintendo that it was probably due to overheating of the GPU caused by Standby. He wouldn't acknowledge that.
But - they were very gracious and quickly gave me a new console with all of my Miis and save game info transferred.
I bought a cooling device at GameStop and I now leave WC24 off.
Melody @ Jul 29th 2007 9:50PM
If my warranty is no longer valid what do I do about this problem? Am I just SOL? The pixels recently started appearing on my Wii and I just hope it doesn't get worse...
WiiAdvisor @ Aug 13th 2007 1:04PM
ok just by a cooling station for the wii that will do it.
WiiAdvisor @ Aug 13th 2007 1:10PM
look if u turn on your console frequently your Graphics will get better but the dead pixel will still be there.
Kevin @ Sep 22nd 2007 11:35AM
Mine's just gone in the post - Nintendo Customer Support have got to be the most friendly people you could meet, but I'll tell you about the service when I get it back.
Anyone else had experiences regarding replacement with Nintendo UK?
Tayo @ Nov 24th 2007 6:15AM
does anyone get the yellow spot in the corners of their tv? because i just turned in my old tv to get fixed and they said it wasnt fixable so they gave me a new one. well, i just plugged in my wii today and first thing i notice is that yellow bar.
i have no idea what to do....