Retail Rock Band mic not actually Wii-compatible

by JC Fletcher { Feb 2nd 2008 at 12:00PM }

Wii Rock Band continues to surround itself and everything around it with an air of irresistible mystery, even after confirmation of its release. Last week, we received an early clue to the game's existence from the packaging for a cross-platform Rock Band microphone-- or so we thought. Turns out, the microphone isn't actually Wii-compatible, and the mention of Wii on the case was an error. In other words, it was just a coincidence that a Rock Band microphone was marked as working with the Wii a week before we officially heard about the game.

Now, on to the next mystery: why the hell do only certain USB microphones work with the Wii? They're USB microphones.

Tags: ea, harmonix, microphone, music, rock-band

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

MemphisNET @ Feb 2nd 2008 1:19PM

Is it possible that it isn't compatible simply because the game isn't out yet (but confirmed for Wii - and since its expected in the next few months, its probably very far along in developement).

Ranus Studios @ Feb 2nd 2008 2:14PM

Driver issues and all that. There's all manner of USB devices that still need drivers.

fuzzy_mcbitty @ Feb 2nd 2008 2:16PM

^ That would make sense given that the system requires updates for some new games. (Which I think is very silly.) Mario Galaxy required you to run the system update--- could be the same for Rock Band. They'll release a system patch when the game comes out.

Undead Priest @ Feb 2nd 2008 2:44PM

Xbox 360, and I would assume PS3, games do the same thing. It's done so people without internet connections can still receive the newest updates (assuming they actually buy the games with the update).

Sonic_13 @ Feb 2nd 2008 2:50PM

Yeah, the updates on the discs are only necessary if you don't update your console via the Internet.

Joe H @ Feb 2nd 2008 4:01PM

Not really. There's been a couple games that have updated the Wii even though it's already the latest version of the online firmware. Super Paper Mario did it, I believe Galaxy did, and the Japanese are having issues with Smash Bros because of it.

Mr Khan @ Feb 2nd 2008 5:48PM

I think the game has to check though, because of how fast those updates from disc-based games are

Tom @ Feb 2nd 2008 4:23PM

If I get Rock Band I won't be singing, so I won't buy the mike. So I'm apathetic towards this.

Jared @ Feb 2nd 2008 5:12PM

Or maybe, just maybe, they're actually planning a wireless mic for Rock Band. Call me "Glass half-full dude," but it is a thought.

There's always hope until cruel, cruel reality crushes your dreams into little shards that cut you into tiny pieces.

Mr Khan @ Feb 2nd 2008 5:51PM

This whole flap was just the same error as when that store listed Assassin's Creed as "Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii"

The recent consoles just get lumped together by retailers accidentally

EinXIII @ Feb 2nd 2008 10:16PM

I already have 6 plastic instruments and if if this isn't going to be compatible then I'm not going to get Rock Band for the Wii. I already own Rock Band for PS2 but if the Wii Version has DLC than I would buy that version to download new songs but NOT if I have to buy all new gear.

This whole mess of compatibility between Guitar Hero and Rock Band sucks and now between Rock Band and other consoles is just going to suck more.