Nintendo Wii FAQ, Last updated June 7th

For easier handling, I've added a code to each of the individual question. If you need it fast, use the FIND command of your browser to find the exact topic you want to cover.

- Failed Wiimote/Wii connection: cnt
- Disc reading errors: dsc
- Broken straps/Contacting Nintendo: strp
- Short-lived batteries: btry
- Purchasing a Wii: gtwii
- Finding good games: gms
- Internet connection problems: wfc
- Shop Channel help: pnts
- Startup, friends and blu-glow information: pwr/fnds/glw
- Wii cursor problems: crs
- Cramps, pains and the like: armpain
- Open space info: opnspc
- Connecting your Wiimote to the PC: btc

Stuff in orange is new from the last update.


FAQ:

My Wiimote won't connect with the Wii! cnt
Open the battery cover on the Wiimote and the SD card slot, and press both sync buttons at the same time. Problem fixed!
SP says: If your remote is synchronized with the Wii, it shouldn't matter which remote you use to turn the console off.

It doesn't read the disc! dsc
Try inserting the disk the other way round. After that, if it doesn't work, make sure the disk isn't scratched or dirty. If such is the case, clean it with a small damp cloth. If it STILL doesn't work, call Nintendo or something.

The strap on the Wiimote broke... strp
Well, from here on there's about two things you can do:
1. Make sure you play more carefully.
2. Call/Mail Nintendo for a replacement at 1-800-859-4519 (credit to Mario Gamer).
3. Alternatively, visit Go to http//www.nintendo.com/consumer/strapreplace.jsp

My battery only lasts like 2 days. *sigh* btry
I suggest you turn down your volume a bit since most people (you may be included!) find it excruciatingly annoying, and since it's wirelessly transmitted, it consumes more battery. You could also turn off rumble but there are some people that won't live without it. And games that use the Nunchuk also consume a considerable amount of energy. Techokami also suggests removing the batteries while not in use, as, being a bluetooth device, the Wiimote eats batteries constantly.

I can't get my Wii anywhere! What do I do? gtwii
Oredering is a good choice here, since it's bound to get to you some time or other. But you could also camp out

I want a good game for my Wii, but I can't find one anywhere! gms
That's because the list of availiable games isn't too large. If you want to check the Wikipedia article to see what good games there are, feel free to do so. Or you could (like some people) wait a little longer for other great titles to come out.

My Wii won't connect to the internet... wfc
Make sure you have a compatible router and that your internet connection is on. If you're using the Nintendo USB WFC connector, as always, make sure your internet is connected and that there are as least possible obstructions between the console and the adapter.

My Wiimote isn't working properly. wmt
There are several possible reasons. First, check if your Wii sensor bar setting is set below/above your TV accordingly. Second, recalibrate the sensitivity if you feel the pointer is too shaky. Third, again, try the sync thing. Fourth, check the batteries aren't wasted. In this case, replace them, but usually if the Wii feels the battery is too low it will warn you.

I can't buy things on the Shop Channel! pnts
That's because you need Wii Points which can be acquired through a credit card or Point cards (usually availiable at retailers).

What?! The power button light is orange! pwr
This means you have WiiConnect24 on. With this, you can get mail and various updates and such even when the console is off. And no, it's not gonna explode.

I can't send messages to my friends. fnds
Make sure your friends know your friend codes and (if you have changed) you are all up to date with each other's. Other than that, the activation process for registrating a friend takes a while.

Cutman says:
Can I keep the blue glow on the Wii permanantly on? glw
You can using a trick. Add yourself to the address book and send yourself a message. Turn the Wii off and wait for the console to glow. It should stay glow until you read the message you sent.
According to some people this does not work.

Draco says:
The cursor for my remote is acting weird! crs
Check that no extremely bright lights (i.e. Christmas trees) are nearby.
Adjust the sensor bar so that nothing is blocking it - it should be on the very edge of the top of your TV, or maybe sitting in front of it. It should be parallel to your screen. You will then need to configure the Wii settings for light sensitivity and tell it whether the sensor is above or below the television.
Similarly, do not play right on top of your television. Back away a few feet.
You can use two evenly spaced and fairly bright candles in place of the sensor bar if it absolutely refuses to work.

My arms hurt while using the remote or Nunchuk. armpain
You are using them wrong. Flicking your wrist will probably cause tension and cramps. And arthritis. Move your whole arm, or at least forearm, to use the controllers.

Shoot. It's like I'm Godzilla now. Breaking the house to bits and stuff. opnspc
About 100% of the games out right now say either in the instruction manual or before the game begins "play in a wide, open space," so whenever one of these little bugger messages appear I suggest you pay attention to it. It might stop you from making the neighbors wonder if Godzilla came back.
Soup says: The Wiimotes are sturdier than they seem. Don't freak out if it hit something.

Connecting your Wiimote to the computer btc
With this nifty little trick you can emulate NES games perfectly, and even play GMod with a Wiimote. Sounds fun eh?
I've had various people ask me this, so here I'll sum it up with a little guide of what you're supposed to do:

1. Make sure you have ALL of these, or the connection won't work:
Bluetooth adapter
Bluetooth PC driver
Working Wiimote (you can have up to 8 I think)
GlovePIE

2. Run the device searching function while holding 1 and 2 simultaneously on the Wiimote. Its lights should be flashing.
3. Until you find the device RVL CNT-001, keep searching. When you find it, perform the connection process and once you've ensured a safe, undisturbed connection, run GlovePIE and run one of the ready-made scripts or if you're wanting to try this yourself you can always ask Techokami or someone else about programming in GPIE.

Don't be fooled by all the text! This process is easy. If done correctly, you should now be able to do all sorts of nifty things with your Wiimote. Have fun!

Admins and mods can edit this post to their liking.

This post has been edited by Nastasia on Jun 7 2007, 01:15 AM

Seems to be a complete FAQ.
Well done, Tri.

Q-OMG MY WII POWER BUTTON IS ORANGE! WILL MY WII ASPLODE!!!!!!!!!!!
A- No, this means you have Wii connect24 on. This means, you can get mail and various updates and such even when the console is off. No, it won't asplode, were not dealing with Sony, now are we?

Quoted for truth.

ugh doublepost

This post has been edited by Cutman on Dec 29 2006, 01:37 PM

Q - How long will batteries last in my Wiimote? Is a more appropriate title I thinks

The number for the thicker straps is

1-800-859-4519

Stickying.

Gasp! Great FAQ Tri!

Q. Can I keep the blue glow on the wii permanantly on?
A. You can using a trick. Add yourself to the address book and send yourself a message. Turn the wii off and wait for the console to glow. It should stay glow until you read the message you sent.

(I haven't actually tried this so yeah)

Actually I had to do this,
After you press the sync on the Wiimote, press the sync on the console, and then hold 1 and 2 while the lights still flash, I tried without one and two for a good half hour until thinking about it, Iunno why guides don't suggest this... maybe my Wii's different, But it seems to work best this way.

That's only temporary, I think. At least that's what it said on the instructions.

yeah yeah but with the sync in all it's the only thing i ound to work :x
iunno
I also had to unsync my wiimotes so it may have just been my imagination..

i forget

haha not only can i not add myself to my address book (or at least my wii anyway) but the slot light shuts off once i power the console on

This post has been edited by Xgoff on Dec 30 2006, 10:43 AM

Try email

thats what i've been using

I wanna expand on something

The cursor for my remote is acting weird!

• Check that no extremely bright lights (ie. Christmas trees) are nearby
• Adjust the sensor bar so that nothing is blocking it -- it should be on the very edge of the top of your TV, or maybe sitting in front of it. It should be parallel to your screen. You will then need to configure the Wii settings for light sensitivity and tell it whether the sensor is above or below the telivision.
• Similarly, do not play right on top of your television. Back away a few feet.
• You can use two evenly spaced and fairly bright candles in place of the sensor bar if it absolutely refuses to work.

My arms hurt while using the remote or Nunchuk.
You are using them wrong. Flicking your wrist will probably cause tension and cramps. And arthritis. Move your whole arm, or at least forearm, to use the controllers.



On the subject of syncing your remote, you don't need the sync button on the remotes themselves -- you can use the Reconnect feature on the Wii software, which has you tap 1+2 on each controller in player order

EDIT: not a+b

This post has been edited by Draco Icebane on Jan 1 2007, 02:56 AM

Uh, I really don't need credit for that number. :p

check out this article I found

[please link to the website instead]

Another thing you can do to preserve battery life is to remove the batteries from the Wiimote when not in use. This is because Bluetooth is a sort of "always on" technology, meaning your Wiimote's batteries are being consumed while not in use.