Didn't Nintendo say before the Wii was released the games and accessories would come with Bonus Wii Points? Maybe this is it, just in different form.

jaymac

i think another question is will the US and less likely Europe see this implemented

souljacker86

@PsycheE: A good way to sell copies of Wii Fit.

Ping

ohhhh... Please nintendo! Yes! I hope it's that! Pleaaaaase? xD

Solidus

@hefferj05: I don't see how.
Just because you're not getting something new out of the deal, it doesn't make Galaxy any less excellent.
I mean, even without special codes, Galaxy did pretty damn well. Evidenciary, I'd say.

Toastbusters

This is nothing. It looks like another way to input Nintendo Club points.

I am monumentally pissed that North Americans don't get anything close to the awesomeness that is Nintendo Club.

dynendal

@nastysquared: Yeah, I have the speaker channel on my Wii and BB2 on the DS. It's a nice little feature.

Adam In Texas

they should make removable hard drives compatible with the wii through the usb ports that way we could have like 500 gigs of storage space...they'd probably make some special nintendo removable hard drive though

TWentt37

@hefferj05: they could offer to refund the 500 points to you. it's definetly possible, right?

frank0127

Paradoxically, if they offered a free VC download of Super Mario Bros. with the purchase of Super Mario Galaxy, wouldn't it actually deter those who already downloaded the NES game from buying SMG?

It's otherwise a great idea though.

hefferj05

This sounds pretty cool, but it will only serve to eat up more of the limited space available on the Wii and make the need for some extended storage that much greater.

Blah8

@antialias02: you know just how to toy with my emotions. i like that.

frank0127

hmm... a system that uses codes from games for freebies... what was that called again?

oh right, Club nintendo.

frank0127

This would add lots of value to the already amazing Wii.

CutePuppyz

@fearing: My prediction: Mother 3 releases on DS Stateside, and buy it for a free DL of Earthbound for the VC. How sweet would that be?

antialias02

@tmo: Snot fair? Sounds unpleasant. Do you need a tissue?

I certainly hope this is for either free wiiware/vc stuff, or at the very least some neat downloadble stuff for the Mii's, various collector's stuff (Animal crossing, pokemon, the like) or in game content. If it IS for wallpapers, I'll be thoroughly disappointed.

Aerokii

A system like this might just restore some interest in the console.

Might.

Gofthick

@Synthemesc: Ah, but Reggie said they are working on the storage problem now. Maybe this is why.

fearing

I was actually expecting something like this since before the Wii launched. I think Iwata even commented early on that it was a possibility. Surprising that it's taken so long... or maybe not since they're in no financial need to have to give away anything.

Mezodon

@TheSpiller: Codes for free Earthbound, Mother, and Mother 3!!! Japan only!!!
ARGH!!!!, here US, have some rainbow colored styluses, um, styli, um, stylees, uh whatever.

fearing

My guess its something for Club Nintendo members. Another reason for me to hate them with their SMG soundtrack and super nintendo controllers. Curse you Club Nintendo!!!

luigiman0

Nintendo gave out FREE Wii straps and FREE Wiimote gloves!!!!!!!

Ezzy254

@proust: I got four free Wii remote condoms from Nintendo.

I got three free months of Nintendo power from Nintendo when I registered some of my Nintendo games on their website

I got four free replacement straps from Nintendo

I got a free "feather stylus" from Nintendo when I registered Phantom Hourglass on their website

I said these all out loud while typing them... :)

nastysquared

I dare anyone to say the words 'free' and 'Nintendo' in the same sentence - outloud. It is nearly impossible.

proust

@Synthemesc:

I'm looking at AC and Pokemon...I think it will be like a collectors thing...

I don't see it being simply a special tool/animal or Pokemon or ability...they could simply build an unlock code into the game for that....unless they really wanted to restrict availability.

I wonder if it could be for some first party Wiiware games that they are going to put out? Maybe a way to introduce people to a new franchise?

There's lots they can do with this...

Canadiankid

According to Wii Fanboy: "It might be for other stuff later, but for right now, it's how you get the Speaker Channel that interfaces with Daigasso! Band Brothers DX on the DS"

nastysquared

This better work retroactively in Mexico as well... i want my free crap.

Falsoman

@Canadiankid:

Agreed. The lack on storage really reduces the likelihood of this leading to any substantial downloadable content.

Synthemesc

If it uses those codes I so far could only use for "cool backgrounds", I'll be annoyed. I've thrown out dozens of those.

TheWP

....pshh...

boy78

This has Animal Crossing written all over it. (not literally)

teh_joe

This sounds like a rumor my friend told me that if you register official Nintendo games on nintendo.com you would earn points towards credit for wiiware. But that was a year ago.

whitepawn

I got a better idea, put Earthbound on the VC and I'll start caring

tralfaz23

Sounds like the club nintendo.

Fabrice

y does the wii cost more than the ps3 and xbox. because its the devil's device. damn those addon's, damn them.

exstrat

Hmmm BK currently gives out Pokemon cards/ toys with kids meals (don't you dare ask how I know that) perhaps they secretly have codes on them. . .

I smell conspiracy.

freetyme

@PsycheE: Yeah. It's a promotional setup. Maybe third-party accessories will come with voucher codes for some free WiiWare stuff, like some of the third-party 360 accessories do.

wild homes loves you but chooses darkness!

It'll likely be the same as how XBL has "redeem code". Just instead of being specificlaly for Points, it can now provide you any number of things.

So like, you walk into a store, pay $5 and get a card that you redeem for Super Mario Bros. on the VC.

This doesn't make much sense for Wii owners (they'll just use the shop channel). But for family and friends, you can now give people who have Wii a SPECIFIC VC title depending on what cards are available.

Also, they COULD do in-game bonsus. For example, buy Mario Galaxy, unlock a few Mario related items for you Mii?

TRT-X

@PsycheE: I believe you are spot on, good sir! Nintendo's making sure American's fall further behind in life expectancy.

gunstarhero

But what if you've already bought the VC game - I already have Kid Icarus, if they were to give it away for free now I'd imagine people who'd paid for it would be pretty pissed? 'Snot fair!

tmo

Man Icarus with free download of Kid Icarus, confirmed!!

Huckleberry

I hope it's what you think it is! Sounds nice.

Szin

I would love that....and it would be an excellent way to gingerly get the newbies to try out the VC....

Damn. Ninty, that's a great idea.

Something else that lends this credence is the fact that Reggie just brings up the storage problem...if they did in fact start giving away free VC they certinally would have a mainstream storage problem....

Canadiankid

Japanll probably get codes for all the cool shit, while we'll get codes to download exclusive wallpapers off nintendos website.

TheSpiller

I see massive spike in sales of Kid's meals in your local McD's and BK.

PsycheE

@teh_joe:

I think so too.

TF2Soldier914

@PsycheE: Well there goes my attempt to eat healthy food. Supersize me!

sandal-hat17

@proust: I read your post out loud. Done.

Mrevilbobguy