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Using a US Wii in Europe

GrisloGrislo Registered User regular
edited February 2008 in Help / Advice Forum
I live in Europe, and I want a Wii, but I really would prefer a US Wii (Release date issues, issues with later games perhaps never getting ported to Europe, my collection of US Gamecube games, prices, etc etc.).

What are the things I need to consider?

1. What do I need to actually connect it, in terms of the power being different? Some kind of adaptor?

2. Are there any problems with the online aspect of the Wii when using a US one in Europe? Updates, Virtual Console, etc?

3. Anything obvious I'm overlooking? Will it survive shipping from the US?


Edit: Also, if anyone can recommend a reliable place to actually buy a US console from Europe, that would be great.

This post was sponsored by Tom Cruise.
Grislo on

Posts

  • VulpineVulpine Registered User regular
    edited February 2008
    Europe uses a 230v 50Hz power supply universally, at least throughout the EU, whereas the USA uses a 110v 60Hz supply. This means you'll need a step-down converter between the mains power supply and the Wii. This will convert the 230v supply to the US standard 110v, and so will prevent your Wii from going pop.

    Vulpine on
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  • GrisloGrislo Registered User regular
    edited February 2008
    Right. I don't suppose you could recommed one in particular that would work well for this purpose? Are there any problems with using such things, or are you good to go when you get one?

    That's sort of my primary practical problem, but I'm still curious if I'll be shafted when it comes to online stuff, and the VC.

    Grislo on
    This post was sponsored by Tom Cruise.
  • Bionic MonkeyBionic Monkey Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited February 2008
    Online shouldn't make a difference. It's all the same tubes. Can't say for sure about the VC. You'd have access to the US VC, not the EU one, but I'm not sure how you'd go about getting points. I'm guessing EU points cards won't work on a US system, but I'm not sure if you could buy US points with an EU credit card. Worst case scenario, you should be able to buy US points cards online somewhere. Just no impulse purchases.

    Bionic Monkey on
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  • LemmyLemmy Registered User regular
    edited February 2008
    If you set your region as 'Brazil', you can add points with a credit card from any region. I do this, and it works fine (I have a US Wii in Australia).

    Lemmy on
  • ASimPersonASimPerson Cold... ... and hard.Registered User regular
    edited February 2008
    Grislo wrote: »
    Right. I don't suppose you could recommed one in particular that would work well for this purpose? Are there any problems with using such things, or are you good to go when you get one?

    That's sort of my primary practical problem, but I'm still curious if I'll be shafted when it comes to online stuff, and the VC.

    You could probably order a new AC adapter from Nintendo of Europe - it would be an authentic part and probably better over the long run for your Wii.

    Is NTSC to PAL not an issue, though?

    ASimPerson on
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  • GrisloGrislo Registered User regular
    edited February 2008
    Lemmy: That's interesting.

    NTSC to PAL shouldn't be an issue for anyone these days.

    Grislo on
    This post was sponsored by Tom Cruise.
  • Scott_CameronScott_Cameron Registered User regular
    edited February 2008
    ASimPerson wrote: »
    Grislo wrote: »
    Right. I don't suppose you could recommed one in particular that would work well for this purpose? Are there any problems with using such things, or are you good to go when you get one?

    That's sort of my primary practical problem, but I'm still curious if I'll be shafted when it comes to online stuff, and the VC.

    You could probably order a new AC adapter from Nintendo of Europe - it would be an authentic part and probably better over the long run for your Wii.

    Is NTSC to PAL not an issue, though?

    I live in the UK, and own a USA NTSC Wii. I would absolutely commend your choice to go with the USA Wii; I had Metroid Prime 3 for ages before it came out here, and it looks like Europe is getting screwed on Brawl, so...

    You can get a step-down converter for about £10 from the right places (make sure it can hadle the Wiis wattage load, which is small), or I believe ASimPerson;s suggestion for a AC Adapter

    (EDIT: I just saw that you mentioned NTSC to PAL isn't an issue for you. I'll leave this bit here, anyway.)

    NTSC is certainly not a problem if you have a TV capable of component input (usually a HDTV), as it will be able to handle 480p fine. If not, it's possible that your SDTV supports NTSC. If it doesn't, a RGB Scart cable would normally solve that problem, but NTSC Wiis are currently unable to output RGB Scart. However, you can buy a component cable to RGB scart converter box (I have one lying around), which would work absolute wonders for about £40.

    As for online issues, I have had none; as far as Nintendo knows, I live in Arizona, and I've downloaded channels and VC stuff no problem. You will need USA Wii points cards, but you can get these instantly from eBay USA with free instant electronic shipping.

    If you need any more advice, ask me.

    Scott_Cameron on
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