Importing a Wii - some quesions (yes I've read the FAQ)

[SG]

OK, so I'm aware that I can get one from VideoGamesPlus.ca (although there appears to be no stock or even listing ATM anyway)... I'm a bit of a potty collector - I got all my GC games in the US packaging as I prefer consistency with no French on them. Is anyone aware of any differences between Canadian and US consoles? Does anyone know if the Canadian Wiis come with a French manual or if the US ones have it anyway so there's no difference? Would it say 'Can'/'US' on the bottom or would they be identical?

If there are differences, is there a US place that I can buy from - eBay's a no-no, definitely.

Also:

1) Apparently the US Wii doesn't output RGB, therefore I take it that the composite out of the box will work at the very least?

2) For a better picture I'll need what? No component, I have no S-video input on my telly but could I get an S-video lead and an S-video-to-scart input to go on it?

3) RE power supply, is anyone aware of how to get hold of a UK power supply rather than getting a step down converter?

A bit long-winded I know, but any answers gratefully received!

[On The Edge of Insanity]

1) Yes, compo****e will work
2) I use component but I'm sure there is a S-Video cable available
3) You have to phone Nintendo customer services to order one, not sure of the price

[sj33]

Anyone who has a wii from VG+ will have a Canadian one, I noted no difference aside from the additional French manual included.

1) It has Composite and S-Video, be aware that your TV must be capable of accepting an NTSC signal (which is not the same as 60Hz over RGB Scart or PAL60).

2) Some people here actually use Component-to-Scart converters (~£70 I think) to get maximum picture quality from an NTSC Wii.
Failing that, if you have a second Scart socket on your TV, it's usually wired to take S-Video through an adaptor (which is why they are rarely RGB-capable).

3) You can get cheap third party ones for just under a tenner on ebay or superufo.com, but you might prefer to contact Nintendo UK and buy an official one for £20.90.

Nintendo Service Centre,
CoDEstorm House, Walton Road, Farlington, Hampshire, PO6 1TR.

Tel - 0870 6060247 (Calls charged at the National rate)

Service Centre Hours 08.30 to 19.00 Monday to Friday (Excluding Bank Holidays)

Just come up with some excuse, like you want to use the Wii in multiple rooms without moving the cables etc.

[SG]

Thanks for the replies guys... so an official power cable is ~?20.

So the manual IS multi-lang. But does anyone know if a Wii bought in the US would be multi-lang anyway? As it is though, VG+ doesn't even list the Wii ATM. If anyone knows of a US outlet I'll have no probs anyway - anyone?

A component->RGB converter is just too pricy, I'll look into S-video support.

[Emir]

So the manual IS multi-lang. But does anyone know if a Wii bought in the US would be multi-lang anyway?

I believe there are 3 seperate manuals, English, French, Spanish. Pretty sure I saw 3 when I opened mine up (from VG+).

[SG]

Through various forums, I've managed to piece together enough info that all Wiis in the US are the same, meaning a Canadian one is the same as the US one.

I've found a Canadian shop with a great price (£130), but shipping is £45 (yes, &#163 - is that normal for a Wii, given how small it is?

[Prophet Hero]

The Wii package is surprisingly hefty. It's extremely well packed though - some of the neatest and carefully designed packing compartments I've seen.

[SG]

Hmmm... I'm not so sure about this. How much did people who got one from VG+ pay for shipping?

[smouty]

Shipping from VG+ was about the same.

[SG]

OK, thanks. Now I just have to figure out how to navigate past £40-50 of the immoral C&E tax.

I'm thinking it'd be cheaper to get a return flight to the US to pick one up!

[sj33]

VG+ actually marked mine as $20, they've done that with everything I've ordered from them, regardless of the item, which is cool.