Importing NTSC Wii...

[Fenice]

Problem is, I want to play US NTSC releases, otherwise I would have gone to play-asia. Their US NTSC package is way too pricey.

[sj33]

NCSX have some in stock, if your willing to pay through the nose.

http://www.ncsxshop.com/cgi-bin/shop/RVL-S-WCUSZ.html

They've always provided excellent service for me, and I use them whenever I need something that's difficult to find. Unfortunately the main reason they manage to stock the harder-to-get stuff is because they're willing to pay the robbery prices the suppliers charge.

[Fenice]

Ah I see. I will wait 24-48 hours more and see what happens on videogamesplus, and then I will eventually be forced to use one of the other shops.

[Fenice]

Amazing, sold out a bit everywhere... even those listing it have answered to my e-mail saying they actually have no units in stock now. I really wonder if somebody will get ahold of more NTSC WIIs before Christmas. I keep my fingers crossed, and I will let you know how it goes.

[Fenice]

As they say, good things are the first to go!

Hello Carlo,

We are currently sold out of Wii's and it's very unlikely that more will be available before January.

Thanks,

Tony
Customer Service Representative
VIDEOGAMESPLUS.CA

[Fenice]

Ok, got one!

Now, a couple of questions. In order to play my Ps2 on my TV, I am using an RGB cable (otherwise the image is in b/w). What do I need to play the WII? Do I have to buy a North American RGB cable? Any shops you can suggest me to import it?

Thanks!

[egparadigm]

RGB/scart does not work with NTSC Wiis. The best video connection is component, or, failing that, S-video.

What's the problem with your PS2 that it plays in b+w? Does your TV not support 60hz?

[Fenice]

Hmmm maybe that's the issue, I suppose. So when the NTSC Wii ships it comes with a cable I cannot use on a PAL TV, right? The problem is that my tv has no component, but I suppose I may have to buy a new one soon...

[sj33]

The Wii ships with a Composite cable, and your US Wii will output an NTSC (not PAL60) signal. It goes black and white because your TV does not support NTSC. Usually the way around this is to use RGB Scart as you say, but the NTSC Wii's cannot use RGB Scart.

S-Video may work, but you may hit the same problem. Someone can point you to an NTSC-to-PAL converter, but they're usually not brilliant quality I'm told.

[egparadigm]

Another alternative (please someone point out if I'm wrong) is to use a sort of scart block which has component inputs, much like for composite but with seperate rgb sockets.

Anyone else heard of this or am I wrong?

[sj33]

That's true, you can use a Composite-to-Scart transcoder. I think they're about £70 though, not including the Component cable you need too.

[Fenice]

Ok, thanks a lot for the help - I think I will try to look for some cheap LCD screen which supports NTSC signal. If you have any input on the subject, feel free to let me know!

About the other stuff, let me see if I understood all correctly:

- I could use a PAL Wii power adapter with the NTSC Wii, or simply use a 220-110 adapter, like the one I use for the NTSC Ps2 consoles.
- I can buy controllers for the PAL Wii and these should work fine with the NTSC console. The only thing I cannot buy is the zapper, because it includes PAL software.

If you have any other advice, do not hesitate to tell me.

Thanks a lot for all your help!

[sj33]

Correct with both those. I bought a UK Power Supply from Nintendo UK for ~£20, but a stepdown (which I assume is what you use on your NTSC PS2) is fine.

[Fenice]

Ah cool, is there an official online Wii Shop?

[sj33]

You have to give their service centre a call on 0870 6060247 and they'll sort you out. Best not tell them it's for an imported Wii though, just say you need an extra or something.

There are 3rd party ones on ebay, though I can't vouch for their quality.