QUOTE said:The leaking of this game before launch should drastically cut early profit margins which could have a huge negative externality on the Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development division, which could lead to inferior Mario games in the future and likely will reduce spending on future games.
I believe the correct term here is "could" drastically cut early profit margins.
You must remember that the general public isn't even aware that you can mod systems to play copies at all. And most of the general public that does know that you can mod the system is afraid to do so.
Think about it. This game is being released during the main holiday spending period. It will surely make a great deal of money as it is.
Piracy will always be a factor, but it remains something that the vast majority don't do anyway.
QUOTEIn short, if the Wii had no SD card or USB slots, it would be almost impossible to pirate. Also, restricting access to the internet in addition to these methods would highly reduce piracy. It would also reduce the appeal of the system.
As you said, it would reduce the appeal of the system. Almost all modern game consoles come with the ability to use external media. While this may allow piracy, it's needed in order to increase certain functionality.