what is the Wii Optical Disc Drive

I believe I read that Nintendo struck a deal with Sonic Solutions for the DVD software... so maybe it could be updated some how with just software?

 

I believe Optical Disc Drive is just a generic term for any type of disc (non-floppy) drive. My guess would be that the person(s) in question didn't know what to call it.

To be more accurate, it is a proprietary DVD drive, from my understanding. I.e., it won't read standard DVDs, only specially encoded ones (Wii games, GCN games [which are proprietary mini-DVDs]).

 

The question is.. will it have the dreaded "Now Loading..." screen?

 

I saw a loading screen in an Excite Truck video, so yes, they return. But knowing Nintendo they'll minimize them.

 

Loading screens are inevitable but on the Gamecube, some of the loading times on some Nintendo games were non existant. It's the third party games that still show the loading times. BRING BACK CART SYSTEMS I SAY. Just kidding. Anyways, I was reading something about Sonic Solutions might bring out a new model of the Wii that will play DVDs in the later half of next year. I'm guessing it'll be like the Panasonic Q where it will be a limited run.

 

the japanese version of the wii is going to be able to play back dvd's. but if this is anything like the GC then the dvd's will spin in reverse.

 

The DVD's spin the same way as any other machine (including DVD players), but the laser reads from the outer track to the inner ones, like an LP instead of inner - out like a CD. At least that's how I understand it, from everything I've read

 

The gamecube drive does not spin in reverse (if you own a gamecube, pop open the drive while a game is running and check for yourself).

As for dvd playback:

"A Nintendo spokesperson confirmed that Nintendo plans to release a version of the console with DVD-Video playback capabilities in Japan. The spokesperson also stated that releases of the DVD-Video capable version in other territories are not currently planned." from the wiki article about the Wii (it is referenced if you want to follow it through to the original article).

And I guess the discs themselves will be similar to how the GC's discs were written (outside -> in, this has the advantage that data can be accessed quicker), can't see Nintendo straying too far from that setup given the design similarities between the Wii and GC. Going with proprietary tech just increases the price and either digs further into consumers and/or Nintendos pockets.

 

didnt they just confirm they will be releasing a dvd play for us versions as well.

anyone know if this only includes a software upgrade or an actual unit upgrade? I want to buy the wii now, but it would be nice to have dvd playback