Nintendo clears up Wii Speak issue

Nintendo has cleared up confusion over second-hand sales of the new Wii Speak peripheral.

MTV multiplayer recently reported that each peripheral comes with a special code. These codes, said the article, were to be used to access the new Wii Speak channel, and could be replaced if lost or stolen. Uproar ensued as various bits of the internet accused Nintendo of trying to stop second-hand sales of Wii Speak.

However, a Nintendo UK representative has now told Eurogamer there's nothing to worry about.

"Nintendo can confirm that when consumers purchase the Wii Speak accessory, they are provided with a Wii Download Ticket with a unique number. The ticket, which can be redeemed via the Wii Shop Channel, will enable the user to download the Wii Speak Channel free of charge to a single Wii console," the representative stated.

"Any consumer who may have misplaced their Wii Download Ticket number for the Wii Speak Channel or require a new number following a Wii exchange may contact their local Nintendo Customer Services department, where they can request a replacement Wii Download Ticket number."

So in other words, if you buy a Wii Speak for your Wii you get a Wii code for the Wii Speak channel, and you can get a Wii replacement if you Wii lose it or Wii buy a second-hand Wii Speak without the original Wii code. Wii thank goodness for that.

The Wii Speak microphone and speaker accessory is out on 5th December, priced at around GBP 25. For GBP 59 you can buy it bundled with Animal Crossing: Let's Go to the City, which is out the same day.