I know that this is mostly a US forum, but I don't visit other non-vgm forums really.

I live in Europe, and I'm sort of in a dilemma whether to get a NTSC or PAL machine. So far I've always done with NTSC machines. I couldn't stand the PAL SNES and N64 because of lower speed. Games like Mario Kart are unplayable for me on PAL systems.  Does anybody here know whether it's still a case of '50Hz (PAL) against 60Hz (NTSC)'? Im really not up with all the technical details of this stuff. All I want is my games to run on proper speed.^^ Any input is appreciated.

I'm in Ireland and was waiting for the local Wii release. Then just decided to get a US machine. Here's why - Nintendo hates Europe. That's a fact. They've always hated us and it doesn't look like that's going to change soon. A look at the DS release schedule will tell you that.

Also - VC games seem to be crappy 50Hz non-optimised versions according to reports. That's very bad. Very bad indeed.

Now most Wii games should hopefully have a 60Hz mode (many GC games did) but you're still likely going to end up waiting months for them.

Edit: My Wii arrived today, although Zelda likely won't be here until the end of the week. Not to worry - Wii Sports will give me a taste for the machine and I still have Gears of War to finish.

I'd like to know how the US Wii works in Europe too; I'm a Canadian planning on moving to London in October and I've already got mine.  Don't want to buy another one.

Jay, did you get you some US component cables also?  I did, after you mentioned the EU ones were being sold in the US.  The packaging gives no hint of being from the EU, but I'm not arguing that those cables weren't originally intended for EU.  I will say that component cables made Zelda look better (though that game really reminds me of SotC, especially the opening sequence) and I no longer have to adjust the brightness of my tv.

As for Gears of War I rented it last weekend and I liked it.  I've got two (well, three, but one isn't necessary) dungeons to go in Twilight Princess before I'm done.  I'm thinking of picking GoW up sometime this month after I've finished Zelda.

Haven't managed to get a component cable yet. Just using the composite at the moment (which isn't great). It's entirely possible that you got a US cable rather than the EU-destined ones. You'd know because if it came in a box, it was for EU and if it's in one of those blister (slice your hand off) plastic things it was the US one.

RGB scart would have suited me too but, unfortunately, like the GC before it the US Wii won't take RGB.

But I got my Wii up and running this evening and I love it. Wii Sports is a good laugh and everything about the Wii, interface, VC, Miis, etc seems really polished. It will be far too easy to spend money with the VC though!

I noticed that the EU is getting Super Contra III and Super Castlevania IV by year's end... does the US Wii connect to the EU Wii Shop Channel?

Nope, it seems to be programmed to go to the channel that the console was made for. Mine automatically goes to the US store even though I'm in Ireland. I can't imagine that the US won't get those games too though.

On that note, Jay..... did you import the U.S. version of Elite Beat Agents?  Or are you waiting out for the March '07 release?  You being one of the Ouendan faithfuls, I just wanted to hear your thoughts on the game. :)

I don't know about that.  I was really excited about the VC when it was announced, but now that it's here, I find myself rather annoyed with the pricing structure.  I mean, I might buy some of those NES games at $2, but $5?  I don't think so.  Same thing with the Genesis games.  $8?  No thanks.   Right now, I'm only considering the Turbo Grafx games since I've never played them and $6 doesn't seem too bad.  I think Nintendo should drop the system specific pricing and charge on a per game basis.  NES Pinball isn't worth more than $0.50, if that.  But I'd pay $5 for Castlevania III.  Well, I would if I didn't completely suck at it.

Yep, the prices are quite high. $50 for 5000 points and it doesn't go far.

I was also disappointed, ESPECIALLY as (at least in the US) there seems to be no bulk dicount. I *might* pay for one or two to support the idea....but overall the pricing sceme just makes me lose even more faith in the whole game insustry (which isn't high).

Oddly enough, Sony's current DL program in Japan has PSX games for 525 yen -- but you need like a PS3 and a PSP to do it...

-Joshua