Considering that the Wii Speak peripheral has a special code to unlock the channel, it seemed like Nintendo wanted to lock these units to a specific console similarly to the software DRM as of late. It seems like this isn’t entirely true, as Nintendo will give replacement codes to customers who lost the original code, or need to transfer their Wii Speak to another Wii due to a console exchange. The question is, will Nintendo provide new codes to people who buy second hand Wii units?

At this point I think it can go either way, publishers and developers alike have discussed their dislike of second hand software and units. But in all honesty I think it will be based on how you talk to customer service. If you tell them you bought it at the flea market they might be a little upset, but if you tell them that you are transferring the Wii Speak from one Wii to another (The flea market guy’s Wii to yours), they shouldn’t have any problem providing it.

Gameindustry.biz

Plan on getting a Wii Speak? Well, it might be a good idea to avoid buying one used.

The Wii Speak peripheral comes with a PIN number, to be used to claim your Wii Speak Channel when it’s released next month. The number is likely good for one use only, and odds are if someone is going to use a Wii Speak, they’re going to use the code as well. 

This is kind of a new idea. Certain games come with special codes to download special DLC, but this is the first time I’ve heard of it happening with hardware. Buyer beware.

MTV Multiplayer

We already know it’s coming, but Nintendo has sent out a press release reminding us that the Wii Speak accessory will be available starting November 16 - less than a week from now. You can buy it separately for $29.99, or save a Hamilton and get the Animal Crossing bundle for $69.99. Either way, you’ll be able to download the Wii Speak Channel and be able to voice chat with anyone you’re friends with.

You know, for the longest time here, we’ve been trying to find a convenient way to do a conference chat/call so that we can do podcasts even while the entire The Tanooki staff is spread out across North America. AIM? Live? Skype? Didn’t work so well. Cross your fingers for this one!

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