It's hoped by many that Wii U will finally take Nintendo onto a more level playing field in online gaming, though news that Call of Duty Elite isn't coming to Wii U at launch is undoubtedly disappointing. According to a report today from Kotaku, meanwhile, it seems that in-game chat will neglect to use the GamePad microphone, which arguably defeats a major purpose of it being there.
Apparently a Nintendo representative has stated that in-game voice chat will be supported in a number of major launch window releases, including Assassin's Creed III and Call of Duty: Black Ops II, but they'll require a licensed third-party headset such as those from Turtle Beach or Mad Catz. These are both wired, and can only be used when plugged into the GamePad headphone jack, with no wireless equivalent apparently on the way any time soon; the Nintendo representative also stated that it might be possible for other wired headphones with built-in microphones to be used, but this hasn't been officially confirmed. Perhaps the signal between the console and GamePad is disruptive to wireless headsets, or it's possible that Nintendo hasn't yet organised the means for manufacturers to produce Bluetooth devices using a USB port.
The downside to this is that even those playing these games with the Wii U Pro Controller will also need to plug their headset into the GamePad, even though they're not using it. This is due to the rather obvious fact that this controller doesn't have its own headphone jack. While we're sure there are good reasons behind this, it's a surprising scenario in light of the fact that, for example, Heroes of Ruin on 3DS allows online voice chat using the handheld's built in microphone, while Wii U necessitates plugging an external device into the GamePad whether you're playing on it or not.
Although it may be a slight exaggeration, this is a little like putting the screen on the GamePad and deciding that, actually, it won't be used for games. With a built-in microphone on the GamePad, it would make sense for gamers to have the option to use it and avoid paying out for a headset, with alternative options for those using the Pro Controller. If it is the case that only headsets will do, it seems like a missed opportunity.
What do you think? Are you annoyed about having to use a headset for in-game chat, or do you think this solution makes sense? Let us know in the comments below.
[source kotaku.com]
Comments 120
This seems AMAZINGLY stupid... I'm trying to think of some sort of technical reason for it and I can't. What the heck are they doing?
Nintendo is the company that takes one step forward and ten steps backwards.
an update will most likely fix this somewhere down the line
Makes sense. Speaking clearly into a controller mic would be tricky during certain games. Still, they should consider releasing a wireless headset at some point...
I hope this isn't true ! I was really looking forward to everyone being able to use voice chat straightout the box and having a lively talkative online community. Unlike psn where your lucky to have more than 2 people who have headsets in any game!
@TwilightV I see what you mean, but the mic should pick up what you're saying as long as you don't fling the GamePad across the room. With a game like CoD or Assassin's Creed III, the controller should be relatively still. I have to say, the microphone voice chat worked like a charm in Heroes of Ruin, so I find this baffling and counter-productive. I'm not saying there shouldn't be headsets for those that want them, but for them to be mandatory for chat is strange.
If the gamepad could be used for voice chat, then there'd be less incentive to buy those expensie headsets and head pieces.
I never made any plans to get a Wii U but I am getting really sick of report after report abut things it cannot do.
Well, there's the fact that sound is being pumped through the GamePad so it may muffle the voice coming through the mic.
@Sylverstone To cite Heroes of Ruin (I know I'm sounding like a broken record), the game picks up when you're speaking and drops the in-game sound levels, likewise when someone else chats back. Microphones can distinguish direct voices and background noise, if the software behind it is decent, so that's not really an obstacle.
I'll also update the article, as it's possible but not confirmed that headphones with microphone may work, though plenty of people won't own those, either.
Weird. This seems like too obvious an oversight for there to not be an underlying reason. (Or else it's an incredibly cynical marketing strategy)
I don't see why that would be an incentive to buy headsets by not including it. It's not worked with ps3. Most lobby are like ghost towns. Even when full! 360 comes with a Mic, it's only a cheap one but still , it's there if you want it.
I have my doubts about this claim or at least parts of it. I guess it's because I still remember the Nintendo Direct video. Although now that I think about It was more video voice-chat then in-game itself.
I'd assume the video chatting through the GamePad uses the GamePad mic. While in-game chat would require a headset. It does make a bit of sense seeing as the video chat pulls the power to the actually chat while a game would use more power than the GamePad to Wii U connection can muster. The other consoles require a headset to chat in-game, so I think it isn't a huge deal.
I hope that I can finally use my WiiSpeak microphone on the WiiU. No-one uses it on the Wii, so it was a waste of my money.
This will probably be fixed by a firmware update and still a month from launch so plenty of time for this to change. no big deal really
I think someone just forgot to change the calendars at Nintendo HQ and it's actually still April there
So if I want to use the pro controller AND voice chat, I have to have the Upad right by me too?
Sounds like a cluttery mess.
I'm going to stay optemistic here and wait for an proper official statment. Could be some error on the Nintendo representatives part.
So where do you plug in your headset to talk to other players ?
When buttons and controllers are pushed it will make noise. The microphone within the game pad is going to pick these up big time, as they are within the same enclosure and mechanically coupled to some degree.
Here's an experiment you can try yourself. Gently tap the casing of a microphone with your finger and your fingernail and listen to the recorded results. Now imagine the frantic button mashing and control stick movement, as well as the creaking of the game pad during intense sessions.
On the other hand, during a casual chat session outside of game play, the user will not be manipulating the controls in such a way. That's how I am parsing this announcement.
It seems overly convoluted. Not so much that you need a headphone over the microphone to play, but that you MUST have the headphone. And what ever happened to Wii Speak? Isn't that still a thing?
I really don't see the big deal, headset's are better for voice-chat in my opinion.
@Smitherenez When the WiiU was announced I thought the sensor bar looked bigger and thought Nintendo was smart enough to add the Wiispeak mics into the sensor bar as most of the sensor bar is just wasted space between the LEDs anyway, and since everyone (in the US) will have a sensor bar then everyone would have Wiispeak and maybe developers would actually use it. The Kinect on Xbox 360 has voice command uses as well so I know tv centered mics can work.
Mad Catz? Uggh...
Can,somebody please confirm or deny this by actually asking Nintendo. Sorry but I do not trust KOTAKU. It's writers are moronic nintendo haters.
If this is true though, screw biying a WiiU.
I guess a way around background noise if you're using a built-in mic, as it's been done on 3DS, is to assign a button to activate it. Now I think about it more, that's what Heroes of Ruin does. So if the touch screen on the GamePad is taking over some functionality (even if it's just a map and inventory), then that surely leaves a button or two spare, such as one of the shoulder buttons.
It's not the perfect solution (the thought of a button-activated mic may horrify competitive CoD players, for example), but thoroughly workable. It's just a shame that, if this bears out, the option isn't there for gamers who'd like to save some money and utilise the tech in the controller.
It's a good sign for the Wii U that this is the best that Kotaku can find to complain. They try real hard, I know.
That's just weird :/
It's right there, in the controller. It's perfect.. This is a bad move.
PEOPLE! There is a wireless headphone solution for your Wii U!! I have used them myself, and they are SICK! They were at E3 and have some excellent features! To say there isn't a wireless option is a lie, check them at!!!
http://www.pdp.com/p-1212-afterglow-universal-wireless-headset.aspx
Stay calm everyone, Kokatu seem to have a problem with nintendo so I doubt this is true but then again 99% of the wii u talk on web is pure lies/rumour/speculation/pachter. I don't get why they constantly bash the size of it because it really doesn't matter. If you can't train your thumbs to new control methods then you're a no-good, filthy noob and don't deserve to play the latest games. The same goes for people who 'didn't get' motion controls.
How could it never be used for online chat in games when we've seen it used for online video chat.?
you guys haven't been to kotaku lately have you? it's become a virtual love fest for the wii u.
I hope Nintendo solves this oversight, although I have no problem with having to plug a mic on a headset into the controller, is seems silly for the mic to be there and not usable for chat.
@Nintenjoe64 The suggestion from the Nintendo rep, and we'll see whether the line changes, is that in-game voice chat will require headsets or potentially headphones with a mic built in. While Miiverse will more than likely allow voice chat using the built in mic and camera, the suggestion is that only works outside of games. If you think back to the pre-E3 video with that voice chat segment, that only happened outside of playing the game. Naturally the GamePad is a lot busier when a game is being played (or maybe Nintendo's yet to arrange the relevant software in the system's OS), but the suggestion is that what works in Miiverse doesn't automatically carry across to games.
As someone's suggested, future system updates could resolve it, but Miiverse chat and in-game chat need different software and resources, I suspect.
Besides what DrKarl says, how bad would it sound with the device way down in your lap. It's not the same as a DS where you have to hold it close just to see. The sound ducking that can help with voice overlapping game sounds is pretty annoying sometimes, too.
You'll be able to do non-game video chat without a headset — no game noise constantly interfering. I'd bet on it. This is just for in-game stuff as others have suggested and it seems pretty "duh" to me.
I just don't see a big problem here, myself and never expected in-game stuff to just use the microphone. If it did, I'd have to turn it off. I have kids, they get noisy.
Not worth getting upset over yet. First of all, this is assuming that no wireless options are on the way, which I seriously doubt is the case. Secondly, the Wii U OS uses a total of 1gb of RAM, meaning that it will be flexible and can be updated in the future to offer more practical solutions. Obviously Nintendo is still working these things out, and the company has its hands full making sure the launch of Wii U goes smoothly. Anyone expecting Wii U to do everything perfect from day 1 clearly doesn't remember past hardware launches too well, because none have ever been perfect right from the start. Give it time, and these little issues will be ironed out accordingly.
This is very stupid. If the GamePad has a built-in microphone, why don't use it? The external microphone connects to the GamePad, so it's incredibly silly.
IN GAME CHAT! Not out of game chat. The reason for this is obvious. The microphone is close to the speaker. During a game the sound from the speaker would blot out your voice and the microphone is therefore unusable when the speakers are on.
they will stand by there choice to do this,even when seeing that people dont want it that way, just like when the did not put a second stick on the 3ds xl, but then made the add on for it pffff, i love nintendo but wish they would stop all this trying to brake new ground and just focus on the system and gaming, motion controllers fail, 3d fail, and im sure this is a fail to,
@Nin-freak
It has a headphone jack though. Would be nice if I could connect some normal headphones and then use the mic on the GamePad.
I really hope they allow for that in the future. But knowing Nintendo...It ain't happening.
@Wowfunhappy There's a pretty good technical reason, actually. Can you imagine all of the background noise and also the lack of clarity from from the sending side to the receiving side? Headset mics are right by the mouth. It's like talking on a speakerphone held more than 12" away from the sender's mouth. Imagine a room of 6 people all holding the mics that far away. will sound like crap.
How sad in time they will fix it and everything will be good.
I hope
@AcesHigh
Shouldn't the WiiU mic be designed to be used in these conditions? Seeing as they have Video Chatt? So you'll be using the microphone like that anyway.
oh well..
I love how people are so quick to react and say how "stupid" this move is. I have news for you. The engineers in charge of designing this hardware are pretty smart guys and know what they're doing. There are a FEW people on here with some sense of objectivity, which is good to see. Very simply, the difference between holding a mic down by your lap and having a mic right by your mouth is exponentionally different in terms of sound quality. Not to mention all of the background noise that bleeds into the audio signal when you move the mic away from the principle sound source (your mouth). Just imagine a room of 6 or 12 kids all trash talking at each other, each on their own speaker phone. It's irritating enough to listen to most online chatter to begin with. But put them all on their own speaker phone and you have a recipie for chaos.
Let's think logically about stuff before posting folks. It's amazing to see how many 12 year-olds think they are more than experienced hardware engineers responsible for some of the most successful gaming hardware on the market today.
Contrary to popular belief, this isn't anywhere near as bad as it sounds. Or even bad at all.
My understanding is that the microphone inside the gamepad is meant to pick up everything that's happening in the room, and everyone having access to it in a 24 player game would mean every sound ever would bleed through. By making games use a 3rd-party microphone they ensure fewer people use it and that the people who do sound better.
Now if chatrooms and stuff with miiverse didn't use the microphone, that would be stupid.
@Rapadash6 That true
Robb92, I think Nintendo, and most likely the 3rd party publishers who have the MOST experience here, wants to compete in the same space as the elite online experiences. Ask anyone who plays and chats on XBOX and PS3 games and they would never play and chat on anything but headset mics for the purpose of sound quality. I think the 3rd parties are probably pushing for this more. And Nintendo is yielding to their experience.
I agree with C7. It's all about the sound quality and the type of experience. A voice chat-room and a multiplayer game hosting a large number of players playing a focused game are totally different arenas. I truly believe that the 3rd parties with experience in this stuff are influencing Nintendo and they are just siding with them. Which is a good thing, I think
@AcesHigh
I'm not looking for a elite online experience though. I just want simple chatting with friends.
Allowing me to use the mic on the GamePad would be a very nice feature.
So what IS the point of having a mic on the gamepad again? Plus they should NOT release a video before E3 showing a person using video chat without the support of a headset. Its just faults advertisement! If thiss does turnout to be true, I will be disappointing!
@Assassin87 As I recall, Nintendo has already said they're developing voice chat and video call applications for Wii U, the latter of which we've already seen in several promotional videos, and they will use the GamePad microphone.
Reminds me of the GBA SP. Great handheld aside from needing an adapter to plug in headphones. Didn't bother me much, though.
As for the Wii U, I don't like voice chat in games. I like communicating through the game, instead. Either text chat, preset messages or simply by my actions.
wow just wow nintendo... i mean come on! Oh yes i cant wait for voice chat... wait what I have to pay 40 quid for a pair of licensed headphones!!!!!! WHAT!!!!!!
Nintendo your lucky I still see potential in this console because your Nintendo and I know it will be good in the end. But really I'm already struggling with money to get the wii u this Christmas! You just love money don't you NIntendo too bad I can't give you all of mine.
p.s Thanks for ruining my day Nintendo
yours truly
angry Nintendo fan
Even the original DS could do this.
You've got to think about issues like feedback between the speaker system and Gamepad microphone. If somebody's gaming with their Wii hooked up to a hifi stereo system, the in-game audio will be picked up by the microphone and transmitted to other players, causing all sorts of noise problems. Speakerphones work on the fact that the microphone is only activated when noone on the other line is speaking, so the mic and speaker are not operated at the same time. That's not an option for game systems. Headsets virtually eliminate feedback due to the close placement of the mic to the face so the gain is lower, and earbuds in the ears don't produce feedback. This is not possible using the gamepad mic in conjunction with the home speaker system.
@stardust
I see what you mean but it could still be an option and why did they announce it so late and so quietly? Probably to get some more pre orders before people know what there buying. Your argument is valid but if that's the case...WHY MAKE IT SO FREAKING EXPENSIVE. I for one cannot afford it. Disappointing Nintendo ;(
What a bunch of idiots! How do you screw something this simple up? Now, I feel like I shouldn`t even buy this thing.
@AcesHigh: Way to get yourself worked up.
Of course, Nintendo would be stupid to allow people the option of using the gamepad mic in-game - just as stupid as if phone manufacturers allowed you to use your phone without it being right next to your mouth.
Like some sort of 'speaker' mode.
Oh, wait...
@PokeTune You are only ditching the Wii U for just one minor problem? Well I don't care about online chat, I just wanna enjoy my games. It is just a mic. You can enjoy your games without chat, right?
@Varia01 There`s more that`s bugging me about this system than just voice chat but THIS is just idiotic.
@Cipher sorry bout that, the title of this article says IN-GAME voice chat. I was referring to video chat while pausing the game. I suppose my post is pointless.
I guess that's a shame...sort-of. As I refuse to let random strangers hear my horrendous voice and I almost automatically mute everyone else, I honestly couldn't care less about built-in voice-chat. While the feature is very useful in MMOs and party-oriented games, I highly doubt we'll see many of those games on the Wii U. (Yes, I know about Monster Hunter.)
Also, this an article from Kotaku. I'll just let that comment sit there.
Doesn`t this also basically confirm that there`s no Cross-game chat(Party Chat)? Way to get with the times Nintendo!
Eh, didn't think I'd use it that much anyway. Besides, I like headphones.
To those who are flying off the wire: chill. It's just one little article from Kotaku. Nintendo hasn't confirmed this yet. Correct me if I'm wrong.
The third paragraph of this IGN article has a Nintendo statement confirming the headset requirement:
http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/10/18/wii-us-baffling-voice-chat-solution-revealed
I don't trust kotaku or Nintendo representatives, I trust either Reggie or Iwata to confirm this issue. Otherwise, it's a rumour.
Nintendo has made more mistakes than pretty much any other video game company. But they have also made more innovations and incredible games than any other video game company. I like that kind of company more than one that doesn't make very many mistakes but comes out with mediocre games.
I guess this is pretty okay. I don't use voice chat with the Wii and very few people I know use it when playing Halo or Call of Duty on their PS3s or 360s. Even so, I don't see why they couldn't. It's probably possible and we're just getting it from a shoddy source... Think about it though. The Pro Controller doesn't have a microphone. Maybe Nintendo meant that and Kotaku just twisted the wording to get views on their article.
@triforcepower73
I agree. Nintendo isn't perfect, but it keeps working to improve and learns from most of its mistakes.
@Zaphod_Beeblebrox
Can't access the article on my end, but thanks for the info.
Could there be voice chat in Metroid Prime Hunters? I forget.
It's reserved for much better use... the built in microphone is so you can blow into it to play the flute in Zelda Spirit Tracks DS when you are playing it on the Wii U.
GOOD. Including a headset by default leads to the obnoxious situation you have on XBL.
Seems strange that they'd have you use the GamePad even when you're playing with the Pro controller.
Anyway, i still hope for Wii Speak-esque voice chat in games likes Nintendo Land or the inevitable Animal Crossing U. It would be strange to completely dismiss a thing so adorable and unique to Nintendo as whole rooms of friends and family talking to other rooms of friends and family.
Giving people comfy options seems to be the best thing to do here.
Hey, is this true or just wrong information? If this is true I can tell Nintendo is crazy and we are going to be its stupid customers. The GamePad is expensive and has a lot of features, that is cool because it comes with the console and we are going to have lots of fun with it. But then we are told that the built-in microphone is useless. Oh, wait, this sucks... And did you say Nintendo is taking online gaming seriously? Really?
While maybe not at the same level due to the gamepad being closer to you, has anyone played with someone using the kinect for voice chat on the 360? it is SOOOOOOOOOOOO annoying because it picks up all noise going on in the room. Headset mic is always been the way to go for in game chat so I see no problem with this.
Let's put a headphone jack ON TOP of the gamepad and then force the consumer to purchase a third party headset for no reason then the cord that runs from THE TOP of the gamepad gets in the way while you are playing. Why put the headphone jack ON TOP on the gamepad in the first place?
Once again a pointless limitation imposed by Nintendo for reasons that are beyond me.
@AgenTxH
Still...
It would be nice to have both options now wouldn't it.
So Video chat is useless if you dont get a headset
Well even a nagging flaw like this isn't going to hurt launch or even overall sales, as online gamers are still likely a small fraction of the game market in general. I kinda figured there'd be a redesign somewhere along the road anyway, as there has been for 3DS.
I have been able to defend every complaint or misconception about the Wii U so far, but there is no excuse for this. So much for building that robust social networking community.
Good April Fools joke Nintendo,you had me going there.
Now com-on be serious now,this isn't true?
@GamecubeMan #80
I don't know why you would use Video chat if you were in a game.
I'm not worried at all. I'm sure they'll make the function available by patch someday...
Yeah, the ability to use the mic on the pad can be fixed via patch and I think Nintendo will get enough backlash that they will make it a priority at some point. The Pro controller not having a headset (or an expansion port for a headset) seems very shortsighted though. These are standard features on other consoles already.
I'm amazed at Nintendo's 2 steps forward 2 steps back approach to technology sometimes...
I'm glad for this. Get a separate mic with a mute button so you can be responsible and mute it when there is background noise..
Good.
If everyone used the GamePad microphone during online play you'd never be able to understand a thing that anyone said.
This way people who actually really want to use voice chat features can buy themselves something of quality and be able to actually communicate.
Most of the time when playing Heroes of Ruin online, I can barely make out what other people are saying.
@Wheels2050 I agree. This seems like too much of an obvious oversight for it to be an afterthought without some logical reason. Especially if the engineers from Nintendo have been working with developers who would want to implement in-game chat in the Wii U ports like Call of Duty.. it's not like developers would be 4 weeks away from shipping masters and be like "so yeah how does this voice stuff work on the controller again?". If the report is true, there HAS to be a completely reasonable explanation - believe it or not, engineers don't just slap something like a microphone onto a device where every gram is accounted for without a reason or purpose.
Everybody, just chill. The amount of engineering and technology that is crammed into this 500 gram tablet that allows full video AND audio wireless streaming with imperceptible interactive delay is nothing short of amazing. The YouTube kids will never fully appreciate what this thing actually achieves, we're not talking wireless passive video streaming your router pulls via wired connection from your modem, we're talking live, dynamic wireless content streaming of video and audio simultaneously being encoded and decoded while sending wireless interactive input signals from the gamepad all while processing the game without any perceptible delay.
Everyone takes this for granted: The Wii U Gamepad, at this point in time, is a gosh darn Dream Machine Powerhouse of fun tech that until now has never existed on earth or even in Back to the Future II. Unconfirmed Kotaku report says in-game voice chat is possible but requires a headset like every other competing console = U mad? My suggestion to you is to watch Point Break and reflect on the performance delivered by Keanu Reeves because I'm afraid nothing will satisfy you...
If it is the case that a headset is required it DOES seem like an oversight that the Pro controller doesn't have the same headset jack input as the GamePad though, especially when it's sole purpose for being in the market is to cater to the FPS/core gamer crowd that typically uses in-game chat the most.
Theres a power/resource factor many people seem to forget about. The 3DS is another story since its within a foot of your face but the gamepad is likely going to be in your lap. I have to turn the volume on my 3DS up high to hear it without headphones, I'd hate to see how much I'd have to jack up the settings on the gamepad to hear anything. The console is already streaming everything live so using a headset would be more efficient.
Never mind background noise and privacy, whatta ya wanna bet the parents of those kids you hear on Xbo live/PSN don't know whats going on?
A wireless headset MUST be made. What about for those games that will continue to use the Wii Remote? Major oversight.
So, if (for example, in Black Ops II) a person was choose to play with the Pro controller, or the Wii remote + Nunchuk, he or she would still have to plug the headset in to the standard Wii U game pad? And no matter which control scheme a person chooses, his or her only option is a wired headset? LAME. There's no reason at this point that Nintendo shouldn't be able to support wireless devices on their console.
If it works with my iPhone headphones that would be good enough for me. Seems a bit odd, but it's not the end of the world.
I wish someone would explain to me why they would use the pro controller when the GamePad is there to be used... Surely a pro controller would only be used for second player asymmetrical gaming? The pro controller has nothing that the pad doesn't offer so whats the point?
I think the biggest oversight in all of this are the lack of features on the Pro Controller. It should have motion sensors, analogue triggers and a headphone jack. Or it should cost way less.
But it say's "VIDEO CHAT" on the damn WiiU box!
They showed us a video of ot working not long ago!
Why has it changed?
Similar to my utter dissapointment with 3DS - they TOLD US that we would ve able to buy 3D films, full ones, yet they changed that to a big fat NO.
Nintendo, this SUCKS.
A lot of Wii games that supported the classic controller also use motion control so I don't see the big deal if people want to use it over the gamepad. I prefer the CCP for Monster Hunter since 3 its the closest to the playstation setup, so I'm sure many people will use the pro controller for the same reason.
@3dbrains the movie thing could be due to problems with sealing the deal with the studios rather than Nintendo changing their mind.
Well, at least we can voice-chat on Wii U.
While this is definitely disappointing I am still planning on getting a Wii U.
@ThomasBW84 you're right. I did sort of think that video chat wasn't a game but if it's there, it's there.
I'm betting that nintendo use the feature once in a mario sports title in 2013 and never again.
What about wii speak?
if there's a built in mic., then i want to use that, i DONT want to buy a new headset so i can talk to people online, especially when there's a perfectly functional mic right on the gamepad! baaaaad nintendooo, baaaaaad.
@Spooky you give the wiimote to you friend and use the gamepad and say"haha! look at all this crap i get! now im in control!"
Still it doesn't care for me. I need really still a game, since i'm born, that will bring me online.
And no Miiverse it's not a game.
ok from some of the comments i read they do bring up a good point what about the wii speak thing? or the 3ds headset? why not make those works with it they did announce some wii u headsets a while back so that could be why... but yes i would hate to buy another $60 pts item just to chat in my games as for that person who posted a link to some wireless headphones
pshh im not paying $90 for those while these seem ok too http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Wireless-Headset-Over-The-Head-981-000341/dp/B005GTO07O/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1350648281&sr=8-5&keywords=logitech+wireless+headphones
This is good. Foulmouthed kids will be less able to buy a headset compared to adults. For your information, I myself am a kid.
My guess is, since Nintendo likes saving money, the mic for the gamepad is cheap as hell and would probably sound like one of those old fashioned drive through speakers at restaurants.
Is it stupid? I think so. I mean they are probably paying pennies for the mic they have no, and spending a dollar wouldn't break them to make their device more consumer friendly.
But this is NIntendo and they've NEVER put money into the additional features of their hardware. The cameras for their handhelds all suck, and also why the gamepad screen is resistive, not capacitive.
However, not having a chat feature built right into the system for all games to use is completely moronic. We've all seen how supported "not-built in" features were on the Wii. i.e. Not at all.
Just another step back in the dozen steps back they taken with their one or two steps forward.
No wireless? Then what is this?
http://nintendoeverything.com/102513/wii-u-can-support-at-least-one-wireless-headset/
@Hardy83 I haven't played Heroes of ruin but if you read, ThomasBW84's comments, you would have seen him mention how well the voice chat using the 3DS mic so I doubt the Wii U mic would sound that bad if the 3DS mic doesn't work well but it is ridiculous that they're not using it for voice chat but I don't go online much anyway so I wouldn't affect me that much.
@Hardy83 yes, because I wanna pay $50-100 more for a resistive screen that's not really necessary
This makes no sense at all
Solution: wireless headsets. Problem almost solved.
People make voice chat bigger than it actually is... Its been on PS3 forever but when you get into a Battlefield 3 online game, its very RARE to hear someone talking on one and even rarer to hear a conversation between 2 or more... Its there but people just dont use it much
A missed opportunity!
@Wheels2050 have you been on a conference call with 10 individuals all using speaker mode on their phones? If you have you would understand the reason for this choice.
Hmmm... My best guess as to why they aren't allowing the mic on the controller would be that the mic would be low quality for talking. Even so, I'd think that they would get that down-pat or something. Probably just a money racket, like any other company.
Oh my... shakes head here we go... Again failing on the chat
For chat in general though
@grimbldoo
What?
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