You Can Voice-Chat On the Wii U While Gaming, But There’s a Catch

Kotaku: "The Wii U will support in-game voice chat, but you'll be forgiven if you're not sure exactly how that will work. Nintendo hasn't shown an official headset for the WIi U and the Wii U's Pro Controller—the one that looks a lot like an Xbox 360 controller—doesn't even have a port to connect one.

So how does it work?"

[Emilio_Estevez]

That seems like a very strange design choice. They'll have to come out with a pro controller with a jack on it at some point imo. At least it supports bluetooth though.

[Abash]

I wonder if it has cross game chat like 360 and PS Vita

[guitarded77]

From article:
"Nintendo hasn't shown an official headset for the WIi U and the Wii U's Pro Controller—"

Nintendo has shown no plans of making a headset in-house, but have given Turtle Beach the go ahead to make a Wii U branded headset, which is about as official as it gets. The NLa headset has a Wii U logo on it, so that's pretty official since the headset is designed for Wii U and has a Nintendo Logo on it.

http://www.turtlebeach.com/...

[StoneyYoshi]

Doubt it. Considering it says in the article that in-game chat is only supported for the main multiplayer games. so how can they do cross game chat if they said its that limited.

[CraigandDayDay]

Video chat would be pretty cool with that tablet. I'm sure there will be plenty of headsets available at launch.

[ShinMaster]

You can only voice chat from within games that support it? That's even worse than the PS3.
And only the Gamepad has a headset port and not the Pro Controller?

This all seems like a last minute thing. They focused on the gimmicks and left some core things as an afterthought.
You've had at least 6 years to get it right Nintendo.

[M_Prime]

I think this is Nintendo being Nintendo.

I wonder if you will need to exchange friend codes before you can chat with people.

I think its stupid that they are limiting the ingame chat to specific games and I know the PS3 doesn't have the option of cross game chat since they gave Devs more memory to work which in turn basically didn't leave enough for cross game chat to be implemented but the WII-U could have easily done that out of the box.

I know to a lot of people cross game chat seems like no big deal, but you don't notice how much you miss it until you don't have it. I also find its easier to get in a lobby with people and chat with them 'privately' then over in game chat and make everyone annoyed by our stupid conversation lol

[KidBroSweets2]

Just face it. Nintendo consoles will never be for the hardcore gamers. Just let them cater to their target audience, they seem to be fine with that so we should be fine with that too.

[Eyeco]

What's mind boggling about this is that where being informed this 1 MONTH before the consoles launch, all of this is coming off as last minute, In fact I just heard that it doesn't come with an Ethernet port wtf

[LX-General-Kaos]

Just like shown in the Nintendo direct commercial right before E3. Im sure that in game voice chat for the Nintendo Wii U entertainment system will come in the form of in game video chat. I believe the Nintendo game pad was confirmed to have a standard mic built into the touch screen controller. Allowing you to speak into the controller speaker phone style, and listen to the voices of others via speaker or headphones.

That's the impression that I got so far but we will have to wait and see I guess.

Rayed E For Everyone

[ChickeyCantor]

You're just stretching it. Video chat is just one application they will probably offer...when you're not gaming. But why would anyone want to look at your chin while you are gaming?

This article applies to CoD. And it would be very, VERY, idiotic to implement a mic into the controller that doesn't work in game.

[GameLord08]

@sidar: Actually, Miiverse has displayed the capability to video-chat using the GamePad, so it'll most likely be able to be done while gaming.

Besides, nobody's going to hold the GamePad under their chin when it has a screen they need to use.

[LX-General-Kaos]

I see a lot of doubt but that is fine. I can not blame anyone for it because the tech is advanced and not available to the consumer as of now.

I am only going by information that seams realistic, and from rumors since we all dont know the exact truth. But here is what I have to offer in that regard.

Semi Proof: http://www.youtube.com/watc...

As of now all I can do is hope that the Nintendo Wii U entertainment system video chat functions that I have mentioned above are true. From this video, and the Nintendo Direct from E3. My claim does not seem too far off.

RaTed E For Everyone*

[FinalomegaS]

ever thought of an abriviation like the NES or SNES,N64,GCN...

it could save you some time.

NWiiUES or NWUES <<< WTF that looks wrong

maybe you can come up with one more suitable.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

What is wrong with you?

[MikeMyers]

"I see a lot of doubt but that is fine. I can not blame anyone for it because the tech is advanced and not available to the consumer as of now."

Advanced tech would not have these limitations. Not all games will support the Gamepad. Furthermore no games as of yet support more than one Gamepad. So what we have here, if these rumors are true, is a system that has no unity. Some games allow Gamepad play, some allow the Pro controller, some allow original Wii controllers. All without any indication that a wireless headset, something that isn't even advanced technology any longer, would be universal across all games or even supported. Also having video chat on the Gamepad itself while playing seems rather redundant.

[n4f]

@sidar
well i think its not that stupid having video chat or headset on the gamepad.
why?
because i recall at the e3 conference the guy was playing zombiu and was stuck and went on video chat using the game pad.
so what i mean is that you can lay the game pad and chat at the same dang time!
but at the same time i understand why people would be frustrated since x360 could do it.

[badz149]

you guys are kidding, right? there's no way the Wii U will be able to do THAT! it's kinda pointless too seeing that it will be a distraction to online gaming session as I think voice is already distracting enough, let alone video of the person you're chatting with while gaming!

and looking at the Wii U itself, there's no way Nintendo is pushing THAT hard for their next system! the thing barely runs games at 1080p!

[ChickeyCantor]

" well i think its not that stupid having video chat or headset on the gamepad.
why? "

I never mentioned a headset. I said Why would you want to have the camera on when you are gaming? You don't hold that thing infront of you trough out your game. You rest it on your lap.

The other players will just look at your chin and nostrils.

And that guy playing ZombiU did NOT do video calls during his gameplay.

@Badz,
It's not impossible, it's just impractical. There is one gig dedicated to OS and Apps. They could easily run it in the background....but Who is gonna hold the Gamepad up in a CoD game so that they can see your face?

[moparful99]

@LX-General-Kaos It helps to actually read the article instead of you know speculating
"The Wii U GamePad—the console's signature twin-stick controller that contains a 6.2-inch screen—contains a microphone and speakers, but that mic does not actually work with the voice chat."

Not to mention what is the point of VIDEO chat whenever you are staring at a tv screen?

[crazysammy]

I hope its wii speak compatible!!! /facepalm

[FamilyGuy]

I don't get the problem, headset should be blu-tooth, or connect via usb. There's definitely usb ports because you can add external drives to them, there is no issue.

Why would a headset need to connect to a controller? Just cuz 360 controllers are like that doesnt mean wii-u has to follow suit, its pro controller just looks like a 360 controller, it's not a freakin replica.

[Emilio_Estevez]

It's b/c they are expecting you to plug wired ones into the gamepad when using the pro controller.

[FamilyGuy]

It's STILL wireless, just cuz "4FT CABLE" (turtle beach specs) is wired to the gamepad doesn't means it's suddenly not wireless, the gamepad itself is wireless. So what is the point of plugging a wired headset into the gamepad?

The WiiU supports blutooth accessories, I'm sure blutooth headsets will work just fine.

The whole point of having a wired headset is the clarity of its strong connection, I get that the gamepad has a really strong connection to the system but at the end of the day it's STILL wireless.

If they force all in-game voice chatting to go through the gamepad they're idiots lol

[herbs]

Maybe you will be able to to chat with a friend or friends through the iOS in the background while playing a game? (that wouldn't be too bad) Hopefully Nintendo does a software update or something because this seems like a pretty important feature to have out of the box. (especially with the core gamers that Nintendo is trying to appeal to)

[Amplitude]

Yeah Bluetooth is really all you need. Technically you could just use your PS3 headset lol. The mic jack on the controller is obviously just optional for people who want to use turtle beach headsets.

It's basically the same thing as the PS3-if the ps3 had a mic jack on the Dualshock.

[meetajhu]

Oh god this was done on PC 10 years back. Trying to make people understand that consoles are complete joke

[DivineAssault]

So u cant chat using a headset if u want to play using the pro controller?? that just doesnt make sense to me.. No bluetooth im assuming... I guess theres not going to be cross game chat with wii u.. Well, its better than the wii.. The wii only had a handfull of games that allowed chatting.. This too but its already got it beat..

That pro controller was designed for multiplayer use i suppose.. Why would they do this?

[MilkMan]

So, this is a BIG WTF!
I don't like this piece of it. I want to be able to chat with my son and buddies. Guess Big N doesn't have the infrastructure in place for all that bandwidth PLUS they want action on the MiiVerse not in private parties.

[GhostHero333]

Thats a bummer. I was really looking forward to something similar to party chat on the xbox 360. Oh well there will always be somethings that a nintendo will be left behind on I guess.

[GameLord08]

They haven't commented on whether or not you can use a wireless headset yet - and seeing as the Wii U supports wireless controllers, it should have the capacity for a wireless headset (probably a first-party item released later down the line, maybe). Or a Pro Controller with a jack, whichever's more productive.

I'm quite surprised you can't make use of the GamePad's microphone and speakers though.

[herbs]

Nintendo shits the bed again.

[PopRocks359]

Nintendo didn't design the headsets.

[ninjabake]

It'd be cool to have the chat feature thru the gamepad itself. It could put the microphone to use. I mute all the other players if I'm playing an online shooter anyway so I don't need a headset.

Just a thought...

[Neonridr]

http://nintendoconnect.com/...

why don't you guys relax. This is a headset that states it clearly works with the Wii U and it's wireless. There is your solution.

Sounds to me like Kotaku is once again stirring the pot without doing any research..

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Yes everyone just relax... the headset is only MSRP: $89.95.

So pile on a $100 more to your console cost if you want to chat with someone playing online.

This is one pot that needs to be stirred... Sony wasn't so bad because there were cheap enough bluetooth options but the way Nintendo is handling it, it seems you aren't getting a chat capable headset for under $100 after tax. I think the hardcore thinking about the Wii U would want to know that.

So to recap...if you are into online gaming and considering a WiiU... you minimum entry cost for being able to play online and chat is not just $249 as Nintendo suggests... its more like $359 and that is for the basic WiiU with the above referenced headset and doesn't factor in any addtional storage needs.

[WrAiTh Sp3cTr3]

You must not have seen the Turtle Beach headsets specifically for Wii U and they top out at $50 for the better one and $30 for the lesser one. So it's rather stupid to suggest you have to buy a Wii U then spend another $100 to communicate. And please point me to where you can find a wireless gaming headset for less than $100 for any platform.

[oNIXo]

http://www.gamestop.com/ps3...

[Neonridr]

hey I am not saying I agree with it. I too think that the gamepad should have allowed you to speak directly into the mic. What else is the mic there for then?

Most serious gamers want a nice headset anyways. The one that comes with the 360 is garbage, and mine broke so I had to get a replacement one. A lot of my friends online use Turtle Beach style headsets.

Turtle Beach unveiled a basic headset for $30 that is wired. I plan on doing most of my gaming with the gamepad anyways - If I wanted to use the pro controller I would play my Xbox 360 instead. So having a wired headset to plug into the gamepad isn't an issue for me. Either that or I will look at a bluetooth headset in the future.

I do agree though, leaving the voice chat up to the developers is stupid, they could have easily built in a standard voice chat application or something.

I just keep my fingers crossed and my eyes shut and pray that I will love this system when I get it.

The good news is that the article even said that the mic by DEFAULT will not be used for in game chat. I am sure that is something that could change down the road with firmware updates.

[WrAiTh Sp3cTr3]

I meant "cans" not a mic only used for chatting.

[Baka-akaB]

for once it's just ridiculous , and not just kotaku being kotaku . Previous consoles either had a fair default option like the 360 , or are universally compatible with with a few usb and bluetooth devices

[OC_MurphysLaw]

So you need to buy a 3rd party headset to chat? Did they not see how well that worked for Sony?

[oNIXo]

It worked out fine.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Hardly fine... Sony has been playing catch up in online gaming since it launched. For years the #1 complaint about online gaming with the PS3 was...nobody was talking cause nobody had a headset. The 360 became the defacto online platform largely because everyone could chat day 1 with out the need of a 3rd party device.

[ClimateKaren]

@Dlacy13g

That was not the #1 complaint about the PS3, by a longshot. The lack of cross-game chat definitely was up there, but I don't think anyone was annoyed that a room of 16 people wasn't constantly chirping at once.

Also, you're ignoring the fact that Sony had/has first-party offerings for headsets. Or rather, you're confusing "first-party" with "in-the-box".

Sure, there would be more people talking in random online games on PS3 if every console came with a headset. Understand though, that not everyone thinks that is a good thing. Listening to people talk in your ear just because they can is actually something many of us find pretty obnoxious. So is listening to their coughing, their babies and other relatives, their music, and their cursing when they lose.

I have several headsets myself, yet I'm one of those people who are micless in online games most times. I only use it for communicating with actual people I know, and that I'm teaming up with specifically. I just don't find it helpful most of the time, or an enhancement to my experience when playing with strangers. Different strokes, you know?

[oNIXo]

What that dude said. ^

[Qrphe]

I agree, as far as people chatting, they aren't many due to the hassle of going of your way and buying one so it similar situation should be faced by the Wii U.

I do wonder how the community will take the built-in in-game chatting functions (my guess they'll most likely be ignored due to they're not being a headset).

[Optical_Matrix]

Nintendo really isn't taking the competition seriously when it comes to online. This furthers my point that Wi U is going to be an extremely tough sell for people who aren't fans of Nintendo franchises, Bayonetta or Monster Hunter.

If this is the quality Nintendo is bringing to the online space, or lack there of, then what on earth makes them think people will migrate to Wii U from XBL/PSN instead of just waiting for the next MS/Sony systems.

[ChunkyLover53]

They should really package some sort of headset with the Wii U, sort of like what Microsoft did with the Xbox 360. If you want a good online service, you need an online community that can communicate.

Also, you don't want a ton of low quality headsets that could affect the overall voice chat quality.

[N6]

What's the problem? If you want to use the pro controller, you can put the gamepad on its own stand in front of you (included w/Deluxe bundle), where the headset connects. Bit of a clusterfuck yes, but "hardcoreee" gamers never complained about their miles of turtlebeach wires, so don't start now just b/c its Nintendo, the company you love to hate.

[ClimateKaren]

Suggesting in 2012 that a tray in front of you to enable voice communication is a viable option is a bit out there. It's a system that isn't even out yet, and people have a clusterfuck to look forward to when doing something they've been doing without hassle on other consoles for years? A wire is one thing, a tablet-sized dongle hanging from your head is another.

That being said, I'm pretty sure there will be reasonable means of voice-chatting on the Wii-U, regardless of this article's concern. Wireless options have not been exactly denied by Nintendo yet, and I don't think they're so stupid as to have designed a console in this day and age that allows for multiple input devices, but will restrict you from voice chat when using one of them. I'm guessing there will be universal options for people to choose from, both wired and wireless.

Great avatar btw.

[deafdani]

Why not just play with the Wii U tablet controller and be done with it? Clusterfuck avoided, for the most part.

I mean, there's nothing the Pro Controller can do that the tablet can't, after all. I see the Pro Controller more as a option for local multiplayer (for which you obviously don't need a headset).

[N6]

The gamepad will still be useful in front of you, even if players prefer the pro controller, like BLOPS 2 for example: loadouts on the fly, large map, score streaks etc.

The gamepad is not something you should want to put aside, its designed to be...desirable. Just the next step to make gaming that much more "immersive", having a gadget like the sub-screen OUTSIDE OF THE TV, to assist whats going on the main screen.

[ClimateKaren]

"The gamepad is not something you should want to put aside, its designed to be...desirable."

But it's not, despite it's intentions. And if I were to get a WiiU, I would want to put it aside whenever a game doesn't require it (which theoretically should be frequently enough, if Nintendo are going to land all the multi-platform support they've missed out on lately). The pro-controller *can* do something that the gamepad can't; it can be a ergonomically comfortable and un-cumbersome.

And I think Nintendo knows this. It's why there IS a pro controller. They were/are claiming to be gong after the hardcore, and they knew they couldn't do it with nothing but a touch-screen controller. And so, they give us one of the things we want. I don't think they'd give it to us just to make it a second-class citizen, one that we can't even use unless the tablet is dangling somewhere nearby. We didn't need a 2nd screen for COD and Assassin's Creed before, so why force us to use one in ports of the same exact games?

Anyway, I disagree with both of you. I don't want to use it primarily, and I don't think it's going to be especially useful when I'm using the other controller. Of course, it's kind of moot, since somewhat unlikely that I'm going to buy one. I plan to watch its first year and see what's up.

[herbs]

Then you get up and boom $170 gamepad with a broken screen :[ sounds like a great idea.

[sloth3395]

i wonder if i can use my Sony Pulse head phones since it can connect with a wire

[YoungPlex]

Well, it isn't a problem for me, the only online games I play are Dark Souls and BF3 and I don't communicate in either one and actually find it quite enjoyable.

OT: As long as your able to talk on most multiplayer games, video-chat while the game is suspended like they promoted, send messages either drawing or writing them, use MiiVerse and socialize with others, I really don't see what the big deal is...

[YoungPlex]

"According to Turtle Beach, its own product is wired:

“The Wii U supports Bluetooth and can pair with its own accessories, but the officially licensed headsets we produce and offer are wired and designed for use directly with the [GamePad] tablet.”

Nintendo vaguely commented on the possibility of wireless headsets sometime in the future. It seems as though it could happen through a Bluetooth connection or between a headset and a signal connected plugged into a USB port. For now though, wireless solutions aren’t available.

Finally, here are a few additional tidbits about voice chat on Wii U:

- No universal support for in-game voice chat
- Game-by-game support for in-game chat
- The GamePad mic will not, by default, work as an input for in-game voice chat
- The Wii U will support wired headsets (and possibly mic-enabled headphones), but only through the Wii U GamePad
- No news yet about whether wireless headsets can or will be supported"

The Wii U has Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities, there is no doubt in my mind that there will be a wireless headset soon...

[zavierkai]

100% right Young Plex.

[josephayal]

Welcome to the Next Gen

[Pillsbury1]

Hope there is a Bluetooth headset for the wii u, I love my ps3 wireless 7.1 surround sound headphones.

Rated M for Mature.

[Qrphe]

That'd be awesome, keeping those and not having to buy some more.

[isntchrisl]

I remember Iwata or Miyamoto saying a while back that because the Wii U Gamepad has both a microphone and speakers, there was no need for a headset. Now they are going in the complete opposite direction.

If it supports any headset with a mic, it's fine. But the lack of a headphone jack on the Pro Controller is grating. Having the Gamepad sit next to you is completely counter-intuitive to the whole point of using the Pro Controller. A wireless headset should solve this problem though.

[PopRocks359]

Weren't people fine with having the Wiimote next to them when using the Wii's Classic controller? The gamepad is not as large and bulky as detractors would have you believe. I know, I've held the thing. Having it sit next to you would be a minor inconvenience at worst. The cables on these headsets better be lengthy enough for it.

[isntchrisl]

I've held it too. I went to the Wii U Experience in LA last month (my impressions were posted here). I love the Gamepad and the Pro controller but that is definitely an inconvenience.

I did not like having the Wiimote sitting on my lap while using the Classic Controller. Adding bigger controllers and headphone cords into the mix only makes the problem worse. I'd imagine most people using a Pro Controller wouldn't even bother to go through the hassle.

But even the Wii eventually got Wireless headsets. I have no doubt the Wii U will get the same treatment.

[WeskerChildReborned]

That's odd not to include it as an all around mic if it's built in there.

[MultiConsoleGamer]

What an incredible blunder.

[BattleTorn]

Let me get this straight...

The gamepad has a mic+speaker and we cant use it for ingame chat?

[stage88]

Unless you plug in or use an external Bluetooth device. I think I've got this right...

All in all something that should be simple is made overly complicated.

[rezzah]

I like to do my own thing, so shouting over headphones about what should be done doesn't help my gameplay.

Good players can work together without communication, they know what to do.

You can be better with mics, but only if you are in a group that knows what they are doing. Which isn't common in comparison to those who don't own or want a mic.

[legendoflex]

For those wondering why we can't use the mic on the GamePad: it probably has something to do with the massive amounts of data already being sent via the GamePad. Adding voice on top of gameplay information probably just isn't possible without an external device to handle it or potentially adding some latency issues.

(This shouldn't really be a problem if you're just using the GamePad like a Pro Controller though. There should really be an option to disable the screen completely.)

The real question mark is why there isn't a headphone port on the Pro Controller.

[HappyCamper172]

the headphone plug is on the gamepad!!!!!

[stage88]

I really want to try and like the Wii U but every bit of info I hear about it comes with a catch. My interest is at rock bottom. Maybe that will change when it's been out a month or two.

[wiiulee]

remember the gamepad is just a controller

[hellvaguy]

Another typical Nintendo move to save production costs. 2 steps foward, 2 steps back.

[CouldHaveYelledUiiW]

In the video, where "Non-Specific Action Figure" was 1st seen, the actor used the WiiU GamePad to chat.

Perhaps, you will be able to speak through it and video chat through it while using the Pro Controller.

[TotalSynthesisX]

Really, Nintendo? Goddamn. I knew they'd pull something like this. Yeah, build an elaborate online network like XBL and PSN but go half-ass on voice communication support. Good logic there.

Smash 4 had better be good because that will be the sole reason for me to get the Wii U.

[PopRocks359]

They didn't design the headsets. And besides, I think when they talk about select games having multiplayer chat, they're referring to being able to speak to other players in matchmaking. I'm going off the assumption that chatting specifically with friends with voice or video is more robust.

[TotalSynthesisX]

The thing that bothers me the most is that there is no dedicated port on the Pro Controller that allows headsets. It's tacky to have to plug in a headset to an unused controller sitting next to you than just plugging it in to the controller you're using; that leads me to my next point: Most of the games that allow voice chat are for the more core audience (AC3, BlOps II, and ME3), meaning most people will be using the Pro Controller to play them. But why not have a dedicated port for that controller? It doesn't make any sense. It defeats the purpose of it being a "Pro" controller.

Am I making any sense here?

[PopRocks359]

No, you are making sense. I get that it's an inconvenience, but I don't think it's as large an issue as people make it out to be. Besides, the Wii U supports Bluetooth. If anything, you ought to complain about the headset manufacturers making wired headsets as oppose to wireless Bluetooth ones (which I'm sure we'll see for the console sooner or later).

I only chat with friends when gaming and even then nowadays we talk to each other with Skype anyway.

[PirateThom]

They have had a whole gen of two consoles to pull features from and they still manage to mess up on the very simple things.

It's the 3DS lacking a second analogue all over again.

[IWentBrokeForGaming]

of all the BASIC features... Im blown away that this is so poorly implimented!

[Drainage]

maybe they will add a WII U addon that sticks on its side for a USB input

[axisofweevils]

Don't really understand the fuss.

The Gamepad controller - which comes with the system - has a headphone socket built in.

The Pro controller doesn't, but then neither does the DualShock on PS3.

[Unlimax]

"but then neither does the DualShock on PS3"

What entered the PS3 in your opinion O_o !?

The Device is about to receive the next generation and you are doing by comparing it with the Wii U!

Commanded suspicious .. Is this your current or next generation ؟

Commanded strange Nintendo lovers .. hide malice Devine faces on Sony and its industry even on the silliest things !

This is too much ಠ_ಠ

[esemce]

The Wii U will have 500mb-1gb of RAM for the OS so there is plenty of memory to add functions/support in the future via firmware updates, so there is hope.

[AWBrawler]

why not just use the gamepad?

[Rockoman16]

Woooooo, the end of the world, i can care less about that, i'm all about the games, and i mostly play offline, so, yeah

[nathanhale]

another top 5 *sighs*

[AREoUoSERIOUS]

Nintendo will probably come out with a bluetooth headset or something.

[DOOMZ]

It will be fine, watch...

[Apex13]

People are forgetting nor are the reports stating that MS hold the patent for the in cross game chat and the control with the jack. Nothing they can do nor sony hence bluetooth on the ps3

[Schawk]

yea when sony dont put a headphone socket on there control its perfectly ok to use bluetooth on the ps3.
But when nintendo do the same all of a sudden you get haters. hahaha
if u ask me it isent a big deal, just use bluetooth,
+ you also have videochat built into the gamepad, none of the others can do that can they