Wii to drop MP3 support, add AAC support only?!

[Peench]

Was reading thru engadget and saw this article where they've indicated a new update to the photo channel will drop MP3 support on the Wii and add AAC support only and that there will be no way to downgrade. WTH?

While we're sure that some Wii updates have been more highly regarded than others, it seems that MP3 diehards will want to pass on a forthcoming Photo Channel update if you just can't bear to lose support for your favorite music format. Apparently, the aforementioned channel will be revamped early next month, and while users will then be able to personalize their menu by implanting an SD-based digital image into the Photo Channel icon, gamers who previously used their Wii to play back MP3s will no longer be able to do so. For whatever reason, the Big N will be axing MP3 support and adding in AAC compatibility, and the company even goes out of its way to make sure that you realize downgrading will not possible once you install v1.1. Mark it down folks -- don't be left full of regret (if you're partial to MP3, that is) after carelessly downloading an update without reading the changelog first.

Why lock people into only one format? Has Apple paid Nintendo money for this exclusive or something? That is pretty lame IMO.

[N0W IM N0THING]

I don't think you will be forced to update though. So if you want to keep mp3 support you should be ok. And yes that is pretty lame-o, aren't updates supposed to make improvements not hinder usability and function? Could it be something to thwart piracy? The photo channel is one that I have not used much anyways but what are they thinking?

[Peench]

Yeah, it is not mandatory and apparently they make a big deal about not being able to go back once you've updated, but that whole thing is just weird. Why would they go from an open source (essentially) format to one that is support only by one company? That makes no sense at all.

I don't even use that channel or the mp3 or photo function, but I sure as heck won't be updating just in case I ever want to try it out.

[Jon Liu]

The whole idea of using MP3 on the Wii is pointless for me. Why would I use MP3s on there when I have a lot of music collection on my PS3? Also, being able to stream my music to my 360 also makes it even more pointless.

I can see it may affect some people who don't have the luxury of having another system that will be able to do that, but I don't see it as a huge loss.

[namehater]

i didnt even know my Wii knew what an mp3 was... doesnt matter to me either way, it doesnt get much play, and as stated above, my 360 streams everything i could/would want

[Peench]

My 360 isn't in my main home theater and I have too many music files to fit on the PS3 hard drive. Streaming wasn't working for me on the PS3, I wish I had known that Wii could stream them!! haha