If you're eyeing that red Wii or Nintendo DSi XL with passion, you might want to dial it down off romance - at least if you've bought a significant amount of WiiWare, Virtual Console or DSiWare games. At this time, Nintendo offers no way to transfer those purchases to a newer version of its console or portable.
In September, they did announce they would offer license transfer to the Nintendo 3DS portable - but so far we've heard nothing about Wii or DSi/DSi XL DLC purchase transfer capabilities (and, frankly, did they didn't provide much detail about what would be possible on the 3DS).
So covet all you want, but if you're thinking about buying - just make sure you do so with your eyes wide open. If you're new to the Wii or DSi, these do provide great value:
- Red Wii includes New Super Marios Bros Wii and the usual Wii Sports pack-in game, plus a red Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuck controller for $200
- Red DSi XL comes with Mario Kart DS for $180
Both are due November 7 and are listed as limited editions...
I can't find any information on it right now but there is a way to transfer DLC. Unfortunately you have to buy the second console first and then mail them BOTH into Nintendo for them to do it. I've heard of two people who did it. It's a terrible system but until they create a universal identity I don't see it changing.
Here's one: http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2010/05/black-wii-upgrade/
though apparently I'm reading they don't do data transfers as a policy which is even MORE insane than two week mail-ins.
Ugh. this just reeks of the Wii's problems. 90% of the Wii's problems are based on the fact that Nintendo made a decision and now they're stuck with it because it sold too well. It's too late to release a Wii with 2 gigs of memory. It's too late to change the friend code system (so that we use ONE friend code instead of one per game) and things like this remind me of it and make me a little sad.
I still want a black Wii but I have just enough DLC to block my purchase.