[Wii] Virtual Console Rip-off

So I sent Nintendo an email asking about what happens to my virtual console games if my Wii was to break down, and I had to send it in for a replacement. Nintendo sent me a reply stating that any games bought for the virtual console are locked to the console's serial number, and are not transferable or refundable, and that I would have to purchase them again. They told me that I'm not buying the games, instead I am paying for the privilege to play them, and that if i have to exchange my system for a new one, that privilege is revoked. And here I thought Nintendo was an honest company.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

The honesty part falls on the fact that they've worded the parts about linking your My Nintendo account to your Wii shop account to seem like the games you buy are tied to your account, and not the machine you "purchase" them on.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

by the way, here's the original text from the email:

Message(#7623-000344-4365\5936583)

Hello and thank you for contacting Nintendo,

Unfortunately if you have purchased Wii Shop content, be it Virtual Console titles or new Channels, we are unable to provide refunds or replacements as you are essentially purchasing a license to use the content on the Wii which you made the purchase. In order to use any content on a new Wii, you must first purchase a new license for that system. You can quickly and easily purchase a new license by ueing either a prepaid Wii Points Card, VISA or MasterCard.

The quickest and most convenient way to get a working system is to set up an Advance Replacement. Under this program, we send you a replacement system directly. The directions that accompany the replacement console will explain how to make the exchange and send back your nonfunctioning console and to us in the same box, at no charge to you.

All that is required is a valid VISA or MasterCard number to secure the return (your card will not be charged unless you neglect to return your original system). You would then contact Nintendo's Consumer Service Department by calling 1-800-255-3700. Representatives are available to set up your repair between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time, seven days a week.

If you do not have a credit card, getting your console repaired is still convenient and free. You may set up a standard repair by visiting the Customer Service section of our website (www.nintendo.com/consumer). Once there, select the Wii icon, scroll down to Repairs and follow the directions.



If you have additional questions or concerns, please let us know!!

Sincerely,

Nintendo of America Inc.


Nintendo's home page: http://www.nintendo.com/
Power Line (Automated Product Info): (425) 885-7529

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ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
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From: (removed)
Posted At: 03:41:47.000 11/24/2006
Posted To: Nintendo <nintendo@noa.nintendo.com>
Subject: Webform: Wii > Channel Support / Assistance

I have a quick question about the Virtual Console. If my Wii was to break down and i was to recieve a replacement, would my virtual console games transfer over to the new wii with my account, or would i lose them all?





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This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

can ya really trust SA?

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?