Nintendo of America

support.nintendo.com

Wii Speak Troubleshooting

 

The Wii Speak microphone accessory gives you the ability to chat with friends near and far when playing compatible games such as Animal Crossing: City Folk and the Wii Speak Channel. A broadband internet connection is required to use the Wii Speak accessory.

Please Note: Games and other software that display the Wii Speak microphone icon (view) are designed to work specifically with the Wii Speak microphone accessory. Any other licenced or unlicenced microphones that are available are not compatible with these games. Additionally, the Wii Speak microphone will only work with these games and other software that display this icon.

 

    Echo is heard while talking

    Our experience has shown that if you are hearing an echo while using Wii Speak, the problem is likely caused by an issue with the setup of the friend(s) you are chatting with. Please review the following information, and be sure to have the friend you are chatting with read and follow the instructions. Ask your Wii friend to visit support.nintendo.com/wiispeak for a summary of tips.

     

      How often is the echo occuring?
    • If the echo is intermittant, it's likely caused by either moving the Wii Speak microphone or moving around while talking (this could be caused on either end of the conversation). Each time the microphone is moved and each time a person moves around, the microphone will need to adjust its settings in relation to the people speaking, and this will cause an echo. The echo should go away after all microphones are stationary and all people using the microphones are no longer moving around.

     

      Check the location of the Wii Speak microphone:
    • Verify that the microphone is not placed near speakers or on an electronic device other than the television (not on top of the Wii console, a VCR, DVD, Tivo, etc.).
    • Make sure there aren't any items, such as furniture, that are in front of any speakers that may be reflecting the sound back towards the microphone.
    • Make sure that no one is moving or holding the microphone by hand, as this prevents Wii Speak's noise filters from removing the echo.

     

      Check the audio setup:
    • Make sure the Wii console is set to the same audio settings as the TV or stereo system it's connected to. For example, if your TV is mono, set the Wii console's sound settings to mono.
    • Make sure the correct audio cable(s) are connected properly.
      • If the TV or stereo system is mono, make sure the white audio cable is connected to the audio in port on the TV or stereo system.
      • If the TV or stereo system is capable of stereo sound, make sure the red and white audio cables are both connected, and that the white is going to the left audio input and the red to the right.
    • Turn off any settings that digitally alter the audio. This includes surround sound, digital bass enhancers, "room" settings (e.g., concert hall, movie theater, etc.) or any other sound setting that alters the sound output.
    • Only use the Wii game or channel's "headphone" mode if you are actually using headphones.

     

      Check the internet connection:
    • Verify that everyone in the chat is using a Cable, DSL, or Fiber Optic internet connection. Dial-up, satellite, cellular cards, etc. will not work properly.
    • If there are any other devices connected to the internet connections, try temporarily disconnecting the other devices to see if this helps with the echo. Everyone chatting should avoid downloading large files or other activities that use a large amount of bandwidth while using the Wii Speak microphone.
    • If any of the Wii consoles are connected to a wireless router, check for other wireless devices being used in the area, such as a microwave, cordless telephone, etc.
    • Make sure that any routers used are not too far from the Wii console. If possible, try moving the Wii console closer to the router.

    Note: Even if the problem only happens when one specific person joins, or even if the problem only happens when you join a chat, there could be issues on another person's end that only become apparent when you've connected. Make sure that everyone who is connecting follows the guidelines above to get the best possible connection quality.

     

     

     

     

      Feedback (squeeling, ringing) from speakers

      Our experience has shown that if you are hearing feedback through your speakers, the problem is likely caused by an issue with the setup of the friend(s) you are trying to chat with. Please review the following information, and be sure to have the friend you are chatting with read and follow the instructions. You may even want to email them the URL for this page.

       

        Check the location of the Wii Speak microphone:
      • Verify that the Wii Speak microphone is not placed near speakers or on an electronic device other than the TV (e.g., not on top of the Wii console, a VCR, DVD, Tivo, etc.).
      • Make sure there aren't any items, such as furniture, that are in front of any speakers that may be reflecting the sound back towards the microphone.
      • Make sure that no one is moving or holding the microphone by hand, as this prevents Wii Speak's noise filters from removing the echo.

       

        Check the audio setup:
      • Make sure the Wii console is set to the same audio settings as the TV or stereo system it's connected to. For example, if your TV is mono, set the Wii console's sound settings to mono.
      • Make sure no one chatting is adjusting the TV volume during the conversation. The volume should only be adjusted in the Wii game or channel settings while the microphone is in use.

       

       

      Poor sound quality (static, voices cut off, etc.)

      Our experience has shown that for sound quality problems with Wii Speak, the problem is likely caused by an issue with the setup of the friend(s) you are chatting with. Please review the following information, and be sure to have the friend you are chatting with read and follow the instructions.

       

        Check the internet connection:
      • Verify that everyone in the chat is using a Cable, DSL, or Fiber Optic internet connection. Dial-up, satellite, cellular cards, etc. will not work properly.
      • If there are any other devices connected to the internet connections, try temporarily disconnecting the other devices to see if this helps with the sound quality. Every one chatting should avoid downloading large files or other activities that use a large amount of bandwidth while using the Wii Speak microphone.
      • If any of the Wii consoles are connected to a wireless router, check for other wireless devices being used in the area, such as a microwave, cordless telephone, etc. Make sure that any routers used are not too far from the Wii console. If possible, try moving the Wii console closer to the router.

       

      Note: Even if the problem only happens when one specific person joins, or even if the problem only happens when you join a chat, there could be issues on another person's end that only become apparent when more locations join the chat session. Make sure that everyone who is connecting follows the guidelines above to get the best possible connection quality.

       

       

       

       

      Volume problems

      Keep the volume of your TV or stereo at the level you normally have it for games. Try adjusting the volume in the settings of Wii game or Wii channel you are using. The volume setting can typically be found in the "Sound" settings of a game's option menu.

      If it's still difficult to hear your Wii friend, have them verify that they are not using any kind of fan, air conditioner, space heater, etc. near the Wii Speak microphone. Ask your Wii friend to visit support.nintendo.com/wiispeak for a summary of suggestions.

     

     

     

      Wii Speak microphone will not turn on (power light does not appear)

      • Make sure the game or channel you are trying to use supports Wii Speak. Only games that feature this icon on their packaging will work with the Wii Speak microphone:

      • Make sure you only plug the Wii Speak microphone into the Wii console while the Wii console is turned off. Double check this by:

        1. Turn off the power to your Wii console (the power light should be red or orange).
        2. Disconnect the Wii Speak microphone from the USB port on the back of the Wii. (If you are using a USB Hub, remove the Hub from the Wii console and set it aside for now.)
        3. With the Wii console's power still off, re-insert the Wii Speak microphone.
        4. Turn the Wii console back on.
        5. Activate a feature that uses the Wii Speak microphone, such as the Wii Speak Channel. Once a Wii Speak feature has activated, the blue power light on the front of the Wii Speak microphone will appear.

          6. If you were using a USB hub and the problem has been resolved by removing it, the issue could be with your USB hub. Make sure you are only using a USB hub that is recommended by Nintendo.

        • If you are still unable to get the Wii Speak microphone to turn on, please call 1-800-255-3700 for assistance.