I really want to know... What's going to happen to the USB Gecko now?

[LRFLEW]

Obviously, the USB Gecko isn't being made, so getting one will be like winning the lottery (and almost is).  Obviously, there is too much interest to just give up (just look at this site), so what's going to happen.  

I can think of three things that can happen:  

1.  Someone picks up production, and starts producing it again.  

2.  A replacement will come along, being the USB Gecko plus more.  

3.  WiiRd will work by the USB port already in the Wii.  

I'm thinking the third one, because what is the USB Gecko other than an interface between the Wii and the computer.  I can see how it could be useful for the Game Cube, as it allowed to get saves onto a computer (like the SD Gecko, sort of), and to have a direct connection between the console and the computer, but the Wii has SD and USB support already, so why is this necessary?  

Getting back on track, what is going to happen.  Does anybody know.  I've been wondering about this for a while now.  

[Romaap]

I dont think anyone would pick up the production, and I also don't think someone will produce an upgraded USB Gecko. It would be awesome though :P
I'm not sure about the standard USB port.

But you can also get an USB Gecko by some online stores who have some in stock.

[LRFLEW]

you can also get an USB Gecko by some online stores who have some in stock.

That's harder than it sounds

[Romaap]

CholloGame Claims to have some in stock.
and gp2xStore too too.

[ichfly]

WiiRd will work by the USB port already in the Wii is impossible

You can build your own usbgecko http://code.google.com/p/usbgecko/downloads/detail?name=usbgecko.zip&can=2&q=

[elmoreas]

Once they get rare enough and the price goes up enough, an Asian electronics cloning mfg will make them in small batches and sell them in intervals to keep them rare and the price high. They will either change something to get around the copyrights/patents or more likely they will copy it exactly and ignore them since there is such little risk to them (low law enforcement, high corruption, dead right holding company, etc..) and such high reward. They will be sold over the net on shifting websites in foreign countries, using Paypal as payment method, and with US forwarding drop ship box/locations and all customer support will be net based if there is any at all. The website will stay dead in all likelihood though, but they will still be available but my guess is at $80-$100 including shipping. This is all my opinion, but I start new companies out of my house, grow them into real retail/service businesses, and then sell them and start over, I have done this 3 times since I graduated college 6 years ago, in fact I sold number 3 just 12 days ago, but anyways I saw this happen in both businesses that were product based, the other was service based and this doesn't apply. So in all likelihood if a product becomes rare for whatever reason, and there is still demand, this is what seems to happen. I could be wrong but I would bet ("figure of speech only, no bet implied") this is what happens. Talk to you all later. Have a Merry Christmas.

Sincerely,
Elmoreas

[Link]

Well, if there is major interest, it is thinkable that companies pick it up.. the sources of the Gecko PCBs are BSD licensed so any retailer might want to pick them up.. they just have to leave a note that the new Geckos would be based on the old.. seen from technical aspects (license wise) it is no biggie to continue USB Geckos.. just a company needs to be found!

[WiiPower]

Since the source is available it might reduce the development costs, but it increases the risk. Imagine you were leading a company that could build usb geckos. If you calculate the manufacturing costs and stuff and you get something >0, that's good. But the chance is very high that somebody else will do the same, maybe to a lower price, and then you have a big problem. I don't expect another company to build usb geckos as long as they are really cheap anyways, they are still 25 Euro + shipping here in germany.

[Link]

Since the source is available it might reduce the development costs, but it increases the risk. Imagine you were leading a company that could build usb geckos. If you calculate the manufacturing costs and stuff and you get something >0, that's good. But the chance is very high that somebody else will do the same, maybe to a lower price, and then you have a big problem. I don't expect another company to build usb geckos as long as they are really cheap anyways, they are still 25 Euro + shipping here in germany.

Yeah, I've got nothing to add to this! The USB Gecko might be out of production.. but it's still in stock.. sometimes retailers go out of stock admittedly.. but it seems they still can exchange with each other.. and as long as the USB Gecko is availible some way.. I also doubt any others to pick it up!

[elmoreas]

Just give it time, once supply gets low enough, someone will pick it up.

Elmoreas

[Dark Chaos]

How long will it take though? :-\
it will probably take months :( or a few weeks :P

[elmoreas]

How long will it take though? :-\
it will probably take months :( or a few weeks :P

Are you in need of one? You know that http://www.gp2xstore.com/ has them in stock right now (12/18/09 8:39am EST) for $44.95 USD, thats where I got mine from. They had free shipping on orders over $50 when I got mine so I ordered a $24.95 console tool kit to put me over the top and because its a useful thing to have since I have more than one type of console too, but you could get a $7.95 triwing screwdrive for the Wii if they still have the offer. Or just pay the $9 shipping but why do that when you can get a screwdriver for your wii for a buck less and free shipping, that is if the offer is still going on. I hope this helps. As for how long it will take for supply to run out I would say its more in the upper months to a year, definately not weeks. Later.

Elmoreas

[Macka]

What are the legalities of producing these at home and selling them for parts cost + shipping + a small fee for assembly time?
or even manufacturing the PCB's and selling it as a DIY kit?

I think they can probably be produced fairly cheaply, though I haven't seen the parts list - yet.


I've been thinking about making a USBGecko for myself someday, if it can do what I'm after that is.

My thinking is if I make one, I may as well make a batch, if people are interested.

[biolizard89]

What are the legalities of producing these at home and selling them for parts cost + shipping + a small fee for assembly time?
or even manufacturing the PCB's and selling it as a DIY kit?

I think they can probably be produced fairly cheaply, though I haven't seen the parts list - yet.


I've been thinking about making a USBGecko for myself someday, if it can do what I'm after that is.

My thinking is if I make one, I may as well make a batch, if people are interested.

It's under the BSD license, so you should be fine.  Looking up the Wikipedia article on the license should give you any details you might need, without burying you in legalese.