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Wii
Manufacturer	Nintendo
Type	Video game console
Generation	Seventh generation era
First available	Q4 2006[1]
CPU	IBM PowerPC-based [2] "Broadway" (codename)
Media	12 cm optical disc 8cm GameCube optical disc DVD-Video (Optional) Secure Digital card (SD Flash Media)
Online service	Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection WiiConnect24
Predecessor	Nintendo GameCube

Wii (pronounced "we", IPA: /wiː/) is Nintendo's seventh-generation video game console, their fifth home console, and the successor to the Nintendo GameCube. Until Nintendo announced the console's official name on April 27, 2006, the official codename of Wii was the Nintendo Revolution.

Wii is unique in that the console's controller, the Wii Remote, or "Wii-mote", can be used as a handheld pointing device as well as detecting motion in all three dimensions. The controller also contains a speaker and a rumbling device to provide sensory feedback. The console is confirmed to have a stand-by feature entitled WiiConnect24, enabling it to receive messages and updates over the Internet while consuming very little electrical power.

Nintendo unveiled the system under the Revolution codename in 2005 at its E3 press conference. Satoru Iwata, Nintendo's President, revealed a prototype of the system's game controller at the 2005 Tokyo Game Show during his keynote speech in September.^[3] A worldwide release is expected in the fourth quarter of 2006.^[1].

Release date and price

As of June 2006, an exact release date has not been confirmed. However, Nintendo's most recent statements confirm that Nintendo plans to release Wii in the fourth quarter of 2006.^[1] Internationally, the company hopes to launch with no more than four months difference between the first and last launching regions.^[4][5] A previous statement by Satoru Iwata indicated Nintendo's intentions to launch before Thanksgiving.^[6] At a June 2006 briefing in Japan, Iwata stated that an official release date and price would be announced by September.^[7][8]

Gaming website IGN has reported that industry sources claim that the Wii will launch before the PlayStation 3 but is unable to verify any reports of a release date. They have also cited publishers' Wii title release dates as early as mid-October.^[9]

While Nintendo has yet to announce an exact price for the console as of June 2006, Yoshihiro Miro, senior managing director for Nintendo, has confirmed that Wii will cost no more than Ą25,000 in Japan or US$250 in America. A Nintendo spokesman said that the price in the UK "will be in line with Japanese and US prices announced" (which is roughly Ł150 as of 2006). The company intends to have 6 million console units and 17 million software units released by March 31, 2007.^[10] Despite the price point of US$60 quoted for many next-generation games,^[11] Satoru Iwata said in an interview that he could not imagine that any first-party games would cost more than US$50.^[12]

Expected launch titles

While Nintendo has not released an official list of launch titles,^[13] the following titles are, as of June 2006, reported to be available at launch:

Hardware

Design

According to Nintendo, Wii is Nintendo's smallest home game console yet, described to be "about the thickness of three standard DVD cases and only slightly longer" in its final form.^[14] The console has been confirmed to have the ability to stand either horizontally or vertically.^[2] The front of the console features a self-loading media drive illuminated by a blue light and accepts 12 cm Wii optical discs and 8 cm GameCube Optical Discs.^[2] Nintendo has stated that a small attachment can be equipped to play DVD Video.^[15] Being able to load different sized discs is uncommon in slot-loading media drives, which typically only accept discs of a single size.

Nintendo has shown Wii in various colors including platinum, lime green, white, black, blue and red. As of June 2006, the most current press information indicates that the final colors of the console are still to be announced.^[16]

The systems shown at E3 2006 and in various trailers appear to have several small changes from the original design. Not only had Nintendo branding on the case been replaced with a 'Wii' logo but the disc loading slot enlarged slightly, the reset button moved from next to the eject button to the power button, and the power indicator light moved from next to the power button to inside the button.

The port for the sensor bar, a device used for the Wii Remote's pointer functionality, appears to be to the left of the power adaptor cord, closer to the bottom of the back of the system. This port did not appear in any of the former Wii hardware images, including the images in Nintendo's E3 media press kit.^[17]

Controller

Main article: Wii Remote

The Nunchuk controller peripheral (left) attached to the main controller shown at E3 2006

The primary controller for Wii uses a one handed, remote control-based design, which, when turned on its side, can be used like a NES gamepad. The controller communicates wirelessly with the console via Bluetooth with the possibility to operate up to four controllers as far as ten meters (approximately eleven yards) from the console.^[2] Using internal sensors and an external sensor bar placed near the display screen, the movement and orientation of the Wii Remote can be sensed, additionally the controller can be used as a pointing device. The controller has vibrational force feedback functionality and an internal speaker for audio.

The Wii Remote features an expansion port with the possibility to augment the controller with various shells and add-ons. Nintendo has announced several such expansions, including a Nunchuk controller featuring an analog stick, a Classic Controller for playing games that require more traditional gamepad functionality (such as Virtual Console games), and a "Zapper Style" shell for traditional shooting gameplay. The Nunchuk controller will also have motion sensing capabilities.^[18]

Competitors' reactions have been muted. While Sony revealed the PS3's "Kinetic" controller that can sense movement and orientation in all 6 degrees (fully internal sensing of rotational orientation and translational acceleration) of motion at E3,^[19] representatives have denied that it was in response to the Wii's controller.^[20][21] Bill Gates stated that "moving that controller around -- it's something that's not mainstream for most games," giving an example of what might happen if someone just wanted to put the controller down but instead caused an undesired movement in a game because of the controller.^[22] Keita Takahashi expressed a disinterest in Wii because of Nintendo's emphasis on the freehand control interface over the classic control interface.^[23]

In an interview between Shigeru Miyamoto and Kotaku, Miyamoto revealed that Nintendo hopes to allow Wii controllers to be personalized for each gamer. Applications would include different game settings determined by the preferences of the controller that turned on the console. ^[24]

Connectivity

Wii will have built-in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi connectivity allowing communication over the Internet via wireless networking. Connectivity with Nintendo DS utilizes the Wi-Fi capability. Nintendo has stated that Wii will have a standard interface for Wi-Fi. An optional USB adapter will permit network connectivity via wired Ethernet as well.^[2][25]

In addition, the console incorporates Bluetooth wireless communication, with which it communicates with the wireless Wii Remote controller. Connectivity with other Bluetooth devices has not been mentioned.

Wii has a flip lid which can be opened to reveal four ports for GameCube controllers and two GameCube memory card slots. Two USB ports (at the rear) and one SD card slot (at the front of the console) are provided. Additionally, at E3 2005, Nintendo revealed that a small internal attachment to be sold as an add-on to the console will allow Wii to play DVD-Video which will most likely be a dongle. There will also be a port for the Wii Remote's sensor bar on the final version.

Technical specifications

GameCube connectivity at the top of the Wii console underneath a cover.

Nintendo has released very little detailed information at present concerning the technical specifications of the Wii console. Some details have however been released by Nintendo and other third parties involved with the console:

Processors:

• CPU: IBM PowerPC processor codenamed "Broadway" (made with a 90 nm SOI CMOS process^[2])
• GPU: ATI "Hollywood" (made with a 90 nm CMOS process, ^[25])

Memory:

• Amount of RAM unknown

Ports and peripheral capabilities:

• Up to Four Wii Remote controllers (connected wirelessly via Bluetooth)
• One SD memory card slot^[2][25]
• Two USB 2.0 ports
• One Sensor Bar port
• Four Nintendo GameCube controller ports
• Two Nintendo GameCube memory card ports
• Compatible with optional USB 2.0 Ethernet LAN adaptor

Storage:

• 512 MB built-in flash memory
• Expansion available via SD card memory and USB mass storage^[12]
• Slot-loading disc drive compatible with:
  • 12cm Wii optical disc (4.7 GB Single layer or 8.7 GB Dual Layer)
  • 8cm GameCube optical disc
  • DVD Video (optional additional purchase)
• Virtual Console games accessed from flash memory

Built-in content ratings systems:

• PEGI, ESRB, CERO, and OFLC

Networking:

• Wi-Fi by Broadcom
• Standardized Bluetooth by Broadcom

Video:

• Up to 480p^[26] and will work with a computer monitor as well as any TV or projector^[26]
• Component (including Progressive scan), composite or S-Video output
• 16:9 support

Audio:

• Main: Stereo - Dolby Pro Logic II-capable^[27]
• Controller: Built-in speaker

Features

Gameplay

Nintendo has stated that, as the name "Wii" implies, the system is designed not just for people with previously developed gaming skills, but for everyone. The company expects that gameplay on Wii will feel "so natural and real, [that] as soon as players use the controller, their minds will spin with the possibilities of how this will change gaming as we know it today”.^[28] While most people can swing a golf club or bat, they may not have the gaming experience to do so while aiming with both thumbs. Wii removes this with its accelerometer and sensor driven controller design which allows players to use natural movements for natural actions.

Backward compatibility

Nintendo has stated that Wii will be backward compatible with all GameCube software and most peripherals. This backwards compatibility is achieved through a set of ports on top of the Wii concealed by a panel. There are four GCN controller ports and two GCN memory card slots as there were on the GameCube itself, so the GameCube microphone should be compatible, as well as the GameCube-Game Boy Advance cable. One notable attachment for the GameCube that doesn't seem compatible with Wii is the Game Boy Player, due to how the unit is attached at the base of the GameCube.

Online connectivity

Virtual Console

A variety of classic games are scheduled to be available (design subject to change)

Main article: Virtual Console (Wii)

This service will allow users to download and play games from the NES, Super NES, and Nintendo 64, as well as Mega Drive/Genesis and TurboGrafx-16. Not every title will be made available; a "best of" selection will be. Nintendo has stated that this service, "...will be home to new games conceived by indie developers whose creativity is larger than their budgets."^[2]

While no pricing info has been announced for the Virtual Console feature, at the June 2006 Nintendo briefing, Satoru Iwata suggested that new, low-scale games could be sold via the Virtual Console at a price of between JPĄ500 and JPĄ1000(~USD$4-$9 or ~3,5€-7€).^[7][29]

WiiConnect24

Main article: WiiConnect24

At E3 2006, Nintendo announced WiiConnect24, a feature of the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection that will allow the user to remain connected to the Internet in standby mode, during which the console consumes very little power. Some possibilities of WiiConnect24 that were mentioned at E3 2006 included allowing friends visit the player's village in games like Animal Crossing, and downloading new updates for games while not playing or while in standby mode.

It has also been said that it would be possible to download DS promotional demos using WiiConnect24 and later transfer it to one's Nintendo DS (also see DS connectivity).^[30]

Internet browser

Nintendo has partnered with Opera Software to provide the Opera web browser for the system.^[31] It has announced that it will not be sold as a separate item.^[32] Wii can connect to the Internet either wirelessly using Wii's built-in Wi-Fi, or using a USB-to-Ethernet adaptor.

Scott Hedrick, Opera's Executive Vice President with Opera for Devices, revealed some new details regarding Opera for Wii in an interview with gaming site Cubed3. Hendrick revealed that Opera's web-browser will be saved in Wii's Flash ROM, and can be accessed within seconds on Wii. He has also revealed that JavaScript will be supported. In addition to functioning as a web browser, Opera on Wii will serve as a layout engine to be used for Web-based applications. Hendrick has suggested that this capability may be utilized for games in conjunction with WiiConnect24. ^[33]

DS connectivity

Wii will support connectivity with the Nintendo DS via Wi-Fi.^{[citation needed]} Shigeru Miyamoto said Nintendo was still working out when features using this connectivity would be available, but that it would be soon after the launch of the system, due to the popularity of the Nintendo DS.^[34] The connectivity would allow the player to use functions like the Nintendo DS's microphone and touchscreen as inputs for Wii games. The first example of a game using DS-Wii connectivity was for Pokémon Battle Revolution. Gamers with either Pokémon Diamond or Pearl can play battles using their Diamond or Pearl Pokémon on Wii with DS as a controller.^[35]

It has also been confirmed that the Nintendo DS will be able to play game demos downloaded from Wii which they would receive from Nintendo.^[34] In a recent interview with TechOn!, a Japanese website, Satoru Iwata went into more detail on how DS Demos on Wii would be downloaded using the WiiConnect24 service.^[30]

Player caricatures and profiles

In an interview between Wired News and Katsuya Eguchi (producer of Animal Crossing and Wii Sports) Eguchi confirmed that the custom player face feature shown in Nintendo's E3 Media Briefing is built into the hardware, and is part of a "Profile" system which contains the caricature and other information that is yet to be determined. The tool being constructed for this caricature creation also includes the option to use several pre-made images for the less "artistically inclined." ^[36]

Parental controls

Wii will feature parental controls, prohibiting younger users from playing games with content unsuitable for their age level. When a disc is inserted, it will read the content rating encoded on the game discs; if this rating is greater than the system's set "age level", the game will not load without a correct override password. For instance, a game carrying an ESRB rating of M for Mature, which is intended for those age 17 and older, will not play on a system that is set to only allow games rated T for Teen (ages 13 and older) or below. ^{[citation needed]}

It is confirmed that the European units will use the PEGI rating system,^[37] and North American units will use the ESRB rating system.^[38] While Nintendo has stated that parental control will be included in all Wii consoles worldwide, it has not yet clarified whether that means Wii will support the native rating systems of other territories, such as that of CERO in Japan, the USK in Germany, or the OFLC in Australia.

Software library

Main article: List of Wii games

Titles from many popular gaming franchises as well as all-new games and franchises will be released on Wii. Some examples include:

First party

Second party

Third party

Third party developer support

• Many companies, from Activision and EA to Square Enix and Ubisoft, have announced development of games for Wii, among others.^[39]
• The development kits for Wii cost $2,000 USD. By comparison, the PlayStation 2 development kits cost $20,000 USD at the console's launch, while the original PlayStation's SDK cost $4,000-$5,000 USD at launch.^[40]
• The Virtual Console will also serve as a digital distribution service for independent game developers.^[2]

Name

Wikinews has news related to:

Nintendo Revolution Name Revealed

On April 27, 2006, Nintendo changed the Revolution section of their official website, http://wii.nintendo.com, to announce the official name of the console.

Nintendo spells "Wii" with two "i"s to imply an image of players gathering together, as well as to represent the console's controllers.^[41]

"When we first thought about it, myself and others felt that the name Revolution was very appropriate to what we were doing," Shigeru Miyamoto told CNN Money recently, "but Revolution is a name that was almost threatening to non-gamers. It wasn't acceptable. So we thought this was more friendly and inviting."^[42]

The company's decision to name the system "Wii" has met with both acceptance and some disdain from potential consumers and industry insiders. According to Forbes magazine, comments by message board users at Nintendo's website have ranged from attempts at "toilet humouresque catchphrases" to complaints against the name's "kiddiness".^[43] Various Nintendo executives have said that they knew it was likely that there would be a negative reaction to the name.^{[44] [45]} During Nintendo's pre-E3 2006 press conference, Reggie Fils-Aime joked about the name, saying, "First, we want to thank everyone who wrote good things about it [the Wii's name] the day you heard it. Both of you."^[46] Since E3, it seems that more people have accepted the name than when it was first announced.

See also

Nintendo Portal

• List of Wii games
• Nintendo GameCube
• Nintendo DS
• Nintendo DS Lite
• List of video games published by Nintendo
• History of video game consoles (seventh generation)
• Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Category:Wii

Official

• wii.nintendo.com - Official Wii page
• Nintendo Corporation - Nintendo President, Satoru Iwata, media briefing speech at E3 2006
• Wii at E3 - Nintendo E3 2006 coverage

Non-official coverage

• Cubed3.com
• Gamespot.com
• IGN.com
• TheWiire.com
• Revolution-Europe.com