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	<!--NOTE TO EDITORS: If you have not already done so, please read the discussion page regarding controversial or unclear areas before editing.-->
	{{featured article}}
	{{Infobox CVG system
	\|title=Wii<!---It is just "Wii", not "Nintendo Wii"--->
	\|logo=]
	\|image=]
	\|caption=
	\|manufacturer=]
	\|type=]
	\|generation=]
	\|lifespan=] ] <small>(])</small>
	\|CPU=<!-- 729 MHz (speed unconfirmed) this is still speculation at the moment--> ] ]-based<ref name="Wii: The Total Story">{{cite web\|url=http://wii.ign.com/launchguide/hardware1.html\|title=Wii: The Total Story\|accessdate=2006-11-20\|publisher=]}}</ref> ]
	\|GPU=<!-- http://www.popsci.com/popsci/whatsnew/2526081bfbcfe010vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd/14.html //--> ] ]
	\|media=12 cm Wii ]<br />8 cm ]<br />
	\|storage=512 ] Internal ]<br />]<br />]
	\|controllers=]
	\|connectivity=]<br />]<br />] x2<br />] Adapter (via USB)
	\|online service=]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br /><!--As quoted by Iwata, "Using a design called WiiConnect24, the console automatically enters standby mode without the fan running, but still operating key functions." This does not at all say that the online service itself is WiiConnect24.-->
	\|top game = '']'' <small>(], except in Japan)</small><br />'']''<ref name="Wii Play sold">{{cite web\|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/807/807852p1.html\|title=Nintendo Sales Update\|author=Matt Casamassina\|publisher=IGN\|date=]\|accessdate=2007-07-25}}</ref><br />
	\|compatibility=]<!-- HARDWARE compatibility only. Do not list Virtual Console games as "compatible". Actual compatibility is with physical media, not emulated software. -->
	\|predecessor=Nintendo GameCube<!--STOP LINKING THIS. It is already linked above. See ] for more info.-->
	\|successor=
	\|unitssold=<!--SEE DISCUSSION PAGE-->9.30 million+<!--SEE DISCUSSION PAGE ON SALES NUMBER--> <small>(])</small>
	}}

	<!--If you disagree on whether to introduce it as "Wii" or "The Wii" then please speak up on the ] page. -->The '''Wii''' (pronounced as the pronoun '']'', ]: {{IPA\|[wiː]}}) is the fifth home ] released by ]. The console is the direct successor to the ]. Nintendo states that its console targets a broader demographic than that of ]'s ] and ]'s ].<!--FURTHER INFO ON DEMOGRAPHIC SHOULD BE ADDED TO BODY OF ARTICLE--><ref name="USA Today" /> It competes with both as part of the ] of gaming systems.

	A distinguishing feature of the console is its ] ], the ], which can be used as a handheld ] and can ] in ]. Another is ], which enables it to receive messages and updates over the Internet while in ].<ref name="Iwata Speech 06"> - Nintendo President, Satoru Iwata, media briefing speech at E3 2006</ref>

	Nintendo first spoke of the console at the 2004 ] ] and later unveiled the system at the ]. ] revealed a prototype of the controller at the September 2005 ].<ref name="TGSspeech">{{cite web\|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6133389.html\|title=TGS 2005: Iwata speaks\|accessdate=2006-09-24\| last=Sinclair\|first=Brendan\|coauthors=Torres, Ricardo}}</ref> At ], the console won the first of several awards.<ref name="E3 Awards" /> By ] ], it completed ] in four key markets.

	==History==
	The console was conceived in 2001, as the ] was first seeing release. According to an interview with Nintendo's game designer ], the concept involved focusing on a new form of player interaction. "The consensus was that power isn't everything for a console. Too many powerful consoles can't coexist. It's like having only ferocious dinosaurs. They might fight and hasten their own extinction."<ref name="Miyamoto Speaks">{{cite web\|url= http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/nov2006/tc20061116_750580.htm\|title=The Big Ideas Behind Nintendo's Wii \|accessdate=2007-02-02\|publisher=BusinessWeek\|author=Kenji Hall}}</ref>

	Two years later, ] and ] were brought together to further develop the concept. By 2005, the controller interface had taken form, but a public showing at that year's ] was withdrawn. Miyamoto stated that "we had some troubleshooting to do. So we decided not to reveal the controller and instead we displayed just the console."<ref name="Miyamoto Speaks" /> Nintendo president ] later unveiled and demonstrated the ] at the September ].<ref name="TGSspeech" />

	The ] is stated to have influenced the Wii design. Designer Ken'ichiro Ashida noted "We had the DS on our minds as we worked on the Wii. We thought about copying the DS's touch-panel interface and even came up with a prototype." The idea was eventually rejected, with the notion that the two gaming systems would be identical. Miyamoto also expressed that "if the DS had flopped, we might have taken the Wii back to the drawing board."<ref name="Miyamoto Speaks" />

	===Name===
	<!--DO NOT ADD a reference to urine to this article. If you think it needs to be added, please discuss it on the talk page.-->
	The console was known by the ] of "Revolution" until ] ], immediately prior to ].<ref name="revolution renamed to wii">{{cite web\|url=http://www.consolewatcher.com/2006/05/nintedo-revolution-renamed-to-nintendo-wii/\|publisher=Console Watcher\|work=Console Watcher\|title=Nintendo Revolution Renamed To Nintendo Wii\| accessdate=2006-11-03}}</ref> According to the Nintendo Style Guide, the name "is simply Wii, not Nintendo Wii." This means it is the first home console Nintendo has marketed outside of ] without the company name featured in its trademark. While "Wiis" is a commonly used ] of the console, Nintendo has stated that the official plural form is "Wii systems" or "Wii consoles."<ref name="The plural of Wii">{{cite news\|publisher=Nintendo\|url= http://gonintendo.com/?p=7288\|title=The Plural of Wii\|accessdate=2006-11-27}}</ref> Nintendo spells "Wii" with two lower-case "i" characters meant to resemble two people standing side by side, representing players gathering together, as well as to represent the console's controllers.<ref name="introducing_wii"/> The company has given many reasons for this choice of name since the announcement; however, the most well known is:

	{{cquote\|Wii sounds like 'we', which emphasizes that the console is for everyone. Wii can easily be remembered by people around the world, no matter what language they speak. No confusion. No need to abbreviate. Just Wii.<ref name="introducing_wii">{{cite web \| url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=9075\|publisher=CMP\| work=Gamasutra\|title=Breaking: Nintendo Announces New Revolution Name - 'Wii'\|accessdate=2006-09-16}}</ref>}}
	Despite Nintendo's justification for the name, some ]s and members of the press initially reacted negatively towards the change. They preferred "Revolution" over "Wii"<ref name="Gamasutra dev interview">{{cite news\|url = http://gamasutra.com/features/20060501/sheffield_01.shtml\|title= Wii Reactions: Developers Comment\|publisher=Forbes\| accessdate=2007-03-10\|author=Parmy Olson}}</ref> and expressed fear "that the name would convey a continued sense of 'kidiness'{{sic}} to the console."<ref name="Forbes Criticism">{{cite news\|url = http://www.forbes.com/facesinthenews/2006/04/28/nintendo-wii-console-cx_po_0428autofacescan08.html\|title=Iwata's Nintendo Lampooned for 'Wii'\|publisher=BBC News\|accessdate=2007-03-10}}</ref> The ] reported the day after the name was announced that "a long list of puerile jokes, based on the name," had appeared on the Internet.<ref name="BBC article">{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4953650.stm\|publisher=BBC\|accessdate=2007-03-14\|title=Nintendo name swap sparks satire}}</ref> Nintendo of America's president ] acknowledged the initial reaction and further explained the change:

	{{cquote\|Revolution as a name is not ideal; it's long, and in some cultures, it's hard to pronounce. So we wanted something that was short, to the point, easy to pronounce, and distinctive. That's how 'Wii,' as a console name, was created.<ref>Michael Donahoe, Shane Bettenhausen {{cite news\|title=War of the Words\|pages=25\|publisher=]\|date=July 2006\|url=<!--add web archive if available-->\|accessdate=2006-11-18}}</ref>}}

	Nintendo defended its choice of "Wii" over "Revolution" and responded to critics of the name by stating: "live with it, sleep with it, eat with it, move along with it."<ref name="IGN Kaplan Interview">{{cite news\|url= http://wii.ign.com/articles/703/703593p1.html\|accessdate=2007-03-14\|publisher=IGN\|title=Nintendo Talks to IGN about Wii}}</ref>

	===Launch===
	]
	{{main\|Wii launch}}
	On ] ], Nintendo announced release information for Japan, ] and ], ] (Oceania), ], and ], including dates, prices, and projected unit distribution numbers. At an earlier policy briefing, Nintendo revealed plans to release 6 million console units and 17 million software units during the ] ending ] ].<ref name="policy brief">{{cite web\|url= http://www.nintendo.co.jp/kessan/060607qa_e/index.html\|title=Nintendo Co., Ltd. Corporate Management Policy Briefing\| accessdate=2006-11-11\|publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> This included the 4 million or more console units they expected to ship by the end of the ] year.<ref name="Nintendo Sets the Record Straight">{{cite news\|first=Mark\|last=Bozon\|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/735/735597p1.html\|title=Nintendo Sets the Record Straight\|date=2006-09-26\|publisher=IGN}}</ref> It was announced that the majority of the 2006 shipments would be allotted to the Americas,<ref name="shreveport times">{{cite web\|title=Nintendo to Sell Wii Console in November\|publisher=Associated Press\|work=Gadget Guru \|url=http://ndtv.com/charts/gadgetguru/frmAPGadgetNewsDetails.asp?q_id=266\|accessdate=2006-10-29}}</ref> and that 33 titles would be available in the 2006 launch window.<ref name="The Twenty Wii Launch Games">{{cite web\|last=Rodriguez\|first=Steven\| date=] ]\|url=http://www.planetgamecube.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=12402\|title=The Twenty Wii Launch Games\| publisher=]\|accessdate=2006-11-14}}</ref> As reported, the ] suffered a large shortage of console units as many high-street and online stores were unable to fulfill all preorders when it was released on ] ].<ref name="UKWii Shortage">{{cite web\| url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6161717.stm\| title=Wii shortages frustrating gamers\|date=2006-12-08\|accessdate=2006-12-08\|publisher=BBC}}</ref> As of March 2007, some UK stores still had a shortage of consoles,<ref name="UKWii Shortage March">{{cite web\|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/770/770565p1.html\|title=UK Wiis "Like Gold Dust"\|date=2007-03-06\|accessdate=2007-04-18\|publisher=IGN}}</ref> and as of June 2007, demand still outpaced supply in the ].<ref name="USWii Shortage June">{{cite web\| url=http://www.komotv.com/news/tech/8252247.html\|title=Demand for Wii still outpaces supply\|date=2007-06-29\|accessdate=2007-07-01\|publisher=komo-tv}}</ref>

	Nintendo announced that they would release their console in ] by the end of 2007.<ref name="WiiInKorea">{{cite web\|url=http://joongangdaily.joins.com/200612/25/200612252114507839900090409041.html\|title=Mario, Luigi, Zelda study their Korean\|author=Shim Jae-woo, Wohn Dong-hee\|publisher=INSIDE JoongAngDaily\|date=2006-12-26\|accessdate=2006-12-26}}</ref>

	===System sales===<!--see ] about section names-->
	{{dablink\|See also: ]}}
	In the worldwide marketplace, the Wii is currently behind the ], which was released one year previously, but far ahead of the ] in total units sold. Since its launch, the monthly sales numbers of the console have been higher than its competitors across the globe. According to the NPD Group, the Wii has sold more units in ] than the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 combined in the first half of 2007.<ref name="wiisalesUSA">{{cite web\|url= http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070724-first-half-of-console-sales-for-2007-nintendo-the-big-winner-ps3-dead-last.html\|date=], ]\|author=Ben Kuchera\|title=Nintendo the big winner, PS3 dead last for the first half of 2007\|publisher=ars technica\|accessdate=2007-07-31}}</ref> This lead is even larger in Japan, where it usually outsells both systems by 4:1 to 6:1 every week.<ref name="wiisalesJapan">{{cite web\|url= http://wii.qj.net/Media-Create-sales-stats-July-9-15-Nintendo-continues-domination/pg/49/aid/98118\|date=2007-07-21\|author=NIcolo S.\|title=Media Create sales stats (July 9-15): Nintendo continues domination\|publisher=qj.net\|accessdate=2007-08-01}}</ref>

	While Microsoft and Sony had experienced losses producing their consoles, in the hopes of making a long-term profit, Nintendo claims to have optimized production costs to obtain a significant profit margin with each Wii unit sold.<ref name="wiisalesprofit">{{cite web\|url= http://ce.seekingalpha.com/article/34357\|date=2007-05-03\|author=Roger Ehrenberg\|title=Game Console Wars II: Nintendo Shaves Off Profits, Leaving Competition Scruffy\|publisher=seekingalpha.com\|accessdate=2007-06-10}}</ref>

	<!--DO NOT CHANGE these numbers without a reference-->
	<!--VGCHARTS.COM and NEXGENWARS.COM are NOT reliable sources-->
	{\| class="wikitable"
	\|-
	! Region !! Units sold !! First available
	\|-
	\| ]
	\| 3.81 million <small>as of ], ]</small><ref name="nintendoq1report">{{cite web\|url=http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2007/070725e.pdf\|format=]\|date=2007-07-24\|title=Consolidated Financial Highlights\|accessdate=2007-07-24\|publisher=Nintendo Company, Ltd.}}</ref>
	\|] ]
	\|-
	\|]
	\|2.95 million <small>as of ], ]</small><ref name="nintendoq1report"/>
	\|] ]
	\|-
	\|]
	\|2 million+ <small>as of ] ]</small><ref name="europesales">{{cite web\|author=Christophe Kagotani\|url= http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5228&Itemid=2\|title=Enterbrain: Wii Hits 2 mln in Japan\| publisher=]\|date=2007-04-13\|accessdate=2007-04-13}}</ref>
	\|] ]
	\|-
	\|] / ]
	\|138,192 / 6 thousand <small>as of ], ]</small><ref name="auwiisales">{{cite web\|url= http://www.aussie-nintendo.com/?v=news&p=16055\|title=Wii outsells Aussie rivals combined in July\|publisher=Aussie-Nintendo.com\|date=2007-08-15\|accessdate=2007-08-15}}</ref><ref name="nzwiisales">{{cite web\|url= http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10434410&pnum=2\|accessdate=2007-04-15\|date=2007-04-16\|author= Peter Griffin\|title=New players hold the controls in gaming\|publisher=New Zealand Herald}}</ref>
	\|] ]
	\|-
	\|'''Total'''
	\|'''9.30 million+'''<ref name="nintendoq1report"/><ref name="auwiisales"/>
	\|
	\|}
	<!--DO NOT CHANGE these numbers without a reference-->
	<!--VGCHARTS.COM and NEXGENWARS.COM are NOT reliable sources-->

	===Demographic===
	Nintendo hopes to ] a wider ] with its console than that of others in the ].<ref name="USA Today" /> At a press conference for the upcoming ] game '']'', ] iterated "We're not thinking about fighting ], but about how many people we can get to play games. The thing we're thinking about most is not portable systems, consoles, and so-forth, but that we want to get new people playing games."<ref name="IwataSony">{{cite web\|title=Dragon Quest IX Q&A\|date=]\|publisher=]\|accessdate=2006-12-16\|url= http://ds.ign.com/articles/750/750610p1.html}}</ref>

	This is reflected in Nintendo's series of ]s in North America, directed by ] winner ], as well as Internet ads. The ad slogans are ''"Wii would like to play"'' and ''"Experience a new way to play''." These ads ran starting ] ] and had a total budget of over ]200 million throughout the year.<ref>joystiq.com (November 12, 2006)</ref> The productions are Nintendo's first broad-based advertising strategy and include a two-minute ] showing a varied assortment of people enjoying the Wii system, such as urban apartment-dwellers, country ranchers, grandparents and parents with their children. The music in the ads is from the song "Kodo (Inside the Sun Remix)" by the ].<ref name="jap_commercial">{{cite web\|title=Wii For All - Wii Would Like To Play\|date=]\|publisher=Duncan's TV Land\|accessdate=2007-01-16\|url= http://www.duncans.tv/2006/wii-for-all}}</ref>

	==Hardware==
	], ], North American ] and ]]]
	The Wii console is Nintendo's smallest home unit to date; it measures 44 ] (1.73 ]) wide, 157 mm (6.18 in) tall, and 215.4 mm (8.48 in) deep in its vertical orientation, the near-equivalent of three ] stacked together. The included stand measures 55.4 mm (2.18 in) wide, 44 mm (1.73 in) tall, and 225.6 mm (8.88 in) deep, The system weighs 1.2 ] (2.7 ]),<ref name="WiiWeight">{{cite web\|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,127859-page,1/article.html\|title=A Closer Look at the Nintendo Wii}} pcworld.com. Retrieved on ] ].</ref> which makes it the lightest of the three major ] consoles. The console can be placed either horizontally or vertically. The prefix for the numbering scheme of the system and its parts and accessories is "RVL-" after its ] of "Revolution".<ref>{{cite news\|title=Wii controller world tour\|pages=8\|publisher=]\|date= July 13, 2006\|url=<!--add web archive if available-->\|accessdate=2007-01-01}}</ref>

	The front of the console features an illuminated slot-loading optical media drive that accepts both 12 cm Wii Optical Discs and ]. The blue light in the disc slot illuminates briefly when the console is turned on, and pulsates when new data is received through ]. When there is no WiiConnect24 information, the light is off. The disc slot light remains off during ] or when using other features. Two ] ports are located at its rear, and an ] slot hides behind the cover on the front of the console. The SD card can be used for uploading photos as well as backing up ] data and downloaded ] games. As a presently un-circumvented system of ], Virtual Console data cannot be restored to any system except the unit of origin.<ref name="Nintendo Forums: SD CARD ISSUE (from one system to another)">{{cite web\|url= http://forums.nintendo.com/nintendo/board/message?board.id=wii_tech&message.id=4874\|title=Nintendo Forums: SD CARD ISSUE (from one system to another) \|accessdate=2006-12-10 \|date=December 10, 2006}}</ref> To use the SD slot for game save transferring, a ] must be downloaded, so a system that has not been connected to the Internet cannot utilize this feature. The SD card can also be used to create customized in-game music from stored MP3 files, as shown in '']'', as well as music for the ] feature of the ].

	Nintendo has shown the console and the Wii Remote in white, black, silver, lime green, and red,<ref name="Rev colors console">{{cite web\|url=http://media.revolutionreport.com/image/revofficial%204.jpg\|publisher=Revolution Report\|title=Wii Colors\| accessdate=2006-07-15}}</ref><ref name="Rev colors control">{{cite web\|url= http://news.com.com/i/ne/p/2005/0916nintendopic4_500x375.jpg\|title=Wii Remote Colors\|publisher=news.com\|accessdate=2006-07-15}}</ref> but has initially been available only in white. At E3 2006, the Wii Remote was shown in light blue. Shigeru Miyamoto stated that other colors would be available after the easing of supply limitations, which were stated to continue until (northern) Spring.<ref name="WiiQuotables"> IGN.com. Retrieved on ] ].</ref> Numerous minor changes were made to the design between its original unveiling and launch, including the Nintendo branding used and button placements.

	The ] package includes the console, a stand to allow the console to be placed vertically, a circular clear stabilizer for the main stand, one ], one ] attachment, one ], a removable stand for the bar, one external main ], two ], one ] with ]s (] and other types of cables are available separately), operation documentation, and (in all regions excluding Japan) a copy of '']''.

	A Nintendo spokesperson has announced that the company plans to release a version of the console with ] playback capabilities in 2007.<ref name="DVD-Wii 2007" /> Even though software will be used to enable DVD-Video functionality, it "requires more than a firmware upgrade" and cannot therefore be implemented through the WiiConnect24 network.<ref name="DVD-Wii 2007">{{cite web\|url=http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/feature/?id=14430\|title=GameDaily BIZ: Confirmed: Nintendo to Release DVD-Enabled Wii in 2007\|accessdate=2006-11-14\|date=]}}</ref>

	===Wii Remote===
	{{main\|Wii Remote}}
	], ], ], and ]]]
	The Wii Remote<!--SEE DISCUSSION ON "WIIMOTE"--> is a ] that uses a combination of ]s and ] detection (from an array of ] inside the ]) to sense its position in ] space. This design allows users to control the game using physical gestures as well as traditional button presses. The controller connects to the console using ], and features ] and an internal speaker. The Wii Remote can connect to other devices through a ] port at the base of the controller. The device bundled with the Wii retail package is the ] unit, which features an accelerometer and a traditional ] with two trigger buttons.<!--FURTHER INFO ATTACHMENTS SHOULD BE ADDED TO "WII REMOTE" ARTICLE--> In addition, an attachable ] can be used to prevent the player from unintentionally dropping or throwing the Wii Remote. In response to incidences of strap failures, Nintendo is offering a free, stronger replacement for all straps.<ref name=Eurogamer>{{cite web\|url= http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=71047\|title=Nintendo offers to replace Wii straps }}</ref><!--FURTHER INFO ON REMOTE SHOULD BE ADDED TO "WII REMOTE" ARTICLE-->

	===Technical specifications===
	Nintendo has released few technical details regarding the Wii system, but some key facts have leaked from the press. Though none of these reports has been officially confirmed, they generally point to the console as being an extension or advancement of the ] architecture. More specifically, the reported analyses state that the Wii is roughly 1.5 to 2 times as powerful as its predecessor.<ref name="Wii: The Total Story" /><ref name="IGN Wii FAQs">{{cite web\|last=Casamassina\| first=Matt\|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/733/733464p7.html\|title=IGN's Nintendo Wii FAQ\|publisher=]\|accessdate=2006-11-11}}</ref>
	{{col-begin}}
	{{col-2}}
	'''Processors:'''
	*]: ] based ] processor, made with a ] ] ] process, reportedly<sup>†</sup> clocked at 729 ]<ref name="IGNTech">{{cite web\|title=IGN: Revolution's Horsepower\|date=]\|publisher=IGN\|accessdate=2006-12-23\|url= http://revolution.ign.com/articles/699/699118p1.html}}</ref>
	*]: ] ] made with a 90 nm CMOS process,<ref name="hard_japan">{{ja icon}}{{cite web\|url= http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n10/e3_2006/wii/index.html\|title=Wii??? (Wii??)\|publisher=Nintendo\|accessdate=2006-05-22}}</ref> reportedly<sup>†</sup> clocked at 243 ]<ref name="IGNTech" />
	'''Memory:'''
	*88 ] ] (24 MiB "internal" ] integrated into graphics package, 64 MiB "external" ] SDRAM)<ref name="TechOnWii">{{cite web\|title=PS3 VS Wii, Comparisons of Core LSI Chip Areas\| date=]\|publisher=TechOn!\|accessdate=2006-12-15\|url=http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20061127/124495}}</ref>
	*3 MiB embedded GPU ] and ].

	'''Ports and peripheral capabilities:'''
	*Up to four Wii Remote controllers (connected wirelessly via ])
	*Nintendo GameCube controller ports (4) (one can be used in conjunction with four Wii Remote units for five-player multiplayer capability)
	*] slots (2)
	*] memory card slot
	*] 2.0 ports (2)
	*Sensor Bar port
	*Accessory port on bottom of Wii Remote
	*Optional USB keyboard input in message board and Wii Shop Channel (as of 3.0 firmware update)<ref>{{cite web\|url = http://wii.ign.com/articles/811/811436p1.html\|title = Keyboard Functionality Added to Wii\|accessdate = 2007-08-08\|last = Burman\|first = Rob \|date = ]\|publisher = IGN}}</ref>
	*] DWM-W004 WiFi 802.11b/g wireless module<ref name="IGN Wii FAQ">{{cite web\|url= http://wii.ign.com/articles/733/733464p8.html\|title=IGN's Nintendo Wii FAQ\|accessdate=2007-01-25\|author=Matt Casamassina \|last=Casamassina \|first=Matt\|authorlink=Matt Casamassina \|date=]\|publisher=]}}</ref>
	*Compatible with optional ] 2.0 to ] ] adaptor
	*Multi-output port for ], ] or ]
	'''Built-in content ratings systems:'''
	*], ], ], ], ], ], ]
	{{col-2}}
	'''Storage:'''
	*512 MiB built-in NAND ]
	*Expanded storage via ] card memory (up to 2 GB)
	*Nintendo GameCube Memory Card (required for GameCube game saves)
	] CPU]]
	]
	*Slot-loading disc drive compatible with 8 cm Nintendo GameCube Game Disc and 12 cm Wii Optical Disc
	*] by Macronix<ref name="Macronix">{{cite web\|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/719/719299p1.html\|title=Macronix Supplies Wii\|accessdate=2006-07-18\|author=Matt Casamassina\|last=Casamassina\|first=Matt\| authorlink=Matt Casamassina\|date=]\|publisher=]}}</ref>

	'''Video:'''
	*] (]/]), ] (NTSC) or ] (PAL/]), standard 4:3 and ] ]<ref name="480 anamorphic">consolewatcher.com </ref>
	*] (including ]), ] ] (PAL only), ] (NTSC only), ] output, or ]<ref>{{cite web\|url= http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/news_131106_wii.html\|title=Images reveal RGB SCART compatibility\|accessdate=2007-03-20}}</ref>

	'''Audio:'''
	*Main: Stereo – ]-capable<ref name="Dolby ] II">{{cite press release\|title=Dolby Technology to Power the Sound of the Wii Console\|publisher=Dolby Laboratories \|date=2006-09-21\|url=http://investor.dolby.com/ReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=211978\|accessdate=2006-09-23}}</ref>
	*Controller: Built-in speaker
	{{col-end}}

	†None of the ]s have been confirmed by ], ], or ].

	===Technical issues===
	The first firmware update via WiiConnect24 caused a very small portion of units to become ]. This forced users to either send their units to ] for repairs (if they wished to retain their saved data), or exchange it for a free replacement.<ref name="Wii Firmware down">{{cite web\|url= http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=149572\|title=Wii Connect 24 Kills Wiis\|publisher= ComputerAndVideoGames.com}}</ref> It has also been reported that a Wii console receiving WiiConnect24 data in standby mode can overheat to the point of damaging the GPU and CPU. This has caused pixelation problems<ref name="WiiOverheat" /> and instances of total hardware failure.<ref name="WiiConnectHeat"> qj.net. Retrieved on ] ].</ref> As of ] ], it is possible to contact Nintendo and send it for repair.<ref name="WiiOverheat"> qj.net. Retrieved on ] ].</ref>
	A small number of routers are partially or totally incompatible with the Wii console, due to the way the Wii interacts with them, and the firewalls that the routers use. Although the firewall in some routers can be disabled to provide partial or full functionality with the Wii, some firewall settings on some routers cannot be changed and therefore are incompatible with the Wii. Nintendo has provided a list of incompatible units.<ref> nintendo.com. Retrieved on ] ].</ref>

	===Legal issues===
	] filed a patent-infringement lawsuit against Nintendo over the pointing functionalities of the Wii Remote, claiming, "loss of reasonable royalties, reduced sales and/or lost profits as a result of the infringing activities" of Nintendo.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/750/750001p1.html\|title=Nintendo Sued for Patent Infringement\| author=Micah Seff\|publisher=IGN\|date=2006-12-08\|accessdate=2006-12-08}}</ref> Anascape Ltd, a ]-based firm, also filed a lawsuit against Nintendo for patent infringements.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=33466\|title=Microsoft, Nintendo sued over games controller \|author=INQUIRER staff\|publisher=The Inquirer\|date=2006-8-03\|accessdate=2006-12-08}}</ref> Green Welling LLP filed a ] against Nintendo for their "defective wrist straps."<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2006_Dec_16/ai_n16911839\|title=Nintendo Recalls Defective Wii Wrist Straps After Class Action Filed by Green Welling LLP\|accessdate=2007-03-23\|publisher=Business Wire\|date=2006-12-16}}</ref> A Texas-based company called Lonestar Inventions has also sued Nintendo, claiming that the company copied one of Lonestar's patented capacitor designs and used it in the Wii console.<ref>{{cite web\|url= http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/18/lonestar-sues-nintendo-over-wii-capacitor-design/\|title=Lonestar sues Nintendo over Wii capacitor design\|accessdate=2007-06-19\|publisher=Engadget/Wall Street journal\|date=2006-06-18}}</ref>

	==Features==
	The console contains a number of internal features made available from its hardware and ] components. The hardware allows for extendibility through expansion ports while the firmware can receive periodic updates via the ] service.
	<!-- The latest firmware version for the Wii system is 2.2U. In order to use Channels requiring Internet access, a firmware update is required.<ref name="IGN Firmware">{{cite web\|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/745/745341p1.html\|title=IGN: Wii Channels to Require Upgrade\|accessdate=2006-10-12\|date=2006-10-10}}</ref> -->

	===Wii Menu===
	{{main\|Wii Menu}}
	]
	The Wii Menu ] interface is designed around the concept of ]s. Separate channels are graphically displayed in a grid and are navigated using the pointer capability of the ]. It is possible to change the arrangement of the channels by holding down the A and B buttons. There are six primary channels: <!--BOLDING CHANNELS IS NOT NEEDED-->the Disc Channel, Mii Channel, Photo Channel, Wii Shop Channel, Forecast Channel and News Channel. The latter two were initially unavailable at launch, but activated through firmware updates. Additional channels are available for download from the Wii Shop Channel and also appear with each ] title. The ] was released on ] ].<ref name="EverybodyVotes">{{cite web\|url= http://www.nintendoplayers.com/article.php?articleID=708\|title=Nintendo Players - Nintendo Unleashes 'Everybody Votes' Channel \|accessdate=2007-03-20}}</ref> The full version of the ] was released on ] ] and currently requires 500 ] for purchase.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/31591/98/\|title=Nintendo launches full version of Wii Internet channel\| accessdate=2007-04-12}}</ref>

	In June 2007 Nintendo announced a new service called ]. The service will allow small and large developers to create their own games that can be bought through the Wii Shop Channel with Wii Points.<ref name="wiiware">{{cite press release\|url=http://press.nintendo.com/articles.jsp?id=12571\|title=Nintendo's WiiWare paves the way for fresh games, cool consumer experiences\|publisher=Nintendo of America\|date=]}}</ref><!--FURTHER INFO SHOULD BE ADDED IN THE "WII MENU" ARTICLE-->

	===Backward compatibility===
	] ports on the top of the Wii unit]]
	<!--- Wii Download Games Should NOT Be Mixed With Launch Titles --->
	The Wii console is ] with all official ] software, as well as Nintendo GameCube Memory Cards and controllers. Compatibility with software is achieved with the slot-loading drive's ability to accept ]. The Wii is compatible with the GameCube ], which will work with GameCube titles. The console supports progressive-scan output in 480p-enabled Nintendo GameCube titles. Peripherals can be connected via a set of four GameCube controller ports and two Memory Card slots concealed by removable flip-open panels.<ref name="Wii: The Total Story" /> The console is therefore compatible with the ] and ] through the ]. A GameCube controller is required to play ], as neither the ] nor the ] functions in this capacity. A Nintendo GameCube Memory Card is also necessary to save, as the Wii internal flash memory will not save GameCube games.

	Backward compatibility is limited in some areas. Online and LAN-enabled features for Nintendo GameCube titles are unavailable on the Wii, as the console lacks serial ports for the ] and ]. The console uses a proprietary port for video output and is therefore incompatible with Nintendo GameCube ], ], and ] cables. The console also lacks ] support. The firmware update to 3.0 has caused restrictions along with various unlicensed freeloaders.<ref> ]. Retrieved on ] ].</ref>
	<!--INFO ON VIRTUAL CONSOLE GAMES SHOULD NOT BE ADDED HERE-->

	===Nintendo DS connectivity===
	The Wii system supports wireless connectivity with the ] without any additional accessories.<ref name="policy brief" /> The connectivity allows the player to use the Nintendo DS microphone and ] as inputs for Wii games. The first example Nintendo has given of a game using Nintendo DS-Wii connectivity is that of '']''. Players with either ] are able to play battles using their Nintendo DS as a controller.<ref name="connectivity returns">{{cite web\|last=Gantayat\|first=Anoop\|date=]\|year=\|month=\|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/711/711657p1.html\|title=Connectivity Returns\|publisher=IGN\|accessdate=2006-06-07}}</ref> It has also been announced that the Nintendo DS will be able to play ]s downloaded from the console, which they would receive from Nintendo, similar to a ].<ref name="Iwata Tech-On 3">{{cite web\|author= Naoki Asami\|coauthors=Hiroki Yomogita\|date=]\|url=http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20060525/117498/?P=3\|title=Regaining what we have lost: Nintendo CEO Iwata's Ambitions for the "Wii"\|format=\|work=Tech-On!\|pages=3\|publisher= Nikkei Business Publications\|accessdate=2006-06-09}}</ref> The console is also able to expand Nintendo DS games.<ref name="connectivity returns" />

	===Online connectivity===
	{{main\|Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection\|WiiConnect24\|Virtual Console\|Internet Channel}}
	The Wii unit is able to connect to the Internet through its built-in ]/] Wi-Fi or through a USB-to-Ethernet adapter, with both methods allowing players to access the established ] service.<ref name="Wii: The Total Story" /> ] by ], ] (TKIP/RC4) and ] (CCMP/AES) are supported.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/wii/en_na/onlineWirelessRouterChoose.jsp\|title=Choosing a Wireless Router \|accessdate=2006-12-13\|publisher=Nintendo.com}}</ref> ] support was discreetly added in firmware update 3.0.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://blogs.ign.com/craig-ign/2007/08/08/62734/#comments\|title=Overlooked Wii 3.0 Update Function\|accessdate=2007-08-08\|publisher=IGN.com}}</ref>
	Just as for the Nintendo DS, Nintendo does not charge fees for playing via the service<ref name="USA Today">{{cite web\|url=http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2006-08-14-nintendo-qa_x.htm \|title=Nintendo hopes Wii spells wiinner\|accessdate=2006-08-16\|date=]\|publisher=]}}</ref><ref name="Nintendo Wii Wi-Fi page">{{cite web\|author=sjohnson\|date=]\|url= http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/TheFeed/post/618959/Secret_Wii_Details_Revealed.html\|title=Secret Wii Details Revealed\|work= The Feed\|publisher=G4\|accessdate=2006-07-20\|accessyear=}}</ref> and the Friend Code system controls how players connect to one another. It is reported that only one Wii system code is required.<ref name="Wii Wi-Fi Just Like DS">{{cite web\|url= http://wii.ign.com/articles/707/707865p1.html\|title=Wii Wi-Fi Just Like DS\|last=Casamassina\|first=Matt accessdate=2006-05-11}}</ref><ref name="Nintendo Wii Wi-Fi page" /> This system also implements console-based software including the Wii Message Board.

	The service has several features for the console including the ], ], ], ], ], and the ]. The console can also communicate and connect with other Wii systems through a self-generated wireless ], enabling local wireless multiplayer on different television sets. '']'' first demonstrated this feature for non-split screen multiplayer between two or more televisions.<ref> ]. Retrieved on ] ].</ref> The Wii is capable of supporting 32 players simultaneously through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, as will be featured in '']''.<ref name="medalhonor32p">{{cite web \| url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/805/805730p1.html \| title=Medal of Honor Heroes 2 Official \| author=Matt Casamassina \| publisher=] \| date=2007-07-17}}</ref>

	===Parental controls===
	The console features ], which can be used to prohibit younger users from playing games with content considered unsuitable for their age level. When a Wii or Virtual Console game is attempted to be played, it reads the content rating encoded in the game data; if this rating is greater than the system's set age level the game will not load without a correct override password. The parental controls can also restrict Internet access, which blocks the Internet Channel and system update features. Since the console is restricted to GameCube functionality when playing Nintendo GameCube Game Discs, GameCube software is unaffected by Wii parental control settings.

	European units mainly use the ] rating system,<ref name="par_pegi">{{cite news\|url= http://www.planetgamecube.com/news.cfm?action=item&id=6665\|title=Revolution To Feature Parental Controls\|publisher=]\|date=2005-11-16}}</ref> whereas North American units use the ] rating system.<ref name="par_esrb">{{cite press release\|url=http://www.nintendo.com/newsarticle?articleid=z5UnNGZpQKWULzG0z8R501PA5IHoNPr2\|title=Nintendo Announces Play Control System For Next Hardware\|publisher=Nintendo of America\|date=]}}</ref> The Wii unit supports the native rating systems of many countries, including ] in ], the ] in ], both the ] and ] in the ] and the ] in Australia and ].

	==Software library==
	{{seealso\|List of Wii games\|List of video games published by Nintendo}}
	]]]
	Games representing Nintendo's flagship franchises, including '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'' and '']'', have been announced for the console. Likewise, there are original titles for it as well as expected third party games.<ref name="E3 2006 game list">{{cite web \|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/706/706630p1.html\|title=E3 2006: Wii Game List \|publisher=] \|author=Matt Casamassina\|date=]\|accessdate=2006-09-04}}</ref> ] announced eight titles for release over the launch period, and have stated that they have a further six currently in development while ] has announced six titles.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=143739\|title=Ubisoft and Midway suck up Wii\|author=Matt Wales\|publisher=computerandvideogames\|date=]\|accessdate=2006-08-07}}</ref> ] has declared their '100%' support for the system<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story= 10311\|title=EA Sees Larger Loss, Ramps Up Wii Production\|author=Simon Carless\|publisher=]\|date=]\| accessdate=2006-08-07}}</ref> and has since gone on to purchase long-time partner ], which now develops exclusively for Nintendo's console.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://tgnforums.stardock.com/?forumid=141&aid=137746#1071220\|title=EA Snaps Up Headgate Studios\|author=iTZKooPA\|publisher=Totalgaming.net\|date=]\|accessdate=2006-12-05}}</ref> ] also announced that they are developing 37 games for the Wii for their fiscal year ending March 2008.<ref name="namco 37">{{cite web\|url=http://www.sharewatch.com/story.php?storynumber=405737\|title=Japan's Namco Bandai FY net profit jumps 71 pct; weak PS3 sales to slow growth\|accessdate=2007-05-10}}</ref> On ] ], ] stated that 45 out of Nintendo's 124 first-party games are being developed for the console. The other 79 titles are being developed for the ].<ref name="124games"> ]. Retieved on ] ].</ref> As of ] ] the Wii has more exclusive games in development than the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.<ref>{{cite web\|title =Wii Has Most Exclusive Games In Pipeline\|url=http://www.eontarionow.com/science/2007/07/25/wii-has-most-exclusive-games-in-pipeline/\|publisher=EON\|date=]\|accessdate=2007-07-29}}</ref>

	] had originally stated that the system would be region-free.<ref>{{cite web\|url= http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/14/first-party-wii-games-will-be-region-free/\|Author=Ludwig Kietzmann\|date=2006-09-14\|title= First-party Wii games would be region-free (update 2)\|publisher=joystiq\|accessdate=2006-11-03}}</ref> However, corrections from Nintendo of America and Nintendo of Europe concurred that the console does support ].<ref name="notregionfree">{{cite web\|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/wii-not-even-remotely-region-free/\|Author=Ludwig Kietzmann\|date=2006-09-14\|title=Wii not even remotely region-free\|publisher=Joystiq\|accessdate=2006-12-06}}</ref>

	Retail copies of Wii games are supplied on ]-like ]. Wii Optical Discs are packaged in a ] along with instruction information. On European releases, these retail boxes have a triangle printed at the bottom corner of the paper insert sleeve side. The hue of the triangle can be used to identify which region the particular title is intended for and which manual languages are included.

	==Reception==
	{{Dedicated video game consoles}}
	<!--DO NOT REMOVE CONTENT WITHOUT A DISCUSSION-->
	The system was well-received after its exhibition at ]. At the event, Nintendo's console won the ] for Best of Show and Best Hardware.<ref name="E3 Awards">{{cite web\|url= http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/2006winners.html\|title=2006 Winners\|accessdate=2006-08-13\|work=Game Critics Awards}}</ref> In the December 2006 issue of '']'' the console was awarded with the Grand Award Winner in Home Entertainment.<ref name="pop-sci-nov06-80">{{Harvard reference\|Title=Best of What's New 2006 - Home Entertainment\|Journal=Popular Science\|Volume= 269\|Issue=6\|Year=2006\|Page=80}}</ref> ]'s Video Games Award also granted the console the award in breakthrough technology.<ref name="Spike TV Award">{{cite web\|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6162929.html?tag=latestnews;title;0\|title=Oblivion nabs Spike TV top honors\|accessdate=2007-03-10\|work=Gamespot}}</ref> ] chose the console as the Best Hardware on their Best and Worst 2006 awards show.<ref name="Gamespot Award">{{cite web\|url= http://www.gamespot.com/special_features/bestof2006/achievement/index.html?page=21\|title=GameSpot Best Games and Worst Games of 2006\|accessdate=2007-03-10\|work=Gamespot}}</ref> The system was also chosen as one of '']'' magazine's 20 Most Innovative Products of the Year.<ref name="PC World Award">{{cite web\|url= http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,128176-page,2-c,electronics/article.html\|title=PC World 20 Most Innovative Products of the Year 2006\|accessdate=2007-03-10\|work=PC World}}</ref> The worldwide success of the Wii has caught third party developers by surprise, leading to some apologizing for the quality of their early games. In an interview with German news magazine '']'', ]'s Yves Guillemot and Alain Corre admitted that they have made a mistake to rush their launch titles, promising to take future projects more seriously.<ref>{{cite web\|last=Görig\|first=Carsten\|publisher=Der Spiegel\|title=Spieler verzweifelt gesucht\|date=2007-05-30\|url=http://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/spielzeug/0,1518,485385,00.html\|language=German\| accessdate=2007-06-18}}</ref> ], who released few games for the ], has changed its stance on Nintendo, putting a higher priority in developing for the Wii with '']'' being their first release on the system.<ref>{{cite web\|last=Seff\|first=Micah\|publisher=]\|title=Take-Two Grows Hungry for Wii\|date=2007-04-10\|url= http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/779/779642p1.html\|accessdate=2007-06-18}}</ref>

	At the same time, criticism of the Wii Remote and the Wii hardware specifications has surfaced. ] of GameSpot has stated that the controller's speaker produces low-quality sound,<ref name="Tinny Speaker">{{cite web\|last=Gerstmann\|first =Jeff\|date=]\|url=http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/thelegendofzelda/review.html\|title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess\|publisher=]\|accessdate=2007-03-07}}</ref> while ] President Julian Eggebrecht criticized the hardware audio as being substandard for a console of its generation.<ref name="Rock You">{{cite web\|last=Radd\| first=David\|title=Wii Won't Rock You\|date=]\|publisher=GameDaily BIZ\|accessdate=2007-01-31\|url= http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/feature/?id=14501 }}</ref> U.K.-based developer ] has stated that the Wii hardware lacks the power necessary to run the software they have scheduled for release on other seventh generation consoles.<ref name="Free Radical">{{cite web\|url=http://www.frd.co.uk/faq.php?id=3#faq_3 \|title= Free Radical Design FAQ }} frd.co.uk. Retrieved on ] ].</ref> An executive for Frontline Studios also expressed that major publishers are wary of releasing exclusive titles for the console due to the perception that third-party companies are not strongly supported by consumers.<ref name="Wary Publishers">{{cite web\|last=Martin\|first=Matt\|title=Publishers wary of creating Nintendo titles, says Wii developer\|date=]\|publisher=]\|accessdate=2007-01-27\|url= http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=22368 }}</ref> The online connectivity of the Wii was subject to criticism, as ] of ] compared it to the "entirely unintuitive" service provided for the ].<ref>Casamassina, Matt (] ]). . ]. Retrieved on ] ].</ref> Scott Steinberg, ]'s U.S. Vice President of Marketing, expressed concern about the creative depth of the Wii pool and said that all developers will have to take responsibility to create new, innovative games. He also stated that he was concerned that the Wii is a fad and that games on it will look dated in a few years compared to those on other consoles. However, Steinberg recanted his previous comments in a follow-up in which he shares the view on the system's innovation and acknowledged Nintendo's sales success. He also said that he believes Sega has "the responsibility to take advantage of Wii's potential".<ref name="SegaConcern">Steinberg, Scott (] ]). ]. Retrieved on ] ].</ref>

	<!--PLEASE SEE DISCUSSION ABOUT "SEE ALSO" AND "POP CULTURE" ITEMS-->

	==References==
	<!-- ----------------------------------------------------------
	See http://en.wikipedia.org/Wikipedia:Footnotes for a
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	{{reflist\|colwidth=30em}}

	== External links ==
	<!-- ================================================================= -->
	<!-- Please follow wikipedia policy on external links. -->
	<!-- That can be found on the page WP:EL. -->
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	{{portalpar\|Electronics\|Nuvola_apps_ksim.png}}
	{{portal\|Nintendo\|Wikitendo2.svg}}
	{{Commonscat\|Wii}}

	; Official sites
	*
	*
	* – Nintendo President, Satoru Iwata, media briefing speech at E3 2006

	; Unofficial coverage
	<!--NOTE: Do not add links to this list without first discussing them. -->
	* at ].com
	* at IGN.com
	*
	*
	<!-- Do not remove this template. Please see discussion. -->

	{{Wii}}
	{{Nintendo hardware\|Wii}}
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Revision as of 19:08, 17 August 2007