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OMG WII IS A GAY NAME
{{future product}}
<!--

PLEASE READ BEFORE EDITING THIS PAGE!! THE OFFICIAL NAME OF THE CONSOLE IS JUST "Wii" AND NOT "Nintendo Wii' IF YOU FIND THIS CONFUSING OR DISAGREE PLEASE USE THE TALK PAGE. THANK YOU.
DISCUSSIONS IN THE DISCUSSION SECTION HAVE DECIDED TO NAME THE CONSOLE "Wii", NOT "Nintendo Wii". PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE IT TO "Nintendo Wii". IT HAS BEEN RECENTLY CONFIRMED BY NINTENDO, THAT "Wii" IS NOT "Nintendo Wii", OR "The Wii"!

PLEASE ALSO NOTE THAT THERE IS A FINE LINE BETWEEN CRITICISM AND FANBOYISM, IF YOU GOING TO ADD CRITICISM THAT'S FINE AS LONG AS THE CLAIMS ARE ((((((((((DIRECTLY SOURCED))))))))) ALSO JUST SAYING THE CONSOLE IS LACKING A FEATURE (((((DOES NOT))))) MAKE IT CRITICISM, AND ALL CLAIMS MUST BE PROFESSIONALLY SOURCED.

-->{{Infobox CVG system
|title = Wii
|logo = ]
|image = ]
|manufacturer = ]
|type = ]
|generation = ]
|lifespan = {{flagicon|USA}}],]<br />{{flagicon|Japan}} ], ]<br />{{flagicon|Australia}} ], ]<br /> {{flagicon|Europe}} ], ] <br/>{{flagicon|Spain}} ], ]
|CPU = <!-- 729 MHz (speed unconfirmed) this is still speculation at the moment--> ] ]-based<ref name="hard_inf">{{cite web|url=http://wii.nintendo.com/hardware.html|title=Nintendo Wii - Hardware Information|publisher=Nintendo|accessdate=2006-05-09}}</ref> ]
|media = 12 cm Wii Optical Disc<br />8 cm ]<br />
|storage = Internal Flash memory, ], ]
|connectivity = ], ], 2 × ], ] by 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 running, but still operating key functions." This does not at all say that the online service itself is WiiConnect24.-->
|top game =
|compatibility =<!-- HARDWARE compatibility only. Do not list virtual console systems as "compatible", emulation is not the same thing as actual compatibility. --> ]
|predecessor = ]
|successor =
}}

'''Wii''' (pronounced as the word "]", ]: {{IPA|/wiː/}}) is the name of ]'s ] ]. Its official ] was '''Revolution'''.

A major feature of the Wii console is its wireless ], the ], which may be used as a handheld pointing device and can ] in ]. The controller also contains a ] and a ] to provide sensory feedback, and can be used to turn Wii on and off. The console also features a ] mode entitled ], enabling it to receive messages and updates over the ] while consuming very little electrical power. This will be the first Nintendo console to include a game ('']'') with the system at launch since ], and the second Nintendo console consecutively to launch without a Super ] title (the first being the ]). This will also be the first Nintendo console to have a ] game as a launch title.

Nintendo mentioned the console in the 2004 ] press conference, and at the 2005 E3, unveiled the system under the code name Revolution. ], Nintendo's President, revealed a prototype of the system's game controller at the 2005 ] during his keynote speech in September 2005.<ref name="speech">{{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 E3 2006, Wii won the ] for Best of Show and Best Hardware.<ref name="E3 Awards">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/win.html |title=2006 Winners |accessdate=2006-08-13 |work=Game Critics Awards}}</ref> Wii is set to be released on ] ] in North America, ] ] in Japan, ] ] in Australia and New Zealand, and ] ] in Europe.

==Launch==
===Release date and price===
On ] ] and ] ], Nintendo announced release information for Japan, North and Latin America, Australia & Europe, including dates and prices. The information can be seen in the table below.]

At a ] ] policy briefing, Nintendo revealed that it intends to release 6 million console units and 17 million software units during the fiscal year ending ] ] and 4 million or more console units by the end of the 2006 calendar year. On ] ], it was announced that the majority of the 2006 shipments will be allotted to the Americas.<ref name="shreveport times">{{cite web | author=Peter Svensson | year=Septemer 14, 2006 | title=Nintendo to Sell Wii Console in November | publisher=The Shreveport Times | url=http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/N/NINTENDO_WII?SITE=LASHT&SECTION=US&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT | accessdate=2006-09-30}}</ref>

The ] launch of the Wii console has been moved to ] ], because ] ] is the celebration of the ], and all shops will be closed.{{fact}}

Nintendo of Canada vice president and general manager Ron Bertram stated that the company expects a million consoles for North America at launch,<ref name="mackenzie">{{cite web | author= | year=Septemer 14, 2006 | title=Nintendo announces Nov. 19 release date for Wii console at $279.95 | publisher=Mackenzie Financial Corporation | url=http://www.mackenziefinancial.com/en/pub/media_centre/news/includes/ztechnology/060914/z091450.shtml | accessdate=2006-09-30}}</ref> information picked up by ] on ], ].<ref name="ign pickup">{{cite web | author= | year=Septemer 25, 2006 | title=One Million Launch Wiis for North America | publisher=IGN | url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/735/735046p1.html | accessdate=2006-09-30}}</ref> The next day, Nintendo branded the information as a "misstatement about the number of Wii consoles that will be available in the Americas during the launch rollout," and reiterated earlier statements of expected sales of 4 million consoles worldwide by the end of 2006 with the largest allotment available in the Americas. The company affirmed that they "are working to ensure a plentiful supply and a consistent flow."<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>

Despite the price point of US$60 quoted for many seventh generation games,<ref name="prices nextgen">{{cite news|first=John|last=Gaudiosi|url=http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=970&Itemid=2|title=Game Pricing|date=]|publisher=Next Generation}}</ref> Satoru Iwata said that it is unlikely that ] games would cost more than US$50 (GBP£34 - £39).<ref name="GamePrice">{{cite news|first=Chris|last=Morris|url=http://money.cnn.com/2006/03/29/commentary/game_over/column_gaming/ |title=Nintendo president vows cheap games|Date=2006-03-29|publisher=CNNMoney}}</ref>

{{-}}
{|class="wikitable"
|+'''Release date and ] by region'''*
|-
!rowspan="2"|Region
!colspan="2"|Expected pricing at release
!rowspan="2"|Release <br>date
!colspan="3"|Accessories
|-
!Release Price
!Approx. USD Equivalent
!Wii Remote
!Nunchuk
!Classic Controller
|-
| align="left" | {{flagicon|USA}} ]
|]249.99<ref>Nintendo (September 14, 2006) , ''nintendo.com''</ref><!-- Excludes any sales tax -->
|$249.99
|rowspan="5"|] ]
|$39.99
|$19.99
|$19.99
|-
| align="left" | {{flagicon|Canada}} ]
|]279.95<ref>CNW Group (September 17, 2006) , ''newswire.ca''</ref><!-- Excludes GST -->
|$250
|$45.99
|$24.99
|$24.99
|-
| align="left" | {{flagicon|Mexico}} ]
|]$4,499<ref>Sanborns</ref><!-- Includes 15% IVA -->
|$420 ($355†)
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|-
| align="left" | {{flagicon|Colombia}} ]
|]$1,100,000{{fact}}<!-- Includes 16% IVA -->
|$460 ($395†)
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|-
| align="left" | {{flagicon|Peru}} ]
|]S/.1,499{{fact}}<!-- Includes 19% IGV -->
|$464 ($390†)
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|-
| align="left" | {{flagicon|Japan}} ]
|]25,000<ref>Sanders, Kathleen (September 13, 2006) , ''ign.com''</ref><!-- Includes 5% sales tax -->
|$215 ($205†)
|] ]
|¥3,800
|¥1,800
|¥1,800
|-
| align="left" | {{flagicon|Australia}} ]
|]$399.95<ref>Nintendo (September 15, 2006) , ''planetgamecube.com''</ref><!-- Includes 10% GST -->
|$300 ($275†)
|rowspan="2"|] ]
|$69.95
|$29.95
|$29.95
|-
| align="left" | {{flagicon|New Zealand}} ]
|]$499.90<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gpstore.co.nz/News/Archive/3665.html|title=Nintendo Wii release information announced!|author=Nintendo Australia|publisher=Gameplanet Store NZ|date=]|accessdate=2006-09-18}}</ref><!-- Includes 12.5% GST -->
|$330 ($295†)
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
|-
| align="left" | {{flagicon|Europe}} ]
|]249‡<ref name="Europe Gets Wii Last">Planet GameCube (September 15, 2006) , ''planetgamecube.com''</ref><!-- Includes average of 20% VAT -->
|$315 ($265†)
|rowspan="3"|] ]
|€39.99
|€19.99
|€19.99
|-
| align="left" | {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} ]
|]179‡<ref name="Europe Gets Wii Last" /><!-- Includes 17.5% VAT -->
|$340 ($285†)
|£29.99
|£14.99
|£14.99
|-
| align="left" | {{flagicon|Sweden}} ]
|]2499‡{{fact}}<!-- Includes 17.5% VAT -->
|$338
|479 kr
|299 kr
|299 kr
|-
|}
<nowiki>*</nowiki> ''] comes packaged with the console in all regions excluding Japan.

† USD equivalent with local ], ] or ] removed for ease of comparison with territories that do not include taxes in consumer prices

‡ Retail price as estimated by, rather than suggested by, Nintendo

=== Amazon pre-order problem ===
On ] ], the ] site allowed people to pre-order Wii. The pre-orders came in massive amounts, forcing Amazon to stop accepting them.
A message was posted on the Wii detail page at amazon.com stating:

{{cquote|For a brief period on Friday, we did offer pre-orders for the Wii, however, the rate at which pre-orders came in dramatically outpaced what we had anticipated, so we suspended pre-orders until we are able to get a firmer commitment from Nintendo regarding how many units we'll have for sale.

Because the pre-order window was so brief, the e-mail many of you signed up for notifying you that pre-orders were available was never triggered to send out. We apologize and have fixed the system to ensure pre-order e-mail notifications are sent in advance.<ref name="Amazon glitch">{{cite news|url=http://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs.ars/2006/9/20/5355|title=Amazon preorder glitch}}</ref>}}

===Confirmed launch titles===
{{references}}
As of ], it has been confirmed that at least 21 titles will be available on launch day in ], with another 24+ games believed to be available during the "launch window" ending in March 2007.<ref name="gamespot-launch-games">{{cite web|last=Surette|first=Tim|authorlink=|coauthors=|date=]|year=|month=|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6157625.html|title=List of US Wii games revealed|format=|work=|pages=|publisher=GameSpot|language=English|accessdate=|accessyear=|curly=}}</ref> A number of those titles will be available, in other versions, for Nintendo's other game platforms: the GameCube, Game Boy Advance, and the ]. ''Wii Sports'' will be bundled with the console packs at launch in all regions excluding Japan.
<!--This is not a list of all Wii titles, just those that have been confirmed for the system's launch (and please cite your sources). Do not add Super Smash Bros. Brawl or Super Mario Galaxy, the former has been confirmed to be set for release in 2007 and the latter's release date is unknown. Sonic and the Secret of the Rings is not a launch title nor will it become such. Square Enix has already said FF:Crystal Chronicles is a 2007 title, so they have been removed from the list. Do not add downloadable 'Virtual Console' titles such as Bonk's Adventure or Super Mario 64 either: they are (technically) not Wii titles.-->

{|class="wikitable"
!Title
!]
!](s)
!]
!]
!]
!]
|-
|'']''
|]
|]
|Unknown
|Unknown
|Yes
|Yes
|-
|'']
|] Studio Australia
|]
|Yes<ref name=THQ>{{cite web|url=http://investor.thq.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=96376&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=916763&highlight=|title=THQ confirms four launch titles for Nintendo's Wii home video game console|publisher=]|date=]|accessdate=2006-10-16}}</ref>
|Unknown
|Yes
|Yes
|-
|'']''
|]
|]
|Yes<ref name=THQ />
|Unknown
|Yes
|Yes
|-
|'']''
|] Romania
|Ubisoft
|Yes
|No
|Yes
|Yes
|-
|'']''
|]
|]
|Yes
|No
|Yes
|Yes
|-
|'']''
|]
|]
|Yes<ref name=THQ />
|Unknown
|Yes
|Yes
|-
|'']''
|]
|Konami
|Yes
|Yes
|No
|Unknown
|-
|'']''
|]
|Namco Bandai
|No
|Yes<ref name="Ennichi no Tatsujin Update">{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/740/740703p1.html|title=Ennichi no Tatsujin Update|publisher=]|date=]|accessdate=2006-10-20}}</ref>
|No
|No
|-
|'']''
|]
|Nintendo
|Yes
|No
|Unknown
|Unknown
|-
|'']''
|]
|Ubisoft
|Yes
|No
|Yes
|Yes
|-
|'']''
|]
|Midway Games
|Unknown
|Unknown
|No
|Yes
|-
|'']''
|]
|Ubisoft
|Yes
|Unknown
|Yes
|Yes
|-
|'']''
|]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/wii/30477/info.shtml | publisher=IDG | work=GamePro | title=Happy Feet: Wii | accessdate=2006-10-20}}</ref>
|]
|Unknown
|Unknown
|Yes
|Yes
|-
|'']''
|]
|Hudson Soft
|No
|Yes
|Unknown
|Unknown
|-
|'']''
|]
|Nintendo
|Yes
|Yes
|Yes
|Yes
|-
|'']''
|]
|Sucess
|No
|Yes
|No
|Unknown
|-
|'']''
|]
|]
|Yes
|No
|Yes
|Yes
|-
|'']''
|]
|Activision
|Yes
|No
|Yes
|Yes
|-
|'']''
|]
|]
|Yes
|Unknown
|No
|Yes
|-
|'']''
|]
|Ubisoft
|Yes
|Yes
|No
|Yes
|-
|'']''
|]
|Spike
|No
|Yes
|No
|Unknown
|-
|'']''
|]
|]
|Yes
|No
|Yes
|Yes
|-
|'']''
|]
|Ubisoft
|Yes
|No
|Yes
|Yes
|-
|'']''
|]
|]
|Unknown
|Unknown
|Yes
|Yes
|-
|'']''
|]
|Activision
|Yes
|Unknown
|No
|Unknown
|-
|'']''
|] Montpellier
|Ubisoft
|Yes
|Yes
|Yes
|Yes
|-
|'']''
|]
|Ubisoft
|Yes
|Yes
|Yes
|Yes
|-
|'']''
|]
|]
|Yes<ref name=THQ />
|Unknown
|Yes
|Yes
|-
|'']''
|]
|Sega
|Yes
|Yes
|Yes
|Yes
|-
|'']''
|]
|Tecmo
|No
|Yes
|No
|No
|-
|'']''
|]
|Namco Bandai
|No
|Yes
|No
|No
|-
|'']''
|]
|]
|Yes
|No
|Yes
|Yes
|-
|'']''
|]
|Activision
|Yes
|No
|Yes
|Yes
|-
|'']''
|]
|Atlus
|Yes
|Yes
|Yes
|Unknown
|-
|'']''
|]
|Nintendo
|No
|Yes
|No
|Unknown
|-
|'']''
|]
|Nintendo
|Unknown
|Yes
|Yes
|Yes
|-
|'']''
|]
|Nintendo
|Bundled
|Yes
|Bundled
|Bundled
|-
|'']''
|]
|Hudson Soft
|No
|Yes
|No
|Unknown
|-
|'']''
|]
|Activision
|Yes
|No
|No
|Unknown
|-
|}

==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.-->
{{Wikinews|Nintendo Revolution name revealed}}
The console was known by the codename of "Revolution" until immediately prior to ] 2006. Nintendo spells "Wii" with two "i"s to imply an image of players gathering together, as well as to represent the console's controllers. Nintendo has given many reasons for its choice of name since its 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>}}

According to the Nintendo Style Guide: A Guide to the Proper Usage of Some of Nintendo's Products:
{{cquote|It is simply Wii, not Nintendo Wii. It is pronounced "we", indicating its all-inclusive nature. The name works best at the beginning of declarative statements. For clarity, it is best to avoid passive verbs and prepositions.<ref name="introducing_wii" />}}

Despite Nintendo's justification for the name, many members of the press, online communities, and even game developers<ref name="Gamasutra dev interview">{{cite news|url = http://gamasutra.com/features/20060501/sheffield_01.shtml | title= Wii Reactions: Developers Comment}}</ref> initially reacted negatively to the name change. Some have expressed "fear that the name would convey a continued sense of 'kidiness' 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'}}</ref> "wish Nintendo had stuck with 'Revolution',"<ref name="CNN Criticism">{{cite news|url = http://money.cnn.com/2006/04/27/commentary/game_over/nintendo/index.htm | title= Nintendo drops Revolution, renames next gen console Wii}}</ref> or even made fun of the name for its phonetic similarities to words in English and French.<ref name="Gamasutra dev interview"/> Still, Nintendo defends its choice of Wii over Revolution, and suggests to that those who dislike the name to "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 | title= Nintendo Talks to IGN about Wii}}</ref>

==Hardware==
]
===Design===
Wii is Nintendo's smallest home game console yet; measuring 44 mm wide, 157 mm tall, and 215.4 mm deep in the vertical orientation without the included stand (which itself measures 55.4 mm wide, 44 mm tall, and 225.6 mm deep). It is approximately the size of three standard ] cases stacked together (approx. 4.5 cm x 15 cm x 20 cm). The console can be stood either horizontally or vertically.<ref name="hard_inf"/>

The front of the console features a slot-loading media drive illuminated by a blue light and accepts both 12cm optical discs for Wii software and ] from Nintendo's prior console, the Nintendo GameCube. When a disc is inserted, the light illuminating the disc port turns off. When there is no disc the light turns on, allowing the player to load discs in the dark. The ability to load differently sized discs is uncommon in slot-loading media drives, which typically only accept discs of a single size. Two ] ports (at the rear) and one ] slot (behind a flap cover at the front of the console) are provided.

Nintendo has shown Wii and the Wii Remote in various colors, including silver, lime green, white, black, 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> The console will initially be available only in white.

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

===Controller===
]
{{main|Wii Remote}}
The primary controller for Wii uses a one-handed, ],<ref name="hard_inf"/> ]-based design with force-feedback capabilities. It features an integrated ], which allows it to sense linear motion along three axes, as well as tilt. The controller also contains a tracking image sensor, which, in tandem with a sensor bar, gives the controller ]-like pointer capabilities within 5 meters (approx. 16.5 ft) of the screen.<ref name="hard_inf"/><ref name="IGN secrets">{{cite web|last=Casamassina|first=Matt|authorlink=Matt Casamassina|coauthors=|date=]|year=|month=|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/718/718946p1.html|title=Wii Controllers: Unlocking the Secrets|format=|work=IGN Wii|pages=|publisher=IGN|language=English|accessdate=2006-07-14|accessyear=|curly=}}</ref> Up to four controllers can be connected at once and operated as far as ten meters from the console.<ref name="hard_inf" /> It can be utilized like an ] ] when rotated. An internal audio speaker can be used to play sound effects and provides an enhanced depth of sound field. The Wii Remote features 4] of non-volatile memory. It can run up to 60 hours using only the accelerometer function with two alkaline ] and up to 30 hours when using the precision aim.<ref name="IGN secrets" /> The buttons on the controller are digital and include a ], A, B, 1, 2, -, +, Home and Power buttons as well as a SYNC button located underneath the battery cover.<ref name="IGN secrets" />

]
The Wii Remote can be augmented by various add-ons. Announced expansions include: the included Nunchuk controller (which also has accelerometer capabilities, but no pointer ability) featuring an analog stick and two additional digital buttons (C and Z), a Classic Controller for playing ] games and a "] Style" shell for ] gameplay which also includes a control stick on the top. The first third-party add-on is a steering wheel peripheral that will be packaged with Ubisoft's '']'' and '']''.<ref name="hard_inf"/>

] has expressed an interest in releasing re-makes of existing GameCube titles, stating that some titles would benefit from the functionality of the Wii Remote.<ref name="Wiimakes IGN">{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/726/726749p1.html |title=Miyamoto: Wii could Remake 'Cube Games |accessdate=2006-08-21 |accessmonthday= |accessyear= |author= |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |year= |month= |format= |work=IGN Wii |publisher= |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate=}}</ref>
In an interview, 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.
Wii's controller will even allow your dynamic "Mii" ] to be saved to the remote, so that custom settings and even the character itself can be used on other Wii consoles <ref name="personalization">{{cite web|last=Crecente|first=Brian|date=]|url=http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/shigeru-miyamoto/e306-video-shigeru-miyamoto-interview-174909.php|title=Shigeru Miyamoto Interview|publisher=Kotaku.com}}</ref>

===Sensor bar===
]
The sensor bar can be placed anywhere near the display screen and parallel to the screen's horizontal edge.{{cn}} It is not necessary to point directly at the sensor bar, but pointing away from the screen itself will disrupt position-sensing ability.{{cn}} The use of the sensor bar allows the Wii Remote to be used as an accurate pointing device up to 5 meters <!-- Note: 10 meters from the console, 5 meters from the sensor bar. This is not a contradiction. --> (approx. 15ft) away from the bar.<ref name="hard_inf">{{cite web|url=http://wii.nintendo.com/hardware.html|title=Nintendo Wii - Hardware Information|publisher=Nintendo of America|accessdate=2006-05-09}}</ref> The sensor bar is about 20cm in length<ref name="IGN secrets" /> and features eight ] ]s, with four LEDs being arranged at each end of the bar.<ref>http://www.revogamers.net/Imag/Wiimadrid/barrita_Personalizado.jpg</ref> The Wii Remote contains a one-megapixel<ref name="IGN secrets" /> image sensor<ref>http://planetgamecube.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=11557</ref> which is used to locate the sensor bar's eight points of light in the Wii Remote's field of view.{{cn}} The known real-world dimensions of the spacing between the LEDs on the bar allows the Wii Remote to calculate its position and orientation in space relative to the bar.{{cn}} This information is in addition to, and supplemented by, the 3-axis acceleration and tilt sensors in the Wii Remote.{{cn}}

===Technical specifications===
Nintendo itself has released very few technical specifics regarding the Wii console. The known details include:<ref name="hard_inf" /><ref name=ign_wii_faq>{{cite web| url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/733/733464p1.html| title=IGN's Nintendo Wii FAQ|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2006-09-22}}</ref>
<!-- When editing the notes below, please use standard note taking rules and not use any periods or exclamation at the end of each line. -->

'''Processors:'''
*]: PowerPC based processor codenamed ] made with a ] ] CMOS process.

*]: ] "Hollywood" GPU 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の概要 (Wii本体)| publisher=Nintendo |accessdate=2006-05-22}}</ref>

'''Memory:'''
*].<ref name="PR MoSys">{{cite press release|publisher=MoSys, Inc.|date=]|title=MoSys' 1T-SRAM(R) Embedded Memory Technology Enables Nintendo's Next Leap in Video Games; High Performance, High Density 1T-SRAM Powers Upcoming Wii Home Game Console|url=http://ir.mosysinc.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=123322&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=873477|accessdate=2006-06-19}}</ref>
'''Ports and peripheral capabilities:'''
*Up to four Wii Remote controllers (connected wirelessly via Bluetooth).
*One SD memory card slot.
*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 to ] LAN adaptor.
'''Storage:'''
*512 MB built-in ].
*Expansion available via SD card memory.
*Slot-loading disc drive compatible with:
**8 cm GameCube optical disc.
**12 cm Wii optical disc.
*] by ].<ref name="Macronix">{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/719/719299p1.html |title=Macronix Supplies Wii |accessdate=2006-07-18 |accessmonthday= |accessyear= |author=Matt Casamassina |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |authorlink=Matt Casamassina |coauthors= |date=] |year= |month= |format= |work= |publisher=] |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate=}}</ref>
'''Built-in content ratings systems:'''
*],{{citation needed}} ], ]
'''Video:'''
*Up to ] (NTSC) or ] (]/]), will work with any TV or projector
*] (including ]), ], or ] output.*
*] ] support.
<small>'''Note:''' Component cables must be purchased seperately. GameCube component cables are not compatible with the console.</small>

'''Audio:'''
*Main: Stereo - ]-capable.<ref name="Dolby Pro Logic 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.

===Retail Packaging===
In the North American continent, unconfirmed photos of a console retail box have indicated the console's box to contain the following: {{verification needed}}

*Wii video game console
*Wii console Stand
*Wii Remote
*Nunchuk attachment
*Sensor Bar
*AC Adapter (with an external block similar to GameCube, ] and Xbox 360)
*] (]; other type of cables will be available separately, they will only be available online)
*Wii Startup Disc
*''Wii Sports''

==Features==
===Wii Channels===
{{main|Wii Channels}}
The operating system interface for Wii is designed around the concept of television channels, with a Wii Menu used to access them. Separate channels are graphically displayed in a grid, and are navigated using the pointer capability of the Wii Remote. The grid is completely customizable apart from the disc channel which will always be in the top left slot and users can place links to different channels or virtual console games in the menu's 48 slots.<ref name="IGN Wii Channels">{{cite news|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/732/732745p1.html|title=Wii Channel Breakdown: Details on Wii user interface | publisher=IGN | accessdate=2006-09-16}}</ref> Some of the major channels include:

'''Disc Channel'''

With a Wii or Nintendo Gamecube game disc, the Disc Channel will boot up the game. This channel shows an image (usually the game's logo).

'''Internet Channel'''
{{mainarticle|Wii Browser}}
Similar to its use as the ], the ] ] will be available for download, according to , and it will be purchased using ]. It will be available as a free download until June 2007 in all regions.

'''Mii Channel'''
]
A June 2006 interview between ] and ] (producer of '']'' and ''Wii Sports'') confirmed that the custom player avatar feature shown at Nintendo's E3 Media Briefing would be included in the hardware. The feature was described as part of a "Profile" system that contains the caricature and other persistent player information.<ref name="caricature">{{cite news|url=http://blog.wired.com/games/index.blog?entry_id=1493873|title=Confirmed: Wii Hardware Stores Player Caricatures, Profiles|publisher=]|accessdate=2006-06-03|first=Chris|last=Kohler}}</ref> This application was officially unveiled by Nintendo in September 2006. It is incorporated into Wii Channel's operating system interface as the "Mii Channel".. Users can select from pre-made caricatures or create their own by choosing custom body part shapes, colors, and positioning.<ref name="miichannel">{{cite news|url=http://wii.com/en_US/movies/miichannel/|title=Mii Channel Demo Movie|date=2006-09-14}}</ref> For games such as ''Wii Sports'', each player's caricature will be shown as their in-game character appearance. Mii's can also interact with other Wii users by showing up on their Wii through Wiiconnect24 or by talking with other Miis created by Wii owners all over the world. This feature is called Mii Parade. In addition, Miis you created long ago might show up in the audience of one of your games.<ref name="IGN Wii Channels">{{cite news|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/732/732745p1.html|title=Wii Channel Breakdown}}</ref> When you are done creating your Mii creations they can be downloaded to Wii's Controller, and be taken to another Wii.

'''Virtual Console Channel'''
{{mainarticle|Virtual Console (Wii)}}
]
When a Virtual Console game is bought through the Wii Shop Channel it will be placed in the Virtual Console channel. However, the user can give the game its own channel in the main menu if they wish to do so.
The Virtual Console is an online service, similar to Microsoft's ], that allows users to download games not only for the ], ], and ], but also Sega's ], NEC's ], and the ] ].<ref>{{cite web|title=バーチャルコンソール - Wii|url=http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/features/virtual_console.html|accessdate=17-10-2006}}</ref> NES games will cost 500 Wii Points / ]500 (US$5), ] games 800 Wii Points / ]800 (US$8), and ] games 1,000 Wii Points / ]1,000 (US$10).
(approx. ]4 to €8 including VAT, c.2006).<ref name="famitsublogvc">{{ja icon}}{{cite web|last=|first=|authorlink=|coauthors=|date=]|year=|month=|url=http://www.famitsu.com/blog/express/2006/09/post_26.html|title=バーチャルコンソールの価格帯が発表|publisher=Famitsu|accessdate=2006-09-14|}}</ref> In the November 2006 issue of '']'', editors commented that adding additional systems like the ] would be possible.

In a financial report issued by the publisher Tecmo, it was stated that the company promised to support the Virtual Console "aggressively", however, no further specifics were mentioned.<ref name="VC prepaid Spain">{{cite web|last=|first=|authorlink=|coauthors=|date=]|year=|month=|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/729/729152p1.html|title=Nintendo Currency?|format=|work=IGN Wii|pages=|publisher=IGN|language=|accessdate=2006-06-30|accessyear=|curly=}}</ref> Approximately 30 games will be released through the Virtual Console between the console's launch and the end of the calendar year, with 10 additional games being released every month after that for at least the next year. So in company with the Wii games on discs, the Wii console will have over 60 games by the end of this calendar year.

Nintendo has stated the service "...will be home to new games conceived by indie developers whose creativity is larger than their budgets."<ref name="hard_inf"/>

===Backward compatibility===
<!--- Wii Download Games Should Not Be Mixed With Launch Titles --->
Nintendo has stated that Wii will be ] with all GameCube software and most peripherals. This backwards compatibility is achieved with the help of the slot-loading drive being able to accept GameCube discs, and a set of four GameCube controller ports and two Memory Card slots, concealed by flip-open panels.<ref name="hard_inf" /> Nintendo has stated that the Wii console will not be compatible with the GameCube ], ], ], AV cable, or AC adaptor.{{fact}}

===Nintendo DS connectivity===
Wii will support wireless connectivity with the Nintendo DS. 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.<ref name="personalization"/> At Nintendo's corporate policy meeting in June 2006, Satoru Iwata explained that the DS uses its wireless connectivity to communicate with Wii and that no further accessories will be needed.

The connectivity will allow the player to use functions like the Nintendo DS's 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 '']'' will be able to play battles using their Diamond or Pearl Pokémon on Wii with the Nintendo DS as a controller.<ref name="connectivity returns">{{cite web|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|authorlink=|coauthors=|date=]|year=|month=|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/711/711657p1.html|title=Connectivity Returns|format=|work=|pages=|publisher=IGN|language=|accessdate=2006-06-07|accessyear=|curly=}}</ref>

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, similar to a ].<ref name="personalization"/> Wii will also be able to update and expand Nintendo DS games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendospin.com/news/general/1603/news-from-nintendos-management-meeting.html|title=News From Nintendo's Management Meeting|publisher=NintendoSpin.com|date=]|accessdate=2006-08-07}}</ref>

===Parental controls===
Wii will feature ], 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.

It is confirmed that the European units will use the ] rating system,<ref name="par_pegi">{{cite news|url=http://planetgamecube.com/news.cfm?action=item&id=6665 | title=Revolution To Feature Parental Controls|publisher=Planet GameCube|date=2005-11-16}}</ref> whereas North American units will 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> 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 ] in ], the ] in ], the ] in the ] (although most video games in the United Kingdom do carry a PEGI rating), or the ] in ].

===Online connectivity===

{{main|Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection|WiiConnect24}}
Wii will be able to connect to the Internet through its built-in ] Wi-Fi and through a USB-to-Ethernet adaptor, with both methods allowing players to access the established Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service.<ref name="hard_inf" /> Nintendo has stated that Wii will implement standard Wi-Fi protocols. Just as for the Nintendo DS, Nintendo originally stated that they will 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 |accessmonthday= |accessyear= |author= |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=] |year= |month= |format= |work=USATODAY.com |publisher=] |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate=}}</ref><ref name="Nintendo Wii Wi-Fi page">{{cite web|author=sjohnson|authorlink=|coauthors=|date=]|year=|month=|url=http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/TheFeed/post/618959/Secret_Wii_Details_Revealed.html|title=Secret Wii Details Revealed|format=|work=The Feed|pages=|publisher=G4 Media, Inc.|language=|accessdate=2006-07-20|accessyear=|curly=}}</ref> and the Friend Code system will control how players connect to one another.<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 |accessdate= |accessmonthday= |accessyear= |author= |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=] |year= |month= |format= |work=IGN.com |publisher=|pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate=}}</ref><ref name="Nintendo Wii Wi-Fi page" /> This system will also be implemented for console-based software such as the Wii Message Board, for which a feature is being considered for alerting registered friends for the Wii Message Board about new games that have been purchased.

The service will have several features for Wii, such as the Virtual Console, ] and the ]. Wii also can communicate and connect with other Wii systems by wireless LAN, enabling local wireless multiplayer on different television sets. '']'' first demonstrated this feature, for non-split screen multiplayer between two or more televisions. Nintendo has announced two Wi-Fi enabled games at ] 2006 in Leipzig: '']'', and ''Battalion Wars 2''.
Although Wii features an online mode, Nintendo hasn't provided the programming tools for 3rd party developers yet, meaning that only first party Wii games will be online, at least in 2006.

Nintendo has also stated that it will release an Ethernet Kit for Wii, which allows users to connect the console to a standard internet router without wireless support.<ref>http://computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=147074</ref>

At E3 2006, Nintendo announced WiiConnect24, a feature that will allow Wii to remain connected to the Internet in standby mode. The console only uses the amount of electricity equivalent to that of a miniature lightbulb. Some possible uses of WiiConnect24 that were mentioned include allowing friends to visit a player's village in ''Animal Crossing'' and downloading updates for games without having to be actively using the system. It has also been said that it would be possible to download Nintendo DS promotional demos using WiiConnect24 and later transfer them to one's Nintendo DS,<ref name="Iwata Tech-On 3">{{cite web|author=Naoki Asami|authorlink=|coauthors=ITpro Publisher; Hiroki Yomogita, Silicon Valley|date=]|year=|month=|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|language=|accessdate=2006-06-09|accessyear=|curly=}}</ref> similar to a DS Download Station.

==Software library==
{{Main|List of Wii games}}
Games representing all of Nintendo's flagship franchises, such as the ] and the ], have been announced for Wii. Likewise, there are many announced titles that are original for Wii, as well as many expected third party games. ] has upped their number of titles in development for Wii to 9 (8 of which are to be launch games and only 3 of which were previously known about),<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> while ] has announced they have 6 titles in development,<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> and ], the world's biggest software manufacturer, has recently increased their development efforts for Wii, declaring they are going to support the console '100%'.<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>

==See also==
{{Commonscat|Wii}}
*]
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==References==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
<references/>
</div>

==External links==
<!-- ================================================================= -->
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{{portal|Nintendo|Wikitendo2.svg}}
{{Dedicated video game consoles}}
'''Official'''
* Official Nintendo Wii Site
* Official Nintendo Wii Site
* - Nintendo President, Satoru Iwata, media briefing speech at E3 2006
* - Nintendo E3 2006 coverage
*{{ja icon}}

'''Unofficial coverage'''
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*
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*

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{{Wii}}
{{Wii series}}
{{Nintendo Wi-Fi}}
{{Nintendo hardware|Wii}}

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Revision as of 20:33, 22 October 2006

OMG WII IS A GAY NAME