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| E3 2006 version of console and controller | |
| Manufacturer | Nintendo |
|---|---|
| Type | Video game console |
| Generation | Seventh generation era |
| Lifespan | Q4 2006 |
| Media | Wii 12 cm Optical disc GameCube 8cm disc DVD-Video (Optional) Secure Digital card (SD Flash Media) |
| CPU | IBM PowerPC-based "Broadway" (codename) |
| Online services | Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection WiiConnect24 |
| Predecessor | Nintendo GameCube |
Wii (pronounced "we", IPA: /wiː/) is Nintendo's 7th generation video game console, Nintendo's fifth home console and the successor to the Nintendo GameCube. Until its official name was announced on April 27, 2006, it was known by the codename Nintendo Revolution.
The system is unique in that the console's controller, or "Wii Remote" (sometimes called a "Wii-mote" for short), can detect its position and orientation in three-dimensional space. The controller also contains a speaker and a rumbling device for additional feedback. The console is confirmed to have a stand-by mode entitled WiiConnect24, in which it is connected to the Internet and can receive messages and updates while not consuming much power.
The system was unveiled at Nintendo's 2005 E3 press conference and a prototype of the system's game controller was revealed at the 2005 Tokyo Game Show by Nintendo President Satoru Iwata during his keynote speech in September. The console is scheduled for release in the fourth quarter of 2006. Internationally, Nintendo is considering attempting a launch with no more than 4 months of difference between the first and last launching regions.
Hardware
Design
Wii is the smallest stationary console Nintendo has ever manufactured, described by Nintendo as being "about the thickness of three standard DVD cases and only slightly longer". The console will have the ability to stand either horizontally or vertically. The front of the console features a self-loading media drive which is illuminated by a blue light and will accept 12 cm Wii game discs, 8 cm GameCube game discs and, with an additional purchase, DVDs. Being able to load different sized discs is uncommon in slot-loading media drives, which typically only accept discs of a single size.
When the console was unveiled at E3 2005 the console was colored black. However at the Tokyo Game Show 2005 and E3 2006 a white console was shown. Nintendo has shown hardware in various colours (platinum, lime green, white, black, blue and red). The most recent press releases state the colors of the console as "TBA."
Controller
Main article: Wii RemoteThe primary controller for Wii uses a one-handed remote control-based design, which, when turned on its side, can be used like an NES gamepad. The controller communicates wirelessly with the console via Bluetooth, with which it is possible to operate up to 4 controllers as far as 10 meters from the console. Using internal sensors and an external sensor bar placed near the display screen, the movement, position, acceleration and orientation of the Wii Remote can be sensed in 3D. The controller also contains an internal speaker for audio and a rumble motor for force feedback functionality.
The Wii Remote features an expansion port, with which it is possible to augment the controller with various shells and add-ons. Nintendo has announced several such expansions, including a "Nunchuk" controller which features 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.
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.
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 4 ports for GameCube controllers and 2 GameCube memory card slots. Two USB ports (at the rear) and one SD card slot (likely 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. There will be on the final version a port for the Wii remote's sensor bar.
Technical specifications
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:
- Memory:
- Ports and Peripherals:
- Two USB 2.0 ports
- Support for up to 4 wireless Wii remote controllers
- 4 Nintendo GameCube controller ports
- 2 Nintendo GameCube memory card ports (for backward compatibility)
- SD Memory Card Port (in small flap on front of console)
- Optional USB 2.0 Ethernet LAN adaptor
- Wii Sensor Bar port
- Media:
- Slot-loading disc drive compatible with:
- 12 cm Wii optical disc (single or dual layer)
- 8 cm GameCube optical disc
- DVD Video (additional dongle required)
- 1 SD memory card slot
- Slot-loading disc drive compatible with:
- Built-in content ratings system:
- Networking
- Video:
- up to 480p and will work with a computer monitor as well as any TV or projector
- Component (Including Progressive Scan Mode), composite or S-video output
- Audio:
- Main audio output unknown
- Single additional speaker located on each Wii Remote
Features
Backward compatibility
Nintendo has stated that Wii will be backward compatible with all GameCube software and most peripherals. The top of the console (or on the side if laid horizontally) is the GameCube docking station, featuring four GameCube controller ports and two memory card slots compatible with GameCube Memory Cards and the Nintendo GameCube Microphone. One notable component that seems incompatible is the Game Boy Player, which attaches to the bottom of the GameCube, and allows every type of Game Boy game except Game Boy Video cartridges to be played on the user's television. A way to play Game Boy games through the Wii console has yet to be mentioned by Nintendo.
Virtual Console
Main article: Virtual Console (Wii)One of the most anticipated features of Wii is its game download service, dubbed the "Virtual Console." According to Nintendo, this service will provide users with the ability to download and play games from the NES, Super NES, and Nintendo 64, as well as Mega Drive/Genesis and TurboGrafx 16 via the Virtual Console download service. While the entire catalogue of games for these machines will not be offered, a "best of" selection will be available at a price.
The Virtual Console service will not be used exclusively for retro games, however. Nintendo has stated that "it also will be home to new games conceived by indie developers whose creativity is larger than their budgets."
WiiConnect24
Main article: WiiConnect24At E3 2006 Nintendo announced its Wii specific internet service entitled WiiConnect24, the service allows the user to remain connected to the internet even in standby mode. Additionally, Nintendo has partnered with Opera Software to provide the Opera web browser for the system.
Parental controls
Wii will feature parental controls, prohibiting young viewers from viewing inappropriate content. This allows parents to set the age level of the system, and 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 age level setting, the game will not load unless the user correctly enters a password to override the setting. 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.
It is confirmed that the European units will use the PEGI rating system, North American units will use the ESRB rating system, units for the Japanese market will presumably use the CERO rating system, German units will use the USK system, and Australian units will use the OFLC system.
Enhanced-definition support
Wii will fully support 480p, otherwise known as enhanced-definition (EDTV) (the same resolution as a standard DVD.) Despite the other seventh generation consoles, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360, supporting high-definition (720p and up), Nintendo of America's Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Perrin Kaplan, announced there would be no HD support for their upcoming system. Kaplan stated beautiful graphics and innovative game play could be achieved without HD and that abstaining from the technology would help keep the cost of games down. However, the support of 480p will still mean an improvement in graphics quality when properly viewed on an HDTV set (or any enhanced-definition-capable set), when compared to viewing on standard-definition (480i) television sets.
Expected software library
Main article: List of Wii gamesConfirmed launch titles
The list of confirmed titles includes:
Key first-party titles
The Nintendo Wii software library will contain such staple Nintendo series as Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. Some of the more anticipated first-party titles include:
Key second-party titles
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