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Nintendo Wii

The Wii (pronounced as the pronoun "we," ) is a video game console released by Nintendo. The console was previously known by its project code name of Revolution, and is the successor to the Nintendo GameCube. Although Nintendo states that its console targets a broader demographic than that of Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3, as part of the seventh generation of gaming consoles it competes with the other two on some levels.

A distinguishing feature of the console is its wireless controller, the Wii Remote, which can be used as a handheld pointing device and can detect motion and rotation in three dimensions. Notable among the console's internal features is WiiConnect24, which enables it to receive messages and updates over the Internet while consuming very little electrical power.

Nintendo first mentioned the console in the 2004 E3 press conference and later unveiled the system at the 2005 E3. Satoru Iwata revealed a prototype of the controller at the September 2005 Tokyo Game Show. In the 2006 E3, it won the first of several awards. By December 8, 2006, the console completed its launch in three key markets.

Launch

Main article: Wii release

On September 14, 2006 and September 15, 2006, Nintendo announced release information for Japan, North and South America, Australasia (Oceania), Asia, and Europe, including dates, prices, and distribution.

At a June 7, 2006 policy briefing, Nintendo revealed plans to release 6 million console units and 17 million software units during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2007. This includes the 4 million or more console units they expect to ship by the end of the 2006 calendar year. On September 14, 2006, it was announced that the majority of the 2006 shipments would be allotted to the Americas.

Despite the price point of US$60 quoted for many seventh generation games, Wii games cost at most US$50 at major retail stores.

Release date and suggested retail price by region*

Region Price on release Release

date Accessories

Release Price Approx. USD Equivalent Wii Remote Nunchuk Classic Controller

United States US$249.99 $249.99 November 19, 2006 US$39.99 US$19.99 US$19.99

Canada CAD$279.95 $245 C$44.99 C$24.99 C$24.99

Mexico MXN$4,499 $410 ($355†) - - -

Guatemala QtzQ3,499 $450 ($375†) - - -

Japan JP¥25,000 $215* ($205†) December 2, 2006 ¥3,800 ¥1,800 ¥1,800

Australia AUD$399.95 $315 ($285†) December 7, 2006 AU$69.95 AU$29.95 AU$29.95

New Zealand NZD$499.90 $340 ($305†) NZ$99.95 NZ$49.95 NZ$49.95

Europe €249‡ $330 ($275†) December 8, 2006 €39.99 €19.99 €19.99

Ireland €259‡ $340 ($285†) €44 €25 €25

United Kingdom GB£179 $350 ($300†) £29.99 £14.99 £14.99

* Wii Sports comes packaged with the console in all regions excluding Japan.

† USD equivalent with local VAT, GST or sales tax 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

Titles

Main article: Wii launch titles

On November 14, 2006, it was confirmed that 21 titles would be available on launch day in North America and South America, with another 12 games being released in the 2006 launch window for a total of 33. 14 Wii Sports is included with the console bundle in all regions excluding Japan.

List of launch titles released in at least three regions Game Title Region(s Game Title Region(s)

Avatar: The Last Airbender NA SA AU Call of Duty 3 NA SA EU AU

Cars NA SA EU AU GT Pro Series NA SA EU

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess NA SA JP EU AU Madden NFL 07 NA SA EU

Marvel: Ultimate Alliance NA SA EU Monster 4x4 World Circuit NA SA JP EU AU

Need for Speed: Carbon NA SA EU Rayman Raving Rabbids NA SA JP EU AU

Red Steel NA SA JP EU AU SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab NA SA EU

Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam NA SA EU Trauma Center: Second Opinion NA SA JP

Wii Play JP EU AU Wii Sports NA SA JP EU AU

Name

Nintendo Revolution name revealedThe console was known by the codename of "Revolution" until April 27, 2006, immediately prior to E3. 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 Japan without the company name featured prominently in its trademark. While "Wiis" is a commonly used pluralization of the console, Nintendo has stated that the official plural form is "Wii Systems" or "Wii Consoles." 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. The company has given many reasons for this choice of name since the announcement; however, the most well known is:

“ 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. ”

Despite Nintendo's justification for the name, game developers and members of the press initially reacted negatively towards the change. They preferred "Revolution" over "Wii" and expressed fear "that the name would convey a continued sense of 'kidiness' to the console." Reggie Fils-Aime acknowledged the initial reaction and further explained the change:

“ 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. ”

Nintendo defends its choice of "Wii" over "Revolution" and suggests to that those who dislike the name: "live with it, sleep with it, eat with it, move along with it."

Market expansion

Nintendo hopes to target a wider demographic with its console than that of others in the seventh generation. It attempts to not only appeal to the general video gaming public, but also to those that have previously considered video game systems too complicated or uninteresting. citation needed At a press conference for Dragon Quest IX, Satoru Iwata iterated "We're not thinking about fighting Sony, 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." 25

This is reflected in Nintendo's series of television advertisements in North America, directed by Academy Award-winner Stephen Gaghan, 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 November 15, 2006 and had a total budget of over US$200 million throughout the year. The productions are Nintendo's first broad-based advertising strategy and include a two-minute video clip showing grandparents and parents enjoying the Wii system with their children. 80% of the advertisements target adults in an attempt to expand the market beyond Nintendo's traditional audience. citation needed The music in the ads is from the song "Kodo (Inside the Sun Remix)" by the Yoshida Brothers.

Hardware

Wii retail display boxesThe Wii console is Nintendo's smallest home unit yet; measuring 1.73 in. (44 mm) wide, 6.18 in. (157 mm) tall, and 8.48 in. (215.4 mm) deep in the vertical orientation without the included stand (which itself measures 2.18 in. (55.4 mm) wide, 1.73 in. (44 mm) tall, and 8.88 in. (225.6 mm) deep). It is approximately the size of three standard DVD cases stacked together (approx. 1.75 in. x 6 in. x 8 in.) (4.5 cm x 15 cm x 20 cm). It weighs 2.7 lbs (1.2 kg ), 27 which makes it the lightest of the three current-gen 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 project code name of "Revolution". citation needed

The front of the console features an illuminated slot-loading optical media drive that accepts both 12cm Wii game discs and 8cm Nintendo GameCube discs. The blue light in the disc slot illuminates briefly when the console is turned on, pulsates when new data such as messages have been received from WiiConnect24, and remains on if the WiiConnect24 "Slot Illumination" setting is set to "Bright" or "Dim". When there is no WiiConnect24 information, the light is off. The disc slot light does not stay illuminated during game play or when using other features. Two USB ports are located at its rear, and an SD card slot hides behind the cover on the front of the console. The SD card can be used for editing photos and it can be used to backup saved game data and downloaded Virtual Console games. Virtual Console data cannot be restored to any system except the unit of origin, a presently impenetrable system of digital rights management for the VC games. To utilize the SD slot, a software update must be downloaded, so game saves cannot be transferred to or from a system which has not been connected to the Internet.

Nintendo has shown the console and the Wii Remote in various colors, including white, black, silver, lime green, and red, but initially it is only available in white. At E3 2006, the Wii Remote was shown in light blue. Numerous minor changes were made to the design between its original unveiling and launch, mostly in the Nintendo branding used and button placements.

The launch Wii package includes the console, a stand to allow the console to be placed vertically, a circular clear stabilizer for the main stand, one Wii Remote, one Nunchuk attachment, one Sensor Bar, a removable stand for the sensor bar, one external main power adapter, two AA batteries, AV cables (component video and other types of cables are available separately), and (in all regions excluding Japan) a copy of Wii Sports.

A Nintendo spokesperson has confirmed that Nintendo plans to release a version of the console with DVD-Video playback capabilities in Japan, but that release in other territories is not currently planned. This corroborates an earlier press release by digital media company Sonic Solutions, stating that Nintendo had chosen their CinePlayer CE DVD Navigator software engine to provide this functionality. Even though software will be used to enable DVD-Video functionality, it apparently "requires more than a firmware upgrade" and cannot therefore be implemented through the WiiConnect24 network.

Wii Remote

From left to right: Nintendo DS Lite, Nunchuk, Wii Remote, and strapMain article: Wii Remote

The Wii Remote is a one-handed controller that uses a combination of accelerometers and infrared detection (from an array of LEDs inside the Sensor Bar) to sense its position in 3D 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 Bluetooth, and features force feedback, 4KB non-volatile memory and an internal speaker. The controller can connect to other devices through a proprietary port at the base of the controller. Perhaps the most important of these devices is the Nunchuk unit, which features an accelerometer and a traditional analog stick with two trigger buttons. In addition, an attachable wrist strap can be used to prevent the player from unintentionally dropping or throwing the device. In response to incidences of strap failures, Nintendo is now offering a stronger replacement of all Wii Remote straps.

Technical specifications

Nintendo itself has released few technical specifics regarding the Wii system, but some key facts have leaked to the press. Known details include:

Processors:

CPU: PowerPC based "Broadway" processor, made with a 90 nm SOI CMOS process, clocked at 729 MHz 34

GPU: ATI "Hollywood" GPU made with a 90 nm CMOS process, clocked at 243 MHz

Memory:

88 MB main memory (24 MB "internal" 1T-SRAM integrated into graphics package, 64 MB "external" GDDR3 SDRAM)

3 MB GPU texture memory

Ports and peripheral capabilities:

Up to four Wii Remote controllers (connected wirelessly via Bluetooth) - five player capability using four Wii Remotes and one GameCube controller

One SD memory card slot

Two USB 2.0 ports

One Sensor Bar port

One accessory port on the bottom of the Wii Remote

Four Nintendo GameCube controller ports

Two Nintendo GameCube memory card ports

Mitsumi DWM-W004 WiFi 802.11b/g wireless module

Compatible with optional USB 2.0 to Ethernet LAN adaptor

Built-in content ratings systems:

BBFC, CERO, ESRB, OFLC, OFLC (NZ), PEGI, USK

Storage:

512 MB built-in flash memory

Expansion available via SD card memory, 2 GB maximum supported capacity

GameCube Memory Cards (for saving GCN games only)

IBM's Wii "Broadway" CPU

ATI's Wii "Hollywood" GPUSlot-loading disc drive compatible with 8 cm GameCube optical disc and 12 cm Wii Optical Disc

Mask ROM by Macronix

Video:

Up to 480p (PAL/NTSC) or 576i (PAL/SECAM), standard 4:3 and 16:9 anamorphic widescreen

Component (including Progressive scan), RGB SCART (PAL only), S-Video (NTSC only), composite output, or D-Terminal

Audio:

Main: Stereo - Dolby Pro Logic II-capable

Controller: Built-in speaker

* None of the frequency statistics have been confirmed by Nintendo, IBM, or ATI.

Legal issues

Interlink Electronics, a California-based company, 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. 41 Anascape Ltd, a Texas-based firm, also filed a lawsuit against Nintendo for patent infringements. Green Welling LLP filed a class action lawsuit against Nintendo for their "defective wrist straps".

Features

Wii Channels

Mii ChannelMain article: Wii Channels

The operating system interface for the console 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. There are eight primary channels: the Disc Channel, Mii Channel, News Channel, Forecast Channel, Photo Channel, Wii Shop Channel, Internet Channel and Virtual Console Channel(s). The Forecast Channel was released on December 19, 2006. A beta version of the Internet Channel was released on December 22, 2006 and is available for download on the Wii Shop Channel. The full version is to be released in March which will be free until June. After June a fee of 500 Wii Points will be required for purchase. The News Channel is announced to be released on January 27, 2007.

Backward compatibility

The top of the Wii unitThe Wii console is backward compatible with all Nintendo GameCube software and most GameCube 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. A GameCube controller is required to play GameCube games, as neither the Wii Remote nor the Classic Controller functions in this capacity. A GameCube memory card is also necessary if you want to save, as the Wii internal flash memory will not save GameCube games. Nintendo has stated that the console is not compatible with the GameCube modem adapter, broadband adapter, Game Boy Player, AV cable, or AC adaptor.

Nintendo DS connectivity

The Wii system supports 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. citation needed At Nintendo's corporate policy meeting in June 2006, Satoru Iwata explained that the DS uses its wireless connectivity to communicate with the console and that no further accessories are needed.

The connectivity allows the player to use functions like the Nintendo DS microphone and touchscreen as inputs for Wii games. The first example Nintendo has given of a game using Nintendo DS-Wii connectivity is that of Pokémon Battle Revolution. Players with either Pokémon Diamond or Pearl are able to play battles using their Diamond or Pearl Pokémon on Wii with the Nintendo DS as a controller.

It has also been confirmed that the Nintendo DS is able to play game demos downloaded from the console which they would receive from Nintendo, similar to a DS Download Station. The console is also able to expand Nintendo DS games.

Parental controls

The console features parental controls (with an update), prohibiting 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. However, the parental controls setting does not affect GameCube games.

European units mainly utilize the PEGI rating system, whereas North American units use the ESRB rating system. The Wii unit supports the native rating systems of many countries, including CERO in Japan, the USK in Germany, both the PEGI and BBFC in the United Kingdom and the OFLC in Australia and New Zealand.

Online connectivity

Main articles: Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, WiiConnect24, Virtual Console (Wii), and Internet Channel

The Wii unit is able to connect to the Internet through its built-in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and through a USB-to-Ethernet adaptor, with both methods allowing players to access the established Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service. 1 Nintendo has stated that the console implements standard Wi-Fi protocols. Wireless encryption by WEP, WPA (TKIP), WPA (AES), and WPA2 (AES) are supported. Just as for the Nintendo DS, Nintendo does not charge fees for playing via the service 7 53 and the Friend Code system controls how players connect to one another. It is reported that only one Wii system code is required. This system also implements 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 has several features for the console such as the Virtual Console, WiiConnect24 and Internet Channel. The console can also communicate and connect with other Wii systems through a self-generated wireless LAN, enabling local wireless multiplayer on different television sets. Battalion Wars 2 first demonstrated this feature, for non-split screen multiplayer between two or more televisions. Nintendo announced two Wi-Fi enabled games at LGC 2006 in Leipzig: Mario Strikers Charged, and Battalion Wars 2. Although the console features an online mode, Nintendo has not provided the programming tools for 3rd party developers yet, meaning that only first party Wii games are online so far.

Firmware

The Wii firmware requires updates from time to time. As reported by IGN, it was discovered that to use the Online Channels, a firmware update was required. Some earlier produced units were reportedly shipped with older firmware, and had some problems. Most units, however, shipped with the latest version. The first firmware update via the WiiConnect24 feature caused a small portion of units to become unusable, forcing users to either send their units to Nintendo for repairs where saved data was retained, or exchange it for a free replacement. The latter option had a faster turn around time but led to a loss of saved data. The latest firmware version for the Wii system is 2.0. A letter 'U', 'J', or 'E' follows the version number, signifying an NTSC US, NTSC Japan, or PAL region console. citation needed

Software library

Main article: List of Wii games

Games representing all of Nintendo's flagship franchises, such as the The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Mario, WarioWare, Animal Crossing, Pokémon, Super Smash Bros., and Fire Emblem series have been announced for the console, with only The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess being released to date in all territories. Wario Ware has seen release in some territories. Likewise, there are many original titles for it as well as many expected third party games. Ubisoft will release eight titles over the launch period, and have stated that they have a further six currently in development while Midway Games have announced six titles and EA has declared their '100%' support for the console. EA has since gone on to purchase long-time partner Headgate Studios, which now develops exclusively for Nintendo's console.

Though Perrin Kaplan had originally stated that the system would be region-free, Nintendo of America and Nintendo of Europe eventually agreed on the console being region-locked.

Reception

At E3 2006, Nintendo's console won the Game Critics Awards for Best of Show and Best Hardware In the December 2006 issue of Popular Science the console was awarded with the Grand Award Winner in Home Entertainment. Spike TV's Video Games Award also granted the console the award in breakthrough technology.

Source of reviews Average score Date modified

Shopping.yahoo.com 278 4.5 / 5.0 12/12/2006

Amazon.com 214 5.0 / 5.0 12/12/2006

Gpstore.co.nz 125 4.5 / 5.0 12/12/2006

Amazon.co.uk 31 5.0 / 5.0 12/12/2006

Compusa.com 19 4.8 / 5.0 12/12/2006

Playasia.com 18 5.0 / 5.0 12/12/2006

DealTime.co.uk 15 4.5 / 5.0 12/12/2006

Gameseek.co.uk 13 4.0 / 5.0 12/12/2006

Ebuyer.com 4 5.0 / 5.0 12/12/2006

Total Average = 4.7 / 5.0 (94% positive reviews)

Links.

The News.