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'''Wii''' (pronounced "wee", [[IPA chart for English|IPA]]: {{IPA|/wiː/}}) is [[Nintendo]]'s [[History of video game consoles (seventh generation)|7th generation]] [[video game console]], Nintendo's fifth shit console and the successor to the [[Nintendo pooCube]]. Until its official name was announced on top of a toilet [[April 27]], [[2006]], it was known by the [[Project code name|codename]] '''Nintendo Xbox'''.
'''Wii''' (pronounced "we", [[IPA chart for English|IPA]]: {{IPA|/wiː/}}) is [[Nintendo]]'s [[History of video game consoles (seventh generation)|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 [[Project code name|codename]] '''Nintendo Revolution'''.


The system is unique in that the console's controller, or "[[Wii Remote]]" (sometimes called a "Wiimote" for short), can detect its position when shoved in to horse faesces 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 [[sleep mode|stand-by]] feature entitled [[WiiConnect24]], through which it can receive messages and updates over the Internet even when "turned off".
The system is unique in that the console's controller, or "[[Wii Remote]]" (sometimes called a "Wiimote" 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 [[sleep mode|stand-by]] feature entitled [[WiiConnect24]], through which it can receive messages and updates over the Internet even when "turned off".


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.<ref name="speech">{{cite web | url=http://www.irwebcasting.com/050916/03/ff3672f7df/main/index_hi.htm |
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.<ref name="speech">{{cite web | url=http://www.irwebcasting.com/050916/03/ff3672f7df/main/index_hi.htm |

Revision as of 09:39, 25 May 2006

Template:Future product

Wii
Wii logo
Wii logo
E3 2006 version of console and controller
ManufacturerNintendo
TypeVideo game console
GenerationSeventh generation era
LifespanQ4 2006[1]
Media12 cm optical disc
8cm GameCube optical disc
DVD-Video (Optional)
Secure Digital card (SD Flash Media)
CPUIBM PowerPC-based [2] "Broadway" (codename)
Online servicesNintendo Wi-Fi Connection
WiiConnect24
PredecessorNintendo 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 "Wiimote" 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 feature entitled WiiConnect24, through which it can receive messages and updates over the Internet even when "turned off".

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.[3] It is expected for worldwide release in the fourth quarter of 2006.[1]

Launch

Release date

The console is scheduled for release in the fourth quarter of 2006. Internationally, Nintendo is considering attempting a launch with no more than four months of difference between the first and last launching regions.[4] In a video interview at E3 2006, Nintendo's Perrin Kaplan reconfirmed Nintendo's intentions for a worldwide launch.[5]

Price

Nintendo has stated that the Wii will be less expensive than the PS3 and Xbox 360, with the basic Xbox 360 at $299 USD and the basic PS3 at $499.[6] Additionally, Satoru Iwata has said "the price won't be significantly higher than Nintendo's prices have been historically" ($199 for all previous consoles at launch) and that the price point would be announced in the near future.[7] [8] As for the price of the games, Satoru Iwata said in an interview that no first party games would cost more than $50 US.[9]


Expected launch titles

While the following titles have been reported to be available at launch, an official list has not been released by Nintendo.[10] The list includes:

Title Developer Publisher(s)
Avatar: The Last Airbender [1] THQ THQ
Blitz: The League [2] Midway Games Midway Games
Call of Duty 3 [3] Treyarch Activision
Cars [4] Rainbow Studios THQ
Dragon Quest Swords [5] Square Enix Square Enix
Elebits [6] Konami Konami
Excite Truck [7] Nintendo Nintendo
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers [8] Square Enix Square Enix
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess [9] Nintendo Nintendo
Madden NFL 2007 [10] EA Canada EA
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance [11] Raven Software Activision
Metal Slug Anthology [12] SNK SNK
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption [13] Retro Studios Nintendo
Rayman Raving Rabbids [14] Ubisoft Montpellier Ubisoft
Red Steel [15] Ubisoft Paris Ubisoft
SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab [16] THQ THQ
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz [17] SEGA SEGA
[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam [18] Toys for Bob Activision
Trauma Center: Second Opinion [19] Atlus Atlus
Wii Sports [20] Nintendo Nintendo

Hardware

Design

File:Nintendo-revolution6.jpg
Various color designs from E3 2005. Note that the current Wii design has a slightly different look than the prototype models shown here.

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 release state the colors of the console as "TBA."

The systems shown at E3 2006 and in various trailers appear to have several small changes from the original design. Not only had Nintendo branding on the case been replaced with a 'Wii' logo but the disc loading slot was enlarged slightly, the reset button was moved (from next to the eject button to the power button), and the power indicator light was moved (from next to the power button to located inside the button). However, the systems shown at E3 2006 were still prototypes, as Nintendo has not finalized the Wii's specs.

The port for the motion sensor bar, an external device used to identify the positioning and movements of the Wii Remote controller, appears to be to the left of the power adaptor cord closer to the bottom of the back of the system. This port has not appeared in any former Wii hardware images, including images received in Nintendo's E3 media press kit.[11]

Controller

Main article: Wii Remote
File:Nunchuk2.JPG
The Nunchuk controller peripheral (left) attached to the main controller

The primary controller for Wii uses a one handed, remote control-based design, which when turned on its side can be used like a NES gamepad. The controller communicates wirelessly with the console via Bluetooth with which it is possible to operate up to four controllers as far as ten meters from the console.[2] 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 has force feedback functionality and an internal speaker for audio.

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 four ports for GameCube controllers and two 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 also be a port for the Wii remote's sensor bar on the final version.

Technical specifications

File:Nintendo-revolution5.jpg
GameCube connectivity at the top of the Wii console, underneath a cover.

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

Processors:

Memory:

  • Amount of RAM unconfirmed

Ports and peripheral capabilities:

  • Up to Four Wii Remote controllers (connected wirelessly)
  • One SD memory card port
  • Two USB 2.0 ports
  • One Sensor Bar port
  • Four Nintendo GameCube controller ports
  • Two Nintendo GameCube memory card ports
  • Compatible with optional USB 2.0 Ethernet LAN adaptor
File:Nintendo Wii 4.jpg
The Wii being placed within its stand

Storage:

  • 512 MB built-in flash memory
  • Expansion available via SD memory card and USB 2.0 ports

Playable Media:

  • Slot-loading disc drive compatible with:
    • 12cm Wii optical disc (single or dual layer)
    • 8cm GameCube optical disc
    • DVD Video (optional dongle required)
  • Virtual Console games accessed from flash memory

Built-in content ratings systems:

Networking:

Video:

Audio:

Features

Backward compatibility

Nintendo has stated that Wii will be backward compatible with all GameCube software and most peripherals. One notable component that seems incompatible is the Game Boy Player.

Virtual Console

Main article: Virtual Console (Wii)
File:VirtualConsole E3Preview.jpg
A variety of classic games are scheduled to be available (design subject to change)

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

WiiConnect24

Main article: WiiConnect24

At E3 2006, Nintendo announced WiiConnect24, a feature of the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection that will allow the user to remain connected to the Internet in standby mode, during which the console consumes very little power.

Nintendo has partnered with Opera Software to provide the Opera web browser for the system.[16]

Parental controls

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

It is confirmed that the European units will use the PEGI rating system,[17] North American units will use the ESRB rating system,[18] 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.

Expected software library

Main article: List of Wii games

Many widely-known franchises have games under production for the Wii. These include:

First Party

Second Party

Third Party

Third party developer support

  • Many companies, from Activision and EA to Square Enix and Ubisoft, have announced development of games for the Wii. A more complete list of confirmed developers can be found on Gamespot.[19]
  • The development kits for the Wii cost $2000 US. By comparison, the PlayStation 2 development kits cost $20,000 US at the console's launch, with the original PlayStation's SDK costing $4000-$5000 US at launch.[20]
  • There is also going to be the opportunity for low budget independent development, with the Virtual Console acting as a digital distribution service.[2]

Console name

Wikinews has related news:

On April 272006, Nintendo changed the Revolution section of their official website, http://wii.nintendo.com, to announce the official name of the console. Nintendo's executive vice president of sales and marketing Reggie Fils-Aime explained that:

"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."

Nintendo spells "Wii" with two "i"s to create an image of players gathering together. The spelling is also intended to evoke the console's controllers.[21]

"When we first thought about it, myself and others felt that the name Revolution was very appropriate to what we were doing," Shigeru Miyamoto told CNN Money recently, "but [Revolution] is a name that was almost threatening to non-gamers. It wasn't acceptable. So we thought this was more friendly and inviting."[22]

Reaction

The company's selection of the name "Wii" has met with both acceptance and disdain from potential consumers. According to Forbes magazine, comments by message board users at Nintendo's website have ranged from attempts at "toilet humoresque catchphrases" to complaints against the name's "kiddiness".[23] Various Nintendo executives have said that they knew it was likely that there would be a negative reaction to the name.[24] [25] During Nintendo's pre-E3 2006 press conference, Reggie Fils-Aime joked about the name, saying, "we want to thank everyone who wrote good things about it the day you heard it... both of you."[26]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Anderson, Peter (2006-05-10). "E3 2006: Nintendo Wii 'Fourth Quarter' Release". Game Power Australia. Retrieved 2006-05-18.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Nintendo Wii - Hardware Information". Nintendo. Retrieved 2006-05-09. Cite error: The named reference "hard_inf" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  3. ^ Satoru Iwata. "TOKYO GAME SHOW 2005 : TGS FORUM Keynote Speech". Retrieved 2006-03-15.
  4. ^ Ellie Gibson (November 1, 2005). "Rev specs may not be released". Eurogamer.
  5. ^ "E3 2006: Perrin Kaplan Video Interview". IGN Wii. 2006-05-11. Retrieved 2006-05-23. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  6. ^ "Nintendo Revolution Report: What We know". Gamespot. {{cite news}}: Text "Author: Sarju Shah" ignored (help); Unknown parameter |Date= ignored (|date= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ "Q & A: Wii controller could swing interest its way". seattlepi.com. 11 may 2006. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  8. ^ "Exclusive Interview: Satoru Iwata". GameDaily. 2006-05-22.
  9. ^ "Nintendo president vows cheap games". CNNMoney. {{cite news}}: Text "Auther: Chris Morris" ignored (help); Unknown parameter |Date= ignored (|date= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ Wales, Matt (2006-05-22). "Reports claim Wii to slap down 16 at launch". Computer and Video Games. Retrieved 2006-05-25. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |month=, |curly=, |accessyear=, and |coauthors= (help)
  11. ^ Casamassina, Matt (2006-05-23). "Wii Hardware Changed". IGN Wii. Retrieved 2006-05-24. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |month=, |curly=, |accessyear=, and |coauthors= (help)
  12. ^ Template:Ja icon"Wiiの概要 (Wii本体)". Nintendo. Retrieved 2006-05-22.
  13. ^ Interview with Jim Merrick (2005-10-20). "Poetry in Motion". CUBE Issue 51. Highbury Entertainment. pp. 12–17.
  14. ^ "IGNcube's Nintendo "Revolution" FAQ". Retrieved 2006-03-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |org= ignored (help)
  15. ^ Casamassina, Matt (2006-05-23). "No Dolby Digital for Wii". IGN Wii. Retrieved 2006-05-24. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |month=, |curly=, |accessyear=, and |coauthors= (help)
  16. ^ "A Web Revolution in the Living room: Opera partners with Nintendo to put browser on the Wii™ game console". opera. Retrieved 2006-05-10.
  17. ^ "Revolution To Feature Parental Controls". Planet Gamecube. November 16, 2005.
  18. ^ John Scalzo (November 16, 2005). "Revolution ponies up parental controls". Gaming Target.
  19. ^ "E3 06: Super Mario Galaxy leads first wave of Wii games". Retrieved 2006-05-09. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |org= ignored (help)
  20. ^ "Reggie: More than 1,000 Kits Shipped". IGN. February 22, 2006.
  21. ^ Nintendo "Wii has a distinctive "ii" spelling that symbolizes both the unique controllers and the image of people gathering to play."
  22. ^ CNNMoney.com Revolution Name "Wasn't Acceptable"
  23. ^ Forbes.com Iwata's Nintendo Lampooned For 'Wii'
  24. ^ Joystiq.com Kaplan interview
  25. ^ Gamesindustry.biz Yarnton talks about choice of name
  26. ^ IGN.com Nintendo mocks self

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