Wii
 | |
 | |
| Manufacturer | Nintendo |
|---|---|
| Type | Video game console |
| Generation | Seventh generation era |
| Lifespan | Q4 2006[1] |
| Media | 12 cm optical disc 8cm GameCube optical disc DVD-Video (Optional) Secure Digital card (SD Flash Media) |
| CPU | IBM PowerPC-based [2] "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 can be used as a handheld pointing device as well as detecting motion in all three dimensions. The controller also contains a speaker and a rumbling device to provide sensory feedback. The console is confirmed to have a stand-by feature entitled WiiConnect24, through which it can receive messages and updates over the Internet while consuming very little electrical 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's 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 hopes to launch with no more than four months of difference between the first and last launching regions.[4][5]
Price
Yoshihiro Miro, senior managing director for Nintendo, has confirmed that Wii will cost no more than ¥25,000 in Japan or US$250 in America. A Nintendo spokesman has said that the price in the UK "will be in line with Japanese and US prices announced." Nintendo intends to have 6 million console units and 17 million software units released by March 31, 2007.[6]
As for the price of the games, despite the price point of US$60 quoted for many next-generation games,[7] Satoru Iwata said in an interview that he could not imagine that any first-party games would cost more than US$50.[8]
Expected launch titles
While the following titles have been reported to be available at launch, an official list has not been released by Nintendo.[9] The list includes:
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.
Nintendo has shown hardware in various colors (platinum, lime green, white, black, blue and red). The most recent press release state the final colors of the console are still to be announced.
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 actualy beafed up gamecubes.
The port for the sensor bar, a device used for the Wii Remote's pointer functionality, 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.[10]
Controller
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The 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 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 and orientation of the Wii Remote can be sensed. The controller has vibrational 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. The Nunchuk controller will also have motion sensing capabilities.[11]
Competitors' reactions have been muted. Though Sony announced a "tilting" controller at E3, representatives have denied that it was in response to the Wii's controller.[12][13] Microsoft, which has experimented with motion-sensing PC controllers in the past, has been dismissive of the technology's viability for mainstream gaming.[14]
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.[2][15]
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 (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
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:
- CPU: IBM PowerPC processor codenamed "Broadway" (made with a 90 nm SOI CMOS process[2])
- GPU: ATI "Hollywood" (made with a 90 nm CMOS process, includes DRAM [15])
Memory:
- Amount of RAM unconfirmed
Ports and peripheral capabilities:
- Up to Four Wii Remote controllers (connected wirelessly via Bluetooth)
- One SD memory card slot[2][15]
- 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
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) (4.7 GB Single layer; 8.7 GB Dual Layer)
- 8cm GameCube optical disc
- DVD Video (dongle required)
- Virtual Console games accessed from flash memory
Built-in content ratings systems:
Networking:
Video:
- Up to 480p[16] and will work with a computer monitor as well as any TV or projector[16]
- Component (including Progressive scan), composite or S-Video output
- 16:9 support
Audio:
- Main: Stereo - Dolby Pro Logic II-capable[17]
- Controller: Built-in speaker
Features
Gameplay
Nintendo has stated that as the name "Wii" implies, the system is designed not just for hardcore gamers with developed gaming skills, but for everyone. Nintendo expects that gameplay on Wii will feel "so natural and real, [that] as soon as players use the controller, their minds will spin with the possibilities of how this will change gaming as we know it today”.[18] While most people can swing a golf club or bat, they may not have the gaming experience to do so while aiming with both thumbs. Wii removes this with its accelerometer and sensor driven controller design which allows players to use natural movements for natural actions.
Backward compatibility
Nintendo has stated that Wii will be backward compatible with all GameCube software and most peripherals.
Virtual Console
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 available; 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
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.
Internet connectivity
Nintendo has partnered with Opera Software to provide the Opera web browser for the system.[19] It has announced that it will not be sold as a separate item.[20] Wii can connect to an internet connection either wirelessly using WiFi, or using a USB to ethernet adaptor.
DS connectivity
Wii will support connectivity with the Nintendo DS. Shigeru Miyamoto said Nintendo was still working out when it would be available, but that it would be soon after the launch of the system due to the popularity of the DS. The connectivity would allow you to do things like use the DS's microphone and touchscreen to affect Wii gameplay and download content to your DS, edit it, and then upload it back to the console. [21]
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,[22] and North American units will use the ESRB rating system.[23] 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 CERO in Japan, the USK in Germany, or the OFLC in Australia.
Expected software library
Many widely-known franchises have games under production for 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 Wii. A more complete list of confirmed developers can be found on Gamespot.[24]
- The development kits for 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.[25]
- There is also going to be the opportunity for low budget independent development, with the Virtual Console acting as a digital distribution service.[2]
Name
On April 272006, Nintendo changed the Revolution section of their official website, http://wii.nintendo.com, to announce the official name of the console. Reggie Fils-Aime, then Nintendo's executive vice president of sales and marketing, 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.[26]
"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."[27]
The company's decision to name the system "Wii" has met with both acceptance and some disdain from potential consumers and industry insiders. 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".[28] Various Nintendo executives have said that they knew it was likely that there would be a negative reaction to the name.[29] [30] 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."[31]
Criticism
 | The neutrality of this section is disputed. |
While Wii has enjoyed its share of positive reactions from within the game industry [32], the system has not escaped criticism, particularly concerning the controller design.
Bill Gates, (co-founder of Microsoft, makers of the Xbox 360), also expressed concern stating that "there's room for innovation here, but moving that controller around -- it's something that's not mainstream for most games". Bill Gates elaborated on the subject by giving reference to what may happen in a game that involves controlling flight saying, "it's tough because sometimes you move the controller, and you don't [mean] to fly into the ground. You just want to put the controller down".[14]
Katamari Damacy creator, Keita Takahashi, expressed a disinterest in Wii because of Nintendo's forced emphasis on the control interface. On the subject, Keita said, "I see what [Nintendo is] trying to do, but they're putting such emphasis on the controller; 'Woah, this controller lets you do this!' and I'm thinking - are you messing with us?"[33]
In addition to the issues Gates spoke of surrounding fatigue in the controller, there have been discussions around the controller's use of the general wrist and arm movement as a possible cause to Repetitive Stress Injuries. However, those who have actually studied RSI say that the Wii controller uses less of the tendons in the wrist that cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome than the button presses of a typical controller or analog stick; this means that the Wii may actually be less likely to cause RSI. [21]
See also
- List of Wii games
- Nintendo GameCube
- Nintendo DS
- Nintendo DS Lite
- List of video games published by Nintendo
- History of video game consoles (seventh generation)
- Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
References
- ^ a b Anderson, Peter (2006-05-10). "E3 2006: Nintendo Wii 'Fourth Quarter' Release". Game Power Australia. Retrieved 2006-05-18.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b c d e f g "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).
- ^ Satoru Iwata. "TOKYO GAME SHOW 2005 : TGS FORUM Keynote Speech". Retrieved 2006-03-15.
- ^ Ellie Gibson (November 1, 2005). "Rev specs may not be released". Eurogamer.
- ^ Casamassina, Matt (2006-05-11). "E3 2006: Perrin Kaplan Video Interview". IGN Wii. Retrieved 2006-05-23.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Wii to cost $250 or less". Nintendo® The Official Magazine. 2006-05-24. Retrieved 2006-05-24.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Gaudiosi, John (2006-09-14). "Game Pricing". Next Generation.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Morris, Chris. "Nintendo president vows cheap games". CNNMoney.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|Date=ignored (|date=suggested) (help) - ^ Wales, Matt (2006-05-22). "Reports claim Wii to slap down 16 at launch". Computer and Video Games. Retrieved 2006-05-25.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameters:|month=,|curly=,|accessyear=, and|coauthors=(help) - ^ Casamassina, Matt (2006-05-23). "Wii Hardware Changed". IGN Wii. Retrieved 2006-05-24.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameters:|month=,|curly=,|accessyear=, and|coauthors=(help) - ^ "Nintendo Wii - Controllers". Nintendo of America. Retrieved 2006-05-27.
- ^ Template:De icon Stöcker, Christian (2006-05-31). ""Wir brauchen den PC nicht"" (in German). SPIEGEL ONLINE. Retrieved 2006-06-01.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Thorsen, Tor (2006-05-31). "Harrison denies Wii influence PS3 controller". Gamespot. Retrieved 2006-06-01.
- ^ a b Totilo, Stephen (2006-05-25). "Bill Gates Wary Of Motion-Sensitive Controllers, Solo Gaming". MTV News. Retrieved 2006-06-01.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameters:|month=,|curly=, and|accessyear=(help); Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ a b c Template:Ja icon "Wiiの概要 (Wii本体)". Nintendo. Retrieved 2006-05-22.
- ^ a b Casamassina, Matt. "IGNcube's Nintendo "Revolution" FAQ". Retrieved 2006-03-17.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|org=ignored (help) - ^ Casamassina, Matt (2006-05-23). "No Dolby Digital for Wii". IGN Wii. Retrieved 2006-05-24.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameters:|month=,|curly=,|accessyear=, and|coauthors=(help) - ^ Nintendo (2005-09-15). "Nintendo Reveals 'Revolution'-ary Controller in Keynote Speech". Nintendo. Retrieved 2006-06-01.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "A Web Revolution in the Living room: Opera partners with Nintendo to put browser on the Wii™ game console" (Press release). Opera Software. 2006-05-10. Retrieved 2006-05-26.
{{cite press release}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Casamassina, Matt (2006-05-23). "Wii's World Wide Web". IGN Wii. Retrieved 2006-05-25.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Crecente, Brian (2006-05-19). "E306 Video: Shigeru Miyamoto Interview". Kotaku. Retrieved 2006-05-19.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Revolution To Feature Parental Controls". 2005-11-16.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Nintendo Announces Play Control System For Next Hardware" (Press release). Nintendo of America. 2005-11-16.
- ^ Tochen, Dan. "E3 06: Super Mario Galaxy leads first wave of Wii games". GameSpot. Retrieved 2006-05-09.
- ^ Casamassina, Matt (2006-02-22). "Reggie: More than 1,000 Kits Shipped". IGN.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Nintendo Wii: Philosophy". Retrieved 2006-05-26.
- ^ Morris, Chris. "Mario creator outlines Nintendo strategy". CNNMoney.com.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|Date=ignored (|date=suggested) (help) - ^ Olson, Parmy (2006-04-28). "Iwata's Nintendo Lampooned For 'Wii'". Forbes.com. Retrieved 2006-05-26.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Block, Ryan (2006-05-15). "The Engadget & Joystiq Interview: Nintendo's Perrin Kaplan". Joystiq. Retrieved 2006-05-26.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Fahey, Rob (2006-05-03). "Wii is "fresh and all-encompassing" - Yarnton". GamesIndustry.biz. Retrieved 2006-05-26.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Surette, Tim (2006-05-09). "E3 06: Wii unveiled at Nintendo's E3 conference". GameSpot. Retrieved 2006-05-26.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ Grant, Christopher (2006-06-01). "Wii takes "Best of Show" from E3 awards". Joystiq. Retrieved 2006-06-01.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Klepek, Patrick (2005-04-19). "Katamari Creator Down on Revolution". 1Up. Retrieved 2006-06-01.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)
External links
Official
- wii.nintendo.com - Official Wii page
- Nintendo of Japan - Nintendo President, Satoru Iwata, media briefing speech at E3 2006
- Wii at E3 - Nintendo E3 2006 coverage
Non-official
- Cubed3.com - Wii Directory
- Gamespot.com - Wii coverage
- IGN.com - Wii coverage
- TheWiire.com - Wii only coverage