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 |
| Backward compatibility | NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, TurboGrafx 16 (see Wii Virtual Console for details), Nintendo GameCube |
| Predecessor | Nintendo GameCube |
Wii (pronounced "we", IPA: /wiː/) is Nintendo's seventh-generation video game console, their fifth home console, and the successor to the Nintendo GameCube. Until Nintendo announced the console's official name on April 27, 2006, the official codename of Wii was the Nintendo Revolution.
Wii is unique in that the console's controller, the Wii Remote, or "Wii-mote", can be used as a handheld pointing device as well as detecting motion in 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, enabling it to receive messages and updates over the Internet while consuming very little electrical power.
Nintendo unveiled the system under the Revolution codename in 2005 at its E3 press conference. Satoru Iwata, Nintendo's President, revealed a prototype of the system's game controller at the 2005 Tokyo Game Show during his keynote speech in September.[3] At the E3 2006 show the Wii was widely considered a smash success, amongst both punters and journalists. A worldwide release is expected in the fourth quarter of 2006.[1]
Release date and price
As of June 2006, an exact release date has not been confirmed. However, Nintendo's most recent statements confirm that Nintendo plans to release Wii in the 4th quarter of 2006.[1] Internationally, the company hopes to launch with no more than four months difference between the first and last launching regions.[4] A previous statement by Satoru Iwata indicated Nintendo's intentions to launch before Thanksgiving.[5] At a June 2006 briefing in Japan, Iwata stated that a precise release date and price would be announced by September.[6]
While Nintendo has yet to announce an exact price for the console as of June 2006, Yoshihiro Miro, senior managing director for Nintendo, has confirmed that Wii will cost no more than JP¥25,000 in Japan, US$250 in America. A Nintendo spokesman said that the price in the UK "will be in line with Japanese and US prices announced". The company intends to have 6 million console units and 17 million software units released by March 31, 2007.[7] Despite the price point of US$60 quoted for many next-generation games,[8] Satoru Iwata said in an interview that he could not imagine that any first-party games would cost more than US$50.[9]
Expected launch titles
While only six titles have been confirmed for launch,[10] the rest are, as of June 2006, reported to be available at launch:
| Title | Developer | Publisher(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Avatar: The Last Airbender | THQ | THQ |
| Blitz: The League* | Midway Games | Midway Games |
| Call of Duty 3 | Treyarch | Activision |
| Cars* | Rainbow Studios | THQ |
| Dragon Quest Swords* | Square Enix | Square Enix |
| Elebits | Konami | Konami |
| Excite Truck | Nintendo | Nintendo |
| Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers | Square Enix | Square Enix |
| The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess* | Nintendo | Nintendo |
| Madden NFL 07 | EA Canada | EA Sports |
| Marvel: Ultimate Alliance | Raven Software | Activision |
| Metal Slug Anthology* | SNK | SNK |
| Metroid Prime 3: Corruption* | Retro Studios | Nintendo |
| Rayman Raving Rabbids* | Ubisoft Montpellier | Ubisoft |
| Red Steel* | Ubisoft Paris | Ubisoft |
| SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab | THQ | THQ |
| Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz* | SEGA | SEGA |
| Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam | Toys For Bob | Activision |
| Trauma Center: Second Opinion | Atlus | Atlus |
| Wii Sports* | Nintendo | Nintendo |
*Confirmed by Nintendo to be a launch title.
Hardware
Design
Wii is Nintendo's smallest home game console yet, being approximately the size of three standard DVD cases stacked together.[2] The console has been confirmed to have the ability to stand either horizontally or vertically.[2] The front of the console features a self-loading media drive illuminated by a blue light and accepts 12 cm Wii optical discs and 8 cm GameCube Optical Discs.[2] Nintendo has stated that a small attachment can be equipped to play DVD Video.[11] The ability to load different sized discs is uncommon in slot-loading media drives, which typically only accept discs of a single size.
Nintendo has shown Wii in various colors including platinum, lime green, white, black, blue and red. 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 enlarged slightly, the reset button moved from next to the eject button to the power button, and the power indicator light moved from next to the power button to inside the button.
The port for the sensor bar, a device used for the Wii Remote's three dimensional sensing is found at the rear of the console. This port did not appear in any of the former Wii hardware images, including the images in Nintendo's E3 media press kit.[12]
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 a NES gamepad. The controller communicates wirelessly with the console via Bluetooth with the possibility to operate up to four controllers as far as ten meters (approximately eleven yards) 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, additionally the controller can be used as a pointing device. The controller has vibrational force feedback functionality and an internal speaker for audio.
The Wii Remote features an expansion port with the possibility to augment the controller with various shells and add-ons. Nintendo has announced several such expansions, including a Nunchuk controller featuring 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.[2]
In an interview between Shigeru Miyamoto and Kotaku, 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. [13]
Sensor Bar
The sensor bar is a wired attachment placed in front of or on top of the television or projector screen, which helps 'sense' the movements of the Wii Remote. The sensor bar works in conjunction with the Wii controller to detect where, exactly, the controller is pointed at the screen, regardless of what type of display is used. It is approximately 30 centimetres wide and 1-2 centimetres tall.
Connectivity
Wii will have built-in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi connectivity allowing communication over the Internet and with the Nintendo DS via wireless networking. 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]
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 a small internal attachment (a dongle) to be sold as an add-on to the console will allow Wii to play DVD-Video.
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[14], contains embedded DRAM made by NEC Electronics[15])
Memory:
Ports and peripheral capabilities:
- Up to Four Wii Remote controllers (connected wirelessly via Bluetooth)
- One SD memory card slot[2]
- 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 card memory and USB mass storage[9]
- Slot-loading disc drive compatible with:
- 12cm Wii optical disc (4.7 GB Single layer or 8.7 GB Dual Layer)
- 8cm GameCube optical disc
- DVD Video (optional additional purchase)
Built-in content ratings systems:
Networking:
Video:
- Up to 480p and will work with a computer monitor as well as any TV or projector[17]
- Component (including Progressive scan), composite or S-Video output
- 16:9 support
Audio:
- Main: Stereo - Dolby Pro Logic II-capable[18]
- Controller: Built-in speaker
Features
Backward compatibility
Nintendo has stated that Wii will be backward compatible with all GameCube software and most peripherals. This backwards compatibility is achieved through a set of ports on top of the console concealed by a panel. There are four GCN controller ports and two GCN memory card slots as there were on the GameCube itself, so the GameCube microphone should be compatible, as well as the GameCube-Game Boy Advance cable. One attachment for the GameCube that is not compatible with Wii is the Game Boy Player.
Online connectivity
Wii can connect to the Internet either wirelessly using Wii's built-in Wi-Fi or using a USB-to-Ethernet adaptor.
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, "...will be home to new games conceived by indie developers whose creativity is larger than their budgets."[2]
While no pricing info has been announced for the Virtual Console feature, at the June 2006 Nintendo briefing, Satoru Iwata suggested that new, low-scale games could be sold via the Virtual Console at a price of between JP¥500 and JP¥1000(~USD$4–$9 or ~€3,5–€7).[19][20]
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. Some possibilities of WiiConnect24 that were mentioned at E3 2006 included allowing friends visit the player's village in games like Animal Crossing, and downloading new updates for games while not playing or while in standby mode.
It has also been said that it would be possible to download DS promotional demos using WiiConnect24 and later transfer it to one's Nintendo DS (also see DS connectivity).[21]
Internet browser
The Opera web browser will be included with the system.[22][23]
The web-browser will be saved in Wii's Flash ROM (allowing access within seconds), and will support JavaScript. In addition to functioning as a web browser, Opera on Wii will serve as a layout engine to be used for Web-based applications.
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.[13]
The connectivity would allow the player to use functions like the Nintendo DS's microphone and touchscreen as inputs for Wii games. The first example of a game using DS-Wii connectivity was for Pokémon Battle Revolution. Gamers with either Pokémon Diamond or Pearl can play battles using their Diamond or Pearl Pokémon on Wii with DS as a controller.[24]
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.[13]
Player caricatures and profiles
In an interview between Wired News and Katsuya Eguchi (producer of Animal Crossing and Wii Sports), Eguchi confirmed that the custom player face feature shown in Nintendo's E3 Media Briefing is built into the hardware, and is part of a "Profile" system which contains the caricature and other information that is yet to be determined.[25] The tool being constructed for this caricature creation also includes the option to use several pre-made images for the less "artistically inclined".
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.
It is confirmed that the European units will use the PEGI rating system,[26] and North American units will use the ESRB rating system.[27] 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.
Software library
Franchises
Titles from many popular gaming franchises will be released on Wii. Some examples include:
First party
Second party
Third party
New titles
There will also be all-new, original titles released for Wii, including:
Third party developer support
- Many companies, from Activision and EA to Square Enix and Ubisoft, have announced development of games for Wii, among others.[28]
- The development kits for Wii cost little more than JP¥200,000[6], or about $1,700. (price in US$). By comparison, the PlayStation 2 development kits cost US$20,000 at the console's launch, while the original PlayStation's SDK cost US$4,000–US$5,000 at launch.[29]
- The Virtual Console will also serve as a digital distribution service for independent game developers.[2]
Name
On April 272006, Nintendo changed the Revolution section of their official website to announce the official name of the console.
Nintendo spells "Wii" with two "i"s to imply an image of players gathering together, as well as to represent the console's controllers.[30]
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 regarding the name
During Nintendo's pre-E3 2006 press conference, Reggie Fils-Aime joked about the name, saying, "First, we want to thank everyone who wrote good things about it the day you heard it... both of you."[31]
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 c 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 h i j k "Nintendo Wii - Hardware Information". Nintendo. Retrieved 2006-05-09.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Report: Revolution hitting North America by Thanksgiving". GameSpot. 2006-01-18. Retrieved 2006-06-07.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameters:|month=,|curly=,|accessyear=, and|coauthors=(help) - ^ a b "Nintendo Co., Ltd. - Corporate Management Policy Briefing : Q&A". Nintendo Co., Ltd. 2006-06-07. p. 4. Retrieved 2006-06-07.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameters:|month=,|curly=,|accessyear=, and|coauthors=(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) - ^ a b Morris, Chris. "Nintendo president vows cheap games". CNNMoney.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|Date=ignored (|date=suggested) (help) - ^ Hatfield, Daemon (2006-06-22). "Six Wii Launch Titles Confirmed". IGN Wii. Retrieved 2006-06-22.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameters:|month=,|curly=,|accessyear=, and|coauthors=(help) - ^ "Nintendo's Compact Console Will Turn the World of Gaming on Its Side". Nintendo of America. 2006-05-17. Retrieved 2006-06-08.
{{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) - ^ a b c Crecente, Brian (2006-05-19). "Shigeru Miyamoto Interview". Kotaku.com.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Template:Ja icon"Wiiの概要 (Wii本体)". Nintendo. Retrieved 2006-05-22.
- ^ "Nintendo's New Wii™ Video Game Console Uses NEC Electronics' Embedded DRAM" (Press release). NEC Electronics Corporation. 2006-06-19. Retrieved 2006-06-19.
{{cite press release}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "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" (Press release). MoSys, Inc. 2006-06-19. Retrieved 2006-06-19.
{{cite press release}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ 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 Co., Ltd. - Corporate Management Policy Briefing" (WMV). E-NEWS, INC. 2006-06-07. Retrieved 2006-06-07.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameters:|month=,|curly=,|accessyear=, and|coauthors=(help) - ^ Casamassina, Matt (2006-06-07). "Virtual Console Prices Revealed". IGN Wii. Retrieved 2006-06-07.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameters:|month=,|curly=,|accessyear=, and|coauthors=(help) - ^ Naoki Asami (2006-05-25). "Regaining what we have lost: Nintendo CEO Iwata's Ambitions for the "Wii"". Tech-On!. Nikkei Business Publications. p. 3. Retrieved 2006-06-09.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameters:|curly=,|accessyear=, and|month=(help); Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (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) - ^ Temperton, James (2006-06-03). "Interview: Opera's Nintendo Wii Browser". Cubed3. Retrieved 2006-06-04.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Gantayat, Anoop (2006-06-07). "Connectivity Returns". IGN. Retrieved 2006-06-07.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameters:|month=,|curly=,|accessyear=, and|coauthors=(help) - ^ Kohler, Chris. "Confirmed: Wii Hardware Stores Player Caricatures, Profiles". Wired. Retrieved 2006-06-03.
- ^ "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.
{{cite press release}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ 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.
- ^ 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)
External links
Official
- wii.nintendo.com - Official Wii page
- Nintendo Corporation - Nintendo President, Satoru Iwata, media briefing speech at E3 2006
- Wii at E3 - Nintendo E3 2006 coverage
Non-official coverage