Examine individual changes

'{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}} {{pp-move-indef}} {{Short description|Home video game console by Nintendo}} {{Featured article}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2020}} {{about|the video game console|other uses|WII (disambiguation){{!}}WII}} <!-- NOTE TO EDITORS: If you have not already done so, please read the discussion page regarding controversial or unclear areas before editing. --> {{Infobox information appliance | name = Wii | title = Wii | aka = {{Unbulleted list | Nintendo Revolution (pre-release) | RVL (codename) }} | logo = Wii.svg | logo_alt = Wii logo | logo_upright = 0.65 | image = Wii-console.jpg | alt = Wii with Wii Remote | caption = Original white Wii standing upright on its stand next to a [[Wii Remote]] | developer = [[Nintendo IRD]] | manufacturer = [[Foxconn]] | family = <!--Wii; omitted because this is already the family article--> | type = [[Home video game console]] | generation = [[Seventh generation of video game consoles|Seventh generation]] | release date = {{Unbulleted list | {{Video game release|NA|November 19, 2006|JP|December 2, 2006|AUS|December 7, 2006|EU|December 8, 2006|KOR|April 26, 2008|TW|July 12, 2008|HK|December 12, 2009}} | {{Collapsible list|title=Revisions | '''[[#Family Edition|Wii Family Edition]]''' | {{Video game release|NA|October 23, 2011<ref>{{Cite web |last=East |first=Thomas |date=October 11, 2011 |title=New black Wii bundle includes Mario CD |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/31328/newsnew-black-wii-bundle-includes-mario-cd/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114130448/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/31328/newsnew-black-wii-bundle-includes-mario-cd/ |archive-date=November 14, 2011 |access-date=November 23, 2011 |website=[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]}}</ref>|EU|November 4, 2011<ref name="Eurogamer Wii Family Release">{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=October 12, 2011 |title=Wii redesign European release date |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-10-12-wii-redesign-european-release-date |access-date=November 30, 2020 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |archive-date=August 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820103947/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-10-12-wii-redesign-european-release-date |url-status=live }}</ref>}} | '''[[#Wii Mini|Wii Mini]]''' | {{vgrelease|CAN|December 7, 2012<ref name="engadget wiimini canada"/>|EU|March 22, 2013<ref name="web.archive.org">{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=Matthew |date=February 26, 2013 |title=Wii Mini confirmed for Europe, launching next month – Gaming News – Digital Spy |url=http://www.digitalspy.com.au/gaming/news/a461694/wii-mini-confirmed-for-europe-launching-next-month.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907235732/http://www.digitalspy.com.au/gaming/news/a461694/wii-mini-confirmed-for-europe-launching-next-month.html |archive-date=September 7, 2015 |access-date=November 30, 2020 |website=[[Digital Spy]]}}</ref>|USA|November 17, 2013<ref name="polygon wiimini us"/>}} }} }} | retail availability = | lifespan = 2006–2013 (RVL-001)<br />2011–2013 (RVL-101)<br />2012–2017 (RVL-201) | price = {{Unbulleted list | {{USD|249.99|link=yes}}<ref name="NArelease" /> | {{JPY|25,000|link=yes}}<ref name="JPrelease" /> | {{GBP|179.99|link=yes}}<ref name="EUrelease" /> | {{Euro|249.99|link=yes}}<ref name="EUrelease" /> | {{AUD|399.95|link=yes}}<ref name="AUSrelease" /> }} | discontinued = {{Unbulleted list | {{Video game release|JP|October 20, 2013<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fingas |first=Jon |date=October 20, 2013 |title=Nintendo stops selling Wii consoles in Japan |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/10/20/nintendo-stops-selling-wii-consoles-in-japan/ |access-date=October 20, 2013 |publisher=[[Engadget]] |archive-date=October 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020114235/http://www.engadget.com/2013/10/20/nintendo-stops-selling-wii-consoles-in-japan/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=October 22, 2013 |title=Wii discontinuation in Japan won't affect availability in United States |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/wii-discontinuation-in-japan-won-t-affect-availability-in-united-states/1100-6415717/ |access-date=October 24, 2013 |website=[[GameSpot]] |archive-date=October 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019021233/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/wii-discontinuation-in-japan-won-t-affect-availability-in-united-states/1100-6415717/ |url-status=live }}</ref>|EU|October 24, 2013<ref name="mcvuk eu discontinued" />|AUS|November 2011}} | {{Collapsible list|title=Revisions | '''Wii''' | {{Video game release|NA|October 2011|EU|November 2011|AUS|November 2011|JP|October 20, 2013}} | '''Family Edition''' | {{Video game release|EU|October 20, 2013<ref name="mcvuk eu discontinued">{{Cite web |last=Parfitt |first=Ben |date=October 26, 2013 |title=Time also called on Wii in Europe |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/time-also-called-on-wii-in-europe/0123162 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026130505/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/time-also-called-on-wii-in-europe/0123162 |archive-date=October 26, 2013 |access-date=November 30, 2020 |website=[[MCVUK]]}}</ref>|NA|2013}} | '''Wii Mini''' | {{Video game release|WW|2017}} }} }} | units sold = | units shipped = {{Nowrap|101.63 million}} ({{As of|2019|09|30|lc=y|df=US}}) ([[#System Sales|details]])<!-- SEE DISCUSSION PAGE ON SALES NUMBER --> | media = {{Unbulleted list | [[Wii Optical Disc]] | [[GameCube Game Disc]]{{Efn|name="Original model only"|Only compatible with the original Wii model.}} | [[Digital distribution in video games|Digital distribution]]{{Efn|Compatible with all Wii models except the Wii mini.}} }} | os = [[Wii system software]] | power = | soc = | cpu = [[IBM]] [[PowerPC]] [[Broadway (microprocessor)|Broadway]] @ {{Nowrap|729 [[MHz]]}} | memory = {{Nowrap|24 [[Megabyte|MB]]}} [[1T-SRAM]] @ {{Nowrap|324 MHz}} (2.7 [[GB/s]]) + {{Nowrap|64 MB}} [[GDDR3 SDRAM]] | storage = {{Nowrap|512 MB}} [[NAND flash memory]] | memory card = {{Unbulleted list | [[Secure Digital|SD]]/[[SDHC]] card | [[GameCube Memory Card]]{{Efn|name="Original model only"}} }} | display = {{Collapsible list|title=Video output formats | [[Composite video]] ([[480i]], [[576i]]&nbsp;(PAL)) | [[S-Video]] (480i&nbsp;(NTSC consoles only)) | RGB&nbsp;[[SCART]] (576i&nbsp;(PAL consoles only)) | [[Component video]] ([[YPbPr|{{YPbPr}}]]) (480i, 576i&nbsp;(PAL), [[480p]]) }} | graphics = [[ATI Technologies|ATI]] [[Hollywood (graphics chip)|Hollywood]] @ 243&nbsp;MHz | sound = | input = | controllers = {{Unbulleted list <!-- Do not add the Nunchuck or Classic Controller. See talk page. --> | [[Wii Remote]] ([[Wii Remote Plus|Plus]]) | [[GameCube controller]]{{Efn|name="Original model only"}} | [[Nintendo DS]] | [[Wii Balance Board]] }} | camera = | touchpad = | connectivity = [[Wi-Fi]] [[IEEE 802.11]] [[IEEE 802.11b-1999|b]]/[[IEEE 802.11g-2003|g]]<br />[[Bluetooth]]<br />2 × [[Universal Serial Bus|USB 2.0]]<ref name="1up all about wii">{{Cite web |last=McDonough |first=Amy |date=November 6, 2006 |title=Wii Get It Now: Technical Specs from 1UP.com |url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3154939 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604045224/http://www.1up.com/features/all-about-wii |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |access-date=November 30, 2020 |publisher=[[1up.com]]}}</ref><br />[[Local area network|LAN]] Adapter (via USB 2.0)<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 17, 2006 |title=Factfile: The Wii |language=en-GB |work=[[BBC]] |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6155664.stm |access-date=September 3, 2018 |archive-date=September 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904011342/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6155664.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> | currentfw = | platform = | service = {{Unbulleted list | [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]{{Efn|The [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]] service was closed on May 20, 2014.<ref name="verge wificonnection shutdown"/>}} | [[WiiConnect24]]{{Efn|The [[WiiConnect24]] service was closed on June 27, 2013.<ref name="polygon wiiconnect24 shutdown"/>}}<!-- As quoted by Iwata, "Using a design called WiiConnect24, the console automatically enters standby mode without the fan running, but still operating key functions." This does not at all say that the online service itself is WiiConnect24. --> | [[Wii Shop Channel]]{{Efn|The [[Wii Shop Channel]] service was closed on January 30, 2019.<ref name="engadget wiishop closed"/>}} }} | dimensions = {{Unbulleted list | '''Width''': {{Convert|157|mm|in|abbr=on}} | '''Height''': {{Convert|60|mm|in|abbr=on}} | '''Depth''': {{Convert|197|mm|in|abbr=on}} | {{Collapsible list|title=Revisions | '''Family Edition''' | Same | '''Wii Mini''' | <u>Width</u>: {{Convert|160|mm|in|abbr=on}} | <u>Height</u>: {{Convert|46|mm|in|abbr=on}} | <u>Depth</u>: {{Convert|193|mm|in|abbr=on}} }} }} | weight = {{Unbulleted list | {{Convert|1220|g|oz|abbr=on}} | {{Collapsible list|title=Revisions | '''Family Edition''' | {{Convert|1130|g|oz|abbr=on}} | '''Wii Mini''' | {{Convert|724|g|oz|abbr=on}} }} }} | topgame = {{Unbulleted list | '''[[Pack-in game|Pack-in]]''':{{Efn|Except in Japan and South Korea}} | ''[[Wii Sports]]'' {{Nowrap|82.90 million}} | '''Stand-alone''': | ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'', {{Nowrap|37.32 million}} | ({{As of|2020|03|31|lc=y|df=US}}) }} | compatibility = [[GameCube]]{{Efn|name="Original model only"}}<!-- Hardware compatibility only. Do not list Virtual Console as "compatible". Actual compatibility is with physical media, not emulated software. --> | predecessor = GameCube<!-- Do not link! Already linked above. See [[WP:MOS]]. --> | successor = [[Wii U]] | related = | website = {{URL|http://wii.com/}} }} The '''Wii''' ({{IPAc-en|w|iː}} {{respell|WEE}}){{efn|Unlike most of Nintendo's other consoles, the Wii is not named as the "Nintendo Wii" but simply "Wii"; this is also true of the [[Wii U]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nintendo Style Guide |url=http://cryptosystem.org/lcvg/e32k6/Corporate/FACT_Nintendo_style_guide_FINAL.pdf |access-date=April 26, 2013 |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |archive-date=October 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029202544/http://cryptosystem.org/lcvg/e32k6/Corporate/FACT_Nintendo_style_guide_FINAL.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> It is the first Nintendo console to be trademarked without a "Nintendo" in its name.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Critical Kate |date=June 8, 2011 |title=Wii U & Nintendo's Brand Confusion |url=http://www.crit-hit.net/wii-u-nintendos-brand-confusion/ |access-date=April 26, 2013 |publisher=A Critical Hit! |archive-date=October 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029210705/http://www.crit-hit.net/wii-u-nintendos-brand-confusion/ |url-status=live }}</ref>}} is a [[home video game console]] developed and marketed by [[Nintendo]]. It was first released on November 19, 2006 in North America and in December 2006 for most other regions. It is Nintendo's fifth major home game console, following the [[GameCube]], and is a [[seventh generation of video game consoles|seventh generation home console]] alongside [[Microsoft]]'s [[Xbox 360]] and [[Sony Computer Entertainment|Sony]]'s [[PlayStation 3]]. In developing the Wii, Nintendo president [[Satoru Iwata]] directed the company to avoid competing with Microsoft and Sony on computational graphics and power and instead to target a broader demographic of players though novel gameplay. Game designers [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] and [[Genyo Takeda]] led the console's development under the codename '''Revolution'''. The primary controller for the Wii is the [[Wii Remote]], a wireless controller with both [[motion detection|motion sensing]] and traditional controls which can be used as a [[pointing device]] towards the television screen or for [[gesture recognition]]. The Wii is the first Nintendo console to directly support [[Internet]] connectivity, supporting both online games and for [[digital distribution]] of games and media applications through the [[Wii Shop Channel]]. The Wii also supports wireless connectivity with the [[Nintendo DS]] [[handheld game console|handheld console]] for selected games. Initial Wii models included full [[backward compatibility]] support for the GameCube. Later in its lifecycle, two lower-cost Wii models were produced: a revised model that shares the same design as the original Wii but removed the GameCube compatibility features, and the Wii Mini, a compact, budget redesign of the Wii which further removed features including online connectivity and SD card storage. Because of Nintendo's decision to focus less on computational power, the Wii and its games were less expensive than those of Microsoft and Sony. The Wii was extremely popular at launch, causing the system to be in short supply in some markets. The pack-in game, ''[[Wii Sports]]'', was considered the [[Killer application|killer app]] for the console. Within a year of launch, the Wii became the sales-leader against the other seventh-generation consoles, and by 2013, had surpassed over 100 million units sold. Total lifetime sales of the Wii had reached over 101 million units, making it Nintendo's best-selling home console, and as of 2020, the fourth best-selling home console to date. The Wii repositioned Nintendo as a key player in the video game hardware marketplace; the introduction of motion-controlled games via the Wii Remote led both Microsoft and Sony to develop their own competing products, the [[Kinect]] and [[PlayStation Move]], respectively. Nintendo had found that while the Wii had broadened the demographics that they wanted, the core gamer audience had shunned the Wii. The Wii's successor, the [[Wii U]], was aimed to recapture this core gamer market with additional features atop the Wii. The Wii U was released in 2012, and Nintendo continued to sell both units through the following year. The Wii was formally discontinued in October 2013, though Nintendo continued to produce and market the Wii Mini through 2017, and offered a subset of the Wii's online services through 2019. == History == {{See also|Seventh generation of video game consoles}} === Development === [[File:Satoru Iwata - Game Developers Conference 2011 - Day 2 (3) (cropped 2).jpg|thumb|upright|[[Satoru Iwata]] as Nintendo's president directed the company to design the Wii out-of-the-box to appeal to a broader range of players.]] <!-- 2001: Concept --> After Nintendo released the [[GameCube]] in 2001, the company began conceptualizing their next console offering. Nintendo game designer [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] said that they had focused on a new form of player interaction. "The consensus was that power isn't everything for a console. Too many powerful consoles can't coexist. It's like having only ferocious [[dinosaur]]s. They might fight and hasten their own extinction."<ref name="businessweek big ideas pg1">{{Cite web |date=December 1, 2006 |title=The Big Ideas Behind Nintendo's Wii |url=http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/nov2006/tc20061116_750580.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061201013947/http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/nov2006/tc20061116_750580.htm |archive-date=December 1, 2006 |access-date=November 30, 2020 |website=[[BusinessWeek]] |page=1}}</ref> The company had seen what games like ''[[Dance Dance Revolution]]'' had done with unique controller approaches, according to Miyomoto.<ref name="businessweek big ideas pg2">{{Cite web |date=December 1, 2006 |title=The Big Ideas Behind Nintendo's Wii |url=http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/nov2006/tc20061116_750580_page_2.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071121134859/http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/nov2006/tc20061116_750580_page_2.htm |archive-date=November 27, 2007 |access-date=November 30, 2020 |website=[[BusinessWeek]] |page=2}}</ref> Around this time, Nintendo began working with Gyration Inc., a firm that had developed several patents related to [[motion detection]], to prototype future controllers using their licensed patents.<ref name="gizmodo gyration">{{cite web |title=Unearthed: Nintendo's Pre-Wiimote Prototype |url=https://gizmodo.com/gadgets/exclusive/unearthed-nintendo-2001-prototype-motion+sensing-one+handed-controller-by-gyration-294642.php |date=August 29, 2007 |access-date=August 30, 2007 |publisher=[[Gizmodo]] |first=Wilson |last=Rothman |archive-date=September 29, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929120608/http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/exclusive/unearthed-nintendo-2001-prototype-motion+sensing-one+handed-controller-by-gyration-294642.php |url-status=live }}</ref> Over the next two years, sales of the GameCube languished behind its competitors, Sony's [[PlayStation 2]] and Microsoft's [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]. [[Satoru Iwata]], who had been promoted to Nintendo's president in May 2002 following [[Hiroshi Yamauchi]]'s retirement,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kageyama |first=Yuri |date=July 12, 2015 |title=Nintendo President Satoru Iwata Dies of Tumor |url=http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/495d344a0d10421e9baa8ee77029cfbd/Article_2015-07-12-AS--Japan-Obit-Nintendo%20President/id-62869fddfd054d72b98981cf64a6cfab |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6aRru22RK?url=http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/495d344a0d10421e9baa8ee77029cfbd/Article_2015-07-12-AS--Japan-Obit-Nintendo%20President/id-62869fddfd054d72b98981cf64a6cfab |archive-date=August 1, 2015 |access-date=July 12, 2015 |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> recognized that Nintendo had not been keeping up with trends in the video game industry, such as adopting to online gaming. He also recognized that video gaming itself had become too exclusive and wanted Nintendo to pursue gaming hardware and software that would appeal to all ages.<ref name="IGN iwata bio">{{Cite web |last=Burns |first=James |date=July 16, 2004 |title=Profile: Satoru Iwata |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/07/16/profile-satoru-iwata?page=3 |access-date=July 19, 2015 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |page=3 |archive-date=April 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130423205933/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/07/16/profile-satoru-iwata?page=3 |url-status=live }}</ref> Iwata had directed analysis of Nintendo's position in the market, which found that their focus on hardward-intensive solutions to be competitive had created consoles that were difficult for developers to create games for, further hampering Nintendo's position.{{sfn|Inoue|2009|pp=27–31}} One of the first major steps Iwata had made based on the company's research was directing the development of the [[Nintendo DS]], a handheld incorporating dual screens including a [[touchscreen]], to revitalize their handheld console line.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Reimer |first=Jeremy |date=March 28, 2007 |title=Nintendo boss levels up to 'top 30 CEO' |work=[[Ars Technica]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast]] |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2007/03/nintendo-boss-levels-up-to-top-30-ceo/ |url-status=live |access-date=July 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201222848/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2007/03/nintendo-boss-levels-up-to-top-30-ceo/ |archive-date=December 1, 2012}}</ref> <!-- 2003-2005: Development and announcement --> In 2003, Iwata met with Miyamoto and [[Genyo Takeda]] to discuss their next home console based on their market research. Iwata instructed Takeda "to go off the tech roadmap" for this console, but made sure that one goal was that "a Mom has to like it";{{sfn|Inoue|2009|pp=37–38}} part of this was not only to draw in non-casual players but to also towards designing a console that would be capable of playing any past Nintendo game which would reduce the number of consoles that one would need to have connected and eliminate clutter.<ref name="businessweek big ideas pg2" /> Nintendo's game [[game engine|engineers]] and [[Game designer|designers]] were brought together to develop the concept further, with Takeda leading the console hardware components while Miyamoto took the lead on further developing a new type of controller based on Gyration's motion sensing technology.<ref name="gizmodo gyration" /> Iwata had proposed that this new console use motion sensing to simplify the gaming interface to further make gaming appeal to all audiences.<ref>{{cite book |last=Hasegawa |first=Yozo |year=2010|publication-date=August 24, 2011 |title=Rediscovering Japanese Business Leadership: 15 Japanese Managers and the Companies They're Leading to New Growth |location=Singapore |publisher=[[John Wiley & Sons|Wiley]] |isbn=978-0-470-82495-5 |others=Translated by Anthony Kimm | pages=50-51}}</ref> An initial prototype was completed within six months.{{sfn|Inoue|2009|pp=43–45}} <!-- Nintendo DS inspiration --> The Nintendo DS was said to have influenced the Wii's design, as the company found that the DS's novel two-screen interface had drawn in non-traditional players and wanted to replicate that on the new console.<ref name="businessweek big ideas pg2" /> Designer Ken'ichiro Ashida noted, "We had the DS on our minds as we worked on the Wii. We thought about copying the DS's touch-panel interface and even came up with a prototype." The idea was eventually rejected because of the notion that the two gaming systems would be identical. Miyamoto also stated, "if the DS had flopped, we might have taken the Wii back to the drawing board."<ref name="businessweek big ideas pg1" /> === Announcements === Prior to E3 2004, Iwata had referred to Nintendo's upcoming console offering as the GameCube Next (GCNext or GCN).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kent |first=Steven |date=April 11, 2004 |title=Nintendo's New Direction |url=https://www.gamespy.com/articles/505/505234p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040413195209/https://www.gamespy.com/articles/505/505234p1.html |archive-date=April 13, 2004 |website=[[Gamespy]]}}</ref> Iwata first unveiled some details of Nintendo's new home console at their press conference at [[E3 2004]] under the codename "Revolution", as Iwata believed the console would "create a gaming revolution".<ref name="IGN iwata bio" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Morris |first=Chris |date=May 11, 2004 |title=Nintendo shifts direction |url=https://money.cnn.com/2004/05/11/technology/e3_nintendo/ |access-date=November 9, 2020 |website=[[CNN]] |archive-date=March 29, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090329054956/http://money.cnn.com/2004/05/11/technology/e3_nintendo/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The same press conference was the first public speech given by [[Reggie Fils-Aimé]] after his hiring as [[Nintendo of America]]'s executive vice president for marketing. Fils-Aimé began the conference by saying: "My name is Reggie. I'm about kicking ass. I'm about taking names. And we're about making games."<ref name="ign e3 2004">{{cite web|date=May 13, 2004|title=The Nintendo Reggie-lution|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/05/13/the-nintendo-reggie-lution|access-date=November 12, 2020|work=[[IGN]]|archive-date=November 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111214334/https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/05/13/the-nintendo-reggie-lution|url-status=live}}</ref> Alongside the announcement of the console's development, Nintendo's E3 2004 conference included the reveal of the Nintendo DS and ''[[Resident Evil 4]]'' for the GameCube, a dramatic change from Nintendo's past E3 presentations and leading to promise in Nintendo's upcoming offerings.<ref name="ign e3 2004"/> The console, still named "Revolution", was formally presented to the public at [[E3 2005]]. In presenting the prototype version of the console, Iwata explained how the console would be a proverbial revolution for gamers, stating "We expect the Revolution will create entirely new genres to expand the definition of video games."<ref name="bbc e3 2005">{{Cite web |last=Hermida |first=Alfred |date=May 17, 2005 |title=Nintendo reveals its Revolution |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4557443.stm |access-date=November 9, 2020 |website=[[BBC]] |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109181150/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4557443.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> The motion controller interface had not yet been completed by this point, so was omitted from the E3 2005 showing; Miyamoto stated that the company "had some troubleshooting to do. So we decided not to reveal the controller and instead we displayed just the console."<ref name="businessweek big ideas pg1" /> Iwata, in their E3 conference, said the controller would "most separate the Revolution from its competitors."<ref name="bbc e3 2005" /> Iwata later unveiled and demonstrated their current prototype of the Revolution controller at the [[Tokyo Game Show]] in September 2005. At this stage, the controller unit resembled the final Wii Remote device along with the separate Nunchuk attachment. Iwata demonstrated its motion sensing gameplay capabilities, and incorporated commentary from developers, such as [[Hideo Kojima]] and [[Yuji Horii]], who had tested the controller and believed people would be drawn in by it.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Sinclair |first1=Brendan |last2=Torres, Ricardo |date=September 16, 2005 |title=TGS 2005: Iwata speaks |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6133389.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929224814/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6133389.html |archive-date=September 29, 2007 |access-date=September 24, 2006 |website=GameSpot}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carless |first=Simon |date=September 15, 2005 |title=TGS: Iwata's Keynote Reveals Nintendo Revolution Controller |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/97494/TGS_Iwatas_Keynote_Reveals_Nintendo_Revolution_Controller.php |access-date=November 9, 2020 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109164323/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/97494/TGS_Iwatas_Keynote_Reveals_Nintendo_Revolution_Controller.php |url-status=live }}</ref> [[File:Wii_Peripherals_E3_2006_2.jpg|thumb|upright=1|The Wii and several of its peripherals on display at E3 2006]] The console's name was formally announced as the Wii in April 2006, a month prior to [[E3 2006]]. Nintendo's spelling of "Wii" (with two lower-case "i" characters) was intended to represent both two people standing side-by-side (representing players gathering together) and also the Wii Remote and Nunchuk.<ref name="gamasutra introducing_wii">{{Cite web |last=Carless |first=Simon |date=April 27, 2006 |title=Breaking: Nintendo Announces New Revolution Name – 'Wii' |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=9075 |access-date=November 30, 2020 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |archive-date=April 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404212529/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=9075 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the company's announcement, they stated 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."<ref name="gamasutra introducing_wii" /> The "Wii" name did create some criticism and mockery after it was revealed. Some [[video game developer]]s and members of the press stated that they preferred "Revolution" over "Wii".<ref>{{cite web |title=Wii Reactions: Developers Comment |first=Brandon |last=Sheffield |url=http://gamasutra.com/features/20060501/sheffield_01.shtml |website=[[Gamasutra]] |date=May 1, 2006 |access-date=June 15, 2008 |archive-date=July 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725090114/http://gamasutra.com/features/20060501/sheffield_01.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[Forbes]]'' expressed a fear "that the name would convey a continued sense of 'kidiness' to the console."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Olson |first=Parmy |date=April 28, 2006 |title=Iwata's Nintendo Lampooned For 'Wii' |url=https://www.forbes.com/2006/04/28/nintendo-wii-console-cx_po_0428autofacescan08.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623080716/http://www.forbes.com/2006/04/28/nintendo-wii-console-cx_po_0428autofacescan08.html |archive-date=June 23, 2013 |access-date=June 15, 2008 |website=[[Forbes]]}}</ref> The [[BBC]] reported the day after the name was announced that "a long list of puerile jokes, based on the name," had appeared on the Internet.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 28, 2006 |title=Nintendo name swap sparks satire |publisher=BBC |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4953650.stm |access-date=March 14, 2007 |archive-date=January 4, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070104020513/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4953650.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Nintendo of America's Vice President of Corporate Affairs Perrin Kaplan defended the choice of "Wii" over "Revolution" and responded to critics of the name, stating "Live with it, sleep with it, eat with it, move along with it and hopefully they'll arrive at the same place."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |date=April 27, 2006 |title=Nintendo Talks to IGN about Wii |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/703/703593p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070321164248/http://wii.ign.com/articles/703/703593p1.html |archive-date=March 21, 2007 |access-date=March 14, 2007 |website=IGN}}</ref> Now president of Nintendo of America, Fils-Aimé acknowledged the initial reaction and explained "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."<ref>{{cite news |first1=Michael |last1=Donahoe |first2=Shane |last2=Bettenhausen |title=War of the Words |pages=25 |work=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly|EGM]] |date=July 2006}}</ref> The Wii was made available for press demonstration at the E3 2006, alongside the unveiling of some of the planned launched titles at its press conference. Nintendo also confirmed its plans to release the console by the end of 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/05/17/nintendos-history-at-e3-2006 |title=Nintendo's History at E3: 2006 |first=Lucas |last=Thomas |date=May 16, 2011 |access-date=November 9, 2020 |work=[[IGN]] |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111221051/https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/05/17/nintendos-history-at-e3-2006 |url-status=live }}</ref> === Launch === [[File:Wii launch in Hamburg.jpg|thumb|upright=1|Busy inside a shop during the Wii launch in Hamburg]] Nintendo announced the launch plans and prices for the Wii in September 2006. The console was first launched in the United States on November 19, 2006, for {{USD|249.99}}.<ref name="NArelease">{{Cite web |last1=Sanders |first1=Kathleen |last2=Casamassina |first2=Matt |date=September 13, 2006 |title=US Wii Price, Launch Date Revealed |url=http://ign.com/articles/2006/09/14/us-wii-price-launch-date-revealed |access-date=January 17, 2015 |website=[[IGN]] |archive-date=October 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019021234/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/14/us-wii-price-launch-date-revealed |url-status=live }}</ref> Other regional release dates and prices included Japan on December 2 for {{JPY|25,000}},<ref name="JPrelease">{{Cite web |last=Sanders |first=Kathleen |date=September 13, 2006 |title=Japanese Wii Price, Release Date Revealed |url=http://ign.com/articles/2006/09/14/japanese-wii-price-release-date-revealed |access-date=January 17, 2015 |website=[[IGN]] |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924152537/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/14/japanese-wii-price-release-date-revealed |url-status=live }}</ref> followed by Australasia on December 7 for {{AUD|399.95}},<ref name="AUSrelease">{{Cite web |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |date=September 15, 2006 |title=Aussie Wii: December 7th |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news150906wiiaustralia |access-date=November 9, 2020 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109181304/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news150906wiiaustralia |url-status=live }}</ref> and was later launched on December 8 in the United Kingdom for {{GBP|179.99}} and for the majority of Europe for {{Euro|249.99}}.<ref name="EUrelease">{{Cite web |last=Cocker |first=Guy |date=September 15, 2006 |title=Wii arrives in Europe on December 8 for £179 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/wii-arrives-in-europe-december-8-for/1100-6157699/ |access-date=November 9, 2020 |website=[[GameSpot]] |archive-date=November 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110045107/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/wii-arrives-in-europe-december-8-for/1100-6157699/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Nintendo stated at this time plans to have about 30 Wii games available by the end of 2006, and anticipated shipping over 4 million consoles before the end of the year.<ref name="cnn launch date" /> As part of its launch campaign, Nintendo promoted the Wii through a series of [[television advertisement]]s in North America (directed by [[Academy Award]] winner [[Stephen Gaghan]]) and its Internet ads using the slogans ''"Wii would like to play"'' and ''"Experience a new way to play''". The ads began in November 2006 and had a total budget of over {{USD|200 million|long=no}} for the year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sliwinski |first=Alexander |date=May 16, 2007 |title=Nintendo Wii marketing to exceed $200 million |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/12/nintendo-wii-marketing-to-exceed-200-million/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070516084139/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/12/nintendo-wii-marketing-to-exceed-200-million/ |archive-date=May 16, 2007 |access-date=August 10, 2018 |website=[[Joystiq]]}}</ref> The productions were Nintendo's first broad-based advertising strategy and included a two-minute [[video clip]] showing two Japanese businessmen politely introducing the Wii system to a range of demographics: urban apartment-dwellers, ranchers, grandparents, and parents with their children. The music in the ads was from the song "Kodo (Inside the Sun Remix)" by the [[Yoshida Brothers]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Wii For All – Wii Would Like To Play |date=December 10, 2006 |publisher=The Inspiration Room Daily |access-date=January 16, 2007 |url=http://theinspirationroom.com/daily/2006/wii-for-all |archive-date=September 14, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914132545/http://theinspirationroom.com/daily/2006/wii-for-all/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Nintendo has hoped to [[target market|target]] a wider [[demographic profile|demographic]] with its console than that of others in the [[History of video game consoles (seventh generation)|seventh generation]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2006-08-14-nintendo-qa_x.htm |title=Nintendo hopes Wii spells wiinner |access-date=August 16, 2006 |date=August 15, 2006 |newspaper=[[USA Today]] |archive-date=May 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522150812/http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2006-08-14-nintendo-qa_x.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2006, Satoru Iwata stated "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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |date=December 12, 2006 |title=Dragon Quest IX Q&A |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/12/dragon-quest-ix-qa |access-date=December 16, 2006 |website=[[IGN]] |archive-date=February 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205022147/http://ds.ign.com/articles/750/750610p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Wii had its launch in other Asian regions in the following years. It was released in South Korea on April 26, 2008,<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 14, 2008 |title=Wii launches in South Korea on April 26 with even cheaper Virtual Console games |url=https://www.siliconera.com/wii-launches-in-south-korea-on-april-26-with-even-cheaper-virtual-console-games |access-date=November 30, 2020 |website=[[Siliconera]] |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204230550/https://www.siliconera.com/wii-launches-in-south-korea-on-april-26-with-even-cheaper-virtual-console-games/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Wii was launched in Taiwan on July 12, 2008,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Matt |date=June 26, 2008 |title=Wii to Release in Taiwan, July 12 |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/wii-to-release-in-taiwan-july-12 |access-date=June 26, 2008 |website=[[Eurogamer|GamesIndustry.biz]] |archive-date=June 28, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080628023014/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/wii-to-release-in-taiwan-july-12 |url-status=live }}</ref> and Hong Kong on December 12, 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 6, 2010 |title=Ｗｉｉ主機 |url=http://www.nintendo.com.hk/wii_console.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100306012826/http://www.nintendo.com.hk/wii_console.htm |archive-date=March 6, 2010 |access-date=September 22, 2018}}</ref> Nintendo had planned work with its partner [[iQue]] to release the Wii in China sometime in 2008, but failed to clear all the requirements to get around the [[Video games in China#Chinese console ban (2000–2015)|ban on foreign-made consoles]] that the Chinese government had put in place.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ashcroft |first=Brian |date=September 15, 2010 |title=Why Are Consoles Banned In China? |url=https://kotaku.com/why-are-consoles-banned-in-china-5587577 |access-date=November 30, 2020 |website=[[Kotaku]] |archive-date=November 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114174003/https://kotaku.com/why-are-consoles-banned-in-china-5587577 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2013-01-30-china-console-ban.html | title = China's complicated history with video games: when a ban isn't really a ban | first = Richard | last = Lai | date = January 30, 2013 | access-date = November 29, 2020 | work = [[Engadget]] | archive-date = November 11, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201111222108/https://www.engadget.com/2013-01-30-china-console-ban.html | url-status = live }}</ref> == Hardware == === Console === [[File:NintendoStack.jpg|thumb|upright=1|The Wii (top) compared in size to the [[GameCube|NGC]], [[Nintendo 64|N64]], North American [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]], and [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]]|alt=Stack of video-game consoles, of which the Wii is the smallest]] In contrast to its past consoles, Nintendo designed the Wii from [[commercial off-the-shelf]] hardware components rather than seek out customized components, as they were not looking to outpace the computational performance of their competitors. This helped to reduce the cost of the Wii system to consumers.<ref name="fortune 2007">{{Cite web |last=O'Brien |first=Jeffrey M. |date=June 11, 2007 |title=Wii will rock you |url=https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2007/06/11/100083454/ |access-date=November 12, 2020 |website=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] |via=[[CNN]] |archive-date=August 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812100316/https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2007/06/11/100083454/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The console's [[CPU]] is an [[IBM]] [[PowerPC]]-based processed named [[Broadway (microprocessor)|Broadway]] with a clock frequency of 729&nbsp;MHz.<ref name="IGNTech">{{cite web|title=IGN: Revolution's Horsepower|date=March 29, 2006|website=IGN|access-date=December 23, 2006|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/699/699118p1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522074334/http://wii.ign.com/articles/699/699118p1.html|archive-date=May 22, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Wii: The Total Story"/> Broadway was based on a [[90 nm process]] compared to the [[180 nm process]] used in the GameCube's CPU, [[Gekko (microprocessor)|Gekko]], and was able to achieve a 20% reduction in power consumption.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ames |first=Ben |date=September 7, 2006 |title=IBM ships 'Broadway' chips for Nintendo Wii |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/1052806/broadway.html |access-date=November 12, 2020 |website=[[MacWorld]] |archive-date=September 28, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140928122747/http://www.macworld.com/article/1052806/broadway.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Wii's [[GPU]] is an [[ATI Technologies|ATI]] [[system on a chip]] named [[Hollywood (graphics chip)|Hollywood]] that includes a core processor running at 243&nbsp;MHz, 3&nbsp;MB of texture memory, [[digital signal processor]]s, and [[input/output]] functions.<ref name="IGNTech" /> The GPU also included an additional 24&nbsp;MB of [[1T-SRAM]] and an additional 64&nbsp;MB of 1T-SRAM on the motherboard to provide a total of 88&nbsp;MB of memory for the console.<ref name="IGNTech" /> The Wii's computational power was roughly 1.5 to 2&nbsp;times as powerful as the GameCube,<ref name="Wii: The Total Story">{{Cite web |authors=IGN Staff |date=October 28, 2006 |title=Wii: The Total Story |url=http://wii.ign.com/launchguide/hardware1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061028073931/http://wii.ign.com/launchguide/hardware1.html |archive-date=October 28, 2006 |access-date=November 20, 2006 |website=IGN |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ign wii faq">{{Cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |date=September 19, 2006 |title=IGN's Nintendo Wii FAQ |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/733/733464p7.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061031001548/http://wii.ign.com/articles/733/733464p7.html |archive-date=October 31, 2006 |access-date=November 11, 2006 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> but was considered the least powerful of the major home consoles of its generation.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schiesel |first=Seth |date=November 24, 2006 |title=Getting Everybody Back in the Game |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/24/arts/24wii.html |access-date=September 13, 2012 |archive-date=May 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502100842/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/24/arts/24wii.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Wii's motherboard includes a [[WiFi]] adapter supporting [[IEEE 802.11]] b/g modes and a [[Bluetooth]] antenna which it uses to communicate with the Wii Remote and other controllers. A USB-based [[Network interface controller|LAN adapter]] could be used to connect the Wii to a wired Ethernet network.<ref name="ign wii faq" /> The Wii reads games from its front slot-loading [[optical media]] drive, which is capable of reading 12&nbsp;cm [[Nintendo optical discs|Wii Optical Disc]]s and 8&nbsp;cm [[Nintendo GameCube Game Disc]]s; the drive cannot read other common optical media such as [[DVD-Video]], [[DVD-Audio]] or [[Compact Disc]]s. Nintendo had planned on incorporating this feature into later revisions of the Wii but their schedule was delayed as the company was focused on meeting demand for the Wii and ultimately passed on.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sherwood |first=James |date=November 9, 2007 |title=Nintendo confirms Wii DVD support coming |url=https://www.theregister.com/2007/11/09/wii_dvd_playback_delayed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731211831/https://www.theregister.com/2007/11/09/wii_dvd_playback_delayed/ |archive-date=July 31, 2020 |access-date=November 28, 2007 |website=[[The Register]] |publisher=Situation Publishing}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Paul |date=November 14, 2006 |title=Nintendo confirms DVD-enabled Wii in '07 |url=https://www.engadget.com/2006-11-14-nintendo-confirms-dvd-enabled-wii-in-07.html |access-date=December 2, 2020 |website=[[Engadget]] |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204230538/https://www.engadget.com/2006-11-14-nintendo-confirms-dvd-enabled-wii-in-07.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Savino |first=Candace |date=November 7, 2007 |title=DVD-enabled Wii on the backburner |url=https://www.engadget.com/2007-11-08-dvd-enabled-wii-on-the-backburner.html |access-date=December 2, 2020 |website=[[Engadget]] |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204230432/https://www.engadget.com/2007-11-08-dvd-enabled-wii-on-the-backburner.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The slot of the optical drive was backed by LED lights which can be illuminated by the console's software to show the status of the system, such as pulsing blue when the system is communicating with the WiiConnect24 service.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Espineli |first1=Matt |last2=Thang |first2=Jimmy |date=July 15, 2019 |title=Evolution Of Nintendo's Consoles: Switch, Switch Lite, 3DS, Wii, SNES, And More |url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/evolution-of-nintendos-consoles-switch-switch-lite/2900-1082/ |access-date=December 2, 2020 |website=[[GameSpot]] |archive-date=November 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111005149/https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/evolution-of-nintendos-consoles-switch-switch-lite/2900-1082/3/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=WiiConnect24 |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Wii/Get-Connected/WiiConnect24/WiiConnect24-Wii-Online-Wii-Nintendo-UK-626436.html |access-date=December 2, 2020 |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204230556/https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Wii/Get-Connected/WiiConnect24/WiiConnect24-Wii-Online-Wii-Nintendo-UK-626436.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Wii includes 512&nbsp;MB of internal flash memory for storing saved games and downloaded content from the Wii channels. Users could expand their storage for downloaded games and saved games, as well as provide photos and music that could be used with some games and Wii channels, through [[SD card]]s (and later [[SDHC card]]s) inserted into an external slot on the console located under a front panel. Later system updates added the ability to play games directly from the SD card.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carless |first=Simon |date=April 27, 2006 |title=Breaking: Nintendo Announces New Revolution Name – 'Wii' |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/100029/Breaking_Nintendo_Announces_New_Revolution_Name__Wii.php |access-date=November 12, 2020 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |archive-date=April 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404212537/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/100029/Breaking_Nintendo_Announces_New_Revolution_Name__Wii.php |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Boson |first=Mark |date=November 10, 2006 |title=Excite Truck Custom Soundtrack Confirmed |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/745/745360p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070126085904/http://wii.ign.com/articles/745/745360p1.html |archive-date=January 26, 2007 |access-date=November 10, 2006 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Fahey |first=Mike |date=March 25, 2009 |title=Wii System Update Adds Play From SD Card Support |language=en-US |work=Kotaku |url=https://kotaku.com/5183763/wii-system-update-adds-play-from-sd-card-support |access-date=November 30, 2018 |archive-date=November 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130113155/https://kotaku.com/5183763/wii-system-update-adds-play-from-sd-card-support |url-status=live }}</ref> The rear of the console features the unit's video output and power connections along with two [[Universal Serial Bus|USB]] ports. The top of the console, when placed vertically, includes a panel that includes four ports for GameCube controllers and a GameCube memory card.<ref name="Wii: The Total Story"/> The Wii was Nintendo's smallest home console at the time (the current smallest is hybrid home-portable console Nintendo Switch, when in portable mode); it measures 44&nbsp;[[millimetre|mm]] (1.73&nbsp;[[inch|in]]) wide, 157&nbsp;mm (6.18&nbsp;in) tall and 215.4&nbsp;mm (8.48&nbsp;in) deep in its vertical orientation, slightly larger than three [[keep case|DVD cases]] stacked together. The included stand measures 55.4&nbsp;mm (2.18&nbsp;in) wide, 44&nbsp;mm (1.73&nbsp;in) tall and 225.6&nbsp;mm (8.88&nbsp;in) deep. The system weighs 1.2&nbsp;[[kilogram|kg]] (2.7&nbsp;[[pound (mass)|lb]]),<ref name="pcworld closer look">{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Danny |date=November 17, 2006 |title=A Closer Look at the Nintendo Wii |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/127859/a_closer_look_at_the_nintendo_wii.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080205074335/http://www.pcworld.com/article/id%2C127859-page%2C1/article.html |archive-date=February 5, 2008 |access-date=March 8, 2007 |magazine=[[PC World]]}}</ref> making it the lightest of the three major seventh-generation consoles. The Wii may stand horizontally or vertically. ===Wii Remote=== {{Main|Wii Remote}} [[File:Wii Demonstration E3 2006.jpg|thumb|upright=1|The Wii Remote being used to play ''Metroid Prime 3'' at E3 2006. The sensor bar can be seen at the base of the television screen.]] [[File:Wiimote-in-Hands.jpg|thumb|upright=1|A [[Wii Nunchuk|Nunchuk]], [[Wii Remote]] and [[Wii Remote#Strap|strap]] shown in hand|alt=Two types of Wii controllers, one in each hand]] The Wii Remote{{efn|"Wii Remote" is the official name of the device though the nickname "Wiimote" has been used by the general population.<ref name="nytimes wii remote secrets"/>}} is the primary [[game controller|controller]] for the console. The remote contains a [[Microelectromechanical systems|MEMS-based]] three-dimension [[accelerometer]], along with [[infrared]] detection sensors located at the far end of the controller.<ref name="nytimes wii remote">{{cite web | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/21/technology/21howw.html | title = At the Heart of the Wii, Micron-Size Machines | first = Michael | last = Marriott | date = December 21, 2006 | access-date = December 1, 2020 | work = [[The New York Times]] | archive-date = February 2, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170202175314/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/21/technology/21howw.html | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="mit review">{{cite web | url = https://www.technologyreview.com/2007/07/01/271887/hack-the-nintendo-wii/ | title = Hack: The Nintendo Wii | first = Daniel | last = Turner | date = July 1, 2007 | access-date = December 1, 2020 | work = [[MIT Technology Review]] | archive-date = December 4, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201204230438/https://www.technologyreview.com/2007/07/01/271887/hack-the-nintendo-wii/ | url-status = live }}</ref> The accelerometers allow the Wii Remote to recognize its orientation after being moved from a resting position, translating that motion into [[gesture recognition]] for a game.<ref name="nytimes wii remote"/> For example, the pack-in game ''Wii Sports'' includes a [[ten-pin bowling]] game that had the player hold the Wii Remote and perform a delivery of a ball; the Wii Remote could account for the player's position relative to the Sensor bar, and their arm and wrist rotation to apply speed and spin to the virtual ball's delivery on screen.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Ryan |date=November 19, 2006 |title=Wii Sports Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/wii-sports-review/1900-6162054/ |access-date=November 12, 2020 |website=[[GameSpot]] |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112074741/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/wii-sports-review/1900-6162054/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The infrared detectors are used to track emissions from [[light-emitting diode|LEDs]] in the included [[Sensor Bar]], which is placed just above or below the television display, as to track the relative orientation of the Wii Remote towards the screen. This gives the Wii Remote the ability to act as a [[pointing device]] like a [[computer mouse]] on the television screen, with an approximate {{convert|15|ft|m}} range for accurate detection.<ref name="nytimes wii remote"/><ref name="pcworld wii review"/> In addition, the Wii Remote features traditional controller inputs, including a [[directional pad]] (d-pad), three face action buttons and a shoulder trigger, and four system-related buttons include a power switch. The Wii Remote connects to the Wii through Bluetooth with an approximate {{convert|30|ft|m}} range,<ref name="pcworld wii review"/> communicating the sensor and control information to the console unit. The Wii Remote includes an internal speaker and a [[Haptic technology#Video games|rumble pack]] that can be triggered by a game to provide feedback directly to the player's hand.<ref name="nytimes wii remote"/> Up to four Wii Remotes could connect wirelessly to a Wii, with LED lights on each remote indicating which controller number the Remote had connected as.<ref name="pcworld wii review">{{cite web | url = https://www.pcworld.com/article/127859/article.html | title = A Closer Look at the Nintendo Wii | first = Danny | last = Allen | date = November 17, 2006 | access-date = December 1, 2020 | work = [[PC World]] | archive-date = April 15, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080415111316/http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,127859-page,1/article.html | url-status = live }}</ref> The remote is [[electric battery|battery]]-operated, and when the Remote is not powered on, these LED lights can display the remaining battery power.<ref name="nytimes wii remote secrets"/> A wrist-mounted strap is included with the Wii Remote, with one end affixed to the bottom of the unit. Nintendo strongly encouraged players to use the strap in case the Wii Remote accidentally slipped out of their hands. Nintendo recalled the original straps in December 2006 and provided a free, stronger strap as a replacement, as well as packaging the new strap in future bundles after the company faced [[#Legal issues|legal challenges]] from users that reported damage to their homes from the Wii Remote slipping from their hands while playing.<ref name="bbc remote breakages"/><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2006-12-15-wiimote-straps-recalled-yeah-all-of-them.html | title = Wiimote straps replaced: yeah, all of them! | first = Thomas | last = Wicker | date = December 15, 2006 | access-date = December 1, 2020 | work = [[Engadget]] | archive-date = November 12, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201112032940/https://www.engadget.com/2006-12-15-wiimote-straps-recalled-yeah-all-of-them.html | url-status = live }}</ref> In October 2007, Nintendo also added a [[silicon]]-based [[Wii Remote Jacket]] to shipments of the Wii and Wii Remote, as well as a free offering for existing users. The Jacket wraps around the bulk of the remote but leaves access to the various buttons and connectors, providing a stickier surface in the user's grip to further reduce the chance of the Remote falling out of the player's hand.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2007-10-01-nintendo-announces-free-wii-remote-jacket.html | title = Nintendo announces free Wii Remote Jacket | first = Christopher | last = Grant | date = October 1, 2007 | access-date = December 1, 2020 | work = [[Engadget]] | archive-date = December 4, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201204230432/https://www.engadget.com/2007-10-01-nintendo-announces-free-wii-remote-jacket.html | url-status = live }}</ref> Accessories can be connected to a Wii Remote through a [[Proprietary hardware|proprietary]] port at the base of the controller.<ref name="pcworld wii review"/> The Wii shipped with the bundled [[Wii Nunchuk|Nunchuk]]&mdash;a handheld unit with an accelerometer, [[analog stick]], and two trigger buttons&mdash;which connected to this port on the Wii Remote via a {{convert|4|ft|m}} cable. Players hold both the Wii Remote and Nunchuck in separate hands to control supported games.<ref name="mit review"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wales |first=Matt |date=May 22, 2006 |title=Reports claim Wii to slap down 16 at launch |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=140333&skip=yes |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060615010501/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=140333&skip=yes |archive-date=June 15, 2006 |access-date=May 25, 2006 |magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]]}}</ref> The [[Wii MotionPlus]] accessory plugs into the port at the base of the Wii Remote and augments the existing sensors with [[gyroscope]]s to allow for finer motion detection.<ref name="nytimes wii remote secrets">{{cite web | url = https://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/hidden-secrets-of-your-wii-remote/ | title = Hidden Secrets of Your Wii Remote | first = Warren | last = Buckleitner | date = May 28, 2009 | access-date = December 1, 2020 | work = [[The New York Times]] | archive-date = July 31, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200731112854/https://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/hidden-secrets-of-your-wii-remote/ | url-status = live }}</ref> The MotionPlus accessory was released in June 2009 with a number of new games directly supporting this new functionality, including ''[[Wii Sports Resort]]'' which including the accessory as part of a bundle.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/25/arts/television/25wii.html | title = A Digital Camp for Antsy Athletes | first = Seth | last = Secthal | date = July 24, 2009 | access-date = December 1, 2020 | work = [[The New York Times]] | archive-date = February 19, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190219030154/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/25/arts/television/25wii.html | url-status = live }}</ref> The MotionPlus functionality was later incorporated into a revision of the controller called the Wii Remote Plus, first released in October 2010.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2008/jul/17/moreonwiismotionplus |title=More on Wii's MotionPlus |last=Stuart |first=Keith |date=July 17, 2008 |work=The Guardian |access-date=September 23, 2017 |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=September 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923194241/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2008/jul/17/moreonwiismotionplus |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Gyro Sensor: A New Sense Of Control |url=http://us.wii.com/iwata_asks/wiimotionplus/vol1_page1.jsp |work=Iwata Asks: Wii MotionPlus |publisher=Nintendo |page=1 |access-date=June 4, 2009 |quote=No, the intention was to integrate the two from the very start. This is why when we use the term Wii MotionPlus, we are referring to the accessory with the Wii MotionPlus Jacket attached. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110217194342/http://us.wii.com/iwata_asks/wiimotionplus/vol1_page1.jsp |archive-date=February 17, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 10, 2010 |title=Nintendo Wii Remote Plus |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2374174,00.asp |access-date=September 23, 2017 |website=PC Magazine |language=en |archive-date=September 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923095937/https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2374174,00.asp |url-status=live }}</ref> A number of third-party controller manufacturers developed their own lower-cost versions of the Wii Remote, though these generally were less accurate or lacked the sensitivity that Nintendo's unit had.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://gizmodo.com/battlemodo-the-wiimote-vs-the-cheap-knockoffs-5291847 | title = Battlemodo: The Wiimote vs. The Cheap Knockoffs | first = Mark | last = Wilson | date = June 16, 2009 | access-date = December 1, 2020 | work = [[Gizmodo]] | archive-date = April 7, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190407150523/https://gizmodo.com/battlemodo-the-wiimote-vs-the-cheap-knockoffs-5291847 | url-status = live }}</ref> ===Other controllers and accessories=== [[File:Wii-Classic-Controller-White.jpg|thumb|upright=1|Wii Classic Controller]] The [[Classic Controller]] is an extension for the Wii Remote, released alongside the Wii in November 2006. Its form factor is similar to classic gamepads such as that for the [[Nintendo 64]], with a d-pad, four face buttons, Start and Select buttons alongside the Wii connection button, and two shoulder buttons. Players can use it with older games from the Virtual Console in addition to games designed for the Wii.<ref name="ZD Classic">{{cite web|url=http://review.zdnet.com/Nintendo_Wii_Classic_Controller/4505-10110_16-32157709.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20071228075238/http://review.zdnet.com/Nintendo_Wii_Classic_Controller/4505-10110_16-32157709.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-12-28|title=ZDNet Nintendo Wii Classic Controller Review & Comparison|access-date=2007-01-01|last=Greenwald|first=Will|date=2006-12-07|publisher=CNET}}</ref> In 2009, Nintendo released the Wii Classic Controller Pro, which was modelled after the GameCube's form factor and included two analog sticks.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/108/1083444p1.html| title=Classic Controller Pro Impressions| last=Harris| first=Craig| work=[[IGN]]| publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc.| date=2010-04-13| access-date=2010-12-19| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100427183601/http://wii.ign.com/articles/108/1083444p1.html| archive-date=2010-04-27| url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[Wii Balance Board]] was released alongside ''[[Wii Fit]]'' in December 2007. It is a wireless [[balance board]] accessory for the Wii, with multiple pressure sensors used to measure the user's [[center of mass|center of balance]].<ref>{{cite video |people=Shigeru Miyamoto (Interviewed) |date=July 12, 2007 |title=E3 2007: Shigeru Miyamoto Video Interview |url=http://uk.media.wii.ign.com/articles/804/804464/vids_1.html |publisher=IGN |access-date=July 13, 2007|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070816211448/http://uk.media.wii.ign.com/articles/804/804464/vids_1.html |archive-date=August 16, 2007}}</ref> ''Wii Fit'' offers a number of different exercise modes which monitored the player's position on the board, as well as exercise gamification, as to encourage players to exercise daily.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.wired.com/2008/05/wii-fit-review/ | title = Review: ''Wii Fit'' Works, But Could Shape Up | first = Chris | last = Kohler | date = May 19, 2008 | access-date = December 1, 2020 | work = [[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] | archive-date = October 27, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201027045857/https://www.wired.com/2008/05/wii-fit-review/ | url-status = live }}</ref> In addition to use in Nintendo's ''[[Wii Fit Plus]]'' that expanded the range of exercises using the Wii Balance Board, the accessory can be used in other third-party games that translated the player's balance on the unit into in-game controls such as ''[[Shaun White Snowboarding]]'' and ''[[Skate It]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2008/07/shaun-white-and-skateit/ | title = Balance boarding: hands-on with Shaun White and Skate It | first = Frank | last = Caron | date = July 18, 2008 | access-date = December 1, 2020 | work = [[Ars Technica]] | archive-date = February 19, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190219102623/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2008/07/shaun-white-and-skateit/ | url-status = live }}</ref> [[Namco Bandai Games|Namco Bandai]] produced a mat controller (a simpler, less-sophisticated competitor to the balance board).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/873/873470p1.html |title=Namco Bandai Take to the Mat |website=IGN |date=May 13, 2008 |access-date=September 13, 2012 |last=Robinson |first=Martin|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720170656/http://wii.ign.com/articles/873/873470p1.html|archive-date=July 20, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> One of Iwata's initiatives at Nintendo was focused on "quality of life" products, those that encouraged players to do other activities beyond simply sitting and playing video games as to promote physical wellbeing. The use of motion controls in the Wii served part of this, but Nintendo developed additional accessories to give awareness of one's health as a lead-in for the company to break into the health care field.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/ChristianNutt/20140204/210023/Understanding_Nintendos_new_quotquality_of_lifequot_initiative.php | title = Understanding Nintendo's new "quality of life" initiative | first = Christian | last = Nutt | date = February 4, 2014 | access-date = December 1, 2020 | work = [[Gamasutra]] | archive-date = May 5, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190505161354/http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/ChristianNutt/20140204/210023/Understanding_Nintendos_new_quotquality_of_lifequot_initiative.php | url-status = live }}</ref> At [[E3 2009]], Nintendo had presented a "[[Heart rate monitor|Vitality Sensor]]" accessory that would be used to measure a player's pulse as a lead-in to a larger quality of life initiative, but this product was never released. In a 2013 Q&A, Satoru Iwata revealed that the Vitality Sensor had been shelved, as internal testing found that the device did not work with all users, and its use cases were too narrow.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=July 5, 2013 |title=Nintendo explains Wii Vitality Sensor cancellation |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-07-05-nintendo-explains-wii-vitality-sensor-cancellation |access-date=September 23, 2017 |website=Eurogamer |language=en-UK |archive-date=September 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911161605/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-07-05-nintendo-explains-wii-vitality-sensor-cancellation |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite this, Nintendo has continued Iwata's quality of life program with further products on later consoles and games.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/iwatas-quality-of-life-initiative-still-in-development-at-nintendo/ | title = Iwata's quality of life initiative 'still in development' at Nintendo | first = Andy | last = Robinson | date = June 28, 2019 | access-date = December 1, 2020 | work = [[Video Games Chronicle]] | archive-date = November 7, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201107235746/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/iwatas-quality-of-life-initiative-still-in-development-at-nintendo/ | url-status = live }}</ref> A number of first- and third-party accessories were developed that the Wii Remote could be slotted into and then used in a more physical manner that took advantage of the accelerometer and gyroscopic functions of the controller. Some copies of ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'' shipped with the [[Wii Wheel]], a plastic steering wheel frame with the Wii Remote could be inserted into, so that players could steer more effectively in game.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wired.com/2008/04/iwata-miyamoto/ |title=Iwata, Miyamoto, and the Wii Wheel Prototypes |first=Chris |last=Kohler |date=April 4, 2008 |access-date=November 12, 2020 |work=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112214917/https://www.wired.com/2008/04/iwata-miyamoto/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Rhythm game]]s that used plastic instruments, such as ''[[Guitar Hero III]]'', shipped with instruments that the Wii Remote could be slotted into; the remote powered the various buttons on the controller and relayed that to the Wii.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/22/technology/personaltech/22basics.html |title=Your Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy |first=Warren |last=Buckleitner |date=November 22, 2007 |access-date=November 12, 2020 |work=[[The New York Times]] |archive-date=November 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118024534/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/22/technology/personaltech/22basics.html |url-status=live }}</ref> === Variants and bundles === The Wii launch bundle included the console; a stand to allow the console to be placed vertically; a plastic stabilizer for the main stand. one Wii Remote, a Nunchuk attachment for the Remote, a Sensor Bar and a removable stand for the bar to mount on a television set, an external [[power supply|power adapter]], and two [[AA battery|AA batteries]] for the Wii Remote. The bundle included a [[composite video|composite AV cable]] with [[RCA connector]]s, and in appropriate regions such as in Europe, a [[SCART]] adapter was also included.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rudden |first=David |date=September 14, 2006 |title=Nintendo Wii release details: Nov. 19, $250 with a game included |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-10921_7-6637970-4.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723190318/http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-10921_7-6637970-4.html |archive-date=July 23, 2013 |access-date=September 13, 2012 |website=[[CNET]]}}</ref> A copy of the game ''[[Wii Sports]]'' was included in most regional bundles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |date=November 15, 2006 |title=Wii Sports Review |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/745/745708p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061115004549/http://wii.ign.com/articles/745/745708p1.html |archive-date=November 15, 2006 |access-date=October 10, 2018 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> Although Nintendo showed the console and the Wii Remote in white, black, silver, lime-green and red before it was released,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ashcroft |first=Brian |date=October 6, 2012 |title=NINTENDO Where's My Lime Green Wii, Nintendo? |url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2012/10/wheres-my-lime-green-wii-nintendo/ |access-date=October 8, 2012 |website=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=Gawker Media |archive-date=October 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007084422/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2012/10/wheres-my-lime-green-wii-nintendo/ |url-status=live }}</ref> it was only available in white for its first two-and-a-half years of sales. Black consoles were available in Japan in August 2009,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ashcroft |first=Brian |date=June 4, 2009 |title=Nintendo Selling Black Wii in Japan This Summer |url=http://kotaku.com/5278279/nintendo-selling-black-wii-in-japan-this-summer |website=[[Kotaku]] |access-date=August 10, 2009 |archive-date=June 7, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090607070623/http://kotaku.com/5278279/nintendo-selling-black-wii-in-japan-this-summer |url-status=live }}</ref> in Europe in November 2009<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murph |first=Darren |date=October 20, 2009 |title=Nintendo shipping black Wii to Europe in limited edition bundle |url=https://www.engadget.com/2009-10-20-nintendo-shipping-black-wii-to-europe-in-limited-edition-bundle.html |access-date=October 20, 2009 |publisher=[[Engadget]] |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204230433/https://www.engadget.com/2009-10-20-nintendo-shipping-black-wii-to-europe-in-limited-edition-bundle.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and in North America in May 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stevens |first=Tim |date=May 3, 2010 |title=Nintendo Wii goes ebony and ivory on May 9, includes Sports Resort and Motion Plus |url=https://www.engadget.com/2010-05-03-nintendo-wii-goes-ebony-and-ivory-on-may-9-includes-sports-reso.html |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=[[Engadget]] |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109024247/https://www.engadget.com/2010-05-03-nintendo-wii-goes-ebony-and-ivory-on-may-9-includes-sports-reso.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A red Wii system bundle was available in Japan on November 11, 2010, commemorating the 25th anniversary of ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]''<ref>{{cite web |title=Nintendo Wii turns red with glee for Super Mario's 25th anniversarii |url=https://www.engadget.com/2010/10/07/nintendo-wii-turns-red-with-glee-for-super-marios-25th-annivers/ |access-date=September 18, 2017 |archive-date=October 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101009111733/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/07/nintendo-wii-turns-red-with-glee-for-super-marios-25th-annivers/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The European version of the limited-edition red Wii bundle was released on October 29, 2010, which includes the original ''[[Donkey Kong (video game)|Donkey Kong]]'' game preloaded onto the console, ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'' and ''Wii Sports''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |date=October 11, 2010 |title=Europe Gets Red Wii Bundle |language=en-US |work=Kotaku |url=https://kotaku.com/5660577/europe-gets-red-wii-bundle |access-date=September 15, 2018 |archive-date=September 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916022759/https://kotaku.com/5660577/europe-gets-red-wii-bundle |url-status=live }}</ref> The bundle also features the Wii Remote Plus, with integrated Wii Motion Plus technology. The red Wii bundle was released in North America on November 7, 2010, with ''New Super Mario Bros. Wii'', Wii Sports, and the Wii Remote Plus.<ref>{{cite web |title=Anniversary Bundles and Wii Remote Plus Confirmed for US |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/24335 |access-date=October 21, 2010 |archive-date=July 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714185419/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/24335 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fletcher |first=JC |date=October 24, 2010 |title=Red Wii and DSi XL bundles, Wii Remote Plus, and FlingSmash in North America Nov. 7 {{!}} Joystiq |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/red-wii-and-dsi-xl-bundles-wii-remote-plus-and-flingsmash-in-n/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101024192034/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/red-wii-and-dsi-xl-bundles-wii-remote-plus-and-flingsmash-in-n/ |archive-date=October 24, 2010 |access-date=September 15, 2018 |website=[[Joystiq]]}}</ref> === Revisions === The prefix for the numbering scheme of the Wii system and its parts and accessories is "RVL-" for its [[code name]], "Revolution". The base Wii console had a model number of RVL-100, for example.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wii controller world tour |page=8 |publisher=[[Nintendo Gamer|NGamer]] |date=July 13, 2007}}</ref> ==== {{Anchor|RVL-101}} Redesigned model ==== [[File:WiiFamilyEdition.svg|thumb|upright=1|RVL-101 layout with its labels aligned horizontally, just as the console was designed to be placed, unlike the original version]] A cost-reduced variant of the Wii (model RVL-101), sometimes referred to as the Family Edition as the name given to bundles it was featured in, was released late into the platform's lifespan that removed all GameCube functionality, including the GameCube controller ports and memory card slots found on the original model. Additionally, it does not include a stand, as it is intended to be positioned horizontally. Nintendo announced the new revision in August 2011 as a replacement for the original Wii model which it was discontinuing in certain regions including Europe and the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=August 17, 2011 |title=Nintendo discontinuing current Wii |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-08-17-nintendo-discontinuing-current-wii-model |access-date=December 2, 2020 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111205944/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-08-17-nintendo-discontinuing-current-wii-model |url-status=live }}</ref> The new unit in its bundles was priced at {{USD|149.99|long=no}},<ref name="wired wii redesign release"/> a further reduction for the Wii's current MSRP of {{USD|199.99|long=no}} established in September 2009.<ref name="cnn 2009 price drop"/> The console was first released in North America on October 23, 2011, in a black finish in a bundle that included a Wii Remote and Nunchuck controller, ''New Super Mario Bros. Wii'' and a limited-edition soundtrack for ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]''.<ref name="wired wii redesign release">{{Cite web |last=Meyer |first=John |date=October 12, 2011 |title=Nintendo Bundles Redesigned Wii With Mario |url=https://www.wired.com/2011/10/wii-redesign/ |access-date=December 2, 2020 |website=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |archive-date=December 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230163351/https://www.wired.com/2011/10/wii-redesign/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It was released in Europe on November 4, 2011, in a white model, bundled with a Wii Remote and Nunchuck controller, along with ''[[Wii Party]]'' and ''Wii Sports''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=October 12, 2011 |title=Wii redesign European release date |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-10-12-wii-redesign-european-release-date |access-date=December 2, 2020 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |archive-date=August 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820103947/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-10-12-wii-redesign-european-release-date |url-status=live }}</ref> A special bundle featuring a blue version of the revised Wii model and Wii Remote and Nunchuck controller with the inclusion of ''[[Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games]]'' was released in Europe on November 18, 2011, in collaboration with [[Sega]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Buckley |first=Sean |date=October 11, 2011 |title=European blue Wii bundle takes Mario & Sonic to the Olympics, sends US gamers home without a medal |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011-10-11-european-blue-wii-bundle-takes-mario-and-sonic-to-the-olympics-se.html |access-date=December 2, 2020 |website=[[Engadget]] |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204230602/https://www.engadget.com/2011-10-11-european-blue-wii-bundle-takes-mario-and-sonic-to-the-olympics-se.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Nintendo later revised the North American bundle by replacing the prior pack-in game and soundtrack with ''Wii Sports'' and ''Wii Sports Resort''; the new bundle was released on October 28, 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Graziano |first=Dan |date=October 15, 2012 |title=Nintendo Wii now bundled with Wii Sports, price slashed to just $129 |url=https://news.yahoo.com/nintendo-wii-now-bundled-wii-sports-price-slashed-015348111.html |access-date=December 2, 2020 |website=[[Yahoo! News]] |archive-date=April 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404212533/https://news.yahoo.com/nintendo-wii-now-bundled-wii-sports-price-slashed-015348111.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ==== {{Anchor|RVL-201}} Wii Mini ==== [[File:Wii-Mini-Console-Set-H.jpg|thumb|upright=1|A Wii Mini with Wii Remote]] The '''Wii Mini''' (model RVL-201)<ref>{{cite web |title=What Is the Difference between the Models of Wii Consoles? |url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2650/~/what-is-the-difference-between-the-models-of-wii-consoles |website=Nintendo Support |access-date=July 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329151054/https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2650/~/what-is-the-difference-between-the-models-of-wii-consoles |archive-date=March 29, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> is a smaller, redesigned Wii with a top-loading disc drive. In addition to the lack of GameCube support, the Wii Mini removes Wi-Fi support and online connectivity, along with the removal of the SD card slot. It also removed support for 480p and component video output.<ref name="EurogamerWiiMiniReview">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/df-hardware-nintendo-wii-mini-review |title=Nintendo Wii Mini review |last=Leadbetter |first=Richard |date=December 12, 2012 |work=Eurogamer |access-date=December 16, 2012 |archive-date=December 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215091852/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/df-hardware-nintendo-wii-mini-review |url-status=live }}</ref> According to Nintendo of Canada's Matt Ryan, they stripped these features to bring the price of the console further as to make it an option for those consumers that had not yet gotten a Wii or for those who wanted a second Wii in a different location. Ryan stated that while removing the online functionality would prevent some games from being played, most Wii games could still be played without it.<ref name="polygon wii mini">{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2012/12/5/3728780/wii-mini-lost-online-functionality-other-wii-features-to-stay-under | title = Nintendo explains Wii Mini's lack of online functionality, Canada-only release | first = Griffen | last = McElroy | date = December 5, 2012 | access-date = November 30, 2020 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-date = November 12, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201112015457/http://www.polygon.com/2012/12/5/3728780/wii-mini-lost-online-functionality-other-wii-features-to-stay-under | url-status = live }}</ref> The Wii Mini is styled in matte black with a red border, and includes a red [[Wii Remote Plus]] and Nunchuk. According to Ryan, the red coloring was indicative of the planned exclusive release in Canada.<ref name="polygon wii mini"/> A composite video/audio cable, wired sensor bar and power adapter are also included.<ref name="engadget wii mini review">{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/12/06/nintendo-wii-mini-hands-on/ |title=Nintendo Wii Mini hands-on |last=Fingas |first=Jon |date=December 6, 2012 |work=Engadget |publisher=AOL |access-date=December 12, 2012 |archive-date=December 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121209013632/http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/06/nintendo-wii-mini-hands-on/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Wii Mini was first released on December 7, 2012, exclusively in Canada with a MSRP of {{CAD|99.99}}.<ref name="engadget wiimini canada">{{cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2012-11-27-nintendo-makes-wii-mini-official-exclusive-to-canada.html | title = Nintendo makes Wii Mini official: currently exclusive to Canada, launches December 7th for $100 | first = Jon | last = Fingas | date = November 27, 2012 | access-date = November 30, 2020 | work = [[Engadget]] | archive-date = November 12, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201112022012/https://www.engadget.com/2012-11-27-nintendo-makes-wii-mini-official-exclusive-to-canada.html | url-status = live }}</ref> The system was later released in Europe on March 22, 2013,<ref name="web.archive.org" /> and in the United States on November 17, 2013.<ref name="polygon wiimini us">{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2013/11/4/5064668/wii-mini-coming-to-u-s-this-month-bundled-with-mario-kart-wii | title = Wii Mini coming to U.S. this month, bundled with Mario Kart Wii | first = Alexa Ray | last = Correira | date = November 4, 2013 | access-date = November 30, 2020 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-date = November 12, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201112031414/http://www.polygon.com/2013/11/4/5064668/wii-mini-coming-to-u-s-this-month-bundled-with-mario-kart-wii | url-status = live }}</ref> The Canadian and European releases did not include a game,<ref name="engadget wii mini review"/><ref>{{cite press release | url = https://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/187327/Wii_MINI_LAUNCHING_ON_22ND_MARCH_2013__THE_PERFECT_WAY_TOCATCH_UP_ON_SOME_CLASSIC_Wii_GAMES_.php | title = Wii Mini Launching On 22nd March, 2013 - The Perfect Way To Catch Up On Some Classic Wii Games | publisher = [[Gamasutra]] | date = February 26, 2013 | access-date = December 2, 2020 | archive-date = March 2, 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130302045458/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/187327/Wii_MINI_LAUNCHING_ON_22ND_MARCH_2013__THE_PERFECT_WAY_TOCATCH_UP_ON_SOME_CLASSIC_Wii_GAMES_.php | url-status = live }}</ref> while ''Mario Kart Wii'' had been included in all launch bundles in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2013/11/4/5064668/wii-mini-coming-to-u-s-this-month-bundled-with-mario-kart-wii | title = Wii Mini coming to U.S. this month, bundled with Mario Kart Wii | first = Alexa Ray | last = Correira | date = November 4, 2013 | access-date = December 2, 2020 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-date = November 12, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201112031414/http://www.polygon.com/2013/11/4/5064668/wii-mini-coming-to-u-s-this-month-bundled-with-mario-kart-wii | url-status = live }}</ref> Nintendo added several best-selling and critically acclaimed Wii games to its [[Nintendo Selects]] label and marketed those alongside the Wii Mini's release.<ref name="engadget wiimini canada"/> == Software == {{See also|Wii system software}} The console has a number of internal features made available from its hardware and [[firmware]] components. The hardware allows for extendability (via expansion ports), while the firmware (and some software) can receive periodic updates via the [[WiiConnect24]] service.<!-- The latest firmware version for the Wii system is 2.2U. In order to use Channels requiring Internet access, a firmware update is required.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/745/745341p1.html |title=IGN: Wii Channels to Require Upgrade |access-date=October 12, 2006 |date=October 10, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061217003751/http://wii.ign.com/articles/745/745341p1.html|archive-date=December 17, 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref> --> === Wii Menu === {{Main|Wii Menu}} [[File:Wiimen.png|thumb|upright=1|[[Wii Menu]] channels screen|alt=Screenshot of Wii Menu]] The development of the Wii Menu, the main user interface for the Wii, was led by Takashi Aoyama of Nintendo's Integrated Research & Development Division. The project, named the "Console Feature Realization Project", was to figure out what the Wii interface could show running in a low-power mode on an around-the-clock schedule that would be of interest for people to look at if they were not playing games.<ref name="wired wii menu"/> The idea of having continually updated weather and news reports made logical sense from testing, and this led to the idea of presenting these similar to a row of televisions each set to a different [[television channel]] as if in an electronics shop, creating the "channels" concept. A user can navigate to any channel window to bring that to the forefront, whether to launch the game or application or to get more information that was being displayed.<ref name="wired wii menu"/> For example, the Forecast Channel would display a brief summary of the local area's temperature and short-term weather forecast, while clicking on the channel brought up an interactive globe that the user could manipulate with the Wii Remote to explore real-time weather conditions across the Earth.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2006/12/6342/ | title = Feature Wiiview: The forecast channel on the Wii | first = Ben | last = Kuchera | date = December 19, 2006 | access-date = December 3, 2020 | work = [[Ars Technica]] | archive-date = May 17, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160517163126/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2006/12/6342/ | url-status = live }}</ref> The Wii launched with six channels: the Disc Channel which was used to launch Wii and GameCube titles from optical disc; the Mii Channel to create Mii avatars; the Photo Channel which could be used to view and edit photos stored on an SD card; the [[Wii Shop Channel]] to purchase new games and applications; the Forecast Channel and the News Channel.<ref name="pcworld closer look"/> In addition to default channels that came with the Wii, new channels could be added through system updates, downloaded applications from the Wii Shop Channel, or added by games themselves.<ref name="wired wii menu"/> Shortly after launch, other free channels created by Nintendo were made available to users, including the [[Internet Channel]], a modified version of the [[Opera (web browser)|Opera web browser]] for the Wii.<ref name="pcworld closer look"/> === Mii === {{Main|Mii}} The Wii introduced the use of player-customized avatars called Miis, which have been continued to be used by Nintendo in the Wii U, the Nintendo DS family, and into some games for the [[Nintendo Switch]]. Each player on a Wii console was encouraged to create their own Mii via the Mii Channel to be used in games like ''Wii Sports'' and some of the system software like the Mii Channel. For example, players would select their Mii in ''Wii Sports'', creating their in-game avatar for the game. Miis could be shared with other players through the Mii Channel.<ref name="pcworld closer look"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wired.com/2008/11/new-model-me-ni/ |title=Put on Your Game Face: Nintendo Miis vs. Microsoft Avatars Ultimate Smackdown |date=November 19, 2008 |access-date=November 16, 2020 |work=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |archive-date=October 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025181227/https://www.wired.com/2008/11/new-model-me-ni/ |url-status=live }}</ref> === Nintendo DS connectivity === The Wii system supports wireless connectivity with the Nintendo DS without any additional accessories. This connectivity allows the player to use the Nintendo DS microphone and touchscreen as inputs for Wii games. The first game utilizing Nintendo DS-Wii connectivity is ''[[Pokémon Battle Revolution]]''. Players with either the [[Pokémon Diamond and Pearl|''Pokémon Diamond'' or ''Pearl'']] Nintendo DS games are able to play battles using the Nintendo DS as a controller.<ref name="connectivity returns">{{Cite web |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |date=June 7, 2006 |title=Connectivity Returns |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/711/711657p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204204716/http://wii.ign.com/articles/711/711657p1.html |archive-date=February 4, 2012 |access-date=June 7, 2006 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> ''[[Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time]]'', released on both Nintendo DS and Wii, features connectivity in which both games can advance simultaneously. Nintendo later released the Nintendo Channel, which allows Wii owners to download [[game demo]]s or additional data to their Nintendo DS in a process similar to that of a [[DS Download Station]].<ref name="wired wii menu">{{Cite web |last=Kohler |first=Chris |date=February 22, 2008 |title=Nintendo's Takashi Aoyama Talks WiiWare |url=https://www.wired.com/2008/02/nintendos-takas/ |access-date=December 3, 2020 |website=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |archive-date=September 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918183132/https://www.wired.com/2008/02/nintendos-takas/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The console is also able to expand Nintendo DS games.<ref name="connectivity returns" /> === Online connectivity === {{Main|Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection|WiiConnect24|Internet Channel|List of Wii Wi-Fi Connection games|Wii Menu#Downloadable channels}} The Wii console connects to the Internet through its built-in [[IEEE 802.11#802.11b|802.11b]]/[[IEEE 802.11#802.11g|g]] Wi-Fi or through a USB-to-Ethernet adapter; either method allows players to access the [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]] service.<ref name="Wii: The Total Story" /> The service has several features for the console, including [[Virtual Console]], WiiConnect24, the Internet Channel, the [[Forecast Channel]], the [[Everybody Votes Channel]], the [[News Channel (Wii)|News Channel]] and the [[Mii|Check Mii Out Channel]]. The Wii can also communicate (and connect) with other Wii systems through a self-generated wireless [[local area network|LAN]], enabling local wireless multi-playing on different television sets. ''[[Battalion Wars 2]]'' first demonstrated this feature for non-split screen multi-playing between two (or more) televisions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kablau |first=Mario |date=August 23, 2006 |title=Battalion Wars 2 Hands On |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/727/727651p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060902202730/http://wii.ign.com/articles/727/727651p1.html |archive-date=September 2, 2006 |access-date=January 25, 2007 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> ===Third-party applications=== Third-party media apps were added to the Wii's online channels, typically offered as free downloads but requiring subscriber logins for paid services. Among some of these included the [[BBC iPlayer]] in November 2009,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8357777.stm |title=BBC iPlayer launches Wii channel |publisher=BBC |access-date=December 26, 2009 |date=November 13, 2009 |archive-date=October 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007183338/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8357777.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chakkara |first=Rahul |date=November 13, 2009 |title=The new iPlayer on the Nintendo Wii |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/bbcinternet/2009/11/the_new_iplayer_on_the_nintend.html |access-date=December 26, 2009 |publisher=[[BBC]] |archive-date=December 27, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091227123811/http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/bbcinternet/2009/11/the_new_iplayer_on_the_nintend.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Netflix]] in November 2010,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hardawar |first=Devindra |date=October 18, 2010 |title=Netflix streaming video now disc-free on the Nintendo Wii |work=[[VentureBeat]] |url=https://venturebeat.com/2010/10/18/netflix-streaming-video-now-disc-free-on-the-nintendo-wii/ |access-date=November 11, 2010 |archive-date=November 20, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101120171407/http://venturebeat.com/2010/10/18/netflix-streaming-video-now-disc-free-on-the-nintendo-wii/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Hulu]] in February 2012,<ref>{{Cite news |last=D'Orazio |first=Dante |title=Hulu Plus for Wii available for download now |work=[[The Verge]] |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/2/16/2802355/hulu-plus-wii-available |access-date=August 7, 2018 |archive-date=August 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807034400/https://www.theverge.com/2012/2/16/2802355/hulu-plus-wii-available |url-status=live }}</ref> [[YouTube]] in December 2012,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Welch |first=Chris |date=November 15, 2012 |title=YouTube app arrives on Nintendo Wii just days ahead of Wii U launch |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/11/15/3650738/youtube-app-nintendo-wii-available-now |access-date=December 3, 2020 |website=[[The Verge]] |archive-date=March 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320141745/http://www.theverge.com/2012/11/15/3650738/youtube-app-nintendo-wii-available-now |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Prime Video]] in January 2013,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rhee |first=Ed |date=January 15, 2013 |title=How to set up Amazon Instant Video on the Nintendo Wii |language=en |work=[[CNET]] |url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-set-up-amazon-instant-video-on-the-nintendo-wii/ |access-date=August 7, 2018 |archive-date=August 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807063412/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-set-up-amazon-instant-video-on-the-nintendo-wii/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Crunchyroll]] in October 2015.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Luster |first=Joseph |date=October 15, 2015 |title=Crunchyroll App Now Available on Nintendo Wii |language=en |work=[[Crunchyroll]] |url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2015/10/15-1/crunchyroll-app-now-available-on-nintendo-wii |access-date=August 7, 2018 |archive-date=October 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016130447/http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2015/10/15-1/crunchyroll-app-now-available-on-nintendo-wii |url-status=live }}</ref> === Parental controls === The console features [[parental controls]], which can be used to prohibit younger users from playing games with content unsuitable for their age level. When one attempts to play a Wii or Virtual Console game, 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 password. Parental controls may also restrict Internet access, which blocks the Internet Channel and system-update features. Since the console is restricted to GameCube functionality when playing GameCube Game Discs, GameCube software is unaffected by Wii parental-control settings.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-9880634-1.html |title=Super-Easy Game Play – Nintendo Wii Reviewi |magazine=PC Magazine |first=Will |last=Greenwald |date=February 29, 2008 |access-date=September 13, 2012 |archive-date=August 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810135911/http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-9880634-1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Wii also includes a system that records the play time based on any game or app on the system. While Nintendo decided against a profile system that would require each user to identify themselves, they kept the cumulative play time tracking system, which cannot be erased or altered, to give parents the means to review their children's use of the Wii.<ref name="wired wii menu"/> ==Games== {{See also|List of Wii games|List of WiiWare games|List of Virtual Console games for Wii (disambiguation){{!}}List of Virtual Console games for Wii}} [[File:Wii-optical-case.png|thumb|upright=1|Wii optical disc in case|alt=Wii disc in open case]] Retail copies of games are supplied on proprietary, [[DVD]]-type [[Nintendo optical discs|Wii optical discs]], which are packaged in [[keep case]]s with instructions. In Europe, the boxes have a triangle at the bottom corner of the paper sleeve-insert side. The triangle is color-coded to identify the region for which the title is intended and which manual languages are included. The console supports [[regional lockout]]: software available in a region can be only played on that region's hardware.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kietzmann |first=Ludwig |date=October 20, 2006 |title=Wii not even remotely region-free – Joystiq |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/wii-not-even-remotely-region-free/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061020012458/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/wii-not-even-remotely-region-free/ |archive-date=October 20, 2006 |access-date=August 10, 2018 |website=[[Joystiq]]}}</ref> Twenty-one games were announced for launch day in North and South America, with another twelve announced for release later in 2006.<ref name="gamasutra launch titles">{{Cite web |last=Carless |first=Simon |date=November 1, 2006 |title=Nintendo Confirms Wii, Virtual Console Launch Titles |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/102459/Nintendo_Confirms_Wii_Virtual_Console_Launch_Titles.php |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204230536/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/102459/Nintendo_Confirms_Wii_Virtual_Console_Launch_Titles.php |url-status=live }}</ref> Among the system's launch titles in all regions included ''Wii Sports'', which was bundled in all Wii packages except in Japan and South Korea,<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Ogawa |first1=Yohei |last2=Randolph Ramsay |last3=Tor Thorsen |date=February 5, 2008 |title=Q&A: Nintendo's Satoru Iwata |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6185358.html |access-date=February 5, 2008 |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |archive-date=October 12, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012133858/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6185358.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cowan |first=Danny |date=November 22, 2006 |title=Critical Reception: Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/102754/Critical_Reception_Nintendos_The_Legend_of_Zelda_Twilight_Princess.php |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=[[Gamasutra]] |archive-date=November 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115005356/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/102754/Critical_Reception_Nintendos_The_Legend_of_Zelda_Twilight_Princess.php |url-status=live }}</ref> Sega's ''[[Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz]]'', and [[Ubisoft]]'s ''[[Red Steel]]''.<ref name="gamasutra launch titles" /> ''[[Metroid Prime 3: Corruption]]'' had been slated as a Wii launch title,<ref name="EG MP3 to launch">{{cite news |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news110506metroid3info |title=Metroid 3 to launch with Wii |first=Paul |last=Loughrey |work=[[Eurogamer]] |date=May 11, 2006 |access-date=July 18, 2017 |archive-date=May 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523191931/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news110506metroid3info |url-status=live }}</ref> but was pushed into 2007 a few months before the Wii's launch.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |author-link=Matt Casamassina |date=September 26, 2006 |title=Hands-on Metroid Prime 3: Corruption |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/14/hands-on-metroid-prime-3-corruption-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017152255/http://wii.ign.com/articles/732/732737p1.html |archive-date=October 17, 2007 |access-date=January 14, 2008 |publisher=[[IGN]]}}</ref> Nintendo had also planned to release ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' as a launch title, but its director [[Masahiro Sakurai]] stated there were difficulties in adapting the format to the Wii's motion controls to require more time for the game's development.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Schneider |first1=Peer |last2=Casamassina |first2=Matt |date=June 30, 2006 |title=E3 2006: Super Smash Bros. Brawl |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/11/e3-2006-super-smash-bros-brawl |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=[[IGN]] |archive-date=July 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721205814/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/11/e3-2006-super-smash-bros-brawl |url-status=live }}</ref> New Wii games included those from Nintendo's flagship franchises such as ''The Legend of Zelda'', ''[[Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]'', ''[[Pokémon (video game series)|Pokémon]]'', and ''[[Metroid]]''. Nintendo has received third-party support from companies such as Ubisoft, Sega, [[Square Enix]], [[Activision Blizzard]], [[Electronic Arts]], and [[Capcom]], with more games being developed for Wii than for the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wii Has Most Exclusive Games In Pipeline |url=http://www.eontarionow.com/science/2007/07/25/wii-has-most-exclusive-games-in-pipeline/ |publisher=EON |date=July 25, 2007 |access-date=July 29, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710194336/http://www.eontarionow.com/science/2007/07/25/wii-has-most-exclusive-games-in-pipeline/ |archive-date=July 10, 2011}}</ref> Nintendo also launched the [[New Play Control!]] line, a selection of enhanced GameCube games for the Wii featuring updated controls.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tanaka |first=John |title=IGN: First Look: Wii de Asobu Pikmin |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/915/915529p1.html |access-date=October 28, 2008 |website=[[IGN]] |archive-date=May 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512065536/http://wii.ign.com/articles/915/915529p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ===Backward compatibility=== [[File:Wii-gamecube-compatibility.jpg|thumb|upright=1|The first model of the Wii has [[Nintendo GameCube]] Memory Card and controller slots to provide backward compatibility.|alt=Wii console with black GameCube controller]] The original launch Wii consoles are [[backward compatibility|backward-compatible]] with all [[Nintendo GameCube]] software, Nintendo GameCube Memory Cards and controllers. Software compatibility is achieved by the slot-loading drive's ability to accept [[Nintendo optical discs|Nintendo GameCube Game Discs]]. A Wii console running a GameCube disc is restricted to GameCube functionality, and a GameCube controller is required to play GameCube titles. A Nintendo GameCube Memory Card is also necessary to save game progress and content, since the Wii internal flash memory will not save GameCube games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Falcone |first=John P. |date=November 16, 2006 |title=Must-have Nintendo Wii accessories |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-9663541-1.html |access-date=September 13, 2012 |website=[[CNET]] |archive-date=March 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307065021/http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-9663541-1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Also, backward compatibility is limited in some areas. For example, online and LAN-enabled features for Nintendo GameCube titles are unavailable on the Wii, since the console lacks serial ports for the [[Nintendo GameCube Broadband Adapter and Modem Adapter]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Falcone |first=John |date=December 12, 2006 |title=Which of my older video games will work on the new consoles? |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10166_7-6676348-1.html |access-date=September 13, 2012 |website=[[CNET]] |archive-date=October 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007005205/http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10166_7-6676348-1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The revised Wii model and the Wii Mini lack the GameCube backward compatibility features.<ref name="wired wii redesign release"/><ref name="EurogamerWiiMiniReview" /> ===Virtual Console=== {{main|Virtual Console}} The Virtual Console service allowed Wii owners to play games originally released for Nintendo's older consoles, including the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]], [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]], and the Nintendo 64.<ref name="nytimes dl games">{{Cite web |last=Hutsko |first=Joe |date=March 6, 2008 |title=Downloading: That Other Way to Get a Video Game |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/06/technology/personaltech/06basics.html |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=[[The New York Times]] |archive-date=October 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027204413/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/06/technology/personaltech/06basics.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Later updates included games from third-party consoles and computers, including the [[Sega Genesis|Sega Genesis/Mega Drive]] and [[Sega Master System|Sega Mark III/Master System]],[[TurboGrafx-16|NEC TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine]], [[Neo Geo (system)|SNK's Neo Geo]], the [[Commodore 64]] computer, and various [[arcade game]]s.<ref name="nytimes dl games" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Topolsky |first=Joshua |date=February 21, 2008 |title=C64 games coming to Wii's Virtual Console |url=https://www.engadget.com/2008-02-21-c64-games-coming-to-wiis-virtual-console.html |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=[[Engadget]] |archive-date=October 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021161226/https://www.engadget.com/2008-02-21-c64-games-coming-to-wiis-virtual-console.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |date=January 25, 2008 |title=Master System Meets Wii |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/847/847651p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704161246/http://wii.ign.com/articles/847/847651p1.html |archive-date=July 4, 2008 |access-date=September 17, 2008 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kuchera |first=Ben |date=March 25, 2009 |title=Nintendo GDC keynote: Wii Storage, new Zelda, world domination |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2009/03/nintendos-gdc-keynote-wii-storage-new-zelda-domination/ |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=[[Ars Technica]] |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626202929/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2009/03/nintendos-gdc-keynote-wii-storage-new-zelda-domination/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Virtual Console games were distributed over broadband Internet via the Wii Shop Channel and were saved to the Wii internal flash memory or to a removable [[Secure Digital|SD card]]. Once downloaded, Virtual Console games can be accessed from the Wii Menu as individual channels or from an SD card via the SD Card Menu.<ref name="engadget sdcard storage">{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Paul |date=March 25, 2009 |title=Nintendo launches Wii System Menu 4.0, including SD card WiiWare playback |url=https://www.engadget.com/2009-03-25-nintendo-debuts-wii-system-menu-4-0-including-sd-card-wiiware-b.html |access-date=December 3, 2020 |website=[[Engadget]] |archive-date=September 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920175204/https://www.engadget.com/2009-03-25-nintendo-debuts-wii-system-menu-4-0-including-sd-card-wiiware-b.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="E. Jones">{{Cite book |last1=E. Jones |first1=Steven |title=Codename Revolution: The Nintendo Wii Platform |last2=Thiruvathukal |first2=George K. |publisher=[[MIT Press]] |year=2012 |isbn=9780262016803}}</ref> ===WiiWare=== {{main|WiiWare}} WiiWare was Nintendo's foray into [[digital distribution]] on the Wii, comparable to the existing [[Xbox Live Arcade]] and [[PlayStation Network]]. The service allowed players to purchase games digitally through the Wii Shop, downloading the games to their local memory cards to be run from them. Besides facilitating this form of distribution, WiiWare was also envisioned to help support smaller and [[indie game|independent game developers]]. offering these teams a less expensive route to produce Wii games without having to go through retail production and distribution channels.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bozon |first=Mark |date=February 20, 2008 |title=GDC 2008: Wii Ware Interview |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/02/21/gdc-2008-wii-ware-interview |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=November 10, 2020 |archive-date=December 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202202932/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/02/21/gdc-2008-wii-ware-interview |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kohler |first=Chris |date=February 22, 2008 |title=Nintendo's Takashi Aoyama Talks WiiWare |url=https://www.wired.com/2008/02/nintendos-takas/ |access-date=November 10, 2020 |website=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |archive-date=September 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918183132/https://www.wired.com/2008/02/nintendos-takas/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The WiiWare channel launched on March 25, 2008, and remained active including through the Wii U's lifetime until the Wii Shop was discontinued in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kohler |first=Chris |date=March 25, 2008 |title=Hands-On With Nintendo's New WiiWare Games |url=https://www.wired.com/2008/03/hands-on-with-nintendos-new-wiiware-games/ |access-date=November 10, 2020 |website=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109035249/http://www.wired.com/2008/03/hands-on-with-nintendos-new-wiiware-games/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="engadget wiishop closed" /> ==Reception== The system was well received after its exhibition at E3 2006, winning the [[Game Critics Awards]] for Best of Show and Best Hardware.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2006 Winners |url=http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/2006winners.html |access-date=August 13, 2006 |website=Game Critics Awards |archive-date=April 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414080540/http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/2006winners.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Later in December, ''[[Popular Science]]'' named the console a Grand Award Winner in home entertainment.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=December 2006 |title=Best of What's New 2006 – Home Entertainment |volume=269 |issue=6 |pages=80 |journal=[[Popular Science]]}}</ref> The game proceeded to win multiple awards; the console was awarded [[Spike (TV channel)|Spike TV]]'s Video Games Award,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Surette |first=Tim |date=December 9, 2006 |title=Oblivion nabs Spike TV top honors |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6162929.html? |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070207083115/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6162929.html |archive-date=February 7, 2007 |access-date=March 10, 2007 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> a Golden Joystick from the [[Golden Joystick Award]]s,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Parfitt|first=Ben|date=October 26, 2007|title=Gears of War scoops Golden Joysticks|url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/28700/Gears-of-War-swoops-Golden-Joysticks|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028103626/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/28700/Gears-of-War-swoops-Golden-Joysticks|archive-date=October 28, 2007|access-date=October 31, 2007|publisher=[[MCVUK]]}}</ref> an Emmy Award for game controller innovation from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.<ref>{{Cite web|date=January 8, 2008|title=Winners of 59th Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards|url=http://www.emmyonline.org/mediacenter/tech_2k7_winners.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509070210/http://www.emmyonline.org/mediacenter/tech_2k7_winners.html|archive-date=May 9, 2008|website=[[Academy of Television Arts & Sciences]]}}</ref> [[IGN]] named the Wii the 10th greatest console of all time out of 25,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nintendo Wii is number 10 |url=http://www.ign.com/top-25-consoles/10.html |access-date=November 11, 2010 |website=[[IGN]] |archive-date=December 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203105301/http://www.ign.com/top-25-consoles/10.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[GameSpot]] chose the console as having the best hardware in its "Best and Worst 2006" awards.<ref>{{Cite web|title=GameSpot Best Games and Worst Games of 2006|url=http://www.gamespot.com/special_features/bestof2006/achievement/index.html?page=21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070203011403/http://www.gamespot.com/special_features/bestof2006/achievement/index.html?page=21|archive-date=February 3, 2007|access-date=March 10, 2007|website=GameSpot}}</ref> The Wii's success caught third-party developers by surprise due to constraints of the hardware's distinct limitations; this lead to apologies for the quality of their early games. In an interview with ''[[Der Spiegel]],'' Ubisoft's Yves Guillemot and Alain Corre admitted that they made a mistake in rushing out their launch titles, promising to take future projects more seriously.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Görig |first=Carsten |date=May 30, 2007 |title=Spieler verzweifelt gesucht |url=http://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/spielzeug/0,1518,485385,00.html |access-date=June 18, 2007 |language=de |newspaper=[[Der Spiegel]] |archive-date=January 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129202504/http://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/spielzeug/0,1518,485385,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> At the same time, criticism of the Wii Remote and Wii hardware specifications had surfaced. Former GameSpot editor and Giantbomb.com founder [[Jeff Gerstmann]] stated that the controller's speaker produces low-quality sound,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gerstmann |first=Jeff |date=November 17, 2006 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess |url=http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/thelegendofzelda/review.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070303150330/http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/thelegendofzelda/review.html <!-- add web archive if available --> |archive-date=March 3, 2007 |access-date=March 7, 2007 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> while [[Factor 5]] President Julian Eggebrecht criticized the hardware audio as substandard for a console of its generation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Radd |first=David |date=November 17, 2006 |title=Wii Won't Rock You |url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/opinion-wii-wont-rock-you/69717/?biz=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071211233003/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/opinion-wii-wont-rock-you/69717/?biz=1 |archive-date=December 11, 2007 |access-date=January 31, 2007 |publisher=[[GameDaily.biz]]}}</ref> UK-based developer [[Crytek UK|Free Radical Design]] stated that the Wii hardware lacks the power necessary to run the software it scheduled for release on other seventh-generation consoles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Free Radical Design FAQ |url=http://www.frd.co.uk/faq.php?id=3#faq_3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214224330/http://www.frd.co.uk/faq.php?id=3#faq_3 |archive-date=December 14, 2007}} frd.co.uk. Retrieved March 8, 2007.</ref> Online connectivity of the Wii was also criticized; [[Matt Casamassina]] of ''IGN'' compared it to the "entirely unintuitive" service provided for the Nintendo DS.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |date=January 24, 2007 |title=N-Query |url=http://wii.ign.com/mail/2007-01-24.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070303144047/http://wii.ign.com/mail/2007-01-24.html |archive-date=March 3, 2007 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> Game designer and ''[[The Sims]]'' creator [[Will Wright (game designer)|Will Wright]] shared his thoughts on the Wii in the context of the seventh console generation: "The only next gen system I've seen is the Wii&nbsp;– the PS3 and the Xbox 360 feel like better versions of the last, but pretty much the same game with incremental improvement. But the Wii feels like a major jump&nbsp;– not that the graphics are more powerful, but that it hits a completely different demographic."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Bobbie |date=October 26, 2007 |title=Q&A: Will Wright, creator of the Sims |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2007/oct/26/willwright |access-date=September 25, 2008 |website=[[The Guardian]] |archive-date=October 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013050940/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2007/oct/26/willwright |url-status=live }}</ref> By 2008, two years after the Wii's release,<ref>{{cite web |title=Iwata Asks: E3 2011 Special Edition |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/iwata/iwata_asks_special_edition_wii_u_43781_43761.html |page=1 |access-date=June 9, 2011 |quote='''Iwata''': I've been looking back at my calendar right before this interview, and I noticed that it's been just about three years since we started having meetings about this. |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204230445/https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Iwata-Asks/Iwata-Asks-E3-2011-Special-Edition-Wii-U/E3-2011-Special-Edition-Wii-U/1-Looking-Beyond-Wii/1-Looking-Beyond-Wii-205181.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Nintendo acknowledged several limitations and challenges with the system (such as the perception that the system catered primarily to a "[[Casual game|casual]]" audience<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 2011 |title=Iwata Asks: E3 2011 Special Edition |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/iwata/iwata_asks_special_edition_wii_u_43781_43761.html |access-date=June 9, 2011 |website=[[Nintendo]] |page=7 |quote='''Iwata''': The other things is, shortly after the Wii console was released, people in the gaming media and game enthusiasts started recognizing the Wii as a casual machine aimed toward families, and placed game consoles by Microsoft and Sony in a very similar light with each other, saying these are machines aimed towards those who passionately play games. [...] It was a categorization between games that were aimed towards core, and casual. |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204230445/https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Iwata-Asks/Iwata-Asks-E3-2011-Special-Edition-Wii-U/E3-2011-Special-Edition-Wii-U/1-Looking-Beyond-Wii/1-Looking-Beyond-Wii-205181.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and was unpopular among "[[Core gamer|core]]" gamers).<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 2011 |title=Iwata Asks: E3 2011 Special Edition |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/iwata/iwata_asks_special_edition_wii_u_43781_43761.html |access-date=June 9, 2011 |website=[[Nintendo]] |page=7 |quote='''Iwata''': On the other hand, I certainly do not think that Wii was able to cater to every gamer's needs, so that's also something I wanted to resolve. [...] The keyword for our presentation at this year's E3 is "Deeper and Wider". With Wii U, I would like to offer this proposal with that concept. |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204230706/https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Iwata-Asks/Iwata-Asks-E3-2011-Special-Edition-Wii-U/E3-2011-Special-Edition-Wii-U/1-Looking-Beyond-Wii/1-Looking-Beyond-Wii-205181.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Miyamoto admitted that the lack of support for [[high definition television|high definition]] video output on the Wii and its limited network infrastructure also contributed to the system being regarded separately from its competitors' systems, the [[Xbox 360]] and [[PlayStation 3]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 2011 |title=Iwata Asks: E3 2011 Special Edition |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/iwata/iwata_asks_special_edition_wii_u_43781_43761.html |access-date=June 9, 2011 |website=[[Nintendo]] |page=7 |quote='''Miyamoto''': But one of the key reasons that such things as the core and the casuals exist today is that we decided not to adopt HD on the Wii console. Of course, besides that there are things like issues with the controller and the challenges that it brings, network functionalities and many other things, but I think HD was the biggest factor that everyone was able to clearly understand the difference. |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204230510/https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Iwata-Asks/Iwata-Asks-E3-2011-Special-Edition-Wii-U/E3-2011-Special-Edition-Wii-U/1-Looking-Beyond-Wii/1-Looking-Beyond-Wii-205181.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Miyamoto originally defended Nintendo's decision to not include HD graphics in the Wii, stating that the number of HDTV's in people's homes at the time was "really not that high, yet. Of course I think five years down the road it would be pretty much a given that Nintendo would create an HD system, but right now the predominant television set in the world is a non-HD set."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hatfield |first=Daemon |date=May 11, 2006 |title=E3 2006: Miyamoto: Successor to Wii HD |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/11/e3-2006-miyamoto-successor-to-wii-hd |access-date=August 31, 2018 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en-US |archive-date=August 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831072233/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/11/e3-2006-miyamoto-successor-to-wii-hd |url-status=live }}</ref> Miyamoto said in an interview with Japanese magazine [[4Gamer.net|4Gamer]] in 2013 that he regretted not giving the Wii HD graphics.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 19, 2013 |title=Miyamoto says he wished Nintendo had gone HD with the Wii – NintendoToday |language=en-US |work=NintendoToday |url=https://nintendotoday.com/miyamoto-on-hd-wii/ |access-date=August 31, 2018 |archive-date=August 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831072132/https://nintendotoday.com/miyamoto-on-hd-wii/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/07/shigeru_miyamoto_wanted_to_go_to_hd_sooner_with_the_wii |title=Shigeru Miyamoto "Wanted to go to HD Sooner" With the Wii |last=Life |first=Nintendo |date=July 19, 2013 |work=Nintendo Life |access-date=August 31, 2018 |language=en-GB |archive-date=August 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831073522/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/07/shigeru_miyamoto_wanted_to_go_to_hd_sooner_with_the_wii |url-status=live }}</ref> An executive for Frontline Studios stated that major publishers were wary of releasing exclusive titles for the Wii, due to the perception that third-party companies were not strongly supported by consumers.<ref>{{cite web |last=Martin |first=Matt |title=Publishers wary of creating Nintendo titles, says Wii developer |date=January 24, 2007 |website=[[Eurogamer|GamesIndustry.biz]] |access-date=January 27, 2007 |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/publishers-wary-of-creating-nintendo-titles-says-wii-developer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071211030359/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=22368 |archive-date=December 11, 2007}}</ref> In his [[blog]], [[1UP.com]] editor Jeremy Parish stated that Nintendo was the biggest disappointment for him in 2007. Commenting on the lack of quality third-party support, he stated that "the Wii landscape is bleak. Worse than it was on N64. Worse than on GameCube...the resulting third-party content is overwhelmingly bargain-bin trash."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parish |first=Jeremy |date=January 29, 2008 |title=-3 in 2007 |url=http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8601568&publicUserId=5379721 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522130049/http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8601568&publicUserId=5379721 |archive-date=May 22, 2011 |access-date=September 25, 2008 |publisher=[[1UP.com]]}}</ref> === {{Anchor|System Sales}} Sales === {{see also|List of best-selling Wii video games}} <!-- See [[WP:MSH]] about section names --> <!-- This section is linked from this article's infobox --> <!-- Do not change these numbers without a reference --> <!-- VGCHARTZ.COM and NEXGENWARS.COM are ''not'' reliable sources --> <div style="float:right"> {{Graph:Lines |table=Wii sales.tab |title=Global Wii Sales (Cumulative) |width=500 |type = time |xField = date |series = "Japan","North_America","Other","Total" |xGrid = true |yGrid = true |legend = Legend |xAxis = Date |yAxis = Millions of Units |yMax = 110 }} </div> Initial consumer reaction to the Wii appears to have been positive, with commentators judging the launch to have been successful.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |date=December 22, 2006 |title=Wii year in review |url=http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/749/749560p1.html |access-date=February 7, 2007 |publisher=[[IGN]] |archive-date=July 13, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713005323/http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/749/749560p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The launch of the Wii in November 2006 was considered the largest console launch by Nintendo in the Americas,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldstein |first=Hilary |date=November 27, 2006 |title=Wii Sells Through 600k |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/747/747728p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061201234035/http://wii.ign.com/articles/747/747728p1.html |archive-date=December 1, 2006 |access-date=November 27, 2006 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gartenberg |first=Chaim |date=March 6, 2017 |title=The Switch broke Nintendo's sales records (in the Americas, at least) |work=[[The Verge]] |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/3/6/14836170/nintendo-switch-broke-sales-records-americas-zelda-two-day |access-date=September 3, 2018 |archive-date=March 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307023109/http://www.theverge.com/2017/3/6/14836170/nintendo-switch-broke-sales-records-americas-zelda-two-day |url-status=live }}</ref> Japan,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |date=December 6, 2006 |title=Early Wii figures from Japan |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=70728 |access-date=December 6, 2006 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |archive-date=February 11, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070211055742/http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=70728 |url-status=live }}</ref> Europe and Australia.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gibson |first=Ellie |date=December 14, 2006 |title=European consumers snap up 325,000 Wii consoles in two days // GamesIndustry.biz |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=21691 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061214203240/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=21691 |archive-date=December 14, 2006 |access-date=September 3, 2018 |website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kolan |first=Patrick |date=December 13, 2006 |title=Nintendo Australia Breaks 30k Sales Record |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/13/nintendo-australia-breaks-30k-sales-record |access-date=September 3, 2018 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en-US |archive-date=September 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904011414/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/13/nintendo-australia-breaks-30k-sales-record |url-status=live }}</ref> The console outsold combined sales of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in several regions in its launch period.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kuchera |first=Ben |date=July 24, 2007 |title=Nintendo the big winner, PS3 dead last for the first half of 2007 |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2007/07/first-half-of-console-sales-for-2007-nintendo-the-big-winner-ps3-dead-last.ars |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070915005040/http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070724-first-half-of-console-sales-for-2007-nintendo-the-big-winner-ps3-dead-last.html |archive-date=September 15, 2007 |access-date=July 31, 2007 |website=[[Ars Technica]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 9, 2007 |title=Xbox 360 Trumps PS3 in Japan |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/news/xbox-360-trumps-ps3-japan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815200311/http://www.next-gen.biz/news/xbox-360-trumps-ps3-japan |archive-date=August 15, 2011 |access-date=November 27, 2007 |publisher=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=S. |first=Nicolo |date=July 21, 2007 |title=Media Create sales stats (July 9–15): Nintendo continues domination |url=http://wii.qj.net/Media-Create-sales-stats-July-9-15-Nintendo-continues-domination/pg/49/aid/98118 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211065100/http://wii.qj.net/Media-Create-sales-stats-July-9-15-Nintendo-continues-domination/pg/49/aid/98118 |archive-date=February 11, 2009 |access-date=August 1, 2007 |publisher=qj.net}}</ref> The Wii remained in short supply through the first year. The company had already shipped nearly 3.2&nbsp;million units worldwide by the end of 2006,<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 25, 2007 |title=Consolidated Financial Highlights |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2007/070125e.pdf#page=6 |access-date=October 29, 2009 |publisher=Nintendo |page=8 |format=PDF |archive-date=June 16, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070616233817/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2007/070125e.pdf#page=6 |url-status=live }}</ref> and worked to raise production amounts to 17.5 million through 2007, but warned consumers that there would be shortages of the Wii through that year.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6161717.stm |title=Wii shortages frustrating gamers |date=December 8, 2006 |access-date=December 8, 2006 |publisher=BBC |archive-date=December 10, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061210074624/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6161717.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 14, 2007 |title=Nintendo warns of Wii shortages |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7094069.stm |access-date=November 28, 2020 |publisher=[[BBC]] |archive-date=December 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228135328/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7094069.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://money.cnn.com/2007/07/11/news/companies/wii/index.htm |publisher=CNN |date=July 11, 2007 |title=Christmas morn without a Wii? |access-date=October 23, 2008 |archive-date=October 15, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015203916/http://money.cnn.com/2007/07/11/news/companies/wii/index.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Wii sales surpassed the Xbox 360 sales by September 2007.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nintendo Wii Outsells All Other Game Consoles |publisher=Ziff Davis |work=PC World |date=September 12, 2007 |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2182666,00.asp |access-date=September 21, 2012 |archive-date=September 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902210705/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2182666,00.asp |url-status=live }}</ref> To meet further demand, Nintendo increased production rates of the Wii from 1.6&nbsp;million to around 2.4&nbsp;million units per month in 2008, planning to meet the continued demand for the console.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abcnews.go.com/Technology/GadgetGuide/story?id=4001054&page=1 |date=December 18, 2007 |title=Can't Find a Wii? Take a Rain Check |first=Ashley |last=Phililps |publisher=ABC News |access-date=October 23, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081029030219/http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/GadgetGuide/story?id=4001054&page=1|archive-date=October 29, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.latimes.com/2008/oct/27/business/fi-nintendo27 |title=Nintendo moves right along |first=Alex |last=Pham |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=October 27, 2008 |access-date=December 7, 2008 |archive-date=January 8, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108043631/http://articles.latimes.com/2008/oct/27/business/fi-nintendo27 |url-status=live }}</ref> At the March 2009 [[Game Developers Conference]], Iwata reported that the Wii had reached 50&nbsp;million sales.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thorsen |first=Tor |date=March 25, 2009 |title=Nintendo's GDC conference |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6206693.html?tag=recent_news;title;1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326162924/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6206693.html?tag=recent_news%3Btitle%3B1 |archive-date=March 26, 2009 |access-date=March 25, 2009 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> Nintendo announced its first price reductions for the console in September 2009, dropping the MSRP from {{USD|249.99|long=no}} to {{USD|199.99|long=no}}. The price cut had come days after both Sony and Microsoft announced similar price cuts on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles. Nintendo stated that the price reduction was in anticipation of drawing in more consumers who still cautious about buying a video game console.<ref name="cnn 2009 price drop">{{Cite web |last=Pepitone |first=Julianne |date=September 24, 2009 |title=Nintendo slashes Wii price by 20% |url=https://money.cnn.com/2009/09/24/technology/nintendo_wii_price_cut/index.htm |access-date=December 2, 2020 |website=[[CNN]] |archive-date=November 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191121023939/https://money.cnn.com/2009/09/24/technology/nintendo_wii_price_cut/index.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The Wii became the best-selling home video-game console produced by Nintendo by January 2010, with sales exceeding 67&nbsp;million units.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fletcher |first=JC |date=January 30, 2010 |title=DS sells 125 million worldwide, Wii up to 67 million |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/ds-sells-125-million-worldwide-wii-up-to-67-million/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100130202125/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/ds-sells-125-million-worldwide-wii-up-to-67-million/ |archive-date=January 30, 2010 |access-date=August 10, 2018 |website=[[Joystiq]]}}</ref> In 2010, sales of the Wii began to decline, falling by 21 percent from the previous year.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://kotaku.com/5532274/wii-sales-down-21-in-a-single-year?comment=22699923 |title=Wii Sales Down 21% In A Single Year |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |work=Kotaku |access-date=September 1, 2018 |language=en-US |archive-date=September 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901215845/https://kotaku.com/5532274/wii-sales-down-21-in-a-single-year?comment=22699923 |url-status=live }}</ref> The drop in sales were considered to be due to a combination of the introduction of the [[PlayStation Move]] and [[Kinect]] motion control systems on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 systems, and the waning fad of the Wii system.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fritz |first=Ben |date=November 30, 2010 |title=Once-hot Nintendo Wii now struggling for sales |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-nov-30-la-fi-1130-ct-nintendo-20101130-story.html |access-date=November 28, 2020 |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |archive-date=August 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829014141/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-nov-30-la-fi-1130-ct-nintendo-20101130-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Wii sales also weakened into 2011 as third-party support for the console waned; major publishers were passing over the Wii which was underpowered and used non-standard development tools, and instead focused on games for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and personal computers. Publishers were also drawn away from the Wii with the promise of the more powerful Wii U in the near future.<ref name="theglobeandmail">{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/gaming/controller-freak/whats-wrong-with-nintendo/article618776/ |first=Chad |last=Sapieha |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |title=What's wrong with Nintendo? |date=October 31, 2011 |access-date=November 29, 2020 |archive-date=September 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926033048/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/gaming/controller-freak/whats-wrong-with-nintendo/article618776/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sun |first=Leo |date=October 30, 2013 |title=3 Reasons the Nintendo Wii Failed |url=https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2013/10/30/3-reasons-the-nintendo-wii-failed.aspx |access-date=December 2, 2020 |website=[[Motley Fool]] |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112004916/https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2013/10/30/3-reasons-the-nintendo-wii-failed.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> The Wii surpassed 100 million units sold worldwide by June 30, 2013.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.gamezone.com/news/wii-lifetime-sales-surpass-100-million-units/ |title=Wii lifetime sales surpass 100 million units – GameZone |date=July 31, 2013 |work=GameZone |access-date=August 7, 2018 |language=en-US |archive-date=August 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807033441/https://www.gamezone.com/news/wii-lifetime-sales-surpass-100-million-units/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Wii had total lifetime sales of 101.63&nbsp;million consoles worldwide as of March 31, 2016, the last reported data for the console by Nintendo.{{efn|Nintendo did not report any further sales of the Wii Mini which it continued to sell through 2017<ref name="wii mini disc" /> in its future earnings reports.}} At least 48 million consoles were sold in North America, 12 million in Japan, and 40 million in all other regions.<ref name="earnings release 2016-03-31">{{Cite web |date=March 31, 2016 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1603.pdf |access-date=April 29, 2016 |publisher=Nintendo |archive-date=April 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427084600/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1603.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> {{As of|2020}}, the Wii is Nintendo's best selling console, outselling the Nintendo Entertainment System's 61 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keane |first=Sean |date=November 5, 2020 |title=Nintendo Switch outsells NES but hasn't toppled Wii |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/nintendo-switch-outsells-nes-but-hasnt-toppled-wii/ |access-date=November 28, 2020 |website=[[CNet]] |archive-date=November 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105182602/https://www.cnet.com/news/nintendo-switch-outsells-nes-but-hasnt-toppled-wii/ |url-status=live }}</ref> {{As of|2020}}, the Wii is the fourth best-selling home console of all time, surpassed by the original [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] (103 million units), the [[PlayStation 4]] (106 million units), and the PlayStation 2 (159 million units).<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/10/30/top-15-best-selling-video-game-consoles-of-all-time | title = Where Switch, PS4 Rank Among the Best-Selling Video Game Consoles of All Time | first= Jordan | last = Sirani | date = October 30, 2019 | access-date = December 5, 2020 | work = [[IGN]] }}</ref> By its end-of-life, nine games had sold over ten million units globally for the Wii, which included ''Wii Sports'' (82&nbsp;million, including pack-in copies), ''Mario Kart Wii'' (37&nbsp;million), ''Wii Sports Resort'' (38&nbsp;million), ''New Super Mario Bros. Wii'' (30&nbsp;million), ''[[Wii Play]]'' (28&nbsp;million), ''Wii Fit'' (22&nbsp;million), ''Wii Fit Plus'' (21&nbsp;million), ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' (13&nbsp;million), and ''Super Mario Galaxy'' (12&nbsp;million).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parker |first=Garret |date=2019 |title=The 20 Best-Selling Wii Games of All-Time |url=https://moneyinc.com/best-selling-wii-games-of-all-time/ |access-date=November 28, 2020 |website=[[Money, Inc.]] |archive-date=September 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918211302/https://moneyinc.com/best-selling-wii-games-of-all-time/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A total of 914.28&nbsp;million titles had been sold for the Wii by March 31, 2016.<ref name="earnings release 2016-03-31" /> The popularity of ''Wii Sports'' was considered part of the console's success, making it a [[killer app]] for the Wii as it drew those that typically did not play video games to the system.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kohler |first=Chris |date=January 8, 2008 |title=2007's Ten Burning Questions, Answered |url=https://www.wired.com/2008/01/2007s-ten-burni/ |access-date=November 28, 2020 |website=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |archive-date=December 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222070433/https://www.wired.com/2008/01/2007s-ten-burni/ |url-status=live }}</ref> === Legal issues === {{See also|Wii Remote#Legal issues|l1=Legal issues of the Wii Remote}} There were a number of legal challenges stemming from the Wii and Wii Remote. Several of these were [[patent]]-related challenges from companies claiming the Wii Remote infringed on their patents. Most of these were either dismissed or settled out of court. One challenge was from iLife Technologies Inc. who had sued Nintendo and other companies that had followed with motion detection controllers and devices for patent infringement in 2013. iLife had sought and initially won a {{USD|10.1 million}} judgement against Nintendo for their past sales of both the Wii and Wii U. The case was overturned, with the appellate court ruling that iLife's patents were too broad to cover the specific motion detection technologies developed by Nintendo.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/2020/01/21/nintendo-10-million-overturned-wii-remote/ |title=Court overturns $10 million judgment against Nintendo's Wii Remote |first=Stephany |last=Nunneley |date=January 21, 2020 |access-date=January 21, 2020 |work=[[VG247]] |archive-date=January 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200121190533/https://www.vg247.com/2020/01/21/nintendo-10-million-overturned-wii-remote/ |url-status=live }}</ref> There were lawsuits against Nintendo claiming physical damage done by ineffective wrist straps on Wii Remote when they slipped out of players' hands and broke television screens or windows.<ref name="bbc remote breakages">{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6182013.stm |title=Nintendo respond to Wii breakages |date=December 15, 2006 |access-date=December 15, 2006 |work=[[BBC]] |archive-date=January 2, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070102171308/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6182013.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> The first [[class action]] suit filed in December 2006 led Nintendo to issue a product recall for the existing wrist straps and send out new versions that had an improved securing mechanism for the wrist. Because of Nintendo's recall, the lawsuit was later dropped.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.chron.com/news/article/BW-Nintendo-Recalls-Defective-Wii-Wrist-Straps-1850489.php |title=Nintendo Recalls Defective Wii Wrist Straps After Class Action Filed by Green Welling LLP |date=December 16, 2006 |access-date=March 23, 2007 |publisher=Business Wire |via=[[Houston Chronicle]] |archive-date=July 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703150147/http://www.chron.com/news/article/BW-Nintendo-Recalls-Defective-Wii-Wrist-Straps-1850489.php |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/5108362/nintendo-faces-new-remote-strap-lawsuit |title=Nintendo Faces New Remote Strap Lawsuit |last=Fahey |first=Mike |date=December 12, 2008 |work=[[Kotaku]] |access-date=December 28, 2017 |archive-date=December 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229052300/https://kotaku.com/5108362/nintendo-faces-new-remote-strap-lawsuit |url-status=live }}</ref> A second class action lawsuit was filed by a mother in Colorado in December 2008, claiming the updated wrist straps were still ineffective.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/3725869/Nintendo-sued-over-dangerous-Wii-controllers.html |title=Nintendo sued over 'dangerous' Wii controllers |last=Beaumont |first=Claudine |date=December 12, 2008 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |access-date=December 28, 2017 |archive-date=December 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229000800/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/3725869/Nintendo-sued-over-dangerous-Wii-controllers.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This suit was dismissed by September 2010, finding for Nintendo that the wrist straps were not knowingly faulty under Colorado consumer protection laws.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.law360.com/articles/196315/nintendo-sends-wii-safety-strap-case-packing |title=Nintendo Sends Wii Safety Strap Case Packing |last=Howard |first=Samual |date=September 24, 2010 |work=[[Law360]] |access-date=December 28, 2017 |archive-date=December 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228232710/https://www.law360.com/articles/196315/nintendo-sends-wii-safety-strap-case-packing |url-status=live }}</ref> == Successor and discontinuation == {{Main|Wii U}} [[File:Wii_U_Console_and_Gamepad.png|thumb|upright=1|The [[Wii U]], with its [[Wii U Gamepad|Gamepad]] in front]] Nintendo announced the successor to the Wii, the [[Wii U]], at [[E3 2011]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hoggins |first=Tom |date=June 8, 2012 |title=Nintendo's Wii U unveiled at E3: keeping Nintendo's revolution going |work=Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/nintendo/8563836/Nintendos-Wii-U-unveiled-at-E3-keeping-Nintendos-revolution-going.html |access-date=September 13, 2012 |archive-date=June 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611023334/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/nintendo/8563836/Nintendos-Wii-U-unveiled-at-E3-keeping-Nintendos-revolution-going.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Schiesel |first=Seth |date=June 7, 2011 |title=Nintendo Unveils Successor to the Wii |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/08/arts/video-games/nintendo-unveils-its-video-game-successor-to-the-wii.html?_r=1&ref=technology |access-date=June 7, 2011 |archive-date=May 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502070301/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/08/arts/video-games/nintendo-unveils-its-video-game-successor-to-the-wii.html?_r=1&ref=technology |url-status=live }}</ref> Nintendo had recognized that the Wii had generally been shunned by the core gaming audience as it was perceived more as a casual gaming experience. The Wii U was aimed to draw the core audience back in with more advanced features atop the basic Wii technology.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://e3.nintendo.com/iwataasks/ |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/61zzUJ638?url=http://e3.nintendo.com/iwataasks/ |archive-date=September 27, 2011 |title=Iwata Asks: E3 2011 Special Edition |page=7 |access-date=June 9, 2011 |quote='''Iwata''': The other things is, shortly after the Wii console was released, people in the gaming media and game enthusiasts started recognizing the Wii as a casual machine aimed toward families, and placed game consoles by Microsoft and Sony in a very similar light with each other, saying these are machines aimed towards those who passionately play games. [...] It was a categorization between games that were aimed towards core, and casual.|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://e3.nintendo.com/iwataasks/ |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/61zzUJ638?url=http://e3.nintendo.com/iwataasks/ |archive-date=September 27, 2011 |title=Iwata Asks: E3 2011 Special Edition |page=7 |access-date=June 9, 2011 |quote='''Iwata''': On the other hand, I certainly do not think that Wii was able to cater to every gamer's needs, so that's also something I wanted to resolve. [...] The keyword for our presentation at this year's E3 is "Deeper and Wider". With Wii U, I would like to offer this proposal with that idea|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Wii U features the [[Wii U Gamepad]], a controller with an embedded touch screen and output [[1080p]] [[high-definition video|high-definition]] graphics that serves as a secondary screen alongside the television. The Wii U is fully backward-compatible with Wii games and peripherals for the Wii, including the Wii Remote, Nunchuck controller and Wii Balance Board, and select Wii U games including support for these devices.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anthony |first=Sebastian |date=September 13, 2012 |title=Nintendo confirms Wii U specs and release date, prices it above Xbox 360 and PS3 |url=http://www.extremetech.com/gaming/136121-nintendo-confirms-wii-u-specs-and-release-date-prices-it-above-xbox-360-and-ps3 |access-date=September 13, 2012 |publisher=[[Extreme Tech]] |archive-date=September 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915231046/http://www.extremetech.com/gaming/136121-nintendo-confirms-wii-u-specs-and-release-date-prices-it-above-xbox-360-and-ps3 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Wii U was first released on November 18, 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldfarb |first=Andrew |date=September 13, 2012 |title=Wii U Price, Release Date Announced |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/09/13/wii-u-price-release-date-announced |access-date=July 22, 2018 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en-US |archive-date=July 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723034736/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/09/13/wii-u-price-release-date-announced |url-status=live }}</ref> Nintendo continued to sell the revised Wii model and the Wii Mini alongside the Wii U during the Wii U's first release year. During 2013, Nintendo began to sunset certain Wii online functions as they pushed consumers towards the Wii U as a replacement system or towards the offline Wii Mini, though the Wii eShop remained available.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Orland |first=Kyle |date=April 12, 2013 |title=End of an era: Many Wii online services shutting down in June |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/04/end-of-an-era-many-wii-online-services-shutting-down-in-june/ |access-date=November 9, 2020 |website=[[Ars Technica]] |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111215708/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/04/end-of-an-era-many-wii-online-services-shutting-down-in-june/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Nintendo discontinued production of the Wii in October 2013 after selling over 100 million units worldwide,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scullion |first=Chris |date=October 21, 2013 |title=Nintendo Japan officially ceases Wii production |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/434632/nintendo-japan-officially-ceases-wii-production/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021124920/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/434632/nintendo-japan-officially-ceases-wii-production/ |archive-date=October 21, 2013 |website=[[Computer & Video Games]]}}</ref> though the company continued to product the Wii Mini unit primarily for the North American market.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hillier |first=Brenna |date=October 25, 2013 |title=Wii discontinued in Europe, Nintendo confirms |url=https://www.vg247.com/2013/10/25/wii-discontinued-in-europe-nintendo-confirms/ |access-date=November 9, 2020 |website=[[VG247]] |archive-date=November 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110060231/https://www.vg247.com/2013/10/25/wii-discontinued-in-europe-nintendo-confirms/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The WiiConnect24 service and several channels based on that service were shuttered in June 2013.<ref name="polygon wiiconnect24 shutdown">{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=April 12, 2013 |title=Nintendo shutting down five Wii channels on June 28 in North America |url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/4/12/4214686/nintendo-shutting-down-wii-channels-on-june-28 |access-date=November 30, 2020 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112015048/http://www.polygon.com/2013/4/12/4214686/nintendo-shutting-down-wii-channels-on-june-28 |url-status=live }}</ref> Support for online multiplayer games via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection were discontinued in May 2014,<ref name="verge wificonnection shutdown">{{Cite web |last=Byford |first=Sam |date=February 26, 2014 |title=Nintendo ending DS and Wii online multiplayer in May |url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/2/26/5452180/nintendo-wi-fi-connection-ending-in-may |access-date=November 9, 2020 |website=[[The Verge]] |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109204912/https://www.theverge.com/2014/2/26/5452180/nintendo-wi-fi-connection-ending-in-may |url-status=live }}</ref> while the Wii Shop was closed in January 2019, effectively ending all online services for the console.<ref name="engadget wiishop closed">{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2019-01-30-wii-shop-channel-shuts-down.html |title=Nintendo's Wii Shop Channel shuts down today |first=Jon |last=Fingas |date=January 30, 2019 |access-date=November 9, 2020 |work=[[Engadget]] |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109204939/https://www.engadget.com/2019-01-30-wii-shop-channel-shuts-down.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Oh |first1=Ashley |last2=McWhertor |first2=Michael |title=Wii Shop Channel closing down in 2019 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/29/16386918/wii-shop-channel-closing-nintendo |access-date=November 30, 2020 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=September 29, 2017 |archive-date=July 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729171241/https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/29/16386918/wii-shop-channel-closing-nintendo |url-status=live }}</ref> The Wii Mini continued to be manufactured and sold until 2017.<ref name="wii mini disc">{{cite web | url = https://www.siliconera.com/netflix-wii-support-ending-in-january-2019/ | title = Netflix Wii Support Ending In January 2019 | first = Jenni | last = Leda | date = November 9, 2018 | access-date = November 28, 2020 | work = [[Siliconera]] | archive-date = September 25, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200925161233/https://www.siliconera.com/netflix-wii-support-ending-in-january-2019/ | url-status = live }}</ref> Despite the discontinuation of the console, some developers continued to make games for the Wii well beyond 2013. Notably, Ubisoft had continued to support the Wii in its ''[[Just Dance (video game series)|Just Dance]]'' series through ''[[Just Dance 2020]]'' released in November 2019 though stated it would be their final Wii title for the series.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-11-07-just-dance-2020-is-the-last-ubisoft-title-on-the-wii |title=Just Dance 2020 is the last Ubisoft title on the Wii |first=Rebekah |last=Valentine |date=November 7, 2019 |access-date=November 9, 2020 |work=[[GamesIndustry.biz]] |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111222214/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-11-07-just-dance-2020-is-the-last-ubisoft-title-on-the-wii |url-status=live }}</ref> Vblank Entertainment's ''[[Shakedown: Hawaii]]'' is currently the most recent game to be released for the system in June 2020, more than 13 years after the Wii's launch.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/06/no_seriously_the_wii_and_wii_u_are_getting_physical_versions_of_shakedown_hawaii_this_year |title=No, Seriously, The Wii And Wii U Are Getting Physical Versions Of Shakedown: Hawaii This Year |website=Nintendo Life |access-date=June 26, 2020 |archive-date=June 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626180445/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/06/no_seriously_the_wii_and_wii_u_are_getting_physical_versions_of_shakedown_hawaii_this_year |url-status=live }}</ref> ==Legacy== ===Impact on Nintendo=== The Wii has been recognized as Nintendo's [[Blue Ocean Strategy|"blue ocean" strategy]] to differ itself from its competitors Sony and Microsoft for the next several years.<ref>{{cite news |last=Fils-Aimé |first=Reggie |title=Perspective: Nintendo on the latest 'technical divide' |work=Nintendo |publisher=[[CNET]] |date=May 9, 2007 |url=http://news.cnet.com/Nintendo-on-the-latest-technical-divide/2010-1041_3-6180215.html |access-date=October 29, 2007 |archive-date=August 6, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090806203242/http://news.cnet.com/Nintendo-on-the-latest-technical-divide/2010-1041_3-6180215.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The Wii has since become seen as a prime example of an effective blue ocean approach. While Sony and Microsoft continued to innovate their consoles on hardware improvements to provide more computational and graphics power, Nintendo put more effort towards developing hardware that facilitated new ways to play games. This was considered a key part to the success of the console, measured by sales over its competitors during that console generation.<ref>{{cite journal |last=O'Gorman |first=Patricio |title=Wii: Creating a blue ocean the Nintendo way |journal=Palermo Business Review |volume=2 |date=2008 |pages=97–108}}</ref><ref name="jbs wii blue">{{cite journal |last=Hollensen |first=Svend |title=The Blue Ocean that disappeared–the case of Nintendo Wii |journal=Journal of Business Strategy |volume=34 |issue=5 |year=2013 |doi=10.1108/JBS-02-2013-0012 |pages=25–35}}</ref> However, Nintendo did not maintain this same "blue ocean" approach when it took towards designing the Wii U, by which point both Sony and Microsoft had caught up with similar features from the Wii. These factors partially contributed towards weak sales of the Wii U.<ref name="jbs wii blue" /> Part of the Wii's success was attributed to its lower cost compared to the other consoles. While Microsoft and Sony have experienced losses producing their consoles in the hopes of making a long-term profit on software sales, Nintendo reportedly had optimized production costs to obtain a significant profit margin with each Wii unit sold.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://seekingalpha.com/article/34357-game-console-wars-ii-nintendo-shaves-off-profits-leaving-competition-scruffy |date=May 3, 2007 |author=Roger Ehrenberg |title=Game Console Wars II: Nintendo Shaves Off Profits, Leaving Competition Scruffy |publisher=seekingalpha.com |access-date=June 10, 2007 |archive-date=October 11, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011070627/http://seekingalpha.com/article/34357-game-console-wars-ii-nintendo-shaves-off-profits-leaving-competition-scruffy |url-status=live }}</ref> The ''[[Financial Times]]'' estimated that in 2007, Nintendo's optimized production gave them a profit from each unit sold ranging from {{USD|13|long=no}} in Japan to {{USD|49|long=no}} in the United States and {{USD|79|long=no}} in Europe.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/report-nintendo-makes-about-49-per-wii-sold-in-us/70921/?biz=1 |date=September 17, 2007 |first=James |last=Brightman |title=Report: Nintendo Makes About $49 Per Wii Sold in U.S |publisher=gamingdaily.BIZ |access-date=September 18, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100815075610/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/report-nintendo-makes-about-49-per-wii-sold-in-us/70921/?biz=1 |archive-date=August 15, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ft.com/content/4f9a9108-6467-11dc-90ea-0000779fd2ac |title=Nintendo Wii success helps component makers score |work=[[Financial Times]] |date=September 16, 2007 |access-date=November 28, 2020 |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204230447/https://www.ft.com/content/4f9a9108-6467-11dc-90ea-0000779fd2ac |url-status=live }}</ref> The console's final price at launch of {{USD|249.99|long=no}} made it comparatively cheaper than the Xbox 360 (which had been available in two models priced at {{USD|299|long=no}} and {{USD|399|long=no}}) and the then-upcoming PlayStation 3 (also to be available in two models priced at {{USD|499|long=no}} and {{USD|599|long=no}}). Further, Nintendo's first-party games for the Wii were set at an [[MSRP|retail price]] of {{USD|50|long=no}}, about {{USD|10|long=no}} less expensive than average games for Nintendo's competitors.<ref name="cnn launch date">{{cite web |url=https://money.cnn.com/2006/09/14/technology/personaltech/nintendo/index.htm |title=Nintendo Wii to hit stores Nov. 19 |first=Chris |last=Morris |date=September 14, 2006 |access-date=November 9, 2020 |work=[[CNN]] |archive-date=April 21, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100421052045/http://money.cnn.com/2006/09/14/technology/personaltech/nintendo/index.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Iwata stated they were able to keep the game price lower since the Wii was not as focused on high-resolution graphics in comparison to the other consoles, thus keeping development costs lower, averaging about {{USD|5 million|long=no}} per game compared to {{USD|20 million|long=no}} required for developing on the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3.<ref>{{cite news |first=Chris |last=Morris |url=https://money.cnn.com/2006/03/29/commentary/game_over/column_gaming/ |title=Nintendo president vows cheap games |date=March 29, 2006 |publisher=CNNMoney |access-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-date=June 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628124408/https://money.cnn.com/2006/03/29/commentary/game_over/column_gaming/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="fortune 2007" /> ===Health benefits=== The Wii is seen as more physically demanding than other game consoles.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB116441076273232312 |title=A Wii Workout: When Videogames Hurt |first=Jamin |last=Warren |date=November 25, 2006 |newspaper=Wall Street Journal |access-date=January 16, 2008 |archive-date=July 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717024827/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB116441076273232312 |url-status=live }}</ref> Some Wii players have experienced a form of [[tennis elbow]], known as "Wiiitis".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSN0616721120070606 |title=If it's not tennis elbow, it may be "Wiiitis" |date=June 6, 2007 |work=Reuters |access-date=March 27, 2008 |archive-date=March 7, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307173333/http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSN0616721120070606 |url-status=live }}</ref> A study published in the ''[[BMJ|British Medical Journal]]'' stated that Wii players use more energy than they do playing sedentary computer games. While this energy increase may be beneficial to weight management, it was not an adequate replacement for regular exercise.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7155342.stm |title=Wii players need to exercise too |work=[[BBC News Online]] |date=December 21, 2007 |access-date=September 25, 2008 |archive-date=April 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404212534/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7155342.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> A case study published in the American Physical Therapy Association's journal, ''Physical Therapy'', focused on use of the Wii for rehabilitation in a teenager with [[cerebral palsy]]. It is believed to be the first published research demonstrating physical-therapy benefits from use of the gaming system. Researchers say the system complements traditional techniques through use of simultaneous [[gaming rehabilitation]] efforts.<ref>[http://newswise.com/articles/view/544616/ Research Shows Rehabilitation Benefits of Using Nintendo Wii] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929202605/http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/544616/ |date=September 29, 2008 }} Newswise. Retrieved September 28, 2008.</ref> In May 2010, the [[American Heart Association]] (AHA) endorsed the Wii to encourage [[Sedentary lifestyle|sedentary people]] to take the first step toward fitness. The AHA heart icon covers the console and two of its more-active games, ''Wii Fit Plus'' and ''Wii Sports Resort''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://thedailynewsonline.com/lifestyles/features/article_27fe3fe5-44c0-54e0-b832-774f692c78b4.html |title=Heart group backs Wii video game console in obesity campaign |author=Joel Schectman |agency=Associated Press |date=May 17, 2010 |newspaper=The Daily News (N.Y.) |access-date=December 28, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720210916/http://thedailynewsonline.com/lifestyles/features/article_27fe3fe5-44c0-54e0-b832-774f692c78b4.html |archive-date=July 20, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.activeplaynow.com/ |title=American Heart Association and Nintendo of America Online Information Center |publisher=Activeplaynow.com |date=January 20, 2010 |access-date=November 11, 2010 |archive-date=November 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101116100442/http://activeplaynow.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ===Homebrew, hacking, and emulation=== [[File:WiiMote Whiteboard.ogv|thumbtime=23|thumb|200px|alt=Wii Remote pointing at MacBook laptop screen, a button-activated infrared (IR) pen made using a Berol marker pen, WiiMote Whiteboard software calibration in which infrared pen marks four points on calibration image, drawing test in which "Doug!" is written directly on the canvas of a paint program|Demonstration of the Wii Remote used as the sensor for a [[light pen]]-type computer input device]] The Wii has become a popular target for [[Homebrew (video games)|homebrewing]] new functionality and video games since its discontinuation, though this practice is of questionable legality. For example, homebrew projects have been able to add DVD playback to unmodified Wii consoles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hackmii.com/2008/08/libdi-and-the-dvdx-installer/ |title=libdi and the DVDX installer |publisher=HackMii |date=August 12, 2008 |access-date=October 5, 2008 |archive-date=October 6, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006035415/http://hackmii.com/2008/08/libdi-and-the-dvdx-installer/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Wii also can be [[Hacker (hobbyist)|hacked]] to enable an owner to use the console for activities unintended by the manufacturer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.maxconsole.net/?mode=news&newsid=21266 |title=The 'unhackable' Wii gets hacked, '30 wire' D2C mod on its way |publisher=MaxConsole |date=September 28, 2007 |access-date=November 8, 2007|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071027032050/http://www.maxconsole.net/?mode=news&newsid=21266 |archive-date=October 27, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/157099/hack-how-to-play-dvd-movies-on-your-nintendo-wii.html |title=Hack: How to play DVD movies on your Nintendo Wii |date=January 14, 2009 |website=PCWorld |language=en |access-date=April 20, 2020 |archive-date=July 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731203431/https://www.pcworld.com/article/157099/hack-how-to-play-dvd-movies-on-your-nintendo-wii.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Several brands of [[modchip]]s are available for the Wii.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Wii drives breaking modchips, hearts, legs |url=https://www.engadget.com/2008/12/10/new-wii-drives-breaking-modchips-hearts-legs/ |first=Joshua |last=Topolsky |date=December 10, 2008 |access-date=September 13, 2012 |work=Engadget |publisher=AOL Inc. |archive-date=December 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121207004709/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/10/new-wii-drives-breaking-modchips-hearts-legs/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Wii Remote also became a popular unit to [[Hacker|hack]] for other applications. As it connected through standard Bluetooth interfaces, programmers were able to [[reverse engineer]] the communications protocol and develop [[application programming interface]]s for the Wii Remote for other operating systems, and subsequently games and applications that used the Wii Remote on alternate platforms. Further hacks at the hardware level, typically taking apart the Wii Remote and Sensor Bar and reconfiguring its components in other configurations, led to other applications such as remote hand and finger tracking, digital [[whiteboard]]s, and head tracking for [[virtual reality]] headsets.<ref>{{cite paper | title = Hacking the Nintendo Wii Remote | first= Johnny Chung | last = Lee | author-link = Johnny Lee (computer scientist) | journal = [[Pervasive Computing]] | volume = 7 | issue = 3 | doi = 10.1109/MPRV.2008.53 | date = 15 July 2008 | pages= 39–45 | s2cid= 11121544 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | first = Jamin | last = Brophy-Warren | url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB117772630151685703 | title = Magic Wand: How Hackers Make Use Of Their Wii-motes | work = [[The Wall Street Journal]] | date = April 28, 2007 | access-date = December 4, 2020 | archive-date = December 13, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181213120313/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB117772630151685703 | url-status = live }}</ref> The Wii has been a popular system for [[Video game console emulator|emulation]]; while the act of creating such emulators in a [[Clean room design|cleanroom-type approach]] have been determined to be legal, the actions of bringing the Wii system software and games to other systems has been of questionable legality and Nintendo has actively pursued legal action against those that distribute copies of their software. The open-source ''[[Dolphin (emulator)|Dolphin]]'' project has been able to successfully emulate the Wii and GameCube games through several years of cleanroom efforts.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/9/6/12817668/dolphin-emulator-gamecube-games |title=Dolphin emulator can now boot up entire GameCube library |first=Allegra |last=Frank |date=September 6, 2016 |access-date=November 12, 2020 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108221558/http://www.polygon.com/2016/9/6/12817668/dolphin-emulator-gamecube-games |url-status=live }}</ref> ==Notes== {{Notelist}} ==References== * {{cite book |last=Inoue |first=Osamu |year=2009|publication-date=April 27, 2010 |title=Nintendo Magic: Winning the Video Game Wars |location=Tokyo, Japan |publisher=[[Vertical (company)|Vertical]] |isbn=978-1-934287-22-4 |others=Translated by Paul Tuttle Starr}} {{reflist}} ==External links== * {{Commons category-inline|Wii}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20060928040528/http://wii.com/ Global and general Wii site] {{Wii}} {{Nintendo hardware|Wii}} {{Seventh generation game consoles}} {{Home video game consoles}} {{Portal bar|Electronics|Video games}} [[Category:Wii| ]] [[Category:2000s in video gaming]] [[Category:2000s toys]] [[Category:2006 in video gaming]] [[Category:2010s in video gaming]] [[Category:2010s toys]] [[Category:Backward-compatible video game consoles]] [[Category:Computer-related introductions in 2006]] [[Category:Discontinued products]] [[Category:Home video game consoles]] [[Category:Products and services discontinued in 2017]] [[Category:Products introduced in 2006]] [[Category:Seventh-generation video game consoles]] [[Category:Wii hardware| ]]'