Misplaced Pages

Wii: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editNext edit →Content deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 16:48, 14 May 2006 view sourceRadioKirk (talk | contribs)18,518 edits attempt at a compromise (Forbes is world-renowned)—see Talk page← Previous edit Revision as of 17:02, 14 May 2006 view source 88.106.247.133 (talk)No edit summaryNext edit →
Line 1: Line 1:
I WAS going to vandalise this article with some purile joke, but I need to go for a wii now...
{{future product}}
<!--

PLEASE READ BEFORE EDITING THIS PAGE!!

*DO NOT* AT ANY TIME REFER TO THE CONSOLE AS THE "NINTENDO WII" OR YOUR EDITS WILL BE REVERTED BY OTHER WIKIPEDIANS.

THE OFFICIAL NAME OF THE CONSOLE IS THE "WII" -- *JUST* "WII".

*NOT* THE "NINTENDO WII".

WII *IS* THE CONSOLE'S REGISTERED LEGAL TRADEMARK.

WII *IS* WHAT NINTENDO PERSONNEL THEMSELVES HAVE ALWAYS CALLED IT.

THERE IS NOTHING TO DEBATE. IF YOU DISAGREE, SPEAK UP ON THE TALK PAGE.

AGAIN: IF YOU ATTEMPT TO CHANGE THE NAME TO "NINTENDO WII" YOUR EDITS WILL BE REVERTED BY OTHERS.

THANK YOU.

-->
{{CVG system| title = Wii
|logo =]
|image =]
|manufacturer = ]
|type = ]
|generation = ]
|lifespan =<!--Please do not change this date. Any other date is not yet confirmed and thus should not be added--> ] (before ], ]<ref name="revlaunch">{{cite news | url=http://revolution.ign.com/articles/681/681783p1.html | title=Iwata Discusses Revolution Launch | author=Anoop Gantayat | publisher=IGN | date=January 18, 2006}}</ref>)
|CPU = <!-- 729MHz (speed unconfirmed) this is still speculation at the moment--> ] ]-based <ref name="hard_inf">{{cite web | url=http://wii.nintendo.com/hardware.html| title=Nintendo Wii - Hardware Information | publisher=Nintendo | accessdate=2006-05-09}}</ref> ]
|media = ]<br />]<br />] (SD Flash Media)
|onlineservice = ] <!--The name of the service is called WiiConnect24. NOT Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection! Source: http://wii.nintendo.com/hardware.html LOOK at Communication.-->
|topgame =
|predecessor = ]
|successor =
}}

'''Wii''' (pronounced "we", ]: {{IPA|/wiː/}}, see ]) is ]'s ] ], Nintendo's fifth home console and the successor to the ]. Until its official name was announced on ], ], it was known by the ] '''Nintendo Revolution'''.

The system is unique in that the console's controller, or "]" (sometimes called a "Wii-mote" for short), can detect its position and orientation in three-dimensional space. The controller also contains a speaker and a rumbling device for additional feedback. The console is confirmed to have a stand-by mode, in which it is connected to the ] and can receive messages and updates.

The system was unveiled at Nintendo's 2005 ] press conference and a prototype of the system's game controller was revealed at the 2005 ] by Nintendo President ] during his keynote speech in September.<ref name="speech">{{cite web | url=http://www.irwebcasting.com/050916/03/ff3672f7df/main/index_hi.htm |
title=TOKYO GAME SHOW 2005 : TGS FORUM Keynote Speech | accessdate=2006-03-15 | author=Satoru Iwata}}</ref> The console is scheduled for release in the fourth quarter of 2006.<!-- In an interview with ], Iwata confirmed that the Wii will be released in North America no later than the American (not Canadian) ] day, ], ].<ref name="revlaunch"/> --> Internationally, Nintendo is considering attempting a launch with no more than 4 months of difference between the first and last launching regions.<ref name="revspec">{{cite news | url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=61492 | title=Rev specs may not be released | publisher=Eurogamer | date=November 1, 2005 | author=Ellie Gibson}}</ref>

==Hardware==
===Design===
]
Wii is the smallest stationary console Nintendo has ever manufactured, described by Nintendo as being "about the thickness of three standard DVD cases and only slightly longer". The console will have the ability to stand either horizontally or vertically. The front of the console features a self loading media drive which is illuminated by a blue light and will accept 12 cm Wii game discs and 8 cm GameCube game discs. This is uncommon in slot-loading media drives, which typically only accept discs of a single size.

When the console was unveiled at E3 2005 the console was colored black. However, at the Tokyo Game Show 2005 and E3 2006 a white console was shown. Nintendo has shown hardware in various colours (platinum, lime green, white, black, blue and red).
The most recent press releases state the colors of the console as "]."

===Controller===
{{main|Wii Remote}}
]-style" analog stick peripheral (left) attached to the main controller]]
The primary controller for Wii uses a one-handed ]-based design, which, when turned on its side, can be used like a ]. The controller communicates wirelessly with the console via ], with which it is possible to operate up to 4 controllers as far as 10 meters from the console.<ref name="hard_inf">{{cite web|url=http://wii.nintendo.com/hardware.html|title=Nintendo Wii - Hardware Information|publisher=Nintendo of America|accessdate=2006-05-09}}</ref> Using internal sensors and an external sensor bar placed near the display screen, the movement, position and orientation of the Wii Remote can be sensed in 3D. The controller also contains an internal speaker and a rumble motor for audio and ] functionality.

The Wii Remote features an expansion port, with which it is possible to augment the controller, with various shells and add-ons. Nintendo has announced several such expansions, including a "nunchaku" controller with an analog stick, a "classic controller" for playing games that require more traditional gamepad functionality (such as Virtual Console games), and a "zapper shell" for traditional shooting gameplay.

===Connectivity===
Wii will have built-in ] , allowing certain games to be played online via a wireless link. An optional USB adapter will permit the use of a wired connection to the Internet as well. Nintendo has stated that Wii will not have a standard interface for Wi-Fi; just like the ], it will both vary by game and require the input of friend codes to play specific users.
Wii has a flip lid which can be opened to reveal 4 ports for GameCube controllers and 2 GameCube memory card slots. Additionally, two USB ports and one SD card slot are provided. Wii will have connectivity with the Nintendo DS via WiFi. Additionally, at E3 2005, Nintendo revealed that a small internal attachment to be sold as an add-on to the console will allow Wii to playback DVD movies.
Wii will include the ] web browser which will be navigated using the Wii Remote controller.<ref name="opera">{{cite web | url=http://opera.com/pressreleases/en/2006/05/10/ | title=A Web Revolution in the Living room: Opera partners with Nintendo to put browser on the Wii™ game console |publisher=opera| accessdate=2006-05-10}}</ref>

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

*Processors:
** ] ] processor Codenamed "Broadway" ]<!--- DO NOT PUT IGN Horsepower Article INFO HERE. See comment at top of section. --->
*** Made with a 90 nm ] CMOS process
** ] "Hollywood" ] <!---

DO NOT PUT IGN Horsepower Article INFO HERE. See comment at top of section.

--->
*Memory:
**Amount of ] unconfirmed <!-- DO NOT PUT IGN Horsepower Article INFO HERE. -which is 92MB of memory in total: 24MB of “main” 1T-SRAM, 64MB of “external” 1T-SRAM and 3MB texture buffer on the GPU.{{fact}} See comment at top of section. --->
**512 ] built-in flash memory
*]s and ]s:
**Two ] ports
**Support for up to 4 wireless ] controllers
**4 Nintendo GameCube controller ports
**2 Nintendo GameCube memory card ports (for backward compatibility)
**Optional USB 2.0 Ethernet LAN adaptor
**Wii Sensor Bar port
*Media:
**Slot-loading ] drive compatible with:
***12 cm Wii ]s
***8.0 cm GameCube optical discs
**1 ] slot.
*Built-in content ratings system:
**] 3+, 7+, 12+, 16+, 18+
**] EC, E, E10+, T, M, and AO
**] All Ages, 12+, 15+ 18+
**] G, PG, M, MA15+
*Networking
** Wi-Fi by ]
*Video:
**up to 480p<ref name="cubemag">{{cite news | author=Interview with Jim Merrick | title=Poetry in Motion | work=CUBE Issue 51 | publisher=Highbury Entertainment | pages= 12-17 | date=2005-10-20}}</ref> and will work with a computer monitor as well as any TV or projector.<ref name="ignfaq">{{cite web | url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/522/522559p2.html | title=IGNcube's Nintendo "Revolution" FAQ | org=IGN | accessdate=2006-03-17}}</ref>
**Component (Including ] Mode), composite or S-video output <!-- from nintendo website - no mention of monitor out which may mean above statement is not true but will leave for now-->
*Audio:
**Main audio output unknown
**Speaker located on each Wii-mote


==Features==
===Backward compatibility===
Nintendo has stated that Wii will be ] with all ] software and most peripherals. The top of the console (or on the side if laid horizontally) is the GameCube docking station, featuring four GameCube controller ports and two memory card slots compatible with GameCube Memory Cards and the ]. One notable component that seems incompatible is the ], which attaches to the bottom of the GameCube, and allows every type of ] game to be played on the user's television. A way to play Game Boy games through the Wii console has yet to be mentioned by Nintendo. The Wii's slot-loading media drive accepts 8 cm GameCube discs as well as the standard 12 cm discs such as Wii games.

===Virtual Console===
{{main|Virtual Console (Wii)}}
]
One of the most anticipated features of Wii is its game download service, dubbed the "Virtual Console." Using this Virtual Console service, users will have the ability to download and play many or all Nintendo-produced games.

Games from the ], ], and ], as well as ] and ] will be offered via the Virtual Console download service. While the entire catalogue of games for these machines will not be offered, a "best of" selection will be available at a price.

While the gameplay will be the same for all of the retro titles offered via the Virtual Console, Nintendo has stated that some of the games may be improved with sharper graphics or better framerates, with a possibility for Wii remote adaptation. The Virtual Console service will not be used exclusively for retro games, however. Nintendo has stated that "it also will be home to new games conceived by indie developers whose creativity is larger than their budgets."<ref name="hard_inf"/>

===WiiConnect24===
{{main|WiiConnect24}}
At E3 2006 Nintendo announced its Wii specific internet service entitled ], the service allows the user to remain connected to the internet even in standby mode.
Additionally, Nintendo has partnered with ] to release the ] for the system.<ref name="opera">{{cite web | url=http://opera.com/pressreleases/en/2006/05/10/ | title=A Web Revolution in the Living room: Opera partners with Nintendo to put browser on the Wii™ game console |publisher=opera| accessdate=2006-05-10}}</ref>

===Parental controls===
Wii will feature ], prohibiting young viewers from viewing inappropriate content. This allows parents to set the age level of the system, and when a disc is inserted, it will read the content rating encoded on the game discs; if this rating is greater than the system's age level setting, the game will not load unless the user correctly enters a password to override the setting. For instance, a game carrying an ] rating of M for Mature, which is intended for those age 17 and older, will not play on a system that is set to only allow games rated E for Everyone (ages six and older) and EC for Early Childhood (ages three and older).

It is confirmed that the European units will use the ] rating system<ref name="parcont">{{cite news | url=http://planetgamecube.com/news.cfm?action=item&id=6665 | title=Revolution To Feature Parental Controls | date=November 16, 2005 | publisher=Planet Gamecube}}</ref>, North American units will use the ESRB rating system<ref name="revponie">{{cite news | url=http://www.gamingtarget.com/article.php?artid=4773 | title=Revolution ponies up parental controls | publisher=Gaming Target | date=November 16, 2005 | author=John Scalzo}}</ref>, units for the Japanese market will presumably use the ] rating system, German units will use the ] system, and Australian units will use the ] system.

==Games and developer support==
{{main|List of Wii games}}

===Launch titles===
The list of confirmed launch titles includes:
<!--

EDITORS' NOTE: Please limit this to OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED launch titles ONLY. There will be about 20 launch titles, but the exact number is unknown.

DO NOT ADD SMASH BROS! IT IS CONFIRMED WILL *NOT* BE A LAUNCH TITLE!

(Mario Galaxy is announced to be "within six months" after launch, but that is all -- NOT for launch itself.)
(WarioWare is NOT A Launch title, It is set for within 90 days after launch, see this interview http://nintendonow.e-mpire.com/index.php?categoryid=30&m_articles_articleid=3714 )

-->
*'']''
*'']''
*'']''
*'']''
*'']''
*'']''
*'']''
*'']''
*'']''
*'']''
*'']''
*'']''
*'']''

'']'' was originally planned to be a launch title, but this it will now be released a few months after in 2007.

'']'' was originally planned as a launch title as well, but Nintendo is now reporting that it will be released within 6 months of the launch.

'']'' is planned to hit the market within 90 days after the Hardware Launch

===Developer support===
<!-- This is not a list please do not add any more titles here-->
*Companies developing or intending to publish games for the Wii include: ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].
*There is a list of confirmed developers on Revolution Report.<ref name="rrdev">{{cite web | url=http://www.revolutionreport.com/nintendo_revolution_faq#faq19 | title=Q: Which developers have pledged support for Revolution? | accessdate=2006-03-17 | org=Revolution Report}}</ref>
*The ] for the Wii cost $2000 US. By comparison, the ] development kits cost $20,000 US at the console's launch, with the original ]'s SDK costing $4000-$5000 US at launch.<ref name="devkitcost">{{cite news | url=http://www.revolutionreport.com/articles/read/316 | title=Nintendo Revolution SDK Near Finalized, Costs $2000| date=February 22, 2006}}</ref>
*There is also going to be the opportunity for homebrew-style independent development via the Virtual Console feature.

==Price==
Nintendo has stated that the Wii will be cheaper than the ] and ], with the basic Xbox 360 at $299 USD and the basic PS3 at $499.<ref name="Pricing">{{cite news | url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/6146540/p-4.html | title=Nintendo Revolution Report: What We know |Author: Sarju Shah | Date=March 24, 2006 | publisher=Gamespot}}</ref> Additionally, Satoru Iwata has said "the price won't be significantly higher than Nintendo's prices have been historically" ($199 for all previous consoles) and that more details can be expected in the summer of 2006.<ref name="price">{{cite news | url= http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/269772_e3iwata11.html |title= Q & A: Wii controller could swing interest its way | publisher=seattlepi.com | date = 11 may 2006 }}</ref>

As for the price of the games, Satoru Iwata said in an interview that no first party game would cost more than $50. <ref name="GamePrice">{{cite news | url=http://money.cnn.com/2006/03/29/commentary/game_over/column_gaming/?cnn=yes | title=Nintendo president vows cheap games |Auther: Chris Morris | Date=March 29, 2006 | publisher=CNNMoney}}</ref> Games that will be purchased for the Virtual Console are expected to cost significantly less.

==Miscellaneous==

===Name===
{{Wikinews|Nintendo Revolution Name Revealed}}

On ]], Nintendo changed the Revolution section of their official website, , to announce the official name of the system. Nintendo's Reggie Fils-Aime explained that:

:"''Wii sounds like 'we,' which emphasizes that the console is for everyone. Wii can easily be remembered by people around the world, no matter what language they speak. No confusion. No need to abbreviate. Just Wii.''"

Nintendo spells "Wii" with two "i"s to create an image of players gathering together. The spelling is also intended to evoke the console's remote controllers.<ref> "Wii has a distinctive "ii" spelling that symbolizes both the unique controllers and the image of people gathering to play."</ref>

The company's decision has not been universally accepted; according to '']'' magazine, message boards at Nintendo's website have ranged from attempts at ] to complaints against the name's "kiddiness".<ref> Iwata's Nintendo Lampooned For 'Wii'</ref>

===Absence of "true" high-definition support===
Nintendo of America's Vice President of Corporate Affairs, ], announced there would be no ] support for their upcoming system. Kaplan stated beautiful graphics and innovative game play could be achieved without HD and that abstaining from the technology would help keep the cost of games down.
<!--WARNING: The point of this section is that folks with HDTVs will not be entirely missing out. Quit updating with inaccurate or redundant info!-->

It has been confirmed that the Wii will support ] (a.k.a. ]), as did the GameCube (only on units made during or before May 2004), and will not support ], ] or ]. Regardless, the support of 480p will still mean an improvement in graphics quality when properly hooked up to and viewed on an HDTV set (or any enhanced-definition-capable set), when compared to viewing on standard ]-only television sets.
<!--WARNING: The point of this section that folks with HDTVs will not be entirely missing out, quit updating with inaccurate or redundant info!-->

==Gallery==
<center><gallery>
Image:Supermariogalaxy.JPG|'']''
Image:Mp3corruption.JPG|'']''
Image:SSBB.jpg|'']''
Image:Redsteele.jpg|'']''
Image:NintendoRevolution.jpg|First revealed prototype, marked "Revolution," and 12&nbsp;cm optical disc
Image:Rev2.jpg|Side view with ] at ] 2006
Image:Rev3.jpg|Back view at ] 2006
Image:Wii_classic_controller.jpg|Classic style ] attachment for use in ] and virtual console games. Shown at ] ].
Image:Wii_gun_shell.jpg|Wii-Zapper at ] 2006 (Work in progress)
<br style="clear: left"/>
</gallery></center>

==See also==
{{Dedicated video game consoles}}
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]

==References==
<div class="references-small">
<references/>
</div>

==External links==
* - Official Wii page
* - IGN coverage of the Wii
* - GameSpot coverage of the Wii
* - Official Press Kit Photos
* - pre E3 2006 Nintendo conference briefing video.
* - Official Information & Specs

{{Nintendo hardware|Wii}}

{{Nintendo Wi-Fi}}

]
]
]
]

]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]

Revision as of 17:02, 14 May 2006

I WAS going to vandalise this article with some purile joke, but I need to go for a wii now...