Wii

The Wii (ウィー, Uī) is Nintendo's 5th major gaming console, intended to succeed the Nintendo GameCube and compete with the Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3. All consoles come with the game Wii Sports, which was something unique to a console release. Its American release date was November 19th at MSRP of $249.99, and December 7th in Australia with a MSRP of $399.99.

On April 27, 2006, the Revolution code name was dropped by Nintendo for the system's true name, Wii. A lot of controversy arose on the Internet due to what many regarded to be a ridiculous name.

System Specs

 * Processor: IBM designed, codenamed Broadway.
 * Graphics: ATI designed, codenamed Hollywood.
 * Drive: Slot-loading drive uses a 12cm proprietary format, which is rumored to hold the same data as a dual-layered DVD. Also plays GameCube disks.
 * Internet: Wireless through 802.11b and 802.11g or by purchasing a cable adapter. "Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection" is the service, which only requires a wireless connection to the internet. Game downloading will also be functional, for downloading old Nintendo Entertainment System, MSX, Turbografx, C64, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, MegaDrive/Genesis or Nintendo 64 games.
 * Backwards Compatibility: In addition to being able to play GCN games, the Wii also has a bay with 4 GCN controller ports and 2 GCN memory card slots.
 * Storage: In addition to the GCN memory card slots, the Wii also sports 2 flash memory slots.
 * Controllers: Supports up to 4 of Nintendo's new wireless "remote" style controllers. (See below)
 * I/O: 1 Component digital out, 2 USB 2.0 ports, 1 power input.
 * Design: Thickness is about 3 DVD cases. Has been previewed in multiple colors, as has the controllers.

The Controller
The Wii controller resembles a television remote. It features a D-pad, an A button, a B button, a select button, a home button, a start button, a 1 button and a 2 button. In addition, there are a group of lights on the bottom to remind you what player you are, a power button, and a slot to connect the nunchuk attachment, which will have an analog control stick and two trigger buttons.

Possibly the most important feature of the controller is its ability to detect motion in three dimensions, allowing for motion-controlled gameplay.

At the E3 2006 conference, Nintendo revealed that the controller would have a built-in speaker for further sound depth. Noises made from your weapons would start in the controller and end up on the television screen.

The controller is also able to hold preferences for a player in internal memory, as well as removable SD media. Such preferences include a user's Mii characters.



There is also the Classic Controller, this resembles a SNES controller with 8 buttons excluding the Start and Select buttons. It is used for games such as Super Smash Bros. Brawl and to play Virtual Console games.

Hacking on the Wii
Instead of relying on devises such as the Action Replay and the Gameshark, made by various commercial businesses, fans took it upon themselves to hack the Nintendo Wii. The result was the Homebrew Channel. Various hacks have been made on the Wii version of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and hacks for Virtual Console Zelda games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, are currently in production. On the account of this being a hack, please consult the Hack Disclaimer Notes and heed any warning concerning the safety of your console before proceeding with any hacks or modifications.

Wii Sports


Wii Sports is a game that is included with every Nintendo Wii. Because of this it is the best selling video game of all time. Using the sensor of the remote and the nunchuk attachment, tennis, baseball, bowling, golf and boxing can be played, including training activities and a fitness test.

Zelda Games

 * The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
 * Link's Crossbow Training
 * Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Not an official Zelda game, but it features Zelda characters)
 * Captain Rainbow (Not an official Zelda game, but it features a Zelda character).

Virtual Console
Utilizing the Virtual Console, as well as the system's ability to play GameCube games, every console Zelda game to date can be played on the Wii.
 * The Legend of Zelda (NES)
 * Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (NES)
 * The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (Super NES)
 * The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo 64)
 * The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (Nintendo 64)

Games on the Virtual Console can be played using different controllers. NES games can be played using the Wii Remote. The Classic Controller can be used for any game, although its design is best suited for SNES games. The GameCube Controller, while also universal, is best suited for N64 games.

It should be noted that N64 games do not support force feedback, despite the GameCube controller being equipped with built-in vibration. This is due to the N64 controller requiring an expansion pack for force-feedback.