Wii

About

The Nintendo Wii 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. It's scheduled release date is November 19th at MSRP of $249.99. [1]

On April 27, 2006, the Revolution code name was dropped by Nintendo for it's true name, Nintendo Wii. A lot of controversy has exploded on the interent due it's somewhat ridiculous name. Nonetheless, the system will be the same, no matter what the name.

System Specs

Notice: These specs are only 'confirmed' details about the system. Nintendo has not yet released all the details about their new console. (Copied from VGRC.net with permission)

• 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 only, through 802.11b and 802.11g. No ethernet ports. "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 NES, Super Nintendo or Nintendo 64 games.
• Backwards Compatability: In addition to being able to play GCN games, the Revolution 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 Revolution 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 Nintendo Wii controller resembles a television remote. It features a D-pad, two A buttons, two B buttons, a select button, a home button, and a start button. In addition, there's a group of lights on the bottom to remind you what player you are, a power button, and a spot to connect the nunchuk attachment.

The nunchuk attachment will have an analog control stick and two trigger buttons.

Possibly the most important feature of the controller is it's ability to detect motion is three dimensions. This could be an incredible tool in terms of gameplay.

It's thought that the controller will be turned side ways to play Nintendo Entertainment System games on the Virtual Console.

At the 2006 E3 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.

Recently, it is has been announced that the controller will also hold preferences for a player in internal memory, as well as removable SD media.

Also, the controller can be used for an array of sports games including Tennis, Golf, Baseball, and Auto Racing.

File:Nintendowiimote.jpg

External Links

• Basic review and thoughts on the Nintendo Wii controller. Written by Captain Cornflake for VGRC.
• Nintendo Wii image gallery on VGRC.
• TGS 2005 Nintendo Wii Coverage on IGN.