From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from
Nintendo wii)
 |
This article or section contains information about scheduled or expected future product(s).
It may contain information of a speculative nature and the content may change dramatically as the product release approaches and more information becomes available. |
Wii (pronounced "we", IPA: /wi?/) is Nintendo's 7th generation video game console, Nintendo's fifth home console and the successor to the Nintendo GameCube. Until its official name was announced on April 27, 2006, it was known by the codename Nintendo Revolution.
The system is unique in that the console's controller, or "Wii Remote" (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 feature entitled WiiConnect24, through which it can receive messages and updates over the Internet even when "turned off".
The system was unveiled at Nintendo's 2005 E3 press conference and a prototype of the system's game controller was revealed at the 2005 Tokyo Game Show by Nintendo President Satoru Iwata during his keynote speech in September.[3] It is expected for worldwide release in the fourth quarter of 2006.[1]
//
Launch
Release date
The console is scheduled for release in the fourth quarter of 2006. Internationally, Nintendo is considering attempting a launch with no more than four months of difference between the first and last launching regions.[4] In a video interview at E3 2006, Nintendo's Perrin Kaplan reconfirmed Nintendo's intentions for a worldwide launch.[5]
Price
Yoshihiro Miro, senior managing director for Nintendo, has confirmed that Wii will cost no more than ¥25,000 in Japan or US$250 in America. A Nintendo spokesman has said that the price in the UK "will be in line with Japanese and US prices announced." Nintendo intends to have 6 million console units and 17 million software units released by March 31, 2007.[6]
As for the price of the games, despite the common price point of US$60 quoted for next-generation games,[7] Satoru Iwata said in an interview that he could not imagine that any first-party games would cost more than US$50.[8]
Expected launch titles
While the following titles have been reported to be available at launch, an official list has not been released by Nintendo.[9] The list includes:
Hardware
Design
Various color designs from E3 2005. Note that the current Wii design has a slightly different look than the prototype models shown here.
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, 8 cm GameCube game discs and, with an additional purchase, DVDs. Being able to load different sized discs 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 release state the colors of the console are still to be announced.
The systems shown at E3 2006 and in various trailers appear to have several small changes from the original design. Not only had Nintendo branding on the case been replaced with a 'Wii' logo but the disc loading slot was enlarged slightly, the reset button was moved (from next to the eject button to the power button), and the power indicator light was moved (from next to the power button to located inside the button). However, the systems shown at E3 2006 were still prototypes, as Nintendo has not finalized the Wii's specs.
The port for the motion sensor bar, an external device used to identify the positioning and movements of the Wii Remote controller, appears to be to the left of the power adaptor cord closer to the bottom of the back of the system. This port has not appeared in any former Wii hardware images, including images received in Nintendo's E3 media press kit.[10]
Controller
- Main article: Wii Remote
The Nunchuk controller peripheral (left) attached to the main controller
The primary controller for Wii uses a one handed, remote control-based design, which when turned on its side can be used like a NES gamepad. The controller communicates wirelessly with the console via Bluetooth with which it is possible to operate up to four controllers as far as ten meters from the console.[2] Using internal sensors and an external sensor bar placed near the display screen, the movement, position, acceleration and orientation of the Wii Remote can be sensed in 3D. The controller has force feedback functionality and an internal speaker for audio, which is rumored to also be a microphone[21].
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 Nunchuk controller which features an analog stick, a Classic Controller for playing games that require more traditional gamepad functionality (such as Virtual Console games), and a "Zapper Style" shell for traditional shooting gameplay.
Connectivity
Wii will have built-in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi connectivity allowing communication over the Internet via wireless networking. Connectivity with Nintendo DS utilizes the Wi-Fi capability. Nintendo has stated that Wii will have a standard interface for Wi-Fi. An optional USB adapter will permit network connectivity via wired Ethernet as well.
In addition, the console incorporates Bluetooth wireless communication, with which it communicates with the wireless Wii Remote controller. Connectivity with other Bluetooth devices has not been mentioned.
Wii has a flip lid which can be opened to reveal four ports for GameCube controllers and two GameCube memory card slots. Two USB ports (at the rear) and one SD card slot (at the front of the console) are provided. Additionally, at E3 2005, Nintendo revealed that a small internal attachment to be sold as an add-on to the console will allow Wii to play DVD-Video. There will also be a port for the Wii remote's sensor bar on the final version.
Technical specifications
GameCube connectivity at the top of the Wii console, underneath a cover.
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:
Memory:
- Amount of RAM unconfirmed
Ports and peripheral capabilities:
- Up to Four Wii Remote controllers (connected wirelessly)
- One SD memory card port
- Two USB 2.0 ports
- One Sensor Bar port
- Four Nintendo GameCube controller ports
- Two Nintendo GameCube memory card ports
- Compatible with optional USB 2.0 Ethernet LAN adaptor
The Wii being placed within its stand
Storage:
- 512 MB built-in flash memory
- Expansion available via SD memory card and USB 2.0 ports
Playable Media:
- Slot-loading disc drive compatible with:
- Virtual Console games accessed from flash memory
Built-in content ratings systems:
Networking:
Video:
Audio:
Features
Backward compatibility
Nintendo has stated that Wii will be backward compatible with all GameCube software and most peripherals. One notable component that seems incompatible is the Game Boy Player.
Virtual Console
- Main article: Virtual Console (Wii)
A variety of classic games are scheduled to be available (design subject to change)
This service will allow users to download and play games from the NES, Super NES, and Nintendo 64, as well as Mega Drive/Genesis and TurboGrafx 16. Not every title will be made avaliable; a "best of" selection will be. Nintendo has stated that this service, "also will be home to new games conceived by indie developers whose creativity is larger than their budgets."[2]
WiiConnect24
- Main article: WiiConnect24
At E3 2006, Nintendo announced WiiConnect24, a feature of the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection that will allow the user to remain connected to the Internet in standby mode, during which the console consumes very little power.
Internet Connectivity
Nintendo has partnered with Opera Software to provide the Opera web browser for the system.[14] It has announced that it will not be sold as a separate item.[15] The Wii can connect to an internet connection either wirelessly using WiFi, or using a USB to ethernet adaptor.
Parental controls
Wii will feature parental controls, prohibiting younger users from playing games with content unsuitable for their age level. When a disc is inserted, it will read the content rating encoded on the game discs; if this rating is greater than the system's set "age level:, the game will not load without a correct override password. For instance, a game carrying an ESRB 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 T for Teen (ages 13 and older) or below.
It is confirmed that the European units will use the PEGI rating system,[16] North American units will use the ESRB rating system,[17] units for the Japanese market will presumably use the CERO rating system, German units will use the USK system, and Australian units will use the OFLC system.
Expected software library
- Main article: List of Wii games
Third party developer support
- Many companies, from Activision and EA to Square Enix and Ubisoft, have announced development of games for the Wii. A more complete list of confirmed developers can be found on Gamespot.[18]
- The development kits for the Wii cost $2000 US. By comparison, the PlayStation 2 development kits cost $20,000 US at the console's launch, with the original PlayStation's SDK costing $4000-$5000 US at launch.[19]
- There is also going to be the opportunity for low budget independent development, with the Virtual Console acting as a digital distribution service.[2]
Console name
On April 27, 2006, Nintendo changed the Revolution section of their official website, http://wii.nintendo.com, to announce the official name of the console. Reggie Fils-Aime, then Nintendo's executive vice president of sales and marketing, 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 controllers.[20]
"When we first thought about it, myself and others felt that the name Revolution was very appropriate to what we were doing," Shigeru Miyamoto told CNN Money recently, "but [Revolution] is a name that was almost threatening to non-gamers. It wasn't acceptable. So we thought this was more friendly and inviting."[21]
Reaction
The company's selection of the name "Wii" has met with both acceptance and disdain from potential consumers. According to Forbes magazine, comments by message board users at Nintendo's website have ranged from attempts at "toilet humoresque catchphrases" to complaints against the name's "kiddiness".[22] Various Nintendo executives have said that they knew it was likely that there would be a negative reaction to the name.[23] [24] During Nintendo's pre-E3 2006 press conference, Reggie Fils-Aime joked about the name, saying, "We want to thank everyone who wrote good things about it the day you heard it... both of you."[25]
See also
References
- ^ a b Anderson, Peter, "E3 2006: Nintendo Wii 'Fourth Quarter' Release", Game Power Australia, 2006-05-10. URL accessed on 2006-05-18.
- ^ a b c d e "Nintendo Wii - Hardware Information." Nintendo. URL accessed on 2006-05-09.
- ^ Satoru Iwata. "TOKYO GAME SHOW 2005 : TGS FORUM Keynote Speech." URL accessed on 2006-03-15.
- ^ Ellie Gibson. "Rev specs may not be released", Eurogamer, November 1, 2005.
- ^ Casamassina, Matt (2006-05-11). "E3 2006: Perrin Kaplan Video Interview." IGN Wii. URL accessed on 2006-05-23.
- ^ "Wii to cost $250 or less", Nintendo® The Official Magazine, 2006-05-24. URL accessed on 2006-05-24.
- ^ "EBgames.com - Electronics Boutique - New & Used Games - Search: (in English)." EBgames.com. URL accessed on 2006-05-25.
- ^ Morris, Chris, "Nintendo president vows cheap games", CNNMoney.
- ^ Wales, Matt (2006-05-22). "Reports claim Wii to slap down 16 at launch (in English)." Computer and Video Games. URL accessed on 2006-05-25.
- ^ Casamassina, Matt (2006-05-23). "Wii Hardware Changed (in English)." IGN Wii. URL accessed on 2006-05-24.
- ^ (Japanese)"Wii??? (Wii??)." Nintendo. URL accessed on 2006-05-22.
- ^ a b Casamassina, Matt. "IGNcube's Nintendo "Revolution" FAQ." URL accessed on 2006-03-17.
- ^ Casamassina, Matt (2006-05-23). "No Dolby Digital for Wii (in English)." IGN Wii. URL accessed on 2006-05-24.
- ^ Opera Software (2006-05-10). A Web Revolution in the Living room: Opera partners with Nintendo to put browser on the Wii™ game console. Press release. URL accessed on 2006-05-26
- ^ Casamassina, Matt (2006-05-23). "Wii's World Wide Web." IGN Wii. URL accessed on 2006-05-25.
- ^ "Revolution To Feature Parental Controls", 2005-11-16.
- ^ Scalzo, John, "Revolution ponies up parental controls", Gaming Target, 2005-11-16.
- ^ Tochen, Dan. "E3 06: Super Mario Galaxy leads first wave of Wii games." GameSpot. URL accessed on 2006-05-09.
- ^ Casamassina, Matt, "Reggie: More than 1,000 Kits Shipped", IGN, 2006-02-22.
- ^ "Nintendo Wii: Philosophy." URL accessed on 2006-05-26.
- ^ Morris, Chris, "Mario creator outlines Nintendo strategy", CNNMoney.com.
- ^ Olson, Parmy (2006-04-28). "Iwata's Nintendo Lampooned For 'Wii' (in English)." Forbes.com. URL accessed on 2006-05-26.
- ^ Block, Ryan (2006-05-15). "The Engadget & Joystiq Interview: Nintendo's Perrin Kaplan (in English)." Joystiq. URL accessed on 2006-05-26.
- ^ Fahey, Rob (2006-05-03). "Wii is "fresh and all-encompassing" - Yarnton (in English)." GamesIndustry.biz. URL accessed on 2006-05-26.
- ^ Surette, Tim; Tochen, Dan (2006-05-09). "E3 06: Wii unveiled at Nintendo's E3 conference (in English)." GameSpot. URL accessed on 2006-05-26.
External links
Official
Non-official
