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serioulsy though man nintendo wii sucks dont you people get that already
{{sprotect2}}
<!-- NOTE TO EDITORS: If you have not already done so, please read the discussion page regarding controversial or unclear areas before editing. -->
{{ Infobox CVG system
|title = Wii<!---It is just "Wii", not "Nintendo Wii"--->
|logo = ]
|image = ]
|caption = ] 2006 version of console
|manufacturer = ]
|type = ]
|generation = ]
|lifespan = <small><sup>''']'''</sup></small> <small><sup>''']'''</sup></small> ], ]<br /><small><sup>''']'''</sup></small> ], ]<br /><small><sup>''']'''</sup></small> <small><sup>''']'''</sup></small> ], ]<br /><small><sup>''']'''</sup></small> ], ] <br/>
|CPU = <!-- 729 MHz (speed unconfirmed) this is still speculation at the moment--> ] ]-based<ref name="Wii: The Total Story">{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/launchguide/hardware1.html |title=Wii: The Total Story |accessdate=2006-11-20|publisher=]}}</ref> ]
|GPU = <!-- http://www.popsci.com/popsci/whatsnew/2526081bfbcfe010vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd/14.html //--> ] ]
|media = 12 cm Wii ]<br />8 cm ]<br />
|storage = 512MB Internal ]<br />] Memory Card<br />]
|connectivity = ]<br />]<br />] x2<br />] Adapter (via USB)
|online service = ]<br />]<br />]<br />]<br /><!--As quoted by Iwata, "Using a design called WiiConnect24, the console automatically enters standby mode without the running, but still operating key functions." This does not at all say that the online service itself is WiiConnect24.-->
|top game = '']'' <small>(], except Japan)</small><br />'']''<ref name="Zelda sold">{{cite web | url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/749/749743p1.html | title=One Million Wiis Worldwide | author=Anoop Gantayat | publisher=IGN | date=2006-12-07 | accessdate=2006-12-08}}</ref><br />
|compatibility =<!-- HARDWARE compatibility only. Do not list Virtual Console games as "compatible". Actual compatibility is with physical media, not emulated software. --> ]
|predecessor = ]
|successor =
|unitssold =]wide: 3 million+ <small>as of ] ]</small><br />
<small><sup>''']'''</sup></small> 1,100,000 <small>as of ] ]</small><ref name="Wii U.S. sales">{{cite web |url=http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/feature/?id=14940 |title=Updated: Breaking: U.S. Video Game Industry Totals $12.5 Billion in 2006 |accessdate=2007-01-11 |last=Brightman |first=James |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2007-01-11 |publisher=GameDaily Biz }}</ref><br />
<small><sup>''']'''</sup></small> 1,208,682 <small>as of ] ]</small><ref name="japansales">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesarefun.com/news.php?newsid=7416 |title=News - Japan: Weekly hardware sales for 1/8 - 1/14 | accessdate=2007-01-19 |publisher=GamesAreFun | author=Josh Freund}}</ref><br />
<small><sup>''']'''</sup></small> 700,000 <small>as of ] ]</small><ref name="europesales">{{cite web | url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=22233 | title=Nintendo celebrates successful Christmas | author=Ellie Gibson | publisher=GamesIndustry.biz | date=2007-01-15 | accessdate=2007-01-15}}</ref><br />
<small><sup>''']'''</sup></small> 84,000 <small>as of ] ]</small><ref name="Record Canada sales">{{cite web |url=http://www.brandonsun.com/story.php?story_id=39516 |title=Canadians spend a record $933 million on video games in 2006 |accessdate=2007-01-17 |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=2007-01-16 |publisher=BrandonSun }}</ref><br />
<small><sup>''']'''</sup></small> 51,744 <small>as of ] ]</small><ref name="Aussies sales">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6164305.html?tag=latestnews;title;3 |title=Australian gaming rises in 2006 |accessdate=2007-01-17 |publisher=GameSpot | author=Randolph Ramsay }}</ref><br />
}}

<!--If you disagree on whether to introduce it as "Wii" or "The Wii" then please speak up on the Talk:Wii page. -->The '''Wii''' (pronounced as the pronoun "]," ]: {{IPA|}}) is the fifth ] released by ]. The console was previously known by its ] of '''Revolution''', and is the successor to the ]. Although Nintendo states that its console targets a broader demographic than that of ]'s ] and ]'s ]<!--FURTHER INFO ON DEMOGRAPHIC SHOULD BE ADDED TO BODY OF ARTICLE-->,<ref name="USA Today" /> as part of the ] of gaming consoles it competes with both on some levels.

A distinguishing feature of the console is its wireless ], the ], which can be used as a handheld ] and can ] in ]. Notable among the console's internal features is ], which enables it to receive messages and updates over the Internet while consuming very little electrical power.

Nintendo first mentioned the console at the ] ] ] and later unveiled the system at the ] E3. ] revealed a prototype of the controller at the ] ].<ref name="speech">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6133389.html|title=TGS 2005: Iwata speaks|accessdate=2006-09-24|last=Sinclair|first=Brendan|coauthors=Torres, Ricardo}}</ref> In the ] E3, it won the first of several awards.<ref name="E3 Awards" /> By ] ], the console completed ] in four key markets.

==Launch==
{{main|Wii launch}}
On ], ], and ], ], Nintendo announced release information for ], ] and ], ] (Oceania), ], and ], including dates, prices, and distribution.

At a ], ], policy briefing, Nintendo revealed plans to release 6 million console units and 17 million software units during the ] ending ], ].<ref name="policy brief">{{cite web | url=http://www.nintendo.co.jp/kessan/060607qa_e/index.html| title=Nintendo Co., Ltd. Corporate Management Policy Briefing | accessdate=2006-11-11 | publisher=Nintendo}}</ref> This includes the 4 million or more console units they expect to ship by the end of the ] year.<ref name="Nintendo Sets the Record Straight">{{cite news|first=Mark|last=Bozon|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/735/735597p1.html|title=Nintendo Sets the Record Straight|date=2006-09-26|publisher=IGN}}</ref> On ], ], it was announced that the majority of the 2006 shipments would be allotted to the Americas.<ref name="shreveport times">{{cite web | title=Nintendo to Sell Wii Console in November | publisher=Associated Press | work=Gadget Guru | url=http://ndtv.com/charts/gadgetguru/frmAPGadgetNewsDetails.asp?q_id=266 | accessdate=2006-10-29}}</ref> As reported in ], ], the ] suffered a massive shortage of console units, as many high-street and online stores were unable to fulfill all preorders.<ref name="UKWii Shortage">{{cite web | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6161717.stm| title=Wii shortages frustrating gamers | date=2006-12-08 | accessdate=2006-12-08 | publisher=BBC}}</ref>

On ], ], Nintendo announced that they would release their console in ] by the end of 2007.<ref name="WiiInKorea">{{cite web | url=http://joongangdaily.joins.com/200612/25/200612252114507839900090409041.html | title=Mario, Luigi, Zelda study their Korean | author=Shim Jae-woo,Wohn Dong-hee | publisher=INSIDE JoongAngDaily | date=2006-12-26 | accessdate=2006-12-26}}</ref>

===Titles<!--see ] about section names-->===
On ], ], it was announced that 21 titles would be available on launch day in ] and ], with another 12 games being released in the 2006 launch window for a total of 33.<ref name="The Twenty Wii Launch Games">{{cite web|last=Rodriguez|first=Steven|authorlink=|coauthors=|date=], ]|year=|month=|url=http://www.planetgamecube.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=12402|title=The Twenty Wii Launch Games revealed|format=|work=|pages=|publisher=Planet GameCube|language=English|accessdate=|accessyear=|curly=}}</ref> '']'' is included with the console bundle in all regions excluding ]. Despite the price point of US$60 quoted for many ] games,<ref name="GamePrice">{{cite news|first=Chris|last=Morris|url=http://money.cnn.com/2006/03/29/commentary/game_over/column_gaming/ |title=Nintendo president vows cheap games|Date=2006-03-29|publisher=CNNMoney}}</ref> ] cost at most US$50 at major ].

{| class="wikitable"
|+'''List of launch titles released in at least three regions (see ] article for complete list)'''
|-
!Game Title
!Region(s)<ref name="Euro Wii Launch">{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/743/743042p1.html|title=Euro Wii Launch Games Finalised|publisher=]|date=], ]|accessdate=2006-11-01}}</ref><ref name="Australia Wii Launch">{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendo.co.nz/nintendo/news/index.php|title=nintendo.co.nz - News From Nintendo|Publisher=]|date=], ]|accessdate=2006-11-02}}<br>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendo.com.au/nintendo/news/index.php|title=nintendo.com.au - News From Nintendo|Publisher=]|date=], ]|accessdate=2006-11-02}}</ref>
!
!Game Title
!Region(s)<ref name="Euro Wii Launch" /><ref name="Australia Wii Launch" />
|-
|'']''
|<small><sup>''']''' ''']''' ''']'''</sup></small> <ref name=THQ>{{cite web|url=http://investor.thq.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=96376&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=916763&highlight=|title=THQ confirms four launch titles for Nintendo's Wii home video game console|publisher=]|date=], ]|accessdate=2006-10-16}}</ref>
!
|'']''
|<small><sup>''']''' ''']''' ''']''' ''']'''</sup></small>
|-
|'']''
|<small><sup>''']''' ''']''' ''']''' ''']'''</sup></small> <ref name=THQ />
!
|'']''
|<small><sup>''']''' ''']''' ''']''' </sup></small>
|-
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|<small><sup>''']''' ''']''' ''']''' ''']''' ''']'''</sup></small>
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|<small><sup>''']''' ''']''' ''']''' ''']''' ''']'''</sup></small>
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|<small><sup>''']''' ''']''' ''']''' </sup></small> <ref name=THQ />
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|-
|}

===Name===
<!--DO NOT ADD a reference to urine to this article. If you think it needs to be added, please discuss it on the talk page.-->
{{Wikinews|Nintendo Revolution name revealed}}
The console was known by the codename of "Revolution" until ] ], immediately prior to ].<ref name="revolution renamed to wii">{{cite web | url=http://www.consolewatcher.com/2006/05/nintedo-revolution-renamed-to-nintendo-wii/ | publisher=Console Watcher| work=Console Watcher| title=Nintendo Revolution Renamed To Nintendo Wii | accessdate=2006-11-03}}</ref> According to the Nintendo Style Guide, the name "is simply Wii, not Nintendo Wii." This means it is the first home console Nintendo has marketed outside of Japan without the company name featured prominently in its trademark. While "Wiis" is a commonly used ] of the console, Nintendo has stated that the official plural form is "Wii Systems" or "Wii Consoles."<ref name="The plural of Wii">{{cite news|url = http://gonintendo.com/?p=7288 | title=The Plural of Wii | accessdate = 2006-11-27}}</ref> Nintendo spells "Wii" with two lower-case "i" characters meant to resemble two people standing side by side, representing players gathering together, as well as to represent the console's controllers. The company has given many reasons for this choice of name since the announcement; however, the most well known is:

{{cquote|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.<ref name="introducing_wii">{{cite web | url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=9075 | publisher=CMP | work=Gamasutra | title=Breaking: Nintendo Announces New Revolution Name - 'Wii' | accessdate=2006-09-16}}</ref>}}

Despite Nintendo's justification for the name, some ]s and members of the press initially reacted negatively towards the change. They preferred "Revolution" over "Wii"<ref name="Gamasutra dev interview">{{cite news|url = http://gamasutra.com/features/20060501/sheffield_01.shtml | title= Wii Reactions: Developers Comment}}</ref> and expressed fear "that the name would convey a continued sense of 'kidiness' to the console."<ref name="Forbes Criticism">{{cite news| url = http://www.forbes.com/facesinthenews/2006/04/28/nintendo-wii-console-cx_po_0428autofacescan08.html | title= Iwata's Nintendo Lampooned for 'Wii'}}</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 name="BBC article">{{cite news|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4953650.stm | title= Nintendo name swap sparks satire}}</ref> ] acknowledged the initial reaction and further explained the change:

{{cquote|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>Michael Donahoe, Shane Bettenhausen {{cite news| title = War of the Words | pages = 25 | publisher = ] | date = July 2006 | url = <!--add web archive if available--> | accessdate = 2006-11-18}}</ref>}}

Nintendo defended its choice of "Wii" over "Revolution" and responded to critics of the name by stating: "live with it, sleep with it, eat with it, move along with it."<ref name="IGN Kaplan Interview">{{cite news|url = http://wii.ign.com/articles/703/703593p1.html | title= Nintendo Talks to IGN about Wii}}</ref>

===Demographic===
Nintendo hopes to ] a wider demographic with its console than that of others in the ].<ref name="USA Today" /> At a press conference for '']'', ] iterated "We're not thinking about fighting ], 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 name="IwataSony">{{cite web|title=Dragon Quest IX Q&A|date=]|publisher=]|accessdate=2006-12-16
|url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/750/750610p1.html}}</ref>

This is reflected in Nintendo's series of ]s in North America, directed by Academy Award-winner ], as well as Internet ads. The ad slogans are ''"Wii would like to play"'' and ''"Experience a new way to play''." These ads ran starting ] ] and had a total budget of over US$200 million throughout the year.<ref>joystiq.com (November 12, 2006)</ref> The productions are Nintendo's first broad-based advertising strategy and include a two-minute ] showing a varied assortment of people enjoying the Wii system, such as urban apartment-dwellers, country ranchers, and grandparents and parents with their children. The music in the ads is from the song "Kodo (Inside the Sun Remix)" by the ].<ref name="jap_commercial">{{cite web|title=Wii For All - Wii Would Like To Play|date=]|publisher=]|accessdate=2007-01-16
|url=http://www.duncans.tv/category/japanese-commercials/}}</ref>

==Hardware==
]
The Wii console is Nintendo's smallest home unit yet; measuring 44 mm (1.73 in.) wide, 157 mm (6.18 in.) tall, and 215.4 mm (8.48 in.) deep in the vertical orientation without the included stand (which itself measures 55.4 mm (2.18 in.) wide, 44 mm (1.73 in.) tall, and 225.6 mm (8.88 in.) deep. It is approximately the size of three standard ] cases stacked together (approx. 4.5 cm x 15 cm x 20 cm) (1.75 in. x 6 in. x 8 in.). It weighs 1.2 kg (2.7 lbs),<ref name="WiiWeight">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,127859-page,1/article.html|title=A Closer Look at the Nintendo Wii}}</ref> which makes it the lightest of the three ] consoles. The console can be placed either horizontally or vertically. The prefix for the numbering scheme of the system and its parts and accessories is "RVL-" after its ] of "Revolution".<ref>{{cite news| title = Wii controller world tour | pages = 8 | publisher = ] | date = July 13, 2006 | url = <!--add web archive if available--> | accessdate = 2007-01-01}}</ref>

The front of the console features an illuminated slot-loading optical media drive that accepts both 12cm Wii Optical Discs and ]s. The blue light in the disc slot illuminates briefly when the console is turned on, and pulsates when new data such as messages have been received from WiiConnect24. When there is no WiiConnect24 information, the light is off. The disc slot light does not stay illuminated during ] or when using other features. Two ] ports are located at its rear, and an ] slot hides behind the cover on the front of the console. The SD card can be used for viewing photos and it can be used to back up ] data and downloaded ] games. Virtual Console data cannot be restored to any system except the unit of origin, a presently impenetrable system of ] for the VC games.<ref name="Nintendo Forums: SD CARD ISSUE (from one system to another)">{{cite web|url=http://forums.nintendo.com/nintendo/board/message?board.id=wii_tech&message.id=4874
|title=Nintendo Forums: SD CARD ISSUE (from one system to another) |accessdate=2006-12-10 |date=December 10, 2006}}</ref> To use the SD slot, a ] must be downloaded, so game saves cannot be transferred to or from a system that has not been connected to the Internet.

Nintendo has shown the console and the Wii Remote in various colors, including white, black, silver, lime green, and red,<ref name="Rev colors console">{{cite web |url=http://media.revolutionreport.com/image/revofficial%204.jpg |publisher=Revolution Report |title=Wii Colors |accessdate=2006-07-15}}</ref><ref name="Rev colors control">{{cite web | url=http://news.com.com/i/ne/p/2005/0916nintendopic4_500x375.jpg | title=Wii Remote Colors | publisher=news.com | accessdate=2006-07-15}}</ref> but initially it is only available in white. At ] 2006, the Wii Remote was shown in light blue. Numerous minor changes were made to the design between its original unveiling and launch; mostly in the Nintendo branding used and button placements.

The launch Wii package includes the console, a stand to allow the console to be placed vertically, a circular clear stabilizer for the main stand, one Wii Remote, one ] attachment, one ], a removable stand for the sensor bar, one external main ], two ], one ] with ]s (] and other types of cables are available separately), and (in all regions excluding Japan) a copy of '']''.

A Nintendo spokesperson has announced that the company plans to release a version of the console with ] playback capabilities in 2007.<ref name="DVD-Wii 2007" /> This corroborates an earlier ] by ] company ], stating that Nintendo had chosen their CinePlayer CE DVD Navigator ] to provide this functionality. Even though software will be used to enable DVD-Video functionality, it apparently "requires more than a firmware upgrade" and cannot therefore be implemented through the WiiConnect24 network.<ref name="DVD-Wii 2007">{{cite web|url=http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/feature/?id=14430 |title=GameDaily BIZ: Confirmed: Nintendo to Release DVD-Enabled Wii in 2007 |accessdate=2006-11-14 |date=November 13, 2006}}</ref>

===Wii Remote===
], ], ], and ]]]{{main|Wii Remote}}
The Wii Remote<!--SEE DISCUSSION ON "WIIMOTE"--> is a one-handed controller that uses a combination of ]s and ] detection (from an array of ]s inside the ]) to sense its position in ] space. This design allows users to control the game using physical gestures as well as traditional button presses. The controller connects to the console using ], and features ], 4KB ]<ref name="IGN Wii FAQs">{{cite web| last=Casamassina | first=Matt | url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/733/733464p7.html | title=IGN's Nintendo Wii FAQ | publisher=]|accessdate=2006-11-11}}</ref> and an internal speaker. The Wii Remote can connect to other devices through a ] port at the base of the controller. The device bundled with the Wii retail package is the ] unit, which features an accelerometer and a traditional ] with two trigger buttons.<!--FURTHER INFO ATTACHMENTS SHOULD BE ADDED TO "WII REMOTE" ARTICLE--> In addition, an attachable ] can be used to prevent the player from unintentionally dropping or throwing the Wii Remote. In response to incidences of strap failures, Nintendo is offering a stronger replacement of all straps.<ref name=Eurogamer>{{cite web| url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=71047 | title=Nintendo offers to replace Wii straps }}</ref><!--FURTHER INFO ON REMOTE SHOULD BE ADDED TO "WII REMOTE" ARTICLE-->

===Technical specifications===
Nintendo itself has released few technical specifics regarding the Wii system, but some key facts have leaked from the press.<ref name="Wii: The Total Story" /><ref name="IGN Wii FAQs"/>
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
'''Processors:'''
*]: ] based ] processor, made with a ] ] CMOS process, reportedly<nowiki>*</nowiki> clocked at 729 ]<ref name="IGNTech">{{cite web|title=IGN: Revolution's Horsepower|date=]|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2006-12-23|url=http://revolution.ign.com/articles/699/699118p1.html}}</ref>

*]: ] ] made with a 90 nm CMOS process,<ref name="hard_japan">{{ja icon}}{{cite web| url=http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n10/e3_2006/wii/index.html| title=Wiiの概要 (Wii本体)| publisher=Nintendo |accessdate=2006-05-22}}</ref> reportedly<nowiki>*</nowiki> clocked at 243 ]<ref name="IGNTech" />
'''Memory:'''
*88 ] ] (24 MB "internal" ] integrated into graphics package, 64 MB "external" ] SDRAM)<ref name="TechOnWii">{{cite web|title=PS3 VS Wii, Comparisons of Core LSI Chip Areas|date=]|publisher=TechOn!|accessdate=2006-12-15
|url=http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20061127/124495}}</ref>
*3 MB GPU ]
'''Ports and peripheral capabilities:'''
*Up to four Wii Remote controllers (connected wirelessly via Bluetooth) - five player capability using up to four Wii Remotes and at least one ] controller
*SD memory card slot
*USB 2.0 ports (2)
*Sensor Bar port
*Accessory port on bottom of Wii Remote
*Nintendo GameCube controller ports (4)
*Nintendo GameCube ] ports (2)
*] DWM-W004 WiFi 802.11b wireless module
*Compatible with optional USB 2.0 to ] ] adaptor
'''Built-in content ratings systems:'''
*], ], ], ], ], ], ]
{{col-2}}
'''Storage:'''
*512 MB built-in NAND ]
*Expansion available via ] card memory, 2 GB maximum supported capacity
*Nintendo GameCube Memory Cards (for saving GameCube games only)
] CPU]]
]
*Slot-loading disc drive compatible with 8 cm GameCube optical disc and 12 cm Wii Optical Disc
*] by Macronix<ref name="Macronix">{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/719/719299p1.html |title=Macronix Supplies Wii |accessdate=2006-07-18 |accessmonthday= |accessyear= |author=Matt Casamassina |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |authorlink=Matt Casamassina |coauthors= |date=], ]|publisher=]}}</ref>

'''Video:'''
*Up to ] (]/]) or ] (PAL/]), standard 4:3 and ] ]<ref name="480 anamorphic">consolewatcher.com </ref>
*] (including ]), ] ] (PAL only), ] (NTSC only), ] output, or ]<ref></ref>

'''Audio:'''

*Main: Stereo - ]-capable<ref name="Dolby ] II">{{cite press release |title=Dolby Technology to Power the Sound of the Wii Console |publisher=Dolby Laboratories |date=2006-09-21 |url=http://investor.dolby.com/ReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=211978 |accessdate=2006-09-23 }}</ref>
*Controller: Built-in speaker
{{col-end}}

<nowiki>*</nowiki> None of the ]s have been confirmed by ], ], or ].

===Legal issues===
] filed a patent-infringement lawsuit against Nintendo over the pointing functionalities of the Wii Remote, claiming, "loss of reasonable royalties, reduced sales and/or lost profits as a result of the infringing activities" of Nintendo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/750/750001p1.html|title=Nintendo Sued for Patent Infringement|author=Micah Seff|publisher=IGN|date=2006-12-08|accessdate=2006-12-08}}</ref> ] Ltd, a ]-based firm, also filed a lawsuit against Nintendo for patent infringements.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=33466|title=Microsoft, Nintendo sued over games controller |author=INQUIRER staff|publisher=The Inquirer|date=2006-8-03|accessdate=2006-12-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20060804-7425.html|title=Microsoft, Nintendo sued over game controller patents|author=Jeremy Reimer|publisher=arctechnica|date=2006-8-04|accessdate=2006-12-08}}</ref> Green Welling LLP filed a ] against Nintendo for their "defective wrist straps."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/061215/20061215005705.html?.v=1|title=Nintendo Recalls Defective Wii Wrist Straps After Class Action Filed by Green Welling LLP|accessdate=2006-12-21|publisher=Yahoo|date=2006-12-15}}</ref>

==Features==
===Wii Channels===
{{main|Wii Channels}}
]
The ] interface for the console is designed around the concept of ]s, with a Wii menu used to access them. Separate channels are graphically displayed in a grid, and are navigated using the pointer capability of the Wii Remote. There are six primary channels: <!--BOLDING CHANNELS IS NOT NEEDED-->the Disc Channel, Mii Channel, Photo Channel, Wii Shop Channel, Forecast Channel, and News Channel. The Forecast Channel was released on ] ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aussie-nintendo.com/?v=news&p=8883|title=Nintendo's Wii Forecast Channel now live in Oz|publisher=Aussie-Nintendo.com|date=2006-12-19|accessdate=2006-12-19}}</ref> The News Channel is set to be released on ] ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wii.nintendo.com/wiimenu.jsp|title=Wii Menu|publisher=Nintendo|accessdate=2006-12-19}}</ref>

Two additional channels can be downloaded from the Wii Shop Channel: the Internet Channel and ] Channel(s). A ] of the ] was released on December 22, 2006 and is available for download on the Wii Shop Channel. The full version is to be released in March, which will be free until June. After June a fee of 500 ] will be required for purchase.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=12594|title=Wii Opera Browser Beta Available December 22|accessdate=2006-12-20}}</ref>
<!--FURTHER INFO SHOULD BE ADDED IN THE "WII CHANNELS" ARTICLE-->

===Backward compatibility===
] ports on the top of the Wii unit]]
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The Wii console is ] with all ] software and most GameCube peripherals. This backwards compatibility is achieved with the help of the slot-loading drive being able to accept GameCube discs, and a set of four GameCube controller ports and two Memory Card slots, concealed by flip-open panels.<ref name="Wii: The Total Story" /> A GameCube controller is required to play ], as neither the ] nor the ] functions in this capacity. A GameCube memory card is also necessary to save, as the Wii internal flash memory will not save GameCube games. Nintendo has stated that the console is not compatible with the GameCube ], ], ], AV cable, or AC adaptor.
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===Nintendo DS connectivity===
The Wii system supports wireless connectivity with the ]. ] said Nintendo was still working out when features using this connectivity would be available, but that it would be soon after the launch of the system, due to the popularity of the Nintendo DS.<ref name="Wii/DS Connectivity">{{cite web | title=Gamasutra - E3: Miyamoto Discusses Wii/DS Connectivity, Wii Pricing | url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=9289 | accessdate=December 28 | accessyear=2006 }}</ref> At Nintendo's corporate policy meeting in ], Satoru Iwata explained that the DS uses its wireless connectivity to communicate with the console and that no further accessories are needed.

The connectivity allows the player to use functions like the Nintendo DS microphone and ] as inputs for Wii games. The first example Nintendo has given of a game using Nintendo DS-Wii connectivity is that of '']''. Players with either ] are able to play battles using their Diamond or Pearl Pokémon on Wii with the Nintendo DS as a controller.<ref name="connectivity returns">{{cite web|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|authorlink=|coauthors=|date=], ]|year=|month=|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/711/711657p1.html|title=Connectivity Returns|format=|work=|pages=|publisher=IGN|language=|accessdate=2006-06-07|accessyear=|curly=}}</ref> It has also been announced that the Nintendo DS is able to play ]s downloaded from the console, which they would receive from Nintendo, similar to a ].<ref name="Iwata Tech-On 3">{{cite web|author=Naoki Asami|authorlink=|coauthors=ITpro Publisher; Hiroki Yomogita, Silicon Valley|date=]|year=|month=|url=http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20060525/117498/?P=3|title=Regaining what we have lost: Nintendo CEO Iwata's Ambitions for the "Wii"|format=|work=Tech-On!|pages=3|publisher=Nikkei Business Publications|language=|accessdate=2006-06-09|accessyear=|curly=}}</ref> The console is also able to expand Nintendo DS games.<ref name="connectivity returns" />

===Parental controls===
The console features ], prohibiting younger users from playing games with content considered unsuitable for their age level. When a Wii or Virtual Console game is attempted to be played, 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 correct override password. However, the parental controls setting does not affect GameCube games.

European units mainly use the ] rating system,<ref name="par_pegi">{{cite news|url=http://planetgamecube.com/news.cfm?action=item&id=6665 | title=Revolution To Feature Parental Controls|publisher=Planet GameCube|date=2005-11-16}}</ref> whereas North American units use the ] rating system.<ref name="par_esrb">{{cite press release|url=http://www.nintendo.com/newsarticle?articleid=z5UnNGZpQKWULzG0z8R501PA5IHoNPr2|title=Nintendo Announces Play Control System For Next Hardware|publisher=Nintendo of America|date=]}}</ref> The Wii unit supports the native rating systems of many countries, including ] in ], the ] in ], both the ] and ] in the ] and the ] in Australia and ].

===Online connectivity===
{{main|Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection|WiiConnect24|Virtual Console (Wii)|Internet Channel}}
The Wii unit is able to connect to the Internet through its built-in ] Wi-Fi and through a USB-to-Ethernet adaptor, with both methods allowing players to access the established ] service.<ref name="Wii: The Total Story" /> Nintendo has stated that the console implements standard Wi-Fi protocols. ] by ], ] (TKIP/RC4) and ] (CCMP/AES) are supported.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/wii/en_na/onlineWirelessRouterChoose.jsp|title=Choosing a Wireless Router |accessdate=2006-12-13|publisher=Nintendo.com}}</ref> Just as for the Nintendo DS, Nintendo does not charge fees for playing via the service<ref name="USA Today">{{cite web|url=http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2006-08-14-nintendo-qa_x.htm |title=Nintendo hopes Wii spells wiinner |accessdate=2006-08-16 |accessmonthday= |accessyear= |author= |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=] |year= |month= |format= |work=USATODAY.com |publisher=] |pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate=}}</ref><ref name="Nintendo Wii Wi-Fi page">{{cite web|author=sjohnson|authorlink=|coauthors=|date=]|year=|month=|url=http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/TheFeed/post/618959/Secret_Wii_Details_Revealed.html|title=Secret Wii Details Revealed|format=|work=The Feed|pages=|publisher=G4 Media, Inc.|language=|accessdate=2006-07-20|accessyear=|curly=}}</ref> and the Friend Code system controls how players connect to one another. It is reported that only one Wii system code is required.<ref name="Wii Wi-Fi Just Like DS">{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/707/707865p1.html |title=Wii Wi-Fi Just Like DS |accessdate= |accessmonthday= |accessyear= |author= |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |authorlink= |coauthors= |date=] |year= |month= |format= |work=IGN.com |publisher=|pages= |language= |archiveurl= |archivedate=}}</ref><ref name="Nintendo Wii Wi-Fi page" /> This system also implements console-based software such as the Wii Message Board, for which a feature is being considered for alerting registered friends for the Wii Message Board about new games that have been purchased.<ref name="Iwata v3 p3">{{cite web| url=http://wii.nintendo.com/iwata_asks_vol3_p3.html | title=Iwata Asks | publisher=Nintendo}}</ref>

The service has several features for the console including the ], ], ] and the ]. The console can also communicate and connect with other Wii systems through a self-generated wireless ], enabling local wireless multiplayer on different television sets. '']'' first demonstrated this feature for non-split screen multiplayer between two or more televisions.{{fact}}

===Firmware===
The Wii ] can receive periodic updates from time to time via the WiiConnect24 service. The first firmware update via WiiConnect24 (which added Internet-based channels and SD card support to the system) caused a small portion of units to become ], forcing users to either send their units to ] for repairs (if they wished to retain their saved data), or, quicker, exchange it for a free replacement.<ref name="Wii Firmware down">{{cite web| url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=149572| title=Wii Connect 24 Kills Wiis}}</ref>
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==Software library==
{{seealso|List of Wii games}}
Games representing all of Nintendo's flagship franchises, such as the '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']'' series have been announced for the console, with only '']'' being released to date in all territories. '']'' has seen release in Japan, and as of ] 2007, has been released in Europe as well. Likewise, there are many original titles for it as well as many expected third party games. ] will release eight titles over the launch period, and have stated that they have a further six currently in development<ref name="E3 2006 game list">{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/706/706630p1.html|title=E3 2006: Wii Game List|publisher=]|author=Matt Casamassina|date=]|accessdate=2006-09-04}}</ref> while ] have announced six titles<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=143739|title=Ubisoft and Midway suck up Wii|author=Matt Wales|publisher=computerandvideogames|date=]|accessdate=2006-08-07}}</ref> and ] has declared their '100%' support for the console.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=10311|title=EA Sees Larger Loss, Ramps Up Wii Production|author=Simon Carless|publisher=]|date=]|accessdate=2006-08-07}}</ref> EA has since gone on to purchase long-time partner ], which now develops exclusively for Nintendo's console.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tgnforums.stardock.com/?forumid=141&aid=137746#1071220|title=EA Snaps Up Headgate Studios|author=iTZKooPA|publisher=]|date=]|accessdate=2006-12-05}}</ref>

Though ] had originally stated that the system would be region-free,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/14/first-party-wii-games-will-be-region-free/ | Author=Ludwig Kietzmann | date=2006-09-14 | title=First-party Wii games would be region-free | publisher=joystiq | accessdate=2006-11-03}}</ref> corrections from Nintendo of America and Nintendo of Europe concurred that the console does support ].<ref name="notregionfree">{{cite web | url=http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/wii-not-even-remotely-region-free/ | Author=Ludwig Kietzmann| date=2006-09-14 | title=Wii not even remotely region-free | publisher=Joystiq | accessdate=2006-12-06}}</ref>

==Reception==
At ], Nintendo's console won the ] for Best of Show and Best Hardware.<ref name="E3 Awards">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/win.html |title=2006 Winners |accessdate=2006-08-13 |work=Game Critics Awards}}</ref> In the December 2006 issue of '']'' the console was awarded with the Grand Award Winner in Home Entertainment.<ref name="pop-sci-nov06-80">{{Harvard reference | Last=unknown|Title=Best of What's New 2006 - Home Entertainment | Journal=Popular Science | Volume=269 | Issue=6 | Year=2006 | Page=80}}</ref> ]'s Video Games Award also granted the console the award in breakthrough technology.<ref name="Spike TV Award">{{cite web | url= http://www.gamespot.com/news/6162929.html?tag=latestnews;title;0 | title= Oblivion nabs Spike TV top honors}}</ref> ] chose the console as the Best Hardware on their Best and Worst 2006 awards show.<ref name="Gamespot Award">{{cite web | url= http://www.gamespot.com/special_features/bestof2006/achievement/index.html?page=21 | title= GameSpot Best Games and Worst Games of 2006}}</ref> The system was also chosen as one of ] 20 Most Innovative Products of the Year.<ref name="PC World Award">{{cite web | url= http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,128176-page,2-c,electronics/article.html | title= PC World 20 Most Innovative Products of the Year 2006}}</ref>

Despite these accolades, criticism of the Wii Remote and the Wii hardware has surfaced in various areas. The Wii Remote has been criticized for not being highly accurate for pointing and capturing motions in specific games.<ref name="WiiAccuracy">{{cite web |url=http://slate.com/id/2154157 |title=Nintendon't |accessdate=2007-01-10 |}}</ref> The controller's speaker has also met criticism for producing low-quality sound.<ref name="Tinny Speaker">{{cite web |last=Gerstmann |first=Jeff |date=] |url=http://www.cnet.com.au/games/wii/print.htm?TYPE=story&AT=339272664-239036428t-230000032c |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess |publisher=CNET |accessdate=2007-01-18 }}</ref> Game developers have criticized the Wii hardware as not being powerful enough to run software that will be released for other consoles of the same generation.<ref name="WiiRadical">{{cite web |url=http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/nintendo/free-radical-wii-cant-handle-our-game-190723.php |title=Free Radical: Wii Cant Handle Our Game |accessdate=2007-01-10 |}}</ref>

==References and notes==
{{reflist|2}}

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==See also==
{{Dedicated video game consoles}}
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==External links==
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; Official sites
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* - Nintendo President, Satoru Iwata, media briefing speech at E3 2006

; Unofficial coverage
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* at ].com
* at IGN.com
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* - Details about hardware specs & pinouts
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{{Wii}}
{{Nintendo hardware|Wii}}

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Revision as of 04:00, 22 January 2007

serioulsy though man nintendo wii sucks dont you people get that already

Wii: Difference between revisions Add topic