Foz
27-11-2006, 07:31 PM
The Wii (pronounced as the pronoun "we", IPA: /wiː/) is Nintendo's seventh-generation video game console. Previously known by its project code name of Revolution, it is the successor to the Nintendo GameCube and competes against Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3.
A distinguishing feature of the Wii console is its wireless controller, the Wii Remote, which may be used as a handheld pointing device and can detect motion and rotation in three dimensions. The console also notably features WiiConnect24, which enables it to receive messages and updates over the Internet while consuming very little electrical power.
Nintendo first mentioned the console in the 2004 E3 press conference and later unveiled the system at the 2005 E3. Satoru Iwata revealed a prototype of the controller at the September 2005 Tokyo Game Show.[2] At E3 2006, the Wii console won the Game Critics Awards for Best of Show and Best Hardware.[3] In the December 2006 issue of Popular Science the console was awarded with the Grand Award Winner in Home Entertainment. The console was first launched in some markets in 2006 (see release date and price for detailed information).
Marketing expansion
From November 15, 2006, Nintendo ran a series of television advertisements in North America directed by Academy Award winner Stephen Gaghan as well as Internet ads under the slogans "Wii would like to play" and "Experience a new way to play". These ads have a total budget of over US$200 million. The productions are Nintendo's first broad-based advertising strategy and include a two-minute video clip showing grandparents and parents enjoying the Wii console with their children. 80% of the advertisements target adults in an attempt to expand the market beyond Nintendo's traditional audience.[29] The music in the ads is from the song Kodo (Inside the Sun Remix) by the Yoshida Brothers.
Name
Wikinews has news related to:
Nintendo Revolution name revealedThe console was known by the codename of "Revolution" until immediately prior to E3 2006.[39] According to the Nintendo Style Guide: A Guide to the Proper Usage of Some of Nintendo's Products, 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. Nintendo spells "Wii" with two "i"s to imply an image of 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:
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.[40]
Despite Nintendo's justification for the name, members of the press, online communities, and game developers[41] initially reacted negatively to the name change. Some "wish Nintendo had stuck with 'Revolution',"[42] pointed out phonetic similarities to the French word oui and mostly negative words in English,[41] or expressed "fear that the name would convey a continued sense of 'kidiness' [sic] to the console."[43] Reggie Fils-Aime acknowledged the initial reaction and further explained the change:
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.[44]
Nintendo defends its choice of "Wii" over "Revolution" and suggests to that those who dislike the name: "live with it, sleep with it, eat with it, move along with it."[45]
Hardware
Wii box artThe Wii console is Nintendo's smallest home unit yet; measuring 44 mm wide, 157 mm tall, and 215.4 mm deep in the vertical orientation without the included stand (which itself measures 55.4 mm wide, 44 mm tall, and 225.6 mm deep).[46] It is approximately the size of three standard DVD cases stacked together (approx. 4.5 cm x 15 cm x 20 cm). The console can be stood either horizontally or vertically.[1] The prefix for the numbering scheme of the system and its parts and accesories is "RVL-", after its project code name of "Revolution".
The front of the console features a slot-loading media drive illuminated by a blue light and accepts both 12cm optical discs for Wii software and 8cm discs from Nintendo's prior console, the GameCube. The Disc slot light briefly illuminates when the console is turned on and when WiiConnect 24 is turned on and when receiving new data, such as messages, and have selected "Bright" or "Dim" in the "Slot Illumination" settings for WiiConnect24. The disc slot light does not stay illuminated during game play or using other features of the Wii console. The ability to load differently sized discs is uncommon in slot-loading media drives, which typically only accept discs of a single size. Two USB ports (at the rear) and one SD card slot (behind a flap cover at the front of the console) are provided. A software update first needs to be downloaded from Nintendo to enable save/write functionality for SD cards.
Nintendo has shown the console and the Wii Remote in various colors, including white, black, silver, lime green, and red.[47][48] The console will initially be available only in white[49]. At E3 2006, the Wii Remote was shown in light blue.[50] Numerous minor changes were made to the design between its original unveiling and launch, mostly in the Nintendo branding used and button placements.
A Nintendo spokesperson confirmed that Nintendo plans to release a version of the console with DVD-Video playback capabilities in Japan. The spokesperson also stated that releases of the DVD-Video capable version in other territories are not currently planned.[51] On November 8, 2006, digital media company Sonic Solutions issued a press release stating that Nintendo has chosen their CinePlayer CE DVD Navigator software engine to provide DVD-Video functionality for a future version of the Wii console for release in the latter half of 2007.[52] Nintendo of America confirmed to GameDaily BIZ on November 13, 2006 that the DVD-Video enabled Wii would be coming to North America at a higher price point than the standard Wii. Even though software will be used to enable DVD-Video functionality, it "requires more than a firmware upgrade" and could not be implemented through the WiiConnect24 network.[53]
Wii Remote
(L-R) Nintendo DS Lite, Nunchuk, and Wii RemoteMain article: Wii Remote
The Wii Remote is a one-handed controller that uses a combination of accelerometers and infrared detection (from an array of LED's inside the sensor bar) to sense its position in 3D space. This allows users to control the game using physical gestures as well as traditional button presses. The controller connects to the Wii console using Bluetooth, and features force feedback, 4KB non-volatile memory[54] and an internal speaker. The controller can connect to other devices through a proprietary port at the base of the controller. Perhaps the most important of these is the Nunchuk unit, which features an accelerometer and a traditional analog stick with two trigger buttons.
Technical specifications
Nintendo itself has released few technical specifics regarding the Wii console, but some key facts have leaked to the press. Known details include:[55][56][1][57]
Processors:
CPU: PowerPC based "Broadway" processor, made with a 90 nm SOI CMOS process, reportedly clocked at 729 MHz[55][56].
GPU: ATI "Hollywood" GPU made with a 90 nm CMOS process[58], reportedly clocked at 243 MHz[55][56]
Memory:
88 MB[55][56] main memory (24 MB "internal" 1T-SRAM,[59] 64 MB "external" GDDR3 RAM)[60]
3 MB GPU texture memory[55]
Ports and peripheral capabilities:
Up to four Wii Remote controllers (connected wirelessly via Bluetooth).
One SD memory card slot.
Two USB 2.0 ports.
One Sensor Bar port.
Four Nintendo GameCube controller ports.
Two Nintendo GameCube memory card ports.
Mitsumi DMW-W004 WiFi 802.11b/g wireless module
Compatible with optional USB 2.0 to Ethernet LAN adaptor.
Built-in content ratings systems:
CERO,[citation needed] PEGI, ESRB
Storage:
512 MB built-in flash memory.
Expansion available via SD card memory, 2 GB maximum supported capacity.
GameCube Memory Cards (for saving GCN games only).
Slot-loading disc drive compatible with:
8 cm GameCube optical disc.
12 cm Wii optical disc.
Mask ROM by Macronix.[61]
IBM "Broadway" CPU within the Wii consoleVideo:
Up to 480p[62](NTSC) or 576p[citation needed] (PAL/SECAM), will work with any TV or projector.
Component (including Progressive scan), RGB SCART,[63] S-Video, or composite output.
16:9 anamorphic widescreen.[62]
Audio:
Main: Stereo - Dolby Pro Logic II-capable.[64]
Controller: Built-in speaker.
Features
Wii Channels
Mii ChannelMain article: Wii Channels
The operating system interface for the console is designed around the concept of television channels, 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 eight primary channels: the Disc Channel, Mii Channel, News Channel, Forecast Channel, Photo Channel, Wii Shop Channel, Internet Channel and Virtual Console Channel(s).
Backward compatibility
The top of the Wii.The Wii console is backward compatible with all Nintendo GameCube 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.[1] A GameCube controller is required to play GameCube games, as neither the Wii Remote nor the Classic Controller will function in this capacity. Nintendo has stated that the Wii console is not compatible with the GameCube modem adapter, broadband adapter, Game Boy Player, AV cable, or AC adaptor.
Nintendo DS connectivity
The Wii console supports wireless connectivity with the Nintendo DS. Shigeru Miyamoto 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.[citation needed] At Nintendo's corporate policy meeting in June 2006, Satoru Iwata explained that the DS uses its wireless connectivity to communicate with Wii and that no further accessories will be needed.
The connectivity will allow the player to use functions like the Nintendo DS's microphone and touchscreen as inputs for Wii games. The first example Nintendo has given of a game using Nintendo DS-Wii connectivity is that of Pokémon Battle Revolution. Players with either Pokémon Diamond or Pearl will be able to play battles using their Diamond or Pearl Pokémon on Wii with the Nintendo DS as a controller.[65]
It has also been confirmed that the Nintendo DS will be able to play game demos downloaded from the Wii console which they would receive from Nintendo, similar to a DS Download Station.[66] The console will also be able to expand Nintendo DS games.[67]
Parental controls
The console features parental controls, prohibiting younger users from playing games with content considered unsuitable for their age level. When a disc is inserted, it reads 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. However, the parental controls setting does not affect GameCube games.
European units will utilize the PEGI rating system,[68] whereas North American units will use the ESRB rating system.[69] While Nintendo has stated that parental control will be included in all Wii consoles worldwide, it has not yet clarified whether that means the console will support the native rating systems of other territories, such as that of CERO in Japan, the USK in Germany, the BBFC in the United Kingdom (games in the UK carry a PEGI rating, but may be submitted for BBFC rating if they include certain content or at the publisher's discretion), or the OFLC in Australia.
Online connectivity
Main articles: Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, WiiConnect24, Virtual Console (Wii), and Wii Browser
The Wii console is able to connect to the Internet through its built-in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and through a USB-to-Ethernet adaptor, with both methods allowing players to access the established Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service.[1] Nintendo has stated that the console will implement standard Wi-Fi protocols. Wireless encryption by WEP, WPA and WPA2 appear to be supported.[70] Just as for the Nintendo DS, Nintendo originally stated that they will not charge fees for playing via the service[71][72] and the Friend Code system will control how players connect to one another.[73][72] This system will also be implemented for 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. [74]
The service has several features for the console, such as the Virtual Console, WiiConnect24 and Wii Browser. The Wii can also communicate and connect with other Wii systems through a self-generated wireless LAN, enabling local wireless multiplayer on different television sets. Battalion Wars 2 first demonstrated this feature, for non-split screen multiplayer between two or more televisions. Nintendo announced two Wi-Fi enabled games at LGC 2006 in Leipzig: Mario Strikers Charged, and Battalion Wars 2. Although the console features an online mode, Nintendo has not provided the programming tools for 3rd party developers yet, meaning that only first party Wii games will be online, at least in 2006.[75] Nintendo has also stated that it will release an Ethernet Kit for the Wii console, which allows users to connect the console to a standard internet router without wireless support.[76] The console also has the ability to connect to the Internet using the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector.[77]
At E3 2006 Nintendo announced WiiConnect24, a feature that will allow the Wii console to remain connected to the Internet in standby mode. The console only uses the amount of electricity equivalent to that of a miniature lightbulb. Some possible uses of WiiConnect24 that were mentioned include allowing friends to visit a player's village in Animal Crossing and downloading updates for games without having to be actively using the system. It has also been said that it would be possible to download Nintendo DS promotional demos using WiiConnect24 and later transfer them to one's Nintendo DS,[66] similar to a DS Download Station.
Firmware
The Wii console requires firmware updates from time to time. As reported by IGN,[78] it was discovered that to use the Online Channels, a firmware update was required. Some earlier produced units were reportedly shipped with older firmware, and had some problems. Most units, however, shipped with the latest version.
The first firmware update for the Wii console via the WiiConnect24 feature caused a small portion of units to become unusable. This forced users to either send the unit to Nintendo for repairs where saved data was retained, or exchange it for a free replacement. The latter option had a faster turn around time but led to a loss of saved data.[79]
The current firmware version for North American Consoles is 2.0U.[citation needed]
Software library
Main article: List of Wii games
Games representing all of Nintendo's flagship franchises, such as the Zelda, Metroid, Mario, Animal Crossing, Pokémon, Super Smash Bros., and Fire Emblem series have been announced for the Wii console. Likewise, there are many original titles for it as well as many expected third party games. Ubisoft has upped their number of titles in development for the console to 14 (eight of which are to be launch games and only three of which were previously known about),[80] while Midway Games has announced they have six titles in development,[81] and EA has recently increased their development efforts for the console, declaring they are going to support it '100%'.[82]
Following a statement from Perrin Kaplan that the system would be region-free,[83] Nintendo of America and Nintendo of Europe have come to an agreement that the console will be region-locked.[84][85] However, the information was conveyed through an interview followed by corrections from spokespersons and has left some uncertainty on the matter.
wow talk about a hell of a post, how many of you read it all :D :lol: :D
A distinguishing feature of the Wii console is its wireless controller, the Wii Remote, which may be used as a handheld pointing device and can detect motion and rotation in three dimensions. The console also notably features WiiConnect24, which enables it to receive messages and updates over the Internet while consuming very little electrical power.
Nintendo first mentioned the console in the 2004 E3 press conference and later unveiled the system at the 2005 E3. Satoru Iwata revealed a prototype of the controller at the September 2005 Tokyo Game Show.[2] At E3 2006, the Wii console won the Game Critics Awards for Best of Show and Best Hardware.[3] In the December 2006 issue of Popular Science the console was awarded with the Grand Award Winner in Home Entertainment. The console was first launched in some markets in 2006 (see release date and price for detailed information).
Marketing expansion
From November 15, 2006, Nintendo ran a series of television advertisements in North America directed by Academy Award winner Stephen Gaghan as well as Internet ads under the slogans "Wii would like to play" and "Experience a new way to play". These ads have a total budget of over US$200 million. The productions are Nintendo's first broad-based advertising strategy and include a two-minute video clip showing grandparents and parents enjoying the Wii console with their children. 80% of the advertisements target adults in an attempt to expand the market beyond Nintendo's traditional audience.[29] The music in the ads is from the song Kodo (Inside the Sun Remix) by the Yoshida Brothers.
Name
Wikinews has news related to:
Nintendo Revolution name revealedThe console was known by the codename of "Revolution" until immediately prior to E3 2006.[39] According to the Nintendo Style Guide: A Guide to the Proper Usage of Some of Nintendo's Products, 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. Nintendo spells "Wii" with two "i"s to imply an image of 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:
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.[40]
Despite Nintendo's justification for the name, members of the press, online communities, and game developers[41] initially reacted negatively to the name change. Some "wish Nintendo had stuck with 'Revolution',"[42] pointed out phonetic similarities to the French word oui and mostly negative words in English,[41] or expressed "fear that the name would convey a continued sense of 'kidiness' [sic] to the console."[43] Reggie Fils-Aime acknowledged the initial reaction and further explained the change:
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.[44]
Nintendo defends its choice of "Wii" over "Revolution" and suggests to that those who dislike the name: "live with it, sleep with it, eat with it, move along with it."[45]
Hardware
Wii box artThe Wii console is Nintendo's smallest home unit yet; measuring 44 mm wide, 157 mm tall, and 215.4 mm deep in the vertical orientation without the included stand (which itself measures 55.4 mm wide, 44 mm tall, and 225.6 mm deep).[46] It is approximately the size of three standard DVD cases stacked together (approx. 4.5 cm x 15 cm x 20 cm). The console can be stood either horizontally or vertically.[1] The prefix for the numbering scheme of the system and its parts and accesories is "RVL-", after its project code name of "Revolution".
The front of the console features a slot-loading media drive illuminated by a blue light and accepts both 12cm optical discs for Wii software and 8cm discs from Nintendo's prior console, the GameCube. The Disc slot light briefly illuminates when the console is turned on and when WiiConnect 24 is turned on and when receiving new data, such as messages, and have selected "Bright" or "Dim" in the "Slot Illumination" settings for WiiConnect24. The disc slot light does not stay illuminated during game play or using other features of the Wii console. The ability to load differently sized discs is uncommon in slot-loading media drives, which typically only accept discs of a single size. Two USB ports (at the rear) and one SD card slot (behind a flap cover at the front of the console) are provided. A software update first needs to be downloaded from Nintendo to enable save/write functionality for SD cards.
Nintendo has shown the console and the Wii Remote in various colors, including white, black, silver, lime green, and red.[47][48] The console will initially be available only in white[49]. At E3 2006, the Wii Remote was shown in light blue.[50] Numerous minor changes were made to the design between its original unveiling and launch, mostly in the Nintendo branding used and button placements.
A Nintendo spokesperson confirmed that Nintendo plans to release a version of the console with DVD-Video playback capabilities in Japan. The spokesperson also stated that releases of the DVD-Video capable version in other territories are not currently planned.[51] On November 8, 2006, digital media company Sonic Solutions issued a press release stating that Nintendo has chosen their CinePlayer CE DVD Navigator software engine to provide DVD-Video functionality for a future version of the Wii console for release in the latter half of 2007.[52] Nintendo of America confirmed to GameDaily BIZ on November 13, 2006 that the DVD-Video enabled Wii would be coming to North America at a higher price point than the standard Wii. Even though software will be used to enable DVD-Video functionality, it "requires more than a firmware upgrade" and could not be implemented through the WiiConnect24 network.[53]
Wii Remote
(L-R) Nintendo DS Lite, Nunchuk, and Wii RemoteMain article: Wii Remote
The Wii Remote is a one-handed controller that uses a combination of accelerometers and infrared detection (from an array of LED's inside the sensor bar) to sense its position in 3D space. This allows users to control the game using physical gestures as well as traditional button presses. The controller connects to the Wii console using Bluetooth, and features force feedback, 4KB non-volatile memory[54] and an internal speaker. The controller can connect to other devices through a proprietary port at the base of the controller. Perhaps the most important of these is the Nunchuk unit, which features an accelerometer and a traditional analog stick with two trigger buttons.
Technical specifications
Nintendo itself has released few technical specifics regarding the Wii console, but some key facts have leaked to the press. Known details include:[55][56][1][57]
Processors:
CPU: PowerPC based "Broadway" processor, made with a 90 nm SOI CMOS process, reportedly clocked at 729 MHz[55][56].
GPU: ATI "Hollywood" GPU made with a 90 nm CMOS process[58], reportedly clocked at 243 MHz[55][56]
Memory:
88 MB[55][56] main memory (24 MB "internal" 1T-SRAM,[59] 64 MB "external" GDDR3 RAM)[60]
3 MB GPU texture memory[55]
Ports and peripheral capabilities:
Up to four Wii Remote controllers (connected wirelessly via Bluetooth).
One SD memory card slot.
Two USB 2.0 ports.
One Sensor Bar port.
Four Nintendo GameCube controller ports.
Two Nintendo GameCube memory card ports.
Mitsumi DMW-W004 WiFi 802.11b/g wireless module
Compatible with optional USB 2.0 to Ethernet LAN adaptor.
Built-in content ratings systems:
CERO,[citation needed] PEGI, ESRB
Storage:
512 MB built-in flash memory.
Expansion available via SD card memory, 2 GB maximum supported capacity.
GameCube Memory Cards (for saving GCN games only).
Slot-loading disc drive compatible with:
8 cm GameCube optical disc.
12 cm Wii optical disc.
Mask ROM by Macronix.[61]
IBM "Broadway" CPU within the Wii consoleVideo:
Up to 480p[62](NTSC) or 576p[citation needed] (PAL/SECAM), will work with any TV or projector.
Component (including Progressive scan), RGB SCART,[63] S-Video, or composite output.
16:9 anamorphic widescreen.[62]
Audio:
Main: Stereo - Dolby Pro Logic II-capable.[64]
Controller: Built-in speaker.
Features
Wii Channels
Mii ChannelMain article: Wii Channels
The operating system interface for the console is designed around the concept of television channels, 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 eight primary channels: the Disc Channel, Mii Channel, News Channel, Forecast Channel, Photo Channel, Wii Shop Channel, Internet Channel and Virtual Console Channel(s).
Backward compatibility
The top of the Wii.The Wii console is backward compatible with all Nintendo GameCube 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.[1] A GameCube controller is required to play GameCube games, as neither the Wii Remote nor the Classic Controller will function in this capacity. Nintendo has stated that the Wii console is not compatible with the GameCube modem adapter, broadband adapter, Game Boy Player, AV cable, or AC adaptor.
Nintendo DS connectivity
The Wii console supports wireless connectivity with the Nintendo DS. Shigeru Miyamoto 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.[citation needed] At Nintendo's corporate policy meeting in June 2006, Satoru Iwata explained that the DS uses its wireless connectivity to communicate with Wii and that no further accessories will be needed.
The connectivity will allow the player to use functions like the Nintendo DS's microphone and touchscreen as inputs for Wii games. The first example Nintendo has given of a game using Nintendo DS-Wii connectivity is that of Pokémon Battle Revolution. Players with either Pokémon Diamond or Pearl will be able to play battles using their Diamond or Pearl Pokémon on Wii with the Nintendo DS as a controller.[65]
It has also been confirmed that the Nintendo DS will be able to play game demos downloaded from the Wii console which they would receive from Nintendo, similar to a DS Download Station.[66] The console will also be able to expand Nintendo DS games.[67]
Parental controls
The console features parental controls, prohibiting younger users from playing games with content considered unsuitable for their age level. When a disc is inserted, it reads 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. However, the parental controls setting does not affect GameCube games.
European units will utilize the PEGI rating system,[68] whereas North American units will use the ESRB rating system.[69] While Nintendo has stated that parental control will be included in all Wii consoles worldwide, it has not yet clarified whether that means the console will support the native rating systems of other territories, such as that of CERO in Japan, the USK in Germany, the BBFC in the United Kingdom (games in the UK carry a PEGI rating, but may be submitted for BBFC rating if they include certain content or at the publisher's discretion), or the OFLC in Australia.
Online connectivity
Main articles: Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, WiiConnect24, Virtual Console (Wii), and Wii Browser
The Wii console is able to connect to the Internet through its built-in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and through a USB-to-Ethernet adaptor, with both methods allowing players to access the established Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service.[1] Nintendo has stated that the console will implement standard Wi-Fi protocols. Wireless encryption by WEP, WPA and WPA2 appear to be supported.[70] Just as for the Nintendo DS, Nintendo originally stated that they will not charge fees for playing via the service[71][72] and the Friend Code system will control how players connect to one another.[73][72] This system will also be implemented for 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. [74]
The service has several features for the console, such as the Virtual Console, WiiConnect24 and Wii Browser. The Wii can also communicate and connect with other Wii systems through a self-generated wireless LAN, enabling local wireless multiplayer on different television sets. Battalion Wars 2 first demonstrated this feature, for non-split screen multiplayer between two or more televisions. Nintendo announced two Wi-Fi enabled games at LGC 2006 in Leipzig: Mario Strikers Charged, and Battalion Wars 2. Although the console features an online mode, Nintendo has not provided the programming tools for 3rd party developers yet, meaning that only first party Wii games will be online, at least in 2006.[75] Nintendo has also stated that it will release an Ethernet Kit for the Wii console, which allows users to connect the console to a standard internet router without wireless support.[76] The console also has the ability to connect to the Internet using the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector.[77]
At E3 2006 Nintendo announced WiiConnect24, a feature that will allow the Wii console to remain connected to the Internet in standby mode. The console only uses the amount of electricity equivalent to that of a miniature lightbulb. Some possible uses of WiiConnect24 that were mentioned include allowing friends to visit a player's village in Animal Crossing and downloading updates for games without having to be actively using the system. It has also been said that it would be possible to download Nintendo DS promotional demos using WiiConnect24 and later transfer them to one's Nintendo DS,[66] similar to a DS Download Station.
Firmware
The Wii console requires firmware updates from time to time. As reported by IGN,[78] it was discovered that to use the Online Channels, a firmware update was required. Some earlier produced units were reportedly shipped with older firmware, and had some problems. Most units, however, shipped with the latest version.
The first firmware update for the Wii console via the WiiConnect24 feature caused a small portion of units to become unusable. This forced users to either send the unit to Nintendo for repairs where saved data was retained, or exchange it for a free replacement. The latter option had a faster turn around time but led to a loss of saved data.[79]
The current firmware version for North American Consoles is 2.0U.[citation needed]
Software library
Main article: List of Wii games
Games representing all of Nintendo's flagship franchises, such as the Zelda, Metroid, Mario, Animal Crossing, Pokémon, Super Smash Bros., and Fire Emblem series have been announced for the Wii console. Likewise, there are many original titles for it as well as many expected third party games. Ubisoft has upped their number of titles in development for the console to 14 (eight of which are to be launch games and only three of which were previously known about),[80] while Midway Games has announced they have six titles in development,[81] and EA has recently increased their development efforts for the console, declaring they are going to support it '100%'.[82]
Following a statement from Perrin Kaplan that the system would be region-free,[83] Nintendo of America and Nintendo of Europe have come to an agreement that the console will be region-locked.[84][85] However, the information was conveyed through an interview followed by corrections from spokespersons and has left some uncertainty on the matter.
wow talk about a hell of a post, how many of you read it all :D :lol: :D