Nintendo's Wii video game system (pronounced "we") is designed to attract people, regardless of their age or video game experience, to sit down and play together--whether they're in the same room or on different sides of the globe. The system's name reflects this simple idea. It's easily pronounced in a variety of languages, and the distinctive spelling suggests two players side by side. The two Wii features Nintendo thinks will create new levels of gaming community are built-in Wi-Fi access (IEEE 802.11 or a Wii LAN Adapter), supported by a new online gaming service, and Wii's intuitive, wireless, motion-sensitive game controller.

As with every new console release, much of the buzz surrounds the specs. The system boasts 512 MB of internal flash memory, two USB 2.0 ports, and a slot for SD memory expansion. Wii's technological heart -- a processing chip developed with IBM and code-named "Broadway" and a graphics chipset from ATI code-named "Hollywood" -- are said to deliver stunning performance. Instead of a tray, Wii uses a single, self-loading media bay that will play both 12-centimeter optical discs used for the new system, as well as Nintendo GameCube discs.

The real revolution in this system, though, is its controller, called the Wii Remote. Shaped like a TV remote, it's been designed to be easily used by beginners and pros alike. Sensors determine the Wii Remote's position is in 3-D space, which means that racing-game steering and a tennis swing, for example, are done through movements of your hand rather than by just your thumbs. What's more, a tiny speaker built into the Wii Remote promises some interactive surround sound experiences. The controller also has a force feedback "Rumble" feature and an expansion port for use with accessories, such as the Nunchuck, which adds an analog thumbstick and trigger buttons. An adapter that fits over the Wii's wee remote will be available for those who prefer the feel of a traditional controller. The Wii Remote communicates via the Bluetooth wireless standard. Up to four remotes can connect to Wii.

An Outstanding Games Launch Line-up
Each Wii will come with a game compilation called "Wii Sports," including tennis, golf, baseball and bowling games, that will show off the console's intuitive new controller. In addition to this, at least fifty titles are scheduled for release in U.S. by year's end; about half of that by launch. They are estimated to list at $49.99. Launch games include:

• The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
• Excite Truck
• Trauma Center: Second Opinion
• Madden NFL 07
• Need for Speed: Carbon
• Elebits
• Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz
• Metal Slug Anthology
• Rayman: Raving Rabids
• Red Steel

Wii also offers superb backward compatibility -- the cornerstone of Nintendo's all-access approach. This new console will play fan-favorite games from Nintendo's 20-year-old library. The drive is compatible with GameCube discs, and select Nintendo titles from the original NES of the 1980s all the way through the Nintendo 64 will be available through for download through the "Virtual Console" for $5 and $10 respectively. Virtual Console download titles available at launch will include:

• Super Mario 64
• Super Mario World
• Donkey Kong
• Legend of Zelda

As if that weren't enough, the Virtual Console will also make available a few titles from SNES console contemporaries, Sega Genesis and TurboGrafx 16.

A number of Wi-Fi-enabled titles are in development that will employ Nintendo's newly-announced wireless gaming service, WiiConnect24. This worldwide network promises Nintendo players a comfortable, inviting environment in which they can gather and compete. The always-on network will deliver game updates and surprises, even when the Wii is powered down. And as you would expect, Wii will be able to communicate with the Nintendo DS mobile gaming system wirelessly.

Nintendo has confirmed a lot of information about its newest system, but until Wii is out on the market, the rumor mill will continue to churn with gossip -- both unconfirmed facts and bogus news. However, with strong backward compatibility and an impressive list of new games from the Nintendo franchise's biggest stars, Wii promises to deliver an incredible new level of gaming sophistication and fun.

 

Hardware Specifications:

IBM PowerPC

• RISC

Video Output

• ATI Hollywood

Input Device

• Joystick

Memory

• 512 MB flash memory

Connections

• 4 x Game controller (4 pin USB Type A)
• Composite video output
• S-Video output

Memory Card

• Flash

Interface

• WiFi,
• Two USB 2.0 ports
• External SD memory card slot

Media compatibility

• Nintendo Wii disc
• Nintendo GameCube disc

System Orientation

• Stands vertically or horizontally