Wii

Manufacturer	Nintendo
Type	Home Console
Generation	Seventh
CPU	IBM PowerPC-based "Broadway"
GPU	ATI "Hollywood"
Media	12 cm Wii Optical Disc, 8 cm Gamecube disc
Storage	512MB Internal flash memory, Gamecube memory card, Secure Digital Card
Controllers	Four wireless, Four Gamecube ports.
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Blue Tooth, USB 2.0, LAN Adapter
Online Service	Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, WiiConnect24, Virtual Console, Wii Channels
Release Date	JP December 2, 2006 US November 19, 2006 EU December 8, 2006 AU December 7, 2006 KO April 26, 2008
Units Sold	10.07 million
Top Game	Wii Sports
Compatibility	Gamecube
Predecessor	Gamecube

The Wii(pronounced "We") is Nintendo's fifth and latest home console. Formerly known as "The Revolution," the Wii has a unique motion-sensing controller. The Wii is trying to target a larger demographic by having easy-to-use controls.

Features

Wii Channels

The Wii's interface is designed around different channels the player can choose. The primary ones are the Disc Channel, Mii Channel, Photo Channel, Wii Shop Channel, Forecast Channel, and News Channel. Newer channels include the Internet Channel and the Everybody Votes Channel.

Backwards Compatibility

The Nintendo Wii is able to play Gamecube games. To play Gamecube games, the player must use a Gamecube controller and Gamecube memory cards. Most of the Gamecube's peripherals also work with the Wii. Nintendo has stated that the GameCube modem adapter, broadband adapter, Game Boy Player, AV cable, and AC adapter do not work with the Wii.

Nintendo DS Connectivity

The Nintendo DS is able to wirelessly connect to the Wii, similar to the connectivity feature the Gameboy Advance and Gamecube had. Pokemon Battle Revolution has made use of this feature. Nintendo has also stated that demos of DS games will be made available through the Wii.

Online Connectivity

The Wii is able to connect to the internet through Nintendo's Wi-Fi service. Similar to the DS, a friend code system is used. However, only one friend code is used per system.

Parental Controls

The Wii features the ability to limit the games that can be played on the Wii. Each region's Wii uses the rating system relevant to that region (North America uses ESRB, Japan uses CERO, Europe uses PEGI, ect.). If a game is of an inappropriate rating, an override code is needed to play it. This only works on Wii and Virtual Console games; it does not affect Gamecube games.

Playing Imported Gamecube Games

Like most Nintendo consoles, the Wii will only play games from the right region. However, there is a way to get around it in the case of Gamecube games. This doesn't work with every game.

First, put a Gamecube game from your region in the Wii and let it load. Once it's loaded, select the Gamecube channel. Have the remote hovering over the start button and eject the Gamecube game. Press start as soon as the game is ejected. Quickly replace the first game with the import game you want to play. It might require you to push it a bit to get it in fact enough.

If everything is done correctly, the screen will be blank for a few seconds and the import game will load in a few seconds.

See Also

• List of Wii Games
• List of Virtual Console Games
• List of WiiWare Games