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<!-- 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 />]<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 = Nintendo GameCube<!--STOP LINKING THIS. It is already linked above. See ] for more info.-->
|successor =
|unitssold = ]wide: <!--SEE DISCUSSION PAGE ABOUT SALES NUMBER-->4.5 million+ <!--SEE DISCUSSION PAGE--><small>(see below)</small>
<small><sup>''']'''</sup></small> 1,250,000 <small>as of ] ]</small><ref name="nintendoQ3report">{{cite web | url=http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n10/news/070125e.pdf | format=] | accessdate=2007-01-25 | date=2007-01-25 | title=Consolidate Financial Statements | publisher=]}}</ref><br />
<small><sup>''']'''</sup></small> 1,444,571 <small>as of ] ]</small><ref name="japansales">{{cite web |url=http://www.m-create.com/jpn/s_ranking.html |title=2007 January 29th - February 4th weekly software & hardware rankings |accessdate=2007-02-09 |publisher=Media Create |language=Japanese}}</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> 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 ]. 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" /> but it competes with both as part of the ] of gaming consoles.

A distinguishing feature of the console is its wireless ], the ], which can be used as a handheld ] and can ] in ]. Another is ], which enables it to receive messages and updates over the Internet while in ].<ref name="Iwata Speech 06"> - Nintendo President, Satoru Iwata, media briefing speech at E3 2006</ref>

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, the console won the first of several awards.<ref name="E3 Awards" /> By ] ], it completed ] in four key markets.

==History==
The console was originally conceived in ], as the ] was first seeing release. According to an interview with ], the concept involved focusing on a new form of player interaction. "The consensus was that power isn't everything for a console. Too many powerful consoles can't coexist. It's like having only ferocious dinosaurs. They might fight and hasten their own extinction."<ref name="Miyamoto Speaks">{{cite web |url=http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/nov2006/tc20061116_750580.htm |title=The Big Ideas Behind Nintendo's Wii |accessdate=2007-02-02 |publisher=BusinessWeek | author=Kenji Hall }}</ref>

Two years later, engineers and designers were brought together to further develop the concept. By ], the controller interface had taken form, but a public showing at that year's ] was withdrawn. Miyamoto stated that "we had some troubleshooting to do. So we decided not to reveal the controller and instead we displayed just the console."<ref name="Miyamoto Speaks" />

The ] is stated to have influenced the Wii design. Designer Ken'ichiro Ashida noted "We had the DS on our minds as we worked on the Wii. We thought about copying the DS's touch-panel interface and even came up with a prototype." The idea was eventually rejected, with the notion that the two gaming systems would be identical. Miyamoto also expressed that "if the DS had flopped, we might have taken the Wii back to the drawing board."<ref name="Miyamoto Speaks" />

===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.-->

The console was known by the codename of "Revolution" until ] ], immediately prior to E3.<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 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:
{{Wikinews|Nintendo Revolution name revealed}}
{{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 ] 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>

===Launch===
{{main|Wii launch}}
Starting ], ], Nintendo announced release information for ], ] and ], ] (Oceania), ], and ], including dates, prices, and distribution. At a later 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 included the 4 million or more console units they expected 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> 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> and that 33 titles would be available in the 2006 launch window.<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|format=|work=|pages=|publisher=Planet GameCube|language=English|accessdate=|accessyear=|curly=}}</ref> As reported, 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>

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>

===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, 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/2006/wii-for-all}}</ref>

==Hardware==
]
The Wii console is Nintendo's smallest home unit yet; it measures 44 mm (1.73 in.) wide, 157 mm (6.18 in.) tall, and 215.4 mm (8.48 in.) deep in its vertical orientation. The included stand measures 55.4 mm (2.18 in.) wide, 44 mm (1.73 in.) tall, and 225.6 mm (8.88 in.) deep. The console 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 ]. When there is no WiiConnect24 information, the light is off. The disc slot light remains off 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 uploading photos as well as backing up ] data and downloaded ] games. As a presently impenetrable system of ], Virtual Console data cannot be restored to any system except the unit of origin.<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 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 has initially been available only in white. At E3 2006, the Wii Remote was shown in light blue. Shigeru Miyamoto stated that other colors would be available after the easing of supply limitations, which were stated to continue until Spring.<ref>http://wii.ign.com/articles/732/732873p1.html</ref> Numerous minor changes were made to the design between its original unveiling and launch; mostly in the Nintendo branding used and button placements.

The ] 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), operation documentation, and (in all regions excluding Japan) a copy of ''Wii Sports.''

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 for 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 details regarding the Wii system, but some key facts have leaked from the press.<ref name="Wii: The Total Story" /><ref name="IGN Wii FAQs"/> Though none of these reports have been officially confirmed, most point to the Wii as basically being an extension or advancement of the previous ] architecture.
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
'''Processors:'''
*]: ] based ] processor, made with a ] ] CMOS process, reportedly<sup>†</sup> 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<sup>†</sup> 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 ])
*Nintendo GameCube controller ports (4) (one can be used in conjunction with four Wii Remotes for five-player multiplayer capability)
*Nintendo GameCube ] ports (2)
*] memory card slot
*] 2.0 ports (2)
*Sensor Bar port
*Accessory port on bottom of Wii Remote
*] DWM-W004 WiFi 802.11b/g wireless module<ref name="IGN Wii FAQ">{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/733/733464p8.html |title=IGN's Nintendo Wii FAQ |accessdate=2007-01-25 |author=Matt Casamassina |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |authorlink=Matt Casamassina |date=], ] |publisher=]}}</ref>
*Compatible with optional ] 2.0 to ] ] adaptor
'''Built-in content ratings systems:'''
*], ], ], ], ], ], ]
{{col-2}}
'''Storage:'''
*512 MB built-in NAND ]
*Expansion available via ] card memory
*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/]),No ] support, 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}}

† 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 4x3 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 was 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 ] and Virtual Console Channel(s). A ] of the Internet Channel was released on ] ] 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]]
<!--- Wii Download Games Should NOT Be Mixed With Launch Titles --->
The Wii console is ] with all ] software and most GameCube peripherals. Compatibility with software is achieved with the slot-loading drive's ability to accept GameCube discs. Peripherals can be connected via 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.
<!--INFO ON VIRTUAL CONSOLE GAMES SHOULD NOT BE ADDED HERE-->

===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 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|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.<ref> ]. Retrieved on ] ].</ref>

===Firmware===
The Wii ] can receive periodic updates from time to time via the WiiConnect24 service. The first firmware update via WiiConnect24 would add Internet-based channels and SD card support to the system, but caused a small portion of units to become ]. This forced users to either send their units to ] for repairs (if they wished to retain their saved data), or 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> Since then, other updates allowed the Forecast Channel and News Channel to be added to the Wii Menu.
<!-- The latest firmware version for the Wii system is 2.1. In order to use Channels requiring Internet access, a firmware update is required.<ref name="IGN Firmware">{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/745/745341p1.html|title=IGN: Wii Channels to Require Upgrade|accessdate=2006-10-12|date=2006-10-10}}</ref> -->

==Software library==
{{seealso|List of Wii games}}
Games representing all of Nintendo's flagship franchises, including the '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']'' series have been announced for the console, with only '']'' and '']'' being released to date in all territories. Likewise, there are many original titles for it as well as many expected third party games.<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> ] will release eight titles over the launch period, and have stated that they have a further six currently in development while ] has 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> ] 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> and 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> ] has stated that the Wii hardware would be unable to run their software set for release on other consoles of the same generation.<ref name="Free Radical">{{cite web |url=http://www.frd.co.uk/faq.php?id=3#faq_3 |title= Free Radical Design FAQ }}</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>

Retail copies of Wii games are supplied on ]-like ] and are packaged in a ]. As with ] games, these are distinguishable by a green triangle printed at the bottom corner on the side keep case paper insert sleeve.

==Reception==
<!--DO NOT REMOVE CONTENT WITHOUT A DISCUSSION-->
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>

<!--SEE DISCUSSION PAGE BEFORE REMOVING CONTENT-->
Criticism of the Wii Remote and the Wii hardware has also surfaced. Jeff Gerstmann of ] has stated that the controller's speaker produces 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> ] President Julian Eggebrecht criticized the hardware audio as being substandard for a seventh generation console, saying "It's essentially GameCube 1.5."<ref name="Rock You">{{cite web|last=Radd |first=David |title=Wii Won't Rock You |date=] |publisher=GameDaily BIZ |accessdate=2007-01-31 |url=http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/feature/?id=14501 }}</ref> An executive for Frontline Studios expressed that major publishers are wary of developing exclusive titles for the console due to the perception that third-party companies are not strongly supported by consumers.<ref name="Wary Publishers">{{cite web|last=Martin |first=Matt |title=Publishers wary of creating Nintendo titles, says Wii developer |date=] |publisher=] |accessdate=2007-01-27 |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=22368 }}</ref> The online connectivity of the Wii was also subject to criticism, as Matt Casamassina of ] felt that the service is "entirely unintuitive."<ref>Casamassina, Matt (] ]). . ]. Retrieved on ] ].</ref>
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==See also==
{{Dedicated video game consoles}}
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{{Commonscat|Wii}}
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==References and notes==
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==External links==
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* - Nintendo President, Satoru Iwata, media briefing speech at E3 2006

; Unofficial coverage
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{{Wii}}
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Revision as of 18:52, 13 February 2007

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Wii: Difference between revisions Add topic