Wii Faq

Sillyaspie

As you can tell, this isn't my work but I think is neccesary to avoid questions been asked repeatedly on this forum;

Last Updated: 2006-09-19

* What is the Nintendo Wii?
* What does the console look like?
* When is the release date?
* How much will the Wii cost?
* What do the boxes for Wii hardware and software look like?
* What are the Wii's technical specifications?
* What type of media format will the Wii use?
* Will the Wii be capable of DVD playback?
* What games will be available at launch?
* How does the Wii's unique controller work?
* What is WiiConnect24?
* What are all the Wii Channels?
* What is the Wii's "Virtual Console" feature?
* Is the Wii backwards compatible?
* Will the 'Virtual Console' only offer first-party Nintendo titles?
* Will the Wii play portable games as well?
* Will Wii games feature online play?
* Which developers have pledged support for the Wii?
* How will the Wii compare in terms of power to Xbox 360 and PS3?
* Will the Wii support high-definition resolutions?
* Does the Wii feature a hard drive or other on-board storage?
* How much will downloadable games cost?
* What peripherals are available for Wii?
* Will there be connectivity between the Nintendo DS and the Wii?
* Where can I find screenshots and videos for Wii software?
* How much do development kits cost and how can I get one?
* How many people can play at once offline?
* Where does the Wii controller draw its operational energy?

Q: What is the Nintendo Wii?

A: "Wii" is the official name for Nintendo's next-generation console. Nintendo followed the name with a mission statement, explaining the name reflects the company's desire to bring about change in the video gaming industry. With Wii, Nintendo is looking to put forth an emphasis on gameplay and innovation, rather than focusing on expensive technology. Nintendo representatives have said the company's goal is to expand the market by reaching out to hardcore gamers, casual gamers, and even those whom do not consider themselves gamers.
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Q: What does the console look like?

A: The Wii is, as Nintendo President Satoru Iwata has said, "the smallest console Nintendo has ever produced." About 8.5 inches long, 6 inches wide and less than 2 inches thick (roughly the size of 3 DVD cases stacked on top of each other). Though the system has been shown in a variety of colors (black, white, silver, red, yellow and lime green), Nintendo plans to only launch the white Wii console. The remaining colors are expected to launch sometime within 2007.
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Q: When is the release date?

A: The American launch is set for November 17, 2006. A Japanese launch is planned for December 2, 2006. Australia will receive Wii on December 7 and Europe will see the Wii on the very next day, December 8.
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Q: How much will Wii cost?

A: America will see a $249.99 launch price, Japan will see a 25,000 Yen price (including tax), and Nintendo set the European and Australian prices in the respective regions at GBP 179, 249 euros, or $399 Australian dollars.

The box will include the following:

* Wii console
* One Wii Remote with strap
* One Nunchuk
* AC adaptor
* Wii Composite A/V cable
* Wii console stand
* Sensor bar
* Sensor bar stand
* Two AA batteries
* Wii Sports game (not included in the Japanese bundle)


Q: What do the boxes for Wii hardware and software look like?

A:Like the console itself, Wii boxes employ a simplistic design, as seen in this box art for The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.

And below is the American hardware box.


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Q: What are Wii's technical specifications?

A: The following is a run-down of Wii's components, technologies and functionalities.

The Wii console can communicate with the Internet even when the power is turned off. The WiiConnect24 service delivers a new surprise or game update, even if the system is idle. Users can connect wirelessly using IEEE802.11, or with a USB 2.0 LAN adaptor. The Wii console also can communicate wirelessly with Nintendo DS.

The Wii console has 512 megabytes of internal flash memory, two USB 2.0 ports and built-in Wi-Fi capability. A bay for an SD memory card will let players expand the internal flash memory. Design was optimized with state-of-the-art processing technologies that minimize power consumption, keep the console compact and enable the "sleepless" WiiConnect24 mode.

Central Processing Unit: PowerPC CPU (code-named "Broadway"). Made with a 90 nm SOI CMOS process, jointly developed with and manufactured by IBM.

Graphics Processing unit: 243 MHz "Hollywood" GPU built by ATI from the ground-up for Wii. Includes 3MB of texture memory.

RAM: 24MB "main" 1T-SRAM provided by MoSys.

Other Features: Four ports for classic Nintendo GameCube controllers; two slots for Nintendo GameCube Memory Cards; an AV Multi-output port for component, composite or S-video.
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Q: What type of media format will Wii use?

A: The Wii will use 12cm, dual-layered proprietary discs. The discs are anticipated to hold around 8.5 gigabytes of data. Compared to the Nintendo GameCube, which used 8cm discs capable of storing 1.5 gigabytes, Wii games may hold six times more data.
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Q: Will Wii be capable of DVD playback?

A: No. In September 2006, Nintendo of America's Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communication Perrin Kaplan confirmed that Wii will not house DVD playback capabilities. Supposedly, the reason for the functionality's removal was to lower costs.
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Q: What games will be available at launch?

A: By territory, the launch games are as follows (please note lists are not finalized):
Americas:

* Wii Sports [Nintendo]
* The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess [Nintendo]
* Rayman Raving Rabbids [Ubisoft]
* Red Steel [Ubisoft]
* Far Cry: Vengeance [Ubisoft]
* Splinter Cell: Double Agent [Ubisoft]
* GT Pro Series [Ubisoft]
* Monster 4x4 World Circuit [Ubisoft]
* Open Season [Ubisoft]
* Blazing Angels: Squadron of WWII [Ubisoft]
* Marvel: Ultimate Alliance [Activision]
* Call of Duty 3 [Activision]
* Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam [Activision]
* Trauma Center: Second Opinion [Atlus]
* Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz [SEGA]
* Madden NFL 2007 [Electronic Arts]
* Need for Speed: Carbon [Electronic Arts]
* Happy Feet [Midway]
* The Ant Bully [Midway]
* The Grim of Adventures of Billy & Mandy [Midway]
* SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab [THQ]
* Disney/Pixar's Cars [THQ]
* Barnyard [THQ]
* Elebits [Konami]

Japan

* Trauma Center: Second Opinion [Atlus]
* Elebits [Konami]
* Machi Kuru Domino
* Necro-Nesia [Spike]
* Super Monkey Ball [Sega]
* Swing Golf Panya [Tecmo]
* Wing Island [Hudson Soft]
* Kororinpa
* SD Gundam Revolution [Bandai Namco]
* Ennichi no Tatsujin
* Tamagotchi no Pika Pika Daitouryou [Bandai Namco]
* Red Steel [Ubisoft]
* Wii Sports [Nintendo]
* Wario Ware: Smooth Moves [Nintendo]
* Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess [Nintendo]
* Hajimete no Wii

Europe/Oceania

* The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
* Wii Play
* Wii Sports
* Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam
* Red Steel
* Rayman Raving Rabbids

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Q: How does Wii's unique controller work?

A: Generally speaking, the controller has the ability to sense its position in three-dimensional space in relation to the television set. After placing sensors next to the television, players will have the ability to hold the controller (or freehand as many call it) with one hand in the same way they would a television remote. The three known input methods the freehand allows are:

* Standard button input, such as pressing the "A" button or D-pad to execute a move.
* Three dimensional input, which gives players the ability to move or rotate the freehand controller in different directions on any axis.
* Pointer functionality, which turns the controller into a mouse of sorts, with the ability to move a cursor around on screen.

The actual inner workings of the controller are yet to be discovered. However it is known that Nintendo has partnerships with companies such as Broadcom and Gyration Inc. Broadcom technology is responsible for the wireless communication of the controller, and it is presumed that Gyration Inc. technology is being utilized for motion sensory input.

The Wii controller - called the Wii Remote by Nintendo, dubbed the Wiimote by fans - also connects to several peripherals at the end of the controller. At E3 2006, Nintendo displayed a Zapper peripheral akin to the Nintendo Entertainment System's controller used for the popular franchise Duck Hunt. Another peripheral is an analog attachment with a built-in accelerometer, official entitled the Nunchuk, allowing players to freely move their other hand left and right as another source of control.

Nintendo also confirmed at E3 2006 that a built-in speaker system will be placed in the middle of the controller, allowing players to hear sounds not only from the televisions but transferred directly to the controller. In the Wii version of Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, it will be possible to hear the strings of a bow from the controller and, when released, hear the sounds of the attack through the television's speakers.
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Q: What is WiiConnect24?

A: WiiConnect24 is a service that allows Nintendo and other game publishers to provide downloads to players via the Internet 24/7. Downloadable items could include new levels, costumes, weapons, etc. News and weather information can also be automatically updated through the service in the respective Wii channels. Although WiiConnect24 keeps Wii on all day long, it's designed to use a minimal amount of energy, equivalent to that of a three-watt lightbulb.
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Q: What are all the Wii channels?

A: Wii's interface is divided into a number of separate channels, designed to be similar to television channels. There are nine channels in all.

Mii channel: Fun 3-D caricatured portraits of users, or Miis, created in this channel can be used on characters across a variety of Wii software. In addition to storing Miis on the Wii, several Miis can be stored in a user?s Wii Remote and taken to a friend?s house to play on another Wii console. Each member of the family can have his or her Wii Remote personalized with their own Mii.

Photo channel: This channel allows users to retrieve digital pictures from an SD memory card inserted into the Wii console and display them on their television screen. Users also can manipulate the photos in a variety of fun and creative ways, such as zooming into details or creating mosaics, puzzles or slide shows. Users can even add an MP3 tune from their SD memory card to their slide shows. It provides a fun and easy outlet for people to edit and show off their digital pictures.

Forecast channel: Users can access free local weather forecasts after turning on the Wii console. When connected to the Internet, the WiiConnect24 service automatically updates local weather information.

News channel: Users can access the most up-to-date breaking news from around the world, organized into a variety of topical categories. When connected to the Internet, the WiiConnect24 service automatically updates this free channel.

Wii Shop channel: This is where users go to download video game content, including classic video games originally played on the NES, SNES, N64, Sega Genesis and NEC TurboGrafx platforms. Here the users may buy Wii Points with a credit card or redeem a Wii Points Card purchased at retail to add points to their account, then redeem points to download these Virtual Console games. Users also can use points to download the Opera browser used in the Internet Channel.

Virtual Console channel(s): After users download Virtual Console games from the Wii Shop Channel, each game will appear in the Wii Channel Menu as its own Virtual Console Channel. To play the game, users simply select the game's channel.

Internet channel: Users download the Opera browser with Wii Points. Then they can surf the Internet right from the comfort of their couch. They can do quick research while watching a television program ("What was that actor's name again?"), or book travel plans and shop during commercials. The service is compatible with Macromedia Flash and also runs AJAX software.

Wii Message Board: Users can leave messages for other family members on a calendar-based message board. They also can use WiiConnect24 to send messages to people outside the home as well. Furthermore, eople can trade photos and text messages with cell phone users. The service also allows for incoming messages targeted at software, such as a new map or weapon for a game. Games can constantly be updated, thereby extending their playability.

Disc channel: This channel allows users to play either Wii game discs or any of the entire library of Nintendo GameCube discs.



Q: What is the Wii's "Virtual Console" feature?

A: The term "Virtual Console" first surfaced during E3 2005 and was used as a buzzword by Nintendo representatives to describe the backwards compatibility of their console. However, the term "Virtual Console" has also become a popular place holder for Nintendo's unnamed download gaming service which will be available on Wii. The online service is expected to offer downloads of popular NES, SNES, and N64 games. At the Game Developers Conference 2006, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata announced a collaboration with SEGA and Hudson to offer downloads of SEGA's Genesis titles as well as Hudson's TurboGrafx/PC-Engine and CD-ROM^2 games on the same service.

In a Nintendo press release issued on March 23, 2006, Nintendo also announced that brand-new titles would be made available for download on the "Virtual Console" service.
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Q: Is the Wii backwards compatible?

A: Yes. The Nintendo Wii will be able to play all titles in the Nintendo GameCube library. On the right side of the prototype Wii console are ports for GameCube controllers and memory cards. In addition, all GameCube peripherals, such as the drums used in Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat, will maintain their functionality when played on Wii, with the exception of the GameBoy Player. It should also be noted that the Wii will have the ability to download games from all previous Nintendo home consoles (Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64) through the 'Virtual Console' service, thus allowing the possibility of every console game made by Nintendo to be played on the Wii.
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Q: Will the 'Virtual Console' only offer first-party Nintendo titles?

A: No. 24 separate publishers, seen in the following image, are planning Virtual Console titles. The only known downloadable games at the moment are Ecco the Dolphin, Altered Beast, Toe Jam & Earl, Golden Axe, Columns, Sonic The Hedgehog and Ristar - all from Sega consoles. Back to top

Q: Will the Wii play portable games as well?

A: Nintendo has not made any announcements about bringing the portable games to the Wii. However, a recent patent has raised eyebrows, noting the possibility of a system emulating "legacy home video game system or a hand-held portable game system" Although Nintendo has created game boy players as sold-separately peripherals for past consoles, no announced plans have been made.
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Q: Will Wii games feature online play?

A: At this time, no online games are planned until 2007. Batallion Wars 2, Mario Strikers: Charged and Pokemon Battle Revolution will be the first Nintendo titles to utilize Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection for online play.
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Q: Which developers have pledged support for Wii?

A: The current list of companies with specified games planned for Wii can be found here.
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Q: How will Wii compare in terms of power to Xbox 360 and PS3?

A: Although no specs of the console have been confirmed, numerous insder reports indicate that the console is a little more powerful than the GameCube and about the power of the last-generation Microsoft Xbox. Nintendo defended the decision not to release the numbers so that the Wii controller remains the focus of the system's worth.
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Q: Will Wii support high-definition resolutions?

A: No. As Shigeru Miyamoto has said, "The majority of people won't be playing our system with an HDTV, though with the Revolution [now Wii], 480p resolution will be standard." Nintendo has gone on record a number of times stating that high definition visuals, while attractive, are not in line with the company's goal of making an small, inexpensive and developer-friendly machine.

Several games, including Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam, contradict the statement with no 480p resolution support. Nintendo has not verified whether or not this statement only applies to all first-party titles.
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Q: Does Wii feature a hard drive or other on-board storage?

A: The Nintendo Wii uses 512 MB of on-board flash memory. Players can increase the amount of usable storage space by employing non-proprietary SD cards. As for why Nintendo opted to not use a hard drive for Wii, Company President Satoru Iwata stated back in June 2005 that he believes kids as young as five years old will use the the console and could damage a built-in hard disk. Additionally, Iwata pointed out that longevity, reliability and cost were factors in Nintendo's decision to utilize flash for Wii.

However, Nintendo of America's Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications Perrin Kaplan admitted in a September 2006 interview that the company might conceivably create Wii-compatible USB harddrives, but no plans are in place. It's unknown if users can connect a personal harddrive to their console for storage purposes.
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Q: How much will downloadable games cost?

A: Nintendo plans to utilize Wii game cards, available at gaming stores, for Virtual Console purchases. Under the Wii Shop channel on the Wii console, players can purchase Nintendo Entertainment System (Famicom) games at 500 points, Super Nintendo (Super Famicom) games at 800, and Nintendo 64 at 1000 points. Players will only be able to play region-specific games, meaning no imported Virtual Console gaming.

One hundred points are equivalent to one US Dollar.


Q: What peripherals are available for Wii?

A: French publisher Ubisoft is the first company to put an official Wii peripheral on the market by including a steering wheel attachment with every copy of GT Pro Series. Players merely clip the Wii Remote to the wheel and pretend they're driving a real car. The steering wheel peripheral is expected to work with Excite Truck, Monster 4x4 World Circuit, Disney/Pixar's Cars, driving components of SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab, among other future racing titles.

Other peripherals, from Nintendo and third parties, are likely in development and will be announced at a future time.
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Q: Will there be connectivity between the Nintendo DS and the Wii?

A: Yes. Pokemon Battle Revolution, expected to arrive in Japan in fall 2006 and everywhere else in 2007, will be the first Wii game to utilize connectivity with DS.

In an interview with Kotaku during E3 2006, Nintendo Game Designer Shigeru Miyamoto touched on DS-Wii connectivity, saying that the technology to support this functionality is already built into the Wii console, but that Nintendo hasn't decided how to use it yet. However, Miyamoto did entertain a few ideas such as using the touch screen and microphone input from the DS to effect Wii gameplay. Another possibility, he said, is to be able to download content from your Wii to your DS, edit it, and then upload it back to the console.

Regarding a launch frame for the functionality, Miyamoto said Nintendo isn't sure yet when this connectivity will be available, but that it would likely be at launch or very early on because of the DS' extensive success.
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Q: Where can I find screenshots and videos for Wii software?

A: Please refer to The Wiire's media section for all Wii-related media.
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Q: I'm an indie developer and want to engage in Wii development. How much do development kits cost and how can I get one?

A: Nintendo Wii developments kits are said to cost around $2000, hundreds, if not thousands of dollars cheaper than any other console SDK presently in use. Finalized development kits are said to be made widely available in June 2006 to most interested parties. For more information about licensing and development on a Wii SDK, please visit www.warioworld.com.
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Q: I want to play Wii with my friends and/or family. How many people can play at once offline?
A: Up to four controllers can be used at one time when playing offline.



Where does the Wii controller draw its operational energy?
A: The Wiire spoke with Lance Barr, a Nintendo industrial designer and the case designer for the American versions of the NES and Super NES, concerning Nintendo Wii's controllers. According to Barr, at the time of E3 2006, the batteries powering the Wii controller are not internally rechargable. Though there are opportunities for the controller to be recharged, there are no plans for the project. AA batteries will power the controllers, and have a shorter life span than the 100-hour WaveBird controller for the GameCube. The controller can use Alkaline or Lithium-Ion batteries.

Karoma

"Nintendo Wii"

Sillyaspie

Nintendo Wii.

Jim

Its just Wii btw.

Karoma

Jimeatsmenu wrote:

Its just Wii btw.

Just digging up:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=52099433#post52099433

Rhyme

I read the thread title as 'Wii fag' and expected trolls aplenty.

Hi Karoma.

Karoma

Rhyme wrote:

I read the thread title as 'Wii fag' and expected trolls aplenty.

Hi Karoma.

Me too. "Ah! It's an FAQ!"

Hello. pssst! Rhyme's a troll.

Rhyme

Karoma wrote:

pssst! Rhyme's a troll.

All im missing are the glassy black eyes and the reprehensible smile.

honru

Wii fag.

Heh heh.

GrumPy

I always read faq's as "fags" too

tman

Rhyme wrote:

I read the thread title as 'Wii fag' and expected trolls aplenty.

Hi Karoma.

same here:p

"WHY YOU LITTLE PIECE OF.... oh!... "FAQ""

Nehpets

the only reason this thread is popular is because it reads as "Wii Fag" with an underline on it

tman

New Ninty Europe site for the Wii...
Someone should sticky this thread or something... (and edit the damn thread title )