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Nintendo`s Wii (pronounced “we”) video game system is designed to attract people, regardless of age or video game experience, to sit down and play together. It doesn’t matter whether they`re in the same room or on opposite sides of the world. The 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, supported by a new online gaming service, and Wii`s intuitive, wireless, motion-sensitive game controller.
The system specs are impressive, boasting 512 MB of internal flash memory, two USB 2.0 ports, and a slot for SD memory expansion. Wii`s technological heart is a processing chip developed with IBM code-named “Broadway” and a graphics chipset from ATI code-named “Hollywood” deliver stunning performance. Instead of a tray, Wii uses a single, self-loading media bay that plays both 12-centimeter optical Wii discs and Nintendo GameCube discs.
The controller is the real revolution in this system, though. The Wii Remote is shaped like a TV remote, and is designed to be easily used by beginners and pros alike. Sensors determine the Wii Remote`s position in 3-D space, which means that racing-game steering and a tennis swing, for example, are done through physical movements of your hand rather than by just your thumbs (great way to get the kids off the couch and active). What`s more, the speaker built into the Wii Remote promises 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.
Like it’s ancestors, the Wii 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. As if that weren`t enough, the Virtual Console also makes 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 to 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.
