Mentok
Avenger
- Joined
- May 1, 2003
- Messages
- 20,647
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 31
List from www.wiichat.com
Wii General
1. What is the Nintendo Wii?
The Nintendo Wii is the latest games console from gaming giant Nintendo.
2. I thought that was the Revolution?
Yes, during its early development stage Nintendo chose the name Revolution for the codename of their new console. On April 28, 2006 Nintendo announced the real name was Wii and public uproar ensued.
3. What does the name Wii mean?
Here is Nintendos official explanation of the name Wii, and why they chose it as their name for the console:
"Introducing Wii. As in we. While the code-name Revolution expressed our direction, Wii represents the answer. Wii will break down that wall that separates video game players from everybody else. Wii will put people more in touch with their games and each other. But youre probably asking: What does the name mean? Wii sounds like we, which emphasizes this 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. Wii has a distinctive ii spelling that symbolizes both the unique controllers and the image of people gathering to play. And Wii, as a name and a console, brings something revolutionary to the world of video games that sets it apart from the crowd. So thats Wii. But now Nintendo needs you. Because, its really not about you or me. Its about Wii. And together, Wii will change everything."
4. When is the release date?
Ever since the E3 trades show, there has been plenty of discussion and speculation regarding the date for the Wii release. Predictions have ranged from late September to mid December.
The last official word on the release date was on July 6 2006 where a Nintendo spokesperson announced they will be revealing the exact date in September.
As of now (18th August 2006) it seems extremely likely this announcement will take place at the Leipzig Games Convention. Nintendos scheduled presentation there "Wii Prove our Promise" is believed to finally lay to rest many of the rumors regarding the release date and Wii pricing.
The presentation is scheduled for August 23rd (4:15 a.m. EST).
5. How much will it cost?
As with the release date, many figures have been floating around but as of yet no official final word on the subject from Nintendo.
Back on May 25th 2006 they did however make an official announcement in which they stated the console will not exceed $250 in price.
Nintendo senior managing director Yoshihiro Mori said the Wii would sell for 25,000 yen ($220) or lower in Japan and $250 (£133) or lower in the US.
More recently however Advanced Media Network says a recent financial report from Tokyo-based Nikko Citigroup states that Nintendo's Wii will launch in Japan for 19,800 yen, about $170 U.S.
This is the latest in a long line of pricing speculation.
6. How much will the games cost?
The general consensus is that pricing will be around the $60 mark. However, Satoru Iwata has spoken out on the subject (March 29 2006) revealing it is unlikely that first-party game titles will break the $50 price barrier.
7. How big is the console?
The Wii is Nintendos smallest console to-date. The console is approximately the size of three standard DVD cases stacked together in thickness.
8. How much will additional controllers cost?
No official word yet on the controller pricing however is widely expected to cost around $40-$50 with the inclusion of the nunchuck accessory. (This figure was based around previous pricing structures and the advanced technology in the controller)
9. Will there be different packages like the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3?
Currently there is no information to suggest different premium packages. Of course there will be different bundles available but this will centre on different gaming choices and will contain no variation in hardware.
10. Does the Wii have a built-in Projector?
No. This was a rumor that came around after the E3 show. There was much debate over what was under flap on the console. It was rumored Nintendo were hiding a secret projection unit, this was not the case.
11. So what was under the flap then?
Just a slot for the SD Memory card
12. What will be included in the bundle?
No confirmation as of yet on specific Wii bundles. However it is widely believed that there will be a choice of packages, focusing on different gaming titles for the Wii. For example a Virtual Console bundle including the retro controller and SD memory card and some download credit.
13. Is there going to be a global launch?
No, a global launch is not on the cards for the Wii. Back in March Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said:
"We don't think it's necessary to do the simultaneous worldwide launch simply because others are doing this,"
14. Can I pre-order, and if so where?
Many stores are accepting pre-orders although this tends to vary from town to town. The majority of online stores are offering a mailing list service to register your interest in the console.
Expect this all to change when the pricing and release date are confirmed. If youre a UK resident heres a short list of online stores:
http://www.hmv.co.uk/hmvweb/navigate.do?ctx=2086;-1;-1;-1&pPageID=1757
http://www.toysrus.co.uk/framestatic.aspx/Controls/Global/PreOrder.ascx?preorderid=wii&zone=Tru
http://www.game.co.uk/wii
http://www.argos-email.co.uk/preregister/wii/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/gss/detail/11171/026-9767609-5721204
USA
http://www.ebgames.com/gs/wii/wii_signup.asp
http://www.gamestop.com/gs/wii/wii_signup.asp
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/catalog.gsp?cat=413800
15. Will there be a variety of colors to choose from?
Nintendo has revealed five different colors so far; lime green, red, black, white and platinum. However there may be more yet to be unveiled.
16. Is the Wii truly a Next Generation console?
Ever since the unveiling of the Wii at the E3 conference there has been much discussion centering on whether the Wii can be classed as Next Gen. Although in terms of hardware and graphical output you could argue the Wii isnt quite up to the advancements of the Xbox 360 or indeed the Playstation 3. However Nintendos focus has always been on the development of the best gaming experience for its users rather than just the eye candy, and its with that in mind that has led to the advancement of the Wii remote and the subsequent increased involvement that gives to the gamer. It is this kind of advancement that has spurred many a gaming journalist to rally behind the Wii console as a true Next Gen competitor regardless of its less demanding graphical output.
Most recently (15th august 2006) American games publisher McGee has spoken out saying:
"The only true Next-Gen console out there is the Wii. Everything else is just a video card and processor upgrade,"
17. What is the E3 Expo Show?
The Electronic Entertainment Expo is a gaming industry trade show. It is an invitation only event for gaming professionals.
It was at the E3 event this year that Nintendo stole the show with their Wii demos and conference show.
18. Why was the Wii so successful at the E3 event?
The queues for the Wii demo booths grew and grew as the show went on, leaving the Sony booth a little on the quiet side.
The Wii was a massive success at the E3 show, offering budding gaming professionals the chance for a hands on sample of the Wiimote, and the feedback was very positive.
Showcasing demo titles such as Super Mario Galaxy, Metroid Prime 3 and Red Steel really added to Nintendos success at the show, coupled with the revolutionary new Wiimote hardware really allowed Nintendo to run away with the show.
19. Did Nintendo showcase the final Wii hardware?
No, the finalized hardware was not showcased at the E3 event.
20. Is it true Nintendo used gamecubes at the E3 demonstration?
Images from the E3 show revealed Gamecube housing for the Wii demo units. It was confirmed however the Gamecube was merely used as housing for the hardware inside was that of the Wii dev kit.
21. What are Dev kits?
Dev Kits are basic development kits sent out to game publishers.
22. Where can I get one from?
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.
Wii Hardware
23. What hardware is used for the Wii?
Nintendo have kept the final hardware specifics very close to their chest, so therefore not much is really known. There has been many rumors and leaked info regarding the final hardware specification but as of yet no official confirmation.
Heres what has been gathered so far:
The Specs: Wii boasts 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.
CPU: PowerPC CPU (code-named "Broadway"). Made with a 90 nm SOI CMOS process, jointly developed with and manufactured by IBM.
Graphics Processing Unit: Being developed with ATI.
2. Does it have external memory support?
Yes, the Wii has external slots for 2x USB2.0 and 1x SD memory card.
24. How many ports does it have?
The Nintendo Wii has the following ports and slots:
4x Wii Remote controllers (connected wirelessly via Bluetooth)
1x SD memory card slot
2x USB 2.0 ports
1x Sensor Bar port
4x Gamecube controller ports
2x Gamecube memory card ports
25. Does the Wii have a built-in hard drive like the Xbox 360?
No, the Wii does not.
26. Does the Wii support DVD playback
Yes, the Wii can read and play DVDs
27. Will the Wii play DVD Movies?
No, the Wii will not have built-in DVD movie playback, although a separate add-on is more than likely in development.
28. Will the Wii support HDTV?
No, the Wii will not have HDTV compatibility.
29. Will the Wii have 5.1 support?
No, the Wii has support for Dolby Pro Logic II.
30. Does the Wii have a built-in Blu-Ray player?
No.
31. Does the Wii support HD DVDs?
No.
32. Whats the difference between the Gamecube and the Wii?
Here is a list of additions the Wii has over the Gamecube hardware:
- SD card readers
- USB ports
- A new, redesigned GPU
- A new, redesigned CPU
- Wireless b/g
- A sensor bar
- 512 MB of included flash memory
- A full-blown OS with software download capability
- 480p (this was removed from latest Gamecubes, lest we forget)
33. Can I play Gamecube disks in the Wii?
Yes, Gamecube discs will be playable in the Wii.
34. Can I plug in my GC Controllers?
Yup, the Wii has support for 4 Gamecube controllers.
35. Does the Wii support GC memory cards?
Yup, there are sots for 2 Gamecube memory cards.
36. What is the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection?
Launched in North America on November 14, 2005, Nintendo Wi-Fi is an online service designed by Nintendo to allow online game playing capabilities to The Nintendo Wii and DS consoles.
37. Can I connect to the Wii with my Nintendo DS?
Yes, Nintendo Wi-Fi will allow you to connect your DS to the Wii.
38. What benefits will this give me?
Little is currently known about the full in-game capabilities of this partnership, although it is widely believed to be able to add an extra level to in-game functionality.
39. Does the Wii have built-in parental controls?
Yes, the built-in parental controls will check the game age rating against the age rating set on the Wii console. If the age limit isnt correct it will prompt for a password to override the parental controls.
40. How many people can play at once offline?
Four players can play at any one time.
41. Will the console be region free?
This has currently yet to be confirmed of denied by Nintendo, the latest news regarding a region free console came from Nintendo marketing director Perrin Kaplan, who when asked about the issue replied:
(July 26 2006)
"Youre right that the region-free approach has proved to be a successful and attractive feature for Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection on Nintendo DS we have even blown the doors off our own anticipated numbers! Cost, ease-of-use and player privacy are the three things that were a focus for us with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Those priorities also will apply to the Wii system."
As you can see from her answer he carefully avoided the question.
42. Does the Wii have a built-in Camera?
You may recall from the E3 show, Nintendo main man Miyamoto showcased a Wii tennis game in which his face appeared as a character.
In an IGN interview after the show he confirmed the technology to add a players face to the game will be incorporated:
Wii Sports series features these little models which you can put your own faces on and then you may start to see those characters, with faces youve created, appearing in different games on the Wii system.
As of yet there has been no official word on a built-in camera for the Wii, but given Miyamotos earlier revelations it is pretty certain a camera add-on is in the pipeline
43. Will the Wii support my GC Wavebird controller?
Although no official confirmation as of yet it is deemed highly likely that the Wavebird will be supported by the Wiis console.
44. Any plans for an exterior mass storage device like the Xbox 360?
As of now there hasnt been a mention for this kind of storage, although it is possible to connect the Wii to over mass storage devices on the market an official add-on is yet to be announced. The Wii has 512 MB of on-board flash memory.
Wii General
1. What is the Nintendo Wii?
The Nintendo Wii is the latest games console from gaming giant Nintendo.
2. I thought that was the Revolution?
Yes, during its early development stage Nintendo chose the name Revolution for the codename of their new console. On April 28, 2006 Nintendo announced the real name was Wii and public uproar ensued.
3. What does the name Wii mean?
Here is Nintendos official explanation of the name Wii, and why they chose it as their name for the console:
"Introducing Wii. As in we. While the code-name Revolution expressed our direction, Wii represents the answer. Wii will break down that wall that separates video game players from everybody else. Wii will put people more in touch with their games and each other. But youre probably asking: What does the name mean? Wii sounds like we, which emphasizes this 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. Wii has a distinctive ii spelling that symbolizes both the unique controllers and the image of people gathering to play. And Wii, as a name and a console, brings something revolutionary to the world of video games that sets it apart from the crowd. So thats Wii. But now Nintendo needs you. Because, its really not about you or me. Its about Wii. And together, Wii will change everything."
4. When is the release date?
Ever since the E3 trades show, there has been plenty of discussion and speculation regarding the date for the Wii release. Predictions have ranged from late September to mid December.
The last official word on the release date was on July 6 2006 where a Nintendo spokesperson announced they will be revealing the exact date in September.
As of now (18th August 2006) it seems extremely likely this announcement will take place at the Leipzig Games Convention. Nintendos scheduled presentation there "Wii Prove our Promise" is believed to finally lay to rest many of the rumors regarding the release date and Wii pricing.
The presentation is scheduled for August 23rd (4:15 a.m. EST).
5. How much will it cost?
As with the release date, many figures have been floating around but as of yet no official final word on the subject from Nintendo.
Back on May 25th 2006 they did however make an official announcement in which they stated the console will not exceed $250 in price.
Nintendo senior managing director Yoshihiro Mori said the Wii would sell for 25,000 yen ($220) or lower in Japan and $250 (£133) or lower in the US.
More recently however Advanced Media Network says a recent financial report from Tokyo-based Nikko Citigroup states that Nintendo's Wii will launch in Japan for 19,800 yen, about $170 U.S.
This is the latest in a long line of pricing speculation.
6. How much will the games cost?
The general consensus is that pricing will be around the $60 mark. However, Satoru Iwata has spoken out on the subject (March 29 2006) revealing it is unlikely that first-party game titles will break the $50 price barrier.
7. How big is the console?
The Wii is Nintendos smallest console to-date. The console is approximately the size of three standard DVD cases stacked together in thickness.
8. How much will additional controllers cost?
No official word yet on the controller pricing however is widely expected to cost around $40-$50 with the inclusion of the nunchuck accessory. (This figure was based around previous pricing structures and the advanced technology in the controller)
9. Will there be different packages like the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3?
Currently there is no information to suggest different premium packages. Of course there will be different bundles available but this will centre on different gaming choices and will contain no variation in hardware.
10. Does the Wii have a built-in Projector?
No. This was a rumor that came around after the E3 show. There was much debate over what was under flap on the console. It was rumored Nintendo were hiding a secret projection unit, this was not the case.
11. So what was under the flap then?
Just a slot for the SD Memory card
12. What will be included in the bundle?
No confirmation as of yet on specific Wii bundles. However it is widely believed that there will be a choice of packages, focusing on different gaming titles for the Wii. For example a Virtual Console bundle including the retro controller and SD memory card and some download credit.
13. Is there going to be a global launch?
No, a global launch is not on the cards for the Wii. Back in March Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said:
"We don't think it's necessary to do the simultaneous worldwide launch simply because others are doing this,"
14. Can I pre-order, and if so where?
Many stores are accepting pre-orders although this tends to vary from town to town. The majority of online stores are offering a mailing list service to register your interest in the console.
Expect this all to change when the pricing and release date are confirmed. If youre a UK resident heres a short list of online stores:
http://www.hmv.co.uk/hmvweb/navigate.do?ctx=2086;-1;-1;-1&pPageID=1757
http://www.toysrus.co.uk/framestatic.aspx/Controls/Global/PreOrder.ascx?preorderid=wii&zone=Tru
http://www.game.co.uk/wii
http://www.argos-email.co.uk/preregister/wii/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/gss/detail/11171/026-9767609-5721204
USA
http://www.ebgames.com/gs/wii/wii_signup.asp
http://www.gamestop.com/gs/wii/wii_signup.asp
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/catalog.gsp?cat=413800
15. Will there be a variety of colors to choose from?
Nintendo has revealed five different colors so far; lime green, red, black, white and platinum. However there may be more yet to be unveiled.
16. Is the Wii truly a Next Generation console?
Ever since the unveiling of the Wii at the E3 conference there has been much discussion centering on whether the Wii can be classed as Next Gen. Although in terms of hardware and graphical output you could argue the Wii isnt quite up to the advancements of the Xbox 360 or indeed the Playstation 3. However Nintendos focus has always been on the development of the best gaming experience for its users rather than just the eye candy, and its with that in mind that has led to the advancement of the Wii remote and the subsequent increased involvement that gives to the gamer. It is this kind of advancement that has spurred many a gaming journalist to rally behind the Wii console as a true Next Gen competitor regardless of its less demanding graphical output.
Most recently (15th august 2006) American games publisher McGee has spoken out saying:
"The only true Next-Gen console out there is the Wii. Everything else is just a video card and processor upgrade,"
17. What is the E3 Expo Show?
The Electronic Entertainment Expo is a gaming industry trade show. It is an invitation only event for gaming professionals.
It was at the E3 event this year that Nintendo stole the show with their Wii demos and conference show.
18. Why was the Wii so successful at the E3 event?
The queues for the Wii demo booths grew and grew as the show went on, leaving the Sony booth a little on the quiet side.
The Wii was a massive success at the E3 show, offering budding gaming professionals the chance for a hands on sample of the Wiimote, and the feedback was very positive.
Showcasing demo titles such as Super Mario Galaxy, Metroid Prime 3 and Red Steel really added to Nintendos success at the show, coupled with the revolutionary new Wiimote hardware really allowed Nintendo to run away with the show.
19. Did Nintendo showcase the final Wii hardware?
No, the finalized hardware was not showcased at the E3 event.
20. Is it true Nintendo used gamecubes at the E3 demonstration?
Images from the E3 show revealed Gamecube housing for the Wii demo units. It was confirmed however the Gamecube was merely used as housing for the hardware inside was that of the Wii dev kit.
21. What are Dev kits?
Dev Kits are basic development kits sent out to game publishers.
22. Where can I get one from?
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.
Wii Hardware
23. What hardware is used for the Wii?
Nintendo have kept the final hardware specifics very close to their chest, so therefore not much is really known. There has been many rumors and leaked info regarding the final hardware specification but as of yet no official confirmation.
Heres what has been gathered so far:
The Specs: Wii boasts 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.
CPU: PowerPC CPU (code-named "Broadway"). Made with a 90 nm SOI CMOS process, jointly developed with and manufactured by IBM.
Graphics Processing Unit: Being developed with ATI.
2. Does it have external memory support?
Yes, the Wii has external slots for 2x USB2.0 and 1x SD memory card.
24. How many ports does it have?
The Nintendo Wii has the following ports and slots:
4x Wii Remote controllers (connected wirelessly via Bluetooth)
1x SD memory card slot
2x USB 2.0 ports
1x Sensor Bar port
4x Gamecube controller ports
2x Gamecube memory card ports
25. Does the Wii have a built-in hard drive like the Xbox 360?
No, the Wii does not.
26. Does the Wii support DVD playback
Yes, the Wii can read and play DVDs
27. Will the Wii play DVD Movies?
No, the Wii will not have built-in DVD movie playback, although a separate add-on is more than likely in development.
28. Will the Wii support HDTV?
No, the Wii will not have HDTV compatibility.
29. Will the Wii have 5.1 support?
No, the Wii has support for Dolby Pro Logic II.
30. Does the Wii have a built-in Blu-Ray player?
No.
31. Does the Wii support HD DVDs?
No.
32. Whats the difference between the Gamecube and the Wii?
Here is a list of additions the Wii has over the Gamecube hardware:
- SD card readers
- USB ports
- A new, redesigned GPU
- A new, redesigned CPU
- Wireless b/g
- A sensor bar
- 512 MB of included flash memory
- A full-blown OS with software download capability
- 480p (this was removed from latest Gamecubes, lest we forget)
33. Can I play Gamecube disks in the Wii?
Yes, Gamecube discs will be playable in the Wii.
34. Can I plug in my GC Controllers?
Yup, the Wii has support for 4 Gamecube controllers.
35. Does the Wii support GC memory cards?
Yup, there are sots for 2 Gamecube memory cards.
36. What is the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection?
Launched in North America on November 14, 2005, Nintendo Wi-Fi is an online service designed by Nintendo to allow online game playing capabilities to The Nintendo Wii and DS consoles.
37. Can I connect to the Wii with my Nintendo DS?
Yes, Nintendo Wi-Fi will allow you to connect your DS to the Wii.
38. What benefits will this give me?
Little is currently known about the full in-game capabilities of this partnership, although it is widely believed to be able to add an extra level to in-game functionality.
39. Does the Wii have built-in parental controls?
Yes, the built-in parental controls will check the game age rating against the age rating set on the Wii console. If the age limit isnt correct it will prompt for a password to override the parental controls.
40. How many people can play at once offline?
Four players can play at any one time.
41. Will the console be region free?
This has currently yet to be confirmed of denied by Nintendo, the latest news regarding a region free console came from Nintendo marketing director Perrin Kaplan, who when asked about the issue replied:
(July 26 2006)
"Youre right that the region-free approach has proved to be a successful and attractive feature for Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection on Nintendo DS we have even blown the doors off our own anticipated numbers! Cost, ease-of-use and player privacy are the three things that were a focus for us with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Those priorities also will apply to the Wii system."
As you can see from her answer he carefully avoided the question.
42. Does the Wii have a built-in Camera?
You may recall from the E3 show, Nintendo main man Miyamoto showcased a Wii tennis game in which his face appeared as a character.
In an IGN interview after the show he confirmed the technology to add a players face to the game will be incorporated:
Wii Sports series features these little models which you can put your own faces on and then you may start to see those characters, with faces youve created, appearing in different games on the Wii system.
As of yet there has been no official word on a built-in camera for the Wii, but given Miyamotos earlier revelations it is pretty certain a camera add-on is in the pipeline
43. Will the Wii support my GC Wavebird controller?
Although no official confirmation as of yet it is deemed highly likely that the Wavebird will be supported by the Wiis console.
44. Any plans for an exterior mass storage device like the Xbox 360?
As of now there hasnt been a mention for this kind of storage, although it is possible to connect the Wii to over mass storage devices on the market an official add-on is yet to be announced. The Wii has 512 MB of on-board flash memory.
