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• 6/7 • Little bits of information from a Nintendo briefing in Japan [source]
&nbsp &nbsp - Virtual Console games (new titles, not classics) will sell around 500-100yen (~$4-8).
&nbsp &nbsp - DS will be able to act as a touch screen controller.

&nbsp &nbsp - 6 million units moved by 4/1/07, sold at loss.

<img src="http://wickedsick.org/sa/wii/nintendotalktoignaboutwii20060.jpg" border="0" alt="">

<img src="http://i.somethingawful.com/forumsystem/emoticons/emot-phoneline.gif" border="0" alt=""> General Information</i> <img src="http://i.somethingawful.com/forumsystem/emoticons/emot-phoneline.gif" border="0" alt="">
Wii (pronounced 'we') is Nintendo's entry into the next generation console war, except this one is a little different. While Microsoft and Sony are waving their FLOPS around at everybody promising the most powerful next-gen experience, Nintendo is trying to sneak in the back door. With Wii, things are being kept simple and the focus is being put on actually playing the games. A new radical controller that looks more like a TV remote than a controller promises the gaming experience will be unlike any other. The simple hardware contained in the system may keep people from being wowed with the graphics, but Nintendo is banking on a low price point and new experiences to bring in both new and veteran gamers alike.

Controller
<img src="http://wickedsick.org/wii/Hardware/_tmb.Wii_nunstyle1_0501.jpg" border="0" alt="">

The main unit of the Wii controller is the remote portion. Although it can be held in any number of ways, the standard style is to hold it like a TV remote. The console is able to sense the position and orientation of the remote, opening the door to a huge number of gameplay possibilities. A recently announced feature of the remote is a built in speaker for auditory feedback. The remote also has an expansion port to allow attachments including the notable nunchuk analog stick attachment. This will come standard, adding an additional 2 buttons and analog stick to the remote. This attachment can also sense it's own motion, allowing for an additional gesturing system. Other planned attachments include a more classic style controller for use with classic games, and a blaster type device.

How It Works
Several of the controller functions are self contained within the controller. The orientation and motion of the remote are measured by the remote itself (as well as the motion of the nunchuk ), then communicated back to the console using Bluetooth technology. Where it get's tricky is measuring the position of the controller in 3D space. For this, the console includes a "sensor bar" which is to be placed above or below a televisions screen. There are several IR sensors in each end of this bar, so when the remote (which has IR on the front of it) is pointed at the bar, it's position can be determined.

The Console
<img src="http://wickedsick.org/wii/Hardware/_tmb.Wii_2discs_0501.jpg" border="0" alt="">
One benefit of having relatively low power is the resulting small console, with the Wii coming in at "about the thickness of three standard DVD cases and only slightly longer". The slot loading DVD drive will accept both standard sized DVDs for Wii games and Gamecube sized discs for backwards compatibility. A flap on top of the console can be opened to reveal four Gamecube controller and two memory card ports. The internal 512MB of flash storage for game saves and downloads doesn't seem like much, but the included SD Card slots and USB ports can be used to expand storage. Output from the console comes in a single analog port, which will be compatible with Composite, S-Video, and Component video (no digital audio or video available).


Additional Controlling

In addition to the standard remote/nunchuk combo, several additional methods of interacting with the Wii are planned. The first two are attachments for the standard remote. A traditional style attachment is available for use with classic games through the Virtual Console. No other games have currently announced support for the classic pad. The second attachment is a "light gun" style attachment which adds a handle on the remote, presumably allowing it to be used just like a light gun for shooter games. Finally, Nintendo has recently annouced the DS will be able to act as a touch screen remote for the Wii.

Virtual Console
In addition to backwards compatibility with physical Gamecube discs, Wii also features a "Virtual Console" for even further access to old games. Games from NES, SNES, N64, Genesis, and TurboGrafx will be available to download in an iTunes style. Developers will also be able to put up new content for download on the Virtual Console system. At the current time no information is available on pricing or what games will be available for download.

Online Capabilities
Users will be able to connect directly to Nintendo's WiFi service with the built in 802.11b/g support. Anybody wishing to connect using hard-wired ethernet will have to plug in using a USB adapter. Once connected the built in Opera based web browser can be used to browse the internet from a couch. Even when the console is turned off WiiConnect24 will be on the console, allowing it to download content or updates while users are away.

Launch

At the current time there are no hard details available as far as launch price or date, but there is expected ~20 launch titles. The launch will take place sometime this year, and Nintendo has stated the price would be under $250 in the US. Further details are likely to come before the end of summer.

Pre-Orders
No major stores are currently accepting pre-orders on Wii hardware, and likely will not take any until further launch details are available.

Media
• Console
<img src="http://wickedsick.org/wii/Hardware/_tmb.Wii_2discs_0501.jpg" border="0" alt=""> <img src="http://wickedsick.org/wii/Hardware/_tmb.Wii_main1_0501.jpg" border="0" alt=""> <img src="http://wickedsick.org/wii/Hardware/_tmb.Wii_main2_0501.jpg" border="0" alt=""> <img src="http://wickedsick.org/wii/Hardware/_tmb.Wii_main3_0501.jpg" border="0" alt=""> <img src="http://wickedsick.org/wii/Hardware/_tmb.Wii_take_0501.jpg" border="0" alt="">

• Controller
<img src="http://wickedsick.org/wii/Hardware/_tmb.Wii_nunstyle1_0501.jpg" border="0" alt=""> <img src="http://wickedsick.org/wii/Hardware/_tmb.Wii_nunstyle2_0501.jpg" border="0" alt=""> <img src="http://wickedsick.org/wii/Hardware/_tmb.Wii_remote5view_0501.jpg" border="0" alt=""> <img src="http://wickedsick.org/wii/Hardware/_tmb.Wii_remote_0501.jpg" border="0" alt=""> <img src="http://wickedsick.org/wii/Hardware/_tmb.Wii_classic_0501.jpg" border="0" alt="">
• Sensor Bar
<img src="http://wickedsick.org/wii/Hardware/_tmb.Wii_sensorbar1_0501.jpg" border="0" alt=""> <img src="http://wickedsick.org/wii/Hardware/_tmb.Wii_sensorbar2_0501.jpg" border="0" alt=""> <img src="http://wickedsick.org/wii/Hardware/_tmb.Wii_sensorbar3_0501.jpg" border="0" alt="">

<img src="http://i.somethingawful.com/forumsystem/emoticons/emot-phoneline.gif" border="0" alt=""> Fact Sheet</i> <img src="http://i.somethingawful.com/forumsystem/emoticons/emot-phoneline.gif" border="0" alt="">


Console
• 512MB onboard flash storage.
• 2 USB ports (storage expansion, ethernet adapter).
• 802.11b/g wireless built in.
• SD Card expansion slots.
• Communicates with up to 4 controllers over Bluetooth.
• Video out available in composite, s-video, or component.

Controller

• Standard package includes a remote and analog stick nunchuk attachment.
• Remote is powered by 2 AA batteries.

DS Connectivity
• DS can communicate wirelessly with a Wii console.
• Demos can be downloaded through the Wii to DS.
• The DS can act as a touchscreen controller for the Wii.

Backwards Compatibility
• Has 4 Gamecube controller and 2 memory card slots.

• Wavebirds will be supported on the Wii.
• Downloaded Virtual Console games will be protected by a proprietary DRM.
• DRM will be able to limit how long a downloaded game could be played.

Hardware Jargon
These numbers are not confirmed by Nintendo.
• CPU: IBM "Broadway", clocked at 729MHz.
• GPU: ATI "Hollywood", clocked at 243MHz. Integrated chip that includes the GPU, DSP, I/O Bridge, and 2MBs texture memory.
• 24MB "Main" 1T-SRAM.

• 64MB "External" 1T-SRAM.

Misc.
• 480p 16x9 display will be supported.
• DVD playback will be possible through and additional "self-contained" unit.
• Nintendo has licensed the Havok physics engine for use on Wii games.


<img src="http://i.somethingawful.com/forumsystem/emoticons/emot-phoneline.gif" border="0" alt=""> The Games</i> <img src="http://i.somethingawful.com/forumsystem/emoticons/emot-phoneline.gif" border="0" alt="">


Official Games
* denotes an expected launch title
• Animal Crossing Nintendo
• Avatar: The Last Airbender THQ
• Blitz: The League* Midway

• Bomberman Land Hudson Soft
• Boxing Action AQ Interactive
• Bust-A-Move Majesco
• Call of Duty 3 Activision
• Cooking Mama Taito
• Disaster: Day of Crisis Nintendo

• Disney's Cars* THQ
• Disney's Chicken Little: Ace in Action Buena Vista
• Disney's Meet The Robinsons Buena Vista
• Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 Atari
• Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors* Square Enix

• Elebits* Konami
• Excite Truck Nintendo
• Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles Square Enic
• Fire Emblem Nintendo
• Flight Game Hudson Soft

• Happy Feet Midway
• Harvest Moon Natsume
• Heroes Grasshopper
• Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess* Nintendo
• Madden 07* Electronic Arts

• Marvel: Ultimate Alliance* Activision
• Metal Slug Anthology* SNK
• Metroid Prime 3: Corruption* Retro
• Mr. D Goes to Town Mastiff
• One Piece: Unlimited Adventure Namco Bandai

• Pokémon Battle Revolution Nintendo
• Project H.A.M.M.E.R. Nintendo
• Rayman Raving Rabbids* Ubisoft
• Red Steel* Ubisoft
• Resident Evil - Untitled Capcom

• Sengoku Action KOEI
• Sonic Wild Fire Sega
• SpongeBob SquarePants* THQ
• Super Mario Galaxy Nintendo
• Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz* Sega

• Super Smash Bros. Brawl Nintendo
• Super Swing Golf Pangya Tecmo
• The Ant Bully Midway
• Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam* Activision
• Trauma Center: Second Opinion* Atlus

• Untitled</i> - New Action Game Milestone
• Untitled</i> - New Vertical Scroll Shooting Game Milestone
• WarioWare: Smooth Moves Nintendo
• Wii Sports* Nintendo



<img src="http://i.somethingawful.com/forumsystem/emoticons/emot-phoneline.gif" border="0" alt=""> Frequently Asked Questions</i> <img src="http://i.somethingawful.com/forumsystem/emoticons/emot-phoneline.gif" border="0" alt="">

When will Wii launch/how much will it cost/what colors will be available?
Nintendo has not provided with us with any launch details, and likely haven't decided on any themselves. All we know is that it will come out in Q4 2006 and cost less than $250.

When can I preorder Wii? Where is the best place?
With no price or launch date, a lot of places are not yet taking preorders.


How is the controller powered? Will there be a rechargable base station?
The controller is powered by 2 AA batteries. No further information is available on the subject of a rechargable pack.

I heard the controlller has a microphone.
It doesn't.

That controller has a lot of fancy electronics, how much is it going to cost?
Unknown.

Where is Pilotwings on the game list? I thought I saw it in the press conference videos?

Pilotwings has not been an announced title. The plane game in those videos was likely Hudson's 'Flight Game'.

I thought the Wii was going to be able to connect directly to computer monitors?
This was mentioned roughly 2 years ago when we knew nothing about the Revolution (as it was called at the time). No more has been said of this, and is currently assumed to no longer be true.

Will my Wavebird receiver be able to fit in the top of my Wii?
Yes. Nintendo representatives have said you would be able to use your regular Cube controller or the Wavebird in the Wii.

Still hate Nintendo LOL

That's because you're not a gamer

Most probably, plus the fact I was an Atari kid till the end of their hardware days.

I never liked N cos of their stoopid policy in the early days regarding violence etc, come on any normal kid wants to maim and mutilate in their spare time, so why not let em do it in a virtual reality?

lmao atari

yeah nintendo's stupid anti-violence policies... I can't believe they kept them up



I think pca might be right, most gamers do give nintendo the time of day, even if they don't buy their consoles.

Anyway, I'm not too fussy about the enxt gen consoles, until I see something I want to play I have no intention of buying any of them.

The fact they're gibbering about wi-fi though, I want to know if they are really going to do something about multiplayer network gaming, I never really play many games online, but a free mario or zelda would be enough to put a stop to that I'm almost positive of.

However, the new zelda... wow, i've watched that trailer so many times now. Looks a lot darker than, and a lot more like ocarina at the same time, than any of the others. Seems to be a few references thrown around, the LOTR type ghosts looked cool, and the end wolf on the hill side. If there's ever a high res pic of that that's going on my desktop

I'm a little worried that some of the environments which look a bit bland and I'm not entirely feeling the gameplay on horseback although given how well it was done in ocarnia and mask... I noticed that this is a trailer that's a year old, they just haven't released it till now so that might explain it... anyone who saw the original ocarina of time will know what I mean. Those alpha versions changed almost entirely.

@ Atari, during their heyday Atari had a STRICT no violence policy, it's pretty much impossible to name 1 violent Atari game from the days they were actually Atari and not Midway, Hasbro or Infogrames (the only exception being Pit fighter, but by then they were pretty much in their death throes anyway)

It's a shame nintendo had that policy, they're still sufferring for it in the west because people still associate them with "kiddie" games, however in Japan when the GAME matters more than the image of the manufacturer, they're still huge.

Nintendo OWN the platform game, nothing comes even close to Super Mario World in 2D, Zelda is/are the best action adventure titles and nobody (except possibly Namco) does "quirky" better than nintendo.

It's a shame closed minded western "Gamers" don't show them the respect they're due.

Nintendo can suck my balls LOL

Nah seriously tho, I grew up with the 2600 blah blah, N never got a look in. Plus when you are a little punk you try to fit in with ya peer group, and unfortunately they all had Atari too.

TBH I just never really liked the games, god I coulda killed Mario LOL All boils down to personal taste I spose.

Afraid I gotta disagree PCA, Mario is shit IMHO, and Zelda, well, I played one years ago, boring is an understatement, that Ocarina thing was pants too, but hey, I aint really a gamer.

I very much doubt that I would purchase a console now, the games are not stimulating enough for me. I do play the games when I have access, just not my cup of tea.

That pretty much sums it up

Ignoring sales charts, critical review charts, common sense, and logic, I agree with Tak... Suck like a fox

Anyway, I just watched the Zelda video again... can't wait for that obviously. and now i have time at last to play RE4!

Can't imagine what RE is going to be like next gen, but it is very close to a title that will get my attention since they don't release PC games to any great success

Hey, you guys know I cannot appreciate a good game. I do not doubt the games you mention are legends or whatever, more a case of I don't give a shit LOL

I mean come on, you are talking to a guy that got bored with GTA San Andreas within half an hour. I can't see why everyone likes all these modern games, did we really need to progress from Pong?

Seriously tho, I am seriously considering a DS or possibly a PSP, need to do a little research first and weigh up the pro's and cons first.

Any opinions?

Never been into mobile gaming, plus there's a whole lack of piracy issue

If I were buying one I'd buy both the DS for the games and the PSP because it looks SO nice.

Yeah but that would be a waste of cash, I know whichever I buy will end up being given away after a couple of month prolly LOL

Can I get in the handout queue then?

Not a mobile gamer either, I don't see the point of playing for 5minutes... only pocket game I ever really played was Zelda, and that was because it was a clone of Link to the Past (aka. best game ever).

I wouldn't buy one, but they look kind of funky.

oh and you can pirate handhelds just like any other console PCA, you just buy a blank cartridge and can fill it with roms. Infact if you get a massive cartridge you can fill it with roms and then boot any of them you want.

Still, I wouldn't buy one. I have a PDA... never play games on that except solitaire or that one with the bubbles... jawbreaker.

I realise that, but not with the PSP or DS (yet) which was what I was specifically referring to

DS is backwards compatible, if you just have a big enough cartridge it will take them 2mins to boot off of a flash cart like any other gameboy game. Will be cracked in less than a year I'd hazard a bet,

This genuine for example?
http://www.hyperds.com/

Means they've already hacked the OS if so.

I keep expecting d0c to jump in and tell us how shit this all is compared to his C16+4

d0ck3r appears to have REALLY left this time

[sarcastic git mode] Oh dear, I am so devastated. [/sarcastic git mode]

not quite, i know that you could get 60-in-one (and 120-in-one i think) carts for the original game boy!! not sure bout other handhelds as not really been into them tbh