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145 Comments
- calebdesu, on 10/12/2007, -5/+52Nice... I like how the virtual console will be open for indie developers!
- sparkinton, on 10/12/2007, -3/+40....kind of weird that Nintendo themselves would post something on THEIR website... and it not be true.. hmmm.... What do you think they are? Sony?
- bytemaster, on 10/12/2007, -6/+40Notice how they are amazingly short on some of the details... maybe just so people can't make comparisons (such as CPU Speed, etc), when the MHz of an item doesn't really = performance.
At least, it will definately support component video connections. - RyeBrye, on 10/12/2007, -5/+29"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."
If these are "specifications", the root word "specific" must have lost all meaning. - BloodJunkie, on 10/12/2007, -3/+27This could not have been up for quite a while. They just announced WiiConnect24 today.
- drsnacks, on 10/12/2007, -4/+23I love the look. It looks like those attractive people are going to get all worked up playing Wii, get silly and start falling over each other, put down the controllers and look longingly into each others' eyes, give each other little test kisses that lead into full on, clothes tugging making out, and then elect to take retreat to the bedroom. The Wii winks its LED knowingly, as it switches into standby mode.
God, I'm so turned on. - Spid3y, on 10/12/2007, -4/+19I can see it now...
4 players playing a tennis game in a college dorm room all hitting eachother while they are trying to swing their racket.
that will be worth at least $250. - chad78, on 10/12/2007, -5/+20Size: Approximately the size of three stacked DVD cases, Wii's elegant design makes it an inviting addition to your entertainment setup without monopolizing it. Thanks to the Wii Remote, you're given more freedom to place the console where it best suits your lifestyle.
Controls: Intuitive control for anyone using the physical motion of the main Wii Remote, which resembles a television remote control. Up to four Wii Remotes can be connected at once using wireless Bluetooth technology. The wireless signal can be detected within 10 meters of the console. Both the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers include a three-axis motion sensor. The Wii Remote also includes a speaker, rumble feature and expansion port, and can be used as a pointer within 5 meters of the screen. The Wii Remote has a power switch, plus pad, A, B, Minus, Home, 1 and 2 buttons. The Nunchuk controller includes an analog control stick and C and Z buttons.
The Look: Wii features a compact design that will make it a natural addition to any television setup. It can be displayed either vertically or horizontally.
Media: A single self-loading media bay will play single- or double-layered 12-centimeter optical discs for Wii, as well as 8-centimeter Nintendo GameCube discs.
Communication: Wii can communicate with the Internet even when the power is turned off. This WiiConnect24 service delivers a new surprise or game update, even if users do not play with Wii. Users can connect wirelessly using IEEE 802.11b/g, or with a USB 2.0 LAN adaptor. Wii also can communicate wirelessly with Nintendo DS.
Virtual Console: Wii will have downloadable access to 20 years of fan-favorite titles originally released for Nintendo 64, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and even the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The Virtual Console also will feature a "best of" selection from Sega Genesis titles and games from the TurboGrafx console (a system jointly developed by NEC and Hudson). It also will be home to new games conceived by indie developers whose creativity is larger than their budgets.
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.
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. - dWhisper, on 10/12/2007, -2/+14I'm kind of surprised they didn't disclose the specs, simply to de-emphasize how important the specs will be. They've been rather up front that they're focusing on entertainment and value, not horsepower.
Now the big question will be "when" - jamesey, on 10/12/2007, -1/+12I can't wait until Mario Eggtoss comes out. You gotta toss the controller back and forth with your teammate. You take a step back each time.
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -2/+13I wonder how indie developers make software for it though?
If there were a development package you could buy with Linux and a keyboard and mouse, then I'd be right there. Reminds me of the Yaroze, those were the good days, lots of good demos on the official PSM mag disc. - stan205, on 10/12/2007, -5/+15I don't think I've been this excited for a game system to come out since the original nintendo. I really can't wait...
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -6/+16Biggest thing I haven't seen mentioned elsewhere:
* Wii also can communicate wirelessly with Nintendo DS. - MrCoffee, on 10/12/2007, -3/+13I noticed it supports WiFi out of the box, but I hope it supports WPA this time, instead of the DS's lame WEP.. That would really stink.
- wolkengrau, on 10/12/2007, -1/+11I have heard it is distributed at 2000$. I don't know the price for PS3 and XBox development kits though.
- ThrasherC, on 10/12/2007, -3/+13Just turn your contrast/brightness waaay down. They're in disguise. :)
- WizKid8586, on 10/12/2007, -5/+15My company blocks it for "Personals and Dating". Someone's filters need a little overhaul!
- christoffer, on 10/12/2007, -3/+13I read somewhere that this (Wii) is a game console, like, you play games on it. Not movies. Maybe it's just a rumor?
- DrFunke, on 10/12/2007, -3/+12It looks like Nintendo's going in a different direction marketing-wise too. Beautiful people in stylish apartments all enjoying Nintendo's product, like they're selling an attractive lifestyle into which the Wii fits. Hey, it worked for Apple. I think it'll work for Nintendo too.
- snapuswipe, on 10/12/2007, -2/+10If I recall correctly, the SDK for the "Revolution" was going for only $2000. The only number used for comparison was the PSP, whose SDK was going for around $15,000
- richbradshaw, on 10/12/2007, -1/+9Don't get into an argument with someone about this or they might kill you... or is that just over PS2s?
- AmbulanceX, on 10/12/2007, -3/+11I remember hearing that the Dev kit for the Wii cost like thousands less than the ones for the X360 and PS3. (sorry the real number escapes me at the moment) so maybe big N will just let us buy the kits.
- sizemoresr, on 10/12/2007, -2/+10The "virtual console" is going to be amazing.
"Virtual Console: Wii will have downloadable access to 20 years of fan-favorite titles originally released for Nintendo 64, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and even the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The Virtual Console also will feature a "best of" selection from Sega Genesis titles and games from the TurboGrafx console (a system jointly developed by NEC and Hudson). It also will be home to new games conceived by indie developers whose creativity is larger than their budgets."
Plus Nintendo used the word "indie." How cool is that? - myxyplik, on 10/12/2007, -2/+10So much for the VGA output rumors.
- ImpactedColon, on 10/12/2007, -5/+12Wasn't an Apple website because it didn't autoload a Mac commerical when I clicked the URL :P
- BloodJunkie, on 10/12/2007, -2/+9Yes they do.
- Lumiras, on 10/12/2007, -2/+9hmm, interesting. Do the Wii games come on traditionally-sized DVDs?
- dWhisper, on 10/12/2007, -4/+11Well, I'd say that... except that Nintendo and Apple have been at the forefront of style in their respective industries for years. Nintendo has been focused on the asthetics of a console, controllers, games, etc for years. I'm sure a case could be made either way.
Funny thing is... the biggest failures in both camps can be tied to when they've strayed from the idea of style and simplicity. - Nameless1, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7I dunno, i think there were rumors that its going to be a 2.5ghz power pc archtecture cpu (1/3 of an xbox Three Hundred Sixty Degreese.!)
- kaje, on 10/12/2007, -2/+8So will the Wiimote require alkeline batteries or have lithium-ion batteries?
- SpacePirate, on 10/12/2007, -3/+9Heh, check out http://wii.nintendo.com/software.html. I like how maybe three of those games can be considered "kids" games, and four are clearly targeted at more adult audiences. I'll be getting at least five of THESE first-party titles come launch day, not to mention Smash Bros and all the third party endeavors.
Viva la revolution! - hodgesg, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7I was not considering buying it until I just read about the Virtual Console. That really is the deal clincher - oh and the fact that the PS3 will be ~$600, nice one Sony.
- bigbikkuri, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7they've said this over and over - the Wii will work with any television because all coordinates are captured by a wand that is placed in front of it.
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7They reasoned most people have a DVD player (you can get one for $20-$30) and they shouldn't make people pay more for something else they have no reason to buy. If you do want DVD playback on the Wii, you can buy an attachment (kind of like the 360 HD-DVD Drive).
- SpacePirate, on 10/12/2007, -2/+8I thought they decided against using a dongle? But seriously, who doesn't already have a DVD player?
- tidu, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6The only reason Gamecube didn't was because of the size. Now it's normal size, so it better be playing DVDs.
- MisterCookie, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5"It also will be home to new games conceived by indie developers whose creativity is larger than their budgets."
I think Nintendo just single-handedly saved gaming. - 7of7, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5Yeah, there's a "dongle" for playing DVDs according to the Wikipedia page.
- Ahnteis, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4Which means consumers don't pay the decss fee unless they want to. w00t!
- Agret, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4"maybe just so people can't make comparisons (such as CPU Speed, etc), when the MHz of an item doesn't really = performance."
Which is why Sony's PS3 says "Cell Processor" and "RSX" video card with no detailed specs. Yea, cause Nintendo are the only ones hiding specs. - hattan, on 10/12/2007, -11/+14Like you said Nintendo isn't about the graphics, they are all about quality. A good looking game doesn't necessarily mean a fun game. I mean Wario Ware on the Wii? Graphics will be not be anything impressive, but I'm sure the game will be loads of fun. Look at the DS vs PSP. The PSP easily has better graphics and sound, yet the DS has better games. They may not look as pretty but they are really fun and diverse.
- DigiRaven, on 10/12/2007, -2/+5So far nintendo has really impressed me.
- Joo52, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3It says 512mb of flash memory.
- merdiesel, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4That TV sure looks like an LCD. Does that mean it will work with LCD TV's as well??
- nivisec, on 10/12/2007, -6/+9Some unoffical specs I found at http://www.ebgames.com/gs/wii/wii_signup.asp are:
CPU IBM Broadway 729MHz
Internal Storage 512MB Flash Memory
GPU ATI Hollywood
Optical Disc Drive 8cm GameCube/12cm Wii
Supported Resolution up to 480p
12cm Disc Capacity 4.7GB (single) / 8.5GB (dual)
System Memory Unknown
Memory Expansion 2 SD Memory
Wii Controller Ports Wireless (4 minimum)
Internet Connectivity WiFi 802.11b/g
GameCube Controller Ports 4 Ports
Disc Compatibility GameCube
GameCube Memory Expansion 2 Ports
Downloadable Content NES, SNES, N64, Sega Genesis, Turbo Grafx
USB 2.0 2 Ports - jamesey, on 10/12/2007, -2/+5most of this exact spec sheet has been up for a while. A few details have been added today.
- SkeletaLlama, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3I know the Wii dev kit is $2000 as other people have said. I believe the PS3's dev kit is ten times that price at a rumored $20k. I read it on digg but I can't find the link anymore.
- dWhisper, on 10/12/2007, -3/+6At E3 2005 they said DVD support will be an add-on. It's a DVD-Drive, but won't support it natively, which falls in with Nintendo's anti-piracy protection schemes in the past.
Of course, that information is a year old, and it could have easily changed since then. - aniseed, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3all that is needed is a slogan like "Wii - go ahead .. touch it." (said in a sultry deep voice)
- bakagaigin, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3I've been trying to buy the Zelda bonus disc that came with the gamecube from this dude for like 2 years, now I won't have to! It will probably end up being cheaper anyway. Bastard, making me wait more for old games.
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