Wii

Wii
Evan-Amos · Public domain · source
Name	Wii
Developer	Nintendo
Manufacturer	Nintendo
Type	Home video game console
Generation	Seventh generation of video game consoles
Releasedate	2006
Lifespan	2006–2013
Discontinued	2013
Unitssold	Over 101 million
Media	Wii Optical Disc
Cpu	IBM PowerPC-based "Broadway"
Memory	88 MB
Storage	512 MB NAND flash memory
Graphics	ATI "Hollywood"
Controller	Wii Remote
Onlineservice	Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Topgame	Wii Sports (pack-in)
Predecessor	Nintendo GameCube
Successor	Wii U

Wii. The Wii is a home video game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo, released globally in 2006 as part of the Seventh generation of video game consoles. It distinguished itself from competitors like the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 through its innovative motion-controlled Wii Remote, which allowed players to interact with games using physical gestures. This focus on accessibility and broad appeal helped the system achieve massive commercial success, selling over 101 million units and significantly expanding the video game market to include casual and family audiences.

History

Development of the console, initially codenamed "Revolution," began in 2001 under the leadership of Nintendo's then-president, Satoru Iwata, and general manager, Genyo Takeda. The project was a strategic response to the struggles of its predecessor, the Nintendo GameCube, and aimed to create a disruptive product that prioritized novel gameplay over raw graphical power. The console was first unveiled at the Tokyo Game Show in 2005, with its final name and design revealed at the Electronic Entertainment Expo later that year. It launched in November 2006 in the United States, followed by releases in Japan, Europe, and Australia. Key to its launch strategy was the bundled inclusion of the game Wii Sports, which effectively demonstrated the capabilities of the Wii Remote.

Hardware

The console's hardware was notably less powerful than its contemporaries, utilizing an IBM PowerPC-based central processor codenamed "Broadway" and a graphics processor from ATI called "Hollywood." Its physical design was compact and quiet, intended to fit seamlessly into living rooms. The primary storage was 512 MB of internal NAND flash memory, expandable via SD card slots. The defining hardware feature was the Wii Remote, a wireless controller that used accelerometer and infrared sensor technology to detect motion, rotation, and pointing. An expansion port allowed for the attachment of accessories like the Nunchuk and the Wii Balance Board. The system also supported backward compatibility with Nintendo GameCube software and controllers.

Software and features

The system software included the Wii Menu, a series of interactive channels that provided access to games and applications. Key features included the Mii Channel, which let users create cartoon avatars for use in games, and the Wii Shop Channel, an online store for downloading Virtual Console titles from older systems like the Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Nintendo Entertainment System. The Wii Message Board allowed for text and pictorial communication between friends, while the Forecast Channel and News Channel delivered real-time information. Online connectivity was provided through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, enabling multiplayer gaming in titles like Mario Kart Wii and Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

Games

The Wii's software library was vast and diverse, targeting both traditional gamers and a new, broader demographic. First-party titles from Nintendo were critical to its success, including flagship franchises like The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Super Mario Galaxy, and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. The bundled Wii Sports became a cultural phenomenon, while Wii Fit, which utilized the Wii Balance Board, popularized exergaming. Third-party support yielded major hits like Just Dance from Ubisoft and Boom Blox from Electronic Arts. The system also became a hub for casual and party games, such as Wii Play and Mario Party 8.

Reception and legacy

Upon release, the Wii received widespread critical acclaim for its innovative controls and accessible design, winning numerous awards including the Game Critics Awards for Best of Show. It enjoyed unprecedented commercial success, often facing shortages in retail, and became Nintendo's best-selling home console. The system is credited with dramatically broadening the demographics of the video game industry, attracting older adults and families. Its legacy includes influencing motion control adoption by competitors like Microsoft with Kinect and Sony with the PlayStation Move. While its successor, the Wii U, struggled commercially, the Wii's impact on game design and market expansion remains a defining chapter in the history of video games.

Category:Home video game consoles Category:Nintendo video game consoles Category:Products introduced in 2006