Nintendo Wii is Nintendo’s latest addition to its gaming domination. Somehow, it is one of the highest ranking consoles in the gaming era today. It’s because of its futuristic specs(can connect to the internet) and the convenience of having a wireless controller. It also features Wii Connect 24 that can receive messages coming from the web. Released in mid November, 2006, it already won Game Critics Award for Best of Show and also Best Hardware at the E3 06. It is also the smallest console measuring only 157mm in height.
The hardware has the following features that gamers can use:
o The Nintendo Wii can connect to the web through the WiFi and USB to Ethernet adaptor.
o It has the following slots: 4 controller slots(1 SD memory slot, 2 USB ports, and 1 sensor barport), 4 Game Cube controller ports, 2 Game Cube memory card ports, and WiFi 802.11.b/g wireless built in port.
o It has a loading slot in located in front and reads 12cm and 8cm optical discs that older Nintendo consoles use.
o Consoles released in Japan have DVD functions. On 2007, Sonic Solutions Cine Player CE DVD Navigator software will be used on the console to have DVD video functions.
o The wii remote features infrared detection and accelerometers that enables 3d space positioning, meaning players can control a game using hand gestures(isn’t that cool? ;p) as well as buttons. The remote uses bluetooth connection to connect to the console. It also enables connectivity to other devises, an analog stick and trigger buttons.
o The Wii is run by a 90nm SOI CMOS processor. Its memory is 1T-SRAM. It has 512 MB built-in flash memory that can be expanded using an SD
With a rating of 8/10 by CNET editors and experts, the Wii’s futuristic controller design, its motion-sensitive gameplay, and WiFi options put it at the top. One more thing, it is affordable compared to other gaming systems. On the other hand, low quality graphics, lack of surround sound option, its inability to play cd and dvd, and its short battery life may cause serious damage to its popularity.