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INTRODUCTION
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LAUNCH DATES:
USA - Sunday, November 19th, 2006
JAPAN - Saturday, December 2, 2006
AUSTRALIA - Thursday, December 7, 2006
NEW ZEALAND - Thursday, December 7, 2006
SWITZERLAND - Thursday, December 7, 2006
EUROPE - Friday, December 8, 2006
SPAIN - Saturday, December 9, 2006
This launch should be far more inclusive than the PS3 one for GAFers, with over 2,000,000 worldwide on day one, and more than 4,000,000 minimum expected before the end of the year... this is one healthy release.
There's reason to be excited, of course. Nintendo has made a dramatic shift in strategy since the NDS came to the market, with a huge change in focus and a more direct message. And Wii is yet the latest extension of this... small, sleek, and innovative... hoping to pull gamers from every walk of life. And whether you're young or old, maybe you'll find something fun here. It should be interesting times ahead, to say the least.
As with the PS3 and 360 thread, lets keep KIOSK impressions here. I don't want fifty threads being made once this is stickied that say "wow I played wii at target, i am special." Just post it in here, and I'm sure there will be plenty of people to respond... worked well in the 360 thread. Let's keep it clean, troll-free and a good experience for everyone as we anticipate the Wii.
Let the festitivies begin. And as always, thanks for everyone who contributed to the information gathered here.
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BASICS I: SYSTEM/SKU DETAILS
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The Wii System Pack (Japan):
Price - JP¥25,000
Includes -
(1) Wii System
(1) Wii Remote
(1) Wii Nunchuck
(1) Sensor Bar
(1) AV Cable
(1) Wii Stand
(1) Wii Startup Disc
Instructions, etc
The WiiSports System Pack (Everywhere else):
Price - $249.99/CAD$279.95/AUD$399.95/NZD$499.90/249/GB£179
Includes -
(1) Wii System
(1) Copy of WiiSports
(1) Wii Remote
(1) Wii Nunchuck
(1) Sensor Bar
(1) AV Cable
(1) Wii Stand
(1) Wii Startup Disc
Instructions, etc
Accessories:
● Wii Remote - JP¥3,800/$39.99/CAD$45.99/AUD$65.95/39.99/GB£29.99
● Wii Nunchuck - JP¥1,800/$19.99/CAD$24.99/AUD$29.95/19.99/GB£14.99
● Wii Classic Controller - JP¥1,800/$19.99/CAD$24.99/AUD$29.95/19.99/GB£14.99
● Wii AV Cable - JP¥1,000
● Wii AC Adapter - JP¥3,000
● Wii Component Cable - JP¥2,500
● SD Memory Card 512MB - JP¥3,800
● Wii LAN Adapter - JP¥2,800
Images:
Wii AV Cable
Wii Component Cable
SD Memory Card 512MB
Wii AC Adapter
Wii LAN Adapter
Wii Classic Controller (click for larger image)
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BASICS II: SPECIFICATIONS
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HARDWARE:
"Physically, Wii is Nintendo's smallest home game console yet; measuring 44 mm wide, 157 mm tall, and 215.4 mm deep in the vertical orientation without the included stand (which itself measures 55.4 mm wide, 44 mm tall, and 225.6 mm deep)." (Source)
CPU: "Broadway"
● 729 MHz
● IBM PowerPC Architecture
GPU: "Hollywood"
● 243 MHz
● ATI GPU Architecture
Sound: Analog (left/right) audio / DPLII
Memory:
● 24MBs "main" 1T-SRAM
● 64MBs other 1T-SRAM
● 3MB Texture Memory on GPU
Storage:
● 512MB Internal Flash Memory for Storage/Downloads
● SD Card Slots for expandable memory
I/O:
● SD: standard/mini x 1
● USB: USB 2.0 x 2
● Gamecube Memory Pak Slots x 2
Wi-Fi: Built-in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi capability
Controller:
● Bluetooth (up to 4)
● Wi-Fi (NDS®)
● Network (over IP)
AV Output:
● Screen size: 480i, 480p
● Analog: AV MULTI OUT x 1
DVD Disc media (read only)
● Wii DVD-ROM
● Gamecube 8cm mini-DVD-ROM
● (No DVD Movie playback)
Source
CONTROLLER:
Although the specs above may be a bit disconcerting, the reason for this is Nintendo's shift in focus. This is not about 'graphics', this is about the new dynamic that comes with the Wii's innovative new controller. A new delivery system for fun, essentially... and there is quite a lot to cover. Check here for an interactive java applet that allows you to check out the remote in detail. There are several interesting features, as covered in this image:
Motion - Wii remote and nunchuck uses a built-in accelerometer and other motion detection hardware to judge motion, pitch, tilt and depth inside a 3D space. "In games, the Wii-mote effectively becomes an extension of the player's arm. In a game like Metroid Prime, it would become the gun; in a game like Red Steel, the sword; and in Wii Sports Tennis, the racket." (Source)
Speaker - This was the last 'secret' of the controller, revealed at E3 2006. It is utilized to provide another layer of depth of sound for the player... hear Link's arrow as you shoot it, or the sounds a lightsaber makes as you dance around like StarWars kid. IGN notes that the problem with this feature is that its sound output is incredibly low quality. To them, it sounds like a speaker included in a Hallmark card. More as people become accustomed to utilizing it, as so far Zelda: Twilight Princess is the main game that has used it. (Source)
Rumble - Like controllers past, this allows for the feedback needed to immerse the player. Even more important for motion control, as it provides a fundamental layer which keeps the player connected. "The rumble feature includes only one level of sensitivity, but developers can rapidly turn rumble on and off to simulate light or heavy rumbling." (Source)
Internal Memory - The controller features 6kb of memory, apparently utilized to shuttle your Mii's around. So, for instance, if you wanted to share a Mii you made with your friend you simply beam it to your controller and bring it over. Seems simple enough: at this time, no other stated application for this memory has been made clear.
Attachments - The other unique aspect is that you can expand the wiimote with such things as the nunchuck. The nunchuck, for instance, is utilized to bring more traditional gaming experiences forward such as Metroid Prime III and Zelda: Twilight Princess. It features an analog , as well as C and Z buttons. It can also sense motion thanks to a built-in accelerometer. (Source)
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BASICS III: NINTENDO Wii OS/CHANNELS/NETWORK
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Note: I'd like to thank koam, who made this job much easier.
Wii CHANNELS:
One of the most surprising things announced in New York a few weeks back was the Wii Channels. Essentially, these are different features which often utilize the internet to provide a more comprehensive experience, such as checking the weather or news. In addition, you will be able to download the virtual console titles as announced for the system. Check out the Wii Menu here.
● Disc Channel - Simply put, this will be used to load up your Wii or Gamecube discs.
● Mii Channel - "Fun 3-D caricatured portraits of users, or Miis, created in this channel can be used on characters across a variety of Wii software. In addition to storing Miis on the Wii, several Miis can be stored in a users Wii Remote and taken to a friends house to play on another Wii console. Each member of the family can have his or her Wii Remote personalized with their own Mii."
● News Channel - "Users can access the most up-to-date breaking news from around the world, organized into a variety of topical categories. When connected to the Internet, the WiiConnect24 service automatically updates this free channel."
● Forecast Channel - "Users can access free local weather forecasts after turning on the Wii console. When connected to the Internet, the WiiConnect24 service automatically updates local weather information."
● Photo Channel - "This channel allows users to retrieve digital pictures from an SD memory card inserted into the Wii console and display them on their television screen. Users also can manipulate the photos in a variety of fun and creative ways, such as zooming into details or creating mosaics, puzzles or slide shows. Users can even add an MP3 tune from their SD memory card to their slide shows. It provides a fun and easy outlet for people to edit and show off their digital pictures."
● Wii Shop Channel - "This is where users go to download video game content, including classic video games originally played on the NES, SNES, N64, Sega Genesis and NEC TurboGrafx platforms. Here the users may buy Wii Points with a credit card or redeem a Wii Points Card purchased at retail to add points to their account, then redeem points to download these Virtual Console games. Users also can use points to download the Opera browser used in the Internet Channel."
● Internet Channel - "This channel dramatically changes the relationship between a user's home, the television and the Internet. Users download the Opera browser with Wii Points. Then they can surf the Internet right from the comfort of their couch. They can do quick research while watching a television program ("What was that actor's name again?"), or book travel plans and shop during commercials. The service is compatible with Macromedia Flash and also runs AJAX software."
● Message Board - "Forget hand-scrawled notes tacked to the refrigerator door. Users can leave messages for other family members on a calendar-based message board. They also can use WiiConnect24 to send messages to people outside the home as well. Even better, people can trade photos and text messages with cell phone users. The service also allows for incoming messages targeted at software, such as a new map or weapon for a game. Games can constantly be updated, thereby extending their playability."
● Virtual Console Channels - "After users download Virtual Console games from the Wii Shop Channel, each game will appear in the Wii Channel Menu as its own Virtual Console Channel. To play the game, users simply select the game's channel."
Wii VIRTUAL CONSOLE -
One of the best features of the Wii, users can choose to download games from a wide variety of systems. So far, the following systems were announced: PC Engine, MSX, Turbografx 16, Megadrive/Genesis, Super Nintendo, Nintendo, Nintendo 64.
Here are some of the revealed titles for the feature coming out around launch:
● Sim City
● Metroid
● Legend of Zelda, The
● Ecco the Dolphin
● Altered Beast
● ToeJam & Earl
● Gunstar Heroes
● Super Mario 64
● Sonic the Hedgehog
● Bonk's Adventure
● Golden Axe
● Columns
● Ristar
● Super Mario Bros.
● Super Mario World
● F-Zero
● Donkey Kong
● Donkey Kong Jr.
● Pinball
Pricing for the system is as follows:
Code:
Country NES SNES N64
Europe 5 8 10
Japan ¥500 ¥800 ¥1000
UK £3.50 £5.60 £7
Australia $7.50 $11.95 $14.95
USA $5 $8 $10Wii ONLINE GAMING:
Although currently there are no online games slated for launch window (save for Pokemon Battle Revolution in Japan), this is going to become a more and more prominent feature as the months go on. Expect an official push sometime mid-next year.
Some of the games confirmed for online...
● Pokemon Battle Revolution
● Battalion Wars 2
● Super Mario Strikers Charged
● Forever Blue
● Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers
● Super Smash Bros. Brawl (?)
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BASICS IV: LAUNCH GAMES
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Note: Again, I would like to thank koam and even steal his format (and wikipedia).
Code:
Title Publisher NA JP Eu
----------------------------------------- ----------- -- -- --
[url=http://www.blazing-angels.com/uk/]Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII[/url] Ubisoft Y N N
[url=http://www.callofduty.com/]Call of Duty 3[/url] Activision Y N N
[url=http://www.carsvideogame.com/]Cars[/url] THQ ? ? Y
[url=http://www.konami.com/Konami/ctl3810/cp20107/si1724967/cl1/elebits]Elebits[/url] Konami Y Y ?
[url=http://www.gamespot.com/wii/puzzle/ennichinotatsujin/screenindex.html]Ennichi no Tatsujin (Master of Festivals)[/url] Namco N Y ?
[url=http://wii.nintendo.com/software_excite.html]Excite Truck[/url] Nintendo Y N ?
[url=http://farcry.ubi.com/]Far Cry: Vengeance[/url] Ubisoft Y N N
[url=http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3154264]GT Pro Series[/url] Ubisoft Y ? ?
[url=http://media.wii.ign.com/media/853/853784/imgs_1.html]Kororinpa[/url] Hudson Soft N Y ?
[url=http://wii.nintendo.com/software_zelda.html]The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess[/url] Nintendo Y Y Y
[url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machi_Kuru_Domino]Machi Kuru Domino[/url] Sucess N Y N
[url=http://www.easports.com/madden07/]Madden NFL 07[/url] EA Sports Y N N
[url=http://www.marvelultimatealliance.com/]Marvel: Ultimate Alliance[/url] Activision Y N N
[url=http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3154262]Monster 4x4 World Circuit[/url] Ubisoft Y Y ?
[url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/707/707729p1.html]Necro-Nesia[/url] Spike ? Y ?
[url=http://www.ea.com/nfs/carbon/us/home.jsp]Need for Speed: Carbon[/url] EA Y N Y
[url=http://openseasongame.us.ubi.com/]Open Season[/url] Ubisoft Y N N
[url=http://media.wii.ign.com/media/818/818481/vids_1.html]Pokémon Battle Revolution[/url] Nintendo ? Y N
[url=http://raymanzone.uk.ubi.com/]Rayman Raving Rabbids[/url] Ubisoft Y Y Y
[url=http://wii.ign.com/objects/853/853790.html]Rapala Tournament Fishing[/url] Activision Y ? ?
[url=http://redsteelgame.us.ubi.com/]Red Steel[/url] Ubisoft Y Y Y
[url=http://www.sega.com/gamesite/bananablitz/]Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz[/url] Sega Y Y Y
[url=http://wii.ign.com/objects/811/811577.html]Super Swing Golf PangYa[/url] Tecmo N Y N
[url=http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/wii/games/previews/81948.shtml]Tamagotchi's Sparkling President[/url] Namco N Y N
[url=http://splintercell.us.ubi.com/]Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent[/url] Ubisoft Y N N
[url=http://www.activision.com/en_US/game_specific/0bc77f07-66d5-481f-bda1-8014e60dadcc.html]Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam[/url] Activision Y N Y
[url=http://www.atlus.com]Trauma Center: Second Opinion[/url] Atlus Y Y ?
[url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii_Play]Wii Play[/url] Nintendo N Y Y
[url=http://wii.nintendo.com/software_wii_sports.html]Wii Sports[/url] Nintendo Y Y Y
[url=http://www.hudsonentertainment.com/gamedetail.php?game_id=42&console=1]Wing Island[/url] Hudson Soft N Y ?
[url=http://www.gamespot.com/wii/puzzle/worldseriesofpoker/index.html]World Series of Poker[/url] Activision Y N ?PantherLotus has created a comprehensive screenshot thread, which you can view here. Well, that's that. More is coming
