Wii is a home video game console released by Nintendo on November 19, 2006
A distinguishing feature of the console is its wireless controller, the Wii Remote, which can be used as a handheld pointing device and detects movement in three dimensions. Another distinctive feature of the console is WiiConnect24, which enables it to receive messages and updates over the Internet while in standby mode.
The Wii Remote is the primary controller for the console. It uses a combination of built-in accelerometers and infrared detection to sense its position in 3D space when pointed at the LEDs within the Sensor Bar. This design allows users to control the game using physical gestures as well as traditional button presses. The controller connects to the console using Bluetooth and features rumble as well as an internal speaker. The Wii Remote can connect to expansion devices through a proprietary port at the base of the controller. The device bundled with the Wii retail package is the Nunchuk unit, which features an accelerometer and a traditional analog stick with two trigger buttons. In addition, an attachable wrist strap can be used to prevent the player from unintentionally dropping or throwing the Wii Remote. Nintendo has also since offered a stronger strap and the Wii Remote Jacket to provide extra grip and protection. The Wii MotionPlus was announced as a device that connects to the Wii Remote to supplement the accelerometer and Sensor Bar capabilities and enable actions to be rendered identically on the screen in real time. Nintendo also revealed the Wii Vitality Sensor, a fingertip pulse oximeter sensor that connects through the Wii Remote.
| CPU | Custom-built IBM, "Broadway" |
| GPU | Custom-built ATI, "Hollywood" |
| SRAM | MoSys-developed 1T-SRAM |
| Input/Output | 2x USB 2.0 ports 4x GameCube controller ports 2x 512 MB Flash Memory slots (SD Card compatible) |
| Max Resolution | 480p |
| Game Format | 12 cm Wii Disc, 8 cm GameCube disc 4.7 GB (or 8.5 GB Dual Layer) |
| Controllers | Wii Remote & MotionPlus (supports up to 4 wireless controllers), Wii Balance Board, Nintendo GameCube controller, Nintendo DS |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11 b/g Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR) |
| Other Features | "Virtual console" for retro games 1x proprietary component/digital out |
Processors:
* GPU: ATI "Hollywood" GPU made with a 90 nm CMOS process, reportedly clocked at 243 MHz
* "Starlet", part of the Hollywood package: an ARM926EJ-S processor reportedly† clocked at 243MHz
Memory:
* 88 MB main memory (24 MB "internal" 1T-SRAM integrated into graphics package, 64 MB "external" GDDR3 SDRAM)
* 3 MB embedded GPU texture memory and framebuffer.
Ports and peripheral capabilities:
* Up to 16 Wii Remote controllers (10 in Standard Mode, 6 in One Time Mode, connected wirelessly via Bluetooth)
* Nintendo GameCube controller ports (4)
* Nintendo GameCube Memory Card slots (2)
* SD memory card slot (supports SDHC cards as of System Menu 4.0)
* USB 2.0 ports (2)
* Sensor Bar power port
* Accessory port on bottom of Wii Remote
* Optional USB keyboard input in message board, Wii Shop Channel, and the Internet Channel (as of 3.0 and 3.1 firmware update)
* Mitsumi DWM-W004 WiFi 802.11b/g wireless module
* Compatible with optional USB 2.0 to Ethernet LAN adaptor
* 'AV Multi Out' port (See 'Video' section right)
Storage:
* 512 MB built-in NAND flash memory
* Expanded storage via SD and SDHC card memory (up to 32 GB)
* Nintendo GameCube Memory Card (required for GameCube game saves)
* Slot-loading disc drive compatible with 8 cm Nintendo GameCube Game Disc and 12 cm Wii Optical Disc
* Mask ROM by Macronix
Video:
* Custom 'AV Multi Out' port supporting composite video, component video, S-Video (NTSC only) and RGB SCART (PAL only)
* 480p (PAL/NTSC), 480i (NTSC) or 576i (PAL/SECAM), standard 4:3 and 16:9 anamorphic widescreen
Audio:
* Main: Stereo – Dolby Pro Logic II-capable
* Controller: Built-in speaker
Power consumption:
* 18 watts when switched on
* 9.6 watts in standby with WiiConnect24 standby connection
* 1.3 watts in standby
