WE LIKE TO MOVE IT, MOVE IT

Jul 1, 2006 12:00 PM, Markkus Rovito

Nintendo hasn't really led the way in video-game innovation since gangsta rap was born and many of today's Xbox junkies were in diapers. But with the curiously named Wii (pronounced we) game system announced at this year's E3 Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Nintendo may once again have the future of video games in hand. First and foremost, Wii breaks the standardized game controller mode with its singled-handed, wireless, motion-sensing Remote controller. It puts you inside the game, so if you're crushing a home run or stroking fools with a sword, it's because the Remote is responding to the motion of your body. The Remote also works as a pointer and has a speaker and vibration built in. A second controller called the Nunchuk attaches to the Remote for two-handed control. As many as four Wii Remotes can be connected wirelessly at once, and they can also be used as traditional two-handed, nonmotion-sensitive controllers.

The Wii console includes built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, two USB 2.0 ports, 512 MB of RAM and an SD card slot for memory expansion. It's also compatible with Nintendo GameCube games and will be able to download and play 20 years worth of games from older Nintendo systems. It has four ports for Nintendo GameCube controllers and two slots for Nintendo GameCube memory cards. Nintendo plans to release Wii for sale before the end of the year at a currently undisclosed price.

Acceptable Use Policy blog comments powered by Disqus

Want to use this article? Click here for options!