Tech Specs, Conclusions, oh just bugger off will you, we just want to play with our Wii.
We've nearly finished our review, but before we head back to play more with our new console, here are the specs and our conclusion.
CPU
Custom-built IBM, "Broadway"
GPU
Custom-built ATI, "Hollywood"
SRAM
MoSys-developed 1T-SRAM
Input/Output
2 USB 2.0 ports 4 GameCube controller ports 2 512 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
Supports at least 4 wireless controllers
Wireless Connectivity
Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11 b/g Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR)
Other Features
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
IBM Broadway
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
ATI Hollywood
Supported Resolution
Up to 480p
Internet Connectivity
WiFi 802.11 b/g
Media
Internal Storage
512MB Flash Memory
Optical Drive
12cm Wii Disc & 8cm GameCube Disc. Discs will self-load into the bay.
12cm Disc Capacity
4.7Gb (or 8.5Gb Dual Layer)
Memory Expansion
2 x SD Memory
Backward Compatibility
Downloadable Games
NES, SNES, N64, Genesis, TurboGrafix16
Disc Compatibility
GameCube
Connectivity
Wii Controller Ports
Wireless (at least 4)
GameCube Controller Ports
4 Ports
GameCube Memory Expansion
2 Ports
USB 2.0
2 Ports
Internet
Wireless IEEE802.11b/g or a USB LAN adaptor. WiiConnect 24 persistant connection, even when powered off.
Output ports
AV Multi-output port, allowing Composite, S-Video and Component.
Controller
Connection method
Bluetooth (wireless)
Wiimote Buttons
3 axis motion sensor, + Direction pad, A, B, Minus, Home, Power button, 1 and 2
Nunchuck Buttons
3 axis motion sensor, Analog stick, C and Z
Force feedback (rumble)
Yes
Other features
Wiimote has a speaker and an expansion port
"Virtual console" for retro games
One proprietary component/digital out located on the rear of the system
Conclusion
Wii doesn’t have cutting edge visuals by any means, although we were surprised at the artistic creativity in the likes of Rayman Raving Rabbidds and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess where the games are colourful and attractive to play. Compare the graphics to the Xbox 360 or those that we’ve seen on the Playstation 3 and they do look fairly average, but so far that hasn’t dented our experience in any way.
Wii has a lot of promise. Wii is going to change the way we play games, but it’s too early to know whether we’ll adapt and enjoy the physical aspect of Wii in years to come. For now, the novelty factor will ensure that we’ll all have a great time jumping around Boxing, fishing in Zelda and swinging cows in Rayman Raving Rabbidds, but its long term appeal will lie with the responsibility of the developers. They are the people who’ll need to work hard to make games that are fun and innovative and ultimately make games that will encourage modern day gamers to get off their backsides. At the price of £179.99, it must be worth a punt.
We’ll bring you more of our findings very soon. Meanwhile, check out the HEXUS.gaming feature on the launch titles.
Pros
It looks super sexy!
Wii-mote and Nunchuck are a match made in heaven
Some superb games
Even the user interface is fun
Retro games
Top marks for creativity
Cons
Not all Wii channels are functional
Graphics are not the greatest
We're knackered
Wii shouldn't be compared to the other next-gen consoles, it's in a world and league of its own. Go Nintendo!
HEXUS Awards
Wii
Wii