Nintendo Wii Games Console FAQ

20th January 2008

The Nintendo Wii was released in 2006 and is Nintendo's current gaming platform. It's key feature is its motion control interface, which allows players to interact with games using physical motion and gestures. The console is aimed at a new market of game players, one of a much broader age range, and with family and team playing in mind.

No the Wii can not play any of these formats. In contrast, other current generation consoles such as the Microsoft Xbox 360 will play DVD and HD DVD, while the Sony Playstation 3 will play DVD and Blu-Ray media.

The Wii will work with most televisions, connecting via a Composite AV, SCART, or Component video connections. The motion control system is totally independent of what television technology you own. The Wii does not produce HD output, but will play fine on a HD Ready TV, and is best done with component cables.

Not all games require a nunchuck, often they are optional and sometimes not needed at all. To confirm whether a game supports a nunchuck, or other peripheral, consult the back of the games packaging, or product description.

Yes, the Wii is backwards compatible with GameCube games, and will also play several other platforms games such as SNES and Mega Drive games via the virtual console.

The Wii has 4 GameCube control ports on the top of the unit, which can be used for playing GameCube and some virtual console games, although it's important to note these can not be used for playing Wii branded titles. The Wii does not support any other controllers

The virtual console is a on line games purchasing system, which allows players to download games and software to their Wii system. Some of the content is free, but most of the games will cost you a small fee. Currently most games sold are of the retro verity, and were formally published for such consoles as the Mega Drive, NES, SNES, and N64.

The Wii uses a wireless blue tooth motion control system, which is controlled by the Wii Remote (or Wiimote), a relatively narrow white remote control shaped device. The Wiimote has the ability to detect motion using an accelerometer and direction using infrared sensors. The controls are aided by a slim infrared receiver which sits above or below your television set. The Wiimote can be attached to additional devices, with the most common being the Wii nunchuck, which like the remote can detect motion, but in addition supports a analogue control stick. Other peripherals include the Nintendo Wii Zapper, and third party devices such as Guitars and Sports Equipment.

Yes the Wii console is able to connect to the Internet through its built-in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi or through a USB-to-Ethernet adapter. Not all games support on line play, so please consult the games packaging or retailer to confirm.

A Mii is an avatar you can create for the Wii's Mii Channel. They can be used as characters in certain games such as Wii Sports, and Wii Play. They are customisable and allow the user represent themselves or others in game.

This is a confusing term which refers to the most up and coming group of gaming platforms. The Wii is often seen as part of the 7th wave of gaming consoles, which also in includes the Sony Playstation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360 consoles.

The Wii has been the most difficult to find gaming system of 2007, so you may e asking yourself when can I purchase a Wii? Stock should become more readily available in 2008 as demand tapers off, and as Nintendo increase production. It may be hard to walk into a store a pick up a Wii, but most retailers will take preorders for when they do have stock.

The Nintendo Wii's recommended retail price is £179 or $249. Due the current demand, allot of retailers are selling it for a higher price, or bundled with several games.

Yes. Using the Internet Channel, browse to the iPlayer website (www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer).

Unfortunately the Wii is only able to stream content, meaning the quality of the image can look distorted on larger televisions. Currently Nintendo have expressed no plans to release a Hard Drive for the Wii, which means it is doubtful that higher quality video downloads will ever be available on it. BBC iPlayer is also only available in the UK due to licensing restrictions.