FAQ Overview:
- What is the Nintendo Wii?
- What are Wii's technical specifications?
- What is WiiConnect24?
- Are the online services for Wii free?
- What are all the Wii channels?
- How can I play against other people online?
- What does exchanging friend codes do?
- How do I find my friend code, and how do I add someone else's?
- Can I add friends from overseas?
- How do I know if someone has added my friend code?
- What do I need to do to receive E-mail to my Wii?
- What do I need to connect my Wii to the internet?
Q: What is the Nintendo Wii?
A: "Wii" is the official name for Nintendo's next-generation console. Nintendo followed the name with a mission statement, explaining the name reflects the company's desire to bring about change in the video gaming industry. With Wii, Nintendo is looking to put forth an emphasis on game play and innovation, rather than focusing on expensive technology. Nintendo representatives have said the company's goal is to expand the market by reaching out to hardcore gamers, casual gamers, and even those whom do not consider themselves gamers.
Q: What are Wii's technical specifications?
A: The Wii console has 512 megabytes of internal flash memory, two USB 2.0 ports and built-in Wi-Fi capability. A bay for an SD memory card will let players expand the internal flash memory. Design was optimized with state-of-the-art processing technologies that minimize power consumption, keep the console compact and enable the "sleepless" WiiConnect24 mode.
Central Processing Unit: PowerPC CPU (code-named "Broadway"). Made with a 90 nm SOI CMOS process, developed with and manufactured by IBM.
Graphics Processing unit: 243 MHz "Hollywood" GPU built by ATI from the ground-up for Wii. Includes 3MB of texture memory.
RAM: 24MB "main" 1T-SRAM provided by MoSys.
Other Features: Four ports for classic Nintendo GameCube controllers; two slots for Nintendo GameCube Memory Cards; an AV Multi-output port for component, composite or S-video.
The Wii console can communicate with the Internet even when the power is turned off. The WiiConnect24 service delivers game updates even if the system is idle. Users can connect wirelessly using IEEE802.11, or with a USB 2.0 LAN adaptor. The Wii console also can communicate wirelessly with Nintendo DS.
Q: What is WiiConnect24?
A: WiiConnect24 is a service that allows Nintendo and other game publishers to provide downloads to players via the Internet 24/7. Downloadable items could include new levels, costumes, weapons, etc. News and weather information can also be automatically updated through the service in the respective Wii channels. Although WiiConnect24 keeps Wii on all day long, it's designed to use a minimal amount of energy, equivalent to that of a three-watt light bulb.
Q: Are the online services for Wii free?
A: Yes. The Weather and News channels and WiiConnect 24 are free of charge. Online play will also be free once it is released next year. The Opera browser requires a one-time fee, and is then used freely. As of Dec. 22, Opera is available on a a trial basis for free. The shop channel is free to access, but you will have to purchase Wii points to purchase products.
Q: What are all the Wii channels?
A: Wii's interface is divided into a number of separate channels, designed to be similar to television channels. There are nine channels in all.
Mii channel: Fun 3D 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 user's Wii Remote and taken to a friend's house to play on another Wii console. Each member of the family can have his or her Wii Remote personalized with their own Mii.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Virtual Console channel(s): 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.
Internet channel: 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.
Wii Message Board: 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. Furthermore, 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.
Disc channel: This channel allows users to play either Wii game discs or any of the entire library of Nintendo GameCube discs.
Q: How can I play against other people online?
A: As of now, you can't. Online play will not be released until next year.
Q: What does exchanging friend codes do?
A: By exchanging friend codes with another Wii owner, you can send messages, pictures, and Mii's to one another. Any Mii's that you have set to mingle can also travel to your friends' Wii's while yours is in standby. Eventually, you will also be able to play games online with one another.
Q: How do I find my friend code, and how do I add someone else's?
A: To find your own friend code, go to the main Wii Channels menu, then click the envelope in the lower right-hand corner. Next, click the "new message" button (the page icon in the lower left). Once you are there, click the address book (on the far right). Your friend code is displayed on the front cover. If you already have codes entered, press the - button on the Wiimote to flip back. To add someone's friend code, while in the address book, click "register" in the lower right. You can then choose to add either a Wii friend code or an email address.
Q: Can I add friends from overseas?
A: Yes, any Wii will recognize any Wii friend code. Wii uses a code system very similar to the DS (except that the code is generated by the system instead of the game). Some games had a feature that allowed you to see what region friends were from, but this has yet to be seen with Wii.
Q: How do I know if someone has added my friend code?
A: If you have not entered their friend code, you don't. This is for privacy reasons, both people have to enter each other's code. If you have added their code already, a few minutes after they add you, their name will turn from gray to black in your address book.
Q: What do I need to do to receive E-mail to my Wii?
A: Add a friend code, and when you are asked for "Wii" or "other," chose other, and enter a friend's email address. They will be sent a message saying that their email was entered into a Wii, and to reply to confirm. Once replying, their email will be registered in your Wii. You can only receive emails from registered addresses. Your Wii's email is w[friend code, no dashes]@wii.com.
Q: What do I need to connect my Wii to the internet?
A: There are several options. You can use either a wireless router (must be B/G compatible), a Nintendo Ethernet adapter (not yet released), Nintendo USB WiFi adopter (the same one as for the DS), or a similar adapter (such as WiFiMAX). Read the instruction manual for your device for more specific directions. |
|
