Understanding the mechanics behind the Wii

Picture yourself as one of the top video game console creators globally. Everyone is offering similar products — a console with a processor and a two-handed game controller. Now, if you're trailing behind your competitors by months and your previous console is at the bottom of the rankings, how will you differentiate yourself?

One option to grab attention would be to massively boost processor and graphics capabilities. But the challenge is that both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 have already claimed this territory, boasting cutting-edge multicore processors that require substantial investment and development time.

Nintendo took a bold and unconventional route with its new game console. Initially, the project was codenamed "Revolution." However, the name eventually evolved to "Wii," which some thought evoked images of WWII. But, according to Nintendo, the name was never meant to be associated with that. The company explained that the codename "Revolution" represented the new direction they were taking, and the final name, "Wii," was chosen to emphasize that the console is for everyone — for "we." Additionally, the name hints at the Wi-Fi capabilities tied to Nintendo's wireless gaming service, "Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection."

Beyond the name, Nintendo aimed to drastically improve the gaming interface. Their goal was to revolutionize the way players interacted with games, and they successfully generated tremendous excitement surrounding their innovative Wii controller.

In this article, we will delve into Nintendo's new console and its unique interface. We'll also explore what sets the Wii apart from other next-generation consoles.

The Wii's Interface and Specifications

If you compare the controllers for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and GameCube, you'll notice they share a very similar design. They're all held with two hands, and players use their thumbs to manipulate in-game actions with buttons, D-pads, and joysticks. Your index fingers activate triggers for actions like shooting or other in-game functions.

There are two perspectives on the similarity between these controllers. Are they the same because the design has been perfected to such an extent that no further improvements are needed? This is similar to how car steering wheels have remained unchanged for almost a century, as they have reached an optimal design.

Alternatively, one could approach controllers in a completely new way — a way that could transform the gaming experience.

Nintendo embraced the second approach: their designers thought outside the box and innovated. If you're accustomed to traditional two-handed controllers, the Wii's design might seem unusual. Resembling a TV remote, it lacks a joystick. However, early reviews were positive, and once you understand the design principles, its purpose becomes clear.

The secret to Nintendo's revolutionary gaming interface is embedded within the controller. Rather than relying on a joystick for control, the controller itself is the primary tool. It includes solid-state accelerometers that detect the following movements:

The surprising part is that this approach actually results in a user interface that feels both intuitive and natural. For more details on the controller, check out the next page.

Wii Controller

Before the Wii was officially launched, Nintendo held several demonstrations that allowed people to experience the new controller. In one, players aimed the controller at an on-screen target and simply fired. In another, players controlled an airplane by moving the controller in the direction they wanted the plane to fly. The motion-sensitive controller made it easy to perform sharp turns, barrel rolls, and loops.

In other demonstrations, the controller acted like a simple stick, allowing players to manipulate on-screen objects such as a fishing pole, drumstick, or flyswatter.

This approach offers several advantages:

In the next section, we'll explore some variations of this controller and also discuss how the console is powered.

Wii Controller Variations

The system isn't as straightforward as it may seem. For instance, accelerometers alone don't offer the precision needed for some games. A Sensor Bar, or 'control strip', must be placed either above or below the television to track the controller's position. Additionally, many games require the ability to aim and control multiple actions at once. In a first-person shooter, for example, you need to shoot while running, which means the ability to aim and move simultaneously. The Nintendo Wii provides two solutions to this issue.

The primary method is to attach a separate joystick unit, called a Nunchuk, to the controller. With the controller in one hand and the joystick in the other, the controller handles the aiming and the joystick controls the movement. The alternative is to use a standard game controller. For those enjoying classic games through the Wii’s virtual console, Nintendo offers the 'Wii Classic Controller' and soon the 'Wii Classic Controller Pro', which resemble the old Super Nintendo Entertainment System controllers. These controllers connect to the main controller via a special socket located on the back. You can also use a GameCube controller if you have one available.

Thanks to Bluetooth technology, the Wii can support up to four remotes at once. No need to worry about crowding around the console — as long as the remotes stay within a 30-foot (9.1-meter) range of the Wii, the wireless signal will remain strong, even with multiple users.

To power the Wii, Nintendo has adopted a unique approach. The company has focused on designing a console that is 'more power-efficient, quieter, and quicker to start' [source: IGN].

As reported by IGN, the Wii operates on an extension of the Gekko and Flipper architectures, which powered the GameCube. Its CPU, known as 'Broadway,' is built by IBM and boasts 729 MHz of processing power. The Wii is equipped with 24MB of 'main' 1T-SRAM and an additional 64MB of 'external' 1T-SRAM, totaling 88MB of RAM [source: IGN].

Wii Motion Plus

The Wii's most appealing feature is its motion-control interface. It immerses players in the game, while also attracting casual gamers who might not have the patience to master more complex controllers. This approach contributed to the Wii's massive sales, with over 3 million units sold in the United States in 2009 alone. Globally, more Wiis were purchased (9,594,000) than both Xbox 360 (4,770,700) and PlayStation 3 consoles (4,334,600) combined [source: NPD].

To build on this success, Nintendo introduced an updated motion controller — more accurately, an accessory. The Wii MotionPlus snaps into the same socket as the Nunchuk and, according to Nintendo, enables a 1:1 ratio between the player's movements and game actions [source: Nintendo]. Released alongside 'Wii Sports Resort' in July 2009, the MotionPlus add-on enhances control, although older games do not support its functionality. However, some newer titles require the enhanced control the accessory provides [source: Bakalar].

'Wii Sports Resort' is the popular sequel to Nintendo's best-selling game, 'Wii Sports.' While the gameplay and graphics remain similar, Nintendo introduced new games designed to utilize the Wii MotionPlus accessory. The bundle costs $49, or you can purchase the MotionPlus attachment separately for $19.

Wii and the News

Since its launch, the Wii has been at the center of media attention, with both positive and negative coverage. First, there was the holiday season battle between the Wii and Sony’s PlayStation 3 in 2006 (with the Wii emerging as the winner) [source: Reuters]. Then, Nintendo had to recall the original Wii controller straps after reports of users losing grip and sending the remotes flying, sometimes causing damage to TVs and windows. As a result, Wii consoles shipped from December 2006 onward included a reinforced strap, and a silicone rubber sleeve was introduced to protect against flying remotes. Nintendo also provides safety recommendations for Wii users on its official website.

Not only does the Wii make headlines, but it also brings the news directly to you. On January 27, 2007, Nintendo launched the Wii's News Channel. This free feature for Wii owners allows access to stories from the Associated Press, delivered right to your TV screen via the Wii remote. As reported in a Yahoo! press release, users simply point the remote at a virtual globe, select a location, and choose the type of news (such as business, sports, or science) they're interested in, to view regularly updated global news.

Nintendo continues to expand its offerings. On January 13, 2010, Nintendo of North America partnered with Netflix to allow Netflix subscribers to stream movies directly through the Wii console.

"Wii Fit" and the Balance Board

A federal report funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation reveals that a third of American children are either obese or at risk of obesity [source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation]. Many attribute this rise in childhood obesity to excessive time spent watching TV and playing video games, arguing that kids today lack the physical activity they need. However, Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto came up with an innovative solution to get children moving while indulging in their favorite pastime—video games. In 2006, Nintendo introduced "Wii Health Pack," later rebranded as "Wii Fit." The game includes over 40 activities designed to keep players fit and engaged, with a focus on aerobics, muscle conditioning, yoga, and balance.

"Wii Fit" includes the Wii Balance Board, a wireless platform that detects even the slightest shifts in posture and weight. As you use it, your Mii (the on-screen character) mirrors your movements. The Balance Board, which looks like a bathroom scale, incorporates gyroscopic technology and several built-in sensors. The gyroscopes track weight shifts based on angular momentum, the physics principle that explains how rotating objects maintain their motion until an outside force interferes. The sensors also calculate body mass index (BMI) and center of gravity, helping track your fitness progress. The Wii Balance Board goes further by calculating your fitness age, based on your BMI, balance test performance, and overall center of gravity. Many users enjoy the challenge of improving their fitness age, and it motivates them to stick with their routines and reach their fitness goals.

"Wii Fit" blends classic exercises like push-ups, yoga, stretching, and step aerobics with more playful activities such as hula hooping, ski jumping, and soccer ball heading. On October 4, 2009, Nintendo launched the follow-up, "Wii Fit Plus," which costs $10 more than the original ($89) when bundled with the Balance Board. A standalone version is available for $19 for those who already own the Balance Board.

"Wii Fit Plus" retains the same interface as the original, and players can transfer their progress from the first game. However, it introduces 15 new balance games, three new yoga and strength exercises, and several additional modes of play. The game can even function as a scale, adding a new dimension to its utility.

The Wii Balance Board has proven to be a versatile accessory, enhancing a variety of other games. For example, in snowboarding titles like "Shaun White's Snowboarding," players use the Balance Board to lean and control their character's movements on the slopes, taking full advantage of its unique motion sensing capabilities.

The Balance Board also makes an appearance in popular titles like the "Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum" series. Much like the "Wii Fit" games, these titles are fitness-focused. However, the intensity is much higher. For example, during push-ups in the game, players are required to press their chest against the Balance Board. If you don't meet this challenge, the game will notice and call you out for not giving it your all.

Wii Internet Channel

Online gaming is a highly competitive market that no video game company wants to overlook, and Nintendo is no exception. To keep up, Nintendo not only designed the Wii to support online multiplayer gameplay, but also added a whole new internet experience to the system—web browsing. Once connected to the Internet, either wirelessly or through an Ethernet cable, users can download the Wii Internet Channel for free. By 2010, the channel came pre-installed on every Wii console.

The full version of the Internet Channel is based on the Opera Web browser. Released in April 2007, this version of Opera offers Wii users a distinct web browsing experience. The font is considerably larger than that on a typical computer screen, making it much easier to read from your couch. Users can zoom in and out, and scroll in all directions using the Wii remote.

The Wii Internet Channel loads in just a few seconds, mainly because the console remains connected to the Internet even when turned off. The software is stored in the 512 MB internal flash memory of the Wii. After downloading it, you can transfer the software to an SD card, though temporary Internet files will still be stored in the internal memory. This Opera-based browser can handle a variety of Web 2.0 technologies and applications, including:

One of the main complaints about the Wii Internet Channel is its lack of support for Adobe Flash 9. Opera explains that the reason is the unavailability of a software development kit for the newer versions of Flash. Because it uses an older version of Flash, some issues may arise when viewing certain Flash videos. But aside from user-side challenges, Nintendo is also facing some difficulties with the Wii Internet Channel. Hackers have discovered a vulnerability within the Flash Player embedded in the browser, which could potentially allow them to run custom code on the console. This loophole could lead to the creation of video game emulators, a problem for Nintendo, as their Virtual Console service relies on charging gamers between $5 and $10 for each game title.

The Wii offers more than just web browsing; it also includes free applications like the News and Forecast Channels. The News Channel allows you to view news from around the world, focusing on specific regions if you prefer. Meanwhile, the Forecast Channel provides a global view of current weather patterns, with a star map in the background when zoomed out. By registering your Wii’s location, it tailors the forecast to your local area.

Wii Accessories

Like all video game consoles, the Nintendo Wii offers several variations of controllers and accessories for dedicated gamers. Some of these accessories are quite practical, while others are more about enhancing the look of the controller. For example, there are plastic attachments for the Wii remote that make it resemble items like a tennis racket, golf club, or baseball bat. These attachments do not alter the gameplay; they only serve to turn your Wii remote into a fun prop. Additionally, there are boxing gloves designed to hold the Wii remote and Nunchuk, but just like the plastic attachments, these gloves don't change the game, aside from the fact that you no longer have to physically hold the controllers.

The Wii Zapper is a plastic accessory shaped like a tommy gun that holds both the Wii remote and Nunchuk. It is intended for first-person shooter games, and its two-handed design offers better stability and aiming. The Nunchuk fits into the back of the gun, with the joystick on the Nunchuk allowing you to move your character. The Zapper has a spring-loaded trigger that connects to the B button on the back of the Wii remote. You simply point the Zapper where you want to aim and pull the trigger to fire. The downside is that the design restricts the use to only three buttons: the trigger and the C and V buttons on the Nunchuk.

Another practical accessory is the Wii Wheel, which comes with "Mario Kart Wii." It's a small plastic steering wheel that holds the Wii remote in the center. According to Nintendo, the Wii Wheel helps level the playing field, allowing novice players to race on par with seasoned "Mario Kart" players. Ubisoft also released a similar accessory for their games "GT Pro Series" and "Monster 4x4 World Circuit." While both versions are steering wheel shells that house the Wii remote, Ubisoft's version shares similar functionality with Nintendo's wheel.

Beyond accessories designed to enhance the gaming experience, some accessories aim to improve the Wii's overall performance. A component video adapter is available to boost your television's graphic quality, upgrading from 480i (interlaced) to 480p (progressive scan). The component video standard uses three connectors: Y, Pb, and Pr. The Y-connector carries the black-and-white video information, while Pb and Pr transmit the color data. To make the component video adapter work, go into the Wii System menu and set it to 480p. Once set, the Wii will automatically adjust to progressive scan-compatible games.

The latest enhancement to the Wii's interactive gameplay is the Wii Vitality Sensor. Much like a device that checks your heart rate, players insert their index finger into a small sleeve and wear the sensor while engaging in Vitality Sensor-compatible games. This device is designed to monitor your pulse to detect signs of anxiety. The level of nervousness detected can be recorded and tied to the in-game actions, potentially influencing the character's behavior by reflecting the player's emotional state or lack of focus.

An accessory designed to enhance the Wii's performance is the Wii remote charging dock. Standard alkaline batteries deplete quickly, and when the remote’s power is low, its responsiveness diminishes. For instance, a remote with low battery might fail to register a strong punch in a boxing game, making the experience less enjoyable. These charging docks, equipped with rechargeable lithium battery packs, are produced by various manufacturers. Some can charge up to four Wii remotes, while others charge just one, and some even include slots for Nunchuks. Although the quality of these docks can vary since they are not made by Nintendo, they make managing your Wii experience much easier.