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Info: Wii (pronounced as the word "we", IPA: /wiː/) is Nintendo's seventh-generation video game console. Its project code name was Revolution.
The key feature of the Wii console is its wireless controller, the Wii Remote, which may be used as a handheld pointing device and can detect motion and rotation in three dimensions. The console also notably features a stand-by mode entitled WiiConnect24, enabling it to receive messages and updates over the Internet while consuming very little electrical power.
Nintendo first mentioned the console in the 2004 E3 press conference, and at the 2005 E3, unveiled the system under the code name Revolution. Satoru Iwata, Nintendo's President, revealed a prototype of the system's game controller at the 2005 Tokyo Game Show during his keynote speech in September 2005.[2] At E3 2006, Wii won the Game Critics Awards for Best of Show and Best Hardware.[3] Wii is set to be released on November 19, 2006 in North America, December 2, 2006 in Japan, December 7, 2006 in Australia and New Zealand, and December 8, 2006 in Europe.
On September 14, 2006 and September 15, 2006, Nintendo announced release information for Japan, North and Latin America, Australia and Europe, including dates and prices. The information can be seen in the table below.
At a June 7, 2006 policy briefing, Nintendo revealed that it intends to release 6 million console units and 17 million software units during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2007 and 4 million or more console units by the end of the 2006 calendar year.[2] On September 14, 2006, it was announced that the majority of the 2006 shipments will be allotted to the Americas.[4]
The Spanish launch of the Wii console has been moved to December 9, 2006, because December 8, 2006 is the celebration of the Immaculate Conception, and all shops will be closed.[5]
Nintendo of Canada vice president and general manager Ron Bertram stated that the company expects a million consoles for North America at launch,[6] information picked up by IGN on September 25, 2006.[7] The next day, Nintendo branded the information as a "misstatement about the number of Wii consoles that will be available in the Americas during the launch rollout," and reiterated earlier statements of expected sales of 4 million consoles worldwide by the end of 2006 with the largest allotment available in the Americas. The company affirmed that they "are working to ensure a plentiful supply and a consistent flow."[8]
Despite the price point of US$60 quoted for many seventh generation games,[9] Satoru Iwata said that it is unlikely that first-party games would cost more than US$50 (GBP?34 - ?39).[10]
The launch Wii package is reported to include the console itself, a plastic stand for the console, one Wii Remote, one Nunchuk attachment, one Sensor Bar, one AC adapter (with power block similar to that of the GameCube), AV cables (component video and other type of cables will be available separately), a Wii Startup Disk, and Wii Sports (in all regions excluding Japan).
The launch was also foreshadowed by an amazing pre-order response. Stores such as EBGames, Toys R Us, and GameStop had lines outside their store before they opened, and most stores filled all their pre-orders within minutes.