WII FAQ by GENIUS_41 v.1.3 Copyright 2006-2007 Nick Gay-Knott
Email genius41@googlemail.com
You can find the latest version of this FAQ at
http://roystons-fishbowl.bravehost.com/
LEGAL SECTION
=============
Yay, the legal section!
This may be not be reproduced under any circumstances except for
personal, private use. It may not be placed on any web site or
otherwise distributed publicly without advance written permission.
Use of this guide on any other web site or as a part of any public
display is strictly prohibited, and a violation of copyright.
This FAQ is to be only hosted by gamefaqs.com,
roystons-fishbowl.bravehost.com and neoseeker.com.
VERSION HISTORY
===============
23rd October 2006- Completed guide version 1.0
28th October 2006- Updated the games section and added more about
the Gamecube game libary. Added controller section and corrected
some stuff.
8th April 2007- I finally check my email and discover loads of people
had emailed me. Because of the landslide of emails I haven't been
able to send replys to everyone, but I've correted and added some
stuff to the FAQ thanks to everyone.
Thanks to (in no particular order)
Ignition Vapor
Hamed Yazdi
Jade Turner
Mario Soetopo
Corey King
Julian Rama
newtowii
Alex Garcia
Quentin Sanford
Alamda Wali
Iamobsesive Iamobsesive
Rob Troxello
Rachel Watkins
Juan_Polanco
Jacob Canfield
Jake Eldan
Bob Smith
Thomas Clark
Slowchemical622
Terence Corten
Brett Railey
Tony Schaaf
James Madley
Ugo Timoteo Casolino
Gavin Sison
Sev Martinez
Theif of Navaare
Juli Minu
Koen
Honestly, thanks if you have emailed me. I'll have added the answer
somewhere, possibly in the FAQ section.
And you're right, Jens Martin Hartvedt Arv. Just don't tell anyone!
Even more thanks to the following...
Wikipedia (www.wikipedia.org)
Nintendo
My Computer
Gamefaqs
You, yes you, for taking the time to read this. Thanks.
INTRODUCTION
------------
Hi, I'm Genius_41 and welcome to my first ever FAQ! I'll probably
make a pigs ear out of it so if there's a major mistake please email
me and you'll be aknowledged (and added to my big
fat book of hatred. How dare you say my work isn't perfect?!?)
CONTENTS
========
What the hell is a Wii?-Introduction
Wiimote
Controller Add-ons
Virtual Console
Gamecube game libary
Internet
UK launch games
DS connectivity
Wii Channels
Wii Points
The Hard Facts
What's in the box
Pricing
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
=======================
WHAT THE HELL IS A WII?
=======================
WHAT THE HELL IS A WII?
Well, it's Nintendo's next home console. It follows on from the
Gamecube, Nintendo's 5th console(That's why it was called the N5).
It was codenamed "Revolution" up
until E3 2006, but now its a Wii. The product code of the Wii is
RVL-001 because of the codename; it's the same with the DS- it
was codenamed Nitro and it's NTR-001.
Now go amaze everyone with your amazing trivial facts!
What's with the name?
Well, Nintendo say:
"Wii sounds like 'we', which emphasizes that the console is for
everyone.
Wii can easily be remembered by people around the world, no matter
what language they speak.
No confusion.
No need to abbreviate.
Just Wii."
Plus, Thomas Clark (rightly) points out in Japan it means enjoyment.
OK, so how big is it?
Well, it's Ninty's smallest home console yet. If you want to see how
big, just slam three DVD cases together and that's it. It measures
44 mm wide, 157 mm tall, and 215.4 mm deep in the vertical
orientation without the included stand (which itself measures
55.4 mm wide, 44 mm tall,and 225.6 mm deep).
What does it do?
The main thing it does is to innovate like the DS before it
(Nintendo's currant handheld).
This is done by Nintendo completely re-designing the controller- it
now looks like a TV remote. It also has very accuate motion sensors
inside so in most games, moving the controller will do something on
screen.
WHEN'S WAS IT OUT?
December 8th 2006 in Europe.
=======
WIIMOTE
=======
Wiimote- top down veiw
________________
l 0 l =power button
l + l
l +++++ l =D pad
l + l
l l
l A l =A button (big, like on the gamecube pad)
l l
l - H + l =minus, home and plus in that order
l l
l ... l
l ... l =speaker
l ... l
l l
l l
l 1 l =1 button
l l
l l
l 2 l =2 button
l l
l l
l l
l l
------___------- =Ext. Port
Back of the controller
________________
l l
l ----- l
l 1 1 l
l 1 B 1 l =B trigger
l 1 1 l
l 1 1 l
l ----- l
l l
l l
l l
l______________l
l1 1l
l1 == 1l =Battery compartment (the wii uses 2 normal
i1 1l AA bateries)
l1 1l
l1 1l
l1 1l
l1 1l
l1 1l
l1 1l
l1 1l
l1____________1l
l l
----------------
Battery life can be between 30 and 60 hours, depending on what you
use it for; obviosly more complex movements use more battery. The
wiimote can also hold your mii (see wii channels chapter). You can
use four controllers on one Wii, see below.
l l
l l
l 1 2 3 4 l =Each number has a light; the light which is
l l on is the one you are.
l 0 0 0 0 l For example, if the light below 2 is on you
l l are player 2.
l______________l These lights are at the bottom of the front
of the Wiimote.
++++++++++++++++++
CONTROLLER ADD-ONS
++++++++++++++++++
NUNCHUCK
This is the most common add-on as lots of games use it.
It looks like a computer mouse and it plugs into the extension
port on the Wiimote.
/-------I------- =Wire to Wiimote
( I
l l
l l
l O l =Control Stick
l l
l l
l l =(underneath) C and Z triggers
l l
l l
l l
l l
ll l
llllllll
CLASSIC CONTROLLER
Looks like a SNES controller. It plugs into the Wiimote like the
nunchuck and is used for retro games. However, it isn't needed for
all retro games- the Gamecube pad is available a lot cheaper and it
works with most VC titles. Plus it works for gamecube!
ZAPPER GUN
Looks like a gun that the Wiimote slots into.
STEERING WHEEL
Resembles a steering wheel. The Wiimote slots in horozontally. It's
bundled free with Ubisoft's Monster 4X4 World Circuit.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
WHAT'S THE SENSOR BAR?
The sensor bar is a cheeky little bar that sits under your TV. It's
about 20cm long approx and it plugs into the Wii itself. It doesn't
matter what kind of TV you have, be it 30 inches or 8 inches.
IS THE WII BACKWARDS COMPATIBLE?
Yes, the Wii can play Gamecube disks. There are 4 controller
sockets and 2 memory card slots on the top of the machine, under a
flap.
===============
VIRTUAL CONSOLE
===============
WHAT'S THE VIRTUAL CONSOLE?
Well, the idea is that you'll be able to download 20 years of
Nintendo history. You can download NES, SNES and N64 games for Wii
points (More on that later). As well as Ninty's games there'll
be games from the Sega Megadrive, Turbografix-16, MSX, and Commodore
64. Virtual Console may also offer new and original content from
independent developers. Support from Japanese Third Parties includes
most of the major companies in Japan. Atlus, Namco Bandai, Banpresto,
Capcom, Chunsoft, D4 Enterprise, Enterbrain, HAL Laboratory, Irem,
Jaleco, KEMCO, Koei, Konami, NCS Masaya, Netfarm, Paon, Rocket
Company, Square Enix, Sunsoft, Taito, Takara TOMY and Tecmo all join
Sega and Hudson Soft as confirmed supporters.
WHAT'S THE NIGGLE?
Over here in sunny, sunny England when you download a game it'll be
the PAL version. So what, I hear you cry? Well, some games- when
they're converted to PAL- have dirty great black borders and a slower
framerate. It's annoying and it makes you want to kill whoever's
responsible.
HOW MUCH WILL THESE COST?
You can pay using either credit card or Wii points. (more on them
later.)
NES game- 500 wii points, £3.50, $5
SNES game- 800 wii points, £5.60, $8
N64 game- 1000 wii points, £7, $10
MEGADRIVE- 800 wii points
TURBOGRAFIX- 600 points
WHERE DO YOU STORE THESE GAMES?
They can be slammed onto the Wii's 512MB flash memory, or additional
SD memory cards.
HANG ON... HOW ARE YOU GONNA PLAY THESE GAMES WITH THE WIIMOTE?
Well, turn the wiimote on it's side and it kind of resembles a NES
controller- you can play NES game like this. However, SNES and N64
games are played with the classic controller. It resembles a Sony
Dualshock and plugs into the bottom of the wiimote.
WHAT GAMES HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED?
Commodore 64
Impossible Mission
Impossible Mission II
Winter Games
Summer Games
Summer Games II
Pitstop
Jumpman Jr
Genesis/Mega Drive
Altered Beast
Columns
Ecco The Dolphin
Ristar
Golden Axe
Sonic the Hedgehog
ToeJam & Earl
NES
Donkey Kong
The Legend of Zelda
Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros.
SNES
Super Mario World
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Nintendo 64
Super Mario 64
TurboGrafx-16
Bonk's Adventure
New Adventure Island
R-Type
No MSX games have been confirmed.
WHAT ABOUT RARE GAMES?
Sadly, since Rare are owned by Microsoft now, no Rare games will
appear, except ones with Nintendo characters, like Donkey Kong and
Star Fox. No games by developers that are no longer owned by
Nintendo, games by developers that no longer exist or film licenced
games will appear, as far as I know since licencing these games would
cost far too much.
====================
GAMECUBE GAME LIBARY
====================
SO THE WII CAN PLAY 'CUBE STUFF RIGHT?
Yeah- just so long as you have a gamecube controller and a gamecube
game disk.
ANYTHING ELSE?
You might want a gamecube memory card so you can save your data. The
Wii's harddrive doen't support gamecube data.
WOULD THE GAMEBOY PLAYER WORK?
Nope- the Wii is the wrong shape and it doesn't sport the high speed
port.
HOW MANY 'CUBE CONTROLLERS CAN BE CONNECTED AT ONCE?
4. You can also use wavebirds.
OK- WHAT ARE THE BEST 'CUBE GAMES?
Well, it depends what you're into. In my opinion, these are the
cream of the crop...
The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker
Metroid Prime 1/2: Echos
Mario Kart Double Dash!!
Paper Mario 2: The thousand year door
Super Monkey ball 1/2
Burnout 2
Timesplitters 2
Donkey Konga
Pokemon Colluseum
Super Mario Sunshine
Resident Evil 4
All gamecube games should cost between a tenner and £40.
I CAN'T FIND ANY GAMECUBE GAMES IN THE SHOP! WHAT SHALL I DO?
Don't fret, young/old one. (delete as appropriete) Try online
stores like Amazon (www.amazon.co.uk (.com in the USA)) and Ebay.
========
INTERNET
========
Oh, Nintendo don't do the internet, do they? They've never supported
it on any of their consoles very much. That's what anyone would have
said until the DS came along, with it's amazing free WiFi. Now, you
can play anyone around the world free, just so long as you have
wireless broadband, or you live in a McDonalds which is a hotspot.
Well, the Wii uses the same principal. Obviosly you couldn't lug your
wii and a TV into McD's, but you can connect to your own wireless
signal. Wii will be able to connect to the Internet through its
built-in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and through a USB-to-Ethernet adaptor, with
both methods allowing players to access the established Nintendo
Wi-Fi Connection service.
WHAT'LL YOU BE ABLE TO DO ON THE WII'S INTERNET SERVICE?
The Wii can send email through the message board and messages & Miis
to othe Wii friends. Soon you'll be able to play some games online.
Also, some Wii channels, like the Wii Shop Channel, Weather Channel,
News Channel, Internet Channel and the Everybody Votes Channel need
the net.
CAN YOU SURF THE 'NET?
Yup- thanks to Opera Wii browser. Like the DS browser but far better.
It will be free to download until June 2007, and then after that
you'll have to pay for it like a virtual game.
It's basicly Opera Vresion 9; you'll be able to veiw flash stuff,
java stuff, movies, sounds, and, well, almost anything supported by
a PC.
ANYTHING ELSE?
Wii also can communicate and connect with other Wii systems by
wireless LAN, enabling local wireless multiplayer on different
television sets. Battalion Wars 2 first demonstrated this feature,
for non-split screen multiplayer between two or more televisions.
Nintendo has also stated that it will release an Ethernet Kit for
Wii, which allows users to connect the console to a standard
internet router without wireless support.
GAMES WITH CONFIRMED ONLINE FEATURES:
Mario Strikers Charged
Battilon Wars 2
WHAT'S WII CONNECT 24 7?
Basicly with Wii connect 24 7 you leave your Wii on at night on
standby; it then downloads things from the net. For example, you
could update your Animal Crossing town during the night.
You'll also be able to download demos for DS games that you send to
your Wii to your DS wirelessly, like the DS download station.
(See connectivity for more info)
===============
DS CONNECTIVITY
===============
Like with the 'Cube and N64 before it, the Wii can connect to the
currunt Nintendo handheld. For example, the N64 connected to the
Gameboy (Color) and the 'Cube connected with the GBA.
Heck, even the SNES played GB games using the Super Gameboy cart.
Anyway, now the Wii is here you can chuck out your cables; it's all
wireless.
WHAT EXCACTLY DO YOU DO WHEN YOU CONNECT?
It depends on the game. In Pokemon Stadium 1/2 you could play
pokemon red, blue, yellow, ect on your TV screen. In other games it's
used to exchange data and stats.
But now, with the DS you can also download demos, and trade pokemon
over the 'net from the upcoming diamond and pearl, and upload them
to the new Wii pokemon game, Pokemon battle frontier.
It's a bit like Pokemon Stadium.
============
WII CHANNELS
============
Wii Channels are like different PC programs and applications. Each
does a different thing and all can be accsessed by the wii itself.
Channels are:
DISK CHANNEL
Displays the Gamecube/Wii game inserted and a logo, like the
Gamecube.
WEATHER CHANNEL
Displays the local forecast. It may also be used in games like Animal
Crossing and Harvest Moon
so the weather in game is the same as outside. You need the internet
for this.
NEWS CHANNEL
Read the news. Internet needed.
PHOTO CHANNEL
Look at and edit photos. These can be uploaded via the SD card slot
on the front of the console.
WII MESSAGE BOARD
Write notes & reminders, register Wii freinds (via freind codes)
and send email.
INTERNET CHANNEL
Opera Internet Browser 9
This can be downloaded free until June 07. After then you need Wii
Points.
See Internet chapter for more. You need the internet for this
feature, dunce.
MII CHANNEL
Make your own avatar if you like. Basicly you edit a face and it may
be used in game, like wii sports. You can download your Mii to the
remote and take it around mates.
VIRTUAL CHANNEL
Buy and displays games. See Virtual Console Chapter.
Visit www.wii.com/uk to view the channels in action.
==========
WII POINTS
==========
You use wii points to buy virtual games and other downloads.
Wii Points is a payment system that Nintendo will use for gamers to
purchase games and other features for its Wii console throught the
Wii Shop Channel. Consumers can purchase a "Wii Points Card" which
they then spend online. It is similar to the Xbox Live Arcade online
store by Microsoft.
100 Wii points equals one dollar.
2000 Wii points equals £14
==============
THE HARD FACTS
==============
Thanks to Wikipedia.org
Wii
---
Manufacturure
Nintendo
Video Game Console
7th Generation Era
First availible:
Nov. 19th USA
Dec. 2nd Japan
Dec. 7th Austrailia
Dec. 8th Europe
Dec. 9th Spain
CPU
IBM PowerPC-based
"Broadway" (codename)
Media
12 cm Wii Optical Disc
8 cm GameCube Optical Disc
System Storage
Internal Flash memory, GameCube Memory Card, Secure Digital card
Connectivity
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 2 × USB 2.0, LAN by adapter (via USB)
Online service
Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
WiiConnect24
Virtual Console
Wii Channels
Backwards Compatible
Gamecube
Predissesor
Gamecube
Technical specifications
Nintendo itself has released very few technical specifics regarding
the Wii console.
The known details include:
Processors:
CPU: PowerPC based processor codenamed "Broadway" made with a 90 nm
SOI CMOS process.
GPU: ATI "Hollywood" GPU made with a 90 nm CMOS process.
Memory:
1T-SRAM.
Ports and peripheral capabilities:
Up to four Wii Remote controllers (connected wirelessly via
Bluetooth).
One SD memory card slot.
Two USB 2.0 ports.
One Sensor Bar port.
Four Nintendo GameCube controller ports.
Two Nintendo GameCube memory card ports.
Compatible with optional USB 2.0 to Ethernet LAN adaptor.
Storage:
512 MB built-in flash memory.
Expansion available via SD card memory.
Slot-loading disc drive compatible with:
8 cm GameCube optical disc.
12 cm Wii optical disc.
Mask ROM by Macronix.
Built-in content ratings systems:
CERO, PEGI, ESRB
(Parents can set the console to not play games over a certain age
limit.)
Video:
Up to 480p (NTSC) or 576p (PAL/SECAM), will work with any TV or
projector
Component (including Progressive scan), S-Video, or composite output.
16:9 anamorphic widescreen support.
Note: Component cables must be purchased seperately. GameCube
component cables are not compatible with the console.
Audio:
Main: Stereo - Dolby Pro Logic II-capable.
Controller: Built-in speaker.
=================
WHAT'S IN THE BOX
=================
Wii video game console
Wii console Stand
Wii Remote
Nunchuk attachment
Sensor Bar
Sensor Bar stand
AC Adapter (with an external block similar to GameCube, PS2 Slim
and Xbox 360)
AV cables (composite video; other type of cables will be available
separately, they will only be available online)
Wii Startup Disc
Wii Sports
=======
PRICING
=======
Console- £179.99
Wiimote- £30
Classic Controller- £15
Nunchuck- £15
Games- £34-39
====
FAQs
====
Q. Is the Wii compatible with just new tellys (ie HDTV)?
A. The UK Wii comes with a scart lead (Red, White & Yellow) and an RGB adapter.
This means it's compatible with just about every TV in the country. You
can also buy different cables for better quality picture.
Q. Are the graphics better than the Xbox 360?
A. No, not really. They're kind of halfway between Xbox and 360.
Q. Wont the innovative new controls mean that normal games can't be
easily ported to the Wii?
A. Games such as Smash Bros. Brawl have been confirmed to use both
the Gamecube pad and the Classic controller.
Q. Does the self loading disk slot glow blue like in the pictures?
A. Yup but not all the time.
Q. Can the Wii use the 'Cube Gameboy player?
A. No, the Wii is the wrong shape and doesn't have the high speed
port needed.
Q. Where do you plug in 'Cube controllers, ect?
A. There's a flap on the top of the console.
Q. Does the Wii play Turbografix ect disks?
A. Nope.
Q. Do you have to stand up to play?
A. No. In most cases all that's needed is a small wrist action. Good
news, couch potatos.
Q. Will you be able to download gameboy games from the virtual
console?
A. Not yet, although I can't see any reason why not in the future.
Q. Is Dolby Surround Pro Logic 2 better than Dolby Digital?
A. Not really.
Q. Is the Wii region free? ie Can I play US games on my Wii?
A. Nope.
HOWEVER
=======
IF you are in the mood to be a bit risky you can play NSTC 'Cube
games on a PAL wii without a freeloader.
1) Put in a PAL GC disk. It doesn't matter what.
2) Go to the disk channel.
3) Hover over the "Start" button
4) Press eject. When the screen goes black quickly press Start.
5) Put in the NSTC disk. It may take some time to boot up.
BEWARE! If you screw up the disk drive it's not my fault! And I'll
laugh!
Q. Can the Wii play DVDs?
A. No.
Q. Does the Wii use Gamecube/N64/SNES AV cables?
A. Nope, and it's really annoying as I bought a 'Cube RGB cable for
my Wii.
Q. Say I brought a US Wii and took it to another country, ie Lebanon.
Would the Wii work with just a simple travel adapter? Is there such
thing as a mod chip for the wii that would allow me to play games
released in the middle east on the wii purchased here in the states?
A. A Wii will work with a simple AC adapter, yes. As for a mod I'm
not sure. Hopefully Codejunkies will release another freeloader but
for Wii.
Q. What's a Freeloader?
A. It's a disk for Gamecube that allows a 'Cube to play other regein
games. For example, you could put it in your PAL gamecube, and then
load an american disk, and it would work.
Q. Can the Wii connect to the GBA like the Gamecube?
A. Yes, it just can't use the GB player.
Q. This might sound a tad dumb, but is the Wii a smart buy?
A. Well, I would say yes. It's a hell of a lot cheaper than the PS3
and 360, and although it's aimed at non-gamers there are plenty of
good games like Zelda and Final Fantasy has been announced.
It has good online features- I can't compare it to Xbox live since
I don't have it- but it works well for me. Mine hasn't crashed once,
and it's a launch model. The controller is very accuate, and Wii
Sports is great. The graphics aren't that bad- they're better than
Xbox- but hey, it's your desicion.
Q. Can you turn off the sounds on the Wiimote?
A. Yup, just press home and then controller settings.
Q. Lets say I am playing wii sports with a friend. Than he decides
to stop playing but I continue alone. how do I turn off his remote
without turning off the system?
A. Easy. You can re-connect all players in whatever order you like
at any time (even during the game) by pressing home. Go to the
controllers options. Just don't re-connect your friend!
Q. Will the Wii be able to interact with the Xbox 360 and PS3 online?
A. You wont be able to play online against anyone (well, it's never
been done before). I don't know if the PS3 or Xbox 360 can
send/recieve email but if they can then you could send email through
the message board to them, as well as PCs ect.
Q. Can you use a gamecube action replay on the Wii?
A. It depends. There are two models of Action Replay- an early one
and the later one. They are the same product, but the earlier one
won't work with the Wii (or the gamecube model without the digital
out) I'm not entirely sure. Meybe someone else who knows could
email me.
Q. Is the Wii net ready out of the box without needing to buy
anything else?
A. Wirelessly, yes.
Q. Genius_41, why are you so awsome?
A. I dunno, I just guess I was born that way.
Send in questions/other stuff Wii-related to
genius41@googlemail.com
I'll give you full credit.
***END FILE***
