Inside Nintendo Wii

Dec. 1, 2006
CONSOLE The Wii console has two USB 2.0 ports and built-in Wi-Fi capability. A bay for an SD memory card lets players expand the internal flash memory. Size: It's about 8.5 in. long, 6 in. wide, and less than 2 in. thick (157 by 215.4 by 44 mm), or

CONSOLE
The Wii console has two USB 2.0 ports and built-in Wi-Fi capability. A bay for an SD memory card lets players expand the internal flash memory.

Size: It's about 8.5 in. long, 6 in. wide, and less than 2 in. thick (157 by 215.4 by 44 mm), or about the size of three DVD cases stacked on top of each other.

CPU: It's PowerPC CPU (code-named "Broadway") is made with a 90-nm SOI CMOS process, jointly developed with and manufactured by IBM.

Media: Its single self-loading media bay plays single-or double-layered 12-cm optical discs for the Wii console, as well as 8-cm Nintendo GameCube discs.

Data storage: The Wii offers 512 Mbytes of internal flash memory.

Communication: Users can connect controllers to the console wirelessly using IEEE 802.11 or with a proprietary Wii local-area network (LAN) adapter.

Graphics processing unit (GPU): Developed with ATI

Other features: The Wii offers four ports for classic Nintendo GameCube controllers, two slots for Nintendo GameCube memory cards, and an AV multi-output port for component, composite, or S-video.

CONTROLS
Up to four Wii Remote controllers can be connected at once via Bluetooth. The wireless signal can be detected within 10 meters of the console. The Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers both include a three-axis motion sensor.

Wii Remote: The Wii Remote controller includes a speaker, a rumble feature, and an expansion port. It can be used as a pointer within 5 meters of the screen.

Motion sensing: Analog Devices' ADXL330 microelectromechanical-system (MEMS) sensor

Communication: Broadcom Bluetooth radio

Power source: Standard alkaline, lithium-ion, or rechargeable AA batteries

Nunchuk: Includes an analog control stick and C and Z buttons

Launched: November 19, 2006; Price: $249.99

About the Author

Christine Hintze

Christine Hintze is the associate editor with Electronic Design, where she is also responsible for maintaining content on the publication's Web site, electronicdesign.com. Christine also covers consumer electronics, with an emphasis on wireless and communications technologies.

Sponsored Recommendations

Comments

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Electronic Design, create an account today!