Wii#RVL-101

{{See also|Seventh generation of video game consoles}}

File:Satoru Iwata - Game Developers Conference 2011 - Day 2 (3) (cropped 2).jpgs president Satoru Iwata directed the company to design the Wii to appeal to a broader range of players]]

Shortly after the release of the GameCube, Nintendo began conceptual development on its next console.{{Cite book |last=Pillon |first=Thomas |title=L'histoire de la Wii: révolution de palais à Kyoto |date=2021 |publisher=Third éditions |isbn=978-2-37784-304-6 |location=Toulouse |page=22}} According to game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, the company decided early to not aim to compete on hardware power, instead prioritizing new gameplay experiences.{{Cite book |last=Pillon |first=Thomas |title=L'histoire de la Wii: révolution de palais à Kyoto |date=2021 |publisher=Third éditions |isbn=978-2-37784-304-6 |location=Toulouse |page=23}}{{Cite web |date=November 16, 2006 |title=The big ideas behind Nintendo's Wii |url=http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/nov2006/tc20061116_750580.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061201013947/http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/nov2006/tc20061116_750580.htm |archive-date=December 1, 2006 |access-date=November 30, 2020 |website=BusinessWeek |page=1}} The project was initially referred to by the placeholder name "GameCube Next" (GCNext or GCN).{{Cite web |last=Kent |first=Steven |date=April 11, 2004 |title=Nintendo's New Direction |url=https://www.gamespy.com/articles/505/505234p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040413195209/https://www.gamespy.com/articles/505/505234p1.html |archive-date=April 13, 2004 |website=Gamespy}} Nintendo originally envisioned pricing the console at around {{US$|100|2001|link=yes|round=0}}.

Miyamoto cited the unconventional input controllers of Dance Dance Revolution as an inspiration for developing new kinds of controllers.{{Cite web |date=November 16, 2006 |title=The big ideas behind Nintendo's Wii |url=http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/nov2006/tc20061116_750580_page_2.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071121134859/http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/nov2006/tc20061116_750580_page_2.htm |archive-date=November 21, 2007 |access-date=November 30, 2020 |website=BusinessWeek |page=2}} On September 24, 2001, Nintendo began collaborating with Gyration Inc., a company that held several patents in motion-sensing technology, to prototype motion-based input devices using Gyration's patents.{{Cite web |last=Rothman |first=Wilson |date=August 29, 2007 |title=Unearthed: Nintendo's pre-Wiimote prototype |url=https://gizmodo.com/gadgets/exclusive/unearthed-nintendo-2001-prototype-motion+sensing-one+handed-controller-by-gyration-294642.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929120608/http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/exclusive/unearthed-nintendo-2001-prototype-motion+sensing-one+handed-controller-by-gyration-294642.php |archive-date=September 29, 2007 |access-date=August 30, 2007 |website=Gizmodo}}

After succeeding Hiroshi Yamauchi as Nintendo president in May 2002,{{Cite web |last=Kageyama |first=Yuri |date=July 12, 2015 |title=Nintendo president Satoru Iwata dies of tumor |url=http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/495d344a0d10421e9baa8ee77029cfbd/Article_2015-07-12-AS--Japan-Obit-Nintendo%20President/id-62869fddfd054d72b98981cf64a6cfab |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904004626/http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/495d344a0d10421e9baa8ee77029cfbd/Article_2015-07-12-AS--Japan-Obit-Nintendo%20President/id-62869fddfd054d72b98981cf64a6cfab |archive-date=September 4, 2015 |access-date=July 12, 2015 |agency=Associated Press}} Satoru Iwata acknowledged that the company had fallen behind industry trends, particularly in online gaming. He also wanted Nintendo to develop hardware and video games that would appeal to all demographics.{{Cite web |last=Burns |first=James |date=July 16, 2004 |title=Profile: Satoru Iwata |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/07/16/profile-satoru-iwata?page=3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130423205933/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/07/16/profile-satoru-iwata?page=3 |archive-date=April 23, 2013 |access-date=July 19, 2015 |website=IGN |page=3}} Internal market research revealed that Nintendo's prior focus on unconventional hardware had made its platforms more difficult for third-party developers to support, weakening its competitive position.{{sfn|Inoue|2009|pp=27–31}} One of Iwata's first major initiatives in response was the development of the Nintendo DS, a dual-screen handheld console with a touchscreen, to revitalize their handheld console line.{{Cite web |last=Reimer |first=Jeremy |date=March 28, 2007 |title=Nintendo boss levels up to 'top 30 CEO' |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2007/03/nintendo-boss-levels-up-to-top-30-ceo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121201222848/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2007/03/nintendo-boss-levels-up-to-top-30-ceo/ |archive-date=December 1, 2012 |access-date=July 12, 2015 |work=Ars Technica}}

In 2003, Iwata met with Miyamoto and Genyo Takeda to discuss the company's market strategy. He directed Takeda to “go off the tech roadmap” in designing the new console, emphasizing that it needed to be accessible, especially to non-traditional audiences, including mothers.{{sfn|Inoue|2009|pp=37–38}} He also wanted backward compatibility with earlier Nintendo games to reduce household clutter. Takeda led hardware development, while Miyamoto focused on designing a new controller, leveraging Gyration's motion-sensing technology. Iwata proposed using motion controls as a means to simplify the gaming interface and expand its appeal.{{cite book |last=Hasegawa |first=Yozo |title=Rediscovering Japanese Business Leadership: 15 Japanese Managers and the Companies They're Leading to New Growth |publisher=Wiley |others=Translated by Atnhony Kimm |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-470-82495-5 |location=Singapore |publication-date=August 24, 2011 |pages=50–51}} An initial prototype was completed within six months.{{sfn|Inoue|2009|pp=43–45}}

The Nintendo DS was said to have influenced the design of the new console. Nintendo observed that the DS's novel dual-screen interface had attracted non-traditional players and aimed to replicate that success on their home console platform. Designer Ken'ichiro Ashida recalled, "We had the DS on our minds as we worked on the Wii. We thought about copying the DS's touch-panel interface and even came up with a prototype." The idea was ultimately abandoned to avoid redundancy between the two systems. Miyamoto later remarked, "If the DS had flopped, we might have taken the Wii back to the drawing board."

At E3 2004, Iwata first unveiled some details of the project under its new codename, "Revolution," a reflection of his belief the console would revolutionize the gaming industry. BBC News' technology editor Alfred Hermida wrote that Nintendo's struggle to match Sony and Microsoft in the home console market made success crucial.{{Cite news |last=Hermida |first=Alfred |date=May 17, 2005 |title=Nintendo reveals its Revolution |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4557443.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109181150/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4557443.stm |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |access-date=December 27, 2020 |publisher=BBC News}}

The console, still named "Revolution", was formally presented to the public at E3 in May 2005. At this time, the console's motion controller was not yet finalized and was omitted from the unveiling. Iwata held the console above him with one hand to emphasize its size relative to its rivals. The reduced form factor meant lower power consumption and less heat output,{{sfn|Jones|Thiruvathukal|2012|p=28}} and was also designed to appeal to parents, who were thought to be more likely to allow the device into the living room if it was small and attractive.{{sfn|Jones|Thiruvathukal|2012|p=102}} The console's minimalist aesthetic invited comparisons to Apple's original iPod.{{sfn|Jones|Thiruvathukal|2012|pp=26–27}} Iwata reportedly used a stack of three DVD cases as a reference for the final size.{{sfn|Jones|Thiruvathukal|2012|p=28}} The prototype shown was black, though the final retail version, released the following year, was only available in white.{{sfn|Jones|Thiruvathukal|2012|pp=26–27}}

In September 2005, Iwata demonstrated a prototype of the controller at the Tokyo Game Show. By this stage, the hardware closely resembled the final Wii Remote and Nunchuk. During the presentation, Iwata demonstrated the controller's motion-sensing capabilities, supported a video with commentary from developers such as Hideo Kojima and Yuji Horii, who had tested the controller and believed people would be drawn in by it.{{Cite web |last1=Sinclair |first1=Brendan |last2=Torres, Ricardo |date=September 16, 2005 |title=TGS 2005: Iwata speaks |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6133389.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929224814/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6133389.html |archive-date=September 29, 2007 |access-date=September 24, 2006 |website=GameSpot}}{{Cite web |last=Carless |first=Simon |date=September 15, 2005 |title=TGS: Iwata's Keynote Reveals Nintendo Revolution Controller |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/97494/TGS_Iwatas_Keynote_Reveals_Nintendo_Revolution_Controller.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109164323/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/97494/TGS_Iwatas_Keynote_Reveals_Nintendo_Revolution_Controller.php |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |access-date=November 9, 2020 |website=Gamasutra}}

File:Wii Peripherals E3 2006 2.jpg

The console's official name, "Wii," was announced in April, a month ahead of E3 2006. The stylized spelling—with two lowercase "i"s—was designed to represent both two people standing side by side and the pairing of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk.{{Cite web |last=Carless |first=Simon |date=April 27, 2006 |title=Breaking: Nintendo Announces New Revolution Name – 'Wii' |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=9075 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404212529/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=9075 |archive-date=April 4, 2019 |access-date=November 30, 2020 |website=Gamasutra}} In its announcement, Nintendo explained: "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."

The name drew widespread mockery and criticism. Forbes reported that Nintendo fans feared the name would perpetuate the perception that Nintendo made consoles primarily for children.{{Cite web |last=Olson |first=Parmy |date=April 28, 2006 |title=Iwata's Nintendo Lampooned For 'Wii' |url=https://www.forbes.com/2006/04/28/nintendo-wii-console-cx_po_0428autofacescan08.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623080716/http://www.forbes.com/2006/04/28/nintendo-wii-console-cx_po_0428autofacescan08.html |archive-date=June 23, 2013 |access-date=June 15, 2008 |website=Forbes}} BBC News reported the day after the name was announced that "a long list of puerile jokes, based on the name," had appeared on the Internet.{{Cite news |date=April 28, 2006 |title=Nintendo name swap sparks satire |publisher= BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4953650.stm |access-date=March 14, 2007 |archive-date=January 4, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070104020513/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4953650.stm |url-status=live }} Some video game developers and journalists expressed a preference for the codename "Revolution."{{cite web|last=Sheffield|first=Brandon|date=May 1, 2006|title=Wii Reactions: Developers Comment|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/wii-reactions-developers-comment|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725090114/http://gamasutra.com/features/20060501/sheffield_01.shtml|archive-date=July 25, 2008|access-date=June 15, 2008|website=Gamasutra}} President of Nintendo of America Reggie Fils-Aimé defended the name, saying that the company chose the name over "Revolution" because they wanted something short, distinctive, and easily pronounceable in all cultures.{{cite magazine |first1=Michael |last1=Donahoe |first2=Shane |last2=Bettenhausen |title=War of the Words |pages=25 |magazine=EGM |date=July 2006}}

The Wii was made available for press demonstrations at E3 2006, where Nintendo also revealed several planned launch titles. At the same event, the company reaffirmed its intention to release the console by the end of 2006.{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Lucas |date=May 16, 2011 |title=Nintendo's History at E3: 2006 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/05/17/nintendos-history-at-e3-2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111221051/https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/05/17/nintendos-history-at-e3-2006 |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |access-date=November 9, 2020 |website=IGN}}

File:Wii launch in Hamburg.jpg

Nintendo announced the launch plans and pricing for the Wii in September 2006. The console first launched in the United States on November 19, 2006, priced at {{USD|249.99|2006}}.{{Cite web |last1=Sanders |first1=Kathleen |last2=Casamassina |first2=Matt |date=September 13, 2006 |title=US Wii price, launch date revealed |url=http://ign.com/articles/2006/09/14/us-wii-price-launch-date-revealed |access-date=January 17, 2015 |website=IGN |archive-date=October 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019021234/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/14/us-wii-price-launch-date-revealed |url-status=live }} Other regional release dates and prices included Japan on December 2, priced at {{JPY|25,000|2006}},{{Cite web |last=Sanders |first=Kathleen |date=September 13, 2006 |title=Japanese Wii price, release date revealed |url=http://ign.com/articles/2006/09/14/japanese-wii-price-release-date-revealed |access-date=January 17, 2015 |website=IGN |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924152537/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/14/japanese-wii-price-release-date-revealed |url-status=live }} followed by Australasia on December 7 at {{AUD|399.95|2006}},{{Cite web |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |date=September 15, 2006 |title=Aussie Wii: December 7th |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news150906wiiaustralia |access-date=November 9, 2020 |website=Eurogamer |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109181304/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news150906wiiaustralia |url-status=live }} and later, the United Kingdom on December 8 for {{GBP|long=no|179.99|2006}}, with most of Europe receiving it at €249.99.{{Cite web |last=Cocker |first=Guy |date=September 15, 2006 |title=Wii arrives in Europe on December 8 for £179 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/wii-arrives-in-europe-december-8-for/1100-6157699/ |access-date=November 9, 2020 |website=GameSpot |archive-date=November 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110045107/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/wii-arrives-in-europe-december-8-for/1100-6157699/ |url-status=live }} Nintendo aimed to have around 30 Wii games available by the end of 2006 and anticipated shipping over 4 million consoles by the year's end.

As part of its launch campaign, Nintendo promoted the Wii in North America through a series of television advertisements directed by Academy Award winner Stephen Gaghan. The internet ads campaign featured slogans like "Wii would like to play" and "Experience a new way to play". Launched in November 2006, the campaign had a budget exceeding {{USD|200 million|long=no}} for the year.{{Cite web |last=Sliwinski |first=Alexander |date=May 16, 2007 |title=Nintendo Wii marketing to exceed $200 million |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/12/nintendo-wii-marketing-to-exceed-200-million/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070516084139/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/12/nintendo-wii-marketing-to-exceed-200-million/ |archive-date=May 16, 2007 |access-date=August 10, 2018 |website=Joystiq}}

These ads targeted a broader demographic compared to other consoles, inviting parents and grandparents to experience the Wii.{{Cite news|date=June 5, 2008|title=Nintendo's 'Wii Would Like to Play' Named the Most Effective Marketing Effort at Effie Awards|work=IGN|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/06/05/nintendos-wii-would-like-to-play-named-the-most-effective-marketing-effort-at-effie-awards| archive-url=https://archive.today/20220710045929/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/06/05/nintendos-wii-would-like-to-play-named-the-most-effective-marketing-effort-at-effie-awards| archive-date=2022-07-10|access-date=July 10, 2022}}{{cbignore}} Nintendo’s goal was to appeal to a wider audience than its competitors in the seventh generation.{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2006-08-14-nintendo-qa_x.htm |title=Nintendo hopes Wii spells wiinner |access-date=August 16, 2006 |date=August 15, 2006 |work=USA Today |archive-date=May 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522150812/http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2006-08-14-nintendo-qa_x.htm |url-status=live }} In December 2006, Iwata stated that Nintendo didn’t view itself as "fighting Sony," but instead focused on how to expand the gaming demographic.{{Cite web |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |date=December 12, 2006 |title=Dragon Quest IX Q&A |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/12/dragon-quest-ix-qa |access-date=December 16, 2006 |website=IGN |archive-date=February 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205022147/http://ds.ign.com/articles/750/750610p1.html |url-status=live }} This strategy proved successful as the Wii became a global social phenomenon throughout 2007.{{Cite news |date=2007-08-23 |title=How the Wii won over the world's gamers |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6960575.stm |access-date=2024-10-12 |language=en-GB}}

The Wii's launch in other regions took several years. It arrived in South Africa on September 30, 2007,{{cite web |url=https://www.iol.co.za/technology/nintendo-wii-launches-in-south-africa-901795 |title=Nintendo Wii launches in South Africa |work=IOL |date=September 28, 2007 |access-date=January 14, 2025 |archive-date=December 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203220909/https://www.iol.co.za/technology/nintendo-wii-launches-in-south-africa-901795 |url-status=live }} South Korea on April 26, 2008,{{Cite web |date=April 14, 2008 |title=Wii launches in South Korea on April 26 with even cheaper virtual console games |url=https://www.siliconera.com/wii-launches-in-south-korea-on-april-26-with-even-cheaper-virtual-console-games |access-date=November 30, 2020 |website=Siliconera |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204230550/https://www.siliconera.com/wii-launches-in-south-korea-on-april-26-with-even-cheaper-virtual-console-games/ |url-status=live }} Taiwan on July 12, 2008,{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Matt |date=June 26, 2008 |title=Wii to release in Taiwan, July 12 |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/wii-to-release-in-taiwan-july-12 |access-date=June 26, 2008 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |archive-date=June 28, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080628023014/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/wii-to-release-in-taiwan-july-12 |url-status=live }} India on September 30, 2008,{{Cite web |title=Nintendo Wii and DS to launch in India |url=https://www.rediff.com/getahead/2008/sep/16wii.htm |access-date=2024-10-12 |website=www.rediff.com |archive-date=September 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929140516/https://www.rediff.com/getahead/2008/sep/16wii.htm |url-status=live }} and Hong Kong on December 12, 2009.{{Cite web |date=March 6, 2010 |title=Ｗｉｉ主機 |url=http://www.nintendo.com.hk/wii_console.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100306012826/http://www.nintendo.com.hk/wii_console.htm |archive-date=March 6, 2010 |access-date=September 22, 2018 |publisher=Nintendo}} Nintendo had planned to work with its localization partner, iQue, to release the Wii in China in 2008, but was unable to meet the requirements to circumvent the ban on foreign-made consoles imposed by the Chinese government.{{Cite web |last=Ashcroft |first=Brian |date=September 15, 2010 |title=Why are consoles banned in China? |url=https://kotaku.com/why-are-consoles-banned-in-china-5587577 |access-date=November 30, 2020 |website=Kotaku |archive-date=November 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114174003/https://kotaku.com/why-are-consoles-banned-in-china-5587577 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Lai |first=Richard |date=January 30, 2013 |title=China's complicated history with video games: when a ban isn't really a ban |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013-01-30-china-console-ban.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111222108/https://www.engadget.com/2013-01-30-china-console-ban.html |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |access-date=November 29, 2020 |website=Engadget}}

{{Further|Wii U}}

File:Wii U Console and Gamepad.png in front]]

Nintendo announced the successor to the Wii, the Wii U, at E3 2011.{{Cite news |last=Hoggins |first=Tom |date=June 8, 2012 |title=Nintendo's Wii U unveiled at E3: keeping Nintendo's Revolution going |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/nintendo/8563836/Nintendos-Wii-U-unveiled-at-E3-keeping-Nintendos-revolution-going.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611023334/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/nintendo/8563836/Nintendos-Wii-U-unveiled-at-E3-keeping-Nintendos-revolution-going.html |archive-date=June 11, 2012}}{{Cite news |last=Schiesel |first=Seth |date=June 7, 2011 |title=Nintendo Unveils Successor to the Wii |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/08/arts/video-games/nintendo-unveils-its-video-game-successor-to-the-wii.html?_r=1&ref=technology |url-status=live |access-date=June 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502070301/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/08/arts/video-games/nintendo-unveils-its-video-game-successor-to-the-wii.html?_r=1&ref=technology |archive-date=May 2, 2013}} Nintendo had recognized that the Wii had generally been shunned by the core gaming audience as it was perceived more as a casual gaming experience. The Wii U was aimed to draw the core audience back in with more advanced features atop the basic Wii technology.{{cite web |title=Iwata Asks: E3 2011 Special Edition |url=http://e3.nintendo.com/iwataasks/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929205152/http://e3.nintendo.com/iwataasks/ |archive-date=September 29, 2011 |access-date=June 9, 2011 |page=7 |quote=Iwata: The other things is, shortly after the Wii console was released, people in the gaming media and game enthusiasts started recognizing the Wii as a casual machine aimed toward families, and placed game consoles by Microsoft and Sony in a very similar light with each other, saying these are machines aimed towards those who passionately play games. [...] It was a categorization between games that were aimed towards core, and casual.}}{{cite web |title=Iwata Asks: E3 2011 Special Edition |url=http://e3.nintendo.com/iwataasks/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929205152/http://e3.nintendo.com/iwataasks/ |archive-date=September 29, 2011 |access-date=June 9, 2011 |page=7 |quote=Iwata: On the other hand, I certainly do not think that Wii was able to cater to every gamer's needs, so that's also something I wanted to resolve. [...] The keyword for our presentation at this year's E3 is "Deeper and Wider". With Wii U, I would like to offer this proposal with that idea}} The Wii U features the Wii U GamePad, a controller with an embedded touchscreen and output 1080p high-definition graphics that serves as a secondary screen alongside the television. The Wii U is fully backward-compatible with Wii games and peripherals for the Wii, including the Wii Remote, Nunchuk controller and Wii Balance Board, and select Wii U games including support for these devices.{{Cite news |last=Anthony |first=Sebastian |date=September 13, 2012 |title=Nintendo confirms Wii U specs and release date, prices it above Xbox 360 and PS3 |newspaper=Extremetech |url=http://www.extremetech.com/gaming/136121-nintendo-confirms-wii-u-specs-and-release-date-prices-it-above-xbox-360-and-ps3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915231046/http://www.extremetech.com/gaming/136121-nintendo-confirms-wii-u-specs-and-release-date-prices-it-above-xbox-360-and-ps3 |archive-date=September 15, 2012 |access-date=September 13, 2012 |publisher=Extreme Tech}} The Wii U was first released on November 18, 2012 in North America; November 30, 2012 in Europe and Australia, and December 8, 2012 in Japan.{{Cite web |last=Goldfarb |first=Andrew |date=September 13, 2012 |title=Wii U Price, Release Date Announced |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/09/13/wii-u-price-release-date-announced |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723034736/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/09/13/wii-u-price-release-date-announced |archive-date=July 23, 2018 |access-date=July 22, 2018 |website=IGN}}

Nintendo continued to sell the revised Wii model and the Wii Mini alongside the Wii U during the Wii U's first release year. During 2013, Nintendo began to sunset certain Wii online functions as they pushed consumers towards the Wii U as a replacement system or towards the offline Wii Mini, though the Wii Shop Channel remained available.{{Cite web |last=Orland |first=Kyle |date=April 12, 2013 |title=End of an era: Many Wii online services shutting down in June |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/04/end-of-an-era-many-wii-online-services-shutting-down-in-june/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111215708/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/04/end-of-an-era-many-wii-online-services-shutting-down-in-june/ |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |access-date=November 9, 2020 |website=Ars Technica}} Nintendo discontinued production of the Wii in October 2013 after selling over 100 million units worldwide,{{Cite web |last=Scullion |first=Chris |date=October 21, 2013 |title=Nintendo Japan officially ceases Wii production |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/434632/nintendo-japan-officially-ceases-wii-production/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021124920/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/434632/nintendo-japan-officially-ceases-wii-production/ |archive-date=October 21, 2013 |website=Computer & Video Games}} though the company continued to produce the Wii Mini unit primarily for the North American market.{{Cite web |last=Hillier |first=Brenna |date=October 25, 2013 |title=Wii discontinued in Europe, Nintendo confirms |url=https://www.vg247.com/2013/10/25/wii-discontinued-in-europe-nintendo-confirms/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110060231/https://www.vg247.com/2013/10/25/wii-discontinued-in-europe-nintendo-confirms/ |archive-date=November 10, 2020 |access-date=November 9, 2020 |website=VG247}} The WiiConnect24 service and several channels based on that service were shuttered in June 2013.{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=April 12, 2013 |title=Nintendo shutting down five Wii channels on June 28 in North America |url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/4/12/4214686/nintendo-shutting-down-wii-channels-on-june-28 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112015048/http://www.polygon.com/2013/4/12/4214686/nintendo-shutting-down-wii-channels-on-june-28 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |access-date=November 30, 2020 |website=Polygon}} Support for online multiplayer games via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection were discontinued in May 2014,{{Cite web |last=Byford |first=Sam |date=February 26, 2014 |title=Nintendo ending DS and Wii online multiplayer in May |url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/2/26/5452180/nintendo-wi-fi-connection-ending-in-may |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109204912/https://www.theverge.com/2014/2/26/5452180/nintendo-wi-fi-connection-ending-in-may |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |access-date=November 9, 2020 |website=The Verge}} while the Wii Shop was closed in January 2019, effectively ending all online services for the console.{{cite web |last=Fingas |first=Jon |date=January 30, 2019 |title=Nintendo's Wii Shop Channel shuts down today |url=https://www.engadget.com/2019-01-30-wii-shop-channel-shuts-down.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109204939/https://www.engadget.com/2019-01-30-wii-shop-channel-shuts-down.html |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |access-date=November 9, 2020 |work=Engadget}}{{Cite web |last1=Oh |first1=Ashley |last2=McWhertor |first2=Michael |date=September 29, 2017 |title=Wii Shop Channel closing down in 2019 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/29/16386918/wii-shop-channel-closing-nintendo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729171241/https://www.polygon.com/2017/9/29/16386918/wii-shop-channel-closing-nintendo |archive-date=July 29, 2018 |access-date=November 30, 2020 |website=Polygon}} The Wii Mini continued to be manufactured for some time after.

Despite the Wii's discontinuation, some developers continued to produce Wii games well beyond 2013. Ubisoft released Just Dance games for the Wii up to Just Dance 2020 (2019).{{cite web |last=Valentine |first=Rebekah |date=November 7, 2019 |title=Just Dance 2020 is the last Ubisoft title on the Wii |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-11-07-just-dance-2020-is-the-last-ubisoft-title-on-the-wii |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111222214/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-11-07-just-dance-2020-is-the-last-ubisoft-title-on-the-wii |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |access-date=November 9, 2020 |work=GamesIndustry.biz}} Vblank Entertainment's Shakedown: Hawaii along with Retro City Rampage DX are the most recent Wii games, which were released on July 9, 2020 (more than 13 years after the Wii's launch).{{cite web |date=June 26, 2020 |title=No, Seriously, The Wii And Wii U Are Getting Physical Versions Of Shakedown: Hawaii This Year |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/06/no_seriously_the_wii_and_wii_u_are_getting_physical_versions_of_shakedown_hawaii_this_year |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626180445/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/06/no_seriously_the_wii_and_wii_u_are_getting_physical_versions_of_shakedown_hawaii_this_year |archive-date=June 26, 2020 |access-date=June 26, 2020 |website=Nintendo Life}}{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=2020-06-26 |title=The Wii and Wii U are still getting games in 2020 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/6/26/21304491/shakedown-hawaii-nintendo-wii-u-ports-release-date-vblank |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211003/https://www.polygon.com/2020/6/26/21304491/shakedown-hawaii-nintendo-wii-u-ports-release-date-vblank |archive-date=2021-10-03 |access-date=2021-02-01 |website=Polygon |language=en}}{{cbignore}} On January 27, 2020, Nintendo announced that it will no longer repair any faulty Wii consoles in Japan starting on February 6 due to a scarcity of spare parts.{{Efn|The original end of support date was March 31, 2020; but due to the repair request demand exceeding what Nintendo had forecast, the company was forced to stop accepting repairs more than one month earlier.{{cite web |title=Wii本体の修理受付終了に関するお知らせ ｜サポート情報｜Nintendo |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/support/information/2020/0127.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302201218/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/support/information/2020/0127.html |archive-date=March 2, 2020 |url-status=live}}}}

{{Clear}}

File:NintendoStack.jpg, Nintendo 64, North American Super NES, and NES|alt=Stack of video-game consoles, of which the Wii is the smallest]]

In building the Wii, Nintendo deliberately chose not to outpace the performance of rival consoles. Unlike the company's previous consoles, they built the Wii from commercial off-the-shelf hardware rather than developing customized components. This decision significantly reduced manufacturing costs, allowing Nintendo to offer the console at a lower price point.{{Cite web |last=O'Brien |first=Jeffrey M. |date=June 11, 2007 |title=Wii will rock you |url=https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2007/06/11/100083454/ |access-date=November 12, 2020 |website=Fortune |via=CNN |archive-date=August 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812100316/https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2007/06/11/100083454/ |url-status=live }} As Miyamoto explained, "Originally, I wanted a machine that would cost $100. My idea was to spend nothing on the console technology so all the money could be spent on improving the interface and software."{{cite book | title = Crafting and Executing Strategy: The Quest for Competitive Advantage: Concepts and Cases 16th Edition | publisher =McGraw-Hill | isbn = 978-0-07-338124-4 | last1 = Thompson | first1 = Arthur | last2 = Peteraf | first2= Margaret | last3= Gamble | first3 = John | last4= Strickland | first4= A. | chapter = Case 14: Competition in Video Game Consoles: Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo Battle for Supremacy | pages = C-198-C-211 | year = 2008 }}

{{Multiple image

| image1 = Nintendo-IBM-BROADWAY-1.webp

| total_width = 250

| caption1 = Broadway CPU

| image2 = Nintendo-HOLLYWOOD-1.webp

| caption2 = Hollywood SoC

}}

The Wii's central processing unit, named Broadway, is a 32-bit chip developed by IBM. Based on the same PowerPC architecture as the GameCube's Gekko processor, it runs at 729 MHz and was manufactured using a more efficient 90 nm process, reducing power consumption by about 20% compared to Gekko's 180 nm process.{{Cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |date=March 29, 2006 |title=Revolution's Horsepower |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/699/699118p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522074334/http://wii.ign.com/articles/699/699118p1.html |archive-date=May 22, 2011 |access-date=December 23, 2006 |website=IGN}}{{Cite web |date=October 28, 2006 |title=Wii: The total story |url=http://wii.ign.com/launchguide/hardware1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061028073931/http://wii.ign.com/launchguide/hardware1.html |archive-date=October 28, 2006 |access-date=November 20, 2006 |website=IGN}}{{Cite web |last=Ames |first=Ben |date=September 7, 2006 |title=IBM ships 'Broadway' chips for Nintendo Wii |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/1052806/broadway.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140928122747/http://www.macworld.com/article/1052806/broadway.html |archive-date=September 28, 2014 |access-date=November 12, 2020 |website=MacWorld}} Other system functions are handled by Hollywood, a system-on-a-chip (SoC) developed by ATI that combines graphics, audio, and input/output functions. Its graphics processing unit (GPU) is an updated version of the GameCube's Flipper, running at 243 MHz, 1.5 times faster, allowing it to support more advanced visual effects and including 3 MB of embedded texture memory. It also contains Starlet, an ARM-based coprocessor with 96 KB of RAM that manages input/output operations and system security. Hollywood integrates 24 MB of high-speed 1T-SRAM that works alongside 64 MB of GDDR3 memory mounted on the motherboard, bringing the total system memory to 88 MB. In terms of computational power, the Wii was about 1.5 to 2 times more powerful than the GameCube,{{Cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |date=September 19, 2006 |title=IGN's Nintendo Wii FAQ |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/733/733464p7.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061031001548/http://wii.ign.com/articles/733/733464p7.html |archive-date=October 31, 2006 |access-date=November 11, 2006 |website=IGN}} but was the least powerful of the major home consoles of its generation.{{Cite news |last=Schiesel |first=Seth |date=November 24, 2006 |title=Getting everybody back in the game |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/24/arts/24wii.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502100842/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/24/arts/24wii.html |archive-date=May 2, 2013 |access-date=September 13, 2012 |work=The New York Times}}

The Wii's motherboard has a WiFi module, supporting 802.11b and 802.11g modes, and a Bluetooth module to communicate with its controllers. A USB-based LAN adapter can connect the Wii to a wired Ethernet network.

Games are read via a front slot-loading optical drive compatible with Nintendo's proprietary 12 cm Wii discs and 8 cm GameCube discs. However, it does not support standard optical media such as DVDs or CDs. Although Nintendo had planned on incorporating this feature into later revisions of the Wii, the demand for the console meant a delay in their schedule, until the feature lost interest.{{Cite web |last=Sherwood |first=James |date=November 9, 2007 |title=Nintendo confirms Wii DVD support coming |url=https://www.theregister.com/2007/11/09/wii_dvd_playback_delayed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731211831/https://www.theregister.com/2007/11/09/wii_dvd_playback_delayed/ |archive-date=July 31, 2020 |access-date=November 28, 2007 |website=The Register}}{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Paul |date=November 14, 2006 |title=Nintendo confirms DVD-enabled Wii in '07 |url=https://www.engadget.com/2006-11-14-nintendo-confirms-dvd-enabled-wii-in-07.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204230538/https://www.engadget.com/2006-11-14-nintendo-confirms-dvd-enabled-wii-in-07.html |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |access-date=December 2, 2020 |website=Engadget}}{{Cite web |last=Savino |first=Candace |date=November 7, 2007 |title=DVD-enabled Wii on the backburner |url=https://www.engadget.com/2007-11-08-dvd-enabled-wii-on-the-backburner.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204230432/https://www.engadget.com/2007-11-08-dvd-enabled-wii-on-the-backburner.html |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |access-date=December 2, 2020 |website=Engadget}} Nintendo later explained that they felt that most consumers owned other devices with DVD playback capability, and it allowed them to avoid the additional cost associated with licensing patents for the technology.{{cite web |date=June 8, 2011 |title=2011 E3 Expo Analyst Q & A Session |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/events/110608qa/03.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617235012/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/events/110608qa/03.html |archive-date=June 17, 2020 |access-date=July 1, 2014 |publisher=Nintendo |at=Q8}} The optical drive slot is illuminated with LEDs that indicate system activity, for example, pulsing blue when receiving messages via WiiConnect24 or during disc reading.{{Cite web |last1=Espineli |first1=Matt |last2=Thang |first2=Jimmy |date=July 15, 2019 |title=Evolution Of Nintendo's consoles: Switch, Switch Lite, 3DS, Wii, SNES, and more |url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/evolution-of-nintendos-consoles-switch-switch-lite/2900-1082/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111005149/https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/evolution-of-nintendos-consoles-switch-switch-lite/2900-1082/3/ |archive-date=November 11, 2019 |access-date=December 2, 2020 |website=GameSpot}}{{Cite web |title=WiiConnect24 |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Wii/Get-Connected/WiiConnect24/WiiConnect24-Wii-Online-Wii-Nintendo-UK-626436.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211003/https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Wii/Get-Connected/WiiConnect24/WiiConnect24-Wii-Online-Wii-Nintendo-UK-626436.html |archive-date=2021-10-03 |access-date=December 2, 2020 |publisher=Nintendo}}{{cbignore}}

The system includes 512 MB of internal flash memory for storing saved data and downloaded content. This storage could be expanded via SD cards inserted into a slot behind a front panel. A later system update enabled users to launch Wii channels and play Virtual Console and WiiWare games directly from SD cards.{{Cite web |last=Carless |first=Simon |date=April 27, 2006 |title=Breaking: Nintendo announces new Revolution name – 'Wii' |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/100029/Breaking_Nintendo_Announces_New_Revolution_Name__Wii.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404212537/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/100029/Breaking_Nintendo_Announces_New_Revolution_Name__Wii.php |archive-date=April 4, 2019 |access-date=November 12, 2020 |website=Gamasutra}}{{Cite web |last=Boson |first=Mark |date=November 10, 2006 |title=Excite Truck custom soundtrack confirmed |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/745/745360p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070126085904/http://wii.ign.com/articles/745/745360p1.html |archive-date=January 26, 2007 |access-date=November 10, 2006 |website=IGN}}{{Cite web |title=Wii System Update |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Support/Wii/Usage/Wii-Menus/Wii-System-Update/Wii-System-Update-242935.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210228071610/https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Support/Wii/Usage/Wii-Menus/Wii-System-Update/Wii-System-Update-242935.html |archive-date=February 28, 2021 |access-date=February 28, 2021 |website=Nintendo Support}}

The rear of the console houses video output and power connectors, along with two USB ports. When oriented vertically, the top panel reveals four GameCube controller ports and two GameCube memory card slots.

At launch, the Wii was Nintendo's smallest home console. Measuring {{Convert|44|mm|4=2|lk=on|abbr=off|sp=us}} wide, {{Convert|157|mm|4=2|abbr=on}} tall, and {{Convert|215.4|mm|4=2|abbr=on}} deep in its vertical orientation, the system was slightly larger than three DVD cases stacked together. The console was designed to operate either horizontally or vertically.{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Danny |date=November 17, 2006 |title=A closer look at the Nintendo Wii |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/127859/a_closer_look_at_the_nintendo_wii.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080205074335/http://www.pcworld.com/article/id%2C127859-page%2C1/article.html |archive-date=February 5, 2008 |access-date=March 8, 2007 |magazine=PC World}} Its included stand, used for stability in vertical placement, measures {{Convert|55.4|mm|4=2|abbr=on}} wide, {{Convert|44|mm|4=2|abbr=on}} tall, and {{Convert|225.6|mm|4=2|abbr=on}} deep. Weighing {{Convert|1.2|kg|4=2|lk=on|abbr=off|sp=us}}, the Wii was the lightest of the three major seventh-generation consoles.

{{Main|Wii Remote}}

File:Wiimote-in-Hands.jpg, Wii Remote and strap shown in hand|alt=Two types of Wii controllers, one in each hand]]File:Wii Demonstration E3 2006.jpgThe Wii Remote{{efn|"Wii Remote" is the official name of the device though the nickname "Wiimote" has been used by the general population.}} is the primary controller for the console. The remote contains a MEMS-based three-dimension accelerometer, along with infrared detection sensors located at the far end of the controller.{{Cite news |last=Marriott |first=Michael |date=December 21, 2006 |title=At the heart of the Wii, micron-size machines |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/21/technology/21howw.html |url-status=live |access-date=December 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202175314/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/21/technology/21howw.html |archive-date=February 2, 2017}}{{Cite web |last=Turner |first=Daniel |date=July 1, 2007 |title=Hack: the Nintendo Wii |url=https://www.technologyreview.com/2007/07/01/271887/hack-the-nintendo-wii/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204230438/https://www.technologyreview.com/2007/07/01/271887/hack-the-nintendo-wii/ |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |access-date=December 1, 2020 |website=MIT Technology Review}} The accelerometers allow the Wii Remote to recognize its orientation after being moved from a resting position, translating that motion into gesture recognition for a game. For example, the pack-in game Wii Sports includes a ten-pin bowling game that had the player hold the Wii Remote and perform a delivery of a ball; the Wii Remote could account for the player's position relative to the Sensor Bar, and their arm and wrist rotation to apply speed and spin to the virtual ball's delivery on screen.{{Cite web |last=Davis |first=Ryan |date=November 19, 2006 |title=Wii Sports review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/wii-sports-review/1900-6162054/ |access-date=November 12, 2020 |website=GameSpot |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112074741/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/wii-sports-review/1900-6162054/ |url-status=live }} The infrared detectors are used to track emissions from LEDs in the included Sensor Bar, which is placed just above or below the television display, as to track the relative orientation of the Wii Remote towards the screen. This gives the Wii Remote the ability to act as a pointing device like a computer mouse on the television screen, with an approximate range of {{convert|15|ft|m}} for accurate detection. In addition, the Wii Remote features traditional controller inputs, including a directional pad (D-pad), three face action buttons, a shoulder trigger, and four system-related buttons including a power switch. The Wii Remote connects to the Wii via Bluetooth with an approximate {{convert|30|ft|m}} range, communicating the sensor and control information to the console unit. The Wii Remote includes an internal speaker and a rumble pack that can be triggered by a game to provide feedback directly to the player's hand. Up to four Wii Remotes could connect wirelessly to a Wii, with LED lights on each remote indicating which controller number the Remote had connected as.{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Danny |date=November 17, 2006 |title=A closer look at the Nintendo Wii |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/127859/article.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080415111316/http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,127859-page,1/article.html |archive-date=April 15, 2008 |access-date=December 1, 2020 |website=PC World}} The remote is battery-operated, and when the Remote is not powered on, these LED lights can display the remaining battery power.

A wrist-mounted strap is included with the Wii Remote, with one end affixed to the bottom of the unit. Nintendo strongly encouraged players to use the strap in case the Wii Remote accidentally slipped out of their hands. Nintendo recalled the original straps in December 2006 and provided a free, stronger strap as a replacement, as well as packaging the new strap in future bundles after the company faced legal challenges from users that reported damage to their homes from the Wii Remote slipping from their hands while playing.{{Cite web |last=Wicker |first=Thomas |date=December 15, 2006 |title=Wiimote straps replaced: yeah, all of them! |url=https://www.engadget.com/2006-12-15-wiimote-straps-recalled-yeah-all-of-them.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112032940/https://www.engadget.com/2006-12-15-wiimote-straps-recalled-yeah-all-of-them.html |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |access-date=December 1, 2020 |website=Engadget}} In October 2007, Nintendo also added a silicone Wii Remote Jacket to shipments of the Wii and Wii Remote, as well as a free offering for existing users. The Jacket wraps around the bulk of the remote but leaves access to the various buttons and connectors, providing a stickier surface in the user's grip to further reduce the chance of the Remote falling out of the player's hand.{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2007-10-01-nintendo-announces-free-wii-remote-jacket.html | title = Nintendo announces free Wii Remote jacket | first = Christopher | last = Grant | date = October 1, 2007 | access-date = December 1, 2020 | work = Engadget | archive-date = December 4, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204230432/https://www.engadget.com/2007-10-01-nintendo-announces-free-wii-remote-jacket.html | url-status = live }}

Accessories can be connected to a Wii Remote through a proprietary port at the base of the controller. The Wii shipped with the bundled Nunchuk—a handheld unit with an accelerometer, analog stick, and two trigger buttons—which connected to this port on the Wii Remote via a cable {{convert|4|ft|m}} in length. Players hold both the Wii Remote and Nunchuk in separate hands to control supported games.{{Cite web |last=Wales |first=Matt |date=May 22, 2006 |title=Reports claim Wii to slap down 16 at launch |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=140333&skip=yes |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060615010501/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=140333&skip=yes |archive-date=June 15, 2006 |access-date=May 25, 2006 |magazine=Computer and Video Games}}

The Wii MotionPlus accessory plugs into the port at the base of the Wii Remote and augments the existing sensors with gyroscopes to allow for finer motion detection.{{Cite news |last=Buckleitner |first=Warren |date=May 28, 2009 |title=Hidden secrets of your Wii Remote |work=The New York Times |url=https://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/hidden-secrets-of-your-wii-remote/ |url-status=live |access-date=December 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731112854/https://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/hidden-secrets-of-your-wii-remote/ |archive-date=July 31, 2020}} The MotionPlus accessory was released in June 2009 with a number of new games directly supporting this new functionality, including Wii Sports Resort which included the accessory as part of a bundle.{{Cite news |last=Secthal |first=Seth |date=July 24, 2009 |title=A digital camp for antsy athletes |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/25/arts/television/25wii.html |url-status=live |access-date=December 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219030154/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/25/arts/television/25wii.html |archive-date=February 19, 2019}} The MotionPlus functionality was later incorporated into a revision of the controller called the Wii Remote Plus, first released in October 2010.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2008/jul/17/moreonwiismotionplus |title=More on Wii's MotionPlus |last=Stuart |first=Keith |date=July 17, 2008 |work=The Guardian |access-date=September 23, 2017 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=September 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923194241/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2008/jul/17/moreonwiismotionplus |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=The Gyro Sensor: a new sense of control |url=http://us.wii.com/iwata_asks/wiimotionplus/vol1_page1.jsp |work=Iwata Asks: Wii MotionPlus |publisher= Nintendo |page=1 |access-date=June 4, 2009 |quote= No, the intention was to integrate the two from the very start. This is why when we use the term Wii MotionPlus, we are referring to the accessory with the Wii MotionPlus Jacket attached. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110217194342/http://us.wii.com/iwata_asks/wiimotionplus/vol1_page1.jsp |archive-date=February 17, 2011}}{{Cite web |first= Will|last= Greenwald |date=December 10, 2010 |title=Nintendo Wii Remote Plus |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2374174,00.asp |access-date=September 23, 2017 |website= PCMag |archive-date=September 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923095937/https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2374174,00.asp |url-status=live }}

A number of third-party controller manufacturers developed their own lower-cost versions of the Wii Remote, though these generally were less accurate or lacked the sensitivity that Nintendo's unit had.{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Mark |date=June 16, 2009 |title=Battlemodo: the Wiimote vs. the cheap knockoffs |url=https://gizmodo.com/battlemodo-the-wiimote-vs-the-cheap-knockoffs-5291847 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407150523/https://gizmodo.com/battlemodo-the-wiimote-vs-the-cheap-knockoffs-5291847 |archive-date=April 7, 2019 |access-date=December 1, 2020 |website=Gizmodo}}

File:Wii-classic-controller.jpg, hooked up to the Wii Remote]]

The Classic Controller is an extension for the Wii Remote, released alongside the Wii in November 2006. Its form factor is similar to classic gamepads such as that for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, with a d-pad, four face buttons, Start and Select buttons alongside the Wii connection button, and two shoulder buttons. Additionally, Nintendo included inputs present in modern controllers, like 2 analog sticks and pressure sensitive shoulder buttons. Players can use it with older games from the Virtual Console in addition to games designed for the Wii.{{Cite web |last=Greenwald |first=Will |date=December 7, 2006 |title=ZDNet Nintendo Wii Classic Controller review & comparison |url=http://review.zdnet.com/Nintendo_Wii_Classic_Controller/4505-10110_16-32157709.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20071228075238/http://review.zdnet.com/Nintendo_Wii_Classic_Controller/4505-10110_16-32157709.html |archive-date=December 28, 2007 |access-date=January 1, 2007 |website=ZDNET}} In 2009, Nintendo released the Wii Classic Controller Pro, which was modelled after the GameCube and PlayStation 2 controllers form factor and amongst other additions, adds grips on the bottom of the controller and rearranges the placement of the shoulder buttons. However, unlike the GameCube and original Classic Controller, the Classic Controller Pro does not have pressure sensitive shoulder buttons.{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/108/1083444p1.html| title=Classic Controller Pro impressions| last=Harris| first=Craig| work=IGN| date=April 13, 2010| access-date=December 19, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100427183601/http://wii.ign.com/articles/108/1083444p1.html| archive-date=April 27, 2010| url-status=dead}}

The Wii Balance Board was released alongside Wii Fit in December 2007. It is a wireless balance board accessory for the Wii, with multiple pressure sensors used to measure the user's center of balance.{{cite video |people=Shigeru Miyamoto (Interviewed) |date=July 12, 2007 |title=E3 2007: Shigeru Miyamoto video interview |url=http://uk.media.wii.ign.com/articles/804/804464/vids_1.html |publisher= IGN |access-date=July 13, 2007|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070816211448/http://uk.media.wii.ign.com/articles/804/804464/vids_1.html |archive-date=August 16, 2007}} Wii Fit offers a number of different exercise modes which monitored the player's position on the board, as well as exercise gamification, as to encourage players to exercise daily.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/2008/05/wii-fit-review/ | title = Review: Wii Fit works, but could shape up | first = Chris | last = Kohler | date = May 19, 2008 | access-date = December 1, 2020 | magazine = Wired | archive-date = October 27, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027045857/https://www.wired.com/2008/05/wii-fit-review/ | url-status = live }} In addition to use in Nintendo's Wii Fit Plus that expanded the range of exercises using the Wii Balance Board, the accessory can be used in other third-party games that translated the player's balance on the unit into in-game controls such as Shaun White Snowboarding and Skate It.{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2008/07/shaun-white-and-skateit/ | title = Balance boarding: hands-on with Shaun White and Skate It | first = Frank | last = Caron | date = July 18, 2008 | access-date = December 1, 2020 | work = Ars Technica | archive-date = February 19, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219102623/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2008/07/shaun-white-and-skateit/ | url-status = live }} Namco Bandai produced a mat controller (a simpler, less-sophisticated competitor to the Balance Board).{{cite web |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/873/873470p1.html |title=Namco Bandai take to the mat |website= IGN |date=May 13, 2008 |access-date=September 13, 2012 |last=Robinson |first=Martin|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720170656/http://wii.ign.com/articles/873/873470p1.html|archive-date=July 20, 2008|url-status=dead}}

One of Iwata's initiatives at Nintendo was focused on "quality of life" products, those that encouraged players to do other activities beyond simply sitting and playing video games as to promote physical wellbeing. The use of motion controls in the Wii served part of this, but Nintendo developed additional accessories to give awareness of one's health as a lead-in for the company to break into the healthcare field.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/ChristianNutt/20140204/210023/Understanding_Nintendos_new_quotquality_of_lifequot_initiative.php | title = Understanding Nintendo's new 'quality of life' initiative | first = Christian | last = Nutt | date = February 4, 2014 | access-date = December 1, 2020 | work = Gamasutra | archive-date = May 5, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505161354/http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/ChristianNutt/20140204/210023/Understanding_Nintendos_new_quotquality_of_lifequot_initiative.php | url-status = dead }} At E3 2009, Nintendo had presented a "Vitality Sensor" accessory that would be used to measure a player's pulse as a lead-in to a larger quality of life initiative, but this product was never released. In a 2013 Q&A, Satoru Iwata revealed that the Vitality Sensor had been shelved, as internal testing found that the device did not work with all users, and its use cases were too narrow.{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=July 5, 2013 |title=Nintendo explains Wii Vitality Sensor cancellation |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-07-05-nintendo-explains-wii-vitality-sensor-cancellation |access-date=September 23, 2017 |website=Eurogamer |archive-date=September 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911161605/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-07-05-nintendo-explains-wii-vitality-sensor-cancellation |url-status=live }} Despite this, Nintendo has continued Iwata's quality of life program with further products on later consoles and games.{{cite web |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/iwatas-quality-of-life-initiative-still-in-development-at-nintendo/ | title = Iwata's quality of life initiative 'still in development' at Nintendo | first = Andy | last = Robinson | date = June 28, 2019 | access-date = December 1, 2020 | work = Video Games Chronicle | archive-date = November 7, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107235746/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/iwatas-quality-of-life-initiative-still-in-development-at-nintendo/ | url-status = live }}

A number of first- and third-party accessories were developed that the Wii Remote could be slotted into and then used in a more physical manner that took advantage of the accelerometer and gyroscopic functions of the controller. Some copies of Mario Kart Wii shipped with the Wii Wheel, a plastic steering wheel frame with the Wii Remote could be inserted into, so that players could steer more effectively in game.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/2008/04/iwata-miyamoto/ |title=Iwata, Miyamoto, and the Wii Wheel prototypes |first=Chris |last=Kohler |date=April 4, 2008 |access-date=November 12, 2020 |magazine=Wired |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112214917/https://www.wired.com/2008/04/iwata-miyamoto/ |url-status=live }} Rhythm games that used plastic instruments, such as Guitar Hero III, shipped with instruments that the Wii Remote could be slotted into; the remote powered the various buttons on the controller and relayed that to the Wii.{{Cite news |last=Buckleitner |first=Warren |date=November 22, 2007 |title=Your rock 'n' roll fantasy |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/22/technology/personaltech/22basics.html |url-status=live |access-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118024534/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/22/technology/personaltech/22basics.html |archive-date=November 18, 2020}}

The Wii launch bundle included the console; a stand to allow the console to be placed vertically; a plastic stabilizer for the main stand, one Wii Remote, a Nunchuk attachment for the Remote, a Sensor Bar and a removable stand for the bar to mount on a television set, an external power adapter, and two AA batteries for the Wii Remote. The bundle included a composite A/V cable with RCA connectors, and in appropriate regions such as in Europe, a SCART adapter was also included.{{Cite web |last=Rudden |first=David |date=September 14, 2006 |title=Nintendo Wii release details: Nov. 19, $250 with a game included |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-10921_7-6637970-4.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723190318/http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-10921_7-6637970-4.html |archive-date=July 23, 2013 |access-date=September 13, 2012 |website=CNET}} A copy of the game Wii Sports was included in most regional bundles.{{Cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |date=November 15, 2006 |title=Wii Sports review |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/745/745708p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061115004549/http://wii.ign.com/articles/745/745708p1.html |archive-date=November 15, 2006 |access-date=October 10, 2018 |website=IGN}}

Although Nintendo showed the console and the Wii Remote in white, black, silver, lime-green and red before it was released,{{Cite web |last=Ashcroft |first=Brian |date=October 6, 2012 |title=Nintendo: where's my lime green Wii, Nintendo? |url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2012/10/wheres-my-lime-green-wii-nintendo/ |access-date=October 8, 2012 |website=Kotaku |archive-date=October 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007084422/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2012/10/wheres-my-lime-green-wii-nintendo/ |url-status=dead }} it was only available in white for its first two-and-a-half years of sales. Black consoles were available in Japan in August 2009,{{Cite news|last=Melanson|first=Don|date=July 14, 2009|title=Black Wii packaging looks as good as its contents|work=Engadget|url=https://www.engadget.com/2009-07-14-black-wii-packaging-looks-as-good-as-its-contents.html| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211003/https://www.engadget.com/2009-07-14-black-wii-packaging-looks-as-good-as-its-contents.html| archive-date=2021-10-03|access-date=February 25, 2021}}{{cbignore}} in Europe in November 2009{{Cite web |last=Murph |first=Darren |date=October 20, 2009 |title=Nintendo shipping black Wii to Europe in limited edition bundle |url=https://www.engadget.com/2009-10-20-nintendo-shipping-black-wii-to-europe-in-limited-edition-bundle.html |access-date=October 20, 2009 |website=Engadget |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204230433/https://www.engadget.com/2009-10-20-nintendo-shipping-black-wii-to-europe-in-limited-edition-bundle.html |url-status=live }} and in North America in May 2010.{{Cite web |last=Stevens |first=Tim |date=May 3, 2010 |title=Nintendo Wii goes ebony and ivory on May 9, includes Sports Resort and Motion Plus |url=https://www.engadget.com/2010-05-03-nintendo-wii-goes-ebony-and-ivory-on-may-9-includes-sports-reso.html |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=Engadget |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109024247/https://www.engadget.com/2010-05-03-nintendo-wii-goes-ebony-and-ivory-on-may-9-includes-sports-reso.html |url-status=live }} A red Wii system bundle was available in Japan on November 11, 2010, commemorating the 25th anniversary of Super Mario Bros.{{cite web |title=Nintendo Wii turns red with glee for Super Mario's 25th anniversarii |first= Vlad |last= Savov|url=https://www.engadget.com/2010/10/07/nintendo-wii-turns-red-with-glee-for-super-marios-25th-annivers/ |website=Engadget|date= October 7, 2010 |access-date=September 18, 2017 |archive-date=October 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101009111733/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/07/nintendo-wii-turns-red-with-glee-for-super-marios-25th-annivers/ |url-status=live }} The European version of the limited-edition red Wii bundle was released on October 29, 2010, which includes the original Donkey Kong game pre-installed onto the console, New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Wii Sports.{{Cite news|last=Plunkett|first=Luke|date=October 11, 2010|title=Europe gets Red Wii bundle|work=Kotaku|url=https://kotaku.com/5660577/europe-gets-red-wii-bundle|url-status=live|access-date=September 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205081330/https://kotaku.com/europe-gets-red-wii-bundle-5660577|archive-date=February 5, 2021}} The red Wii bundle was released in North America on November 7, 2010, with New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Wii Sports.{{cite web |title=Anniversary bundles and Wii Remote Plus confirmed for US |work= Nintendo World Report|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/24335 |access-date=October 21, 2010 |first= Karlie |last= Yeung |archive-date=July 14, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714185419/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/24335 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Fletcher |first=JC |date=October 21, 2010 |title=Red Wii and DSi XL bundles, Wii Remote Plus, and FlingSmash in North America Nov. 7 |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/red-wii-and-dsi-xl-bundles-wii-remote-plus-and-flingsmash-in-n/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101024192034/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/red-wii-and-dsi-xl-bundles-wii-remote-plus-and-flingsmash-in-n/ |archive-date=October 24, 2010 |access-date=September 15, 2018 |website=Joystiq}} All of the red Wii system bundles feature the Wii Remote Plus, with integrated Wii MotionPlus technology.

The prefix for the numbering scheme of the Wii system and its parts and accessories is "RVL-" for its codename, "Revolution". The base Wii console had a model number of RVL-001, for example.{{cite news |title=Wii controller world tour |page=8 |publisher=NGamer |date=July 13, 2007}}

File:WiiFamilyEdition.svg

A cost-reduced variant of the Wii (model RVL-101) was released late into the platform's lifespan that removed the GameCube controller ports and memory card slots found on the original model. This means that this model is incompatible with GameCube games alongside the GameCube Controller for Wii games that support it. This model is often referred to as the "Wii Family Edition", the name given to the bundle when it was first sold in Europe, however the term can, and is typically used to refer to any RVL-101 Wii, not just the bundle sold in Europe. Additionally, it does not include a stand, as it is intended to be positioned horizontally. Nintendo announced the new revision in August 2011 as a replacement for the original Wii model which it was discontinuing in certain regions including Europe and the United States.{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=August 17, 2011 |title=Nintendo discontinuing current Wii |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-08-17-nintendo-discontinuing-current-wii-model |access-date=December 2, 2020 |website=Eurogamer |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111205944/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-08-17-nintendo-discontinuing-current-wii-model |url-status=live }} The new unit in its bundles was priced at {{USD|149.99|long=no}}, a further reduction for the Wii's MSRP at the time of {{USD|199.99|long=no}} established in September 2009.

The console was first released in North America on October 23, 2011, in a black finish, bundled with a black Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk, along with New Super Mario Bros. Wii and a limited-edition soundtrack for Super Mario Galaxy.{{Cite magazine |last=Meyer |first=John |date=October 12, 2011 |title=Nintendo bundles redesigned Wii with Mario |url=https://www.wired.com/2011/10/wii-redesign/ |access-date=December 2, 2020 |magazine=Wired |archive-date=December 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230163351/https://www.wired.com/2011/10/wii-redesign/ |url-status=live }} It was released in Europe on November 4, 2011, in a white finish, bundled with a white Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk, along with Wii Party and Wii Sports.{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=October 12, 2011 |title=Wii redesign European release date |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-10-12-wii-redesign-european-release-date |access-date=December 2, 2020 |website=Eurogamer |archive-date=August 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820103947/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-10-12-wii-redesign-european-release-date |url-status=live }} A special bundle featuring a blue version of the revised Wii model and Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk with the inclusion of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games was released in Europe on November 18, 2011, in collaboration with Sega.{{Cite web |last=Buckley |first=Sean |date=October 11, 2011 |title=European blue Wii bundle takes Mario & Sonic to the Olympics, sends US gamers home without a medal |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011-10-11-european-blue-wii-bundle-takes-mario-and-sonic-to-the-olympics-se.html |access-date=December 2, 2020 |website=Engadget |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204230602/https://www.engadget.com/2011-10-11-european-blue-wii-bundle-takes-mario-and-sonic-to-the-olympics-se.html |url-status=live }} Nintendo later revised the North American bundle by replacing the prior pack-in game and soundtrack with the original Wii Sports duology; the new bundle was released on October 28, 2012.{{Cite web |last=Graziano |first=Dan |date=October 15, 2012 |title=Nintendo Wii now bundled with Wii Sports, price slashed to just $129 |url=https://news.yahoo.com/nintendo-wii-now-bundled-wii-sports-price-slashed-015348111.html |access-date=December 2, 2020 |website=Yahoo! News |archive-date=April 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404212533/https://news.yahoo.com/nintendo-wii-now-bundled-wii-sports-price-slashed-015348111.html |url-status=live }}

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File:Wii-Mini-Console-Set-H.jpg

The Wii Mini (model RVL-201){{cite web |title=What is the difference between the models of Wii consoles? |url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2650/~/what-is-the-difference-between-the-models-of-wii-consoles |website= Nintendo Support |access-date=July 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329151054/https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2650/~/what-is-the-difference-between-the-models-of-wii-consoles |archive-date=March 29, 2015 |url-status=live}} is a smaller, redesigned Wii with a top-loading disc drive. In addition to the lack of GameCube support, the Wii Mini removes Wi-Fi support and online connectivity, along with the removal of the SD card slot. It also removed support for 480p and component video output.{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/df-hardware-nintendo-wii-mini-review |title=Nintendo Wii Mini review |last=Leadbetter |first=Richard |date=December 12, 2012 |work=Eurogamer |access-date=December 16, 2012 |archive-date=December 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215091852/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/df-hardware-nintendo-wii-mini-review |url-status=live }} According to Nintendo of Canada's Matt Ryan, they stripped these features to bring down the price of the console further as to make it an option for those consumers that had not yet gotten a Wii or for those who wanted a second Wii in a different location. Ryan stated that while removing the online functionality would prevent some games from being played, most Wii games could still be played without it.{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2012/12/5/3728780/wii-mini-lost-online-functionality-other-wii-features-to-stay-under | title = Nintendo explains Wii Mini's lack of online functionality, Canada-only release | first = Griffen | last = McElroy | date = December 5, 2012 | access-date = November 30, 2020 | work = Polygon | archive-date = November 12, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112015457/http://www.polygon.com/2012/12/5/3728780/wii-mini-lost-online-functionality-other-wii-features-to-stay-under | url-status = live }} The Wii Mini is styled in matte black with a red border, and includes a red Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk. According to Ryan, the red coloring was indicative of the planned exclusive release in Canada. A composite A/V cable, wired Sensor Bar and power adapter are also included.{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/12/06/nintendo-wii-mini-hands-on/ |title=Nintendo Wii Mini hands-on |last=Fingas |first=Jon |date=December 6, 2012 |work=Engadget|access-date=December 12, 2012 |archive-date=December 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121209013632/http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/06/nintendo-wii-mini-hands-on/ |url-status=live }}

The Wii Mini was first released on December 7, 2012, exclusively in Canada with a MSRP of {{CAD|99.99}}.{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012-11-27-nintendo-makes-wii-mini-official-exclusive-to-canada.html | title = Nintendo makes Wii Mini official: currently exclusive to Canada, launches December 7th for $100 | first = Jon | last = Fingas | date = November 27, 2012 | access-date = November 30, 2020 | work = Engadget | archive-date = November 12, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112022012/https://www.engadget.com/2012-11-27-nintendo-makes-wii-mini-official-exclusive-to-canada.html | url-status = live }} It was later released in Europe on March 22, 2013, and in the United States on November 17, 2013.{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2013/11/4/5064668/wii-mini-coming-to-u-s-this-month-bundled-with-mario-kart-wii | title = Wii Mini coming to U.S. this month, bundled with Mario Kart Wii | first = Alexa Ray | last = Correira | date = November 4, 2013 | access-date = November 30, 2020 | work = Polygon | archive-date = November 12, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112031414/http://www.polygon.com/2013/11/4/5064668/wii-mini-coming-to-u-s-this-month-bundled-with-mario-kart-wii | url-status = live }} The Canadian and European releases did not include a game,{{cite press release |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/187327/Wii_MINI_LAUNCHING_ON_22ND_MARCH_2013__THE_PERFECT_WAY_TOCATCH_UP_ON_SOME_CLASSIC_Wii_GAMES_.php | title = Wii Mini launching on 22nd March, 2013 – The perfect way to catch up on some classic Wii games | publisher = Gamasutra | date = February 26, 2013 | access-date = December 2, 2020 | archive-date = March 2, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302045458/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/187327/Wii_MINI_LAUNCHING_ON_22ND_MARCH_2013__THE_PERFECT_WAY_TOCATCH_UP_ON_SOME_CLASSIC_Wii_GAMES_.php | url-status = dead }} while Mario Kart Wii had been included in all launch bundles in the United States. Nintendo added several best-selling and critically acclaimed Wii games to its Nintendo Selects label and marketed those alongside the Wii Mini's release. The Wii Mini was never released in countries outside of Canada, Europe and the United States.

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{{See also|Wii system software}}

The console has many internal features made available from its hardware and firmware components. The hardware allows for extendability (via expansion ports), while the firmware (and some software) could receive periodic updates via the WiiConnect24 service.

{{Main|Wii Menu}}

File:Wiimen.png

The development of the Wii Menu, the main user interface for the Wii, was led by Takashi Aoyama of Nintendo's Integrated Research & Development Division. The project, named the "Console Feature Realization Project", was to figure out what the Wii interface could show running in a low-power mode on an around-the-clock schedule that would be of interest for people to look at if they were not playing games. The idea of having continually updated weather and news reports made logical sense from testing, and this led to the idea of presenting these similar to a row of televisions each set to a different television channel as if in an electronics shop, creating the "channels" concept. A user can navigate to any channel window to bring that to the forefront, whether to launch the game or application or to get more information that was being displayed. For example, the Forecast Channel would display a brief summary of the local area's temperature and short-term weather forecast, while clicking on the channel brought up an interactive globe that the user could manipulate with the Wii Remote to explore real-time weather conditions across the Earth.{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2006/12/6342/ | title = Feature Wiiview: the forecast channel on the Wii | first = Ben | last = Kuchera | date = December 19, 2006 | access-date = December 3, 2020 | work = Ars Technica | archive-date = May 17, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160517163126/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2006/12/6342/ | url-status = live }}

The Wii launched with six channels: the Disc Channel which was used to launch Wii and GameCube titles from an optical disc; the Mii Channel to create Mii avatars; the Photo Channel which could be used to view and edit photos stored on an SD card; the Wii Shop Channel to purchase new games and applications; the Forecast Channel and the News Channel. In addition to default channels that came with the Wii, new channels could be added through system updates, downloaded applications from the Wii Shop Channel, or added by games themselves. Shortly after launch, other free channels created by Nintendo were made available to users, including the Internet Channel, a modified version of the Opera web browser for the Wii which supports USB keyboard input and Adobe Flash Player.{{cite web |title=Nintendo Support: Internet Channel Overview |url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2644/~/internet-channel-overview |website=en-americas-support.nintendo.com |access-date=26 December 2021 |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226031841/https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2644/~/internet-channel-overview |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Nintendo updates Wii's Internet Channel, adds Keyboard support |url=https://n4g.com/news/74928/nintendo-updates-wiis-internet-channel-adds-keyboard-support |website=n4g.com |language=en |access-date=December 26, 2021 |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226031842/https://n4g.com/news/74928/nintendo-updates-wiis-internet-channel-adds-keyboard-support |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Sherwood |first1=James |title=Nintendo updates Wii {{!}} Reg Hardware |url=http://reghardware.co.uk/2007/10/12/wii_internet_channel_update/ |access-date=26 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013120049/http://reghardware.co.uk/2007/10/12/wii_internet_channel_update/ |archive-date=13 October 2007 |date=12 October 2007 |url-status=dead}}

The Wii Menu channels feature music composed by video game composer Kazumi Totaka.{{Cite web |last=Skrebels |first=Joe |date=November 24, 2021 |title=The Wii's Biggest, Weirdest Legacy Is Its Music |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/wii-music-legacy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121210742/https://www.ign.com/articles/wii-music-legacy |archive-date=January 21, 2022 |access-date=March 22, 2022 |website=IGN |language=en}}{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2020/04/21/animal-crossing-soundtrack-is-an-unlikely-lullaby-nervous-world/|title=The Animal Crossing soundtrack is an unlikely lullaby for a nervous world|last=Brodeur|first=Michael Andor|date=April 21, 2020|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=March 23, 2023|archive-date=November 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103044335/https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2020/04/21/animal-crossing-soundtrack-is-an-unlikely-lullaby-nervous-world/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/with-the-closue-of-the-wii-shop-channel-we-lose-a-piece-of-nintendo-magic|title=The Wii Shop Channel's closure marks the death of a piece of Nintendo magic|last=Robinson|first=Martin|date=January 30, 2019|website=Eurogamer|access-date=March 23, 2023|archive-date=March 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323190826/https://www.eurogamer.net/with-the-closue-of-the-wii-shop-channel-we-lose-a-piece-of-nintendo-magic|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Mii}}

File:Default Miis.jpeg

File:Mii channel.jpg, the first application used to create and view Mii characters on the Wii]]

The Wii introduced the use of player-customized avatars called Miis, which have been continued to be used by Nintendo in the Wii U, the Nintendo 3DS family, and, to a lesser extent, the Nintendo Switch. Each player on a Wii console was encouraged to create their own Mii via the Mii Channel to be used in games like Wii Sports and some of the system software like the Mii Channel. For example, players would select their Mii in Wii Sports, creating their in-game avatar for the game. Miis could be shared with other players through the Mii Channel.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/2008/11/new-model-me-ni/ |title=Put on your game face: Nintendo Miis vs. Microsoft Avatars Ultimate Smackdown |date=November 19, 2008 |access-date=November 16, 2020 |magazine=Wired |archive-date=October 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025181227/https://www.wired.com/2008/11/new-model-me-ni/ |url-status=live }}

The Wii system supports wireless connectivity with the Nintendo DS without any additional accessories. This connectivity allows the player to use the Nintendo DS microphone and touchscreen as inputs for Wii games. The first game utilizing Nintendo DS-Wii connectivity is Pokémon Battle Revolution. Players with either the Pokémon Diamond or Pearl Nintendo DS games are able to play battles using the Nintendo DS as a controller.{{Cite web |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |date=June 7, 2006 |title=Connectivity returns |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/711/711657p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204204716/http://wii.ign.com/articles/711/711657p1.html |archive-date=February 4, 2012 |access-date=June 7, 2006 |website=IGN}} Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time, released on both Nintendo DS and Wii, features connectivity in which both games can advance simultaneously. Nintendo later released the Nintendo Channel, which allows Wii owners to download game demos of popular games such as Mario Kart DS, or additional data to their Nintendo DS in a process similar to that of a DS Download Station.{{Cite magazine |last=Kohler |first=Chris |date=February 22, 2008 |title=Nintendo's Takashi Aoyama talks WiiWare |url=https://www.wired.com/2008/02/nintendos-takas/ |access-date=December 3, 2020 |magazine=Wired |archive-date=September 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918183132/https://www.wired.com/2008/02/nintendos-takas/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|date=June 9, 2009|title=DS Download Service Update|url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/News/2009/DS-Download-Service-Update-251080.html| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211003/https://www.nintendo.co.uk/News/2009/DS-Download-Service-Update-251080.html| archive-date=2021-10-03|access-date=July 30, 2021|website=Nintendo of Europe GmbH|language=en-GB}}{{cbignore}} The console is also able to expand Nintendo DS games.

{{Main|Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection|WiiConnect24|Internet Channel|List of Wii Wi-Fi Connection games|Wii Menu#Downloadable channels}}

The Wii console connects to the Internet through its built-in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi or through a USB-to-Ethernet adapter; either method allows players to access the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service. The service has several features for the console, including Virtual Console, WiiConnect24, the Internet Channel, the Forecast Channel, the Everybody Votes Channel, the News Channel and the Check Mii Out Channel. The Wii can also communicate (and connect) with other Wii systems through a self-generated wireless LAN, enabling local wireless multi-playing on different television sets. Battalion Wars 2 first demonstrated this feature for non-split screen multi-playing between two (or more) televisions.{{Cite web |last=Kablau |first=Mario |date=August 23, 2006 |title=Battalion Wars 2 hands on |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/727/727651p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060902202730/http://wii.ign.com/articles/727/727651p1.html |archive-date=September 2, 2006 |access-date=January 25, 2007 |website=IGN}}

Third-party media apps were added to the Wii's online channels, typically offered as free downloads but requiring subscriber logins for paid services. Among some of these included the BBC iPlayer in November 2009,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8357777.stm |title=BBC iPlayer launches Wii channel |publisher=BBC News|access-date=December 26, 2009 |date=November 13, 2009 |archive-date=October 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007183338/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8357777.stm |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Chakkara |first=Rahul |date=November 13, 2009 |title=The new iPlayer on the Nintendo Wii |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/bbcinternet/2009/11/the_new_iplayer_on_the_nintend.html |access-date=December 26, 2009 |publisher=BBC |archive-date=December 27, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091227123811/http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/bbcinternet/2009/11/the_new_iplayer_on_the_nintend.html |url-status=live }} Netflix in November 2010,{{Cite news |last=Hardawar |first=Devindra |date=October 18, 2010 |title=Netflix streaming video now disc-free on the Nintendo Wii |work=VentureBeat |url=https://venturebeat.com/2010/10/18/netflix-streaming-video-now-disc-free-on-the-nintendo-wii/ |access-date=November 11, 2010 |archive-date=November 20, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101120171407/http://venturebeat.com/2010/10/18/netflix-streaming-video-now-disc-free-on-the-nintendo-wii/ |url-status=live }} Hulu in February 2012,{{Cite news |last=D'Orazio |first=Dante |title=Hulu Plus for Wii available for download now |work=The Verge |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/2/16/2802355/hulu-plus-wii-available |access-date=August 7, 2018 |archive-date=August 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807034400/https://www.theverge.com/2012/2/16/2802355/hulu-plus-wii-available |url-status=live }} YouTube in December 2012,{{Cite web |last=Welch |first=Chris |date=November 15, 2012 |title=YouTube app arrives on Nintendo Wii just days ahead of Wii U launch |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/11/15/3650738/youtube-app-nintendo-wii-available-now |access-date=December 3, 2020 |website=The Verge |archive-date=March 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320141745/http://www.theverge.com/2012/11/15/3650738/youtube-app-nintendo-wii-available-now |url-status=live }} Amazon Prime Video in January 2013,{{Cite news |last=Rhee |first=Ed |date=January 15, 2013 |title=How to set up Amazon Instant Video on the Nintendo Wii |work=CNET |url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-set-up-amazon-instant-video-on-the-nintendo-wii/ |access-date=August 7, 2018 |archive-date=August 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807063412/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-set-up-amazon-instant-video-on-the-nintendo-wii/ |url-status=live }} and Crunchyroll in October 2015.{{Cite news |last=Luster |first=Joseph |date=October 15, 2015 |title=Crunchyroll App Now Available on Nintendo Wii |work=Crunchyroll |url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2015/10/15-1/crunchyroll-app-now-available-on-nintendo-wii |access-date=August 7, 2018 |archive-date=October 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016130447/http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2015/10/15-1/crunchyroll-app-now-available-on-nintendo-wii |url-status=live }} In June 2017, YouTube ended support for its Wii channel.{{Cite web|title=Nintendo Support: YouTube for Wii Service Has Ended|url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/26400/~/youtube-for-wii-service-has-ended|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817091251/https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/26400/~/youtube-for-wii-service-has-ended|archive-date=2018-08-17|access-date=2021-02-25|website=Nintendo Support}} In January 2019, Nintendo ended support for all streaming services on the Wii.{{cite web |last=Leda |first=Jenni |date=November 9, 2018 |title=Netflix Wii Support Ending In January 2019 |url=https://www.siliconera.com/netflix-wii-support-ending-in-january-2019/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925161233/https://www.siliconera.com/netflix-wii-support-ending-in-january-2019/ |archive-date=September 25, 2020 |access-date=November 28, 2020 |work=Siliconera}}

The console features parental controls, which can be used to prohibit younger users from playing games with content unsuitable for their age level. When one attempts to play a Wii or Virtual Console game, it reads the content rating encoded in the game data; if this rating is greater than the system's set age level, the game will not load without a password. Parental controls may also restrict Internet access, which blocks the Internet Channel and system-update features. Since the console is restricted to GameCube functionality when playing GameCube Game Discs, GameCube software is unaffected by Wii parental-control settings.{{cite magazine |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-9880634-1.html |title=Super-Easy Game Play – Nintendo Wii Reviewi |magazine=PC Magazine |first=Will |last=Greenwald |date=February 29, 2008 |access-date=September 13, 2012 |archive-date=August 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810135911/http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-9880634-1.html |url-status=live }}

The Wii also includes a system that records the playtime based on any game or app on the system. While Nintendo decided against a profile system that would require each user to identify themselves, they kept the cumulative playtime tracking system, which cannot be erased or altered, to give parents the means to review their children's use of the Wii.

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{{See also|List of Wii games|List of WiiWare games|List of Virtual Console games for Wii (disambiguation){{!}}List of Virtual Console games for Wii|List of cancelled Wii games}}

File:Wii-optical-case.png

Retail copies of games are supplied on proprietary, DVD-type Wii optical discs, which are packaged in keep cases with instructions. In Europe, the boxes have a triangle at the bottom corner of the paper sleeve-insert side. The triangle is color-coded to identify the region for which the title is intended and which manual languages are included. The console supports regional lockout: software available in a region can be only played on that region's hardware.{{Cite web |last=Kietzmann |first=Ludwig |date=October 20, 2006 |title=Wii not even remotely region-free – Joystiq |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/wii-not-even-remotely-region-free/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061020012458/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/wii-not-even-remotely-region-free/ |archive-date=October 20, 2006 |access-date=August 10, 2018 |website=Joystiq}}

Twenty-one games were announced for launch day in North and South America, with another twelve announced for release later in 2006.{{Cite web |last=Carless |first=Simon |date=November 1, 2006 |title=Nintendo Confirms Wii, Virtual Console Launch Titles |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/nintendo-confirms-wii-virtual-console-launch-titles |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=Gamasutra |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204230536/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/102459/Nintendo_Confirms_Wii_Virtual_Console_Launch_Titles.php |url-status=live }} Among the system's launch titles in all regions included Wii Sports, which was bundled in all Wii packages except in Japan and South Korea,{{Cite web |last1=Ogawa |first1=Yohei |last2=Randolph Ramsay |last3=Tor Thorsen |date=February 5, 2008 |title=Q&A: Nintendo's Satoru Iwata |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6185358.html |access-date=February 5, 2008 |publisher=GameSpot |archive-date=October 12, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012133858/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6185358.html |url-status=live }} The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess,{{Cite web |last=Cowan |first=Danny |date=November 22, 2006 |title=Critical Reception: Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/102754/Critical_Reception_Nintendos_The_Legend_of_Zelda_Twilight_Princess.php |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=Gamasutra |archive-date=November 15, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115005356/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/102754/Critical_Reception_Nintendos_The_Legend_of_Zelda_Twilight_Princess.php |url-status=dead }} Sega's Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz, and Ubisoft's Red Steel. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption had been slated as a Wii launch title,{{cite news |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news110506metroid3info |title=Metroid 3 to launch with Wii |first=Paul |last=Loughrey |work=Eurogamer |date=May 11, 2006 |access-date=July 18, 2017 |archive-date=May 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523191931/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news110506metroid3info |url-status=live }} but was pushed into 2007 a few months before the Wii's launch.{{Cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |author-link=Matt Casamassina |date=September 26, 2006 |title=Hands-on Metroid Prime 3: Corruption |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/14/hands-on-metroid-prime-3-corruption-2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017152255/http://wii.ign.com/articles/732/732737p1.html |archive-date=October 17, 2007 |access-date=January 14, 2008 |publisher=IGN}} Nintendo had also planned to release Super Smash Bros. Brawl as a launch title, but its director Masahiro Sakurai stated there were difficulties in adapting the format to the Wii's motion controls to require more time for the game's development.{{Cite web |last1=Schneider |first1=Peer |last2=Casamassina |first2=Matt |date=June 30, 2006 |title=E3 2006: Super Smash Bros. Brawl |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/11/e3-2006-super-smash-bros-brawl |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=IGN |archive-date=July 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721205814/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/11/e3-2006-super-smash-bros-brawl |url-status=live }}

New Wii games included those from Nintendo's flagship franchises such as The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario, Pokémon, and Metroid. Nintendo has received third-party support from companies such as Ubisoft, Sega, Square Enix, Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts, and Capcom, with more games being developed for Wii than for the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360.{{cite web |title=Wii Has Most Exclusive Games In Pipeline |url=http://www.eontarionow.com/science/2007/07/25/wii-has-most-exclusive-games-in-pipeline/ |publisher=EON |date=July 25, 2007 |access-date=July 29, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710194336/http://www.eontarionow.com/science/2007/07/25/wii-has-most-exclusive-games-in-pipeline/ |archive-date=July 10, 2011}} Nintendo also launched the New Play Control! line, a selection of enhanced ports of first-party GameCube games that have been updated to capitalize on the Wii's motion controls.{{Cite web |last=Tanaka |first=John |title=IGN: First Look: Wii de Asobu Pikmin |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/915/915529p1.html |access-date=October 28, 2008 |website=IGN |archive-date=May 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512065536/http://wii.ign.com/articles/915/915529p1.html |url-status=dead }}

File:Wii-gamecube-compatibility.jpg Memory Card and controller slots to provide backward compatibility.|alt=Wii console with black GameCube controller]]

The original launch Wii consoles are backward-compatible with all GameCube software, memory cards, and controllers, although Korean Wii consoles do not have backward compatibility.{{cite web |title=Nintendo finally bringing Wii to South Korea |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/gaming/controller-freak/nintendo-finally-bringing-wii-to-south-korea/article23004585/ |website=The Globe and Mail |access-date=16 January 2022 |date=14 April 2008 |archive-date=January 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116231919/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/gaming/controller-freak/nintendo-finally-bringing-wii-to-south-korea/article23004585/ |url-status=live }} A Wii console in the backwards compatibility mode is restricted to GameCube functionality, and a GameCube controller is required to play and a GameCube memory card.{{Cite web |last=Falcone |first=John P. |date=November 16, 2006 |title=Must-have Nintendo Wii accessories |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-9663541-1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307065021/http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-9663541-1.html |archive-date=March 7, 2012 |access-date=September 13, 2012 |website=CNET}} Because of the lack of the expansion port on the Wii, devices using the expansion port, such as the GameCube Broadband Adapter and Modem Adapter and the Game Boy Player do not work.{{Cite web |last=Falcone |first=John |date=December 12, 2006 |title=Which of my older video games will work on the new consoles? |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10166_7-6676348-1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007005205/http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10166_7-6676348-1.html |archive-date=October 7, 2012 |access-date=September 13, 2012 |website=CNET}} The revised Wii model and the Wii Mini lack the GameCube backward compatibility features.

{{Main|Virtual Console}}

The Virtual Console service allowed Wii owners to play games originally released for Nintendo's older consoles, including the Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and the Nintendo 64.{{Cite web |last=Hutsko |first=Joe |date=March 6, 2008 |title=Downloading: That Other Way to Get a Video Game |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/06/technology/personaltech/06basics.html |access-date=December 4, 2020 |work=The New York Times |archive-date=October 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027204413/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/06/technology/personaltech/06basics.html |url-status=live }} Later updates included games from third-party consoles and computers, including the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive and Sega Mark III/Master System, NEC TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine, SNK Neo Geo, the Commodore 64 computer, the MSX computer (only in Japan), and various arcade games through Virtual Console Arcade.{{Cite web |last=Topolsky |first=Joshua |date=February 21, 2008 |title=C64 games coming to Wii's Virtual Console |url=https://www.engadget.com/2008-02-21-c64-games-coming-to-wiis-virtual-console.html |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=Engadget |archive-date=October 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021161226/https://www.engadget.com/2008-02-21-c64-games-coming-to-wiis-virtual-console.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |date=January 25, 2008 |title=Master System Meets Wii |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/847/847651p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704161246/http://wii.ign.com/articles/847/847651p1.html |archive-date=July 4, 2008 |access-date=September 17, 2008 |website=IGN}}{{Cite web |last=Kuchera |first=Ben |date=March 25, 2009 |title=Nintendo GDC keynote: Wii Storage, new Zelda, world domination |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2009/03/nintendos-gdc-keynote-wii-storage-new-zelda-domination/ |access-date=December 4, 2020 |website=Ars Technica |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626202929/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2009/03/nintendos-gdc-keynote-wii-storage-new-zelda-domination/ |url-status=live }} Virtual Console games were distributed over broadband Internet via the Wii Shop Channel and were saved to the Wii internal flash memory or to a removable SD card. Once downloaded, Virtual Console games can be accessed from the Wii Menu as individual channels or from an SD card via the SD Card Menu.{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Paul |date=March 25, 2009 |title=Nintendo launches Wii System Menu 4.0, including SD card WiiWare playback |url=https://www.engadget.com/2009-03-25-nintendo-debuts-wii-system-menu-4-0-including-sd-card-wiiware-b.html |access-date=December 3, 2020 |website=Engadget |archive-date=September 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920175204/https://www.engadget.com/2009-03-25-nintendo-debuts-wii-system-menu-4-0-including-sd-card-wiiware-b.html |url-status=live }}{{sfn|Jones|Thiruvathukal|2012}}

{{Main|WiiWare}}

WiiWare was Nintendo's foray into digital distribution on the Wii, comparable to the existing Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network. The service allowed players to purchase games digitally through the Wii Shop, downloading the games to their console to be directly ran from it. Besides facilitating this form of distribution, WiiWare was also envisioned to help support smaller and independent game developers, offering these teams a less expensive route to produce Wii games without having to go through retail production and distribution channels.{{Cite web |last=Bozon |first=Mark |date=February 20, 2008 |title=GDC 2008: Wii Ware Interview |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/02/21/gdc-2008-wii-ware-interview |website=IGN |access-date=November 10, 2020 |archive-date=December 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202202932/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/02/21/gdc-2008-wii-ware-interview |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=Kohler |first=Chris |date=February 22, 2008 |title=Nintendo's Takashi Aoyama Talks WiiWare |url=https://www.wired.com/2008/02/nintendos-takas/ |access-date=November 10, 2020 |magazine=Wired |archive-date=September 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918183132/https://www.wired.com/2008/02/nintendos-takas/ |url-status=live }} The WiiWare channel launched on March 25, 2008, and remained active including through the Wii U's lifetime until the Wii Shop Channel was discontinued in 2019.{{Cite magazine |last=Kohler |first=Chris |date=March 25, 2008 |title=Hands-On With Nintendo's New WiiWare Games |url=https://www.wired.com/2008/03/hands-on-with-nintendos-new-wiiware-games/ |access-date=November 10, 2020 |magazine=Wired |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109035249/http://www.wired.com/2008/03/hands-on-with-nintendos-new-wiiware-games/ |url-status=live }}

{{Clear}}

The system was well received after its exhibition at E3 2006, winning the Game Critics Awards for Best of Show and Best Hardware.{{Cite web |title=2006 Winners |url=http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/2006winners.html |access-date=August 13, 2006 |website=Game Critics Awards |archive-date=April 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414080540/http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/2006winners.html |url-status=live }} Later in December, Popular Science named the console a Grand Award Winner in home entertainment.{{Cite magazine |date=December 2006 |title=Best of What's New 2006 – Home Entertainment |volume=269 |issue=6 |pages=80 |journal=Popular Science}} The game proceeded to win multiple awards; the console was awarded Spike TV's Video Games Award,{{Cite web |last=Surette |first=Tim |date=December 9, 2006 |title=Oblivion nabs Spike TV top honors |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6162929.html? |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070207083115/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6162929.html |archive-date=February 7, 2007 |access-date=March 10, 2007 |website=GameSpot}} a Golden Joystick from the Golden Joystick Awards,{{Cite web|last=Parfitt|first=Ben|date=October 26, 2007|title=Gears of War scoops Golden Joysticks|url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/28700/Gears-of-War-swoops-Golden-Joysticks|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028103626/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/28700/Gears-of-War-swoops-Golden-Joysticks|archive-date=October 28, 2007|access-date=October 31, 2007|publisher=MCVUK}} and an Emmy Award for game controller innovation from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.{{Cite press release|date=January 8, 2008|title=Winners of 59th Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards announced by National Television Academy at consumer electronics show |url=http://www.emmyonline.org/mediacenter/tech_2k7_winners.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509070210/http://www.emmyonline.org/mediacenter/tech_2k7_winners.html|archive-date=May 9, 2008|website=Academy of Television Arts & Sciences}} IGN and The Guardian named the Wii the 10th greatest video game console of all time out of 25,{{Cite web |title=Nintendo Wii is number 10 |url=http://www.ign.com/top-25-consoles/10.html |access-date=November 11, 2010 |website=IGN |archive-date=December 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203105301/http://www.ign.com/top-25-consoles/10.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|last=Stuart|first=Keith|date=2020-07-16|title=The 25 greatest video game consoles – ranked!|url=http://www.theguardian.com/games/2020/jul/16/the-25-greatest-video-game-consoles-ranked| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211003/http://www.theguardian.com/games/2020/jul/16/the-25-greatest-video-game-consoles-ranked| archive-date=2021-10-03|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-11|website=The Guardian|language=en}}{{cbignore}} and GameSpot chose the console as having the best hardware in its "Best and Worst 2006" awards.{{Cite web|title=GameSpot Best Games and Worst Games of 2006|url=http://www.gamespot.com/special_features/bestof2006/achievement/index.html?page=21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070203011403/http://www.gamespot.com/special_features/bestof2006/achievement/index.html?page=21|archive-date=February 3, 2007|access-date=March 10, 2007|website=GameSpot}}

The Wii was praised for its simple yet responsive controls, as well as its simplicity that appeals to broader audiences. Although Dan Grabham of Tech Radar enjoyed its simple mechanics, stating how "even grandparents can pick things up pretty quickly", he also enjoyed the depth of content carried over from the GameCube.{{Cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/reviews/gaming/games-consoles/nintendo-wii| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211003/https://www.techradar.com/reviews/gaming/games-consoles/nintendo-wii| archive-date=2021-10-03|title=Nintendo Wii review|date=2008-08-22|website=Tech Radar|last=Grabham|first=Dan}}{{cbignore}} CNET likened the "no-brainer" setup and the easy to navigate home screen.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/nintendo-wii-review|title=Nintendo Wii review|date=2010-10-21|website=CNET|last=Ramsay|first=Randolph|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=July 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704144834/https://www.cnet.com/reviews/nintendo-wii-review/|url-status=live}} Will Wright, the creator of The Sims, called the Wii "the only next gen system I've seen", and rather considered the PS3 and the Xbox 360 as simply successors with "incremental improvement". He believed that the Wii did not only improve on graphics, but also complimented how it "hits a completely different demographic".{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Bobbie |date=October 26, 2007 |title=Q&A: Will Wright, creator of the Sims |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2007/oct/26/willwright |access-date=September 25, 2008 |website=The Guardian |archive-date=October 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013050940/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2007/oct/26/willwright |url-status=live }} Reviewers were fond of the compact design, with Ars Technica comparing it to an Apple product.{{Cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2006/11/wii/2/|title=Nintendo Wii: the Ars Technica review|date=2006-11-27|website=Ars Technica|last=Kuchera|first=Ben|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=October 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019161209/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2006/11/wii/2/|url-status=live}}

By 2008, two years after the Wii's release,{{cite web |title=Iwata Asks: E3 2011 Special Edition |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/iwata/iwata_asks_special_edition_wii_u_43781_43761.html |page=1 |access-date=June 9, 2011 |quote=Iwata: I've been looking back at my calendar right before this interview, and I noticed that it's been just about three years since we started having meetings about this. |archive-date=April 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130421032134/http://www.nintendo.co.uk/Iwata-Asks/Iwata-Asks-E3-2011-Special-Edition-Wii-U/E3-2011-Special-Edition-Wii-U/1-Looking-Beyond-Wii/1-Looking-Beyond-Wii-205181.html |url-status=live }} Nintendo acknowledged several limitations and challenges with the system (such as the perception that the system catered primarily to a "casual" audience{{Cite web |date=June 2011 |title=Iwata Asks: E3 2011 Special Edition |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/iwata/iwata_asks_special_edition_wii_u_43781_43761.html |access-date=June 9, 2011 |website=Nintendo |page=7 |quote=Iwata: The other things is, shortly after the Wii console was released, people in the gaming media and game enthusiasts started recognizing the Wii as a casual machine aimed toward families, and placed game consoles by Microsoft and Sony in a very similar light with each other, saying these are machines aimed towards those who passionately play games. [...] It was a categorization between games that were aimed towards core, and casual. |archive-date=April 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130421032134/http://www.nintendo.co.uk/Iwata-Asks/Iwata-Asks-E3-2011-Special-Edition-Wii-U/E3-2011-Special-Edition-Wii-U/1-Looking-Beyond-Wii/1-Looking-Beyond-Wii-205181.html |url-status=live }} and was unpopular among hardcore gamers).{{Cite web |date=June 2011 |title=Iwata Asks: E3 2011 Special Edition |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/iwata/iwata_asks_special_edition_wii_u_43781_43761.html |access-date=June 9, 2011 |website=Nintendo |page=7 |quote=Iwata: On the other hand, I certainly do not think that Wii was able to cater to every gamer's needs, so that's also something I wanted to resolve. [...] The keyword for our presentation at this year's E3 is "Deeper and Wider". With Wii U, I would like to offer this proposal with that concept. |archive-date=April 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130421032134/http://www.nintendo.co.uk/Iwata-Asks/Iwata-Asks-E3-2011-Special-Edition-Wii-U/E3-2011-Special-Edition-Wii-U/1-Looking-Beyond-Wii/1-Looking-Beyond-Wii-205181.html |url-status=live }} Miyamoto admitted that the lack of support for high-definition video output on the Wii and its limited network infrastructure also contributed to the system being regarded separately from its competitors' systems, the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.{{Cite web |date=June 2011 |title=Iwata Asks: E3 2011 Special Edition |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/iwata/iwata_asks_special_edition_wii_u_43781_43761.html |access-date=June 9, 2011 |website=Nintendo |page=7 |quote=Miyamoto: But one of the key reasons that such things as the core and the casuals exist today is that we decided not to adopt HD on the Wii console. Of course, besides that there are things like issues with the controller and the challenges that it brings, network functionalities and many other things, but I think HD was the biggest factor that everyone was able to clearly understand the difference. |archive-date=April 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130421032134/http://www.nintendo.co.uk/Iwata-Asks/Iwata-Asks-E3-2011-Special-Edition-Wii-U/E3-2011-Special-Edition-Wii-U/1-Looking-Beyond-Wii/1-Looking-Beyond-Wii-205181.html |url-status=live }} Miyamoto originally defended Nintendo's decision to not include HD graphics in the Wii, stating that the number of HDTV's in people's homes at the time was "really not that high, yet. Of course I think five years down the road it would be pretty much a given that Nintendo would create an HD system, but right now the predominant television set in the world is a non-HD set."{{Cite web |last=Hatfield |first=Daemon |date=May 11, 2006 |title=E3 2006: Miyamoto: Successor to Wii HD |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/11/e3-2006-miyamoto-successor-to-wii-hd |access-date=August 31, 2018 |website=IGN |archive-date=August 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831072233/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/11/e3-2006-miyamoto-successor-to-wii-hd |url-status=live }} In 2013, Miyamoto said in an interview with Japanese video game website 4Gamer that "Even for the Wii, no matter how much it made the system cost, it would have been great if it were HD in the first place."{{Cite news|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|date=July 19, 2013|title=Shigeru Miyamoto 'wanted to go to HD sooner' with the Wii|work=Nintendo Life|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/07/shigeru_miyamoto_wanted_to_go_to_hd_sooner_with_the_wii|url-status=live|access-date=August 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831073522/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/07/shigeru_miyamoto_wanted_to_go_to_hd_sooner_with_the_wii|archive-date=August 31, 2018}}

At the same time, criticism of the Wii Remote and Wii hardware specifications had surfaced. Former GameSpot editor and Giantbomb.com founder Jeff Gerstmann stated that the controller's speaker produces low-quality sound,{{Cite web |last=Gerstmann |first=Jeff |date=November 17, 2006 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess |url=http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/thelegendofzelda/review.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070303150330/http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/thelegendofzelda/review.html |archive-date=March 3, 2007 |access-date=March 7, 2007 |website=GameSpot}} while Factor 5 co-founder Julian Eggebrecht stated that the console has inferior audio capabilities and graphics.{{Cite web|last=Snow|first=Blake|date=October 24, 2006|title=Critics still coming to terms with Wii's "next-gen-ness"|url=http://sorry.joystiq.com/2006/10/24/critics-still-coming-to-terms-with-wiis-next-gen-ness/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061105121947/http://sorry.joystiq.com/2006/10/24/critics-still-coming-to-terms-with-wiis-next-gen-ness/|archive-date=November 5, 2006|access-date=February 28, 2021|website=Joystiq}} UK-based developer Free Radical Design stated that the Wii hardware lacks the power necessary to run the software it scheduled for release on other seventh-generation consoles.{{Cite web |title=Free Radical Design FAQ |url=http://www.frd.co.uk/faq.php?id=3#faq_3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214224330/http://www.frd.co.uk/faq.php?id=3#faq_3 |archive-date=December 14, 2007}} frd.co.uk. Retrieved March 8, 2007. Online connectivity of the Wii was also criticized; Matt Casamassina of IGN compared it to the "entirely unintuitive" service provided for the Nintendo DS.{{Cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |date=January 24, 2007 |title=N-Query |url=http://wii.ign.com/mail/2007-01-24.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070303144047/http://wii.ign.com/mail/2007-01-24.html |archive-date=March 3, 2007 |url-status=dead |website=IGN}}

Although the Wii Mini was met with praise for being cheap, considering it was bundled with a Wii Remote, Nunchuk and a copy of Mario Kart Wii, it was considered inferior compared to the original console. Critics were disappointed in the lack of online play and backward compatibility with GameCube games,{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/12/hardware_review_wii_mini|title=Hardware Review: Wii Mini|date=December 12, 2012|website=Nintendo Life|last=McFerran|first=Damien|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=February 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222173056/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2012/12/hardware_review_wii_mini|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/the-wii-mini-looks-glorious-lacks-internet-and-gamecub-5963547|title=The Wii Mini Looks Glorious, Lacks Internet and GameCube Games [Update: Canada Exclusive]|date=November 27, 2012|website=Kotaku|last=Ashcraft|first=Brian|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=November 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114065800/https://kotaku.com/the-wii-mini-looks-glorious-lacks-internet-and-gamecub-5963547|url-status=live}} and also believed the hardware was still rather quite large, being about half the size of the Wii; Eurogamer{{'}}s Richard Leadbetter thought the Wii Mini was not any more "living room friendly", as he believed the "bright red plastics make it stand out much more than the more neutral blacks and whites of existing model's casing." He stated that the overall design was rough in texture, and seemed to have been built with emphasis on durability.{{Cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/df-hardware-nintendo-wii-mini-review|title=Nintendo Wii Mini review|date=December 12, 2012|website=Eurogamer|last=Leadbetter|first=Richard|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114093653/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/df-hardware-nintendo-wii-mini-review|url-status=live}} Nintendo Life reviewer Damien McFerran said that the lightweight design of the Wii Mini makes it feel "a little cheaper and less dependable" with empty space inside the shell. CNET criticized the pop-open lid for inserting disks to be "cheap-feeling".{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/nintendo-wii-mini-review/|title=Nintendo Wii Mini review: Mini in all the wrong ways|date=November 26, 2013|website=CNET|last=Stein|first=Scott|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=December 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201225021143/https://www.cnet.com/reviews/nintendo-wii-mini-review/|url-status=live}}

The Wii's success caught third-party developers by surprise due to constraints of the hardware's distinct limitations; this led to apologies for the quality of their early games. In an interview with {{Lang|de|Der Spiegel,}} Ubisoft's Yves Guillemot and Alain Corre admitted that they made a mistake in rushing out their launch titles, promising to take future projects more seriously.{{Cite news |last=Görig |first=Carsten |date=May 30, 2007 |title=Spieler verzweifelt gesucht |trans-title= Desperately wanted player |url=http://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/spielzeug/0,1518,485385,00.html |access-date=June 18, 2007 |language=de |work=Der Spiegel |archive-date=January 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129202504/http://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/spielzeug/0,1518,485385,00.html |url-status=live }} An executive for Frontline Studios stated that major publishers were wary of releasing exclusive titles for the Wii, due to the perception that third-party companies were not strongly supported by consumers.{{cite web |last=Martin |first=Matt |title=Publishers wary of creating Nintendo titles, says Wii developer |date=January 24, 2007 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |access-date=January 27, 2007 |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/publishers-wary-of-creating-nintendo-titles-says-wii-developer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071211030359/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=22368 |archive-date=December 11, 2007}} 1UP.com editor Jeremy Parish stated that Nintendo was the biggest disappointment for him in 2007. Commenting on the lack of quality third-party support, he stated that the content was worse than its predecessors, resulting in "bargain-bin trash".{{Cite web |last=Parish |first=Jeremy |date=January 29, 2008 |title=-3 in 2007 |url=http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8601568&publicUserId=5379721 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522130049/http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8601568&publicUserId=5379721 |archive-date=May 22, 2011 |access-date=September 25, 2008 |publisher=1UP.com}}

Additionally, the lack of third-party support also came from the fact that first-party games released by Nintendo were too successful, and developers were having issues with competing. Game developers, such as Rod Cousens, CEO of Codemasters were having issues with the slow sales on the Wii. The Nikkei Business Daily, a Japanese newspaper, claimed that companies were too nervous to start or continue making games for the console, some of which considering the Wii to be a fad that will eventually die down in popularity.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/11/developers-nervous-about-making-wii-games|title=Developers 'Nervous' About Making Wii Games|date=June 14, 2012|website=IGN|last=Burman|first=Rob|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=January 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108205703/https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/11/developers-nervous-about-making-wii-games|url-status=live}} Nintendo considered why this was the case was due to the fact that they "know the Wii's special characteristics better than anyone", and began developing the games for the console long before its release, giving them a head start.{{Cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/consoles/nintendo-wii-development-isn-t-easy| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211003/https://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/consoles/nintendo-wii-development-isn-t-easy| archive-date=2021-10-03|title=Nintendo: Wii development isn't easy|date=January 31, 2008|website=Tech Radar|last=Jarvix|first=Audley}}{{cbignore}}

Due to struggling sales during 2010, developers began creating alternative options. Capcom took note of the difficulty of making money on the Wii, and shifted their content to making fewer games, but with higher quality.{{Cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/stories/capcom-harder-to-make-money-on-wii-than-on-ps3-360-159999.phtml|title=Capcom: Harder to make money on Wii than on PS3/360|date=January 9, 2010|website=Destructoid|last=Sterling|first=Jim|author-link=Jim Sterling|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=January 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121032802/https://www.destructoid.com/stories/capcom-harder-to-make-money-on-wii-than-on-ps3-360-159999.phtml|url-status=live}} According to Sony, many third-party developers originally making games for the Wii started focusing attention more of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2010/02/19/news-wii-developers-seem-to-be-hoping-over-to-ps3.aspx| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211003/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2010/02/19/news-wii-developers-seem-to-be-hoping-over-to-ps3.aspx| archive-date=2021-10-03|title=Sony: Wii Developers Seem To Be Hopping Over To PS3|date=February 19, 2010| magazine=Game Informer|last=Reeves|url-status=live|first=Ben}}{{cbignore}}

{{See also|List of best-selling Wii video games}}

Initial consumer reaction to the Wii appears to have been positive, with commentators judging the launch to have been successful.{{Cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |date=December 22, 2006 |title=Wii year in review |url=http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/749/749560p1.html |access-date=February 7, 2007 |publisher=IGN |archive-date=July 13, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713005323/http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/749/749560p1.html |url-status=live }} The launch of the Wii in November 2006 was considered the largest console launch by Nintendo in the Americas,{{Cite web |last=Goldstein |first=Hilary |date=November 27, 2006 |title=Wii Sells Through 600k |url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/747/747728p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061201234035/http://wii.ign.com/articles/747/747728p1.html |archive-date=December 1, 2006 |access-date=November 27, 2006 |website=IGN}}{{Cite news |last=Gartenberg |first=Chaim |date=March 6, 2017 |title=The Switch broke Nintendo's sales records (in the Americas, at least) |work=The Verge |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/3/6/14836170/nintendo-switch-broke-sales-records-americas-zelda-two-day |access-date=September 3, 2018 |archive-date=March 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307023109/http://www.theverge.com/2017/3/6/14836170/nintendo-switch-broke-sales-records-americas-zelda-two-day |url-status=live }} Japan,{{Cite web |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |date=December 6, 2006 |title=Early Wii figures from Japan |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=70728 |access-date=December 6, 2006 |website=Eurogamer |archive-date=February 11, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070211055742/http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=70728 |url-status=live }} Europe and Australia.{{Cite web |last=Gibson |first=Ellie |date=December 14, 2006 |title=European consumers snap up 325,000 Wii consoles in two days // GamesIndustry.biz |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=21691 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061214203240/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=21691 |archive-date=December 14, 2006 |access-date=September 3, 2018 |website=GamesIndustry.biz}}{{Cite web |last=Kolan |first=Patrick |date=December 13, 2006 |title=Nintendo Australia Breaks 30k Sales Record |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/13/nintendo-australia-breaks-30k-sales-record |access-date=September 3, 2018 |website=IGN|archive-date=September 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904011414/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/13/nintendo-australia-breaks-30k-sales-record |url-status=live }} The console outsold combined sales of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in several regions in its launch period.{{Cite web |last=Kuchera |first=Ben |date=July 24, 2007 |title=Nintendo the big winner, PS3 dead last for the first half of 2007 |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2007/07/first-half-of-console-sales-for-2007-nintendo-the-big-winner-ps3-dead-last.ars |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070915005040/http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070724-first-half-of-console-sales-for-2007-nintendo-the-big-winner-ps3-dead-last.html |archive-date=September 15, 2007 |access-date=July 31, 2007 |website=Ars Technica}}{{Cite web |date=November 9, 2007 |title=Xbox 360 Trumps PS3 in Japan |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/news/xbox-360-trumps-ps3-japan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815200311/http://www.next-gen.biz/news/xbox-360-trumps-ps3-japan |archive-date=August 15, 2011 |access-date=November 27, 2007 |publisher=Edge}}{{Cite web |last=S. |first=Nicolo |date=July 21, 2007 |title=Media Create sales stats (July 9–15): Nintendo continues domination |url=http://wii.qj.net/Media-Create-sales-stats-July-9-15-Nintendo-continues-domination/pg/49/aid/98118 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211065100/http://wii.qj.net/Media-Create-sales-stats-July-9-15-Nintendo-continues-domination/pg/49/aid/98118 |archive-date=February 11, 2009 |access-date=August 1, 2007 |publisher=qj.net}} The Wii remained in short supply through the first year. The company had already shipped nearly 3.2 million units worldwide by the end of 2006,{{Cite web |date=January 25, 2007 |title=Consolidated Financial Highlights |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2007/070125e.pdf#page=6 |access-date=October 29, 2009 |publisher=Nintendo |page=8 |format=PDF |archive-date=June 16, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070616233817/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2007/070125e.pdf#page=6 |url-status=live }} and worked to raise production amounts to 17.5 million through 2007, but warned consumers that there would be shortages of the Wii through that year.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6161717.stm |title=Wii shortages frustrating gamers |date=December 8, 2006 |access-date=December 8, 2006 |publisher=BBC News |archive-date=December 10, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061210074624/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6161717.stm |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=November 14, 2007 |title=Nintendo warns of Wii shortages |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7094069.stm |access-date=November 28, 2020 |publisher=BBC News |archive-date=December 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228135328/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7094069.stm |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://money.cnn.com/2007/07/11/news/companies/wii/index.htm |publisher=CNN |date=July 11, 2007 |title=Christmas morn without a Wii? |access-date=October 23, 2008 |archive-date=October 15, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015203916/http://money.cnn.com/2007/07/11/news/companies/wii/index.htm |url-status=live }} Wii sales surpassed Xbox 360 sales by September 2007.{{cite web |title=Nintendo Wii Outsells All Other Game Consoles |publisher=Ziff Davis |work=PC World |date=September 12, 2007 |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2182666,00.asp |access-date=September 21, 2012 |archive-date=September 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902210705/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2182666,00.asp |url-status=live }} To meet further demand, Nintendo increased production rates of the Wii from 1.6 million to around 2.4 million units per month in 2008, planning to meet the continued demand for the console.{{cite web |url=http://www.abcnews.go.com/Technology/GadgetGuide/story?id=4001054&page=1 |date=December 18, 2007 |title=Can't Find a Wii? Take a Rain Check |first=Ashley |last=Phililps |publisher=ABC News |access-date=October 23, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081029030219/http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/GadgetGuide/story?id=4001054&page=1|archive-date=October 29, 2008|url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-oct-27-fi-nintendo27-story.html |title=Nintendo moves right along |first=Alex |last=Pham |work=Los Angeles Times |date=October 27, 2008 |access-date=December 7, 2008 |archive-date=January 8, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108043631/http://articles.latimes.com/2008/oct/27/business/fi-nintendo27 |url-status=live }}

At the March 2009 Game Developers Conference, Iwata reported that the Wii had reached 50 million sales.{{Cite web |last=Thorsen |first=Tor |date=March 25, 2009 |title=Nintendo's GDC conference |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6206693.html?tag=recent_news;title;1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326162924/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6206693.html?tag=recent_news%3Btitle%3B1 |archive-date=March 26, 2009 |access-date=March 25, 2009 |website=GameSpot}} Nintendo announced its first price reductions for the console in September 2009, dropping the MSRP from {{USD|249.99|long=no}} to {{USD|199.99|long=no}}. The price cut had come days after both Sony and Microsoft announced similar price cuts on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles. Nintendo stated that the price reduction was in anticipation of drawing in more consumers who still cautious about buying a video game console.{{Cite web |last=Pepitone |first=Julianne |date=September 24, 2009 |title=Nintendo slashes Wii price by 20% |url=https://money.cnn.com/2009/09/24/technology/nintendo_wii_price_cut/index.htm |access-date=December 2, 2020 |website=CNN |archive-date=November 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191121023939/https://money.cnn.com/2009/09/24/technology/nintendo_wii_price_cut/index.htm |url-status=live }} The Wii became the best-selling home video game console produced by Nintendo during 2009, with sales exceeding 67 million units.{{Cite web |last=Fletcher |first=JC |date=January 30, 2010 |title=DS sells 125 million worldwide, Wii up to 67 million |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/ds-sells-125-million-worldwide-wii-up-to-67-million/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100130202125/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/ds-sells-125-million-worldwide-wii-up-to-67-million/ |archive-date=January 30, 2010 |access-date=August 10, 2018 |website=Joystiq}}{{Cite news|last=Mitchell|first=Richard|date=January 29, 2010|title=Wii sales surpass NES; DS Nintendo's best-selling hardware ever|work=Joystiq|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/wii-sales-surpass-nes-ds-nintendos-best-selling-hardware-ever?icid=sphere_blogsmith_inpage_joystiq|access-date=November 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100205020501/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/wii-sales-surpass-nes-ds-nintendos-best-selling-hardware-ever?icid=sphere_blogsmith_inpage_joystiq|archive-date=February 5, 2010}}

In 2010, sales of the Wii began to decline, falling by 21 percent from the previous year.{{Cite news|last=Plunkett|first=Luke|date=2010-05-06|title=Wii Sales Down 21% In A Single Year|work=Kotaku|url=https://kotaku.com/5532274/wii-sales-down-21-in-a-single-year?comment=22699923|url-status=live|access-date=September 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901215845/https://kotaku.com/5532274/wii-sales-down-21-in-a-single-year?comment=22699923|archive-date=September 1, 2018}} The drop in sales was considered to be due to a combination of the introduction of the PlayStation Move and Kinect motion control systems on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 systems, and the waning fad of the Wii system.{{Cite web |last=Fritz |first=Ben |date=November 30, 2010 |title=Once-hot Nintendo Wii now struggling for sales |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-nov-30-la-fi-1130-ct-nintendo-20101130-story.html |access-date=November 28, 2020 |work=Los Angeles Times |archive-date=August 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829014141/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-nov-30-la-fi-1130-ct-nintendo-20101130-story.html |url-status=live }} Wii sales also weakened into 2011 as third-party support for the console waned; major publishers were passing over the Wii which was underpowered and used non-standard development tools, and instead focused on games for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and personal computers. Publishers were also drawn away from the Wii with the promise of the more powerful Wii U in the near future.{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/gaming/controller-freak/whats-wrong-with-nintendo/article618776/ |first=Chad |last=Sapieha |work=The Globe and Mail |title=What's wrong with Nintendo? |date=October 31, 2011 |access-date=November 29, 2020 |archive-date=September 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926033048/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/gaming/controller-freak/whats-wrong-with-nintendo/article618776/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Sun |first=Leo |date=October 30, 2013 |title=3 Reasons the Nintendo Wii Failed |url=https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2013/10/30/3-reasons-the-nintendo-wii-failed.aspx |access-date=December 2, 2020 |website=Motley Fool |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112004916/https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2013/10/30/3-reasons-the-nintendo-wii-failed.aspx |url-status=live }} Wii sales continued to decline into 2012, falling by half from the previous year.{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=M.|date=2012-07-25|title=Nintendo Q1 results: Wii sales cut in half since 2011, but 3DS sales more than double|url=https://www.engadget.com/2012-07-25-nintendo-q1-results-wii-sales-cut-in-half-since-2011-but-3ds-s.html|access-date=November 21, 2021|website=Engadget|language=en-US|archive-date=November 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121062848/https://www.engadget.com/2012-07-25-nintendo-q1-results-wii-sales-cut-in-half-since-2011-but-3ds-s.html|url-status=live}} After its release in Canada on December 7, 2012, the Wii Mini had sold 35,700 units by January 31, 2013.{{Cite news|last=Kubba|first=Sinan|date=March 1, 2013|title=Wii Mini sells 35,700 units in Canada across first two months|work=Joystiq|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/wii-mini-sells-35-700-units-in-canada-across-first-two-months/|access-date=November 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130304072748/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/wii-mini-sells-35-700-units-in-canada-across-first-two-months/|archive-date=March 4, 2013}}

The Wii surpassed 100 million units sold worldwide during the second quarter of 2013.{{Cite news|last=Liebl|first=Matt|date=July 31, 2013|title=Wii lifetime sales surpass 100 million units|work=GameZone|url=https://www.gamezone.com/news/wii-lifetime-sales-surpass-100-million-units/|url-status=live|access-date=August 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807033441/https://www.gamezone.com/news/wii-lifetime-sales-surpass-100-million-units/|archive-date=August 7, 2018}} The Wii had total lifetime sales of 101.63 million consoles worldwide as of March 31, 2016, the last reported data for the console by Nintendo.{{efn|Nintendo did not report any further sales of the Wii Mini which it continued to sell through 2017 in its future earnings reports.}} At least 48 million consoles were sold in North America, 12 million in Japan, and 40 million in all other regions.{{Cite web |date=March 31, 2016 |title=Consolidated Sales Transition by Region |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1603.pdf |access-date=April 29, 2016 |publisher=Nintendo |archive-date=April 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427084600/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/library/historical_data/pdf/consolidated_sales_e1603.pdf |url-status=live }} {{As of|2020}}, the Wii is the fifth-best-selling home console of all time, surpassed by the original PlayStation (102.4 million units), the PlayStation 4 (117.2 million units), the Nintendo Switch (125.62 million units), and the PlayStation 2 (159 million units).{{cite web |last=Sirani |first=Jordan |date=August 4, 2022 |title=Where Switch, PS5 Rank Among the Best-Selling Video Game Consoles of All Time |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/10/30/top-15-best-selling-video-game-consoles-of-all-time |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128032452/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/10/30/top-15-best-selling-video-game-consoles-of-all-time |archive-date=January 28, 2020 |access-date=October 1, 2022 |work=IGN }} {{As of|2023|||df=US}}, the Wii is Nintendo's second-best-selling home console, having been outsold by the Nintendo Switch in late 2021 at 143.42 million units.{{Efn|name="Switch"}}{{Cite web|last=Ashcraft|first=Brian|date=2022-02-03|title=The Nintendo Switch Has Now Surpassed The Wii In Sales|url=https://kotaku.com/nintendo-switch-wii-outsold-worldwide-sales-life-to-dat-1848472923|access-date=2022-02-10|website=Kotaku|language=en-us|archive-date=February 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205035526/https://kotaku.com/nintendo-switch-wii-outsold-worldwide-sales-life-to-dat-1848472923|url-status=live}}

{{As of|2021|09|30|df=US}}, nine Wii games had sold over ten million units globally, which included Wii Sports (82.90 million, including pack-in copies), Mario Kart Wii (37.38 million), Wii Sports Resort (33.14 million), New Super Mario Bros. Wii (30.32 million), Wii Play (28.02 million), Wii Fit (22.67 million), Wii Fit Plus (21.13 million), Super Smash Bros. Brawl (13.32 million), and Super Mario Galaxy (12.80 million).{{Cite web|date=September 30, 2020|title=IR Information : Financial Data – Top Selling Title Sales Units – Wii Software|url=http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/wii.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108101405/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/wii.html|archive-date=November 8, 2021|access-date=February 25, 2021|website=Nintendo|language=en}} A total of 921.85 million titles had been sold for the Wii by June 30, 2022.{{Cite web |title=IR Information : Sales Data – Dedicated Video Game Sales Units |url=http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/index.html |access-date=2022-10-01 |website=Nintendo Co., Ltd. |language=en |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126154725/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/index.html |url-status=live }} The popularity of Wii Sports was considered part of the console's success, making it a killer app for the Wii as it drew those that typically did not play video games to the system.{{Cite magazine |last=Kohler |first=Chris |date=January 8, 2008 |title=2007's Ten Burning Questions, Answered |url=https://www.wired.com/2008/01/2007s-ten-burni/ |access-date=November 28, 2020 |magazine=Wired |archive-date=December 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222070433/https://www.wired.com/2008/01/2007s-ten-burni/ |url-status=live }}

{{See also|Wii Remote#Legal issues|l1=Legal issues of the Wii Remote}}

There were a number of legal challenges stemming from the Wii and Wii Remote. Several of these were patent-related challenges from companies claiming the Wii Remote infringed on their patents. Most of these were either dismissed or settled out of court. One challenge was from iLife Technologies Inc., who sued Nintendo over their Wii Remote's motion detection technology for patent infringement in 2013. iLife initially won a {{USD|10.1 million}} judgement against Nintendo in 2017. The case was overturned in 2020, with the appellate court ruling that iLife's patents were too broad to cover the specific motion detection technologies developed by Nintendo.{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/2020/01/21/nintendo-10-million-overturned-wii-remote/ |title=Court overturns $10 million judgment against Nintendo's Wii Remote |first=Stephany |last=Nunneley |date=January 21, 2020 |access-date=January 21, 2020 |work=VG247 |archive-date=January 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200121190533/https://www.vg247.com/2020/01/21/nintendo-10-million-overturned-wii-remote/ |url-status=live }}

There were lawsuits against Nintendo claiming physical damage done by ineffective wrist straps on the Wii Remote when they slipped out of players' hands and broke television screens or windows.{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6182013.stm |title=Nintendo respond to Wii breakages |date=December 15, 2006 |access-date=December 15, 2006 |publisher=BBC News |archive-date=January 2, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070102171308/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6182013.stm |url-status=live }} The first class action suit filed in December 2006 led Nintendo to issue a product recall for the existing wrist straps and send out new versions that had an improved securing mechanism for the wrist.{{cite news |url=http://www.chron.com/news/article/BW-Nintendo-Recalls-Defective-Wii-Wrist-Straps-1850489.php |title=Nintendo Recalls Defective Wii Wrist Straps After Class Action Filed by Green Welling LLP |date=December 16, 2006 |access-date=March 23, 2007 |publisher=Business Wire |via=Houston Chronicle |archive-date=July 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703150147/http://www.chron.com/news/article/BW-Nintendo-Recalls-Defective-Wii-Wrist-Straps-1850489.php |url-status=live }} A second class action lawsuit was filed by a mother in Colorado in December 2008, claiming the updated wrist straps were still ineffective.{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/3725869/Nintendo-sued-over-dangerous-Wii-controllers.html |title=Nintendo sued over 'dangerous' Wii controllers |last=Beaumont |first=Claudine |date=December 12, 2008 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=December 28, 2017 |archive-date=December 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229000800/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/3725869/Nintendo-sued-over-dangerous-Wii-controllers.html |url-status=live }} This suit was dismissed by September 2010, finding for Nintendo that the wrist straps were not knowingly faulty under Colorado consumer protection laws.{{cite web |url=https://www.law360.com/articles/196315/nintendo-sends-wii-safety-strap-case-packing |title=Nintendo Sends Wii Safety Strap Case Packing |last=Howard |first=Samuel |date=September 24, 2010 |work=Law360 |access-date=December 28, 2017 |archive-date=December 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228232710/https://www.law360.com/articles/196315/nintendo-sends-wii-safety-strap-case-packing |url-status=live }}

{{Clear}}

The Wii has been recognized as Nintendo's "blue ocean" strategy to differentiate itself from its competitors Sony and Microsoft for the next several years.{{cite news|last=Fils-Aimé|first=Reggie|date=May 9, 2007|title=Perspective: Nintendo on the latest 'technical divide'|work=Nintendo|publisher=CNET|url=http://news.cnet.com/Nintendo-on-the-latest-technical-divide/2010-1041_3-6180215.html|url-status=dead|access-date=October 29, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090806203242/http://news.cnet.com/Nintendo-on-the-latest-technical-divide/2010-1041_3-6180215.html|archive-date=August 6, 2009}} The Wii has since become seen as a prime example of an effective blue ocean approach. While Sony and Microsoft continued to innovate their consoles on hardware improvements to provide more computational and graphics power, Nintendo put more effort towards developing hardware that facilitated new ways to play games. This was considered a key part to the success of the console, measured by sales over its competitors during that console generation.{{cite journal |last=O'Gorman |first=Patricio |title=Wii: Creating a blue ocean the Nintendo way |journal=Palermo Business Review |volume=2 |date=2008 |pages=97–108}}{{cite journal |last=Hollensen |first=Svend |title=The Blue Ocean that disappeared–the case of Nintendo Wii |journal=Journal of Business Strategy |volume=34 |issue=5 |year=2013 |doi=10.1108/JBS-02-2013-0012 |pages=25–35| issn=0275-6668}} However, Nintendo did not maintain this same "blue ocean" approach when it took towards designing the Wii U, by which point both Sony and Microsoft had caught up with similar features from the Wii. These factors partially contributed towards weak sales of the Wii U.

Part of the Wii's success was attributed to its lower cost compared to the other consoles. While Microsoft and Sony have experienced losses producing their consoles in the hopes of making a long-term profit on software sales, Nintendo reportedly had optimized production costs to obtain a significant profit margin with each Wii unit sold.{{cite web |url=http://seekingalpha.com/article/34357-game-console-wars-ii-nintendo-shaves-off-profits-leaving-competition-scruffy |date=May 3, 2007 |author=Roger Ehrenberg |title=Game Console Wars II: Nintendo Shaves Off Profits, Leaving Competition Scruffy |publisher=seekingalpha.com |access-date=June 10, 2007 |archive-date=October 11, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011070627/http://seekingalpha.com/article/34357-game-console-wars-ii-nintendo-shaves-off-profits-leaving-competition-scruffy |url-status=live }} Soichiro Fukuda, a games analyst at Nikko Citigroup, estimated that in 2007, Nintendo's optimized production gave them a profit from each unit sold ranging from {{USD|13|long=no}} in Japan to {{USD|49|long=no}} in the United States and {{USD|74|long=no}} in Europe.{{Cite news|last=Hatfield|first=Daemon|date=September 18, 2007|title=Analyst: Nintendo Pocketing $50 on Each Wii|work=IGN|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/09/18/analyst-nintendo-pocketing-50-on-each-wii| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211003/https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/09/18/analyst-nintendo-pocketing-50-on-each-wii| archive-date=2021-10-03|access-date=February 28, 2021}}{{cbignore}}{{cite news|last=Sanchanta|first=Mariko|date=September 16, 2007|title=Nintendo Wii success helps component makers score|url=https://www.ft.com/content/4f9a9108-6467-11dc-90ea-0000779fd2ac|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210225053126/https://www.ft.com/content/4f9a9108-6467-11dc-90ea-0000779fd2ac|archive-date=February 25, 2021|access-date=November 28, 2020|work=Financial Times}} The console's final price at launch of {{USD|249.99|long=no}} made it comparatively cheaper than the Xbox 360 (which had been available in two models priced at {{USD|299|long=no}} and {{USD|399|long=no}}) and the then-upcoming PlayStation 3 (also to be available in two models priced at {{USD|499|long=no}} and {{USD|599|long=no}}). Further, Nintendo's first-party games for the Wii were set at a retail price of {{USD|50|long=no}}, about {{USD|10|long=no}} less expensive than average games for Nintendo's competitors.{{cite web |url=https://money.cnn.com/2006/09/14/technology/personaltech/nintendo/index.htm |title=Nintendo Wii to hit stores Nov. 19 |first=Chris |last=Morris |date=September 14, 2006 |access-date=November 9, 2020 |work=CNN |archive-date=April 21, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100421052045/http://money.cnn.com/2006/09/14/technology/personaltech/nintendo/index.htm |url-status=live }} Iwata stated they were able to keep the game price lower since the Wii was not as focused on high-resolution graphics in comparison to the other consoles, thus keeping development costs lower, averaging about {{USD|5 million|long=no}} per game compared to {{USD|20 million|long=no}} required for developing on the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3.{{cite news |first=Chris |last=Morris |url=https://money.cnn.com/2006/03/29/commentary/game_over/column_gaming/ |title=Nintendo president vows cheap games |date=March 29, 2006 |publisher=CNNMoney |access-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-date=June 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628124408/https://money.cnn.com/2006/03/29/commentary/game_over/column_gaming/ |url-status=live }}

The Wii was marketed to promote a healthy lifestyle via physical activity. It has been used in physical rehabilitation, and its health effects have been studied for several conditions.{{cite journal |author1=Bonnechère B |author2=Jansen B |author3=Omelina L |author4=Van Sint Jan S |title=The use of commercial video games in rehabilitation: a systematic review |journal=Int J Rehabil Res |volume=39 |issue=4 |pages=277–290 |date=December 2016 |pmid=27508968 |doi=10.1097/MRR.0000000000000190 |s2cid=24854269 |quote= Most studies used the Nintendo Wii (79%) ... Furthermore, the Wii ... marketing approach was oriented toward promoting physical activity and fitness ... Although the use of VGs in PR is a relatively new trend, this review highlights that it has already been tested for various health conditions. Most of the published studies focus on neurological rehabilitation (stroke, cerebral palsy, and Parkinson's disease) ... rehabilitation that includes VGs is at least as efficient as conventional therapy ... VGs have numerous advantages, such as preventing monotony and boredom, increasing motivation, providing direct feedback, and allowing double-task training. However, data on potential adverse effects (e.g. falls, counterproductive effects) that could occur during VG training with patients are lacking.}}{{cite journal |author1=Tripette J |author2=Murakami H |author3=Ryan KR |author4=Ohta Y |author5=Miyachi M |title=The contribution of Nintendo Wii Fit series in the field of health: a systematic review and meta-analysis |journal=PeerJ |volume=5 |pages=e3600 |date=2017 |pmid=28890847 |pmc=5590553 |doi=10.7717/peerj.3600 |quote= Wii Fit interventions were shown to be effective for the improvement of health status in various types of patients (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hemodialysis, renal complications, diabetes, cancer, etc.). Our review identified that the most notable focus of Wii Fit interventions were balance training. The Wii Fit has indeed been successfully used to prevent falls or to induce functional improvements in a wide range of healthy or pathologic populations (e.g., seniors, subjects with neurodegenerative diseases, orthopedic patients, children with developmental delay, multiple sclerosis patients, etc.). |doi-access=free }} The most studied uses of Wii for rehabilitation therapy are for stroke, cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease,{{cite journal |author1=Marotta N |author2=Demeco A |author3=Indino A |author4=de Scorpio G |author5=Moggio L |author6=Ammendolia A |title=Nintendo WiiTMversus Xbox KinectTM for functional locomotion in people with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis |journal=Disabil Rehabil |volume= 44|issue= 3|pages=331–336 |date=June 2020 |pmid=32478581 |doi=10.1080/09638288.2020.1768301 |s2cid=219172800 |quote= These network meta-analytic findings show that Kinect and Wii show immediate positive effects on functional locomotion in people with PD. Compared with Kinect RCTs, Wii may be considered the best therapy for providing functional recovery in PD.}}{{cite journal |author1=Aramaki AL |author2=Sampaio RF |author3=Reis AC |author4=Cavalcanti A |author5=Dutra FC |title=Virtual reality in the rehabilitation of patients with stroke: an integrative review |journal=Arq Neuropsiquiatr |volume=77 |issue=4 |pages=268–278 |date=May 2019 |pmid=31090808 |doi=10.1590/0004-282X20190025 |quote= The studies indicated improvement in dynamic balance, upper limb motor function and quality of life after rehabilitation using VR.|doi-access=free |hdl=1843/42595 |hdl-access=free }} and for balance training.{{cite journal |author1=Santos P |author2=Scaldaferri G |author3=Santos L |author4=Ribeiro N |author5=Neto M |author6=Melo A |title=Effects of the Nintendo Wii training on balance rehabilitation and quality of life of patients with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis |journal=NeuroRehabilitation |volume=44 |issue=4 |pages=569–577 |date=2019 |pmid=31256088 |doi=10.3233/NRE-192700 |s2cid=195760910 |quote= ... combined NW [Nintendo Wii] and traditional physiotherapy was more effective than traditional physiotherapy in the rehabilitation on balance and quality of life in patients with PD. Although the results have shown positive effects, the values demonstrated a poor methodological quality and a low level of completeness of intervention descriptions, which compromises reproducibility and the possibility of practitioners to replicate in clinical practice. Thus, more studies are needed, comparing NW in an isolated way with traditional physiotherapy, with a better comprehension of the descriptions of the interventions.}}{{cite journal |author1=Thomas E |author2=Battaglia G |author3=Patti A |author4=Brusa J |author5=Leonardi V |author6=Palma A |author7=Bellafiore M |title=Physical activity programs for balance and fall prevention in elderly: A systematic review |journal=Medicine (Baltimore) |volume=98 |issue=27 |pages=e16218 |date=July 2019 |pmid=31277132 |pmc=6635278 |doi=10.1097/MD.0000000000016218 |quote= Resistance and aerobic exercise, balance training, T-bow© and wobble board training, aerobic step and stability ball, and adapted physical activity and Wii Fit training all seem to be effective exercise programs able to increase the ability to balance in the elderly.}}{{cite journal |author1=Choi SD |author2=Guo L |author3=Kang D |author4=Xiong S |title=Exergame technology and interactive interventions for elderly fall prevention: A systematic literature review |journal=Appl Ergon |volume=65 |pages=570–581 |date=November 2017 |pmid=27825723 |doi=10.1016/j.apergo.2016.10.013 |quote= ... accumulated evidences suggested that interactive exergaming is an effective and promising intervention for an older population on balance training and fall prevention. The interactive exergaming is enjoyable and auspicious to bring some benefits related to physical (e.g., postural balance, human mobility and gait, and muscle strength) and cognitive functioning (e.g., self-confidence, reaction time, and enjoyment) to not only healthy older adults but also the elderly with impaired balance, different disabilities or diseases ... it remains inconclusive whether the exergame-based intervention is superior to conventional physical therapy or exercise intervention on elderly fall prevention due to different study designs, tested samples, intervention protocols and outcome measures.}} The potential for adverse effects from video game rehabilitation therapy (for example, from falls) has not been well studied as of 2016.

A study published in the British Medical Journal stated that Wii players use more energy than they do playing sedentary computer games, but Wii playing was not an adequate replacement for regular exercise.{{cite journal |vauthors=Graves L, Stratton G, Ridgers ND, Cable NT |title=Comparison of energy expenditure in adolescents when playing new generation and sedentary computer games: cross sectional study |journal=BMJ |volume=335 |issue=7633 |pages=1282–4 |date=December 2007 |pmid=18156227 |pmc=2151174 |doi=10.1136/bmj.39415.632951.80 |url=}}{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7155342.stm |title=Wii players need to exercise too |work=BBC News Online |date=December 21, 2007 |access-date=September 25, 2008 |archive-date=April 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404212534/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7155342.stm |url-status=live }} Some Wii players have experienced musculoskeletal injuries known as Wiiitis, Wii knee, Wii elbow (similar to tennis elbow) or nintendinitis from repetitive play; a small number of serious injuries have occurred, but injuries are infrequent and most are mild.{{cite journal |author1=Jalink MB |author2=Heineman E |author3=Pierie JP |author4=ten Cate Hoedemaker HO |title=Nintendo related injuries and other problems: review |journal=BMJ |volume=349 |pages=g7267 |date=December 2014 |pmid=25515525 |pmc=4267699 |doi=10.1136/bmj.g7267}}{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSN0616721120070606 |title=If it's not tennis elbow, it may be "Wiiitis" |date=June 6, 2007 |work=Reuters |access-date=March 27, 2008 |archive-date=March 7, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307173333/http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSN0616721120070606 |url-status=live }}

In May 2010, Nintendo gave the American Heart Association (AHA) a $1.5 million gift;{{cite news |url= https://abcnews.go.com/Health/HeartHealth/wii-worthy-american-heart-assn-endorsement/story?id=10663377 |work= ABC News |title= Is Wii worthy of American Heart Association accolade? |last1= Childs |first1= Dan |last2= Zak |first2= Lana |date= May 16, 2020 |access-date= January 21, 2021 |quote= For years, the American Heart Association Healthy Check logo has appeared on packaging in the grocery store—and soon the AHA's name will appear on the Nintendo Wii video game system. ... ABC News asked if, as part of the agreement, Nintendo had paid money to the AHA. Yancy said Nintendo did provide a $1.5 million gift over three years in an exclusive relationship. |archive-date= January 26, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210126003330/https://abcnews.go.com/Health/HeartHealth/wii-worthy-american-heart-assn-endorsement/story?id=10663377 |url-status= live }} the AHA endorsed the Wii with its Healthy Check icon, covering the console and two of its more active games, Wii Fit Plus and Wii Sports Resort.{{cite news |url=http://thedailynewsonline.com/lifestyles/features/article_27fe3fe5-44c0-54e0-b832-774f692c78b4.html |title=Heart group backs Wii video game console in obesity campaign |first=Joel |last=Schectman |agency=Associated Press |date=May 17, 2010 |work=The Daily News |location= Batavia, New York |access-date=December 28, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720210916/http://thedailynewsonline.com/lifestyles/features/article_27fe3fe5-44c0-54e0-b832-774f692c78b4.html |archive-date=July 20, 2012}}{{cite web |url=http://www.activeplaynow.com/ |title= Working together |publisher= American Heart Association and Nintendo |website=Activeplaynow.com |date=January 20, 2010 |access-date=November 11, 2010 |archive-date=November 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101116100442/http://activeplaynow.com/ |url-status=live }}

File:WiiMote Whiteboard.ogv-type computer input device]]

The Wii has become a popular target for homebrewing new functionality and video games since its discontinuation. For example, homebrew projects have been able to add DVD playback to unmodified Wii consoles.{{cite web |url=http://hackmii.com/2008/08/libdi-and-the-dvdx-installer/ |title=libdi and the DVDX installer |publisher=HackMii |date=August 12, 2008 |access-date=October 5, 2008 |archive-date=October 6, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006035415/http://hackmii.com/2008/08/libdi-and-the-dvdx-installer/ |url-status=live }} The Wii also can be hacked to enable an owner to use the console for activities unintended by the manufacturer.{{Cite web|last=Keller|first=Mike|date=January 14, 2009|title=Hack: How to play DVD movies on your Nintendo Wii|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/157099/hack-how-to-play-dvd-movies-on-your-nintendo-wii.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731203431/https://www.pcworld.com/article/157099/hack-how-to-play-dvd-movies-on-your-nintendo-wii.html|archive-date=July 31, 2020|access-date=April 20, 2020|website=PC World}} Several brands of modchips are available for the Wii.{{cite web |title=New Wii drives breaking modchips, hearts, legs |url=https://www.engadget.com/2008/12/10/new-wii-drives-breaking-modchips-hearts-legs/ |first=Joshua |last=Topolsky |date=December 10, 2008 |access-date=September 13, 2012 |work=Engadget |archive-date=December 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121207004709/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/10/new-wii-drives-breaking-modchips-hearts-legs/ |url-status=live }}

The Wii Remote also became a popular unit to hack for other applications. As it connected through standard Bluetooth interfaces, programmers were able to reverse engineer the communications protocol and develop application programming interfaces for the Wii Remote for other operating systems, and subsequently games and applications that used the Wii Remote on alternate platforms. Further hacks at the hardware level, typically taking apart the Wii Remote and Sensor Bar and reconfiguring its components in other configurations, led to other applications such as remote hand and finger tracking, digital whiteboards, and head tracking for virtual reality headsets.{{cite journal | title = Hacking the Nintendo Wii Remote | first= Johnny Chung | last = Lee | author-link = Johnny Lee (computer scientist) | journal = Pervasive Computing | volume = 7 | issue = 3 | doi = 10.1109/MPRV.2008.53 | date = July 15, 2008 | pages= 39–45 | s2cid= 11121544 }}{{cite web | first = Jamin | last = Brophy-Warren |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB117772630151685703 | title = Magic Wand: How Hackers Make Use Of Their Wii-motes | work = The Wall Street Journal | date = April 28, 2007 | access-date = December 4, 2020 | archive-date = December 13, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213120313/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB117772630151685703 | url-status = live }}

The Wii has been a popular system for emulation; while the act of creating such emulators in a cleanroom-type approach have been determined to be legal, the actions of bringing the Wii system software and games to other systems has been of questionable legality and Nintendo has actively pursued legal action against those that distribute copies of their software. The open-source Dolphin project has been able to successfully emulate the Wii and GameCube through several years of cleanroom efforts.{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/9/6/12817668/dolphin-emulator-gamecube-games |title=Dolphin emulator can now boot up entire GameCube library |first=Allegra |last=Frank |date=September 6, 2016 |access-date=November 12, 2020 |work=Polygon |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108221558/http://www.polygon.com/2016/9/6/12817668/dolphin-emulator-gamecube-games |url-status=live }}

Joe Skrebels of IGN has argued that the Wii's greatest and longest lasting legacy is that of the music composed by Totaka for the console, writing: "Motion controls, Miis, and balance boards have all been removed or diminished as Nintendo moved on, but take a quick look across YouTube, TikTok, or Twitter, and I guarantee it won't take all that long to hear a Wii track. Covers and memes featuring music from the Wii are everywhere. Music written for the Wii has taken on a new life as a cultural touchstone, and inspired people far beyond the confines of the little white wedge it was composed for." The Washington Post{{'}}s Michael Andor Brodeur described the Mii Channel music as "a cultural touchstone", while Martin Robinson of Eurogamer called the theme of the Wii Shop Channel "a song so infectious it went on to become a meme"; both the Mii Channel theme and Wii Shop Channel theme have inspired jazz covers.

{{Clear}}

{{Notelist}}

• History of Nintendo

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite book |last=Inoue |first=Osamu |year=2009|publication-date=April 27, 2010 |title=Nintendo Magic: Winning the Video Game Wars |location=Tokyo, Japan |publisher=Vertical |isbn=978-1-934287-22-4 |others=Translated by Paul Tuttle Starr}}
• {{Cite book|last1=Jones|first1=Steven E.|last2=Thiruvathukal|first2=George K.|title=Codename Revolution: The Nintendo Wii Platform|publisher=MIT Press|year=2012|isbn=978-0-262-01680-3|location=Cambridge, Massachusetts}}

• {{Commons category-inline|Wii}}
• [http://wii.com/ Global and general Wii site]
• {{official website|https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Wii/Wii-94559.html|Official European website}}
• {{official website|https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/|Official Japanese website}}

{{Wii}}

{{Nintendo hardware|Wii}}

{{Seventh generation game consoles}}

{{Home video game consoles}}

{{Wii series}}

{{Portal bar|2000s|Electronics|Video games}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2000s in video gaming

Category:2000s toys

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Category:Backward-compatible video game consoles

Category:Computer-related introductions in 2006

Category:Discontinued video game consoles

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Category:Products introduced in 2006

Category:Seventh-generation video game consoles

Category:Spike Video Game Award winners