Games giant Nintendo hopes to take gaming in a new direction with its latest console, the Wii.
It launched in November 2006, it is pitched as the console that is "fun for all the family" and employs a new-style remote control.
Click on the links below to get a taste of the Wii.
INTERNAL HARDWARE
The Wii console, initially available in glossy white, measures a slim 8.5in long, 6in wide and 2in thick (157x215.4x45mm), and can be displayed either vertically or horizontally.
It is powered by a PowerPC central processing unit and a graphics processing unit that has been developed with ATI. It has 512MB of internal flash memory.
PRICE CHECK
The console has a built-in wi-fi capacity (or the internet can be accessed via a USB 2.0 LAN adaptor), and uses a system called WiiConnect24, which enables the system to communicate with the net even if the power is turned off, to receive updates or downloads.
Through wi-fi users can download "classic" games, surf the net and communicate with Nintendo's other console, the DS Lite, among other activities.
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WII REMOTE
The Wii Remote, which resembles a TV remote control, allows users to play games through simple physical movements.
It can be used to jab like a sword, steer like driving a car, swoosh like a tennis racket. Nintendo hopes the change in gameplay will broaden the console's appeal.
The remote works through a three-axis accelerometer - a motion sensor - that can detect the angle it is being held at and how fast it is being used.
It connects wirelessly through Bluetooth to the console, via a sensor bar, up to a distance of 10m away. Up to four remotes can be used at any one time.
The remote also has a speaker, rumble feature and expansion port.
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NUNCHUK
The Nunchuk can be connected with a cable to the remote control to allow two-handed play, to mimic activities such as boxing or using a sword and a shield. It also has a control stick.
Like the remote, it works through a three-axis accelerometer.
Classic controller: A classic non-remote controller (there is a special Wii design, or GameCube controllers can be used) can also be used with the Wii.
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SENSOR BAR
The sensor bar, which is connected via a cable to the back of the console, sits on top of or near a television set.
Through infra-red technology it communicates with the wireless controllers, sending the gameplay information back to the console.
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GAMES DISC READER
The media-bay is self-loading and will play 12cm optical discs for the Wii console, and is also back-compatible with 8cm Nintendo GameCube discs.
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SD MEMORY CARD READER
The SD memory card will allow users to boost Wii's internal flash memory, to save more downloaded games, music, photos and videos.
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GAMECUBE MEMORY CARD READER
The Wii is back-compatible with Nintendo's GameCube, and is able to play GameCube discs or read GameCube memory cards.
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USB PORTS
At the back of the console are two USB ports, for connecting to the internet if wi-fi is unavailable and for transferring information.
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