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Nintendo's Wii video game system (pronounced "we") is designed to attract people, regardless of their age or video game experience, to sit down and play together--whether they're in the same room or on different sides of the globe. The system's name reflects this simple idea. It's easily pronounced in a variety of languages, and the distinctive spelling suggests two players side by side. The two Wii features Nintendo thinks will create new levels of gaming community are built-in Wi-Fi access, supported by a new online gaming service, and Wii's intuitive, wireless, motion-sensitive game controller. As with every new console release, much of the buzz surrounds the specs. The system also boasts 512 MB of internal flash memory, two USB 2.0 ports, and a slot for SD memory expansion. Wii's technological heart -- a processing chip developed with IBM and code-named "Broadway" and a graphics chipset from ATI code-named "Hollywood" -- are said to deliver unparalleled performance. Instead of a tray, Wii uses a single, self-loading media bay that will play both 12-centimeter optical discs used for the new system, as well as Nintendo GameCube discs. And with a small, self-contained attachment, Wii will play movies and other DVD content. The real revolution in this system, though, is its controller. Shaped like a TV remote, it's been designed to be easily used by people regardless of their video game experience. Internal sensors determine the controller's position is in 3-D space, which means that racing-game steering and fighting-game punching, for example, are done through movements of your hand rather than by just your thumbs. The controller also has an expansion port for use with accessories. An adapter that fits over the Wii's wee remote will be available for those who prefer the feel of a traditional controller. Wii will offer superb backward compatibility -- the cornerstone of Nintendo's all-access approach. This new console is touted to play all -- yes, ALL -- the games from Nintendo's 20-year-old library. The drive is compatible with GameCube discs, and heritage Nintendo titles from the original NES of the 1980s all the way through the Nintendo 64 will be available through an online source for download. A number of Wi-Fi-enabled titles are in development that will employ Nintendo's newly-announced wireless gaming service, Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. This worldwide network promises Nintendo players a comfortable, inviting environment in which they can gather and compete. Rumor also has it that one or two Wi-Fi titles will be available by the release date, including a new version of Smash Bros.. In addition, several new titles have been confirmed for Wii, including titles based on the familiar Donkey Kong, Metroid, Mario, and Zelda franchises, as well as Square Enix's Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles. Nintendo has confirmed a lot of information about its newest system, but until Wii is out on the market, the rumor mill will continue to churn with gossip -- both unconfirmed facts and bogus news. However, with strong backward compatibility and an impressive list of new games from the Nintendo franchise's biggest stars, Wii promises to deliver an incredible new level of gaming sophistication and fun.
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