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Wii Remote

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File:Wii remote5view 0501.jpg
Wii controller from various angles.

The Wii Remote (also called the "Wii-mote") is the controller for Nintendo's next generation console, named Wii. It has received attention for being unlike the controllers for any other popular gaming console. Nintendo reps noted that the controller is still considered a prototype, as the possibility for some fine-tuning still existed.

Remote control design

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The primary controller for Wii is not based on the traditional gamepad controller design of current gaming consoles, instead assuming a one-handed remote control-based design more familiar to the non-gaming public. This was done in part to appeal the console to a broader audience. Named the "Wii Remote" (often referred to as the "Wii-mote"), the controller communicates wirelessly with the console via short-range Bluetooth radio, with which it is possible to operate up to 4 controllers as far as 10 meters (approx. 33 ft.) from the console.[1][2] The controller's symmetrical design allows it to be used left-handed or right-handed. The Wii Remote can also be turned on its side and used like a NES controller.

The controllers will operate on AA batteries (alkaline or lithium ion); there are no current plans to release a charge pack. "It's cheaper for us to provide AA batteries," said Lance Barr, one of Nintendo's case designers.[3] Additionally, the battery life has been confirmed to be less than that of the Wavebird (which has an estimated life of 100 hours), due to motion sensing, rumble, and speaker features. [3]

Color variations at launch time are currently unknown; Nintendo has said that they are waiting for feedback before they confirm any of the colors. [3] At E3 2006, Nintendo displayed white, blue and navy blue controllers.

Functions

File:Wii Remote Funtions 2x2.jpg
Wii controller functions.

Motion-sensing

The Wii Remote is also able to sense 3D motion. Sensors in the Wii Remote allow it to sense linear motion along three axes, as well as tilt motion.[1][4] In addition, a sensor bar placed near and parallel to the display screen allows the Remote to be used as a pointer up to 5 meters (approx. 16.5 ft.) away.[2]

This allows players to mimic actual game actions, such as swinging a sword or using a flashlight, instead of simply pushing buttons. An early marketing video showed actors miming such actions as fishing, cooking, drumming, conducting a string quartet, shooting a gun, sword fighting, and performing dental surgery.[5]

Despite the controller's similarity to light guns, which are only compatible with standard-definition cathode ray tube televisions, Nintendo has stated the Wii and its controller will be compatible with all televisions including digital projectors.

Controller feedback

The Wii Remote also provides basic audio and force feedback functionality. At the 2006 E3 press conference, it was revealed that the Wii Remote has its own independent speaker on the face of the unit. This was demonstrated by a developer as he strung and shot a bow in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. The sound from both the Wii Remote and television was altered as the bow shot to give the impression of the arrow travelling away from the gamer.

Controller expansions

The Wii Remote also features an expansion port at the bottom which allows various optional attachments to be added to the controller. The following attachments are currently known:

Nunchuk

The first attachment Nintendo revealed (in tandem with the controller itself, at the 2005 Tokyo Game Show) is a unit featuring an analog stick and two trigger buttons. It connects to main Wii Remote via a short cord, and its appearance while connected to the main controller has led it to become dubbed the "Nunchuk" controller. Nintendo has stated the aforementioned Nunchuk controller may be bundled with the Wii console. Like the Wii Remote, the Nunchuk controller also provides three-axis motion-sensing.[2][6]

The two shoulder buttons, named Z1 and Z2 respectively, had been reshaped and renamed since the Game Developers Conference. The top shoulder button, now called C, is a good deal smaller than the lower shoulder button, now called Z. The C button was oval shaped, while the Z button was a more traditional square. [7]

Classic Controller

Nintendo had previously announced a controller "shell" which will resemble a traditional game controller, often referred to as a "classic-style expansion controller".[8] As described at the time, the Wii Remote would slot inside this shell, allowing gamers to play games using a traditional-style gamepad, while leveraging the remote’s motion sensing capability. The shell is confirmed to plug into the Wii Remote like the Nunchuk. According to Satoru Iwata, it would be meant for playing "the existing games, virtual console games, and multi-platform games".[9] During E3 2006 Nintendo introduced a Classic Controller, with a cord that plugs into the Wii Remote for communication with the console.[1] The classic controller showcased contains no space for the Wii Remote to slot inside, as previously described, but does contain notches on the backside, presumably for clipping the controller to something else. The purpose for these notches remains undisclosed.[10]

The Classic Controller displays two joysticks, a directional pad, A, B, X, and Y buttons, L and R triggers, a ZL button located next to the L trigger, and a ZR button located next to the R trigger. It also has the Home, Select/- and Start/+ buttons, as previously seen on the regular Wii-mote.

"Zapper Style" shell

At the 2006 Electronic Entertainment Expo, a prototype "Zapper Style" gun-like shell was showcased for the Wii Remote. The Wii Remote slots into the "gun barrel" of the shell.[11] The shell features a "trigger hole", as well as an analog stick on the top of the handle.[12] The controller expansion was reported by various gaming websites to be utilized for a Duck Hunt sequel.[13]

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References

  1. ^ a b c Template:Ja icon"Wiiの概要 [コントローラ]". Nintendo Company, Ltd. Retrieved 2006-05-09. Cite error: The named reference "cont_japan" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b c "Nintendo Wii - Hardware Information". Nintendo of America. Retrieved 2006-05-09.
  3. ^ a b c "Wii Controllers: No Recharging Yet". The Wiire. Retrieved 2006-05-11.
  4. ^ Wisniowski, Howard (2006-05-09). "Analog Devices And Nintendo Collaboration Drives Video Game Innovation With iMEMS Motion Signal Processing Technology". Analog Devices, Inc. Retrieved 2006-05-10.
  5. ^ "TGS 2005: Revolution Teaser Video". Retrieved 2006-03-16. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |org= ignored (help)
  6. ^ "STMicroelectronics Drives Gaming Revolution with Nintendo's Wii". 2006-05-09. Retrieved 2006-05-12.
  7. ^ "Hands-On with the Wii Controller". 2006-05-12. Retrieved 2006-05-12.
  8. ^ Gibson, Ellie (2005-09-16). "Jim Merrick Takes Control". Eurogamer. Retrieved 2006-05-09.
  9. ^ Satoru Iwata. "TOKYO GAME SHOW 2005 : TGS FORUM Keynote Speech". Retrieved 2006-03-15.
  10. ^ Sklens, Mike (2006-05-10). "News Article: Wii 'Classic Controller' Revealed". Planet GameCube. Retrieved 2006-05-11.
  11. ^ Miller, Ross (2006-05-10). "E3: The Wii Zapper prototype revealed". Joystiq. Retrieved 2006-05-11.
  12. ^ "E3 2006: Light Gun Shell Revealed!". IGN Wii. Retrieved 2006-05-10.
  13. ^ Daiker, Brandon (2006-05-11). ""Duck Hunt" Wii Pointer Shooting Gallery Impressions". N-Sider. Retrieved 2006-05-10.
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