Wii disected

[D_o_S]

Popular Science Blog has managed to get their hands on a Nintendo Wii, which they took apart without hesitation. Pictures below:



View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[HaZe303]

This is why i have a problem with people calling the Wii for "next gen". Because there is nothing next gen about the machine. Only so called next gen part in the system is the controller, and that doesnt qualify the Wii being called next gen, not in my eyes?? What do you think??

 

[i_am_mustang_man]

This is why i have a problem with people calling the Wii for "next gen". Because there is nothing next gen about the machine. Only so called next gen part in the system is the controller, and that doesnt qualify the Wii being called next gen, not in my eyes?? What do you think??

does it come after the gamecube? therefore it is the next generation. it's not hd. but nextgen does not imply hd. looks like sony and microsoft ads hit the mark with you

 

[bruins004]

I would consider this next gen over the Game Cube.
As long as it is an advancement over the older system it should be considered a next gen console.

The whole purpose of the Wii was not to have better tech. that the Xbox360 and PS3.
It was to sell more at lower prices and post a profit from that.

 

[Jimmy 2004]

This is why i have a problem with people calling the Wii for "next gen". Because there is nothing next gen about the machine. Only so called next gen part in the system is the controller, and that doesnt qualify the Wii being called next gen, not in my eyes?? What do you think??

I agree, the technology of the Nintendo Wii certainly doesn't qualify as next gen in terms of graphical and processing capabilities but you could argue that it is next gen from the point of view of innovation. I'll admit the Xbox 360 and PS3 are both incredibly powerful (on paper at least) for what they are and the prices aren't too bad, particularly the 360 which is only £200 for the base version here in the UK, £20 more than the Wii will be. But Nintendo's focus is mainly on attempting to create something to inspire a new generation of games. Ok, everything on the Xbox 360 may look great but is it anything new? In my opinion I have to aplaud Nintendo for at least trying to offer us something new, even if ultimately it results in failure. At least they weren't drawn towards making the most powerful thing they can dream up... Intel were once tempted for more and more MHz but in the end they had to give in to AMD's focus of more power per MHz. Not quite a parallel example but it explains my point of just because something is better on paper doesn't mean it is the best way to go. I may be wrong, the PS3 and Xbox 360 may yet have more of an impact on revolutionising console gaming but I am sceptical. (yes I know Gears of War is a great game but it still isn't anything that different is it?)

 

[HaZe303]

Ok youre right, its next gen being the new after gamecube. But as you said, yes the ads have hit the mark with me. But i agree with MS and Sony, for me next gen, means something much better than 1.5 times better than GC. Next gen, is Ps3 and xbox360. Because they are "new" technology. Maybe not new compared to pc´s. But comparing with the old generation ps & xbox. This is why Wii is new gen, but not next gen!?

 

[i_am_mustang_man]

This is why Wii is new gen, but next gen!?

i would have more comfort calling the wii next gen over new gen, actually. because it is the next product, but not everything is necessarily new. get what i mean?

i think the moniker that would be need to be debated is if nintendo called the wii hd, which is not doing, and the wi is not hd anyways.

 

[InfDamarvel]

Wii is Innovation, and if my world of gaming they are bring exactly what I need. Ive current 16 going on 17 and have been gaming since I was 6. Ive played so many games that Im just getting tired of the same old thing.

PS3 has the ability to be somewhat innovative with its o so "not stolen" semi motion sensor controller. But if they cant survive business wise they arnt going to get very far.

I think the 360 mainly depends on the death of the PS3 for survive because eventually everyones going to cop a PS3 somehow.

But Im all for playing the Wii as long as they dont down the quality of their games just because they say "we arnt about graphics" and then they should continue the try to come out for more games that people in the Americas would enjoy.

 

[Mad-Matt]

I cant see how the wii controller is inovative, you still haveto use your hands for god sakes and get arm ache at the same time not to mention another round of nintendo sequals that youve played before on all previous nintendo systems.

last game I thaught was inovative (well actually i didnt, just thinking about it now) was crazy taxi on ps2 where you use your voice to shout at the taxi through the eyetoy

 

[HaZe303]

i would have more comfort calling the wii next gen over new gen, actually. because it is the next product, but not everything is necessarily new. get what i mean?

i think the moniker that would be need to be debated is if nintendo called the wii hd, which is not doing, and the wi is not hd anyways.

Youre absolutely right. But for me, im not english speaking, but for me NEXT GEN sounds like, something new and spectacular!? And Wii is new and maybe innovative, but not spectacular...?

 

[Track]

Next Gen, as in next gen graphics is NOT what the Wii gives u. That is why ppl (including Nintendo) have claimed that the Wii is not "next-gen".

My problem is that Nintendo make ppl believe they are getting a next-gen console for 250$, when they are getting an Xbox for 250$.. and a remote. The Wii is good for kids, but im not a Nintendo fanboy anymore.. :shadedshu

 

[HaZe303]

Next Gen, as in next gen graphics is NOT what the Wii gives u. That is why ppl (including Nintendo) have claimed that the Wii is not "next-gen".

My problem is that Nintendo make ppl believe they are getting a next-gen console for 250$, when they are getting an Xbox for 250$.. and a remote. The Wii is good for kids, but im not a Nintendo fanboy anymore.. :shadedshu

Good you explained what i wanted to say. Just didnt get the right words...

So totally agree with you.

 

[15th Warlock]

I don't think I'll get a Wii, the controller advantage may be lost when third party manufacturers release controllers with the same functions for the PS3 and the 360, and the retro gaming thing isn't so attractive either with so many good PC emulators readily available on the net.

The only thing Nintendo has going for it IMHO, is their own IPs, like Zelda, Mario, Metroid and many others, which have a place in the heart of all players IMO.

 

[Dippyskoodlez]

This is why i have a problem with people calling the Wii for "next gen". Because there is nothing next gen about the machine. Only so called next gen part in the system is the controller, and that doesnt qualify the Wii being called next gen, not in my eyes?? What do you think??

Yeah, its not next gen


Its only got the exact same CPU as the 360 with less cores...

Its only got a much better GPU than the previous consoles

Oh wait, it doesnt have graphics that are pushed to the max and make the framerates drop below 30fps during pre-rendered videos, and the price tag isnt $500+, and it doesn't lock up repeatedly from overheating...

Mybad, My thoughts were next gen was new hardware...

Next Gen, as in next gen graphics is NOT what the Wii gives u.

Graphically, the wii is just as competative as the 360 and ps3 IMO.

However, all you noobs on the OMFG IT LOOKS NICE bandwagon, you can go eat it with your buggy gears of war and locking up consoles.

I want gameplay, not only eye candy.

 

[Chewy]

I'm not sure about grafical powers elc, but it is part of the next gen consoles on nintendos part.

Tahts my outlook, and if you ask me its right ha!

 

[15th Warlock]

Its only got the exact same CPU as the 360 with less cores...

Can you show me a link to that info? As far as I know, the Wii core is the same core found in the Gamecube, only at a smaller process and with a faster clock.

If you have a link that says otherwise, I would appreciate it if you provide it to us

 

[HookeyStreet]

yes I know Gears of War is a great game but it still isn't anything that different is it?

That comment can only come from someone that hasnt had the chance to play the game . Gears Of War plays like nothing Ive ever played before, its awesome and truly a next-gen game because it has it all.....great gameplay, graphics and audio.

At the moment Im having to settle for my sons XBOX360 for my gaming fix but if more quality games like GoW come out then I dont mind (ie Resident Evil 5 etc)

PS: Im not having a dig at you in any kind of way Jimmy 2004

 

[InfDamarvel]

Can you show me a link to that info? As far as I know, the Wii core is the same core found in the Gamecube, only at a smaller process and with a faster clock.

If you have a link that says otherwise, I would appreciate it if you provide it to us

Im sure you know how to use google yourself sir.

 

[HookeyStreet]

Graphically, the wii is just as competative as the 360 and ps3 IMO.

LMAO that the funniest thing Ive heard in ages, have you seen the graphics on the Wii, its terrible...BUT on the other hand I thought it wasnt meant to be graphically great???? Just fun to play on!!!

However, all you noobs on the OMFG IT LOOKS NICE bandwagon, you can go eat it with your buggy gears of war and locking up consoles.

My 360 never overheats (that was the 1st versions i think you will find) and my GoW never locked up once (and Ive completed it almost twice now) and clearly youve never played GoW, because the gameplay is just as awesome as the graphics!

Its only got the exact same CPU as the 360 with less cores...

The CPU on the Wii is a IBM Power PC based CPU named 'Broadway' (clocked at 729MHz) and the 360's CPU is a Tri-Core IBM Power PC based CPU named 'Xenon' (clocked at 3.2GHz) so how can they be the 'same' CPU ???? The Wii's CPU is actually closer in performance to the GameCubes IBM Power PC based CPU named 'Gekko' (clocked at 485MHz)

 

[NamesDontMatter]

Back to the whole "next gen" thing, to me next gen is DX 10, NONE OF THE CONSOLES ARE DX10, in my mind if you bought a 360, or PS3, YOUR A DUMBASS BECAUSE NO DX 10 SUPPORT. lol Sorry

 

[HookeyStreet]

Back to the whole "next gen" thing, to me next gen is DX 10, NONE OF THE CONSOLES ARE DX10, in my mind if you bought a 360, or PS3, YOUR A DUMBASS BECAUSE NO DX 10 SUPPORT. lol Sorry

PC wise, DX10 is the next generation of gaming but in the console gaming world the 360, PS3 & Wii are next gen (next gen consoles)

 

[i_am_mustang_man]

Back to the whole "next gen" thing, to me next gen is DX 10, NONE OF THE CONSOLES ARE DX10, in my mind if you bought a 360, or PS3, YOUR A DUMBASS BECAUSE NO DX 10 SUPPORT. lol Sorry

qft!!
word

 

[ryboto]

I don't think I'll get a Wii, the controller advantage may be lost when third party manufacturers release controllers with the same functions for the PS3 and the 360, and the retro gaming thing isn't so attractive either with so many good PC emulators readily available on the net.

You really think they'll make a generic controller that is capable of telling the systems where it is in 3d space relative to the television?? it wont happen a.) because of patents, and b.) because it would cost too much. The ps3 "6-axis" controller is just a souped up microsoft sidewinder, and they aren't easy to use. Personally, I don't like using emulators, especially for 64 games, cause they hardly ever work. Plus, the general public doesn't use their computer as much as we do, and they do like classic games. I put an emulator on my friends computer, just one rom, Super mario bros, and even though her roomates have an nes, snes, ps1, ps2, xbox, and gamecube, she only plays that one game. There's still a market for the classic simple games, so it make sense nintendo would try and tap it.

As for the comments of this being a kiddie system, I'll take that controller scheme in an fps over dual analog. It's just more responsive, and similar to keyboard and mouse. Not necessarily better, but, similar.

 

[lemonadesoda]

A round of applause for Nintendo making the Wii silent.

 

[overcast]

Graphically, the wii is just as competative as the 360 and ps3 IMO.

You can't possibly be serious about this. The Wii may invent some new innovative gameplay, but the fact of the matter is it CAN NOT compete graphically we either of those systems. End of story.