E3 is hectic as always, and it's all too easy to get caught up in the massive influx of news. Nintendo's E3 2006 press conference gave us a slew of new information on Nintendo's latest system. This guide serves as a collection of everything known so far about the Wii: a complete list of games, any known launch details, and more. Click the headline for the full article and high-res Wii pictures.

Technical specifications

Wii uses a custom IBM PowerPC processor code-named "Broadway" Its GPU is powered by a custom ATI chip, dubbed "Hollywood". The system will include 512MB of flash RAM built-in, which acts as a storage device for Virtual Console games and game saves. Wii also has an SD-card slot for additional storage. It has built-in WiFi; and with a technology called "WiiConnect24", it will always be connected to the internet, even when it's sleeping. For those gamers without access to a wireless network, an optional ethernet accessory can be purchased for wired network play; this would connect to one of the Wii's two USB ports. The disc drive on Wii is slot-loading and can accept Wii discs as well as smaller GameCube games alike. For GameCube backwards compatibility, four GCN controller slots and two memory card slots are included, underneath a flap on the top of the system (if held vertically).

The Controller

The Wii remote, as well as the Nunchuck (analog stick attachment) detect full 3D movement independently. The controller communicates with the system via Bluetooth and the movement is picked up by an external sensor bar (see picture in gallery below). The remote will work with any type of display, unlike a Light Gun which only works with CRT sets. The remote also includes a built-in speaker, so you can hear the "fwip" of a bow-and-arrow or the clank of a sword that you're controlling. It also has a built-in rumble feature. It is likely that the nunchuck attachment will ship with the system in addition to the Wii remote, although some games (such as Wii Sports), may only use the remote. For Virtual Console games and more traditional games, a "classic" controller was also revealed at E3 (image in gallery below).

Virtual Console

One of the Wii's biggest feature is the Virtual Console, allowing you to purchase NES, SNES, N64 Sega Genesis, and TurboGraphx 16 titles and play them on the console. According to EGM, NES games will be a couple of dollars, SNES games will be around $5, and N64 games will be around $10. Despite rumors, it is unlikely that these games will include upgraded graphics, although EGM said they will run in progressive scan. Games will be protected with Nintendo's own proprietary DRM (digital rights management) and will be stored on the 512MB flash memory that's included with the system. Nintendo has stated that new, interesting titles may find its way to the Virtual Console in addition to retro games.

Release, price, and launch games

At Nintendo's E3 press conference, a specific release date and price was not given for Wii. However, Reginald Fils-Aime, VP of Marketing for Nintendo, stated at E3 a Q4 2006 release for Wii. The following games are confirmed launch titles:


Other games shown by Nintendo included Metroid Prime Corruption (tentatively stated for a 2007 release), Disaster, Excite Truck, Super Mario Galaxy, WarioWare Smooth Moves and Project Hammer. These games do not yet have a solid release date. Of course, there are first-party titles that didn't make a showing at E3, including Super Smash Bros Wii.

Complete list of games
Below is a list of existing Wii titles; not all were shown at E3.

    

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