Topic: HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY, NINTENDO WII!!

[NWR_pap64]

Time to update this thing!

Channel surfing
In order to appeal to a new type of gaming audience Nintendo decided to broaden the Wii's appeal even further, beyond games everyone can enjoy. They decided to include non gaming features that made use of the Wii's features. The first three channels ever unveiled were the forecast channel, the photo channel and the news channel. On the case of the forecast and news channels they were basic channels which provided detailed info on the weather and news from all around the world, complete with pictures and even a 3D rotating globe!

The Photo Channel showcased any pictures found on a SD card or sent to you via the Wii message board. Not only did the channel provided various slideshow options it included many fun features, including a puzzle mini game and a Mario Paint like doodling feature.

On December 22nd, 2006, Nintendo and Opera released a beta version of the Internet Channel. On Aprill 11th, 2007 the final version of the Internet channel became widely available and was free of charge for a limited time. The channel now costs 500 Wii points.

Despite limited functionality the Internet channel was a success, with websites going as far as to updating their layout in order to support Wii surfing and creating games exclusive for the browser.

On February 13th, 2007 Nintendo released the "Everybody votes channel". Its release came as a BIG surprise to everybody as Nintendo made no previous announcement or even dropped hints at a new channel coming. That evening the Wii shone blue and before you knew it the channel was on everybody's Wii.

The "Everybody votes channel" is a question and opinion in which the user registers up to six people and answer various questions, raging from personal tastes to philosophy. Not only that, people could guess which answer was going to get the most votes!

Finally, on November 12th, 2007, Nintendo released the "Check Mii out" channel, a channel celebrating the creativity of the Mii avatar system. Users upload their creations for the whole world to see and vote on the best through various contests.

The depth and usefulness of these channels are constantly debated as these services can be easily found somewhere else and can be quite shallow in its execution. But still, they are free features that enhance the Wii experience even further, with many more channels still to come, including the sought out after DS Download channel and the TV Guide channel.

And speaking of Miis...

IT'S A MII!
On that same conference in which Nintendo finally unveiled the Wii's launch details they revealed the Mii avatar system, a caricature program in which users created cartoony replicas of themselves and were used as either game profile avatars or a playable characters in various games. The first Wii game to fully showcase the system was "Wii Sports".

The Mii concept quickly won the hearts of many fans as it provided a personal experience unlike anything ever seen before on the home console market. Despite its limited options users let their creativity soar, creating everything from near identical Miis of famous people to the totally messed up.

The Miis became so popular that many fan sites were created for users to share and display their Mii creations and even offering tutorials so people can make their favorite people and characters.

Nintendo decided to get on the Mii sharing and creating act and released the "Check Mii out" channel, already explained on the above paragraph.

The simple concept of the Miis has actually been in development for over 20 years! Miyamoto had been struggling to make a piece of software in which user created their likeness on the system and was used during gameplay. Nintendo had tried everything from digital cameras to simple software implemented onto the console, but nothing surfaced.

Then, Miyamoto discovered a caricature system being developed for the Nintendo DS and he loved it. So much, in fact, that he became really angry that he and his team didn't come up with it, especially when it was such a simple but effective method.

A year later and the Miis still enchant players all over the world. Despite that fact only a handful of games have used them, the majority of them being basic avatars. But the games that DO use them to the fullest create a feeling of joy as you see yourself bowling a perfect game or racing against gaming giants Mario and Sonic.

Safety first!
The Wii is one of the few systems in which it encourages people to get up and move your body. But as with any physical activity accidents are bound to happen, and the Wii is home to some very interesting accident stories...

After launch, reports came flooding in of people accidentally letting go of their controls, either hitting and destroying their TVs or hurting themselves or someone else. It got so bad that people broke their legs playing!

The biggest complain was that the initial set of remote straps broke easily with constant and strong use. Even if fans debated on the subject and went as far as to prove everyone wrong Nintendo didn't want to take any chances.

First off, they replaced the first strap models with a stronger, more durable one. If you bought the Wii before the accidents you could order the replacements for free at Nintendo's online store. But that wasn't the end of it! Nintendo kept releasing updated models of the remote strap, the latest one even feature a small "lock" so that it prevents the strap from loosening up during play.

Then they went above and beyond the call of duty when educating people about properly playing with the Wii. So now before every game we are treated to countless screens that warn you about roughly playing with the system and encourages you to put on your strap.

Finally, they released a Wii remove cover which further protects the controller in case someone accidentally throws it. Like the straps before it they were free of charge, despite costing Nintendo a pretty penny.

These accidents stories made for some interesting moments in the Wii's first year. Fans have even made websites dedicated to hosting tales of misfortunes and the wacky safety procedures that came after it.

And that's it for today's update!

Coming up: The Virtual Console and Wii Ware

[Kairon]

Oh my god Pap64, you're just pouring out articles upon stories upon internet links! I can't keep up!

[MysticGohan]

Happy Birthday Wii! Wish I had one, but eventually...

It's been a awesome year for Nintendo, Back on top! The sleeping Giant has awaken.... and it's pissed!

[Smash_Brother]

I can still vividly recall the Wii's launch day.

I lined up inside a Wal-Mart because the Gamestop I reserved my Wii at f*cked me over by deciding not to have a Wii launch. I spent the 8 hours chatting with fellow Nintendo fans and milfs about all things Nintendo and the Wii, all the while sitting on a beanbag chair grabbed from a nearby bin.

I can also still recall setting it up in my living room at 12:30 and playing Red Steel until 6 AM. That was the same night one of my roommates came home completely drunk, passed out in the bathroom and I had to carry him on my back to his bed where we spent the night checking on him every 15 minutes to make sure he wasn't throwing up in his sleep and choking.

Red Steel had the worst case of launchitis I've ever seen, but the game delivered enough fun that I didn't care. I still remember my first swordfight: it was that guy who comes at you after you get out of the elevator with Miyu's father. I couldn't help but grin, as the sword combat reminded me very much of punch-out.

I still haven't really come to grips with the fact that the Wii is the world leader and that Nintendo is back on top. I had pretty much expected Nintendo to become a niche in the gaming world and the fact that this isn't the case is a welcome surprise. I will always remember trying to hunt down Wiis over the past year.

A year later, so much has happened but much more is still happening. SSBB isn't even here yet and Wii Ware is coming next year. The Wii continues to snuff the 360 in monthly sales to boot. Nintendo really hit one over the fence this time.

[nickmitch]

I think me and my Wii will spend the evening together, celebrating our first full year together.

[Kairon]

Thank GOD I pre-ordered. And even as I was pre-ordering I was shaking my head and laughing at myself as a fanboi, claiming that I was doing it for the fun of it because there'd be tons of Wii's available anyways so my pre-ordering meant nothing in the long run... *shakes head*

[NWR_pap64]

Quote
Originally posted by: Kairon
Oh my god Pap64, you're just pouring out articles upon stories upon internet links! I can't keep up!

Hehe, thank you!

Since the thread is now being watched and is featured on the main page I can't let it slide.

I want to include the links and videos because I don't want to sound like I am making some of this stuff up and prove that the system has gained a very surprising following.

Hell, I completely forgot about how the Wii has invaded popular culture and how its being used to treat people with diseases and bring the elderly closer together!

And S_B, I still regret not being there as it sounds like you had the best night of your life.

Might as well post my Wii story...

Due to my limited funds and the lack of a game store nearby I missed the Wii launch. I was hoping to get it on Christmas but the thing was sold out everywhere and finding a needle in a haystack was actually EASY! Worst of all, my nephew kept making me feel bad because he kept wishing and wishing for a Wii and I knew none of us would be able to get him one.

So Christmas came and went and no Wii. That's fine. Both me and my nephew were happy with what we got and we came to understand that the Wii was too hot at the moment.

Days later, S_B came to visit me and my family and he brought his Wii! We originally had it set it up on my room. But then as interest on the system grew bigger we decided to move it to the living room. That night S_B was feeling sick and tired from the flight and the car ride and everyone had gone to bed. But once we set up the Wii and put Wii Sports in, S_B came back to life (although the 4 cups of coffee did the trick) and everyone got out of bed. We kept playing till 3:00 AM!

The next day we basically celebrated New Years with the Wii! My nephew and S_B kept playing Wii tennis till 5:00 AM! It was an awesome sight as two of my friends who RARELY see each other, much less hear from each other, were playing together.

S_B also brought his copy of Elebits. He was head set on beating it so he could bitch about it and say "I finished it!". One night he decided to finish the game once and for all so I sat there watching him play. Minutes later my mom and dad went to say good night but became fascinated by the game, so they all sat down and just watched S_B play.

The best part was at the end of the game. Mom was getting into it and was shouting tips like "There's a monster over there!" and "Try unscrewing the chest plate!". Thanks to that S_B beat the game and watched the ending.

S_B then returned home. Nearly a month later, S_B embarked on his infamous Wii hunts in which he bought multiple systems for friends and family. As a thank you present for all the help and kindness  he received during his visit he got me and my family a Wii! It was a very happy day!

In short, I have very close personal ties with the Wii as it reminds me of a time friends and family came together, forgot about the world's problems and just had fun. It also reminds me of how a friend will do some crazy sh*t in order to make his friends and family happy...

[Djunknown]

Everyone's forgetting Wii play! Its one of the top selling, if not the top selling Wii title of 07

I believe the gaming press should have a 3 course meal this day. One being crow, the other humble pie, washing it down with a glass of shut-the-hell-up. Who would have thought skipping HD, an HDD, and going to new audiences of all ages would have a profound effect?

The last big E3 was about selling the vision, with Nintendo having the least leverage. Microsoft wanted to use its software dominance/ integration of Xbox live across 360's, PC's and mobile gadgets. Sony had their undeniable success with the PS2, hoping that not only will they plunk 500-600 USD, but even more on 1080p. Nintendo reached out to everyone and anyone, and so far, that vision of pragmatic gaming crystallized the fastest.

Haters call this a fad, but I doubt fad's can sell out 12 months straight. They're mad that they can't hock their other systems on ebay anymore...

The gaming press is still trying to downplay the Wii's success with minimal coverage (You know who they are), but sooner or later, they're going to have roll with it, or ironically be behind the times concerning 'Two gamecubes stuck together'.

So this one's for the Wii This one's for Iwata and Reggie And this one's for the haters

[GoldenPhoenix]

Hmmm, here are my top 10 games on Wii:

10. Mario Strikers
9. Wii Sports
8. Excite Truck
7. Smarty Pants
6. RE: UC
5. Zack and Wiki
4. Super Paper Mario
3. Metroid Prime 3
2. LoZ: TP
1. Mario Galaxy  

[King of Twitch]

Thanks to this thread my friend and I decided to camp out instead of showing up at opening time which soon became apparent as the best foresight I've ever had.

TP, MP3, Wii Sports... Best games in a long time, not a bad first year. Good thing we waited in line..

[Kairon]

Stop dredging up our shame.

[GoldenPhoenix]

Quote
Originally posted by: MJRx9000
Thanks to this thread my friend and I decided to camp out instead of showing up at opening time which soon became apparent as the best foresight I've ever had.

TP, MP3, Wii Sports... Best games in a long time, not a bad first year. Good thing we waited in line..

Yeah but the only reason why the Wii sold out was because the supply was lower than anticipated. I mean look what happened after....oh wait nevermind.

[King of Twitch]

One full year of bitterness... How about some barbecue with that sweet and sour sauce!


edit: typo

[Kairon]

Quote
Originally posted by: GoldenPhoenix

Quote
Originally posted by: MJRx9000
Thanks to this thread my friend and I decided to camp out instead of showing up at opening time which soon became apparent as the best foresight I've ever had.

TP, MP3, Wii Sports... Best games in a long time, not a bad first year. Good thing we waited in line..

Yeah but the only reason why the Wii sold out was because the supply was lower than anticipated. I mean look what happened after....oh wait nevermind.

Give it up GP. Nintendo fanbois are blind to reason.

[NWR_pap64]

TIME FOR PART 3 FOOLS!!!!!!!!

Wii: Reliving your childhood memories since November 19th, 2006
At E3 2005 Nintendo presented the Wii in the most lukewarm way possible. All they showed was an empty box with tons of promises of things to come. However, they still dropped a couple of megatons here and there. The biggest one of all was the confirmation of the Revolution being backwards compatible with Gamecube games...and NES games, and N64 games, and SNES games and even Sega Genesis games!

How is this possible? Its something they like to call "The Virtual Console". Using the Wii Shop channel and using points instead of currency fans download their classic games and are able to play them on their Wii console!

Clearly, it was one of the biggest features available on the Wii. Months later, Nintendo confirmed that third party would bring their own games to the shop! Sega brought their Genesis games while Hudson brought their Turbografix 16 games, a blessing for many since the console was extremely obscure but boasted some great games.

The service launched along with the system on November 19th, 2006. Anyone with an internet connection could connect their system and use the Wii Shop right away. However, the launch line up was a disappointing one, with many key games missing from the collection. In comparison, Japan got a handful of amazing games since day ONE. Nintendo, however, promise that it would constantly update their library of games every Monday at 9:00 AM.

And it has been that way since then. Nintendo has yet to miss a Monday and their numbers have been consistent; 3 games per week. No more, no less.

A year later and the service is completely different from the weak monster that many people witnessed at launch.  Since then, one more third party has joined the service; SNK. They are planning on bringing many of its classic Neo-Geo arcade games, 4 of them already being available.

But the biggest accomplishment of the Virtual Console is being the home of previously unavailable import games! Nintendo had promised that the VC could feature Japan and Europe only releases for everyone to download. That promise came true on October 1st, 2007 with the release of the REAL Super Mario Bros. 2 for the NES and Sin and Punishment for the N64.

But just because the service has been a successful one it hasn't been devoid of criticism and complaints. The biggest one being is that the Wii's limited storage capacity puts a big damper on constant downloads and while Nintendo had mentioned that they were planning on allowing the use of USB hard drives they have yet to keep their promise.

Whether you enjoy the service or not it is great that Nintendo has gone the distance to provide gamers classic gaming experiences along with the new.

[GoldenPhoenix]

Quote
Originally posted by: pap64
their numbers have been consistent; 3 games per week. No more, no less.

Lies, all lies.

[NWR_pap64]

Quote
Originally posted by: GoldenPhoenix

Quote
Originally posted by: pap64
their numbers have been consistent; 3 games per week. No more, no less.

Lies, all lies.

I'm were aware there have been days in which they either released just one game or released 4. What I mean is that they have stuck with the 3 games per Monday and have not made any decision as to changing it.

[NWR_pap64]

I SHALL UPDATE THIS EVEN IF PEOPLE DON'T GIVE A CRAP ABOUT IT!!!!!!!

*Ahem...

Wii would like to play too!
Years ago, when the Wii was still known as "the Revolution" Nintendo had made comments that the development kits would be quite cheap. So cheap, in fact, that garage game developers could afford it and make games for the new system. With this comment Wii Ware slowly came into view.

Not to be confused by a failed clothing line Wii Ware was officially announced on June 27th, 2007. Its a service that aims to sell brand new and exclusive Wii games, just like the XBOX marketplace and the Playstation store.

As you would imagine Nintendo, along with many other third parties including Konami, Square and Hudson, have plenty of games in the works. The biggest one of all, at the moment, is Square's "Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Young King and the Promised Land", an online multiplayer RPG featuring characters from the CC universe. Its also going to be a launch title in Japan.

These upcoming games are neat and all, but what about the indie games Nintendo promised? As of November 2007 three companies have stepped and confirmed development for the Wii Ware service.

The first of these companies was "Bplus", a European company. Their first game is called "Twist 'n' Paint". Sadly nothing else is known about the game. No screenshots of gameplay footage have been released since the first announcement.

The second company is called "Medaverse studios", a "right out of the oven" development studio based in New Hampshire. Originally, they announced a top down shooter called "Paranoia". But as time went on the project was put on hold and the team moved onto another project, the oddly titled Gravitronix.. Like "Twist 'n' Paint" before it not much is known about the gameplay, except that they hope to "make you scream at the TV" and use the Wii remote in unique ways.

Finally, the last indie game in the works for Wii Ware (at the time of this feature) is called "Pop", by Australian developer "Nnooo". They hope to deliver a game that looks absurdly shallow but offers some very deep strategy elements, complete with achievements and Wiiconnect24 support.

So now we have three studios from different parts of the world. All three have big dreams and hope for the future, but will they have the talent to bring something amazing to the Wii table? Will fans accept their humble offerings? Will Nintendo find the one new IP in these new studios? Why am I asking you these questions?

Going back to the service itself, not much is known. Nintendo has yet to announce the price of Wii Ware games and there's one issue that might plague the service; lack of a bigger storage device. Just like with the VC the tiny memory might not be enough to hold multiple games, even if Nintendo makes them as small as possible. Talks of hard drive support was mentioned years ago but Nintendo has yet to do anything about it.

But despite what happens Wii Ware promises to deliver even more games that makes all that time you spent standing in the cold to get a Wii worth it.

Nintendo Wi-Fi connection should be an Olympic event...
...Because of all the hurdles you have to get to in order to play a game!

But enough sarcastic wit!

The Nintendo DS was the first Nintendo system to feature online gaming, much to the delight...and pain of the gamers.

Nintendo officially dubbed its new service "Nintendo Wi-Fi connection". Their aim was to provide an easy to use online system with no wires. Both the Wii and the DS have a Wi-Fi antenna which detects when a wireless signal is around. With just that people can connect online and play their favorite games! In hopes of offering the best and safest online experience possible, though, Nintendo created the friend code system. Each online game generates a 12 number code. If they wish to play their friends online gamers would have to first get their friend's code, them give him or her their own code. Once both players put their codes in they would be able to play each other.

Even if the system provides free online play fans have loudly spoken against the system as they feel its way too cumbersome and that there are much better ways to provide a safe online experience. For the Wii, since it generates its own universal code fans hoped that would end the use of friend codes for good. Boy, life can sure be a bitch sometimes.

Pokemon Battle Revolution, the first Wii title with online play, was released in Japan and gamers learned the bitter truth: Each online game would use its own friend code system.

But no matter how big of a roar fans, the media and the world make Nintendo still believes that "people like friend codes"..

As stated earlier, "Pokemon Battle Revolution" was the first online Wii title. Despite being the first online game Battle Revolution was poorly received and fans clamored for a MUCH better online title.

Mario says hi!

On July 30th, 2007 the US got "Mario Strikers Charged", a sequel to the 2005 Gamecube title "Super Mario Strikers". The game's online features were announced during the game's unveiling. Its online promise was so big that some fans deemed it as the Wii first TRUE online game.

The game's online mode was far from perfect. Fans claim that there are many cases of lag and slowdown, even if they are using really strong connections. Reviewers also felt the mode was somewhat limited as it could've offered more. On top of that, the game used friend codes.

But still "Charged" is one of the best online titles for the Wii. But that title will likely be taken away by Super Smash Bros. Brawl, a game so big, so highly anticipated that...I WILL TALK ABOUT IT ON A FUTURE INSTALLMENT!!!

The latest on Nintendo's Mario Kart series, "Mario Kart Wii", also hopes to be one of the most anticipated titles for the Wii. Last we heard they were working on making 12 player online racing, a first for the series!

In its first year in the market many gamers agree; online is one of the Wii's, and Nintendo's, Achilles heel. Feel titles features online play, and those that do use it are simply small features like trading and leader boards.

But will Nintendo wise up and finally create a better online experience? Maybe yes, maybe no. You know how Nintendo can be!

Coming up: Wii Haters, Impact and closing

I will likely come back and edit this entry as I am feeling woozy right now...

[King of Twitch]

Four more years! Four more years!

Happy birthday Wii.

[BeautifulShy]

You know I wasn't even around when Pap64 started this thread but I read through it and quite frankly I wonder why you stopped updating this Pap64? Its a good read.

[King of Twitch]

Not even a few kind words for our beloved dead? 

Rest in peace, Wii. From dust you were created, to dust you are now covered with.

[MegaByte]

You know I wasn't even around when Pap64 started this thread but I read through it and quite frankly I wonder why you stopped updating this Pap64? Its a good read.

It turned into this.

[BeautifulShy]

So are you guys going to do that sort of thing for this year?

[NWR_pap64]

So are you guys going to do that sort of thing for this year?

Unfortunately I don't have anything planned for it as I am working on other things.

[Mop it up]

That's too bad, I always enjoy your articles like these.