Wii Features
Backward compatibility
Nintendo has stated that Wii will be backward compatible with all GameCube software and most peripherals. The top of the console (or on the side if laid horizontally) is the GameCube docking station, featuring four controller ports and two memory card slots compatible with GameCube Memory Cards and the Nintendo GameCube Microphone. The Wii's slot-loading media drive accepts 8 cm GameCube discs as well as the standard 12 cm discs such as Wii games, DVDs, and CDs. This is uncommon in slot-loading media drives, which typically only accept discs of a single size.
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Virtual Console
Main article: Virtual Console (Wii)
One of the most anticipated features of Wii is its game download service, dubbed the "Virtual Console." Despite other rumors, Nintendo of America expects "Virtual Console" to be the final name of the service.[14] Using this Virtual Console service, users will have the ability to download and play many or all Nintendo-produced NES/Famicom, SNES/Super Famicom, and N64 games for a small fee. More notably, some games may offer free retro downloads as a bonus for the purchase. Nintendo has also announced that games developed for the Sega Genesis and TurboGrafx 16 consoles will be offered via the Virtual Console download service. While not all of the Sega Genesis and TurboGrafx games will be offered, the "best of them" will be. This gives the companies a pool of over 1000 Sega Genesis games to choose from.
While the gameplay will be the same for all of the retro titles offered via the Virtual Console, Nintendo has stated that some of the games may be improved with sharper graphics or better framerates.[19] In addition, gamers may be able to download games that were not originally released in their region, and some multiplayer games may be playable online, if it is technically possible.[20] The Virtual Console service will not be used exclusively for retro games, however. Nintendo has stated that they are interested in using the service to distribute new, original content.
According to a Japanese press release, "all downloaded games will be stored on the 512 [MB] flash memory built into the system". To prevent illegal copying, downloaded games will feature a proprietary DRM system.
Wii FAQ| wii games and developer support| Nintendo Wii controller and games
Parental controls
The Wii will feature parental controls, prohibiting young viewers from viewing inappropriate content. This allows parents to set the age level of the system, and when a disc is inserted, it will read the content rating encoded on the game discs; if this rating is greater than the system's age level setting, the game will not load unless the user correctly enters a password to override the setting. For instance, a game carrying an ESRB rating of M for Mature, which is intended for those age 17 and older, will not play on a system that is set to only allow games rated E for Everyone (ages six and older) and EC for Early Childhood (ages three and under).
This will be found in all systems released around the world; it is confirmed that the European units will use the PEGI rating system[22], North American units will use the ESRB rating system[23], units for the Japanese market will presumably use the CERO rating system, German units will use the USK system, and Australian units will use the OFLC system. Fixed rate loans
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