Sunday, May 24, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Nintendo DS, DS Lite & DSi
* Weight:
DS : 275 gr
DS Lite: 218 gr (21% lighter than the DS)
DSi : 214 gr (2% lighter than the DS Lite)
* Dimensions:
DS : 148.7 mm × 84.7 mm × 28.9 mm
DS Lite: 133 mm × 73.9 mm × 21.5 mm (—42% less volume than the DS).
DSi : 137 mm x 74.9 mm × 18.9 mm (which is about 12% thinner (2.6 mm)than the Nintendo DS Lite, but slightly longer).
* DS Lite has Extended battery life compared to the DS. With a full three-hour charge,
the battery lasts fifteen to nineteen hours on the lowest brightness setting and five to eight hours on the
highest brightness setting (both are dependent on the type of interactivity).
After 500 charges, battery life can be expected to drop. The DS was supplied with a 850 mAh battery,
while the DS Lite has a 1000 mAh battery.
The DSi has five brightness settings compared to the DS Lite's four; however, battery life is reduced to 9–14 hours
on the lowest brightness setting compared to the 15–19 hours of its predecessor.DSi unit uses a 840mAh internal
rechargeable battery compared to 1000mAh for the DS Lite and it can be replaced by the user at the end of
its useful life of approximately five hundred charge/discharge cycles.
* DS Lite Brighter, more durable top and bottom LCD screens, with four levels of brightness.
Designed to be more resistant to shock. The option of turning the backlight off in the main menu has been
removed.
The DSi has five brightness settings
* DS Lite screen : 3-inch, transmissive TFT color LCD with capable of displaying 260,000 colors
DSi screen : 3.25 inches, instead of DS Lite 3 inches, capable of displaying 260,000 colors
* DS Lite has Larger stylus than DS, making it easier to hold.
stylus dimensions:
DS : length 75.0 mm × 4.0 mm
DS Lite : length 87.5 mm × 4.9 mm (The stylus is now also side-loaded and located next to the power switch,
making it easier to reach for right handed people when needed, and more inconvenient for left handed people.
* In Japan, the wrist strap no longer includes a thumb stylus; in North America, Australia and Europe, the wrist strap is
no longer included at all, though there is still a place to attach it.
* DS Lite D-pad was reduced to 18.6 mm across (16% smaller than the DS), but the A, B, X, and Y buttons retain the same
dimensions. There are lines on the D-pad, a design shared with the Wii Remote and Game Boy Micro.
* The Start and Select buttons of DS Lite have been relocated under the A, B, X, and Y buttons, and are smaller than
the original buttons.
* DS Lite have Twelve colors: Ice Blue, Enamel Navy, Polar White (Crystal White in Japan), Coral Pink (Noble Pink in Japan),
Onyx Black (Jet Black in Japan), Metallic Rose, Gloss Silver, Crimson/Black, Cobalt/Black, Turquoise, Red, and
Green (see Colors below).
The DSi is currently available in six colors. Only the matte black model is available in all regions. Japan received pink, lime green and metallic blue colors on March 20, 2009
* Different external extension connection, rendering it incompatible to accessories for the Game Boy Advance EXT2 port
(power cords and headphone adapters). The new connector is used for the power cord only.
* The power button, originally (DS) located above the D-pad, is now (DS Lite) a power slider and is relocated to the right side of
the device.
* The power and charging indicator lights are now located on the right hinge (DS Lite), as opposed to being below the
bottom screen in the original model (DS).
* The processors of DS Lite & DSi are the same as the DS, but made on a smaller custom process so they require much less power.
* The built-in microphone, originally (DS) located below the bottom screen, is now located between the top and bottom screens
of the DS Lite.
* ONLY DSi has a camera:
The handheld has two VGA (0.3 megapixel) digital cameras; one on the internal hinge pointed towards the user
and the other in the outer shell. In addition to cameras, the DSi has an SD card slot hidden behind the cover
on the right-side of the handheld. The power switch has been replaced with a power button, as the original DS had,
but provides extra functions and is located next to the bottom left side of the touchscreen. Read More..
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Nintendo Wii History
The Wii is a home video game console released by Nintendo. As a seventh-generation console, the Wii primarily competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360and Sony's PlayStation 3. Nintendo states that its console targets a broader demographic than that of both.
As of December 31, 2008 the Wii leads the generation over the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in worldwide sales.
A distinguishing feature of the console is its wireless controller, the Wii Remote, which can be used as a handheld pointing device and detect
movement in three dimensions. Another distinctive feature of the console is WiiConnect24, which enables it to receive messages and updates over
the Internet while in standby mode.
The Wii is Nintendo's fifth home console, the direct successor to the Nintendo GameCube, and able to play all official GameCube games.
Nintendo first spoke of the console at the 2004 E3 press conference and later unveiled the system at the 2005 E3.
Satoru Iwata revealed a prototype of the controller at the September 2005 Tokyo Game Show. At E3 2006, the console won the first of several awards.
By December 8, 2006, it had completed its launch in four key markets.
Wii Remote
The Wii Remote is the primary controller for the console. It uses a combination of built-in accelerometers and infrared detection to sense its position
in 3D space when pointed at the LEDs within the Sensor Bar. This design allows users to control the game using physical gestures as well as traditional
button presses. The controller connects to the console using Bluetooth and features rumble as well as an internal speaker.
The Wii Remote can connect to expansion devices through a proprietary port at the base of the controller. The device bundled with the Wii retail package is
the Nunchuk unit, which features an accelerometer and a traditional analog stick with two trigger buttons.
In addition, an attachable wrist strap can be used to prevent the player from unintentionally dropping or throwing the Wii Remote.
In response to initial incidents of strap failure, Nintendo offers a free, stronger replacement for all straps.
Nintendo has also since offered the Wii Remote Jacket to provide extra grip and protection. The Wii MotionPlus was announced as a device that
connects to the Wii Remote to supplement the accelerometer and Sensor Bar capabilities and enable actions to be rendered identically on the screen in real time.
Memory storage
The Wii console contains 512 megabytes of internal flash memory and features an SD card slot for external storage.
An SD card can be used for uploading photos as well as backing up saved game data and downloaded Virtual Console and WiiWare games.
To use the SD slot for transferring game saves, an update must be installed. An installation can be initiated from the Wii options menu through an
Internet connection, or by inserting a game disc containing the updated firmware. Virtual Console data cannot be restored to any system except the unit of
origin.An SD card can also be used to create customized in-game music from stored MP3 files, as first shown in Excite Truck, as well as music for
the slideshow feature of the Photo Channel. Version 1.1 of the Photo Channel removed MP3 playback in favor of AAC support.
At the Nintendo Fall Press Conference in October 2008, Satoru Iwata announced that Wii owners would have the option to download WiiWare and Virtual
Console content directly onto an SD card. The option would offer an alternative to "address the console's insufficient memory storage".
The announcement stated that it would be available in Japan in the spring of 2009. Nintendo made the update available on March 25, 2009.
In addition to the previously announced functionalty, it lets the player load Virtual Console and WiiWare games directly from the SD card.
The update allows the use of SDHC cards, increasing the limit on SD card size from 2 GB to 32 GB.
Technical specifications
Nintendo has released few technical details regarding the Wii system, but some key facts have leaked through the press.
Though none of these reports has been officially confirmed, they generally point to the console as being an extension or advancement of the Nintendo GameCube
architecture. More specifically, the reported analyses state that the Wii is roughly 1.5 to 2 times as powerful as its predecessor.
Based on the leaked specifications, the Wii is the least powerful of the major home consoles in its generation. The Wii uses a storage system
similar to the GameCube, which uses "block" units rather than bytes. The conversion from blocks to bytes is roughly 8.12 blocks to one megabyte.
Processors:
* CPU: PowerPC-based "Broadway" processor, made with a 90 nm SOI CMOS process, reportedly† clocked at 729 MHz
* GPU: ATI "Hollywood" GPU made with a 90 nm CMOS process, reportedly† clocked at 243 MHz
Memory:
* 88 MB main memory (24 MB "internal" 1T-SRAM integrated into graphics package, 64 MB "external" GDDR3 SDRAM)
* 3 MB embedded GPU texture memory and framebuffer.
Ports and peripheral capabilities:
* Up to four Wii Remote controllers (connected wirelessly via Bluetooth)
* Nintendo GameCube controller ports (4)
* Nintendo GameCube Memory Card slots (2)
* SD memory card slot (supports SDHC cards as of System Menu 4.0)
* USB 2.0 ports (2)
* Sensor Bar power port
* Accessory port on bottom of Wii Remote
* Optional USB keyboard input in message board, Wii Shop Channel, and the Internet Channel (as of 3.0 and 3.1 firmware update)
* Mitsumi DWM-W004 WiFi 802.11b/g wireless module
* Compatible with optional USB 2.0 to Ethernet LAN adaptor
* MultiAV output port for component, composite and S-Video
Built-in content ratings systems:
* BBFC, CERO, ESRB, OFLC, OFLC (NZ), PEGI, USK
Storage:
* 512 MB built-in NAND flash memory
* Expanded storage via SD and SDHC card memory (up to 32 GB)
* Nintendo GameCube Memory Card (required for GameCube game saves)
IBM's Wii "Broadway" CPU
ATI's Wii "Hollywood" GPU
* Slot-loading disc drive compatible with 8 cm Nintendo GameCube Game Disc and 12 cm Wii Optical Disc
* Mask ROM by Macronix
Video:
* 480p (PAL/NTSC), 480i (NTSC) or 576i (PAL/SECAM), standard 4:3 and 16:9 anamorphic widescreen
* MultiAV multi-output port for component, composite, S-video,RGB SCART
Audio:
* Main: Stereo – Dolby Pro Logic II-capable
* Controller: Built-in speaker
Power consumption:
* 18 watts when switched on
* 9.6 watts in standby with WiiConnect24 standby connection
* 1.3 watts in standby
Features
The console contains a number of internal features made available from its hardware and firmware components. The hardware allows for extendibility through
expansion ports while the firmware can receive periodic updates via the WiiConnect24 service.
Wii Menu
The Wii Menu operating system interface is designed around the concept of television channels. Separate channels are graphically displayed in a grid and are
navigated using the pointer capability of the Wii Remote. It is possible to change the arrangement by holding down the A and B buttons to grab
channels and move them around. There are six primary channels: the Disc Channel, Mii Channel, Photo Channel, Wii Shop Channel, Forecast Channel,
and News Channel. The latter two were initially unavailable at launch, but activated through firmware updates.
Additional channels are available for download from the Wii Shop Channel through WiiWare and also appear with each Virtual Console title.
These include the Everybody Votes Channel, Internet Channel, Check Mii Out Channel, and the Nintendo Channel.
Backward compatibility
The Wii console is backward compatible with all official Nintendo GameCube software, as well as Nintendo GameCube Memory Cards and controllers.
Compatibility with software is achieved with the slot-loading drive's ability to accept Nintendo GameCube Game Discs.
The console supports progressive-scan output in 480p-enabled GameCube titles. Peripherals can be connected via a set of four GameCube controller
ports and two Memory Card slots concealed by removable flip-open panels.The console therefore retains connectivity with the Game Boy Advance and
e-Reader through the Game Boy Advance Cable, which is used in the same manner as it was used with the GameCube.
This feature can only be accessed on those select GameCube titles that previously utilized it. Gamercize accessories also utilize the backward compatibility
in order to support the Wii console. The Wii for release in South Korea lacks GameCube backward compatibility.
A Wii console running a GameCube disc is restricted to GameCube functionality. As such, a GameCube controller is required to play GameCube titles,
as neither the Wii Remote nor the Classic Controller functions in this capacity. A Nintendo GameCube Memory Card is also necessary to save game progress
and content, as the Wii internal flash memory will not save GameCube games.
Backward compatibility is limited in some areas. Online and LAN-enabled features for Nintendo GameCube titles are unavailable on the Wii,
as the console lacks serial ports for the Nintendo GameCube Broadband Adapter and Modem Adapter. The console uses a proprietary port for video output
and is therefore incompatible with all Nintendo GameCube audio/video cables (composite video, S-Video, component video and RGB SCART).
The console also lacks the GameCube footprint and high-speed port needed for Game Boy Player support.
Nintendo DS connectivity
The Wii system supports wireless connectivity with the Nintendo DS without any additional accessories. This connectivity allows the player to use
the Nintendo DS microphone and touchscreen as inputs for Wii games. The first example Nintendo has given of a game using Nintendo DS-Wii connectivity is
that of Pokémon Battle Revolution. Players with either the Pokémon Diamond or Pearl Nintendo DS games are able to play battles using their Nintendo DS
as a controller.Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time, released on both the Nintendo DS and Wii, features connectivity in which the two games
can advance simultaneously. Nintendo later released the Nintendo Channel, which allows Wii owners to download game demos or additional data to their
Nintendo DS in a process similar to that of a DS Download Station.The console is also able to expand Nintendo DS games. Online connectivity
The Wii console is able to connect to the Internet through its built-in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi or through a USB-to-Ethernet adapter, with both methods
allowing players to access the established Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service.Wireless encryption by WEP, WPA (TKIP/RC4) and WPA2 (CCMP/AES) are supported.
AOSS support was discreetly added in firmware update 3.0. Just as for the Nintendo DS, Nintendo does not charge fees for playing via the service and the 12
digit Friend Code system controls how players connect to one another. Each Wii also has its own unique 16 digit Wii Code for use with Wii's non-game
features. This system also implements console-based software including the Wii Message Board. One can also connect to the internet with
third-party devices.
The service has several features for the console including the Virtual Console, WiiConnect24, Internet Channel, Forecast Channel, Everybody Votes Channel,
News Channel and the Check Mii Out Channel. The console can also communicate and connect with other Wii systems through a self-generated wireless LAN,
enabling local wireless multiplayer on different television sets. Battalion Wars 2 first demonstrated this feature for non-split screen multiplayer
between two or more televisions.
On April 9, 2008, the BBC announced that its online BBC iPlayer would be available on the Wii via the Internet Channel.
This is only available to people in the UK.
On December 26, 2008, Nintendo announced that it will launch a new video channel for the Wii.
Parental controls
The console features parental controls, which can be used to prohibit younger users from playing games with content that would be considered unsuitable
for their age level. When one attempts to play a Wii or Virtual Console game, it reads the content rating encoded in the game data;
if this rating is greater than the system's set age level the game will not load without a correct override password.
The parental controls can also restrict Internet access, which blocks the Internet Channel and system update features.
Since the console is restricted to Nintendo GameCube functionality when playing Nintendo GameCube Game Discs, GameCube software is unaffected
by Wii parental control settings.
European units mainly use the PEGI rating system, whereas North American units use the ESRB rating system.The Wii unit supports the native rating
systems of many countries, including CERO in Japan, the USK in Germany, both the PEGI and BBFC in the United Kingdom and the OFLC in Australia and New Zealand.
source: Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia Read More..
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Nintendo Wii Hardware Reviewed

Nintendo Wii Hardware Reviewed
Nintendos seventh generation gaming console was code named Revolution. It sought to becoming futuristic and including all conveniences like a wireless controller and Wii remote which has three dimensional functions. The Nintendo Wii also has Wii Connect 24 which can receive messages from the World Wide Web.
Slated for release in the US in mid Nov 2006, the Ninetendo Wii won the Game Critics Award for Best of Show and Best Hardware at the E3 2006. The hardware of the gaming console is state-of-art with the unit being the smallest measuring just 157 mm in height :
• The loading slot is in the front and accepts 12cm optical discs and 8 cms discs from Nintendo's older console.
• The console will have two USB ports and one SD card slot.
• In Japan the console will have DVD -Video capabilities. A Sonic Solutions Cine Player CE DVD Navigator software engine will be used in consoles to be released in 2007 with DVD-Video functions.
• The Wii remote has accelerometers and infrared detection that enables positioning in 3D space. This means gamers can participate in the game using hand gestures as well as buttons. The controller connects to the Wii console through Bluetooth technology. There are umpteen functions like connectivity to other devices, 4KB non volatile memory and an accelerometer, analog stick and trigger buttons.
• The Wii has a sensor bar that can be positioned such that the Wii remote can be used as an accurate pointing device from a distance of 5 meters. However the sensor bar is sensitive to halogen lights and sunlight affecting its functions.
• The Wii CPU has a processor known as Broadway with a 90nm SOI CMOS process. The Memory of the Wii is 1T-SRAM.
• The Nintendo Wii has 512 MB built-in flash memory that can be expanded using an SD card.
• The Wii has four remote controller slots; one SD memory slot; two USB ports; one sensor bar port ;four Nintendo game cube controller ports; two Nintendo game cube memory card ports; WiFi 802.11.b/g wireless built in ports.
• The Wii can connect to the World Wide Web through the WiFi and USB to Ethernet adaptor.
The CNET editors have rated the Nintendo Wii as an 8 /10. According to experts at CNET the positive is the futuristic controller design with motion-sensitive gameplay options and the Wi-Fi is all set to extend free online services and game play. The Nintendo Wii is the most affordable of all GenX gaming systems. The negative in the Wii is short battery life, no advanced HD graphics or surround sound and inability to play CDs or DVDs.
What Nintendo Wii brings to gaming is an affordable console with motion sensitive controllers and a focus on fun filled gaming.