Nintendo Wii Hardware Simply Explained Nintendo Wii Tip! The Nintendo Wii decided to completely change the way gaming controllers are built. In the past, one controller was always held with both hands. The seventh generation Nintendo Wii hardware has one of the most impressive set of features available in all Nintendo consoles. With its innovative wireless controllers and "Wii-mote control" with 3D functions, this gaming console should be a part of any gamers' collection of entertainment systems. Although the Nintendo Wii was released in November of 2006, it has already won a "Game Critics Award" for Best Hardware and Best of Show at the E3 2006. The Nintendo Wii hardware, which boasts state-of-the-art components, is one of the smallest hardware for game consoles that measure only 157 millimeters in height. Features of the Nintendo Wii Hardware Two processors known as the Broadway and Hollywood are available for the Nintendo Wii. While the Broadway processor is PowerPC based with 90 nm SOI that clock at 729 MHZ, the Hollywood is an ATI GPU with a 90-nm CMOS processor clocking at 243 MHz. In terms of memory, the Nintendo Wii hardware boasts a 1T-SRAM. The seventh generation Nintendo console can be positioned either vertically or horizontally. The optical media drive is an illuminated loading slot located at the front of the console, which accepts Wii Optical Discs and GameCube Discs. The Nintendo Wii has two USB ports and a 512MB built-in memory that can be expanded via the very useful SD slot for viewing and uploading photos, saving game information and downloading virtual console games. However, before using the SD slot, you have to download a software update to ensure all your data are kept private once you connect to the internet. An impressive feature of Nintendo Wii hardware is the flexibility of its remote controls. It serves as accelerometers, trigger buttons, pointing device, analog joysticks and an infrared detector, which enables 3D positioning. This means that you can easily use hand gestures to control game movements. These functions are available with the power of Bluetooth technology. The Nintendo Wii hardware also allows users to connect to the internet via wi-fi and the Ethernet adaptor through a USB port. These features give gamers the option to download new games, benefit from online services and redeem game points instantly. In Japan, the Nintendo Wii hardware includes a DVD-video playback capability. However, this Wii version will only be released worldwide around 2007. Both gamers and experts agree that the hardware behind Nintendo Wii offers the most innovative features, yet at the most affordable price available for all GenX gaming consoles.