Other Source Component Reviews

Connections
Outputs:
Video: Proprietary audio/video out (1; supports component video, S-video, and composite video)
Audio: Proprietary audio/video out (1; supports analog stereo)
Additional: USB 2.0 (2), Sensor Bar (1), GameCube controller (4)
Wireless: 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR)

Features
Compatible Game Formats: Wii, GameCube
Compatible Playback Formats: QuickTime/MOV, MP3, JPEG (base line only, up to 8,192 x 8,192 pixels)
Possible Playback Resolutions: 480p/480i
Onboard Flash Memory: 512 megabytes
Memory Card Slots: SD (1), GameCube memory card (2)
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 6.2 x 1.7 x 8.5
Weight (pounds): 2.7
Available Finishes: White
Included: Proprietary composite video/analog stereo A/V cable, Wii Remote, Nunchuk, Sensor Bar, AC power supply, Wii vertical stand, Wii Sports game

Ratings: Nintendo Wii

Build Quality: 86
• Thin, white plastic housing; Sensor Bar feels downright fragile
• Almost impossibly compact design, owing partly to an external power brick

Value: 95
• Although it lacks DVD/high-def-video playback like some others, it is priced to move
• No hard drive, but did I mention it's only $250?

Features: 90
• A variety of channels put games, info, friends, and new content at your fingertips
• Backwards-compatible with GameCube games and accessories, plus Nintendo classics

Performance: 88
• Overall solid audio and video, despite the presence of jaggies
• Wi-Fi performance and Internet access can be temperamental

Ergonomics: 93
• Once set up, it feels so intuitive, it hardly feels like you're playing a game
• But like most "wireless" devices, there are a lot of wires and other doodads here

Overall Rating: 90
Talk of a DVD-enabled deluxe model later in 2007—and short supplies at launch—might stay your credit card right now. But, with support for the most popular new franchise titles and many Wii exclusives to exploit those mind-boggling controllers, the Wii is a one-way ticket to Funsville.

General Information
Wii, $250
Nintendo of America
(800) 255-3700
www.nintendo.com / http://wii.nintendo.com