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Photos: IBM delivers Wii chips to Nintendo

The launch of Nintendo's Wii gaming console is getting closer as IBM delivers the first batch of processors.
By Bill Detwiler, Contributor
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Wii chips

IBM says it has begun shipping a PowerPC CPU, code-named "Broadway," that was developed with Nintendo for its next-gen gaming console.

While the exact launch date and price is still not set, Nintendo hopes to release Wii in the United States before the Christmas with a price tag under $250. Nintendo plans to give more details at a Sept. 14 press event.

IBM Test Engineer Jim Myers (left) inspects a tray of Nintendo chip modules at the company's Burlington, Vermont Test Center.

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Wii

The Nintendo Wii, powered by an IBM CPU and ATI graphics, will not be as powerful as its two main competitors, Microsoft's already-released Xbox 360 and Sony's upcoming Playstation 3.

The Xbox 360 is able to render graphics up to 720p (lines of detail) and the Playstation 3 plans graphics up to 1080p, while the Wii will output at 480p. Nintendo plans to compete with a lower system price and its unique controller.

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Wii controller

The new Ninendo Wii controller comes in two sections, one for each hand, and contains a motion sensing device. For example (below), gamers can swing tennis rackets with arm movements. The controller will also "rumble" and contains a speaker.

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Games

Nintendo also has prepared a strong lineup of games to go with the launch of its new console. Leading off will be a new "Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess" episode with an older Link (left). The photo below shows gyrations needed to play the game.

Other potential top-sellers include "Mario Strikers Charged," "Super Smash Bros. Brawl," and a version of "Madden 2007" that lets you throw passes.

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