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 on Sept. 8, 2006

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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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