About Gamecube 2

When the Nintendo Gamecube was released in 2001, video gamers began swirling rumors about the imminent release of Gamecube 2. While the Nintendo Company actually shoved the cube shape on the backburner, they developed a new system that would still play Gamecube games and feature its own distinctions to make it one of the most popular video game systems of all time. This system is called the Nintendo Wii.

Time Frame

The Nintendo Gamecube was released in 2001, during the sixth generation of video game consoles that featured the Microsoft Xbox and the Sony PS2. When Microsoft and Sony began making strides towards new and better systems, the Nintendo Company did as well, developing a new console that was nicknamed the "Gamecube 2" by video game enthusiasts. What they got on November 19th, 2006 was not a cube, but a white colored rectangle shaped system referred to as the Nintendo Wii.

Significance

Microsoft and Sony both concentrated their efforts on the Xbox 360 and PS3 to provide superior graphics that would look almost life-like in some cases. The Nintendo Wii has better graphics than the Nintendo Gamecube, but their focus was more towards game play and interactivity than graphics, which helped set it apart from the other two gaming systems. It was very successful at the launch, proving that video game players are not just looking for the best graphics in their games.

Features

The Nintendo Wii lets players take control of their video games like never before. Using a wireless Wii remote, players interact with their games to bowl, swing and perform other actions depending on what game it is. For example, in "Wii Sports," if you want to throw a bowling ball, you reenact the movement of an actual bowling ball with the remote in your hand.
The Nintendo Wii was also built to be backwards compatible with Nintendo Gamecube games. This helps entice owners of the Nintendo Gamecube to upgrade to the new system.
Another popular feature on the Nintendo Wii is the use of the Virtual Console at the Wii Store. Here, players can download classic video games like "Super Mario Brothers," "Sonic the Hedgehog" and "Donkey Kong."

Function

The Wii console stands either vertically or horizontally. Discs are sucked into the reader since Wii games are on a 12 inch disc while Gamecube games are on a 8 inch disc. A sensor bar is attached either above or below the television and provides all the necessary reading for the Wii remote.
The Wii remote can be utilized in many different functions. The normal way to use the remote is vertically in your strong hand, but it can also be turned horizontally for racing games or games on the virtual console. Add-ons to the remote can turn into a tennis racquet, golf club, steering wheel or even a large gun for use in shooting games like "Zelda" and "House of the Dead."

History

Along with the nickname "Gamecube 2," the Wii has also been referred to as the "Revolution." The Wii was the final chosen name and represents that system can be played by anyone. The use of the two "Is" is just a unique way to showcase the system. In 2005, the system was revealed and a little later the controller was revealed as well.