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Is the First Wii Different From the Current Generation?

Nintendo's motion-controlled Wii gaming console has undergone a few changes since its original release in late 2006. The success of the Wii console has yielded a few new cosmetic changes as well as upgrades to the accessories and games included with the hardware. Despite these small changes, the very first Wii systems released function in largely the same way as Wiis produced in 2011.

First Generation Hardware
- Nitnendo launched its Wii video gaming console on November 19, 2006. The unit sold for a suggested market retail price of $249.99. In the box, Nintendo included the Wii console, an audio-visual connection cable, a power cable, a sensor bar, mounts for the console and bar, a Wii remote, a Wii nunchuck, two AA batteries and a copy of the Wii Sports game. The console was only available in one color, white. At the time of its release, the Wii Menu -- the console navigational display -- included the Disc Channel, the Mii Channel and the Wii Shop Channel.
Current Generation Hardware
- As of 2011, the technical specifications of the Wii hardware are the same as the first generation of Wii consoles. On May 9, 2010, Nintendo released a black version of the console. On the same day, the company lowered the price of both black and white models to $199. These repackaged consoles also included Nintendo's new Wii MotionPlus controller attachment, which allows a greater range of motion recognition. November 7, 2010, saw the release of a limited edition red-colored Wii hardware with a new remote known as the Wii Remote Plus, which features a built-in Wii MotionPlus attachment. Since the Wii's first iteration, Nintendo has also begun including protective rubber sleeves for Wii remotes.
Current Generation Bundles
- In the video gaming world, packages that include a video game console and one or more video games are known as "bundles." The black Wii includes the same basic accessories as the original launch --- with the addition of a controller sleeve and a Wii MotionPlus attachment --- but it adds a copy of the game Wii Sports Resort alongside a copy of Wii Sports. White Wiis released since the introduction of the black Wii include the same games. The special edition red Wii bundle, released to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Super Mario, includes Wii Sports and a copy of New Super Mario Bros. Wii.
Firmware Updates
- Nintendo regularly releases firmware updates, small updates that users download to their Wii to keep the Wii's system menu up-to-date. 2007 saw the introduction of the Wii Message Board, the Internet Channel, the Weather Channel and the Everybody Votes Channel, while 2008 introduced the Check Mii Out Channel and the Wii Speak Channel. Firmware updates have added small features over time, such as USB keyboard compatibility, streamlined menu interaction and improved parental controls. The first Wii Menu was known as the Wii Menu 2.0; as of 2011, the Wii Menu is version 4.3. Current Wii consoles include all firmware updates up to the time of their manufacture, but users of any Wii console --- even the first ones produced --- can download free firmware updates to bring their Wii Menus up to speed.

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