What Is the Wii Video Format?

Video Format

• Wii-specific video format plays content on the game console and is not available to the general public. Instead, the format is designed for vendors selling items at the Wii online store. Nintendo developed the format, but third-party converters have emerged claiming they can convert Wii content to mainstream formats and vice versa. The reliability of these converters, however, is arguable.

Supported Video Connections

• The standard connection that comes with the Wii is a custom composite cable, or regular A/V. It connects to the red-white-yellow ports on most TVs and other A/V equipment. This is a standard-resolution connection, as the Wii doesn't support high-definition.
  Nintendo offers component cables, but the console itself doesn't allow high resolutions; the only advantage is the crisper progressive scan. Although Nintendo doesn't endorse VGA cables, third-party products are available.

Screen Resolutions

• All Wii content, including games is rendered at 852X480 or 640X480, interlaced for composite connections and progressive scanned for component cables; in other words, 480i or 480p. No other resolutions are available.

Screen Format

• Wii consoles offer either standard 4:3 letterbox or 16:9 widescreen. For most LCD TVs, the latter applies, while regular tube televisions should go with the former. Wii consoles support both major PAL and NTSC variants.

DVD playback

• Contrary to popular belief, Nintendo has yet to get around to allowing DVD playback on the Wii. Although third-party programmers have devised ways to enable DVD on the Wii, this necessitates modifying the machine in clear violation of the user agreement and warranty license.