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American Wii Vs. European Wii

Worldwide, Nintendo's Wii has proven to be the most popular of the seventh generation consoles. But is the American system, like other Nintendo systems of the past, different from Wiis in other areas of the world, such as Europe?

Hardware
- The hardware for the Wiis in America and Europe are exactly the same. This includes the shape of the system cases and controllers.
Game Releases
- Wii titles are usually never released in Europe and America on the same day. For example, "Super Mario Galaxy" was released in America four days before Europe received it. In the case of "Punch-Out!!", Europe received the game first.
Virtual Console
- There are some games available on America's virtual console that are not available on Europe's, and vice versa. Additionally, Unoptimized Virtual console games run roughly 17 percent slower than their original speed in Europe. This is because European TVs run at 60 hertz, instead of 50 hertz.
Game Compatibility
- Games that are distributed in America will not work on European Wiis, and vice versa.
Special Offers
- Europe and America will not receive the same special offers. For example, a black Wii is currently being offered in Europe. As of late 2009, it is unknown whether the black Wii will be offered in America.

Nintendo Wii