Wii Speak is a microphone accessory for Nintendo's Wii video game console. Connected to the console via USB, the device can be placed near the video display, allowing voice chat to be conducted with the entire room.[2] The device features an LED to indicate when the microphone is active. Wii Speak was announced at Nintendo's 2008 E3 media briefing. It was released separately and bundled with Animal Crossing: Let's Go To The City on November 16, 2008, in North America, and was released on December 5, 2008, in Europe.
Contents
[hide]
* 1 Design
* 2 Software
o 2.1 Wii Speak Channel
o 2.2 Compatible games
* 3 References
[edit] Design
According to Miyamoto, the microphone is designed to "clearly capture many different voices being spoken in a room at the same time and convey that over the Internet."[3] Addressing concerns over background noise due to the placement of the microphone near a television set, Animal Crossing: City Folk producer Katsuya Eguchi states that the device is designed to filter out video game sound from the audio speakers.[2] Miyamoto notes that the quality of the noise filtering functionality in the Wii Speak is "very good", which may be contributing to the cost of the device.[3] In an IGN product interview, the microphone was rated excellent.[citation needed]
[edit] Software
Wii Speak box art
At E3, when asked why the device would not be bundled with City Folk, Nintendo senior managing director Shigeru Miyamoto replied that cost was the factor behind the decision, adding that some users may prefer playing the game without a microphone, and that others may want to use Wii Speak who are not interested in buying City Folk.[3] In contrast with previous statements, Nintendo later revealed that a bundle of Wii Speak and City Folk would also be released.[4] The bundle will be a limited edition, released the same day as the standalone products.[5]
[edit] Wii Speak Channel
Wii Speak Channel
On October 2, 2008, Nintendo announced that Wii Speak would have its own Wii Channel. The Wii Speak Channel can be unlocked for download by a 16-digit Wii Download Ticket, included with the Wii Speak package upon purchase. Those who enter the 16-digit code on the Wii Shop Channel are allowed to download the Wii Speak Channel, which was launched on December 5, 2008.[6] Prior to the launch, customers could download the Wii Speak Channel Download Assistant, a channel which gave information about the release of the Wii Speak Channel. After the release, the Download Assistant updated itself into the actual channel.
The channel allows users to chat in one of four rooms with Wii Friends using Wii Speak online.[5] There is no limit to the number of people that can be in each room.[5] Each user will be represented by their Mii, which will lip sync to their spoken words. In addition, users will also be able to leave audio messages on the Wii message board for other users, as well as make audio captions for their stored photos. Users can also share photo slideshows and comment on them.[5]
[edit] Compatible games
The only Wii Speak compatible games released as of June 2009 are the social simulation game Animal Crossing: City Folk[7], and futuristic first-person shooter The Conduit.[8] Upcoming Wii Speak compatible games are The Grinder[9] and scuba diving simulation Endless Ocean 2.[10]