But there's so much more to look forward to with Wii other than Zelda. You've got the small, sleek console itself, the motion-sensitive controller that has the whole games industry abuzz with intrigue and excitement, and the feature-packed Wii Channels that aim to take over your life.
It's time to get excited about the coming of this fantastic console, so read on to get the low-down on the Wii hardware, the innovations of the controller and all of the Wii Channels. Good times are ahead.
The Hardware
The small and near-silent Wii is, as you will know, a clean and stylish-looking piece of kit, with Nintendo having cleverly tucked its many ports and sockets away in hidden compartments. Here are all of it's main components, and if you want to know more about how it looks, feels and performs, and find out what's in the box you're your Wii, check out our detailed hardware feature.Internal Memory: The Wii has 512Mb of internal memory where you will store everything from saved game files to downloaded data such a Virtual Console games or bonus game content.
SD memory cards: SD Cards slot into the front of the machine under a small flap and can used to expand on the Wii's internal memory. Although the internal memory should be enough, a 2GB SD card would sort you right out.
Two USB ports: The two USB ports, as you expect, offer the possibility of connecting the Wii with other electrical devices and expansions. Although the only use currently announced for the ports is a USB Ethernet Kit.
GameCube ports: Opening the flap on the top of the console reveals four GameCube controller ports and the slots for two GameCube Memory Cards. You can use GameCube pads to play certain Virtual Console and Wii games, as well as GameCybe games. You cannot save Wii files on GameCube Memory Cards, and you cannot save GameCube files on Wii's internal memory.
Multi-out: Wii sends out all it's visual and audio signals through a single port, unlike the GameCube which has a separate Digital out for component and VGA signals.
The blue light: Everyone loves the blue light. Unfortunately, it doesn't stay on all the time, as Nintendo's dummy units and debug machines would have you believe. It comes on briefly when you turn the console on, and blinks on and off when your receive a message or update through WiiConnect 24
WiiConnect 24: The term used to describe Wii's always-on functionality. Even when in standby mode, the Wii remains partially on and contantly connected to the internet, receiving updates and game content even when you're not playing. Its power consumption in this mode has been compare to that of a small LED bulb.
The Wii Remote
The motion-sensitive Wii Remote is at the heart of the Wii's innovation. With the Wii Remote, developers are able to create games that are both more absorbing, engaging and interactive than ever before, and at the same time simplify games back to a level that allows even non-gamers to play - just like the old days.
You no doubt know all about the Wii Remote and its many features, but if you haven't already read our insanely in-depth hands-on feature about it, you need to now. When you're done you'll know the Remote better than you know your mum.
Wii Channels
When you turn on your Wii, a selection of square thumbnails will be displayed on your screen. As well as any virtual console games you've downloaded (see below), each thumbnail will represent one of the eight Wii Channels available. Each one offers you access to one of Wii's many functions, so read on to find out what each Channel does.Mii Channel: On Xbox 360, you have a Gamertag and an avatar. On Wii, you have a Mii - a little character that you make yourself using simple editing tools. You can make up to 100 Miis, and some games (like Wii Sports) will let you plays as your Mii in gameplay.
Disc Channel: Quite simply, this is where you'll go to run the game disc inserted in your Wii, be it a Wii game or GameCube. That's all there is to it.
Shop Channel: A bit like Xbox Live Marketplace, the Shop Channel is where you'll be able to buy Virtual Console games and other downloadable content using Wii Points.
Internet Channel: First you need to download the Opera Browser from the Shop Channel, then you'll be able to surf the World Wide Web through the Internet Channel. The Browser won't be available at launch, but Nintendo says it'll be ready before Christmas.
Message Board Channel: Sends messages to other users of your Wii, other Wii owners (through the internet) or even send text and pictures to mobile phones. You type messages using an on-screen virtual keyboard, and the Remote like a pointer.
Photo Channel: View and manipulate photographs stored on an SD Card. You can set up slideshows, edit your pictures with some surprisingly cool editing tools, and even play mini games - the Wii splits your pictures into puzzle pieces and you have to rebuild them.
Forecast Channel: This one's for your mum - it tells you the weather. No, wait... it tells you the weather ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD. Yeah, you're right... who cares? (Well it might be handy if your off somewhere nice on hols - Ed)
News Channel: If you like news, you can go here to get it. Nintendo has signed deals with big news partners to get the biggest world headlines to pop up on the Wii in this channel.
Virtual Console
Once deemed the Wii's Secret Weapon, the Virtual Console is the most exciting part of the Wii's user interface - it allows you to play retro games from old games consoles including NES, SNES, N64, Mega Drive and
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