Nintendo has referred to its Wii as “a different game console every day.” The remarks were aimed at the Wii,s ability to download content, change game scenarios, and update itself while in a standby mode. While this is a great leap in game console technology for Nintendo and consumers, those in the UK are having second thoughts about the ability of the Wii to be always on.
According to the UK government, standby features on electronics and home devices use up approximately 8% of the nation,s total energy use each year. A new law in the UK, if enforced, would require the elimination of standby features on appliances such as computers, televisions, lighting and other products. Among those items on the list could be Nintendo,s Wii game console.
If the Wii,s ability to remain constantly on through a powered down mode is axed by the Brits, this would be a drastic setback for Nintendo,s plan to make the Wii a virtual demo console in which new game content and samples could be uploaded to a network of Wii game machines throughout Great Britain. Game developers were in hopes of using this Wii feature to advertise as well as sell content through the WiiConnect24 service.
