I know, I can’t quite believe it either. The Vii, which has become infinitely popular online due to being a massive rip off of the Nintendo Wii, has already been updated with a second version. This new version, which we haven’t actually uncovered an “official” name for, features a radically different design than the current Vii.
As you can see, the new “Vii” looks kind of like an old school answering machine, complete with a large, blocky appearance and the mandatory black plastic “sensor area”. I think that this new Vii actually looks a lot like a Chinese rip-off this time- perhaps they were having legal troubles with the old design?
But, despite that, you know what really cracks me up? The “porwer” button. Way to go, China (click the image to see the full-size version).
It won’t be long before the new “Nintendo Vii” makes its way onto eBay, so if you’re really into rip-offs you should be able to get one there… not that it would do you any good unless you understand Chinese.
Ever heard of the “Vii”, the Chinese knockoff of the now iconic Nintendo Wii? I suppose that this is Nintendo’s answer to their stock shortages!
Just as you’re able to find bootlegged and counterfeit everything (from iPods to iPhones), you are now able to buy a Vii, the fake Wii that is making news everywhere. I’m not too sure who exactly was the first to post details about the Vii online, but I can tell you for sure that I’ve personally witnessed no less than 12 different sources that all had the same information about the Vii on it. Unfortunately no one is able to get their hands on one quite yet, but give it some time as I’m sure one will turn up somewhere.
The Vii (pictured here on the left) is reported to have similar features to the Wii: wireless Viimote’s that are connected via Bluetooth, infrared sensing for motion control, built-in games, and a host of other features found on the Wii. What’s perhaps the most interesting is the fact that the Vii could easily be mistaken for a Wii by someone who isn’t well-versed on what a Wii is (and isn’t).
I’m the kind of person that simply cannot sleep at night until I know absolutely all there is to know about something like this, so I’ve spent a few weeks digging up as much information about the Vii as I could whenever the opportunity arose. I’ve found some pretty interesting information about the Vii, including a “disassembly” video where the Vii is taken apart to show what’s on the inside (I’m still trying to find confirmation that it’s legit).
What We Know
At this point there are a few things that we know for certain:
The Vii does exist and it is available for purchase in China.
The Vii does appear to have motion sensing capabilities.
The Vii has games bundled or burned right into the ROM of the hardware- right now we don’t know which one it is.
The Vii has an expansion port for what appears to be cartridge-based games.
Unfortunately, nobody here at WiiViewed.com can read Chinese (or any variation or language related to it, actually), so the best that we can offer is a simple “that’s all we got”. What we do have though are some kickass videos of this “amazing” machine in action.
Here’s a commercial (infomercial) for the Vii:
Here’s actual gameplay footage of the Vii:
Here’s someone taking the Vii apart, though we haven’t been able to determine if this is authentic or not:
I wonder how long it will be until we start seeing “Vivendo Vii’s” on sale on eBay. I’ll buy one just for novelty’s sake!
So, months after the actual purchase of the domain and the conception of the website, we’re finally live! Can you believe it?! I almost didn’t think it would happen!Wow, that’s fantastic. Anyways, so we’re online and ready to rock and roll. I know there are plenty of Wii-related websites out and about already, but this one’s going to be a bit different. Namely, this is the only Wii related website that I’m aware of that’s designed to be viewed on the Wii! Wii users will see an entirely different look and feel of the site than computer users. Go on- check it out! The Wii page is optimized for viewing on the Wii! I know, awesome isn’t it?
Anyway, here are some of things we’re looking to do over the next few months:
Get some reviews happening - We always got the latest games, so we’ll get some reviews going on. None of this “industry typical” stuff either. We aren’t journalists, so we’re going to tell it like it is. If the game sucks, we’ll say so. If it rocks, we’ll say so. We won’t beat around the bush.
Get some hardware happening - There are tons of peripherals and add-ons for the Wii. Since we own most of them we’re going to review them ! Aha, I know, we’re awesome.
Maybe get some interviews happening - This is less likely at the moment since, you know, we’re brand new and you’re probably one of the first people reading this page. However, in the future, maybe some interviews and whatnot.
Get some forums happening - Maybe in a month or so we’ll launch some forums so all the Wii fanboys (you) can hang out and chat all things Wii.
Get some previews happening - Yea, that’s right, previews. We’ll get some of those happening soon hopefully.
Get some walkthroughs happening - Ooh, the big money right here. Check back for some rockin’ walkthroughs in the future.
Alright, so that’s that. Oh, I guess before I go I should probably introduce who Wii are (ha, get it, Wii!):
Cameron - the guy who’s writing this - I’m 21 years old, large, and in-charge baby! Nah, just hassling. I am 21, but I do enjoy the gym and some good old fashioned Wii goodness.
I own all of the current consoles (PS3, X360, Wii) and tons of older consoles (Sega Saturn, PSOne, Atari Jaguar, Panasonic 3DO). I’m also a huge car nut and I’m currently ripping around in a beat up 1997 Ford Probe GT (winter car) and a 1991 MR2 Turbo (summer car- sitting at around 350HP right now).
Feel free to post a comment and call me out. I’m game for just about anything
Dave - say what you gotta say - and more stuff goes here. yeHAW
Jon - say what you gotta say - and more stuff goes here. FANTASTIC.
Bryant - say what you gotta say - and more stuff goes here. OMGLOLZ!
But, despite that, you know what really cracks me up? The “porwer” button. Way to go, China (click the image to see the full-size version).
