Every Wii Console Model: Original, Family Edition, Mini & Wii U Differences

Nintendo released three Wii models (plus the successor Wii U). Here's the complete breakdown.

1. Original Wii (RVL-001) — Nov 2006

• Colors: White, Black (2009), Red (2010)
• GameCube Backward Compatibility: ✅ Full (ports for GC controllers, memory cards)
• Video Out: Composite, Component (480p), S-Video, RGB SCART (PAL)
• SD Card Slot: ✅ Front
• Internet: Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) + Ethernet (via USB adapter)
• Standby Connect (WiiConnect24): ✅

2. Wii Family Edition (RVL-101) — Oct 2011

• Colors: White (with red Wii Remote Plus)
• GameCube Support: ❌ Removed (no ports, no disc read)
• Design: Horizontal-only (stand integrated), 20% smaller
• Video/SD/Internet: Same as original
• Bundle: Often packed with Wii Party + Wii Sports

3. Wii Mini (RVL-201) — Dec 2012 (Canada) / 2013 (US/EU)

• Color: Matte Black w/ red border only
• GameCube: ❌
• Internet: ❌ No Wi-Fi, no Ethernet—offline only
• SD Card: ❌
• Video: Composite only (no component/480p)
• Disc Drive: Top-loading (like GameCube)
• Bundle: Wii Remote Plus, Mario Kart Wii, Sensor Bar

Bonus: Wii U (2012) — Not a Wii, But Backward Compatible

• Plays 99% of Wii games via "Wii Mode" (virtualized)
• Requires Wii Remotes + Sensor Bar (sold separately)
• HDMI output, GamePad screen for off-TV play
• Wii U eShop separate from Wii Shop Channel (both closed)

Which to Buy Today?

• Homebrew/GC Games: Original Wii (RVL-001) only.
• Casual Wii Sports/Mario Kart: Family Edition (cheap, reliable).
• Collector/Display: Wii Mini (unique design, but useless online).
• Best Overall: Wii U + Wii Mode (HDMI, save states, modern convenience).