WiiCade is a website designed to provide users of the Wii console with browser games tuned for use on the console systems. It was the first^[1] of many such websites to come into existence, as the "homebrew" community believes that online games through the Internet Channel are the only method of homebrewing that is currently sanctioned by Nintendo.

The primary technology used by WiiCade is Adobe Flash. However, the WiiCade games are limited to Flash version 7 due to limitations of the Internet Channel browser for the Wii. Plans have also been announced to provide greater support for Javascript gaming technology, though the primary use as of this writing is in an ancillary role to Flash.

History [link]

Version 1.0 — Launched on November 19 of 2006,^[1] the first revision of the website was launched before the full capabilities of the Opera Web Browser for the Wii were known. As a result, the interface did not fit as well as hoped and many of the games required further refinement.

Version 2.0 — Launched on January 19 of 2007,^[2] the second revision addressed many of the issues found after the Internet Channel was released. Besides updating the overall interface, a number of new features were added. These features included:

• The ability to search the website for specific games.
• A standardized process for programmers to upload their games.
• A "probation" area that allows user to vote on which games will get added to WiiCade.
• Color coded borders used to signify a game's status.
• A set of icons for games, used to display specific features.

Version 3.0 — (Usually referred to as V3) Launched August 18 of 2007. The third revision of WiiCade's interface. Due to legal issues concerning WiiCade's resemblance to Nintendo's Wii menus, this update deviates to give the website an independent layout. Some updates include:

• WiiCade API 2.0 — allows for local multiplayer and advanced axis registering.
• Ability to Edit and Upload and expand upon already existing games.
• A Videos section
• WiiCade Labs — research and resource central for Wii and WiiCade homebrew tools.

This update also marks the beginning of a collaboration between WiiCade, WiiNode, and WiiMedia.

Graphical Interface [link]

The WiiCade graphical interface is optimized for the Wii's Opera browser. The default resolution for games on the site is 800x500 pixels. The interface allows users to log in to the forums, store a list of favorite games, search games, and upload new games. Games are surrounded with a coloured border to denote their status. Exclusive games are denoted with a red border, games in the probation period with a gray border, and all other games with a blue border. An icon beside the game also indicates whether the game requires keyboard functionality, contains adult content, or is exclusive.^[2]

All new games go through a one week probation period; if they have a rating of less than 2.5 at the end of this period, they are discarded.

The WiiCade API [link]

On February 27 of 2007,^[3] the WiiCade API was introduced to provide developers with the ability to access the buttons on the Wii Remote controller. Specifically, the API is capable of providing access to the Directional Pad and the A, B, +, -, 1, and 2 buttons. Access to these buttons is not hampered by the default actions in the Opera Browser, and the game can be configured to allow or disallow the Opera zoom functionality. Furthermore, the API provides support for the use of the Wii Remote controller in a sideways configuration.

To provide compatibility with desktop browsers, the API automatically maps keyboard keys to the buttons on the remote. Pressing one of those keys will cause the API to register the corresponding button press as if it were pressed on the Wii Remote. This is particularly useful for testing as the WiiCade API requires components deployed on the WiiCade website^[4] in order to provide access to the Wii Remote controller.

Version 2.0 of the API provides increased functionality as well as multiplayer for up to four players with four Wiimotes.

The WiiCade Multiplayer System [link]

WiiCade is currently testing out a Multiplayer system specifically tailored to Flash games and the Nintendo Wii. It is being developed in Java, Javascript, and Flash, by Jerason Banes, the creator of the WiiCade API. Its homepage is located at the WiiCade Labs website. The beta software that is downloadable from their website includes a server, APIs for ActionScript and JavaScript, and examples.

External links [link]

• WiiCade
• WiiCade Labs
• WiiCade Blog
• WiiCade Forums

See also [link]

• Internet Channel
• Newgrounds
• Opera (web browser)
• Wii
• Wii homebrew

References and notes [link]