International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) has shipped 50 million processors to Nintendo Co., Ltd. (Nintendo) for the Wii game system. IBM first started delivering the processors in 2006. The delivery is part of a multi-year, custom microprocessor design and production agreement. IBM collaborated with Nintendo to develop and manufacture a high-performance microprocessor. The new microprocessor will support Nintendo's aims of participatory game play and a compact, energy efficient console.
The new chips are produced at IBM’s advanced chip fabrication facility in East Fishkill, New York.
IBM’s worldwide supply chain supported the consistent, dependable module supply’s and met strong consumer demand for Wii console, incorporating through three high-demand holiday seasons.
The new chip is based on IBM’s Power Architecture and features its silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology. IBM’s Power Architecture is a semiconductor design platform that provides clients scalability and the design customization, while SOI can provide enhancements in both chip performance and decreased power consumption, offering energy savings advantages. The microprocessors based on IBM’s Power Architecture and SOI technology span applications incorporating, gaming, consumer electronics, networking, computer storage and servers.
We are proud to have achieved this important milestone in supplying the microprocessor for Nintendo’s Wii system, which has brought millions of new consumers to the gaming experience, stated Brian Connors, vice president, games and power platforms for IBM Microelectronics. IBM has a long, successful relationship with Nintendo combining silicon technology with game system creativity to deliver winning products.
We value IBM’s ongoing technology contributions and commitment to Nintendo, stated Genyo Takeda, general manager of integrated research and development, Nintendo. IBM’s Power Architecture provided a flexible platform for developing a custom processor to enable the Wii console’s unique design, and IBM has been a valued partner for the processors in support of the growing demand for the Wii.