What was the codename for Nintendo's Wii console during its development?

Nintendo used the codename Revolution for the Wii during its development.

Nintendo first showed the Revolution concept publicly at E3 in 2004. The name reflected the company’s intention to broaden video-game audiences with a different control method rather than simply offering more powerful hardware. Its central controller detected motion and could be used like a pointer.

Nintendo announced the final name, Wii, in April 2006. The company explained that the short name was easy to pronounce internationally and visually suggested people playing together. The two lowercase i characters were also described as representing players or the system’s controllers.

The Wii launched in November and December 2006 across major regions. Games such as Wii Sports demonstrated its motion controls and helped attract people who had not traditionally bought consoles. “Revolution” is therefore a development codename, not an alternate retail title for the released hardware.