not sure if thats why, but could be one of the multiple reasons why they make it small.

@Imperial: Smaller GC was better than the bigger PS2, but I blame the disc format.

or because theres hardly anything inside a wii, while in the PS3 theres a shitload of parts and technology.

The REAL reason the Wii (and I sippose the GC aswell, but I know for a fact this is for the Wii) is so small is because Iwata told the designers of the Wii he wanted a small, compact console so that it could sit beside the TV without taking much space, be it sitting on top of a DVD player or standing at the side of the television. ALso, the portability of the console. If it was needed to be taken, say, to a firend's house, you would simply need to unplug it and place it in a small bag. It's pretty comfortable to take it to places. I can't say the same about the 360 or PS3.

I'm guessing the same was thought out with the GC.

As technology develops, systems will only get smaller and more powerful.

and the 360! but it catches on fire more often though... but it still has technology!

PS: INVASION OF THE NINTENDO BOYS!!!!!

Yea coolestguyever, the Wii is just a cheap piece of plastic, I use it to store papers and stuff inside.
Everyone knows theres just 2 cables and a blue led inside. Damn Nintendo spoiled us again!

Exactly, killing off the majority of your userbase is never a good business move. 

/sarcasm  I was only joking people so please don't flame me. 

I only posted one factor , there's various other factors . Like you stated above the gamecube sacrified functionality ( I think those discs where like 4 CM ) for a smaller console.

Or maybe they where trying to tackle piracy on the GC....I don't know.

 I had the gun loaded and aimed but then I read the /sarcasm tag , don't worry it's back in the holster now :)

I think you need to turn this question around and ask why the PS3 and Xbox 360 are so much larger because I believe everyone would prefer a nice compact unit. Space in many entertainment centers is precious.

The answer, of course, is they are larger because they are hotter. All those processors generate a lot of heat and heat sinks, air buffers and fans take up room. Otherwise I very much suspect that all the real electronics would fit in a Wii size box .... which would melt the minute you turned it on.

I saw a 3rd auxiliary fan for the Wii to prevent "overheating". I asked the manager if he had ever heard of a Wii overheating and he said "No". I asked him why they made the fan then and he just smiled and shrugged.

I would think being in The Sony Defence Force must keep you so awfully busy these days. LOL