The plastic panel covering the GameCube ports on the Family Edition is screwed down, where on the older model it flipped open.In addition to the model number change, there are a couple of other telltale signs: The 001 manual mentions the GameCube ports, while the 101 does not.

Click to view the Wii manuals, and you'll see two sets, one for the RVL-001, and one for the RVL-101. You can confirm this information on Nintendo's support website. If it's lying horizontally, this label is on the right side of the unit when looking at the front. This number is printed on a label on the bottom of the unit when it is in the vertical orientation. The best way to tell them apart is the model number - the Family Edition is model number RVL-101, and the 'classic' Wii is model number RVL-001. However, it does not support GameCube discs or controllers. It is identical in many ways to the old style Wii, down to the form factor. There is an 'updated' Wii that goes by 'Wii Family Edition' on the retail box. The original Wii supports GameCube games on disc, and has GameCube controller ports hidden under a plastic door.

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