The Nintendo Wii – Fun for All Ages

The Nintendo Wii is all the rage worldwide. People can’t get these new video gaming systems as demand outstrips supply. The Wii launch package includes the console, a stand to allow the console to be placed vertically, a circular clear stabilizer for the main stand, one Wii Remote, one Nunchuk attachment, one Sensor Bar, a removable stand for the bar, one external main power adapter, two AA batteries, one composite AV cable with RCA connectors (component video and other types of cables are available separately), operation documentation and a copy of Wii Sports. The front of the console features an illuminated slot-loading optical media drive that accepts both 12cm Wii Optical Discs and Nintendo GameCube Game Discs. This means that your new Wii will also play older Nintendo games.

Wii Sports, packaged with the Wii gaming system, introduces players to the Wii and features very fun game play. Wii Sports feels more like a collection of five minigames than a fully fleshed-out title, but it lets users have fun right out of the box and showcases the video game’s potential.

The heart of the Nintendo system is the Wii Remote. Using Bluetooth technology, the wireless Wii Remote sends your actions to the Wii console from as far as 30 feet away. It uses motion-sensing technology to help players feel like they are part of the game. This is what sets it apart from all other gaming systems. Sporting the size of a traditional remote control, the wireless Wii Remote is a multifunctional device that, in addition to its pointing and motion-sensing abilities, the Wii Remote also includes a speaker, rumble feature and expansion port for additional input devices, such as the Nunchuk.

Nintendo has shown the console and the Wii Remote in white, black, silver, lime green and red, but it is currently available only in white. The Wii gaming system is backward compatible with all official Nintendo GameCube software, as well as Nintendo GameCube Memory Cards and controllers.

As far as game play goes (and afterall, game play is the most important part of a video gaming system), the Wii is a blast! We tested it at a party of non-gamers. People were able to learn how to play the games in a matter of minutes. Other gaming systems require the users to learn complicated key commands and button-pressing sequences. The Wii uses the motions of the player’s remote to simulate motions so it is much more natural and easier to play. The Wii Sports collection that ships with the Wii is a great party game. Male players enjoyed the boxing while many females enjoyed the bowling and tennis games. The Wii Golf game seemed to be enjoyed by everyone.