Nintendo Wii Review: Not Your Typical Video Game Console
The Nintendo Wii is unlike any game console you have ever played before. It doesn’t have the processing power of the PS3 or Xbox 360, so the graphics do not even compare to those systems. There is no hard drive for storage and you can not play CDs or DVDs on it. It doesn’t have the typical gamepad with tons of buttons and joysticks either. Yet, since its launch in 2006, the Wii has consistently outsold its competitors and is usually sold out in most stores. So what makes the Wii so popular without all the fancy features of the PS3 and Xbox 360?
Simple…It’s just plain fun!
The Wii remote looks more like a remote control you would use for your TV rather than a normal looking gamepad controller. It uses motion sensing technology that allows you to control the actions on the screen by moving the remote. If you are playing tennis you would swing the remote like a tennis racket to hit the ball rather than just pressing a button.
There is also a Nunchuk that can be attached to the Wii remote for games that require both controllers. The Nunchuk has similar motion sensing technology and has a joystick and two buttons on it. You would need to use both the Wii remote and the Nunchuk for a game like Punch-Out, where you need to punch with your left and right hand. You might feel a little silly swinging these remotes around at first, but you’ll quickly get over it when you see how much fun it adds to playing video games.
Wii Sports comes bundled with the Wii and is the perfect introduction to using the motion sensing controllers. With Wii Sports you can play Tennis, Baseball, Gold, Bowling, and Boxing. You will learn the ins and outs of the remote as you swing your tennis racket, baseball bat or golf club, roll the bowling ball down the alley, or jab and uppercut your opponent. There is even a training mode so you can hone your skills before taking on the computer or your friends in a real game. The Wii will keep track of how your are doing so you can see your improvements. The better you get, the more challenging the game gets. The game supports 4 players, so the whole family can get together and have fun.
The Wii can be connected to the internet wireless through your broadband Wi-Fi connection. If you need to connect using a wired connection, you will need the Wii Lan Adapter (sold seperately). Once connected, you will be able to play online multiplayer games with your friends and family, automatically download Wii system updates, and access the various channels from the Wii Menu like the Wii Shop Channel, News Channel, Forecast Channel, or the Internet Channel.
Of course the Wii would not be complete without all your favorite classic Nintendo characters. You’ll find them all in games like Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Mario Kart, Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat, Punch-Out!!, and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. If you loved playing past versions of these games, wait till you try them on the Wii! There are many other Wii games for sale as well.
As you can see the Wii has a lot to offer in a video game console. The Wii will provide hours of entertainment for you and your family. It’s not as fancy as the PS3 or Xbox 360, but it’s just as fun and a lot cheaper as well.
