Introduction
The Nintendo Wii console has completely changed the way people play video games. Competing against the Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3, as part of the seventh generation of consoles, the Wii has eclipsed its rivals on the market in terms of worldwide sales - and judging by its outstanding features, it is easy to see why.
Nintendo's ever-popular video game entertainment system is not just a revamp of conventional technology, however, and offers many unique and innovative features that appeal to gamers of all generations. Yet the Wii, unlike the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3, is more than just a gaming platform - but a fantastic console designed for the whole family.
Although the Xbox 360 has recently added a Kinect accessory, allowing gamers to control and interact with the console by using gestures, spoken commands and actions, the Nintendo Wii continues to stand out from the crowd with its revolutionary hand-held motion sensitive wireless controller, detecting a player's movement - a device known as the Wii Remote.
If you are after a console which provides stunning entertainment for the family, a console which combines fun and fitness, and a console that allows you to surf the internet on your television, then the Wii will fit perfectly into your everyday life.
So forget about button bashing, thumb twitching and sedentary game play; and get up from the couch, get active and throw yourself into a total gaming experience with the Nintendo Wii.
The uniqueness of the Wii
The Wii motion sensitive controller is one of the reasons why many people choose to get their hands on a Nintendo Wii. The exciting Wii Remote, measuring 150mm by 30mm, translates a player's movement in lightning quick fashion, directly onto the television screen. The Wii sensor does not expect you to have a golf swing like Tiger Woods or a tennis action like Roger Federer, but simply requires you to pick, point and swing.
Nintendo have ergonomically designed a controller that fits comfortably in your hand - and they have supplied a safety strap to fit your wrist through, to prevent the controller flying out of your hand and into the television screen.
And why not take it to another level by using the new Wii Remote Plus controller? This clever piece of technology combines the intuitive motion controls of the original Wii Remote, with the precision technology of the Wii MotionPlus accessory - for use with games such as Wii Sports Resort. Like the Kinect accessory for Xbox 360, it really will detect every inch of motion, depth and position; where each turn of the body is exactly replicated on the screen.
The Wii Remote Plus controller, which is now built-in to a single unit, also packs a speaker, rumble feature and external connector for other input devices, such as the Nunchuk controller or Classic controller - a wireless controller with an analogue thumbstick and trigger buttons, similar to that of an Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3. The nunchuk, for example, gives you a second control for your other hand - perfect for use in boxing, where you punch with each hand independently.
The Nintendo Wii console
As we have established, the Nintendo Wii console brings a magical revolution of controlled gaming to people of all ages. But let's have a closer look at why you should invest in the stylish console itself.
Every Wii console is packed with fantastic content, including Wii Sports, Wii Sports Resort and the ability to create your own Mii character - making the whole Wii experience that little bit more personal. The five in-built Wii Sports games, for game-play up to four players, have been a tremendous acquisition for the Nintendo Wii - with golf, tennis, baseball, boxing and bowling.
The Wii console, measuring 220mm by 160mm with a depth of just 50mm, can be neatly mounted on its stand vertically or horizontally. The front of the Wii contains a conventional optical disc drive just like the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, with power, reset and eject buttons, a sensor bar, and an access hatch for the SD expansion slot. All Wii consoles also connect to the internet, supporting broadband gaming.
Although the Wii is three times more powerful than its predecessor, the Nintendo GameCube, it fails to match the technological graphics of the Xbox 360, for example - perhaps due to Nintendo's focus on designing a unique console and affordability in the gaming market. After all, it is a console that is for entertainment purposes rather than breathtaking graphics.
Other desirable features of the Wii include WiiConnect24, which enables the console to receive messages and updates via the internet, and Netflix which allows you to watch television episodes and movies.
What does the Wii offer?
So we have the controller, we have the console; all we need now is some games. If you are still unsure whether the Wii is for you, then let's explore some of the endless activities on offer by Nintendo, which will have your whole family coming back for more.
The Nintendo Wii games library is bursting with hundreds of great titles to suit all types of player. From action games to puzzle games, sports to fitness, there are so many unique experiences to choose from.
Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort are the stand-out games which currently come with the Nintendo Wii. Choose your Mii character, pick up your golf clubs, and head to first tee for a 9-hole round on Wii Sports. If that doesn't take your fancy, then put on your Wimbledon whites and head to the tennis court, get your boxing gloves on, smack a baseball into the stands or head to the bowling alley.
Wii Sports Resort on the other hand, uses the new Wii MotionPlus accessory and brings with it a host of interesting competitive games; including wake boarding, frisbee throwing, archery, basketball, table tennis, power cruising, canoeing, cycling, air sports and more golf and bowling.
But the Wii, unlike the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3, is more than just a gaming platform - it is a platform designed for everyone's needs.
For those that want to get into shape and don't have time to get to the gym, the Wii Fit will be an extremely handy device. Set you own goals and work towards achieving a better overall health at the touch of a Wii Remote - check your body mass index and take part in training features, like muscle workouts, running, yoga, aerobics and balance games, using the balance board provided.
As a parent, it is often difficult to think about buying your child a new video game in this growing digital age where many games involve crime and violence. But unlike other consoles, the Wii offers plenty of games that can be enjoyed by both adults and kids alike.
So why not discover some of the most exciting titles the Wii has to offer, including Wii Party, Wii Playground, Big Brain Academy, New Super Mario Bros, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, and the ever-popular Mario Kart - a game which can be purchased with a Wii Wheel to transform your Wii Remote into a steering wheel - a unique feature available only to the Wii.
Mario Kart might not match the Xbox 360's Forza 3 in the driving stakes, but what it does bring to table is some incredible racing thrills and spills. You can also take on some of the best Mario Kart racers from around the world, using the Wi-Fi online connection mode.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Wii is a complete console, encouraging livelier and more physical participation - something that you could not associate with an Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3. The Wii is simple, intuitive and appeals to all ages and abilities; and with so many different titles available, the Wii is guaranteed to be a most welcome addition to the family.
