After much anticipation and
numerous failed attempts, I am finally a Wii (pronounced
“wee”) owner. I found it online at the low, low price of $329
including shipping. Considering they’ve been sold out for
months at nearby retail chains, I was happy to pay the
inflated price ($250 retail) and not wait any longer.
For your own frame-of-reference on the Internet, it is May,
2007.
Nintendo
has scored a hit with their minimalist approach focused on
user interaction. In today’s video game market of cutting
edge graphics and loaded features, Nintendo chose to put the
user’s best interest in mind when they designed a controller
that mimics user motion. The “get off the couch” approach has
made it very popular with men, women, and children.
At first
glance, the system has a very clean look and it’s small in
size, much like older Nintendo systems N64 and Gamecube. This
is Nintendo’s first console that uses a standard size CD disc,
rather than the now archaic cartridge or the mini-CD used on
Gamecube. The system includes a game called Wii Sports which
includes 5 different games; golf, tennis, bowling, boxing and
baseball. These titles would not sell well as solo titles,
but when packaged together, they give the user a great
training forum for mastering the Wii. My personal favorite so
far is Wii Bowling. The ease of use and likeness to actual
bowling will make it a fan favorite with young and old alike.
This is a great game to play in a group setting since up to
four players can join in using the same Wii controller.
Each user
is also able to create a “Mii” (pronounced “me”), which is a
personalized character that you can then select as your player
during games. The interface for this is pretty basic and easy
to use. In minutes you’ll have your cartoon likeness and be
ready to play.
The
controller is very simplified considering its capabilities.
It includes a four-way directional pad that can be used to
navigate menus and an “A” and “B” that are used for various
in-game controls. The main feature is the sensor on the end
of the controller that allows the user to punch an opponent,
bowl, and swing a golf club, tennis racquet or baseball bat.
You can really work up a sweat and that is reflected with the
Wii fitness where you are able to play the Wii sports game
that is setup as a cardio workout.
Nintendo Wii
The secondary controller,
also called the “nunchuk” is used only in select games for
advance movement. The nunchuk is easily plugged into the
motion controller, linking the two together. A wrist strap is
included and after you’ve worked up a sweat while playing, it
comes in handy to keep the controller firmly planted in your
hand.
Overall, I
am very pleased with the Wii system and its functionality.
However, there are currently a limited number of game titles
for the console, which may make it less appealing to some.
With the pending release of many Nintendo-only titles, this
system will continue to please the strong alliance of Nintendo
enthusiasts. I had very high expectations based on reviews
and gossip, and now am a proud member of the Wii family.
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