Wii
by Nintendo
Our Price: $250.99
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Category: Video Games
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Product Summary
Author: UnknownBrand: Nintendo
Audio: English (Original Language)
Published: 2006
Release Date: 2006-11-19
Platform: Nintendo Wii
Model: Wii
Color: White
Publisher: Nintendo
Product features:
- Plays two disc formats in a single, self-loading media bay
- Features a processing chip from IBM and a graphics chip from ATI
- Backwards compatible with all Nintendo GameCube games and most peripherals
- Built-in Wi-Fi access for easy connection to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection gaming service
- Wii Sports game included
- Optoma PT100 PlayTime LED Gaming Projector
- You and Wii: Everything You Need to Know (Prima Official Game Guides)
Video Game Reviews of Wii
Customer Review: Console Breakdown for the Casual Gamer
Summary: 5 Stars
***The ratings contained in this review are not my own personal ratings but are intended to best aid a beginner or novice in the gaming world***
I am what you may call a gamer aficionado. I have been around since the NES release and have played them all including back dating myself to the Atari 2600. This review is intended to clarify some points for the more casual gamer, and will cover this and last generation of consoles by maker.
Nintendo - The first in my list because this is the first you will recognize.
And we will start off with last generation, the Gamecube. Gamecube was intended for children. And let it be known that it didn't disappoint. Gamecube has released some very solid titles, including Metroid, Mario, Zelda, and Smash Brothers. I know there are going to be comments made about this, but remember, this is for the casual gamer and the casual gamer will enjoy and appreciate the quirkiness of Smash Bros. without noticing the minor flaws. So back to the review. The Gamecube has maintained solid four-player gaming and has re-released a few titles (Zelda: Ocarina of Time) that will make it well worth the purchase. Not to mention the Gameboy Advance interface (Especially for you Pokemon fans) and the price. The Gamecube is by far the cheapest "new" console on market.
But the Wii, in addition to being the cheapest new generation (I refuse to call them next-gen anymore) will also play all the old Gamecube games (A feat X-Box missed the mark on). And for those of you who knew that your parents grew up on NES or just really want to know what 16-bit gaming was all about, the Wii includes an internet feature which will allow you to download all the classics you missed out on (read as They will charge you to play classic Nintendo games). There is a one time fee involved, so don't fret too much (although it's a little high for someone also shelling out around $50 a game for other consoles as well). The Wii is fun and innovative, and if you want to feel more involved in the game, Nintendo nailed it. The new controllers are completely motion sensitive without losing the function of an analog stick. The button systems are intuitive although a little frustrating (i.e. you point the controller just off the screen when trying to aim). Nintendo did a great job growing up.
The Bad - Although the cheapest in the bunch it is also the most difficult to find. I got lucky and bought mine just when it was added online. You'll probably have to ask when a store gets shipments in and trail the truck in from the freeway. Also, although the Wii plays all old titles, you'll still have to purchase "old" controllers to play them. The online is fun as well. Mii's alone are worth it. BUT, the store will frequently freeze unless your wireless internet is set up just right. (There is a connection for wired internet, but what do you need that for if the Wii has a wireless modem built in?)
The verdict - All in all, you'll be incredibly happy with a Wii and for a Casual Gamer you may not need anything else. All things considered: 5 out of 5 for the casual gamer. The joy of playing this fun console, the price and Wii Sports which comes included with the console far out-weigh the inaccuracies and glitches held within the controller and the fact that this little thing only produces picture in regular definition, not High-Definition..
X-Box - Microsoft threw it down when they teamed up with Sega to create what they hoped would be (and may still become) the ultimate gaming console.
The original X-Box was created to be very much a devoted computer: devoted to gaming. There were even computer mod chips readily available to enhance your playing experience and the hard drive was upgradeable. Granted the casual gamer would need a friend to do the changes and probably wouldn't even know the difference (except for the interface) unless that same friend pointed it out. Now this is a new system put out by a "new" company, so there is no backwards compatibility (you can't play any old games). The controller is probably the most comfortable (in my opinion) and the games are mostly nice to look at. There are some moments (Halo) when you'll even find yourself standing still in the game to stare at the scenery. Being a new system make sure you at least get Version 2 (I had a V 1 that heated up very quickly, but I kept the V 1 controller for my own comfort... it's bigger, my hands are big... enough said). But when it came down to it, Microsoft's online play was probably the biggest achievement. For the first time, there was an online community that eased the ability of online console multiplayer. Of course I'm referring to X-Box Live. Which lives and strives in it's updated version.
X-Box Live is a must if you want the X-Box 360. How else can you boast about your achievements? Which brings me to "Gamerscore". On the X-Box 360, Microsoft introduced Gamerscore as a method of getting gamers addicted to playing. And it worked. I can't tell you how many times PacMan ate three of the powerpellets and died making it to the fourth. But about the 360. The console sends picture in High-Definition. That's 720p HD by the way, not the 1080p Sony and Blueray are pushing. What does that mean? That means better, more realistic picture. But not perfect or "super-real" which is a term that has been used to describe Gran-Tourismo HD for the PS3. It means seeing your car splash through puddles, seeing skin stretch with joints bending and muscles flexing. And speaking of HDTV, The 360 will play HDDVD's, but only with a $150 driver. Otherwise, you'll be limited to the same old 480p. The 360 has focused primarily on the First-Person-Shooters, it seems, gaining some ground in Role-Playing-Games. Which leads me to say, for the casual gamer, This console could become a little expensive. X-Box Live has built an arcade in which (once again) you pay a one-time fee to play old games (as well as some new ones) off your console. Also, unless you're going to spend $35 every three to five games for memory cards, you'll have to pay at least $100 for a hardrive. The 360 plays "most" of the old X-Box games, and they are working on updating their software continually to try to add more. Another annoyance is that every game you play will download an update for it's online play, achievements and sometimes even patch an in-game glitch. This I am classifying as an annoyance because it 1) takes up memory and 2) isn't a one-time deal. Some games will have three or four updates the first time you play. But I have nothing to complain about as far as the interface, playability, and mid- to high- level games for casual and hardcore gamers. Did I mention the computer sync which will allow you to operate your computer from your X-Box?
The Bad - Although X-Box 360 is nothing to scoff at (unless you are a die-hard PS fan that refusing to acknowledge the PS3 is/will be a failure) it may be a little daunting for the casual gamer who wants a quiet, quirky, fun platformer. There are a few out there, and they do seem to be increasing in number (what with now trying to compete with the Wii) but the 360 doesn't seem to have anything mainstream that isn't full of glitches. Thank you Sonic The Hedgehog. The casual gamer will find him/herself in the arcade more often than playing a real game. The console heats up (still) quickly which means (once again) make sure you get at least a Version 2, and even so you may want a cooling unit (NOT NYKON). The console sounds like a jet engine. And I don't exaggerate. There is not doubt about when it is on or off. Everything is expensive (Thank you Microsoft). Games are $55 or more, controllers are $40, memory is $35 a pop, even arcade games are no less than $6 and most run $12 or $18. Microsoft even went so far as to maximize profits by ceasing production of X-Box games to focus on the 360.
The Verdict - This console is my second choice for Casuals. The 360 is certainly more grown up and you'll be able to grow up faster on the 360 than on a Wii, but unless you know someone who you trust to recommend games to you, you'll end up getting difficult games and miss out on the fun. Don't worry, you'll get your chance to be pwned! But if you jump out to Gears of War online Versus Match too soon, you'll just get slaughterer and frustrated and crawl up with BeJeweled in the Arcade. After all is said and done, the 360 gets a 4 out of 5 for the casual gamer. Make a friend at your local game store - someone who won't try to sell you a $60 game because it's `pretty' - and go out and get your game on.
Playstation - since it was introduced, it was Sega's only competition, N64 was old and Gamecube didn't bring back the following they had hoped. After Sega CD, Sega Saturn and finally Sega Dreamcast (probably the most under valued console of gaming history) Sega threw in the towel and sided with Microsoft to aid with the X-Box. Playstation has been loyal to fans and works backwards compatibility all the way back to the PSone.
But we will ignore the PSone and skip straight to the PS2. The PS2 has focused, it seems, in RPG (Role-Playing-Games). Try saying "Final Fantasy sucks" in a crowded room* without invoking both applause and anger. *I don't actually recommend this, and I assume no responsibility for those that do try and get beat up.* These RPG's span from the quirky and fun to the Dark and Brooding. So there is no sense in talking about finding something you'll enjoy (as long as you like RPG's). There are plenty of platformers as well. Although the PS2 has probably the best selection for the casual gamer as well as more of the mainstream titles, it's controller is the most uncomfortable and possibly the least functional. There are four "triggers" that are not pressure sensitive. This makes racing very difficult. I went so far as to change the settings to make the throttle the second analog stick. The PS2 is a horse. You can play for hours without fatiguing the console. Of course, most of the games are meant to be played for hours at a time. There are wireless capabilities, but it requires buying separate wireless controllers (the wired controllers are only about 6' long) which will have you connect a receiver into the front of your console. Memory is fairly cheap, especially if you find a sale (which happens frequently) and you don't mind buying third party (Not Sony). Sony is a name drop and you should expect to pay the price for it. Playstation has also included online play, but it is through ISP's (casuals should have their friends set them up to begin with), not through a community.
You'll notice I'm speaking about the PS2 like I have the new-generations of the other companies even though there is a PS3. That's because the PS3 is NOT for casual gamers. PS3 ended up in a "anything you can do I can do better" kick and offered up specs that far surpassed any console that has preceeded. But they paid the price. Or rather, you'll pay the price. The console has a base price of $600. Although it is the only console to offer 1080p High Definition picture, it is very difficult to find good games because, 1) There aren't that many games - it is very difficult to program for the PS3 - and 2) The games that do exist never live up to the hype. Sony has simply made it too difficult to publish a "good" game (read a game free of MAJOR glitches) on their new console. Leave the PS3 for the Playstation devouts. It is NOT for the casual gamer. So I return to the PS2.
The Bad - The PS2 controllers are slightly uncomfortable. You may want to get third party controllers and accept the fact that you'll have to sit no further than six feet from the console. The triggers (although there are four of them) don't have enough play to be effectively pressure sensitive. The online play is through ISP, which can make it difficult for a casual to get involved (I recommend inviting a friend over to help you out). Because it is last-generation, it produces picture in regular definition. There are upgrade wires (component and S-video) to improve picture quality, but it's still not high-definition.
The Verdict - The PS2 gets a 4 out of 5 for casual gamers (the PS3 gets a 2 out of 5). There is nothing that can be said that I haven't already. The PS2 is a great console, but lacks a few creature comforts that in this day and age, a console needs. No surprise as it is last gen. This console is going to be the cheapest, seeing as it is older. But with several updated models (Slim, Silver) and the capability to play DVD's without a remote, it will fit your entertainment area nicely. Although this console received the same score as the 360, I feel the PS2 will rank 3rd simply because the price simply doesn't make up for it's age.
Description of Wii
Console-based video gaming is one of the most popular of modern digital technologies, cutting across age, demographic and gender divides. Today's players have three dominant platforms to choose from: Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 by Microsoft. Each is an impressive multifunctional device, with designs meant to encourage integration into existing home entertainment systems and networks, but each goes about this in different ways. Taking a few minutes to examine the main features, and getting more familiar with available options, accessories and possible limitations of each console is the optimal way to determine which is the best choice for the players in a household.
Console Choices
Wii View larger | PlayStation 3 View larger | Xbox 360 View larger | |
| Models and Pricing (prices may vary) | Wii with Mario Kart Wii - $149 | 160 GB memory - $250 320 GB memory - $300 | 4 GB memory - $200 250 GB memory - $300 |
| What's in the Box |
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| Motion Gaming? | Already included | PlayStation Move (sold separately) | Kinect for Xbox 360 (sold separately) |
| Colors (limited edition colors may be available) | White and black | Black | Black |
| Drive Type | CD (just games) | CD/DVD/Blu-ray (games, music, movies) | CD/DVD (games, music, movies) |
| Online Play | WiiWare | PlayStation Network (PSN) | Xbox LIVE |
| Additional Accessories | Additional controllers - $10-45 | Additional controllers - $40-50 | Additional controllers - $40-50 |
| Price Range of Games | New releases: ~$30 - $50 Downloadable: ~$5 - $10 | New releases: ~$60 Motion: ~$40 Downloadable: ~$5 - $15 | New releases: ~$60 Motion: ~$50 Downloadable: ~$5 - $15 |
| Backwards Compatibility | Plays all GameCube game titles | Offers compatibility with PS1 games | Over 300 titles developed for the original Xbox console are currently available |
| Graphic Quality | 480p | 1080p | 1080p |
| Great For | Designed for Junior to Grandma with titles generally focused on family fun, party games | High-powered and highly customizable system for the technical-minded consumers | Offers a wide selection of games and accessible entertainment, with user-friendly social tools |
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Consider Games Before Choosing a Console
There is not just one kind of console video game, and so the machines that are are used to play them are different as well. Considering the types of games to be played, their availability for the consoles being considered and the ability of those consoles' to present the best gaming experience possible for the game's genre and content is important. The games developed for Wii tend to be more easily accessible, family-friendly productions heavily influenced by Nintendo's classic gaming history. Filled with cartoon-like and childlike characters as well as Arcade-style gameplay situations, Wii games are often referred to as "Casual Games," or "Party Games" typified by brief, simple "mini-games." These small games-within-games are tailor-made for players new to the puzzle-solving aspects of gaming and how that is translated through game controllers to the screen by the player.
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PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles are the current version of earlier console releases whose user bases were rooted in game genres such as Action-Adventure, Shooters, Racing, Sports, Role-playing games (RPG) and so on. Gameplay developed in these genres tends to require more focus on the part of the player, and more graphics processing power from the console in order to maintain a quality experience. That is what continues to be the main focus of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Capable of full 1080p HD quality graphics presentation when used with the proper cables and displays, in this area Xbox 360 and PS3 are far beyond what Wii is capable of. Iconic game franchises like Halo, God of War, Fable, Metal Gear Solid, Gears of War, Killzone, Mass Effect, The Elder Scrolls and many others have grown up on these platforms, feeding off of their power. And with the rise of online multiplayer gaming through Xbox LIVE and PSN the high energy, fine graphical specialties of these platforms only continues to grow.
Motion Gaming
Although motion gaming has been front and center since the launch of the Wii in 2006, the other two consoles have their own motion gaming offerings that provide unique play opportunities on their respective platforms that have also found a wide audience. See a breakdown of the motion gaming capacity of each of the systems below.
Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk
The Wii Remote Plus controller is the standard wireless controller that ships with each Wii. It combines the intuitive motion controls of the original Wii Remote with the precision technology of the Wii MotionPlus accessory, all built-in to a single unit. The device is handled in a wand-like fashion, and uses internal gyroscope and accelerometer technology to pinpoint the players movements and physical positioning which it then relates into a game via a sensor bar connected to the console. The Wii Remote Plus has only a few buttons making it easy to use. It also contains a speaker, a rumble feature, and an external connector for other input devices like the Nunchuk controller and the Classic Controller.
PlayStation Move
PlayStation Move offers a new and innovative gaming experience for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) system by fusing realistic, high-definition gaming along with accurate, intuitive control. Consisting of a PlayStation Move motion controller, a PlayStation Move Navigation controller (optional in most games) and a PlayStation Eye camera (all sold separately), PlayStation Move enables sophisticated, ultra accurate motion control and immersive gameplay only possible on the PS3 system. In addition, the PlayStation Eye features the ability to process up to 120 frames/second and a built-in 4 microphone array for pristine video quality and video chat capabilities.
Kinect for Xbox 360
Easy to use and fun for everyone, Kinect sensor for Xbox 360 utilizes revolutionary full-body tracking to put players in the center of the fun that is 100% controller-free. After configuring itself by registering a range of points across your body, this amazing technology allows Kinect to recognize and mirror your movements in the game, in effect making your body the controller. The sensor is compatible with every Xbox 360, features a color VGA motion camera (640 x 480 pixel resolution @ 30 frames per second), a depth camera (640 x 480 pixel resolution @ 30 frames per second) and an array of 4 microphones supporting single speaker voice recognition.
 Wii Remote Plus & Nunchuk. View larger |  PlayStation Eye & Motion controller. View larger |  Controller-free Kinect sensor play. View larger |
Online Play and Functionality
Online functionality is a major focus in console gaming. Each of the three consoles can be used offline, but by integrating them into your home broadband connection you can greatly expand their potential. Each posses a significant online component, but differ in the ways users can interact with it.
WiiWare is a service that allows Wii players to download games and applications directly to their Wii console in exchange for purchased Wii Points on the Wii Shop Channel. Online gameplay requires a code to play. It's free to play and there are no names, so kids are protected against unwanted contact. Through Wii's online component players can also gain access to hundreds of classic arcade games available for download through Wii's Virtual Console functionality. The Nintendo Channel allows players to watch gameplay videos, trailers, developer interviews, and even download Nintendo DS game demos wirelessly. Additional Wii online functionality includes a web browser and connectivity with Netflix,* which allows users to stream video efficiently and quietly by means of the console's low energy consumption internal processing.
PlayStation Network is an all access pass not only to a world of gaming, but also one of entertainment at-large. The service is 100% free, only requiring a PS3 (or PlayStation handheld) and a broadband connection to the Internet. Once you are in visit the PlayStation Store where users can download games, previews, DLC add-ons for games, game demos, game extras, music and streaming video. Purchases can be made using a credit card or a PlayStation Network Card purchased offline. Content can be stored on your console or external media. Online multiplayer gameplay through PSN is simple, yet robust. Simply slip a compatible multiplayer disc into the console, select the multiplayer option and set up your own game or wait to join one in progress. The service also contains Netflix access,* a range of original gaming-oriented video programming, as well as access to PlayStation Home, a 3D world where gamers can interact in a virtual environment.
Xbox LIVE is the online entertainment hub for Xbox 360. The service was launched with the original Xbox console in 2002, and has evolved and grown with Xbox 360. The service is two-tiered, with every user receiving a free "Silver membership," which allows for access to content such as free game demos, downloaded video rentals, Xbox LIVE avatar functionality and chat. A paid "Gold Membership" provides access to these and expanded features, including online gaming, HD movies and TV shows through services such as Netflix,* HBO Go,** ESPN, and Hulu Plus, downloadable games, facebook, downloadable content (DLC) for games and more. Players use Xbox LIVE points, which as easily purchased online and offline to access much of the online content. Both Xbox LIVE membership levels allow players to increase their Gamer Score, a running tally of the achievements they have unlocked in games. This is commonly shared information among gamers around the world and a source of pride in the community.
** Requires a valid subscription to HBO content through a cable or satellite provider.
Consoles Games
Nintendo Wii UNintendo; Nintendo; Nintendo Wii U; Video Games
Wii with Wii Sports Resort - BlackNintendo; Nintendo; Release date: 2010-05-09; Nintendo Wii; Video Games
Best price: $159.95
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Wii with Wii Sports Resort - WhiteNintendo; Nintendo; Release date: 2010-05-09; Nintendo Wii; Video Games
Best price: $179.99
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Wii Console with Mario Kart Wii Bundle - BlackNintendo; Nintendo; Release date: 2011-05-15; Nintendo Wii; Video Games
Best price: $169.95
Wii Hardware Bundle - BlackNintendo; Nintendo; Release date: 2010-11-07; Nintendo Wii; Video Games
Best price: $167.00
Wiiby Unknown
Nintendo; Nintendo; Release date: 2006-11-19; Published: 2006; Nintendo Wii; Video Games
Best price: $158.99
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Wii Hardware Bundle - RedNintendo; Nintendo; Release date: 2010-11-07; Nintendo Wii; Video Games
Best price: $179.99
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Wii Remote Plus - WhiteNintendo; Nintendo; Release date: 2010-11-07; Nintendo Wii; Video Games
Best price: $26.99
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HD Pro Component Cable for WiiUnknown; HandHelditems; Nintendo Wii; Video Games
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Super Mario GalaxyNintendo; Nintendo; Release date: 2007-11-12; Published: 2007-11; Nintendo Wii; Video Games
Best price: $17.75
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Nintendo Wii Remote and Nunchuck Controller Combo - White (Non-OEM, Bulk Packaging)Gator Crunch; Gator Crunch; Nintendo Wii; Video Games
Best price: $12.30
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Wii Remote ControllerNintendo; Nintendo; Release date: 2006-11-19; Nintendo Wii; Video Games
Best price: $11.74
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Super Smash Bros. BrawlNintendo; Nintendo; Release date: 2008-03-09; Published: 2008-03-10; Nintendo Wii; Video Games
Best price: $43.99
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Wii SportsNintendo; Nintendo; Nintendo Wii; Video Games
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Premium Dual Charging Station with LED Light Plus 2 High Capacity Rechargable Replacement Battery & USB Cable For Nintendo Wii Remote ControlGeneric; Bargaincell; Nintendo Wii; Video Games
Best price: $0.01
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Wii Fit Plus with Balance BoardNintendo; Nintendo; Release date: 2009-10-04; Published: 2009-10-05; Nintendo Wii; Video Games
Best price: $73.99
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Remote Controller and Nunchuk Nunchuck Combo Bundle SetDazzle Games; Unknown; Nintendo Wii; Video Games
Best price: $7.06
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