Wii Hardware Bundle - Red
by Nintendo
Our Price: $209.99
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Category: Video Games
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Product Summary
Brand: NintendoFormat: Nintendo
Release Date: 2010-11-07
Platform: Nintendo Wii
Model: RVLSRAAK
Color: Red
Publisher: Nintendo
Product features:
- Built-in Wi-Fi Access For Easy Connection To Internet
- Features A Processing Chip From IBM And Graphics Chip From ATI
- Backwards Compatible With All Nintendo GameCube Games
- Plays Two Disc Formats In A Single, Self-loading Media Bay
Video Game Reviews of Wii Hardware Bundle - Red
Customer Review: My 1st Gaming Console in almost 30 years - A Classic Gamers Journey
Summary: 5 Stars
My First Video Game Console was almost 30 years ago; it still seems not that long however when I got my very 1st one. It was Christmas Day in 1981, I was 11 years old. My Brother and I received from under our Christmas tree from Santa Clause the item both me and brother had been dreaming about for well over a year, an Atari VCS (Video Computer System, now just called the Atari 2600). With the initial 11 game cartridges we got with it we played that game system all day long until we were to physically impaired to play with it anymore that day. Up to this point the Atari 2600 had ruled the Video Game Roost for well over 4 years and when me and my brother had received the game console it was to be its last year as number#1. Even with its poor arcade ports and original Video Game releases (Pac-Man and E.T. anyone) it was still fun to play with and I still have a working Atari 2600 game unit and I believe 80 game cartridges for it that operate perfectly.
My 2nd Video Game Console came the following year again on Christmas Day in 1982; Santa had brought us another gaming system. My brother and I had seen a demo of another Video Game Console that had literally blew our minds. The Graphics of this Game Console were almost identical to its arcade counterparts and far superior to the Atari 2600 (The Atari 2600 used a modified 8-bit processor of the MOS6502 called the 6507; which had fewer pins and, as a result, could address only 8 KB of memory). The Game Console was the Colecovision and the game we had seen that day was Donkey Kong. This was the 1st 8-bit Video Game System ever released that it's Video Game ports along with games designed for the console had the almost arcade quality to it (The ColecoVision used a Zilog Z80A 8 bit processor witch did not have that constraints that the Atari 2600's processor had). For the 1st time it caused direct competition to the Atari's 2600 console and destroyed it's fledging Successor the Atari 5200. It was very much in demand that year and the 1st part of the next. Even by today's standards the games for it still emulate the Arcade Game Consoles of that time period almost perfectly. As with the Atari 2600, I still have a working Colecovision Console and about 45 Games for it.
That following year, unbeknownst to me, the Video Game Crash of 1983 (Also sometimes referred as the Video Game Crash of 1984) had come to pass. Largely in part because of Atari and all the cheaply made game cartridges that they had produced and flooded the gaming market with; along with a bunch of small time 3rd party Vendors that was by this time cranking out the poorley made games worse than Atari itself. With the exception of Activision and Imagic, witch had actually produced quality games for the Atari 2600 console. Near the end Atari itself had finally starting producing quality gaming merchandise at this point, But as the saying goes "To Little, To Late". This unfortunately effectively ended all the 2nd generation game systems of the time including the Colecovision until the Nintendo NES was released in the US in 1985 starting the 3rd Generation Game Consoles and reviving the Video Gaming Industry.
Present Time:
Christmas was once again comming around, The Time was now right to buy a Video Game Console for the family (and 28 years later my 3rd), the final 2 contestants that my family had narrowed down to was the Sony PS3 and the Nintendo Wii. While the Sony PS3 is by all rights just as good as the Wii and technically slightly better in a few areas the 2 major areas is why we ended up going with Wii...
1 - The current Sony PS3 Move console (Sony's new emulation of the Nintendo Wii's motion controls) was $399 for the initial Game Console Hardware, Not including the almost $70 to $90 a pop for the games, or extra controls. The Higher maintenance cost was one of our Major obstacles for the Sony PS3.
2 - The Games for the Sony PS3 are mainly more centralized for the hardcore Gamer; we wanted a well rounded family console that offered games in all categories and age including an emphasis Physical Fitness.
What comes with the Wii Game Console (This applies to the Red Console Only):
- The Wii Console
- 1 Wii Remote w/built in motion plus and knun chuk
- 1 set of Nintendo Wii RCA Video-Audio Cables
- 2 pack-in games (Wii Sports Resort and Super Mario Wii)
- Nintendo Wii Console Instruction Manuel
Recommended additional equipment (Unfortunately sold separately)
- Additional Wii Remote w/built in motion plus and knun chuk
- Nintendo Wii HD Component cables for the full 480p HD
- Wii Remote Battery Pack and Charger for each Wii Remote (They do finish normal AA batteries rather quickly)
- SD Flash Card for additional Memory, the max size is 32gb (Wii Console only has 512mb built-in)
There is additional equipment you can buy, but it is not necessary at this point and can be gotten later. This will be more than enough to get the full fun for now.
Game Play:
Never thought I say this, coming from the 2nd generation video gaming era but I'm having an awesome time playing the Wii console. At 1st glance the controls look complicated but are not, I was able to master the controls (Of course my kids mastered it faster). It actually works better to play most of the Wii games in a standing position and play into the games. However, there still those Wii games and GameCube Games (Yes if you did not know the Wii is backward compatible with The Nintendo GameCube) that you can still play traditionally Indian style or in your recliner.
Console Features:
- WI-FI LAN Network Ready: The Wii has a built-in WiFi Network Card that will support encryption up to WPA2 Personal Only (I ended up having to bring my Wireless Network encryption settings down a notch so the Wii could connect into my existing Network). Depending on your Wireless Network Settings you may need to take this into consideration, for most people this may not even be an issue.
- Backwards Compatible with Nintendo GameCube Games: The Wii is fully backwards compatible with any of Nintendo's previous game console. However, you will need a GameCube controller in order to play them. The Wii supports up to 4 GameCube controllers including the GameCube Memory stick for any saved games.
- 512mb built-in system memory, can be expanded by adding an SD Flash Card (Up to 32gb): I would heavily recommend buying the SD Flash Card upon buying your game system (Even if it's a 4 or 8gb size card), The Built-in System Memory will fill up fast and when you start buying those virtual games, you will definitely want that separate from your system memory. I ended up just biting the bullet and buying the 32gb Flash Card, It was around $50.
- Mii Characters: You can make your own Virtual Characters for yourself that can be played with most of the Wii Sports games called Mii's. The can also be shared across the internet.
- The Wii Virtual Store: You can download games from Nintendo's previous games consoles (Going all the way back to the NES) by buying points using your Credit Card. For Disaster recovery and space availability I would insure you download directly to your SD Flash Card and Not the Wii's System Memory.
*** PLEASE NOTE: there is a catch that you need to be aware of (Please read the next section under "What the Wii will not do")***.
- Wii Channels: Will display the weather and current news via the Wii menu
- Netflix: Your Wii console can now stream any available movie through your TV via the Wii using the Netflix service (You have to sign up for a Netflix account, for basic streaming its about $9 a month).
What the Wii does not do:
- As I am sure you by now know that the Wii will only display up to 480p HD natively by using the Wii Component Cables. Nor will the Wii plug into a HDMI port natively either. However, there are now 3rd party converters out there that can upscale the picture to 720p and make it possible to plug into a HDMI plug port as well. There are also 3rd party cables available that will plug Wii component cables into HDMI plugs.
- The Wii will not plug into your Home Entertainment/Theatre amplifier natively either. However, this can be circumvented as well (I did).
- The Wii will only play GameCube formatted Mini-DVD optical discs and Wii formatted DVD optical Discs. The Wii will not play Normal DVD Discs (Movie Media or Data) and does not Support Blu-Ray Discs period.
- Does not have Cat5/6 Built-in LAN NIC (Network Interface Card): While this can still be done by buying the USB add-on, it is a real pain to find plus you end up having to pay an extra 20-30 dollars. It would have made my Network setup easier and not have to bring down my Network encryption Level.
- Any of your purchased Virtual Console/WiiWare games CANNOT be transfered to a new replacement Wii (Or even a duplicate Wii within your house) on your own (Even if you copied/backed them up on a SD Flash Card separate from the system memory). Nintendo purposely encrypts/tie's in your WiiWare games to the Wii Console you purchased/downloaded them on. Your Wii has to be damaged and Nintendo requests that in order for a transfer to a new Wii to take place you have to send in the broken unit and it has to be under warranty. If you're not covered under a warranty you're out of luck (unless you pay an authorized Nintendo reseller to fix it). So to sum it up, you might end up paying to re download them to a replacement or duplicate Wii console.
Technical Review:
- Only displays in either 480i or 480p, As long as you buy the Wii component cables and use a HDTV you still get a great picture with vibrant colors. Plus, as mentioned earlier you can buy a 3rd party converter to upscale the picture to 720p if you really need to.
- Has 5.1 Stereo Surround Sound that is awesome when playing any of the games. For the full experience insure you plug into your Home Entertainment/Theatre system, while you cannot do it natively it can be done.
- The Wii Remotes (especially the ones with the Motion plus Sensors) work awesome and seriously increases the game play.
Technical Flaw:
- The Wii's Media Rom is not properly shielded to prevent magnetic interference from the Rom while in use and will affect other devices if you place the Wii near them during game play(I.E. TV's, Computers, DVD Players, etc...). In my case it affected the Video Card on my MediaCenter PC. I ended up just moving the Wii to somewhere it would not affect the other equipment.
Setup:
If you're doing a Basic Setup (Just plugging the console into your TV and setting the Wi-Fi to no or little encryption) you should have it up in no time. However more complicated the entertainment center can increase the chance of more time in the setup.
Either way when you have completed setting the system up insure you 1st update the system firmware (See the instruction manual for further guidance). This will insure whatever bugs the system had while sitting in the box will not be your problem when you go to use it.
Overall:
I would highly recommend this game system to anyone, there are literally hundreds to Thousands of games to choose from (Including the GameCube catalog). However I may put more of an emphasis on the Family model over the straight Gamer personality for this particular Video Game Console System.
Description of Wii Hardware Bundle - Red
Includes Red Wii Console, Red Wii Remote Plus, Red Nunchuk, Wii Sports and New Super Mario Bros. Wii game pack. New Super Mario Bros. Wii ? A classic Mario adventure that everyone can enjoy. This Sidescrolling Platformer for 1-4 players has a game rating of ?E? w/Comic Mischief. Language is English, Spanish and French.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
- Video Games > Categories > Wii > Consoles
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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Mario KartNintendo; Nintendo; Nintendo Wii; Video Games
Best price: $36.49
Wii Remote Controller - BlueNintendo; Nintendo; Release date: 2010-11-07; Nintendo Wii; Video Games
Best price: $27.99
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Wii Remote Plus - PinkNintendo; Nintendo; Release date: 2010-11-07; Nintendo Wii; Video Games
Best price: $27.67
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Nintendo Wii Remote Control Nunchuck Silicone Skin - RedMonoprice; Nintendo Wii; CE
Best price: $0.01
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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Just Dance 3Ubisoft; UBI Soft; Release date: 2011-10-07; Published: 2011-10-07; Nintendo Wii; Video Games
Best price: $21.34
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NEW For WII REMOTE DUAL CHARGING CHARGER DOCK STATIONeForCity; eForCity; Nintendo Wii; Video Games
Best price: $2.99
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Wii Racing Wheel GT4 - RedGtron; Gtron; Nintendo Wii; Video Games
Best price: $5.99
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Nintendo Wii Controller Pack Remote and Nunchuck - RedKomodo; Komodo; Nintendo Wii; Video Games
Best price: $16.59
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