When the Wii was released back in 2006 it combined video gaming with motion control of actually getting off of the couch and playing. Nintendo’s goal was to reach a bigger audience than typical gamers.
Not only are you able to play games that require you to get up and move around, like Wii Sports, Just Dance, or Wii Fit, you can also find many of Nintendo’s classics games such as Super Mario Bros. Mario Kart Wii, and Super Smash Bros.
You can find a whole collection of classic games from the Nintendo Entertainment System, The Sega Genesis, and the Super NES through the emulator called Virtual Console. Plus, the new games that were designed specifically with Wii in mind.
Nintendo has been a family name for many years, which is why it is seen as the best gaming system for families with young children, because all of their games are kid friendly. Plus, the sleek design of their Wiimote makes it easy for smaller kids to play on, without struggling to hold a larger controller.
The Wii Remote has an optical sensor that tracks the controller’s functions. Some games require a second controller attachment called the Nunchuck, which has an analog stick and two trigger buttons. It simply plugs into the bottom of the Wiimote.
In the newer version of the Wiimote, there are additional motion sensing capabilities located at the bottom of the remote, called the Wii MotionPlus. These sensors make it easier for the controllers to sense all movements.
With Wi-Fi capabilities, the Nintendo Wii can access the Wii Store where you can instantly download many games, log onto Miiverse, Wii’s social media site, and browse the internet, stream movies from apps such as Netflix and Amazon, and listen to music via Pandora.
Unfortunately, the Wii, unlike other gaming devices, is unable to play DVDs or Blu-Ray discs.
Table of Contents
Features
- Motion Sensor Remotes
- Wi-Fi access, with video streaming available
- Virtual Console Emulator to play classic games
- Cordless sensor wiimotes with nunchucks
- Bundle Includes: Wii Console, Wii Remote Plus, Nunchuk, Wii Remote Jacket, Sensor Bar, Wii AC Adaptor, Wii AV Cable
- Built-in Wi-Fi Access For Easy Connection To Internet
Pros
- Ability to play class games from systems like; Super Nintendo, NES, Sega Genesis
- Family Friendly games
- Much cheaper than other video game consoles
- Video Streaming Available
- Quiet functioning system
- Some games are great for parties (Just Dance/Karaoke Games)
Cons
- No third-party games
- Graphics tend to lag
- Small internal hard drive
- Sometimes the motion sensor does not pick up on movements, which can cause problems while playing the games
Verdict
Other than the Xbox Kinect, there are not many gaming systems out there that use motion control sensors to detect the way the character moves on the screen. So, this is a one of a kind type of system.
But there are few updates that could be made to this device, other than speeding up software and perfecting graphics. While the Wii is great for multiplayer, parties, and families, it is not ideal for single player use. Nor are there many games that can make single player use very fun.
When the Wii first came out it appeared to be on everyone’s wish list, but the hype was soon lost after it turned out to only have games rated for Everyone to play. While the video game market for other gaming devices has much more popular games rated for mature audiences.
If you look past the games that Nintendo has to offer for the Wii the console itself offers great features. With Wi-Fi access available, you are able to stream videos from Netflix, Youtube, Amazon, or Hulu. Plus, you can browse the web with its web browser or log onto Facebook.
But if you already have a computer or another streaming device hooked up to your television there really is no need to purchase a Nintendo Wii. Without being able to play DVDs or Blu-Ray Discs, it acts solely as a video game console. When there are other video game consoles that are able to play many DVDs and Blu-Rays.
The Nintendo Wii is a video game console that can be skipped if you are a gamer that enjoy fighting, racing, or war type games. The only place the Wii could find a home is at parties or in the house of a family with young children who still have family nights.