$249.99

Summary Currently in it's fifth bout in the gaming generation, Nintendo takes it's newcomer, the Wii, in bold new directions with its innovative new controller and perfected motion sensing technology.

Description Now, before I start, I'll let you know that I'm going to do my best to look at the Wii objectionably. It would be incredibly easy to just say it's perfect all-around like gibbylson's review of the Playstation 3, but I'll try my absolute hardest not to. You'll have to forgive me if I start to sound bias in my review, but like I said, I'll try very hard not to veer down that path. That being said, let's get this ball rolling. Gameplay: At this point, I only played a handful of games for the system, but what I have played, I think a lot of people would like what Nintendo did. After the Gamecube flopped, Nintendo had to pull out something spectacular to avoid being stomped out by the other console powerhouses and I wasn't sure if their Nintendo Revolution (the original name of the Wii before the Wiimote and it's official name were announced) could stack up and pull it off. Sure enough, just by perfecting motion sensing technology, not only has Nintendo caught up, but surpassed the PS3 in unit sales (by millions actually), and is quickly closing in on the 360 despite it's one year head start. Let's take Metroid Prime 3 as an example (as it is one of the few games I've actually played so I can give some insight). While MP1&2 managed to pull off an excellent control scheme, even with the obvious lack of a second analog stick, Nintendo took it's success as a personal challenge to make it even more awesome. Harnessing all buttons on the Wiimote/nunchuck, and revolutionary point and aim at the screen with the Wiimote's motion emitter and even flicking the nunchuck to activate the grapple lasso, Nintendo took full advantage of the potential the Wiimote/nunchuck possessed. Although, at first everything about it seemed awkward, I quickly caught on and started kicking some ass. I REALLY liked; no, loved, how well things moved and how responsive the motion sensor was and I can't wait to see what Nintendo does with this technology later in the Wii's life. Let me, for a minute, mention a couple of my qualms about this Wiimote. While it's a high quality piece of technology, the lack of a rechargable battery does hurt it a little. The 360, PS3, and PSP took full advantage of the rechargable lithium battery. Hell, it's not like the concept is lost on Nintendo, as they too have been using it for years (Gameboy Advance SP and Nintendo DS/Lite). That being said, I'd like to mention the the rechargable battery pack (sold seperatly) that is available. Sure, you'd be shelling out more money, but in the long run It'll not only save the time needed to go buy batteries, but the extra green in your pocket is always a plus. Though this new way of controlling games is fun and exciting, developers may have a bit of a problem when it comes to making games that fully harness the Wiimote yet easy enough so a larger demographic can easily learn to play it. First-Person Shooters are a no-brainer, but a Nintendo system titled the Wii (as in 'we' as a people can enjoy it whether we're young, old, man, woman, ect.) can't heavily rely on those type of games, as many young children are a large percentage of people who play Nintendo. Graphics: I can go on and on about how great the visuals the console pumps out are, but I'm a big believer in telling the truth so I'll tell it as it is. The Wii provides a Very minor difference between that of Gamecube titles. I made a very keen observation while using the backwards compatibility during Metroid Prime 2: Echoes. Held in contrast to Wii's Metroid Prime 3: Curruption, MP2 (and even MP1) have no real shortcomings in the visuals in comparison. You will also notice that while it looks slightly nicer, games like Super Mario Galaxy look almost identical to that of Super Mario Sunshine (Gamecube). I'm not one of those guys who thinks that graphics make the game (like my current roommate), but this is a little disappointing. While Nintendo fell short in this particular field of the console wars, they make up for it by excelling in other areas. Sound: I really can't give you any sort of example of music/effects the Wii produces, as it isn't a game where you'd notice it. The best example I can use it the elevator-esque music they use at the main menu for configuring you options. I can go more into depth later when I start reviewing actual games. Wii Online: The Wii has the ability to connect to the internet using a Wi-Fi access point. During the session you have your Wii online, you can access many different "channels." On these channels, you can engage in interaction with other people around the world in Mii Channel, Download Virtual Console games (old NES, SNES, N64, Genesis, ect), and a slew of other neat features. One major flaw with connecting your Wii to the internet is having to turn on WiiConnect64 (?). I'm not exactly sure what's with the title, or what it does exactly, but if you leave the console in WiiConnect64 mode for long enough, the system will actually become hot to the touch. This can cause serious damage to the hardware, and possibly a fire hazard... ... I KNOW! This is very avoidable by simply turning off WiiConnect64 when you're done online. Much like the PS3, connecting to the internet is free of charge, however, you'll have to buy a Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector if you don't have actual wireless in your home. Also, some games like Pokemon: Battle Revolution and Super Smash Bros. Brawl will have the ability to play other gamers around the globe to a trade, battle, ect. This isn't nearly as widely used as Xbox Live to interact with other players, but it's a cool addition and hopefully Nintendo will take full advantage of the capability to go online (which is a really big part of gaming these days, supposedly). As innovative as the Wii is, it does fall a bit short by the standards of gamers now-a-days, but there's no denying that it is some of the most fun you'll have swinging your limbs around in your living room. With something to offer to just about anybody who plays video games, the Wii is a solid $250 investment that will only get better with time. This next statement may sound contradictory to what I just said, but while some very nice games: Zelda, Mario, and Metroid are currently available, I would recommend that you wait until the console is more readily available in stores and avoid the scalpers on EBay charging $500+ (are they still doing it?) for just the simple starting package before you run out and pick this sleek little machine up. Overall, I'd give it an A- but still two thumbs up! Notable Exclusive Titles Super Mario Galaxy Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Metroid Prime 3: Curruption Super Smash Bros. Brawl Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles Mario Kart Wii Trauma Center: Second Opinion Trauma Center: New Blood Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn Red Steel Soul Calibur Legends Super Paper Mario Wii Sports Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Mario Party 8 Pokemon: Battle Revolution Sonic and the Secret Rings (Not to mention all exclusive Nintendo Gamecube games) And the list continues, as it will also do so as time passes Review Page Hits: 5 today (55 in the last 30 days) Create Your Own Review or