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Thoughts Media Review Team
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 27
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Non-HD Gaming Fun: The Nintendo Wii
Product Category: Video Game Console
Manufacturer: Nintendo
Where to Buy: Amazon [Affiliate]
Price: $249 USD
System Requirements: NTSC Compatible TV. For Enhanced 480p resolution: HDTV/EDTV compatible TV with optional Component Video Cable. Dolby Pro Logic compatible Stereo Tuner for Surround Sound.
Specifications: PowerPC CPU with 90nm SOI CMOS process, A single self loading media bay for single or dual layer 12cm optical discs or 8cm Nintendo GameCube discs, Built in wireless network controller, Bay for SD memory card, 8.5 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 2 inches thick.
Pros- Delivers fun and innovative new ways to play video games;
- The cheapest of the current generation video game consoles;
- Wii Sports is included with the console.
Cons- Does not support High Definition graphics (720p, 1080i, or 1080p);
- Only supports the SD memory card format;
- Batteries in controller are not rechargeable.
Summary:
The Nintendo Wii is Nintendo�s fifth generation home gaming console and may prove to be their most innovative one to date. The Wii offers a completely new way to interact with video games by using a motion sensitive controller called the Wii remote. If you want to play golf, swing the remote like a golf club. Feel up for a game of tennis? Use the remote like a tennis racket. Experiences like this are what Nintendo is hoping will draw people to their new system. Does the system deliver on this? Is it as easy to pick up and use as advertised?
Read on for the full review!
What�s in the box?
The Wii comes in a simple white box with a couple photos of the product on it. For a video game system which is supposed to be simple to use and appeal to everyone, I think it works. The contents of the box are divided between two boxes labelled 1 and 2. They break down like this:
Box 1Wii Remote;Wii Nunchuk Attachment;Sensor Bar;Sensor Bar Stand;Circular Attachment for Wii Stand;Documentation;
Box 2Wii Gaming Console;Wii Stand;Standard AV Cable;Power Supply;
Figure 1: Boxes that contain Wii system and accessories. (15.7 KB)
Figure 2: Wii, Wii Remote, Nunchuck Attachment, and Wii Sports Game. (37 KB)
Setting up the Wii
Setting up the Wii was a breeze. The sensor bar should be centered either on top or below the TV. It then plugs into the rear of the Wii. Next connect the power supply to the Wii and an available outlet. Last but not least plug the AV cable into the TV and the other end into the Wii. The system is now setup and ready to be turned on. You need not worry about the Wii remote because it is configured to work with the Wii from the factory. Any additional remotes need to be manually synced with the Wii. To synchronize a new remote to the Wii you simply press the sync button located behind the battery door on the remote and then press the sync button located inside the SD compartment.
The Wii Experience
One thing that annoyed me right from the start is that the Wii remote uses normal batteries instead of a rechargeable battery pack. Given that almost everything I own is rechargeable, I do not stock up on batteries. I realize that most people probably will not find this an issue, but considering that both the Microsoft XBOX 360 and the Sony PS3 have rechargeable controllers, it seems to me like this should have been a no brainer.
The system can be turned on from the Wii remote or a button on the front of the Wii console. When the system is turned on for the first time you are greeted with some setup questions which are easily answered and will not take much time. After this, you are taken to the Wii menu which is pretty much the center of the Wii universe. The Wii menu contains Wii channels, the system setup menus, and a messaging center. The Wii initially comes with six channels installed, but more can be added. The six channels are:
The Disc Channel � Manages any discs inserted into the Wii�s drive.
The Mii Channel � Here you create and manage Miis. Miis are graphical representations of yourself and anyone else that might want to play on the system. They can be used in certain games and are fun to create.
The Photo Channel � Used to display photos that you may have downloaded onto the Wii or that you have stored on SD cards.
The Wii Store Channel � Here is where you can download new channels or buy classic games. You can buy and play games from the Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, or Turbo Grafix 16 platforms.
The Forecast Channel � Lets you view local weather if you have the Will connected to the Internet.
The News Channel � Lets you view news highlights if you have the Will connected to the Internet.
The system setup menus are where you go to setup preferences for the system and configure your Wii to connect to the Internet. I have a wireless network setup at home and I had no problems configuring the Wii to access it. Again I applaud the system on ease of use. The messaging center handles all system messages and other messages you might get from Nintendo.
Another thing that kind of stands out here is the lack of memory card support. The Wii has a channel designed to show off digital pictures, yet it only supports one memory card format. What if your camera takes memory sticks or compact flash cards? I think the non-technical user might find this very frustrating. Issues like this may seem small and insignificant, but they can really detract from the overall experience.
Bring on the Games!
One definite bonus about this system is that it comes with games. Anyone who has been into console gaming for a while can remember the good 'ole days when you could buy a system and it came with a game. Sadly this practice stopped several years ago and with the way prices are these days, you're lucky if you can purchase a new console and still have enough money left over to buy a single game. But that is not the case with the Wii. Not only does it come with games, it comes with fun games that really showcase the features of the system. The games I speak of are a compilation of sports games known as "Wii Sports".
The game "Wii Sports" includes: Baseball, Boxing, Bowling, Golf, and Tennis. If you're looking for the latest in High Definition graphics, then the Wii is not for you. But, if you're looking for a unique and fun gaming experience, then the Wii with "Wii Sports" definitely delivers. Whether you're swinging the remote like a bat to knock the ball out of the park or twisting your wrist slightly to put a little spin on your bowling ball and get that strike, the experience is like nothing you would ever expect from a video game. A speaker embedded in the remote adds even more to your fun by putting the sound of returning a serve in tennis or driving a golf ball 300 yards right in your hand. Getting the hang of using the remote and playing these games I found to be very simple. So simple, in fact, that I think I can get the rest of my non-technical family hooked. This is definitely a video game system for the masses.
Conclusions
The Wii is a great little console with a lot going for it. The motion sensing Wii remote adds a depth and realism to games that you just don�t find anywhere else. It was as easy to setup and use as Nintendo advertises. I wish it had support for High Definition graphics because I think that would put this system over the top. Wider support for memory cards would have been a plus also. I really do want a rechargeable battery pack for the Wii remote, but with a cheap $250 price tag and free games included, I can live with buying batteries every now and again. If you're in the market for a new video game system, on a budget, and want something that can appeal to the whole family, then the Nintendo Wii is a must have.
Chris Baxter is an IT Professional and part time Web Designer who resides in North Aurora, Illinois. Playing video games, watching movies, or reading a good book are what occupies his time when he is not fixing computers or trying to get his hands on the latest gadgets.
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