Product Details: Nintendo Wii Console
- Platform: Wii
- Wireless Type: Wi-Fi
- HDMI: No
- Installed Memory: 512 MB
- Accessories Included: Wireless controller
- Processor: PowerPC
- Game Media: Nintendo GAMECUBE disc
- Slot Types Provided: Nintendo GameCube Memory Card, SD Memory Card
- Connector Type(s): 2 x USB 2.0, 4 x game controller, Component
video output, Composite video output, S-Video output
Instead of putting together an expensive box with impressive hardware specifications like the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3, Nintendo decided to set its Wii system apart by offering innovative gameplay with a new motion-sensitive controller. The Wii's gyroscope controller will take users away from the gamepad interface and make game control more intuitive. For instance, we're used to pressing buttons in a certain sequence to cast a line in a fishing game, but on the Wii, expect to pull the controller back and then whip it forward in a real casting motion to get that line out. It's this kind of gameplay that will make the Wii completely different from the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3.
If you've been clamoring for an all-purpose next-generation multimedia box with blinding HD graphics, the Wii will be a disappointment. But Nintendo didn't intend to compete in that arena anyway: the Wii is focused squarely on delivering fun and innovative gameplay, leaving Sony and Microsoft to battle it out at the high end. The Wiimote and its motion-sensing, pseudo-virtual-reality controls are the biggest draws of the console, and its online capabilities, Wii Channels, Virtual Console, and GameCube backward-compatibility are just a thick, sweet layer of icing on an already tasty cake. Likewise, the Wii is the only home console that lets you play games featuring nostalgic Nintendo-only franchises such as Mario, Zelda, and Metroid. With a price tag of just $250--far less than those of its competitors--and the included Wii Sports disc that provides mindless fun out of the box, the Nintendo Wii won't disappoint.
The Wii is designed around a menu of "channels". There is of course the game-playing channel, where the Wii will play any Wii or GameCube game. Simply load the disc in and go. There is a Mii channel where you set up a profile and avatar to connect to all your game playing. The Photos channel lets you look at photos on your TV. Other channels for news, weather, and online shopping require an interent connection.
The 480p resolution is certainly not high def 1080p like the other two systems. It's something you accept when you're paying such a low price for the console. But really, it's not that big a deal. If they are going for the cartooney characters and environments, 480p is DVD quality and is quite good. If you really, really crave high definition super realism in your games, then the Wii might not be the best choice for you. However, if you're fine with playing games with a more impressionist, cartooney look to them, the 480p can show that quite nicely. For example, there aren't fans in the stands for baseball - there are colored blocks.
This thing is compact. If it were any smaller, I might mistake it for a portable device, the realm where Nintendo is the undisputed king. Still, it was a bit of a chore to integrate the Wii with my stack, as this is one of the last remaining analog-only source components in my home theater. I have four other video-game systems set up, their audio switched via a Joytech AV Control Center 2 to one optical input on my receiver. I recently pulled out the two-channel analog GameCube in order to make room for the Wii, since the latter is backwards-compatible with both games and controllers.
2 comments:
The Nintendo Wii is the most inexpensive of the current generation of gaming consoles. It provides motion sensing controllers and 480p graphics. We tested the Wii before its launch day (I'm a game reviewer), and we had our own unit in our home the morning of launch day. Here are our findings.
The Wii is designed around a menu of "channels". There is of course the game-playing channel, where the Wii will play any Wii or GameCube game. Simply load the disc in and go. There is a Mii channel where you set up a profile and avatar to connect to all your game playing. The Photos channel lets you look at photos on your TV. Other channels for news, weather, and online shopping require an interent connection; the news and weather were not actually working at launch time.
The system does NOT have a regular network cable port, which both the PS3 and XBox 360 have. Instead, it works with built in wireless or with a USB network adapter. I am a firm proponent of wireless - less clutter! So I am thrilled that they offer wireless automatically. With the PS3, you have to pay extra for the 60 gig unit to get this built in. The XBox 360 requires extra hardware as well.
As it stands right now, there's simply no denying the console's power, as it continues to sell in amazing numbers, is still nearly impossible to find in stores (making for a very interesting holiday season), and has captured an entirely new wave of casual gamers that would have otherwise never picked up a gaming console. Wii's first two launch months were a statement of success. The last 12 have been continuing proof.
Can't think of any other system in the U.S. that continued to sell out over a year after its release. That means the Wii is on track to be one of the most successful consoles ever. It's been an incredible turnaround for Nintendo. The GameCube certainly had its share of great games, but it never got to be the most popular kid in class.
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