Friday, January 21, 2011
What About a Portable Handheld Nintendo Gameboy Advanced SP
Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP - Game console
Nintendo 64 System - Video Game Console-Is It For You
Nintendo 64 System - Video Game Console
Nintendo 64 System - Video Game Console |
103 new or used available from $27.99
Average customer review:
Editorial Reviews
Editorial Review
Nintendo first dabbled in video games during the industry's early years of the mid-'70s. Generations of successful gaming console releases through the years led to the much-hyped 1996 launch of Nintendo 64, a system that represented a giant evolutionary leap in video game technology. Within the first three days of launch, hundreds of thousands of gamers hunkered down with Mario 64, considered by many to be one of the greatest video games ever created. Even today, the system's excellent design continues to host an ever-expanding library of breakthrough games.
Nintendo 64's popularity among younger gamers is no surprise. Well-respected games featuring such long-lived and much-loved personalities as Mario (of arcade classic Donkey Kong fame), Zelda, and Banjo-Kazooie are easy to learn and offer enormous replay value. But times are a' changin' and the system's ever-growing library of titles has expanded into every genre of games imaginable, including games better-suited for older gamers. In fact, some of the most acclaimed--in some cases, groundbreaking--games available on any platform today are packed onto N64's old-school cartridges.
Under the system's hood, its appeal to the young certainly didn't produce a less mature gaming machine. On the contrary, the 64-bit system boasts impressive graphics, stereo sound, and numerous accessory enhancements, including a high-resolution pack that boosts graphics to awe-inspiring resolutions.
Start your library with Goldeneye 007, Mario 64, Banjo Kazooie, Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time, and Star Wars: Episode One Racer--these titles represent a decent start to any N64 cartridge library.
With the recent launch of Sega's Dreamcast system, Nintendo 64 is being left behind as the leader in video game technology. And with newer game systems featuring CD-based games, the system's expensive cartridge format is proving itself an archaic and unconventional storage format. But, at a sub-$100 recommended retail price, innovative accessory enhancements and a great library of games keep the system's rabid fan base satisfied, if not eager for Nintendo's next evolutionary step. --Eric Twelker
Nintendo first dabbled in video games during the industry's early years of the mid-'70s. Generations of successful gaming console releases through the years led to the much-hyped 1996 launch of Nintendo 64, a system that represented a giant evolutionary leap in video game technology. Within the first three days of launch, hundreds of thousands of gamers hunkered down with Mario 64, considered by many to be one of the greatest video games ever created. Even today, the system's excellent design continues to host an ever-expanding library of breakthrough games.
Nintendo 64's popularity among younger gamers is no surprise. Well-respected games featuring such long-lived and much-loved personalities as Mario (of arcade classic Donkey Kong fame), Zelda, and Banjo-Kazooie are easy to learn and offer enormous replay value. But times are a' changin' and the system's ever-growing library of titles has expanded into every genre of games imaginable, including games better-suited for older gamers. In fact, some of the most acclaimed--in some cases, groundbreaking--games available on any platform today are packed onto N64's old-school cartridges.
Under the system's hood, its appeal to the young certainly didn't produce a less mature gaming machine. On the contrary, the 64-bit system boasts impressive graphics, stereo sound, and numerous accessory enhancements, including a high-resolution pack that boosts graphics to awe-inspiring resolutions.
Start your library with Goldeneye 007, Mario 64, Banjo Kazooie, Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time, and Star Wars: Episode One Racer--these titles represent a decent start to any N64 cartridge library.
With the recent launch of Sega's Dreamcast system, Nintendo 64 is being left behind as the leader in video game technology. And with newer game systems featuring CD-based games, the system's expensive cartridge format is proving itself an archaic and unconventional storage format. But, at a sub-$100 recommended retail price, innovative accessory enhancements and a great library of games keep the system's rabid fan base satisfied, if not eager for Nintendo's next evolutionary step. --Eric Twelker
Customer Reviews
Not Just A Game...An Experience!
My friend's son, now eight, and John, his father, 54 years old and I,51 years old (a friend of both) have experienced Nintendo '64 and Mario '64 since John brought them home for us to play over two years ago. David has since moved some distance away due to divorce, but we always had Mario and Nintendo to share as our own secret world that was the one constant in our changing lives. We have had hours of fun exploring the exquisite graphics and colors of Mario's world. From the sandy desert world to the haunted house ghost world to the underwater Pirate world to the snow worlds we have fought together to save the Princess from Bowser (you haven't experienced anything until you've fought Bowser a few times! )This incredible game must be experienced first hand; it's something that is so unique to try to do it justice by mere description is not possible. This wonderful toy bridges the gap between children and adults by giving them a common goal...and the fun you'll have along the way! Come join us and treat yourself and your family . We finished Mario and are waiting for the sequel...in the meantime we enjoy Goldeneye 007, Starfox and Banjo Kazooie. Get it! Play it! Live it!
Calling all gamers!
For all those people looking for the honest reviews of the N64, then here it is. The N64 has boasted some of the best graphics for a home console (now passed by Dreamcast)since the Playstation was released. And if you know the game industry, you know that PS and N64 have been at each others necks since N64's release. The quality of games that PSX boasts are true, but that dosn't mean that the N64 dosn't have any of there own. Zelda, Mario, Banjo-Kazooie, Mario Kart, Goldeneye, Rouge Squadron, 1080 snowboarding, Turok 1 & 2, Star Fox, Episode 1: Racer, Shadows of the Empire, F-Zero X, DK64, Super Smash Brothers.... I could go on. All these games have some of the best game value on the market now, and can still hold there own. Now, the actual power of this sytem, now that it's been passed by Dreamcast, can still be qualified as one of the best home consoles. Going with Nintendo, for my family, has never been a wrong move. We love every second of it. Congrats Nintendo.
Nintendo 64 Games
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Don`t Buy The Super Nintendo Game Console Until You Have Read
The Super Nintendo Game Console
On August 23, 1991 almost 10 years ago Super Nintendo Entertainment System was released to the public.The Super Nintendo Entertainment System was Nintendo's second home console, following the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The console introduced advanced graphics and sound capabilities compared with other consoles at the time. Additionally, development of a variety of enhancement chips (which were integrated on game circuit boards) helped to keep it competitive in the marketplace.
The rivalry between Nintendo and Sega resulted in one of the fiercest console wars in video game history,[24] in which Sega positioned the Genesis as the "cool" console, with more mature titles aimed at older gamers, and edgy advertisements that occasionally attacked the competition. Nintendo however, scored an early PR coup by securing the first console conversion of Capcom's arcade classic Street Fighter II for Super NES, which took over a year to make the transition to Genesis. Despite the Genesis' head start, much larger library of games, and lower price point, market share between the SNES and the Genesis was about even in April 1992,and neither console could maintain a definitive lead for several years. The Super NES eventually prevailed in the American 16-bit console market, and would even remain popular well into the 32-bit generation.
What Kids Are Saying!
80s kids were sure that video games couldnt get better than the NES. Then the 90s happened and the Super Nintendo hit the scene. With 8 more bits, 4 more buttons and no more cartridges blowing, the Super Nintendo set the standard for 16-bit gaming. For 10 years, the SNES was king. Even as 32-bit systems tried to steal the show, the Super Nintendo proved that gaming genius was about more than technology: it's just about fun. Remind yourself how much fun the SNES is. This refurbished SNES console is guaranteed to work upon arrival or weâ?TMll send you another one. It comes bundled with 1 controller and hookups. .
Customer Reviews
Bar none, its one of the best systems ever made
After Sega unleashed the 16-bit Genesis, Nintendo was at a crossroads because their classic 8-bit Nintendo system was dying out. So Nintendo makes their own 16-bit system, but used a much better graphics and sound chip than the Genesis had, and remained the top system until Sony's Playstation came out in 1996. What made the Super NES kick so much was its outstanding library of games. The first party titles were out of this world, not to mention the system also had some of the best RPG's to date on any system. All in all, if you can find a Super NES anywhere, I highly recommend buying one, its a piece of video game history, and Nintendo has not been able to make a better system yet. Below is a list of games that are also recommended to get along with the system for the best playing experience:
After Sega unleashed the 16-bit Genesis, Nintendo was at a crossroads because their classic 8-bit Nintendo system was dying out. So Nintendo makes their own 16-bit system, but used a much better graphics and sound chip than the Genesis had, and remained the top system until Sony's Playstation came out in 1996. What made the Super NES kick so much was its outstanding library of games. The first party titles were out of this world, not to mention the system also had some of the best RPG's to date on any system. All in all, if you can find a Super NES anywhere, I highly recommend buying one, its a piece of video game history, and Nintendo has not been able to make a better system yet. Below is a list of games that are also recommended to get along with the system for the best playing experience:
Super Metroid
Super Mario World
Yoshi's Island
Super Mario Kart
Final Fantasy 3
Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Contra 3
Super Mario All-Stars
Street Fighter 2 Turbo
Tetris Attack
Donkey Kong Country
Earthbound
Chronotrigger
Super Mario RPG
Super Mario World
Yoshi's Island
Super Mario Kart
Final Fantasy 3
Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Contra 3
Super Mario All-Stars
Street Fighter 2 Turbo
Tetris Attack
Donkey Kong Country
Earthbound
Chronotrigger
Super Mario RPG
One of the best systems in history, to say the least
Continuing on the success of the classic NES, Nintendo decided to make a 16-bit system that would turn into the other 16-bit system's (Sega Genesis) biggest rival. The name of that system is the Super Nintendo.
Continuing on the success of the classic NES, Nintendo decided to make a 16-bit system that would turn into the other 16-bit system's (Sega Genesis) biggest rival. The name of that system is the Super Nintendo.
The Super Nintendo had everything going for it back in the good old days. The system was more powerful than the Sega Genesis and it was capable of producing the best graphics ever at the time, great sound, music, and the list goes on. The controllers are designed very well, with four main buttons instead of just two (like the NES), two extra buttons on top for more precision in certain games, and a directional pad. Of course it also has a Start and Select button.
But what really makes a system a bad or good one, is its games. The Super Nintendo has a spectacular library of games that all breeds of video game fans can enjoy to the fullest. It has great racing titles (Super Mario Kart, F-Zero, Biker Mice From Mars, etc.), arguably the greatest collection ever of RPGs (Legend of Zelda, Breath of Fire series, Super Mario RPG, Final Fantasy series, etc.), hard-hitting fighting titles (Street Fighter II and Turbo, World Heroes series, Mortal Kombat series, etc.), puzzle games to challenge the mind (the Tetris series among others), some of the most classic platformers of all time, or action/adventure games (Super Metroid, Super Mario World, Yoshi's Island, Donkey Kong Contry series, etc.), and of course, great sports games (NBA Jam series, Side Pocket, and TONS of baseball, football, hockey, basketball, and fishing games).
The games I listed are just a few of what I think are some of the best ones available, but there are literally hundreds of other great games that were made.
I don't have a single complaint about the Super Nintendo. If you want to own one of the best, if not THE best video game system of all time, do yourself a favor and purchase the Super Nintendo while you still can!
Nintendo at the height of gaming...
The Super NES is the best video game system by Nintendo, bar none. While it had a slower processor than the Sega Genesis (in which case future games had "FX chips" to enhance the games), it had better graphics and sound quality. Why is this system among the best? Obviously, the games are what count. No matter how advanced Nintendo gets, the Super NES has the most of the best video games ever made by anyone.
The Super NES is the best video game system by Nintendo, bar none. While it had a slower processor than the Sega Genesis (in which case future games had "FX chips" to enhance the games), it had better graphics and sound quality. Why is this system among the best? Obviously, the games are what count. No matter how advanced Nintendo gets, the Super NES has the most of the best video games ever made by anyone.
Here's a list of some of the classics: Super Castlevania IV, Contra III, the Super Mario series, Super Turrican (a rare and often overlooked gem), Super Metroid, Final Fantasy II, Final Fantasy III, Tales of Phantasia, the Mega Man X series, U.N. Squadron, Zelda: A Link to the Past, Breath of Fire I and II, Chrono Trigger, Secret of Mana, Starfox, Super Mario Kart, the Donkey Kong Country series, Super Mario RPG, Street Fighter II (probably the best one to get is Turbo, but Super Street Fighter II is also worthy) series, Ninja Gaiden Trilogy (which is basically Ninja Gaidens 1-3 from the NES system), Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time, and Rockman and Forte (a.k.a. Megaman and Bass). There are plenty more that are also worthy classics, but I thought I'd mention these above to get you started (although Tales of Phantasia and Rockman and Forte would be hard to get, considering they're only available in Japan for the Super NES). So don't vote NO because I forgot one game.
Is this the best system? Maybe that's not true, but those times were the best; the rivalry between Nintendo's Super NES and the Sega Genesis was considerable. Both had extremely enthralling games that were of great quality (Nintendo had Mega Man and Mario, Sega had Sonic and Vectorman). So depending on your preference, you might want one or the other. As far as I'm concerned, both are a must-have. The days of Genesis vs. Super NES are the best in video gaming history. I say this as a true gamer; those were the good ol' days.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Nintendo NES System
Nintendo NES System - Video Game Console Bundle (Includes 2 Controllers / Zapper / Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt)
Super Mario Bros.: The classic tale of an Italian plumber smashing bricks and stepping on mushrooms and turtles in order to rescue the princess. Duck Hunt: The basic light zapper game for the NES. Two game modes allowed the player to either shoot ducks with the help of the trusty hound or to fire at clay pigeons.Super Mario Bros/ Duck Hunt
This is a fantastic old school game. The graphics are great and the system was in IMMACULATE condition! Brings me back to my childhood!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Nintendo Wii A Little Box With Plenty Power
Wii
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Nintendo's Wii video game system (pronounced "we") brings people of all ages and video game experience together to play. This simple yet ground breaking idea is expressed not only though the system's evocative name, which is easily pronounced in a variety of languages, and suggests two players side by side, but also through its innovative list of features and extensive list of playable titles. Wii with Wii Remote. . |
As with every console, much of the buzz surrounds the specs. The Wii boasts 512 MB of internal flash memory, two USB 2.0 ports, and a slot for SD memory expansion. The system’s technological heart -- a processing chip developed with IBM and code-named "Broadway" and a graphics chipset from ATI code-named "Hollywood" -- deliver stunning performance. And instead of a tray, Wii uses a single, self-loading media bay that plays both 12-centimeter optical discs used for the new system, as well as Nintendo GameCube discs.
Revolutionary Control
No bigger than a small traditional remote control, the wireless Wii Remote is a truly multi functional device. The magic of the Wii Remote's design lies within; acellerometers inside the controller measure movement in all directions and at all speeds. In a tennis game, it serves as your racket as you swing away. In driving games it serves as a steering wheel, allowing you to swerve to avoid obstacles or pickup power-ups. In first-person shooters, it acts as a firearm that you can point directly at an on-screen enemy. The controller also has a force feedback "Rumble" feature and an expansion port for use with accessories, such as the Nunchuck, which adds an analog thumbstick and trigger buttons. The system allows for up to four controllers to be linked at a time and utilizes standard Bluetooth wireless technology. For those who prefer the feel of a traditional controller an adapter is available that fits over the Wii's remote.
 |
 Wii with cradle. . |
A Channel for Everyone
More than just a game machine, Wii also provides information and entertainment suitable for every member of the family. Some of the channels available include:
- Mii Channel - Miis are cute little caricatures you create to use as characters in a variety of Wii software. Store Miis on your Wii or load them onto your Wii Remote and take them over to a friend’s house to use on their Wii.
- Everybody Votes Channel * - The Everybody Votes Channel is packed with national and worldwide polls. Answer interesting questions and have your say. Up to six members of your family can vote. Just choose an answer and check in later to see the results.
- News Channel * - Wii might be great for games, but you can also use it to get updates on the latest news from across the Internet organized into easy-to-browse categories.
- Forecast Channel * - Your Wii can automatically update you on the weather from around the globe.
- Wii Shop Channel * - Download the Opera web browser and access games from classic consoles from the past. All you need is a Wii Points account.
- Virtual Console - Every Virtual Console game you download from the Wii Shop Channel appears in the Wii Menu as a separate Channel ready to select and play any time you like.
- Wii Message Board - Leave or receive messages for other family members on the calendar-based message board or use WiiConnect24 to send messages to people outside your home.
- Internet Channel * - Just download the Opera browser for 500 Wii Points and within minutes, you’ll be a professional sofa surfer, pointing-and-clicking your way around the web with your Wii Remote.
- Photo Channel - Show off all your digital photos on your TV. Just insert an SD memory card into your Wii and away you go.
- Disc Channel - The Disc Channel is backwards compatible with Nintendo GameCube, so you can play all your new Wii discs, along with all your classic Nintendo GameCube discs too!
 Wii Sports. View larger. |
Wii Sports is Included
This is what video games should be: fun for everyone. Wii Sports offers five distinct sports experiences, each using the Wii Remote controller to provide a natural, intuitive and realistic feel. To play a Wii Sports game, all you need to do is pick up a controller and get ready for the pitch, serve or that right hook. If you've played any of these sports before, you're ready for fun!
To buy this game console or check out other Nintendo items click here!
 GameCube controller and memory ports. |
The Depth of the Nintendo Game Catalog
Each Wii comes with a game compilation called "Wii Sports," including tennis, golf, baseball and bowling games, that show off the console's intuitive new controller, but Wii also plays games developed specifically for it as well as fan-favorite games from Nintendo's 20-year-old library. Its drive is compatible with GameCube discs, and select Nintendo titles from the original NES of the 1980s all the way through the Nintendo 64 are available for download through the "Virtual Console" for $5 and $10 respectively. To support this backwards compatibility the Wii includes four ports for classic Nintendo GameCube controllers and two slots for Nintendo GameCube Memory Cards. As if that weren't enough, the Virtual Console will also make available a few titles from SNES console contemporaries, Sega Genesis and TurboGrafx 16.
Each Wii comes with a game compilation called "Wii Sports," including tennis, golf, baseball and bowling games, that show off the console's intuitive new controller, but Wii also plays games developed specifically for it as well as fan-favorite games from Nintendo's 20-year-old library. Its drive is compatible with GameCube discs, and select Nintendo titles from the original NES of the 1980s all the way through the Nintendo 64 are available for download through the "Virtual Console" for $5 and $10 respectively. To support this backwards compatibility the Wii includes four ports for classic Nintendo GameCube controllers and two slots for Nintendo GameCube Memory Cards. As if that weren't enough, the Virtual Console will also make available a few titles from SNES console contemporaries, Sega Genesis and TurboGrafx 16.
Also, Wii utilizes Nintendo's newly-announced wireless feature, WiiConnect24. This worldwide feature allows players to receive content such as Wii Message Board messages sent from other Wii consoles, Miis, e-mails, updated channel and game content, and notification of software updates even while the console is on standby, keeping the fun going even when you are not online.
Customer Reviews
Wii Puts "We" Back Into Family Gaming
The true battle of the gaming consoles began months before last Christmas. Beginning about October, and definitely by Black Thursday - the Friday shopping day after Thanksgiving, television, newspapers, and every advertising medium were filled with articles and advertisements for the new gaming consoles coming out just in time to put under the Christmas tree.
The gaming console picked to attract the most attention immediately was the PlayStation 3. It touted the Blu-ray player that was part of the standard equipment, and that Blu-ray player was supposed to be the feature that crushed all other game consoles. Unfortunately, the PlayStation 3 - like its predecessor and the original Xbox and Xbox 360 - was underproduced. Supposedly the problem was in the blue diode chip that enabled the Blu-ray player to work. As a result, there were simply not enough PlayStation 3 units produced to fill every Christmas stocking.
The Xbox 360 came out the Christmas before. It, too, was underproduced and ended up inspiring a whole new generation of campers that took up the sport outside Walmart, Costco's, and other electronic outlet stores around the United States. The price tag of the PlayStation 3 was exorbitant, as was that of the 360 when it first broke.
But the same time Nintendo released its new game system called simply Wii. At $250.00 per unit, buying a Wii seemed like a no-brainer, except that people were getting wooed in by the wowser graphics offered by the PlayStation 3. But the lack of PlayStation 3 units caused a run on the Wii at Christmas that has taken months to level off.
I had been looking for a Wii since before Christmas and finally scored one at a Best Buy in May. My eighteen-year-old and I had been diligently calling the local retail stores trying to nail one down. We even called in favors from some of his friends who worked at those places to find out about incoming shipments. The problem was, those incoming units generally disappeared as soon as they hit the floor. No one would hold one back. And you couldn't buy one over the Internet. Not even from Amazon.
We got up bright and early on a Sunday morning and hauled butt down to the local Best Buy to grab a unit seconds after it was put out. My wife thought we were crazy. My son and I thought we were mission to rescue the Holy Grail. My nine-year-old came with us. It was his first time for such foolishness and he had a blast. After we got the unit, we hit the game shelves. Everybody got something.
Of course, Dad got the bill.
At home, we hooked the unit up to the 42-inch television in the living room and proceeded to play. The games were broken out and passed around. Then we chose up lots to see who got to play first. Everybody got to play for a little while. Even when we weren't playing our games, we all sat around watching everyone else play their game. Of course, we made comments on the player's form. Unfriendly comments that beggared gross retribution when our own time came to play.
Admittedly, I felt like an idiot waving the controller around. If someone had been looking through the window, I feel certain that the onlooker would have believed he was tuned into Discovery Channel and was watching a presentation involving tribal rituals and the sacrifice of small animals. There's just no way to look cool while playing a Wii.
The controller is incredibly easy to use. All the new games made for the Wii are already coded to respond to the wireless controller's motions. Button use is even at a minimum so you don't get the sore thumbs you normally get with console systems. Whatever the programming is that allows the motion sensitivity to work with the games is amazing. In addition to the primary wireless controller, there's also another wireless controller that plugs into it called the nunchuk. Using different configurations of these two devices allows for many permutations of movements.
Since we got the Wii right at the end of school, we had time to play on the weekends and often used it as a stress reliever in the evenings. For the first time a long time, we were all gathered around the television and a gaming console. Over the years we've played board games and card games, but there is nothing like playing video games together or providing moral support during a hard-fought campaign. Every victory is celebrated together, and every defeat is never alone.
The Wii package we got came with a collection of sports games. The collection includes boxing, golf, bowling, tennis, and baseball. We had more fun, and more laughs, playing those games together than we did playing our individual games with support.
I fault the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 for not making more family-oriented games. They just don't bring families together the way Nintendo games always have. Of course, I have to give it up to the graphics that are available on those two games systems. Nothing short of a PC matches up to them.
But the bottom line is while the 360 and the PlayStation 3 look beautiful, they just don't put families together the way the Wii does. Not only is the price tag significantly cheaper, but if you're a family that loves to play games together, the Wii is the best way to go because there are more multi-player games that are age-friendly from parent to child.
The true battle of the gaming consoles began months before last Christmas. Beginning about October, and definitely by Black Thursday - the Friday shopping day after Thanksgiving, television, newspapers, and every advertising medium were filled with articles and advertisements for the new gaming consoles coming out just in time to put under the Christmas tree.
The gaming console picked to attract the most attention immediately was the PlayStation 3. It touted the Blu-ray player that was part of the standard equipment, and that Blu-ray player was supposed to be the feature that crushed all other game consoles. Unfortunately, the PlayStation 3 - like its predecessor and the original Xbox and Xbox 360 - was underproduced. Supposedly the problem was in the blue diode chip that enabled the Blu-ray player to work. As a result, there were simply not enough PlayStation 3 units produced to fill every Christmas stocking.
The Xbox 360 came out the Christmas before. It, too, was underproduced and ended up inspiring a whole new generation of campers that took up the sport outside Walmart, Costco's, and other electronic outlet stores around the United States. The price tag of the PlayStation 3 was exorbitant, as was that of the 360 when it first broke.
But the same time Nintendo released its new game system called simply Wii. At $250.00 per unit, buying a Wii seemed like a no-brainer, except that people were getting wooed in by the wowser graphics offered by the PlayStation 3. But the lack of PlayStation 3 units caused a run on the Wii at Christmas that has taken months to level off.
I had been looking for a Wii since before Christmas and finally scored one at a Best Buy in May. My eighteen-year-old and I had been diligently calling the local retail stores trying to nail one down. We even called in favors from some of his friends who worked at those places to find out about incoming shipments. The problem was, those incoming units generally disappeared as soon as they hit the floor. No one would hold one back. And you couldn't buy one over the Internet. Not even from Amazon.
We got up bright and early on a Sunday morning and hauled butt down to the local Best Buy to grab a unit seconds after it was put out. My wife thought we were crazy. My son and I thought we were mission to rescue the Holy Grail. My nine-year-old came with us. It was his first time for such foolishness and he had a blast. After we got the unit, we hit the game shelves. Everybody got something.
Of course, Dad got the bill.
At home, we hooked the unit up to the 42-inch television in the living room and proceeded to play. The games were broken out and passed around. Then we chose up lots to see who got to play first. Everybody got to play for a little while. Even when we weren't playing our games, we all sat around watching everyone else play their game. Of course, we made comments on the player's form. Unfriendly comments that beggared gross retribution when our own time came to play.
Admittedly, I felt like an idiot waving the controller around. If someone had been looking through the window, I feel certain that the onlooker would have believed he was tuned into Discovery Channel and was watching a presentation involving tribal rituals and the sacrifice of small animals. There's just no way to look cool while playing a Wii.
The controller is incredibly easy to use. All the new games made for the Wii are already coded to respond to the wireless controller's motions. Button use is even at a minimum so you don't get the sore thumbs you normally get with console systems. Whatever the programming is that allows the motion sensitivity to work with the games is amazing. In addition to the primary wireless controller, there's also another wireless controller that plugs into it called the nunchuk. Using different configurations of these two devices allows for many permutations of movements.
Since we got the Wii right at the end of school, we had time to play on the weekends and often used it as a stress reliever in the evenings. For the first time a long time, we were all gathered around the television and a gaming console. Over the years we've played board games and card games, but there is nothing like playing video games together or providing moral support during a hard-fought campaign. Every victory is celebrated together, and every defeat is never alone.
The Wii package we got came with a collection of sports games. The collection includes boxing, golf, bowling, tennis, and baseball. We had more fun, and more laughs, playing those games together than we did playing our individual games with support.
I fault the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 for not making more family-oriented games. They just don't bring families together the way Nintendo games always have. Of course, I have to give it up to the graphics that are available on those two games systems. Nothing short of a PC matches up to them.
But the bottom line is while the 360 and the PlayStation 3 look beautiful, they just don't put families together the way the Wii does. Not only is the price tag significantly cheaper, but if you're a family that loves to play games together, the Wii is the best way to go because there are more multi-player games that are age-friendly from parent to child.
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