What's so wonderful about the Wii, anyway? Released back in November, this Nintendo innovation still tops Web shopping searches. And when it started appearing in my friends' homes, I decided to check it out. As a former fan of classic games including Excite Bike, '85 Tennis, and Tecmo Bowl, I felt confident in my Nintendo skills and challenged my friends to a little one-on-one Wii Tennis that's bundled with the console. More than happy to take me to school, each friend applauded my efforts, but eventually spanked me in the end of each set. In a perfusive sweat, I hastily swung the remote around in perfect "real" tennis form, while they all had a field day on me with wimpy twists of their wrists: What a shame. At least I got a good workout.

What's the point of this story? Don't play like the Nintendo executive plays (he's exaggerating movements for the press). The key is literally all in the wrist, unlike real tennis. So unless you enjoy inflating the heads of your competitive Wii-owning pals, I recommend getting a Wii for yourself; practice like nobody's business; watch the comical Wii tennis training video; beat your buddies' in this new fitness pastime; and see who's smirking now! All in good fun of course.

Wii Console - as low as $389.99