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Nintendo Wii Console

$169.88 - $248.95
4.3 out of 5.0 stars 1279 Ratings (291 Reviews)

Product Description: Nintendo Wii

Following a trend begun with the GameCube and continued with the DS handheld, Wii evidences a significant split of Nintendo's philosophy from those of its consolemaking competitors, Microsoft and Sony. As suggested by its development codename, "Revolution," Nintendo did not want this console to represent another evolution in gaming technology, but a new direction in...
Following a trend begun with the GameCube and continued with the DS handheld, Wii evidences a significant split of Nintendo's philosophy from those of its consolemaking competitors, Microsoft and Sony. As suggested by its development codename, "Revolution," Nintendo did not want this console to represent another evolution in gaming technology, but a new direction in the video game industry.

Instead of concentrating strictly on advancing the processing and graphics capabilities of its next game machine, Nintendo's research and development focused on easing accessibility, widening its audience beyond young and "hardcore" gamers, and expanding the scope of games that people make and play. With Wii, Nintendo aimed to innovate instead of simply improve.

This focus on innovation is manifest in the console's two most notable features: its controller and its backward compatibility. The Wii controller is rectangular and slender, similar to a television remote control. It is wireless and, unlike the GameCube's WaveBird, features a builtin vibration function. The wandlike Wii controller senses threedimensional motion up and down, back and forward, side to side allowing it to be aimed like laser pointer, wielded like a sword, swung like a baseball bat, cast like a fishing rod, and employed in other intuitive control schemes.

For use with games requiring conventional analog input, a thumbstick accessory, with trigger, can be plugged in the bottom of the Wii controller, to allow more traditional, twohanded manipulation. Without the thumbstick, the controller can also be turned on its side an used like a Nintendo Entertainment System gamepad, with its crossshaped Dpad beneath the left thumb and two action buttons on the right. This feature is useful for both new and old Nintendo games Wii can run.

Compared to the motionsensing controller, capacity to play games from earlier systems may seem less "revolutionary," but Wii's backward compatibility goes farther "backwards" than any previous console or handheld has gone. For a fee, Wii owners with an internet connection can gain access to an extensive offering of downloadable games from earlier generations, including releases for N64, Super NES, and even the original Nintendo Entertainment System.

Select Sega Genesis and NEC TurboGraphix games are available through the online service, as well. In addition to Nintendo's unrivaled backcatalog of classic console games, Wii can also play 8cm GameCube discs. Hidden beneath a panel on the top edge of the machine, Wii has four ports for GameCube controllers.

Games developed and released for Wii come on 12cm discs; the same size as a standard CD or DVD. In addition to downloadable games, GameCube, and Wii discs, the console can play DVD movies when it is equipped with an enabling accessory. Two slots are available for memory cards, and two USB ports can support a variety of first and thirdparty accessories.

The console itself is small and sleek. Its dimensions are often compared to the size and shape of "a stack of three DVD cases." A custom stand can be used to hold the console on its edge and at an upward angle, for easier access to the disc slot, but Wii can also be operated while laying flat. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide

Product Specification: Nintendo Wii

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

User Reviews: Nintendo Wii

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    A WHOLE NEW EXPERIENCE

    By Kris  Nov 19, 2006 | 110 out of 136 found this Nintendo Wii review helpful

    Pros: FUN & INTERACTIVE

    Cons: NONE

    This is a great gaming system. It gets you off your butt and puts you right in the game. I love it!! You can play tennis, golf, boxing, and so many other things. The extra remote and nunchuck is a must have!. Once you see how fun it is you will want ...to play everyone that comes over. This is a great system for kids of all ages and adults that will always be young at heart! It was worth all 17 hours in the cold. Have fun & happy gaming! Read more Less

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    Most innovative and fun console EVER!

    By NeilS  Dec 4, 2006 | 49 out of 57 found this Nintendo Wii review helpful

    Pros: Controller, games, quiet, small. affordable

    Cons: Graphics

    I'll start off saying I bought the wii on launch day and so far am more than satisfied with it. Yes, the graphics are not next gen, they are slightly better than xbox but, with time will probably find a medium between xbox and 360 graphics. Then,... again if you bought it, you know you get fun and innovation, not a supercomputer as nintendo is trying to prove is better. I couldn't agree more. I have Red Steel, Zelda, Madden, and Call of duty 3. So far I think they have pretty much nailed it. The only game I have a problem with is Red Steel, the aiming system is difficult. The controller is great for any FPS, the precision is excellent. I have never felt more immursed in an FPS. Same with Zelda, I feel as if I am actually Link at times swinging my sword. Not only is it great for hardcore gamers but, also for the whole family. My dad is now playing games for the 1st time since SNES. Wii sports is fun for everybody and so is a game like Madden. Nintendo WIFI isnt up yet but will be soon. Next years line up looks unbelievable. Super Mario Galaxy, Metroid Prime 3, Smash Brothers Brawl with online play. Lastly, its only $250 and is so quiet you will never even know its there. If you want the most fun out of your games, go with the wii. Read more Less

Pro Reviews: Nintendo Wii

  • Digital Trends

    Nintendo Wii

    The Nintendo Wii takes a different approach to gaming. Rather than being technology power hungry, Nintendo decided to focus on the games. Sounds good to us. Read more

  • CNET

    Nintendo Wii

    It lacks the graphical prowess and rich media features of the Xbox 360 and the PS3, but the Nintendo Wii's combination of unique motion-sensitive controllers and emphasis on fun gameplay make the ultra-affordable console hard to resist. Read more

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