by Nick Lapka

Created on: May 17, 2008   Last Updated: March 22, 2011

I have been a gamer for many years and I have followed Nintendo through its evolutionary stages. I owned an old SNES and I've owned every Nintendo console in between and up to the new Wii. Of course, everything seems to have its pros and cons; the Wii is no exception to the rule. The system is very durable, reliable, and fun. I have very few complaints for this next generation hit.

The Wii is a system that is paving the road to a new gaming experience. Except for plugging into the TV and the outlet, this system can be completely wireless. This allows for more room for gaming and more fun. It can definitely support a party that doesn't involve four people crowded around a TV because of restrictive cords.

Another important attribute is the new design of the controller. The Wii has TWO controllers now; Wiimote and nunchuck, which means that people will now need to learn to use both hands independently to play. This has been and still is a great help for my hand-eye coordination, which is definitely a positive for this system. Of course, there are some cases where one may just use the Wiimote for play by either turning it sideways (like a regular controller) or by pointing it at the TV (like a mouse pointer). The Wii also supports the old Gamecube controllers for those people that want some of the old games, and even some of the Wii games like Super Smash Brothers Brawl.

Another attraction to the Wii is the fact that it can play old games from its predecessor without difficulty, unlike some of the other next-generation systems. With the 360 and PS3, people need to get attachments or patches in order to play the games they just didn't want to get rid of when selling the old systems. This was a very good idea by the makers of the Wii.

My most favorite part of the Wii has got to be the Wii menu. This is a fancy panel sorted out like TV channels with each panel containing a different function. Some of the basics include a news channel, a weather channel (with a really cool global weather model), a shopping network, and a photo channel. There is an option for expansion where one can also go to voting channels and Mii show off channel. What are these Miis? Miis are avatars that each player can create. They have many, many options to help customize a Mii and make each one special. The Wii also works to integrate these characters into its sports games, Wii play, and is even rumored to be a racer in the new Mario Kart Wii.

For those of you that are nostalgic, the Wii even allows old-school Nintendo and Sega games. Of course, they come at a cost, but it is really cheap for what you get. Games cost between five to 15 dollars, but once you buy them, you own them until you sell your Wii. There is even an old school controller for sale to really quench your thirst for the past.

The only complaint I have so far with the Wii is the battery operated controllers. Although the controllers are innovative and new, they sure do eat up batteries. After the first two weeks all three of my controllers were dead and I really only used one. There is a dock to buy that will charge the controllers but it costs $40 currently.

Out of a 10 scale, I would give the Wii a solid 9/10. It has the reliability that Nintendo has always brought us and the ingenuity of a new design. It is definitely a party console for all ages, which really can help with family time. If you've been turned off from Nintendo in the past, you have to try the new toy. You may just be surprised what you find out.

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