Nintendo Wii

Nintendo Wii Console

The Nintendo Wii is a little different than earlier systems in the Nintendo line. Unlike other games systems of the same generation, the Wii does not focus so much on the graphics, and the game pad is very different than those of other games systems.

With the Nintendo Wii Console, the controller resembles something closer to a TV remote control than previous controller pads. Nintendo strayed from the norm in other areas as well; the system doesn't have the graphics or processing power of its competitor systems, but all in all, the Wii has been so successful because it is a game system that is incredibly fun to play.

When you buy the Wii console you get everything you need to get the system setup and going. Out of the box the Nintendo Wii comes with the hardware to hookup to a standard television set; you also get a wireless controller with nunchuk adapter, sensor bar, a cradle, as well as a set of A/V cables.

One of the drawbacks of the provided hardware are the A/V cables, which does not support the 480p resolution of which the Nintendo Wii is capable; for this reason those who own an HDTV may want to purchase Wii component cables.

The Wii console is really very small; in fact it is probably the smallest of all consoles of the newest game systems. When placed in a horizontal position the console measures 1.75 inches high by 6.25 inches wide by 8.5 inches deep.

One of the best things about the Nintendo Wii is that it is compatible with the GameCube games, as well as the GameCube controllers. This is good news for those who have invested a lot of money into games for the older system and would like to integrate them with the Wii console.

The Nintendo Wii also includes 512MB of internal memory that can be used for storing and downloading games. In addition to the internal memory, the Wii also has a standard Secure Digital card slot for extra storage.

Along with these hardware inclusions, the Nintendo Wii also comes with Wii Sports, which includes various sports games.

The Nintendo Wii also has some online function, which use the WiiConnect24's, always-on design. With the online capability of the Wii console you have a weather forecast channel, a news channel, and a message channel, a photo channel, as well as an avatar-generating channel.

Some of the problems that are apparent with the Nintendo Wii include the fact that the controllers do seem to go through a lot of batteries, and the system does not have the same level of advanced graphics and surround sound as its competitors. Additional problems include the fact that it can't play CDs or DVDs, and the Wii console requires that a wired receiver unit be placed near the TV to interface with wireless controllers.

Although the Nintendo Wii does lack the same level of graphics that other game systems have, it does have some revolutionary elements, such as the combination of unique motion-sensitive controllers, in addition to some great games.