Wii
You can check current prices at this button.
*** Prices of the product may not be the latest update.
Technical Details
- Plays two disc formats in a single, self-loading media bay
- Features a processing chip from IBM and a graphics chip from ATI
- Built-in Wi-Fi access for easy connection to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection gaming service
- Wii Sports game included
Product Description
Console-based video gaming is one of the most popular of modern digital technologies, cutting across age, demographic and gender divides. Today’s players have three dominant platforms to choose from: Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 by Microsoft. Each is an impressive multifunctional device, with designs meant to encourage integration into existing home entertainment systems and networks, but each goes about this in different ways. Taking a few minutes to examine the main features, and getting more familiar with available options, accessories and possible limitations of each console is the optimal way to determine which is the best choice for the players in a household.
Console Choices
Wii View larger | PlayStation 3 View larger | Xbox 360 View larger | |
| Models and Pricing (prices may vary) | Wii with Mario Kart Wii – 9 | 160 GB memory – 0 320 GB memory – 0 | 4 GB memory – 0 250 GB memory – 0 |
| What’s in the Box |
|
|
|
| Motion Gaming? | Already included | PlayStation Move (sold separately) | Kinect for Xbox 360 (sold separately) |
| Colors (limited edition colors may be available) | White and black | Black | Black |
| Drive Type | CD (just games) | CD/DVD/Blu-ray (games, music, movies) | CD/DVD (games, music, movies) |
| Online Play | WiiWare | PlayStation Network (PSN) | Xbox LIVE |
| Additional Accessories | Additional controllers – -45 | Additional controllers – -50 | Additional controllers – -50 |
| Price Range of Games | New releases: ~ – Downloadable: ~ – | New releases: ~ Motion: ~ Downloadable: ~ – | New releases: ~ Motion: ~ Downloadable: ~ – |
| Backwards Compatibility | Plays all GameCube game titles | Offers compatibility with PS1 games | Over 300 titles developed for the original Xbox console are currently available |
| Graphic Quality | 480p | 1080p | 1080p |
| Great For | Designed for Junior to Grandma with titles generally focused on family fun, party games | High-powered and highly customizable system for the technical-minded consumers | Offers a wide selection of games and accessible entertainment, with user-friendly social tools |
View larger.
Consider Games Before Choosing a Console
There is not just one kind of console video game, and so the machines that are are used to play them are different as well. Considering the types of games to be played, their availability for the consoles being considered and the ability of those consoles’ to present the best gaming experience possible for the game’s genre and content is important. The games developed for Wii tend to be more easily accessible, family-friendly productions heavily influenced by Nintendo’s classic gaming history. Filled with cartoon-like and childlike characters as well as Arcade-style gameplay situations, Wii games are often referred to as “Casual Games,” or “Party Games” typified by brief, simple “mini-games.” These small games-within-games are tailor-made for players new to the puzzle-solving aspects of gaming and how that is translated through game controllers to the screen by the player.
View larger.
PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles are the current version of earlier console releases whose user bases were rooted in game genres such as Action-Adventure, Shooters, Racing, Sports, Role-playing games (RPG) and so on. Gameplay developed in these genres tends to require more focus on the part of the player, and more graphics processing power from the console in order to maintain a quality experience. That is what continues to be the main focus of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Capable of full 1080p HD quality graphics presentation when used with the proper cables and displays, in this area Xbox 360 and PS3 are far beyond what Wii is capable of. Iconic game franchises like Halo, God of War, Fable, Metal Gear Solid, Gears of War, Killzone, Mass Effect, The Elder Scrolls and many others have grown up on these platforms, feeding off of their power. And with the rise of online multiplayer gaming through Xbox LIVE and PSN the high energy, fine graphical specialties of these platforms only continues to grow.
Motion Gaming
Although motion gaming has been front and center since the launch of the Wii in 2006, the other two consoles have their own motion gaming offerings that provide unique play opportunities on their respective platforms that have also found a wide audience. See a breakdown of the motion gaming capacity of each of the systems below.
Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk
The Wii Remote Plus controller is the standard wireless controller that ships with each Wii. It combines the intuitive motion controls of the original Wii Remote with the precision technology of the Wii MotionPlus accessory, all built-in to a single unit. The device is handled in a wand-like fashion, and uses internal gyroscope and accelerometer technology to pinpoint the players movements and physical positioning which it then relates into a game via a sensor bar connected to the console. The Wii Remote Plus has only a few buttons making it easy to use. It also contains a speaker, a rumble feature, and an external connector for other input devices like the Nunchuk controller and the Classic Controller.
PlayStation Move
PlayStation Move offers a new and innovative gaming experience for the PlayStation 3 (PS3) system by fusing realistic, high-definition gaming along with accurate, intuitive control. Consisting of a PlayStation Move motion controller, a PlayStation Move Navigation controller (optional in most games) and a PlayStation Eye camera (all sold separately), PlayStation Move enables sophisticated, ultra accurate motion control and immersive gameplay only possible on the PS3 system. In addition, the PlayStation Eye features the ability to process up to 120 frames/second and a built-in 4 microphone array for pristine video quality and video chat capabilities.
Kinect for Xbox 360
Easy to use and fun for everyone, Kinect sensor for Xbox 360 utilizes revolutionary full-body tracking to put players in the center of the fun that is 100% controller-free. After configuring itself by registering a range of points across your body, this amazing technology allows Kinect to recognize and mirror your movements in the game, in effect making your body the controller. The sensor is compatible with every Xbox 360, features a color VGA motion camera (640 x 480 pixel resolution @ 30 frames per second), a depth camera (640 x 480 pixel resolution @ 30 frames per second) and an array of 4 microphones supporting single speaker voice recognition.
 Wii Remote Plus & Nunchuk. View larger |  PlayStation Eye & Motion controller. View larger |  Controller-free Kinect sensor play. View larger |
Online Play and Functionality
Online functionality is a major focus in console gaming. Each of the three consoles can be used offline, but by integrating them into your home broadband connection you can greatly expand their potential. Each posses a significant online component, but differ in the ways users can interact with it.
WiiWare is a service that allows Wii players to download games and applications directly to their Wii console in exchange for purchased Wii Points on the Wii Shop Channel. Online gameplay requires a code to play. It’s free to play and there are no names, so kids are protected against unwanted contact. Through Wii’s online component players can also gain access to hundreds of classic arcade games available for download through Wii’s Virtual Console functionality. The Nintendo Channel allows players to watch gameplay videos, trailers, developer interviews, and even download Nintendo DS game demos wirelessly. Additional Wii online functionality includes a web browser and connectivity with Netflix,* which allows users to stream video efficiently and quietly by means of the console’s low energy consumption internal processing.
PlayStation Network is an all access pass not only to a world of gaming, but also one of entertainment at-large. The service is 100% free, only requiring a PS3 (or PlayStation handheld) and a broadband connection to the Internet. Once you are in visit the PlayStation Store where users can download games, previews, DLC add-ons for games, game demos, game extras, music and streaming video. Purchases can be made using a credit card or a PlayStation Network Card purchased offline. Content can be stored on your console or external media. Online multiplayer gameplay through PSN is simple, yet robust. Simply slip a compatible multiplayer disc into the console, select the multiplayer option and set up your own game or wait to join one in progress. The service also contains Netflix access,* a range of original gaming-oriented video programming, as well as access to PlayStation Home, a 3D world where gamers can interact in a virtual environment.
Xbox LIVE is the online entertainment hub for Xbox 360. The service was launched with the original Xbox console in 2002, and has evolved and grown with Xbox 360. The service is two-tiered, with every user receiving a free “Silver membership,” which allows for access to content such as free game demos, downloaded video rentals, Xbox LIVE avatar functionality and chat. A paid “Gold Membership” provides access to these and expanded features, including online gaming, HD movies and TV shows through services such as Netflix,* HBO Go,** ESPN, and Hulu Plus, downloadable games, facebook, downloadable content (DLC) for games and more. Players use Xbox LIVE points, which as easily purchased online and offline to access much of the online content. Both Xbox LIVE membership levels allow players to increase their Gamer Score, a running tally of the achievements they have unlocked in games. This is commonly shared information among gamers around the world and a source of pride in the community.
* Existing Netflix unlimited membership account required.
** Requires a valid subscription to HBO content through a cable or satellite provider.
| 3,660 of 3,911 people found the following review helpful  An Inexpensive Gaming Console for the Whole Family, = Fun: This review is from: Wii (Video Game) The Nintendo Wii is the most inexpensive of the current generation of gaming consoles. It provides motion sensing controllers and 480p graphics. We tested the Wii before its launch day (I’m a game reviewer), and we had our own unit in our home the morning of launch day. Here are our findings. The Wii is designed around a menu of “channels”. There is of course the game-playing channel, where the Wii will play any Wii or GameCube game. Simply load the disc in and go. There is a Mii channel where you set up a profile and avatar to connect to all your game playing. The Photos channel lets you look at photos on your TV. Other channels for news, weather, and online shopping require an interent connection; the news and weather were not actually working at launch time. The system does NOT have a regular network cable port, which both the PS3 and XBox 360 have. Instead, it works with built in wireless or with a USB network adapter. I am a firm proponent of wireless – less clutter! So I am thrilled that they offer wireless automatically. With the PS3, you have to pay extra for the 60 gig unit to get this built in. The XBox 360 requires extra hardware as well. It’s hard to generalize gameplay on any console – it really depends on what games you buy. That being said, the comes-with-it software of Sports is really quite fun and is about as basic as you can get. You swing at baseballs, lob tennis balls, bowl, box and play golf. A “fitness” mode puts you through a variety of tasks and then calculates your fitness age, sort of like how Brain Age keeps track of your mental age. If you did both every day, you could aim to be as fit mentally and physically as possible! In a world where video games = couch potato, it really is quite amazing to have a game where it natively expects you to move and be active. You don’t lounge back and gain pounds here while playing games. Boxing can be quite strenuous, jabbing, blocking and weaving in real life. Tennis involves quick reflexes and strong arm movements. Bowling might be the most relaxed of the sports, but even there you are standing, moving, swinging. You get your heart going at least a little, and get some exercise. My boyfriend had a sore arm after playing for a number of hours, in a good way, as he would from exercising. The 480p resolution is certainly not high def 1080p like the other two systems. It’s something you accept when you’re paying such a low price for the console. But really, it’s not that big a deal. I still play the old Zeldas and love them for their gameplay, even though you can’t see the pores in Link’s face. If they are going for the cartooney characters and environments, 480p is DVD quality and is quite good. If you really, really crave high definition super realism in your games, then the Wii might not be the best choice for you. However, if you’re fine with playing games with a more impressionist / cartooney look to them, the 480p can show that quite nicely. For example, there aren’t fans in the stands for baseball – there are colored blocks. Nintendo has always been known as a “Kid’s Console” – but I really do think with the Wii that they have become a “Family Console”. It’s not just kids who will enjoy this. Seniors can have fun bowling without knowing anything “Tricky” about how to use a video game unit. It’s very intuitive. Moms can easily play with their kids, each with their own Wii profile. Adults having parties can have fun passing the controllers around. Family groups can share slideshows on the big screen while hanging out and drinking wine. Every person who has come over – from 8 to adult – has instantly understood and enjoyed the Wii, without much explanation at all. With the price tag being so low, a gaming household that “needs” a higher end system can easily save up their money to get that XBox 360 or PS3 – and still be able to justify to get a Wii for the fun, casual gaming stuff to share with their non-gaming friends. Well recommended! Since I own all three systems, and am playing all three wirelessly, feel free to contact me if you have any further questions. ================ Update: One year later, and the Wii is still going strong! It’s really funny how many people said the Wii would bomb because it wasn’t as good as the PS3 or 360 – and here we are a year later and the Wii is still the system that people are really wanting to get. Hospitals are getting Wiis for their patients to play with. Senior centers are getting Wiis for their residents to play games together with. I was just on a cruise ship and they had Wii tournaments going on every day! This is a fantastically fun system that we really enjoy playing with and that literally the whole family can have fun with. There are great games for kids, great games for teenagers, great games for adults. I am really very pleased with how the Wii has held up and the game set available… 250 of 264 people found the following review helpful The Wii Remote (Not a Kid), A Kid’s Review = Fun: This review is from: Wii (Video Game) Since the console has been covered in other reviews, this one will be a little more in-depth about the controller, and only the controller. I hope it can convince you, because it certainly enhanced my gaming experience. The biggest thing about the Wii is it’s new controller. Instead of the traditional two-handed gamepad with 2-4 buttons and some analog sticks, the Wii’s input system is shaped like a TV remote control. It has a couple of buttons on it, but not nearly as many as the average controller. How can you play complex games with such a simple controller? The answer is motion control. The Wii’s controller has accelerometers inside of it, allowing it to sense when you wave, swing, punch, stab, or shake. It can also interact with a sensor bar placed on top of the television to make a pointer for the TV. For example, to select a menu option, you just point at the option with the remote and click the A button. This creates a whole new gaming experience. It’s like one of those arcade games at the local mall, but it works better, and no more 25 cents per turn! The remote is also very comfortable. For games that would need two analog sticks, such as shooters, there is a connectable perephial with an analog stick and two shoulder buttons, which is called the Nunchuk. In a shooting game, this would handle movement and the remote would handle the aiming. It takes a very short amount of time to get used to, but once you do, it is much more comfortable than the normal controller. You can spread your hands out instead of hunched up, holding your hands together. The Wii Remote is functional, efficient, comfortable, and smart. It is so much better than controllers of the past, and I hope this is a sign of things to come from Nintendo. 289 of 320 people found the following review helpful  XBOX fan saying it’s worth the money and this is the pong game of the new millennium, By = Fun: This review is from: Wii (Video Game) I have owned almost all of the game systems that have come out except for a few of the Nintendo. I just was not a big fan. These days I’m a huge XBOX 360 fan. When I saw the controllers for this new system I though if Nintendo pulls this off it will be huge for them. I decided to give the system ma try and waited in line for 13 hours at Wal-Mart with my 9 year old daughter. She loved the wait and interacting with all the other people waiting for the release. By the time we got it home that night we were both to tried to hook it up that night so it stay in the box till the next morning. The hook up was easy. I spent the money on 3 extra controllers and nunchucks and Trauma center (which I haven’t had a chance to play yet) and Zelda. The game that comes with the unit was one of the smartest decisions by a company I have ever seen. This reminds me of pong back in the 70′s when everyone at least tried playing the first video games ,because the games are so easy to play that everyone can and will be talked into playing them. I can’t wait to get my 76 year old mother year to play some golf and bowling. We had friends over on Sunday to watch the Bears-Jets game. They are not video game fans to say the least and made fun of me for sitting in line for 13 hours. I talked them into trying the system and then had to talk them into getting off the system because the game was starting and they were having too much fun playing a video game. They apologized to me for making fun of me waiting inline for that long. Will I stop playing and recommending the XBOX 360. NO, because I still believe the 360 is the best on the market at this time (The Wii could change that in time). But I will be spending less time on it because of the Wii. If you are on the ledge about this system get off and go and find one. It is worth it. If you’re looking for a system that the entire family can enjoy this is it. You will not be disappointed. P.S. If you’re going to trash the system without playing it goes somewhere else. People come here for opinions on if this is a good buy for them. Not for some flamer that’s close-minded and loves only his playstation or XBOX and everything else stinks no matter what. |
Wii is a good product. shopping on this website is safe, secure and easy!
We provide information about Wii such as price, feature, technical details and more! for your buying decision.
How can I purchase Wii?
Once you have found a product that you wish to purchase, a list of online stores selling that item will be displayed. After factoring in the selling price, shipping cost, and store reputation click on the “Buy Now” link for your chosen store. This link will take you directly to the product on the seller’s site where you can review the information and ultimately purchase the product.
Shipping for : Wii?
To take advantage of FREE Super Saver Shipping: Place at least of eligible products in your Shopping Cart.
U.S. Shipping Rates: Compare costs by shipping speed and product category.
Warranty issues and manufacturer restrictions prevent us from shipping certain products to all destinations.
No comments:
Post a Comment