Fun for All Age Groups: Nintendo Wii

Nintendo's Wii video game system (pronounced "we") is designed to attract people, regardless of their age or video game experience, to sit down and play together--whether they're in the same room or on different sides of the globe. The system's name reflects this simple idea. It's easily pronounced in a variety of languages, and the distinctive spelling suggests two players side by side. The two Wii features Nintendo thinks will create new levels of gaming community are built-in Wi-Fi access, supported by a new online gaming service, and Wii's intuitive, wireless, motion-sensitive game controller.

The Wii is much smaller than what most people expect it to be. It is smooth, distinctive and looks good. The Wii-mote, as the remote is referred to, is easy to use once you are familiar with the keys. The Nun chuck control is also good when you connect it to the Wii-mote for playing the games included with the system. You can buy additional games when you wish to do so. The Sensor bar is very easy to set up and the entire setup doesn't take long to start gaming. The Wii comes with owner manuals and it is recommended that you go through the manuals so that you understand the system well enough to get the most out of it.

When you start playing the Wii games you will find that they require some physical participation from you. This is because of the motion-sensor technology built into the controller. This enables you to play, for example a game of tennis, using the Wii-mote as a tennis racket. The classic Wii controller is sold separately.

Playing the Wii games will enable you to get into shape, and stay that way. You may select the games you enjoy playing for regular exercise such as tennis, bowling, and boxing. The Wii includes a fitness age test for assessing your physical condition after a few rounds of some of the games included. The Wii assessment takes into consideration your speed, balance, reaction, timing as well as some other characteristics of your physical dexterity. If you play with the Wii regularly, your fitness will definitely improve.

You can connect to Nintendo's website either using wireless (WiFi) or ethernet. Once you are logged in, you will be able to download additional games to your Wii. Using the "Virtual Console" you will be able to use the Wii's backwards capability to play Nintendo's NES games, Super Nintendo games, Sega Master System games and Turbogrfx. You can pay for these games with points purchased with your credit card. Alternatively, you can buy the Nintendo Points cards at your local gaming store or supermarkets such as Walmart or Target, and then redeem these points for games.

Using the Nintendo Wii you can access a weather channel, a voting channel where you can cast your vote on various issues, an Internet channel where you use a web browser to surf the net and you can even register friends and colleagues so that you can email them.

The Wii unit is able to connect to the Internet through its built-in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and through a USB-to-Ethernet adaptor, with both methods allowing players to access the established Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service. Nintendo has stated that the console implements standard Wi-Fi protocols. Wireless encryption by WEP, WPA (TKIP/RC4) and WPA2 (CCMP/AES) are supported. Just as for the Nintendo DS, Nintendo does not charge fees for playing via the service and the Friend Code system controls how players connect to one another. It is reported that only one Wii system code is required. This system also implements console-based software such as the Wii Message Board, for which a feature is being considered for alerting registered friends for the Wii Message Board about new games that have been purchased..

The Nintendo Wii is not just for kids, and is highly recommended for all age groups. Even experienced gamers who have purchased the Nintendo Wii just love it. The Wii is great fun, has vast potential for entertainment. With it's online features, the Wii is a wonderful experience for everyone.