A revolutionary games console design, Nintendo Wii console, their successor to the Game Cube was originally conceived in 2001 and was unveiled in 2005. The Wii, originally dubbed the Revolution has gone from strength to strength, becoming more popular than any of its competitors and still tops worldwide sales charts in 2010. Conceived as a games console for everyone, the Wii unusual yet memorable name comes from the word “we” which aptly captures the spirit of the design.
Following their previous, less popular console, the Game Cube, Nintendo really needed to step up their game in order to compete with the likes of the Play Station 3 and Xbox 360. Rather than choose the obvious route of following Microsoft and Sony’s graphics and processor dominated consoles, Nintendo decided on a far more risky strategy to completely redefine the way console games are played.
The Wii interface differs from its competitors dramatically. The Xbox 360 and Play Station 3, like consoles of the past, rely on a two-handed controller which uses joysticks and buttons to control the game. The Wii controller is an innovative, completely re-designed interface which does away with traditional joysticks instead replacing them with accelerometers and gyroscopes which control tilting and acceleration movements.
The complex controller design has allowed Nintendo to develop a far more intuitive style of game play which gives little to no learning curve and lends itself naturally to a great variety of games. Users can swing a sword, fishing rod or tennis racket as if it were the real thing, aim a gun at the screen to shoot and even hold the controller in a fist for boxing simulation games. Indeed many additional controllers such as fishing rods, tennis rackets and steering wheels have been made to accompany the Wii which add to the real feel of the games.
An intentional part of the Wii concept in creating a console for everyone was the intuitive design which due to the low learning curve means that practically anyone can just pick up a controller and play. Parents and even Grandparents could now join in the fun with their children and Nintendo have released a huge variety of games to capitalise on this fact, from games aimed specifically at children or adult markets to fun games that the whole family can enjoy.
Not content with only targeting gamers, Nintendo have also targeted the keep fit market with their Wii Fit range. For those who like to exercise, Wii Fit allows you to get a great workout in the comfort of your own living room, without the need for expensive equipment or gym memberships. The active nature of many Wii games also appeals to parents who are seeing their children become more active, almost without realising it and there is a great range of games and accessories such as the Balance Board which allow parents to keep their kids active while they have fun.
A big selling point of many of today’s consoles is online play, a point which Nintendo were aware of when developing the Wii. The console features built in Wi-Fi and wired connections allowing users to access the internet. The Wii online service has a number of features which allow multiplayer gaming along with internet browsing through the Wii Opera based browser.
The technology behind the Wii is here to stay, but what does the future hold for the most futuristic gaming console to date? HD upgrades are already rumoured to be in the pipeline, along with new innovative technology which will allow the Wii to learn and adapt to your movements providing a new level of artificial intelligence for your in game opponents and allowing for an even smoother, more intuitive interface.
Kyle is a writer for Nintendo Wii Console, She writes regularly for Cheap Nintendo Wii Console. Her work also included informative articles likeWii Controller. Get Great Prices for USA and UK, with the best deals prices anywhere.
