The Nintendo Wii Games Console - Different From The Rest

When the Nintendo Wii games console was first released, back in 2006, it was a major change for the gaming industry. Instead of following the normal pattern of launching a faster, more powerful console with upgraded graphics, the Wii changed the rules by introducing an entirely different way of playing games thanks to its innovative motin sensitive control system.

The Wii uses a hand held, motion sensitive, wireless controller which has the ability to detect motion and acceleration in all directions. Rather than using a traditional joystick or D-pad, gamers swing, point and gesture using the remote control known as the Wii-mote. This results in a very intuitive game interaction which cannot be found on any other console.

Its very easy to learn how to play games on the Wii. At the end of the day, if you are in any doubt just wave your arms around a bit more and see what happens. That could be one of the reasons why the Wii seems to appeal to a much broader age range than some other consoles.

Playing games on the Wii definitely needs much more physical movement than the average computer game. The Wii ships with the Wii Sports game and now Wii Sports Resort which is a great vehicle to show off just how different the Wii control system is. Wii Sports has five different games bowling, tennis, golf, baseball and boxing. These are ideal to demonstrate, using the natural movements involved in each different sport, the best way in which to use the Wii controller. The Wii Sports Resort includes 12 further sports based games, such as table tennis, canoeing and sword fighting all of which use the Wiis motion sensitive controllers to maximum effect.

The games that are bundled with the Wii console are extremely good. They should keep you amused for a good length of time - and the other types of games which do not finish. As long as you have some family members or a couple of friends who fancy a game of tennis or golf, you can keep going back to Wii Sports again and again - and you will.

However, there is an enormous selection of games available for you to buy for the Wii. Sonic and Super Mario are always very popular and Wii Fit has proven to be a massive success. The option of exercising in your own living room, without having to buy any expensive special equipment, is a big bonus for many people. Apart from your Wii console, all you will need is the Wii Fit software and the Wii Fit balance board which are a fraction of the cost of a gym membership. The Wii also acts as your very own computerised personal trainer, recording and tracking your progress.

Due to the fact that the Wii appeals to such a wide age range of users, it can often be found in family living rooms rather than tucked away in teenager's bedrooms. It is a more sociable console than the others - most of the games are much more fun when played as part of a group - although you can play the computer if you wish. That may be one of the reasons why the recently released black Wii has proven to be such a great success for Nintendo. It could be down to the fact that it is more coordinated with the other devices to be found in the typical family living room.