Nintendo Wii: Now Wii Know
Do you know what a Nintendo Wii is? If you don’t you’re probably not the only one (albeit you are 2 years behind). The Wii is a video game console released by Nintendo in November of 2006. The system was originally titled “revolution” but the name was deemed too long and that it may be hard to pronounce for some cultures. Although, the name was definitely a dead-on call for what the Wii really is: revolutionary.
The Nintendo Wii is unique from other next-generation consoles in the way they are played. Most systems utilize an almost standard type of controllers with a directional pad (up, down, left, right) on one side, a few buttons on the other (titled A, B, X, etc), and maybe a joystick or 2. With any other console, you would plug your controller directly to the system, review the commands given to each button, and then play. The Nintendo Wii’s “controller” is a wireless remote (referred to as a “Wiimote”). It is shaped very similarly to your television remote and acts similarly too. It is different in that many games require the Wiimote be moved or maneuvered in a certain manner in order to complete a command. For instance, if you wanted to slash an object with a sword, you would make a swiping motion with your hand. Or if you wanted to bowl, you would take your regular bowling form, set, and follow-through in order to toss the ball (just like real bowling!). There are even games that incorporate a weight-sensitive platform that allows users to ski or to mimic workout routines of certain games. No other console today adds this type of functionality to their system, making the Nintendo Wii truly special.
The consumers agree. When compared to other top video game consoles the Nintendo Wii takes the cake in sales. In some countries, such as Japan, it boasts a sales margin ratio of 6:1.
It was originally a bold move for Nintendo to make: releasing a console that lacks in computer power what others do not. But it was a bold move that paid off. The unique game play has changed the face of what video game consoles are supposed to be, breaking the proverbial mold. It is the next step into the theoretic world of virtual reality. Don’t think so? Throw a bowling ball down the virtual alley and tell me it’s not revolutionary.