Strengths:Good size and design, Unique controls w/ Bluetooth, Slot Loading, SD Slot+Wireless included, Slot Loading Drive, Easy to Pickup and Play, Includes Game, Backwards compatibility with legacy HW Support
Weaknesses:No High Definition support, Last-Gen Graphics Hardware, Expensive Accessories and End Cost, Horrible Z-Axis Detection, Lacking USB Support, No HD Proprietary Vid Connector, Lacking Online Multiplayer.
Posted Dec 18, 2006 - The Nintendo Wii is a great console that moves gameplay in a whole nother direction. The controls allow for a new "standard" style of gameplay which allows for the simplification of control. Granted this is not the first gyro and sensor controller out in the market, but it is the first that's become standard on a console. The X and Y Axis control and Gyro function well. However the Z-Axis control detection (Forwards/Backwards and depth) all seem to have some serious issues. On average in games, about 70% of the control is solid. Either way the controls are easy to pickup and great for casual and new gamers to play around with.
The console is very well catered to minigames and has some solid first party support (Super Smash Bros, Mario, Zelda, etc.) However the 3rd party support has been only ok. Though it has produced some great games like Rayman Rabbids. However with a huge focus on the party setting, the Wii comes with a huge end cost. Each controller (Wiimote+Nunchuck) costs a whopping $60 each. That cost adds up quite quickly when you add in buying AA batteries for each one and component cables (since the port is proprietary). I wouldn't picture myself playing the Wii too often alone, but It really has been a blast with people over.
Wii sports does well enough as an included free game. however beyond the first play around, I've hardly ever returned to it to play. And I've definitely never felt like playing it alone. However it's a great showcase to show people what the Wii is all about. However, like many games on the Wii, There is no multiplayer support. And the first online multiplayer game for the Wii will be a pokemon game in March. That's awfuly sad considering the sucess online multiplayer has shown with the 360 and even with Resistance for the PS3.
The backwards support is a great feature for the few Gamecube games that were worth owning (like smash bros). The backwards compatible controller ports and memory card hardware are all there. Basically if you have a Wii, you can chuck that old gamecube away.
As far as hardware power goes, it's no Secret that the wii is lacking. However there is not even normal HD support which is quite upsetting. However there is at least 480p support (Progressive Scan) when you buy the component cables. However I don't like the idea of paying $250 for what is essentially a slightly faster gamecube with a new controller. There is a reason why Nintendo is making $40 off each piece of hardware sold. You would figure they'd give us a break on the accessories, but that's not the case. However the new controls are intriguing enough to be worth the initial price tag.
In the end my biggest concern is the longevity of the console. Over time there is a possibility for new unique and innovative games to come out for the Wii. however there is also a possibility for the Wii's control to end up as a overused gimmick. Either way the gamble has sure paid off for Nintendo and people are enjoying the console currently as seen by the demand. The Wii marks the revitalization of the mainstream console market for Nintendo.
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