New Electronics Reviews

The Nintendo Wii is the most compact of all the Next-Gen gaming consoles. The Wii is easily the smallest and lightest of the new generation of game machines, measuring 1.75 x 6.25 x 8.5 inches (Height x Width x Breadth)

The Nintendo Wii is powered by the IBM PowerPC processor and includes 512MB of internal memory for storing saved games, downloaded Virtual Console titles, and other data. The system has an onboard standard digital card slot for additional storage.

The Nintendo Wii accepts only the Wii discs (full-size 12cm) and older GameCube discs (mini 8cm), without the need for an extra adapter. To play games the Wii uses a controller which looks more like a remote of a TV than a gamepad. The Wii has a sensor bar which is a wired receiver unit that allows the console to communicate wirelessly (via Bluetooth) with up to four Wii Remotes at a time within a radius of 30 feet.

The Wii’s online capabilities works through a series of pages called Wii Channels which take advantage of WiiConnect24’s always-on features. The default Wii channels are:

• Weather forecast channel
• News Channel
• Message channel
• Photo Channel
• Avatar generating channel

There is also an Internet Channel is an Opera based Web browser for the Wii. The Internet Channel is currently available for free as a beta version, but when Opera releases the final version of the Internet Channel software, it will be available as a paid channel. URLs are entered via the Wii's onscreen keyboard, and favorite web pages can be stored in the browser's bookmarks.

The Nintendo Wii offers a surprise for sports fans. The system comes with Wii Sports, a simple but infectious sports game that lets users get a feel for the Wii's capabilities without investing in additional games.

Pros:

• Excellent controller design, offering unique motion-sensitive playing options
• Built-in Wi-Fi delivers free online services and gameplay
• Compatible with all GameCube games and controllers
• Built-in SD slot for storage and photo viewing
• Includes Wii Sports game
• Most affordable of all next-generation gaming systems
• Allows to download games from older consoles

Cons:

• Controller consumes a lot of batteries energy
• Lacks advanced HD graphics and SRS effect found on other systems (Xbox 360 and PS3)
• Requires a wired receiver unit to interface with wireless controllers
• Can't play Music CDs or Movie DVDs

Specifications:

• Processor: IBM PowerPC (RISC)
• Memory: 512 MB
• Weight: 3.84 lbs or 61.44 ozs
• Input Type: Joystick
• Media Support: Nintendo Wii disc, Nintendo GAMECUBE disc
• Wireless Network: 802.11 b/g built-in adapter
• Input/Output Connections: 4 pin USB type
• Battery: AA (x 2)
• Memory Card: Flash 512 MB

Summary:

The Nintendo Wii lacks the graphical capability and rich media features found in other game consoles like the Xbox 360 and the PS3, but the Nintendo Wii's affordable price, combination of unique controllers and prominence on fun game play makes this console hard to resist.

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Includes Game System with Wii Sports and 4 Hot Games!
Buy.com Price: $418.88


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Labels: Miscellaneous