Michelle Bery asked:


So you have decided to purchase the hottest new thing in video gaming; the Nintendo Wii. When you purchase your Wii system you will have everything you need to plug in and start playing, including Wii Sports, a game that provides a great way to learn how to use the Wii system’s revolutionary, motion sensing, controllers. However, the Nintendo Wii does not include everything you need to maximize your gaming experience, and that is why there are several must-have Nintendo Wii accessories.

The Nintendo Wii comes with one remote controller - the Wiimote - and one Nunchuk, which is a motion sensing analog controller that attaches to the wireless Wiimote. If you want to enjoy the head-to-head action of the great games included with Wii Sports, then the first of the Nintendo Wii accessories that you should consider is an extra controller. The Wii can accommodate four controllers, so fitting a second into the system is not a problem.

The Nintendo Wii is compatible not only with games designed for the Wii, but for Nintendo GameCube titles as well. If you do not have a GameCube controller already - your existing GameCube controllers are compatible - then one of the more useful Nintendo Wii accessories is a GameCube controller. Not only will that allow you to play a wider variety of games, you can also play the classic games that are downloadable to your Wii system. However, you need more than the GameCube controller to fully replicate the features of the GameCube games. Without a GameCube memory card, your progress through many of the games will be lost each time you shut down your Wii. A GameCube memory card will allow you to save your progress and play at your leisure. Again, if you have existing GameCube memory cards they are compatible with the Wii.

Speaking of classic Nintendo games, the Wii system’s Internet capabilities make it possible to download those classic games of Nintendo’s past. Downloads are not free, however, and Wii Points are the currency of choice. Therefore, one of the more useful Nintendo Wii accessories is a prepaid Wii Points card that will allow you to easily browse and purchase many of your favorite games from all of the Nintendo predecessors. However, if you plan to purchase many of these classic games it is only a matter of time before you fill the 512mb memory of your Wii system. Purchase a 1 gigabyte SD memory card and you will have all the room you need with plenty to spare!

In order to take advantage of the game downloading abilities, as well as other aspects of the Wii system’s menu functions, you need access to the Internet. That makes the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB connector one of the most important Nintendo Wii accessories. With wireless Internet access in place, you can use your Wii to play games, surf the Web, and coming soon: head to head virtual play!

All of these Nintendo Wii accessories add up to form an impressive array of gaming and entertainment capabilities, but without a component video adapter the picture quality of the Wii might fail to reach its potential, especially if you have a High Definition television. With the adapter in place you will enjoy a crystal clear picture which will enhance your Wii - and your Nintendo Wii accessories - so much more. And one more thing: invest in some rechargeable batteries in order to keep those wireless remote controls at peak performance!

Liat Nachman asked:


So you’ve just excitedly rushed home from the shop with your new Nintendo Wii, opened the box and then stopped dead in your tracks - because it’s just occurred to you that you haven’t the faintest idea how to setup Nintendo Wii. This article is here to help you with this process; it’s easier than it looks, so don’t worry!

Starting to Setup Wii

First you’ll need to determine how you want the orientation of your Nintendo Wii. The Wii can sit either vertically or horizontally. If you want to place your unit vertically, place the Wii in the control plate which will be included in the box. What you need to consider here is the space available in your entertainment center and the best way to orient your Wii to ensure that it has sufficient air flow to remain cool.

Plug in Wii

After this, you need to plug in your Wii to both your outlet and to the television set. Check the back or perhaps the front of your TV to see what manner of A/V connections is present. Once you’ve found these, plug the correct cord from the Wii into the corresponding plug on your television.

The next step is to plug the AC adapter included with your Wii into the wall outlet and then into the back of your Nintendo Wii console. If you are in, or plan to travel to Europe, remember to use the proper AC adapter - using the wrong type can damage your Wii.

After you setup Nintendo Wii to be connected to your television and to your power, the next thing to do is to plug in the sensor bar to your unit. Find the sensor bar jack on your Wii and plug in the cord there. You must then find a spot to place the sensor bar where the controllers can properly orient themselves to it. The sensor bar has infrared light emitters which the controllers need to receive so you will need an unobstructed sight line between the two. Ideally, you will place your sensor bar in the middle of your TV, which will make it easy for the controllers to align themselves.

The next thing to do to setup Nintendo Wii is to get the controllers up and running. Each controller uses two AA batteries. Install these in the controllers, put a game in your Wii console and then turn on the unit. Make sure that your television set is tuned to channel 3 and you should be ready to go. Follow the instructions which will appear on your screen to finish controller setup and you’re off!

If you are unsure about any step to setup Nintendo WIi in your home, just consult the helpful list below:

• Place Your Wii properly - decide whether to place your Wii vertically or horizontally depending on your available space and air flow for the console.

• Plug your Wii in to your television and to a wall outlet using the adaptor included.

• Plug in your sensor bar and place it in a central location on top of your television set.

• Place AA batteries in your controllers and put a game in your Nintendo Wii unit.

• Turn on the console, turn your television to channel 3 and follow the instructions to complete setup.

• Have fun!

Gregory Hepburn asked:


The Wii is much smaller than what most people expect it to be. It is smooth, distinctive and looks good. The Wii-mote, as the

remote is referred to, is easy to use once you are familiar with the keys. The Nunchuck control is also good when you connect

it to the Wii-mote for playing the games included with the system. You can buy additional games when you wish to do so. The

sensor bar is very easy to set up and the entire setup doesn’t take long to start gaming. The Wii comes with owner manuals

and it is recommended that you go through the manuals so that you understand the system well enough to get the most out of

it.

When you start playing the Wii games you will find that they require some physical participation from you. This is because of

the motion-sensor technology built into the controller. This enables you to play, for example a game of tennis, using the

Wii-mote as a tennis racket. The classic Wii controller is sold separately.

Playing the Wii games will enable you to get into shape, and stay that way. You may select the games you enjoy playing for

regular exercise such as tennis, bowling, and boxing. The Wii includes a fitness age test for assessing your physical

condition after a few rounds of some of the games included. The Wii assesment takes into consideration your speed, balance,

reaction, timing as well as some other characteristics of your physical dexterity. If you play with the Wii regularly, your

fitness will definitely improve.

You can connect to Nintendo’s website either using wireless (WiFi) or ethernet. Once you are logged in, you will be able to

download additional games to your Wii. Using the “Virtual Console” you will be able to use the Wii’s backwards capability to

play Nintendo’s NES games, Super Nintendo games, Sega Master System games and Turbogrfx. You can pay for these games with points purchased with your credit card. Alternatively, you can buy the Nintendo Points cards at your local gaming store or supermarkets such as Walmart or Target, and then redeem these points for games.

Using the Nintendo Wii you can access a weather channel, a voting channel where you can cast your vote on various issues, an

Internet channel where you use a web browser to surf the net and you can even register friends and colleagues so that you can

email them.

The Nintendo Wii is not just for kids, and is highly recommended for all age groups. Even experienced gamers who have

purchased the Nintendo Wii just love it. The Wii is great fun, has vast potential for entertainment. With it’s online

features, the Wii is a wonderful experience for everyone. If you have been putting off purchasing the Wii or thought that the

Wii remote control was not well designed, then you have no idea what you are missing out on. It is best for you to buy the

Wii and try it out yourself.

Allison Merlino asked:


The Wii definitely has people talking and apparently, exercising! Wii was originally released in 2006 and by Christmas 2007 had people scattering, scrounging and waiting outside various stores at 5 am in ice storms for one of the precious long awaited shipment! A distinguishing feature of the console is its wireless controller, which can be used as a handheld pointing device and can detect acceleration in three dimensions. Another is the WiiConnect24, which enables it to receive messages and updates over the Internet while in standby mode. I would like to focus on the former feature and the associated buzz that Wii is providing exercise for its users.

Childhood obesity and the care of our elderly are both pressing social concerns in America. Wii seems to address both issues. Playing the Wii makes an impact on the user’s heart rate, energy expenditure and amount of calories burned. Independent studies are producing positive results that regular Wii gaming can decrease body fat, lower resting heart rate, lower BMI, and result in weight loss. There is a well documented study posted on the net by a man who added playing Wii sports into his daily activity regimen while leaving everything else the same. He too had positive results. You can find his work on http://wiinintendo.net/2007/01/15/wii-sports-experiment-results/. In his study boxing produced the most drastic results.

Elder care facility members have also been reaping the benefits of this system. This was a previously untapped market for video games. Wii has managed to engage nursing home residents mentally as well as physically. It has brought out a spirit of competitiveness that has been sedentary in a majority of them for quite some time. An additional benefit to Wii gaming for seniors is that they can participate in gaming with their children and grandchildren. The Wii gives seniors and their grandchildren some common ground and an activity they can participate in together and both enjoy.

The physical benefits of Wii gaming for children is a disputed point. Wii provides more exercise than traditional gaming of course but should not encompass a child’s complete exercise regimen. It is recommended that a child receive at least 60 combined total minutes of exercise everyday. While playing Wii for 60 minutes a day would be more beneficial than watching television or playing a traditional video or computer game it should not substitute traditional play all together.

Outdoor play including participating in team sports has many benefits aside from physical activity. Social interaction, exposure to outdoor elements, exposure to new situations and environments are benefits gained from traditional play. These benefits foster imagination, creativity and a child’s sense of individuality. Furthermore, according to a study at John Moore University in Liverpool, England, playing Wii games such as Wii Bowling and Wii Sports, burns approximately 60 calories per hour. This is dramatically less calories burned than walking, running and participating in a sport.

Seniors and adults on average receive far less exercise performing their daily activities than a child. Wii gaming will have a more drastic positive effect on a person the more sedentary their lifestyle. In response to the hype about the physical benefits of Wii gaming, Wii is now marketing a product titled Wii Fit. Wii Fit is a pressure-sensitive balance board. The board is used for an array of dynamic activities including aerobics, yoga, muscle stretches and games. The activities are geared toward providing a core workout that emphasizes slower, controlled motions such as in Pilates and Yoga.

In summary, Wii gaming is being heralded for its physical benefits. These benefits are most notably being reaped by seniors who are participating in Wii gaming. When it comes to children however, Wii gaming should be considered part of a child’s active play and in no way substitute a child’s traditional outdoor play and participation in team sports.

Michelle Bery asked:


By now you have certainly heard of the revolutionary new video game platform, the Nintendo Wii. Unlike anything that has come before it, the Wii makes the players part of the game with its revolutionary new control system. The Wii controller is a wireless remote control that senses movements in three dimensions. That remote sensing technology allows you to eschew the conventional buttons and joysticks that have been the standard for video games for decades. Instead, of pushing buttons or moving a stick, you move your arms; gesturing, swinging, poking, and sometimes flailing your way through the game! If you want to experience this amazing new game platform for yourself it can be difficult to know exactly what to purchase in order to have everything you need to enjoy the Wii experience. That is why the Nintendo Wii bundle is such an enticing option.

Purchased by itself, the Wii comes with a remote control - officially called a Wiimote - and a Nunchuk controller; an analog joystick that attaches to the Wiimote using a long cable. The Nunchuk also has the internal accelerometer that the Wiimote possesses, so it too is capable of motion sensing as well. The Nunchuk is to be used in conjunction with the Wiimote and it serves to enhance the game play experience. Further, the Wii includes all the power cords, audio-video cords, and the sensor bar and stands that you need to get started. Most important, the Wii includes Wii Sports, a game that lets you test your skills on the golf course, baseball diamond, bowling alley, boxing ring, and tennis court; it is the perfect platform to demonstrate the things the Wii can do. However, for those who want to see all the Wii is capable of doing, then you need more than the basic offerings, and a Nintendo Wii Bundle can deliver precisely that.

A Nintendo Wii Bundle is a package deal that is available at various retailers such as Gamestop, EB Games, and Wal-Mart. A typical Nintendo Wii Bundle includes all the basics that accompany a basic Wii purchase, but with many valuable extras. For example, the Nintendo Wii bundle available at Gamestop includes additional memory, an additional remote control, a twelve month product replacement plan, and 6 additional games; Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Trauma Center: Second Opinion, Red Steel, Marvel Ultimate Alliance, Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz, and Madden NFL 2007. The Nintendo Wii Bundle from Wal-Mart, and other retailers, follows a similar vein, but the included games can vary. For example, Wal-Mart offered four additional games in their Nintendo Wii bundle, and at a lower price that reflects the fewer included game titles.

A Nintendo Wii bundle is the perfect way to begin experiencing the fun and excitement the Wii has to offer. If you are purchasing a Wii as a gift for someone else and you are not a game savvy person, a Nintendo Wii bundle is a very attractive option because you can be certain that the recipient will not only have all the hardware they need to play, they will have a great selection of games as well. Depending on where you shop you might find that the Nintendo Wii bundle has been a hot seller and is currently not being offered. However, careful and thorough shopping will let you find a Nintendo Wii bundle deal that is available and with a selection of games that fits your needs and budget.