The Crazed Man’s Words

If you haven’t played with Nintendo newest video game console yet, then you must be living under a bridge, in a a cave, or without a care for fun in the world. To date it is the best-selling 7th generation video game system worldwide, toppling the technologically superior and flashy Playstation 3 (Sony) and X Box 360 (Microsoft). The Nintendo Wii is inspired after the American homophone it resembles- consider that the system is designed for multi-player play and it makes sense. The most enticing function is the motion control Wii Remote, often dubbed the “Wiimote“, which boasts three dimensional acceleration detection, Bluetooth connectivity, and an infrared sensor for pointing (a callback to the NES Zapper light gun). With a less complex remote control the system is marketed to a much broader spectrum of people including those markets that video game and system developers find hard to reach: females of all ages, middle-aged previous video game system owners, and the elderly.

Where as the other 7th generation video game systems geared up for the digital television age of high definition content and equally high-tech sound systems, Nintendo decided to build a system with a focus on fun to bring excitement back to the field. While in development the game was billed as “Revolution” and though it was shortened to the cutesy “Wii” the sentiment remains- if I can use my own experience as an example: The last video game console I owned was the Sega Genesis system, part of the fourth generation, and I haven’t purchased one since because I’ve always had a computer and thus computer games. Most of the games I played were simultaneously released on consoles systems with maybe a bit less graphics or features, however at this point in time to continue to upgrade my computer to work for newer, flashier games would be an expensive endeavor. Enter the Nintendo Wii, a simple, sleek, and fun system that is attractive because of its small size and relative ease of use. Everyone of my friends plays has played with the Wii as most of my relatives and family members. The ability to wave the wand to get the intended motion on screen is incredibly satisfying and addictive.

Other key features of the Wii console are the wireless internet connection that allows for multi-player gameplay from across the globe, backwards compatibility to the previous systems’ library of games, and extreme cult-like popularity. With the internet connection, software updates can be performed, challenging friends can be achieved, and especially important is the archived library of games. Nintendo knows what nostalgia is and has keyed into what reminiscing today’s twenty-somethings have with their original video game system: the NES. It is akin to wearing a badge of honor to say you’ve spent hours tackling some of the hardest and most complex video games originally designed that set the template for future gamers and developers. To be able to download, at an average of $5 a game, older titles like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda allows Nintendo to not only make a little more money but also gives the best-selling video games a second renaissance.

Overall I would have to argue that the Wii has brought me back to a point of happiness and satisfaction that is often hard to find in the age of computers that we live in. Because I can easily pick it up and play it with anyone I find it extremely enjoyable and addictive. Soon we may see pool halls converted into Wii-halls? Who knows how this system will change our social behavior in the future?