There are some things that are worth waiting for and the Nintendo Wii definitely falls into that category. At Unbeatable we got an exclusive look before the launch date. Probably the best gaming experience to date, Nintendo can forget about the embarrassment caused by the Nintendo GameCube because we think the Nintendo Wii games console is going to be a big hit that will take gaming to a completely new level. We loved the console, we loved the controls and we loved the games. Design | | It’s as white as the driven snow, and the Nintendo Wii games console for the time being will only be available in white. While an elegant design, the actual console itself is quite small and about the size of three CD box stacked one on top of the other. The Wii console sits on a light grey base that has a slight slant at the front to add to the aesthetic look. The actual white console has the Wii logo at the bottom followed by the eject button, the disc drive, a reset button and the power switch. And there’s a turquoise strip running down the front just to add a bit of colour (and probably to indicate it has Wi-Fi). At the top there’s a motion sensor which recognises the actions of your wireless. The Wii Remote which looks like your TV remote control has a power switch, + control pad, A, B, - button, + button, Home, 1 and 2 buttons and a speaker in the middle. There’s also a Nunchuk for added game satisfaction which comes with an analogue control stick and C and Z buttons. | | Setup/Installation | | We weren’t actually allowed to touch the Wii console which was securely placed in a glass cabinet so we’re not sure how long it takes for the console to warm up or how much effort is needed to set it up. But we’re sure it shouldn’t be too complicated. | | Features | | The first thing to talk about because it’s just brilliant is the virtual controls. Unlike conventional games consoles that only have a four way directional pad, the Nintendo Wii comes with the motion sensor and Wii Remotes which allow you to play virtual games. The controller does feature the four-way directional pad and two sets of buttons but also includes an over-under trigger configuration. While it doesn’t support HD, the Wii can connect to the Internet wirelessly using IEEE 802.11b/g, or with a USB 2.0 LAN adaptor, and the Nintendo games console can communicate with the Internet even when the power is turned off, which means the WiiConnect24 service delivers game updates even if you’re not playing games. The actual Wii console boasts 512 megabytes of internal flash memory, two USB 2.0 ports, a AV Multi-output port for component, composite or S-video and a bay for an SD memory card which allows you to expand the internal flash memory. PowerPC CPU (code-named "Broadway") is made with a 90 nm SOI CMOS process, jointly developed with and manufactured by IBM and the Graphics Processing Unit has been developed with ATI. Just in case you bought the Nintendo GameCube there are four ports for classic Nintendo GameCube controllers as well as two slots for Nintendo GameCube Memory Cards. | | Performance | | This is just one of the best gaming experiences around thanks to the Wii Remote. Unlike other games consoles like the Xbox or the Playstation the Wii Remote allows you to really get involved in the game. So for example when we were playing the driving game we weren’t just pressing buttons but were steering the truck around and really getting involved in the game. And the boxing game with the Nunchuk controller was like being in a ring against Ali, we were sweating after a few low punches. It’s just such an excellent concept it really takes gaming to a new level. We love the system’s onscreen interface - the Wii Channel, which offers the chance to send messages to other gamers and e-mail friends. And you can even load up your photo with the SD card and browse the net if you add the Opera Web browser. Going through the menu seemed really easy and very user friendly – you have choice of characters, games and options, all selected by moving your hands around. We found that the Remote controller was really responsive as long as you’re not too far away. While there’ll be 30 titles out on launch date and 10 more every month, you’ll also be able to play the vast backlog of games thanks to the system’s backward-compatibility. The only downside really is the fact it isn’t HD ready, the Wii doesn’t support high definition output, though the system does offer 480p progressive scan and a wide-screen mode but that’s a small price to pay for the sheer gaming pleasure you get. | | What's In The Box? | | Nintendo Wii games console, Wii Sports (compilation of games including Tennis, Baseball, Bowling, Golf, Boxing), power and AV cables, one Wii Remote, on Nunchuk controller, one remote sensor for detecting the remotes movements. | | Overall Opinion | | The Wii is out of this world. There aren’t many things that get the whole Unbeatable office buzzing with excitement but the Nintendo Wii has. It’s a games console that will go across the board and satisfy everyone from the hardcore gamer through to mum who would usually much rather just sing along to her PS2 Karaoke. The actual experience is liberating thanks to the remote games controller, and for all those worried about piling on the pounds, it gives you a real workout at the same time as entertaining you. And considering the Wii will cost less than £200 it's a bargain. This could be the year that Nintendo claims back the console crown with the Wii, and you saw here first, at Unbeatable. |
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Matt dumbstruck by the crontroller, wondering why
he cant change the chanel.
Matt trys to improve his swing with Wii Sports Golf.
The controller has a in built speaker, which reminds
you when its you turn. So no more kicking your
mate telling him to hurry up!!
Wii Sports, Multi play Tenis is adictive but could be the cause of many black eyes.
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