The Nintendo Wii was and still is a revolution in games console design. Conceived in 2001, the successor to the less popular Game Cube was finally unveiled in 2005 and had gone on to lead worldwide sales charts for games consoles in 2010. Originally code named “Revolution”, the name Wii comes from the English word “we” which emphasizes the target market for the console everyone!
Following their previous, less popular console, the Game Cube, Nintendo really needed to step up their game in order to compete with the likes of the Play Station 3 and Xbox 360. Rather than choose the obvious route of following Microsoft and Sony’s graphics and processor dominated consoles, Nintendo decided on a far more risky strategy to completely redefine the way console games are played.
The Wii interface differs from its competitors dramatically. The Xbox 360 and Play Station 3, like consoles of the past, rely on a two-handed controller which uses joysticks and buttons to control the game. The Wii controller is an innovative, completely re-designed interface which does away with traditional joysticks instead replacing them with accelerometers and gyroscopes which control tilting and acceleration movements.
The Wii complex controller design grants gamers a far more intuitive style of game play, dramatically cutting down the learning curve required and providing users with an instinctive interface. No longer would gamers use a joystick or d-pad to control in game movement, instead users can feel as if they are actually swinging a tennis racket or sword, aiming a gun or even steering a car. The Wii makes good use of many additional controllers which further enhance the gaming experience such as steering wheels, fishing rods and tennis racket shaped controllers.
In creating a console suitable for everyone, a control style that was easy to pick up was essential and Nintendo have managed this fantastically. Users no longer had to spend hours learning the controls of a game allowing Parents and even Grandparents to pick up the controller and have fun with their kids. A massive array of games aimed at all levels of play from family fun to serious action games mean there is a game for everyone coupled with the interface to match.
Nintendo caught on very early in the development of the console that the Wii was not just for gamers. Programmes such as Wii Fit were developed and are already extremely popular alternatives for those who want a good workout without the hassle of driving to the gym or owning expensive gym equipment. The active philosophy behind many Wii titles has been a hit with parents who could entice their children into exercising without them even realising it. Additional controllers such as the Balance Board which allows users to simulate surfing and skateboarding have brought yet more ways in which fun can be combined with exercise.
A big selling point of many of today’s consoles is online play, a point which Nintendo were aware of when developing the Wii. The console features built in Wi-Fi and wired connections allowing users to access the internet. The Wii online service has a number of features which allow multiplayer gaming along with internet browsing through the Wii Opera based browser.
The Wii remains the most futuristic games console produced to date, but what will the future hold for this revolutionary console? Rumours are already surfacing about a HD upgrade allowing better gaming graphics and video along with technology that will allow the console to learn your movement patterns and predict and adapt to the way you play. The only thing we know for certain is, the intuitive concept behind the Wii console is here to stay and it won’t be long before the competition catch on.
Kyle is a writer for Nintendo Wii Console, She writes regularly for Cheap Nintendo Wii Console. She has also written informative articles likeWii Controller. Find Great Prices for USA as well as UK, with the best deals prices anywhere.
