Here's another Wii Fit commercial put together with research from the National Institute of Health and Nutrition, showing off some of the game's benefits: Read the rest of this entry »

Get The Best Gear For Your Wii

A brand new tennis racket would be pretty useless without a tennis ball, right? In the same way, a Nintendo Wii right out of the box isn’t outfitted for the optimum gaming experience. To get the most out of your new Wii console, you are going to want to invest in a few must have accessories, especially if you plan to play against others, one of the Wii’s best features.

The first thing that you need to determine is what type of games you want to play for the Wii. Most console bundles come with at least one game to get you started, and that game is usually played using the Wii’s main controller duo – the Wii Nunchuk Controller and the Wii Remote Controller. When used together, these two controllers are the most common accessories used to play popular Wii games. Before you buy the system that you have your eye on, check to make sure that at least one set of controllers is included, or you will have to buy them separately (it can cost around $60 for a set). If more than one person will generally be playing, you will need one set for each player.

Besides the basic controllers, some more specialized controllers can be used with certain games, such as the Wii GameBlaster Light Gun (retails around $20) which can be played with all first person shooter games such as Metroid Prime3: Corruption, Medal of Honor Heroes 2 and Call of Duty 3. Reviews on the GameBlaster are a mixed bag. On the positive side, the motion controls directed by the gun are faster than using the traditional analog stick, but a major downside is that dropping your arm/the gun, even for a second to rest, jerks the camera wildly and creates a disorienting experience. If you enjoy realistic action, holding a gun-shaped controller and pulling the trigger might be more exciting for you than aiming crosshairs with the basic controller and pressing a button to fire. Try to find a Wii retailer where you are able to test the GameBlaster before you buy it to see if it might be right for you. There are about half a dozen other gun style controllers on the market, and they all work with Wii shooting games. Racing games can also be played with a wheel shaped controller, but some reviews indicate that not all games work with the controller. Your best bet? Try before you buy.

The newest addition to the Wii family, Wii Fit, will come packaged with a balance board controller. The controller will sense motion and changes in pressure and balance in the person standing on it, and the game will respond accordingly. The Guitar Hero franchise will also require its own controller in the shape of a guitar. These specialty controllers should be factored into the overall cost of purchasing these new games, since you have to have them to be able to enjoy the game.

If you just don’t feel comfortable yet using the revolutionary two controller setup, Nintendo has a solution for you. The Wii Classic Controller, while perhaps not as exciting, gives players a familiar alternative with a directional pad and A, B, X, Y button and dual analog stick controls.

There are other accessories in production besides controllers. Nyko’s Wii Charge Station will allow you to simultaneously charge two remotes with rechargeable battery packs. At less than 30 dollars retail, this would be a good investment for anyone who plans to play often enough to go through some batteries in a hurry!

On the protection front, cases are now designed not just for excellent protection of your console, but for organization and style. There are also protective coverings called sleeves or skins available in an array of designs that will keep your remotes looking and working like new for much longer.

Finally, give your Wii it’s only little nest with a cradle or cooling stand. Not only will these accessories keep your playing station looking organized and tidy, the units that include built in fans keep your system from overheating during rigorous play.

You’ve already made an investment in your future entertainment by purchasing your Nintendo Wii, so consider getting the most for your money by purchasing a few of the accessories that will make your personal gaming experience the most enjoyable. Good luck and happy gaming!

The role of Wii in retirement communities

Imagine going to visit your grandparents in their retirement community and finding them not in their room, the dining hall, or the garden area, but in the entertainment den playing video games! This scene isn’t far out of the realm of

possibility as Wii continues its marketing campaign to include everyone under the sun.

Recently, more and more health professionals have been touting the benefits of using Wii for fitness. Critics of the new philosophy don’t seem to understand how playing video games can possibly increase one’s activity. They obviously haven’t seen the Wii in action!

About this time last year, the Chicago Tribune did an article featuring a retirement home that hosted its first Wii Sports bowling tournament. When 20 people came out to attend the tournament that was hosted by the home, heated Wii competitions ensued. Grandparents took the time to teach their grandkids to play and everyone had a good time. This is part of why the Wii is getting so much coverage; it’s much more than just another gaming device.

In the Wii Sports pack, bowling is recreated by holding the wiimote in one hand, swinging it backwards (as you would a real ball,) swinging it forward, and releasing the “ball” by pulling on the trigger finger. The points are scored automatically right there on the screen as you play. The game is for individuals or teams and promotes very friendly competition as the characters and text on screen let you know when you’ve made a strike, spare, or other challenging shot. The elderly enjoy playing because they can still be active with the Wii while not taxing muscles and bones too much. The younger folks love, of course, to enjoy video games with their family. Executives at Nintendo love that everyone is involved and playing more games. It’s a win-win-win situation!

The trend towards using the Wii for fitness doesn’t start and end with the aged, but they are definitely a booming demographic that few expected. One thing’s for sure, with brain training games and games that can be played even with limited mobility, teens are not the only group interested in being entertained by the Wii. As one internet article put it so eloquently Wii + retirement just might equal Wiitirement!