The many great features of the Nintendo Wii make it a truly unique console. Combining intuitive motion controls, backwards compatibility, amazing software features like the Virtual Console, and the many cool Wii Channels, the Wii is just plain awesome.
The Nintendo Wii has quickly become one of the most popular video game consoles of all time. With its unique mix of revolutionary hardware, innovative software, and backwards compatibility, it’s no wonder so many people have purchased one for their home.
Not everyone has taken the plunge and purchased this great console, however. For those who may find themselves on the fence about a purchase or just wondering what all the fuss is about, we present our guide to the Nintendo Wii’s many features.
The most obvious feature that sets the Wii apart from the competition is its unique motion controls. Players can simply wave the Wii Remote and their on-screen character will duplicate their actions. In The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, for example, players swing the Wii Remote and Link will swing his in-game sword in response.
The Wii Remote can also be pointed at the TV to move an on-screen cursor. This cursor can be used to do things like navigate the Wii’s intuitive menu system or aim a sight in a shooting game like Resident Evil 4.
The recent release of the Wii Motion Plus addon has taken the system’s already-amazing motion controls to a new level of fidelity. Now, true one to one motion control is possible in games.
In a sword fighting game like Red Steel 2, for example, the on-screen sword’s angle and pitch will perfectly match that of the controller held by the player. The Motion Plus technology is still new, but it’s only a matter of time before developers are finding new and innovative ways to utilize it.
One final great hardware feature is the Wii’s full backwards compatibility with all Nintendo Gamecube games, controllers, and memory cards. There’s no reason to give up your library of Gamecube games when you can simply play them all on your Wii console.
Gamecube controllers are a great low-cost alternative for any game that utilizes the classic controller addon (Super Smash Brothers: Brawl is a good example). The Gamecube controller will perform all of the same actions, but you can pick up a used one for a fraction of the price.
The Nintendo Wii is capable of connecting to your existing network. Connected consoles can access the Wii’s great online features like the Wii Shop channel, Wii connect 24, email between consoles, and online Mii swapping, among other things.
Setup is easy; just follow our Guide to Getting Online With Your Nintendo Wii.
Check out page two for more on the Wii's great Virtual Console feature, as well as a full rundown of all the Wii Channels.