What Is Wii?

The Nintendo Wii is the video game system that is taking the world by storm. But what, exactly, is a Nintendo Wii?

Identification

The Wii is a video game system made by Nintendo that has a unique interface that forces players to get physically involved in the game playing action. Unlike traditional video game systems that offer game play through a game pad or joystick with no physical interaction between the player and the game, the Wii requires the participant to move around to get the desired result for their game play.

The Wii not only allows game play from games on disc that are inserted into the unit, but the Wii is also capable of Internet access, which allows interactive play with anyone else on a Wii anywhere in the world and access to any of the Internet products that Nintendo offers for the Wii, which include games and networking functions.

Considerations

The Wii unit is approximately the size of three DVD cases stacked together. It measures 8.5 inches in length, by 6 inches in width and is about 2 inches thick.

The Wii uses two different processors to create its unique game play and look. There is an IBM-based processor used to help do the bulk of the computing, and the graphics on the Wii are driven by a processor developed by graphic company ATI.

The Wii is able to create its unique game play by using a wireless controller that sends information to the Wii through a sensor bar that is placed in a prominent spot on top of the television so that it can pick up a clear signal.

Benefits

The Wii's unique gaming interface is getting game players off the couch and causing many to feel achy after playing for an extended period of time.

However, according to Time Magazine, the way that the Wii operates offers a benefit to some people who may not be able to get out and move around as much as they would like. A study done by the University of Toronto in Ontario, Canada, found that children suffering from the partial paralysis of cerebral palsy are improving their strength and motor skills by playing Wii games.

Warning

Within the Wii's instruction manual, and in all of the Wii games, is a warning about the possible negative side effects of too much exertion while playing the Wii. Many Wii players ignore the warnings, and there have been many reports of hyper-extended elbows and other painful injuries associated with playing the Wii.

Significance

The Wii is the next-generation Nintendo system after the Gamecube. The Wii can allow up to four controllers at a time, and to help make sure Gamecube owners did not feel left out, there are also slots on the Wii that can accept Gamecube memory cards. The Wii is also compatible with Gamecube games.

The Wii also contains an SD memory card slot that allows images from digital cameras to be downloaded to the Wii and shared over the Internet with other Wii users. With new accessories such as the Wii Speak, Wii users can now share images while talking to each other over their standard television set through their Wii system.