After trailing the gaming race for two generations with "me too" consoles, Nintendo is taking a much different approach with its new system. The Nintendo Wii--formerly known as the Revolution--makes use of special motion-sensitive controllers that allow you to swing a sword, throw a punch, or drive a car with a flick of the wrist rather than with the push of a button. At about $250, the Wii also costs considerably less than the Microsoft Xbox 360 or the Sony PlayStation 3. Read on for CNET's complete coverage of Nintendo's interesting new system, including the latest news, videos, and product reviews.
Nintendo keeps things simple with the Wii. It comes in only one version, which, at about $250, costs significantly less than the Xbox 360 or the PlayStation 3. The Wii also includes one pleasant surprise, a simple but infectious game called Wii Sports that lets users get a feel for the system's wireless controller. You can swap the remote back and forth to play golf or to bowl, but if you want to play tennis or baseball head-to-head, you will need to purchase at least one more controller.
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The good: Revolutionary controller design offers unique motion-sensitive gameplay options; built-in Wi-Fi delivers free online services and gameplay; Virtual Console has major nostalgia appeal; compatible with all GameCube games and controllers; built-in SD slot for storage and photo viewing; includes Wii Sports game; most affordable home game console.
The bad: Controller eats batteries and takes some time to get used to; online gaming and community features hobbled by horrible "friends code" system; nunchuk controller sold separately; lacks the advanced HD graphics and surround sound found on the Xbox 360 and the PS3; requires a wired receiver unit placed near the TV to interface with wireless controllers; can't play CDs or DVDs.
The bottom line: It lacks the graphical prowess and rich media features of the Xbox 360 and the PS3, but the Nintendo Wii's combination of unique motion-sensitive controllers and emphasis on fun gameplay make the ultra-affordable console hard to resist.
Psst...if you've tracked down a Wii, the hard part is over. But still, you're gonna need some games. Here are the best ones out there. Read more
October 18, 2007The Nintendo Wiimote is darn fun, but you can't use it to play GameCube games or most Virtual Console titles. Use these old-school controllers instead. Read more
February 9, 2007The best GameCube-exclusive games from the last generation to play on your brand-new Nintendo Wii. Read more
January 25, 2007And then there were three. The Xbox 360 has had the next-gen mantle to itself for a year, but now it has some major competition in the form of the Sony PlayStation 3 and the Nintendo Wii. Read more
November 20, 2006The complete triumvirate of next-generation gaming consoles is now available, but choosing the right system isn't as easy as going for the one with the highest rating. When shopping for your console of choice, here are a few things to keep in mind. Read more
November 29, 2006Getting a Nintendo Wii? You'll need to pick up a few other items to fully enjoy it. Read more
November 16, 2006The Wii is finally here, and we have the photos to prove it. Nintendo's new console hit stores November 19, and at least initially it is out-selling the more powerful and more expensive Sony PlayStation 3. If you haven't gotten your hands on the Wii yet, here are some shots to tide you over. Read more
November 10, 2006From the continuing ascent of Apple's iPhone to the drastic downturn in the economy, and from debate over Yahoo's future to the election of a new president, it was quite a year. Read more
December 30, 2008A video distribution service with original content will kick off for Wii owners in Japan next year. An overseas launch is planned for some point in the future as well.
(From Reuters) Read more
The CNET News crew had some lively encounters with tech in 2008, from a shocking workout to a superhero turn. And we've got the video to prove it. Read more
December 24, 2008Unless you purchased an upgraded bundle, today's game consoles are bare-bones packages. Read more
Console gamers recently discovered what their PC counterparts have known for years: the real fun in gaming is online. Read more
Low-res visuals are so last century. Today's game designers are betting you'll be playing their games on an HDTV, and both the Xbox 360 and the PS3 support HD. Read more
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Nintendo has ventured off the beaten path with its newest system, and the company knows it. While the Sony PlayStation 3 and the Microsoft Xbox 360 both emphasize their impressive graphical capabilities, Nintendo downplays the importance of graphics on its new console. While the Sony and Microsoft consoles keep the branding of their respective predecessors, the oddly named Wii is a semantic departure from Nintendo's more literally named 2001 console, the GameCube. And while the PS3 and the Xbox 360 both use conventional gamepads bristling with buttons, control sticks, and directional pads, the Wii uses a device that looks more like a TV remote than a gamepad to control its games.
These strange choices could have spelled failure for Nintendo's newest endeavor. Underplaying processing power, using a strange new controller setup, and giving the whole package an odd name could have been major mistakes for Nintendo. (Consider some of the company's earlier attempts to go against the grain: the Power Glove and the Virtual Boy.) But if our early experience with the Wii is any indication, this particular Nintendo gamble seems likely to pay off. It's strange, it's new, and it's not as powerful as its competitors, but the Nintendo Wii succeeds in its primary mission: it's fun to play.
The Wii's on our list of the most stylish-looking gadgets in history. See what other gear cracked the top 10.
The Nintendo Wii arrives on November 19, and over 20 games will be waiting to greet it. Here are some of the best launch titles for Nintendo's new system.
Know someone who's getting a Wii for the holidays? These add-ons will let them (or you) make the most of it.
New Yorkers line up in droves to get their hands on the new Nintendo game console.
Roughly 1,000 eager fans line up in Los Angeles to get their hands on the Nintendo Wii.
Launch of Nintendo's Wii gaming console is set for Nov. 19 as IBM delivers the first batch of processors.
Don't suffer from burn-in! If you have your Wii hooked up to a big screen, we'll show you how to make sure those images don't linger long after the game's over.
Learn how to control access to games on a Wii console by using their ratings.
Whether your Wii remote isn't responding or you want to temporarily add a friend's remote to your system, we'll show you how.
Impress your friends with slick photo slide shows on the Wii--find out how to add your own MP3 background music, how to change the order photos are displayed in, and how to transition between pictures.
Learn how to give your Wii console a nickname so you can tell your systems apart even when you're connected to others.
Unless you don't have a GameCube controller or any GameCube games, give this Wii peripheral a pass.
Veronica's guest host, Ryan Block of Engadget, shows off a Nintendo Wii laptop. Veronica counters with a diamond mouse, a platform shoe phone, and some earthquake safety advice.
Manhattan's Hotel Gansevoort is one of those places that tends to wind up in the gossip columns of Us Weekly magazine. But it also has something that Nintendo fans--and everyone else--will crave: Wiis on demand.
The Nintendo Wii's combination of unique motion-sensitive controllers and an emphasis on fun gameplay make the ultra-affordable console hard to resist.
Long lines, but wait worth it for fans purchasing the first units after midnight.
Originally developed for the GameCube, Twilight Princess has been optimized for the Wii's motion-sensitive controller.
That's right--we have a game console tie! Rich DeMuro explains why they are both on our list.