Wii Hardware Resource Center

Low cost doesn't necessarily mean low tech. Nintendo opted out of the graphical arms race to keep costs down for the Wii. As a result, the Wii is the only console in this system generation that can't output high-definition visuals. But you wouldn't know that from looking at the sales numbers. The Wii was an instant sellout when Nintendo first launched the system in the winter of 2006, and retailers are still having a difficult time keeping systems on the shelves years later.

People are too busy talking about, and using, the Wii's unique motion-sensing controller to worry about the system's standard-definition graphics. To nongamers, modern game controllers seem overly complex and pose a hurdle to playing a game. Nintendo's motion-sensing controller makes movement in games natural--waving your arms around is about as intuitive as it gets. Players can easily understand how the Wii's wireless controller works. If you want to swing the bat in a baseball game, hold the Wii controller like a bat and swing it.

The controller has a built-in speaker and vibration effects to make Wii games more immersive than traditional console games. If you use the controller to fire an arrow in Zelda, the controller makes a drawing sound as you pull back on the bow to launch a shot. Likewise, the controller shakes on impact if you thrust your controller forward to bash an enemy with your shield. The bottom of the controller has an attachment port for peripherals, should a game require more buttons or a specialized controller.

The Wii competes with the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3, but the system might be in its own category because it offers a unique set of games designed specifically for the motion-sensitive controls. The Wii's game library has first-party staples such as Zelda and Mario, as well as a whole new set of franchises first developed for the Nintendo DS. You can find the new Metroid Prime 3: Corruption if you want to scratch that first-person shooter itch, or go with some novel gameplay in Mercury Meltdown Revolution. The system is great for party games. Rayman Raving Rabbids, Mario Party, Wario Ware: Smooth Moves, and Wii Sports are sure to bring out the competitive streak in all players. Other blockbuster games include Super Mario Galaxy, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and Mario Kart Wii. The console also has lots of support from third-party developers; however, with a few exceptions, most of the highly rated games on the Wii come directly from Nintendo.

Wii games are generally easier on the wallet because they're easier to create; many games slide onto the racks anywhere between $30 and $50. If you're feeling nostalgic and looking for fun under $10, you can get access to older games such as the original Super Mario Brothers, Sonic the Hedgehog, and many more Nintendo and Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, and TurboGrafx-16 classics on the Wii's Virtual Console, an internal software emulator that can play games downloaded from the Wii Shop. If you're not a fan of older games, you can also buy and download WiiWare games created specifically for the console. Do yourself a favor and download the addictive World of Goo as soon as you can. The Wii is also backward compatible with GameCube games, but you might need to get a gamepad accessory to open up full controls.

Wii System Configurations

The Wii doesn't come in many flavors, but you might as well know what you're getting yourself into. As they say, knowing is half the battle.

Wii Online

Find out what kind of features the Wii has when it goes online. Learn about the Wii Shop, the News channel, and what kind of online gaming options are available.

Wii Accessories

The whole point of the Wii is to play with people, and to do that you're definitely going to have to get a few extras along the way.

Wii FAQ

If you still have a few questions left about the Wii, we might just have a few answers.

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