Wii for Christmas: What to Look for and Buy?

[Ranger Mike]

ok savvy forum people..I got tagged by a certain friend that her little girl wants a Wii for Christmas...being a guy who knows only Pong and Space Invaders type video games...what the heck is a Wii and what things should i look for when buying one..what accessories are not recommended...i have to put another tape in my Beta ..and get a beer...can you HELP!

 

[Borek]

I guess wikipedia would be a good starting point:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii

 

[discrete*]

The Wii is a motion-capturing gaming system. It uses a sensor to sense a wand in your hand, and detects movements. This is how you control the game that you're playing. However, it is not completely button free. There are buttons, triggers, and even floor mats that are required depending on the specific game.

My nephew has one and absolutely loves it. He's 6. Although, I must say, sometimes it seems like he doesn't have the dexterity to play some of the games. If they're young, stick to games like the Lego Series, or other games specifically for children.

My mother uses a Wii also; specifically a set of software called WiiFit. It is like a sophisticated training program for everything you can think of from balancing to snowboarding. She has M.S. and uses it, at the recommendation of her doctor, to help her maintain balance and motor function.

As far as accessories go, it really depends on what type of games the child will play. If she's active, than the WiiFit might be for her (and the balance board), if she's into action-adventure games you'll want to get her a "nunchuk". Its like a second wand that connects to the first. The Wii might come with these now, but you can buy some pretty cool ones.

Good luck.

 

[Ranger Mike]

thank you for the great reply...i probably posted the question in t he wrong forum but am sure i will get some insight from you good people
thanks again
rm

 

[cobalt124]

A personal opinion about games for the Wii. In order of increasing preference you can get the games based on TV programmes (Billy & Mandy, Sponge Bob), others based on programmes but more just a game than actually about the programme (Wacky Races), puzzle/educational games (Kabooki, possibly Wii Music), but my favourites are the ones with lots of daft little games on (we got Wii Play with our Wii, also Wii Party is currently being advertised, that looks a lot of fun). If I had time, the kids wouldn't get a look in!

Wii Play has table tennis, air hockey, tank battle (love it, I'm simple I know), pool (love this too), shooting, horse racing and a few others.

There are also themed Wii controllers (Dr Who sonic screwdriver is the only example I can think of).

And as already said, if ever needed as such there's the therepetic value of playing the Wii, and here (U.K.) they are used in care homes for the elderly for this purpose.

 

[Ranger Mike]

thanks for the input...i guess my next stop is Best Buy to see this in person..

 

[trautlein]

Being 18 finally, and playing video games from the ages of 2-16 too much, I can tell you that if there is anything I would want to take back it'd be my video game playing. If you do get her one, make sure it's something she does as fun with friends, like watching a movie. But too much of it alone and you should talk.

 

[turbo]

My wife plays Wii bowling when she drops into visit her friend and get her hair cut. She always liked real bowling, and she says that Wii bowling is fun. Her friend's mother-in law was in a nursing home until recently, and they had Wii activities for the residents, to keep them active.