The Nintendo Wii is the newest game console and is about the size of 3DVD cases stood beside each other. It comes with a front loading disc assembly that is able to take not only regular size CD’s, but Wii discs and the smaller Game Gube discs as well.
It is driven by a PowerPC Processor from IBM and it really nothing more than a powerful version of the Game Cube that it is replacing. It also comes with a newly developed onboard graphics engine (made by ATI) and 512mb flash memory for storing games. It also allows you to connect an external memory card to it for more storage. Also the Wii has built in Bluetooth enabling which allows up to 4 cordless Wii controllers to be used at any one time so the whole family can play together (a family that plays together, stays together). In addition it has 4 Game Cube controller jacks along the top so that if you want it can be used for corded play. Plus it has 2 USB ports for additional peripherals as well as 2 Game Cube memory card ports so you are able to load and possibly save Game Cube games to and from the Wii.
Another additional benefit of the Wii is that it has Internet access and there is USB. You can get an Ethernet adapter which in turn will give the Wii network capability should you want access to online features.
However, the Wii, although it can take a standard CD, is not designed for playing back DVD’s (unless Nintendo make some changes), and this is a disadvantage for this system as all the others have a DVD playback feature.
Maybe this is a marketing ploy on Nintendo’s part, as they would prefer it to be home gaming center rather than a home entertainment center.
The biggest benefit for most people, where the Wii is concerned, and those people who already own some Nintendo console such as the Game Cube, Nintendo DS etc, is that it has backwards capabilities. Can you imagine the money a family will save because they know that the kids Game Cube and Nintendo DS can also be used with the Wii and the whole family can play the games together?
A major advantage of the Wii is its parental control feature that comes with an update and prohibits the younger users from playing games that are considered unsuitable for their age level. Should your child attempt to play a game, th Wii reads the content rating encoded in the games data, and if the rating is greater then the age limit set on the Wii system, then the game will not load until the appropriate password is correctly entered. But unfortunately, this feature does not affect those games specifically designed for the Game Cube.
So overall the Wii looks like a very good investment for a family. It is a very valuable game system as Nintendo are committed to producing games that are targeted to adults as well as for children to enjoy. Plus with its parental control option it means you can have a say on what games you kids play.
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