Does Nintendo's Wii Live Up to the Hype?

Launching on November 19th, Nintendo Wii's unique motion-sensing controller is set to revolutionize the gaming industry. Here's a review of the much anticipated Nintendo Wii.

Nintendo Wii Package includes:
Wii Hardware with AC adaptor and AV composite cable
1 Wii Remote
1 Wii Nunchuck
1 Free Pack-in Game: Wii Sports
1 year Warranty plus an additional 90 days if you register the system at Nintendo's Official website
Sensor Bar
Console Stand
512mb Internal Memory

Nintendo Wii's Features:
- Wii console is 100% backward compatible with Gamecube games.
- Virtual Console can be use to play classic games for Nintendo 64, Super Nintendo, Nintendo, Sega Genesis, TurboGrafx-16 and more.
- Wii Channels makes the Wii into a full blown entertainment device. You can check the weather, read the news, browse the web, shop online, create Miis, (virtual version of yourself) etc.

Graphics
Nintendo has said that the Wii will focus more on gameplay rather than graphics and it shows. The games aren't that bad looking…for the Gamecube. Wii's graphics look more like the old generation of videogames (Playstation 2, Gamecube, and Xbox) than the newer ones (Playstation 3 and Xbox 360). It is also lacking in High Definition support as opposed to the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. The graphics just doesn't measure up to the competition.

Sound
Like the Gamecube, Nintendo Wii won't support Dolby Digital 5.1. Instead, it will support Dolby Digital Pro Logic II. It's disappointing that the sound system wasn't upgraded to its full potential.

Controller
Coming in two parts (Remote and Nunchuck), the motion-sensing controller is the Nintendo Wii's biggest asset. On the menus, its functions are basically the same as a computer mouse. During gameplay, the controllers are used like never before. The Nintendo Wii's motion-sensing is 3D; so, for example, you have to swing your Wii Remote to swing a bat in Wii Sports. The controller also comes with wrist strap so your controller won't go flying across the room if it slipped through your hand. Make sure you have enough space as it is easy to lose track of your surroundings when you are immersed in the game.

Features
Nintendo Wii is more than a videogame system, it is a full fledge multimedia device. Using Wii Channels, Wii owners can play classic games and other nifty things (check Nintendo Wii's Features above for more information). It should be noted, however, that the Wii can't play DVD movies and the Virtual Console games are a little too expensive. In addition you may have to pay to use most of the Wii Channels (to surf the Internet, for example).

Games
Nintendo has made some of the greatest games of all time and you can expect the same for the Wii. With The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess already available at launch, Nintendo also have the following games in plan for the future: Super Smash Brothers Brawl, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, Super Mario Galaxy and much more. With Nintendo Wii's one-of-a-kind controller, you should expect some truly innovative games you won't find on any other gaming console.

Overall
Although the graphics and sound aren't the best, Nintendo Wii does everything else right. With innovative controls, tons of features and at the low price of just $249.99, Nintendo Wii is definitely worth every penny.