Is the Nintendo Wii Worth the Hassle?

The Nintendo Wii is by far the fastest selling console in history, exhibiting revolutionary concepts in gaming design and function; The motion sensitive aspect coupled with old-game nostalgia has made the Nintendo Wii a favorite among gamers. This gaming system is amazing to say the least, but with batteries that die so quickly and other annoyances, buyers are looking at the console and wondering: Is it really worth it?

Pros: The Nintendo Wii is a breakthrough game console because it allows the player to control the game by a motion sensitive remote that can be aimed at the screen. Both the Nunchuck and the Wii Remote are ergonomic fits for nearly any hand. With two controllers, the entire perspective on how to play video games is changed.

The controls are dictated by transmissions from the controller sent by Bluetooth and hit a receiver beneath the television. Bluetooth works for up to 15 feet allowing the player to move around or lounge back during game-play.

Nintendo Wii also offers a free Internet service that provides links to the latest news, weather or Wii updates. With this service players can connect to one another and enjoy cooperative or battle games without the kind of monthly fees that X-Box 360 charges.

Cons: Battery life for the Wii remotes end up costing a pretty penny. Although a Wii remote charger is available, it doesn't tend to last as long as players hope for. Batteries end up costing quite a bit for serious Wii gamers when that money could just be spend on new games.

Another thing is that almost every accessory is sold separately. For instance, the Wii Remote and the Nunchuck are sold separately instead of in a lump package, which can reallyget expensive if you're looking to play with more people than yourself.

The most frustrating part about the Wii is how it can sometimes freeze up because the Wii remote isn't aiming at a particular angle. This problem shows up more and more as the batteries die away, leading the player to the store to pick up another accessory, the Nyko Wii Recharge Station, taking another $30 out of your already empty wallet.

Although the Wii may be affordable at first, it will end up costing more than advertised with batteries and spare controllers. Still, Nintendo Wii is a great gaming system with inspiring breakthroughs that will likely entertain millions for years. Whether or not the Nintendo Wii is a good investment for you depends on any number of things but when all is said and done, the Wii is exactly as it's name suggests: A fun new outlook on how video games are made.