Where Are They Going with Nintendo Wii? a Peak into Virtual Reality Gaming
This fall and winter the debut of Nintendo Wii (pronounced 'we') is preparing to launch with an entirely new concept; this handheld device incorporates the versatility of a gaming 'wand' and a simple console that looks similar to a portable hard drive.
The inspiration comes from the world of virtual reality, with the handheld remote serving as a point-and-shoot device outfitted with motion sensors, detectors, and vibrating features. Games include ramped up versions of tennis, golf, Super Mario, and other Nintendo classics that will take on new forms as players learn to use the handheld device in place of any other game communication tool to date.
Nintendo Wii may be a much-needed 'step back' in sophistication and design in comparison to today's thriving but growing video game market. With an increased emphasis on graphics and technological design, video games today have taken on the signature movie-like DVD-quality that game addicts have become accustomed to. Nintendo Wii hopes to capture some new game players, extending a basic, simple, and efficient design console perfect for families, younger players, and elderly.
The Nintendo Wii remote is composed of motion detectors, signals, and a vibrating feature to coincide with a variety of active games. Instead of using a mouse, joystick, or other navigational pad for the majority of games, players physically hold the remote as if it was a part of the game.
This means they can stand up, move around, and literally re-enact the movements of the game they are playing. Tennis will require the understanding of a backswing motion; golf will require a complete follow through on the tee-off, and even sword fighting on Zelda and Super Mario will take on a new form with players battling with characters on screen, from the living room.
Multi-player technology will allow multiple remote holders to play within a given setting, and the device will help create a team effort on battles and sports games. Nintendo Wii offers an additional 'Nunchuck' controller that plugs in for extra effects when dual interaction is required.
The wireless remote, however, looks to be the center point of the gaming experience. The Wii console has downloading capabilities, showcasing classic games from the Super Nintendo and even Sega in easily accessible files. Wireless connection to the internet will allow multi-user functionality, as each console is configured for a 802.11b wireless network.
It's too soon to tell how popular the Nintendo Wii will be in today's competitive video game landscape. The attractive wireless and internet functionalities will allow multi-player usage, which will be a well-received addition to today's Internet-friendly users. The basic design of the remote sounds promising for older generations and the younger marektes, as it is limited in complexity and only consists of a few buttons.
The virtual reality component is one fo the first on the market, offering players the benefit of chaning the living room into a landscape of video game possibilities. It's an exciting extension of 'live' games in operation today, and just might serve as a well-deserved alternative for back-to-the-basics gaming geared toward a variety of age groups and skill levels.
Published by Sabah Karimi - Featured Contributor in Travel and Lifestyle
Sabah Karimi is a Featured Contributor in Travel and Lifestyle. She writes beauty, style, shopping, health, wellness, and personal finance content for various Y! channels. She is a full-time freelance digita... View profile
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- Nintendo Wii is pronounced 'we' and hopes to target a large group of ages and skill levels
- Nintendo Wii is preparing for a Fall/Winter 2006 launch
- The console is made of a handheld remote, 'nunchuck' controller, and a DVD-player-style console
8 Comments
Post a CommentWhere Are They Going with Nintendo Wii? a Peak into Virtual Reality Gaming
It seems the Nintendo left the perfection of computer graphics to the competition so they could develop the virtual reality input device, the 'wand'. Now that they have the wand, imagine, they could develop a motion sensitive head set that you wear on your head, incorporated with the high definition graphics used by other consoles .... with High Definition lenses built in for real virtual reality games. No more looking at a tv screens. Even gloves... and even hand held rifles for shoot 'em up games etc etc. i cant wait for the future.
It will be far easier for Nintendo to incorporate high definition graphics into they're games than for the competition to develop virtual reality input/output hardware. My money is on Nintendo for the future. wait and see.
Sabah, despite what these other people have commented, I am still proud of this article and would like to thank you for the time and effort you put into making it. To some people who live and breathe Nintendo Wii today, they are bound to pick up on any little tidbit that you did not mention. However, for people who are not so keen on the gaming industry, such as myself, any news article reflecting and praising Nintendo is much more than appreciated!
Thanks!
I sincerely apologize for any lack of clarity and detail contained in this article. When this was written, very minimal information was available for the US-market; all information is US-specific only. Thank you to all readers and comment-posters for sharing your comments; your feedback is appreciated.
Like the guy before me said, Nintendo is the king of the handheld market. That said, it's true they've taken a back seat in the console market, so for them, it'll not be too difficult to improve on their past-gen performance. That said, only time will tell who will "win".
Update from my previous comment: Looks like you may be able to access my Wii coverage - and anything else I've written - by clicking my name at the beginning of my comments. (Just so you know.)
I have covered the Wii in the past on Associated Content, and have taken more depth than this. You can probably find it under my name, Jeffrey Davis, if you're interested (shameless plug #1). And BTW, I'm hoping to be one of the people on this site with a write-up of whatever Nintendo has to say in Leipzig, Germany next week, so stay tuned for that! (shameless plug #2) Oh yeah, and I hear some of the rumors are saying that the Wii may launch in either October or November, depending on who you ask. (Just thought you'd like to know, even if it's only for the record books.)
none of this is new. why is it on google news?
I'd also like to point out that in your first paragraph you mentioned that Nintendo has taken a backseat to Sony and Microsoft in both the handheld and console devisions. This is not true, as Nintendo is still the reigning king of handhelds with over a 75% market share. (The PSP, Gizmondo, and N-Gage all make up the last ~25%) Second, the Wii uses 802.11g to communicate wirelessly as well, not just with the inferior 802.11b. Third, you can download NES, SNES, N64, TurboGrafx 16, and Sega Genesis games for the virtual console with more to be revealed at a later date, not just the two you mentioned.
Also, Im not sure if you didnt feel like mentioning these or not, but the Wii remote controller has a speaker built into it that plays sounds based on what your on-screen actions are. (i.e. Firing a bow and arrow, and you hear the arrow twang from your remote and fly to the television) Also, the Wii sports the WiiConnect24 service, allowing the console to stay connected to the internet 24