Wii LOVE the Wii - A Real Family's Review of the Popular Video Game System

Anyone who is debating whether or not to purchase a Nintendo Wii should stop debating and just buy it! The system is spectacular, the games are unique, and there are health benefits as well. Who would have thought that playing video games would help you lose weight? But, the fact is, playing the Wii can help you get in shape and even lose weight.

The Wii Sports game features boxing, tennis, bowling, golf, and baseball. These are not your typical video games circa 1990. These games require you to actually get up and move. That's where the exercise comes in to play. Now, keep in mind that this is by far the most fun I've ever had exercising. I personally love to play Wii boxing. My skill rating is up to 784 (a professional boxer has a skill level of 1000 or above). I can box for about an hour an a half each night, which provides me with more than enough exercise for the day. In this game, you use the Wii Mote and Nun-chuck to literally box at the television. You throw real punches and your moves are picked up by the motion sensors and translated onto the screen. This game really gets your heart rate pumping and you will easily break a sweat in just a few minutes. My husband and I have each lost about 5 pounds playing the Wii in the past 4 weeks.

Wii Bowling allows you to practice your bowling skills. This is one of the most realistic games I've ever seen. My husband has a pretty strong curve on his bowling throw in real life and in the game. It's amazing how the game picks up your motions even down to slightest details of how you curve your wrist. It can also pick up the speed that you throw the "ball" and adjust the speed in the game accordingly. My best bowling game on the Wii is a 245, and if it weren't for that #6 pin I'd have a perfect 300.

Wii Golf allows you to practice your swing in a realistic manner. It has a swing meter that will show you if you tend to have a hook on your swing or not, and will measure the strength of your swing as well. There are also sand hazards, water hazards, and winds built in to make the game that much more difficult.

Wii baseball is awesome. It allows you to practice your swing control, hitting home runs, and pitching. I found out that I'm great at throwing fast balls and my husband is great at throwing curve balls. One drawback is that it is difficult to get a home-run unless you hit the ball out of the park. The outfielders in the game seem to catch every ball thrown to them, and rarely drop a ball or miss a catch.

Wii tennis is a bit confusing at first, especially if you are playing a 2 player game. The computer automatically makes it a game of doubles and assigns you computer generated players as your doubles partners. The only problem with that is that sometimes your doubles partner just watches the ball go by without hitting it. It can be rather frustrating if you're trying to win and your partner just watches as you lose the game.

For those of you wondering if this game system is worth it, stop wondering and just buy it. You'll be glad you did!