Hobbies And Interests
Physical Activity
With the Wii, playing video games is not a sedentary activity. The Wii's unique controllers use infrared sensors to mimic your movements, which are then translated to the game. This technology allows you to move and exercise while you're playing. The Wii even offers games that will aid in reaching your fitness goals. "Wii Fit" can assess your physical fitness level and helps to keep you in shape by challenging you to improve through an interactive workout program. It uses Nintendo's Wii Balance Board to monitor your weight, balance and strength during numerous physical activities.
Easy Controls
Many Wii titles are geared toward casual or younger gamers. The simple schemes of the motion-sensitive controls make it easy to pick up a controller and play games like "Wii Sports." This game uses basic sports movements as the foundation for its game play. Anyone who has ever swung a bat can hit a home run in "Wii Sports" Baseball.
Personalized Characters
A "Mii" is a user-created character that you can use in many of the Wii's games. You can customize your Mii in countless ways. Many people choose to model their Miis after themselves, which adds a personal connection to the gaming experience. The Wii will also keep track of your Mii's performance and gives awards for your high scores. For example, you'll get a fancy bowling ball for becoming a "Pro" in "Wii Sports" Bowling.
Backwards Compatibility
The Wii offers backwards compatibility, which means that you can play games from older systems on the Wii. The console will accept and play GameCube discs, and the "Wii Shop Channel" on the main menu allows you to purchase and download classic games. These include older titles from Nintendo's past systems as well as games from the Sega Genesis, TurboGrafx 16 and others.
Affordability
The Wii's price point has always been competitive with its primary rivals, the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. As of October 2010, Nintendo sets the manufacturer's suggested retail price for a new Wii at $199.99.