The Wii

The Wii, a gaming console released in 2006, is simple to the eye; the original console is, when standing upright, 15 x 10 x 4.5 inches, white, and weighs in at about 8 pounds. However, Nintendo advertises the console as revolutionary, and others like Britannica call it innovative, and a closer look into the capabilities of the console reveals that it is nothing less than that. The console brought a new concept into the world of video gaming; motion controls that allowed for physical activity through games like “Just Dance” and “Wii Sports”. This, alongside the countless array of games that appealed to a range of different players, made the Wii something anyone of any age could enjoy. This allowed for the Wii to be a perfect option for families.

The focal point of Britannica’s entry on the Wii is undoubtedly the innovations of the Wii. They begin by stating that “The Wii’s innovations begin with its controllers” (Britannica), which is certainly the truth. The Wii’s motion censored controls allowed for the Wii to bring a whole new gaming experience to its users. Now, users have to stand up and compete with other players by performing imitated physical activity that will be detected by the remote; such as swinging a golf club or dancing. These realistic multiplayer games allowed for fun for the whole family as these games did not require previous gaming experience. Britannica then goes on to mention that “Instead of directly competing with rival video consoles, such as the Microsoft Corporation’s Xbox 360 and the Sony Corporation’s PlayStation 3 (PS3), in terms of processing power and graphics display, Nintendo produced an innovative, low-cost console that featured multiplayer “party” games” (Britannica). This affordability is one of the many factors that contributed to the Wii’s popularity.

While the Britannica’s entry on the Wii focuses heavily on the innovations of the Wii, it also emphasizes the popularity of the device, stating that “While the Xbox 360 and the PS3 were fighting over the traditional, or “hard-core,” gamers, the Wii broadened the entire video-game console market and in the process established the largest user base” (Britannica). This was made possible by the Wii’s previously mentioned low cost and wide range of games. Thanks to the low cost and the fact that it had games that everyone could enjoy, more families were able to purchase the Wii, allowing for the Wii’s user base to grow beyond any other video game consoles during its time.

Britannica also highlights the Wii’s aforementioned use as a console for the whole family. “The Wii’s specialty is group play, with a wide range of games and modes that are simple enough for inexperienced gamers but enjoyable enough for hard-core gamers” (Britannica). This flexibility is what allowed for the Wii’s immense popularity amongst families. This allowed for countless to develop a love for the Wii; and oftentimes, for the same game. Because the Wii introduced games that could be played by a variety of different players of different ages and experience, an adult and a child could play together and create memories that would last a lifetime.

The Wii took the gaming world by storm. With its innovative functions, low-cost, customizable and realistic gaming experience, it’s no wonder that the Wii was one of the most, if not the most, popular gaming consoles of its time. The Wii brought together countless families and paved the way for future innovations of the gaming world, and it is still considered a good gaming system even almost twenty years later.

Works Cited

“Nintendo Wii.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/topic/Nintendo-Wii.