Nintendo Wii Review

£180Nov 2006

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Stuff says 5 Hot Buy

Pure fun in a box. Get some friends round and swing your Wiimote until the early hours

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Video review

Stuff magazine Thu, Nov 23 2006, 6:00AM

When Microsoft and Sony were looking into the future, they saw faster, slicker, bigger. When Nintendo peered in, they were giggling uncontrollably and fighting over who was up next. No hi-def graphics, no next-gen video formats and not really any sign of upping the performance of the console – the Wii is all about upping the workrate of us, the gamers. And to that end, crazy motion-sensitive controllers and Nintendo’s staple of quirky, innovative games are fizzing into the arena.

Hands, arms and legs-on
The most unusual thing about the Wii is its wireless controls. The Wiimote is the one you’ll use at all times – a sensor bar is placed under your telly and wired up to the Wii, giving the Wiimote the ability to aim at points on the screen. It also has gyros to sense how it’s being tilted or swung.

For some games, such as the Wii Sports boxing, you’ll need to attach the Nunchuk to the Wiimote and punch with one in each hand. For Zelda, you’ll use the joystick on the Nunchuk for moving around, and the Wiimote for swinging your sword and aiming weapons. A steering wheel is on the way.

In most of the launch titles, the controller is a raving success. In Zelda, firing bows and slingshots is immensely satisfying, while Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz throws up more creative uses such as guiding a monkey-in-a-ball round corners using tilting. Less impressive conversions like Need for Speed Carbon, though, serve as a warning that not all games are suitable for a Wii makeover.

Eye of the beholder
If you’re looking at the graphics and thinking they’re little better than the GameCube’s, you’re right – they’re still standard def and the processing just hasn’t leapt up much. Buy the optional component cable rather than using the bundled composite/Scart connector and you see some improvement, but if you’re after super-sharp images and no slow-down, get an Xbox 360 or PS3.

Caught in the web
Wii can access the internet over Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and has a constant connection so you’ll occasionally find a surprise game downloaded. Talking of which, the finest part of the online experience is the ability to download old Sega classics, such as Ecco the Dolphin, Altered Beast and Sonic the Hedgehog. There’s access to the web through an Opera browser, but sadly no games currently do multiplayer online yet – only Japan has that privilege for now.

Still, playing with your mates is more than enough fun for now, and they’ll all be besotted with Nintendo’s slab of lateral thinking after a few games. We never thought it would happen, but a layer of dust has accumulated on our PS3. Now it’s up to Sony and Microsoft to prove that hyper-realistic gaming hasn’t lost its sense of fun.  

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    1 week ago

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  3. MikeHenry

    2 weeks ago

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  4. Jessica81

    2 weeks ago

    Does wii have a game called Vaginismus ? If so, where do we find it?

  5. Jessica81

    2 weeks ago

    We found a nintendo-wii at a storage auctions and it worked great! Now we sit in front of the TV all night playing games instead of watching TV. Thanks for changing our lives!

  6. Brookser4

    5 weeks ago

    For Zelda, you’ll use the joystick on the Nunchuk for moving around, and the Wiimote for swinging your sword and aiming weapons. A steering wheel is on the way. loans for bad credit
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  7. creative

    6 weeks ago

    Got this for the kids at christmas gone. Had to put it away for weekends as my hubby and I played throught the night!! yes its so addictive!!!
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    6 weeks ago

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    6 weeks ago

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  15. Brookser4

    7 weeks ago

    I got one last christmas and I still cant stop playing it, its well worth the money, even if there is such a shortage. Artikelmarketing

  16. brindajuliet77

    7 weeks ago

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  17. Brookser4

    10 weeks ago

    Wii can access the internet over Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and has a constant connection so you’ll occasionally find a surprise game downloaded. unsecured loans for bad credit

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    12 weeks ago

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  19. thimbles

    13 weeks ago

    Its a really great console. It just goes to prove that graphics dont mean anything when it comes to fun gameplay. shabby chic mirrors
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  20. vickychao

    13 weeks ago

    Nintendo Wii is a great innovation of console game. People not only play ot. They do exercise with it. content unlocking

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    14 weeks ago

    Det er nogle tegn på økonomisk velstand og prestige, der ser fra ydersiden af ​​den virksomhed, der har haft succes i erhvervslivet byer. På grund af sådanne symboler, er mange mennesker interesseret i at prøve og prøve lykken i erhvervslivet.
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  22. petermarco

    16 weeks ago

    Nintendo Wii was a great brand after all. I know this console is better than the previous nintendo. I hope it will bring us good fortune.
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  23. JeffryJordan

    17 weeks ago

    People have their own favourites gaming stuff. But this one is also good, it has a good graphics.
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  24. keithwhite

    17 weeks ago

    The graphics is very good and really look like a real 3D animation. That's make people like to have it.
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  25. chesssetsuk

    19 weeks ago

    If playing chess or backgammon makes you feel bored you can check out video games. This “Nintendo Wii Review' is for those fans of games who like to know about Nintendo products. The unique thing about this product is that it has wireless controls. In this review there is information on how to use the Nintendo Wii for certain games. You can use the Wii over the Internet and it is stated that it can download old Sega classics.

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  26. gaudenzi90

    19 weeks ago

    What can I say about this wonderful console? It has been a little revolution with its innovative gameplay system, no wonder it sold like hot cake! I wish Nintendo the best for the upcoming Wii 2, which seems even more innovative than the first (did you see the awesome controller? ;)

    F. Gaudenzi,
    Humble Wii fan and owner of a bunch of fantastic blogs about technology!

  27. Rothi

    22 weeks ago

    You know what would be cool? if These games will have this casino like game, where you, for example spin the Roulette wheel or throw the Craps dice. Don't you think it is cool?

  28. erickpurple

    23 weeks ago

    This bag looks very cute and very suitable for use by women. I guess I'll buy it as a gift for my girlfriend. Because in my opinion, this bag will look elegant when in use by a beautiful woman. reflective tape

  29. Susancai114

    26 weeks ago

    The review to it is very good. From it, we can know a lot about the product itself. importing from china

  30. barcoder

    34 weeks ago

    great fun could not get on with the wired nunchucks and have not found a wireless set that work properly

  31. Damiankiedos

    35 weeks ago

    great fun but you need motion plus

  32. BGrannyB

    36 weeks ago

    Played with my son and his partner
    great family fun
    such a great variety of games, giving
    hours of entertainment and pleasure
    a diverse range for everyone

  33. molly57

    38 weeks ago

    Got one of these last Christmas and only used it briefly. It's sat gathering dust so I must make more use of it.

  34. lara999

    38 weeks ago

    Got this for the kids at christmas gone. Had to put it away for weekends as my hubby and I played throught the night!! yes its so addictive!!!

  35. tesuhoha

    38 weeks ago

    I got this for my birthday two years ago

  36. salesadrn

    38 weeks ago

    Great Fun!

  37. saldom

    38 weeks ago

    Its good

  38. pootsf

    38 weeks ago

    Got one, although thinking I might need to upgrade to the MotionPlus.

  39. cathrynanderson...

    39 weeks ago

    Had to put this away for a while, as it is so addictive!

  40. clh2pls

    40 weeks ago

    Love ours. Robust and easy to use.

  41. clh2pls

    40 weeks ago

    Robust piece of kit that is also versatile (with the iplayer). My kids love it and so do I.

  42. AlPal

    41 weeks ago

    Had my Wii 2 years and still get a lot of entertainment from it and really enjoyable when you have friends around joining in, would recommend it to anyone.

  43. Technophobe

    42 weeks ago

    It's been out for ages, but I still love it. I play it with my mates & my son and we still have a laugh with it.
    Money well spent.

  44. sonseyface

    44 weeks ago

    Brings out the competitive side of the whole family. It's how to combine exercise with hospital trips. How we laugh about it later!

  45. daphnemueller

    47 weeks ago

    have not kept up with the keep fit

  46. lovellj102

    48 weeks ago

    I got my Wii a few years ago now and at the time it was great however as soon I got my slim Xbox and Kinect I sold my Wii as it just doesnt compete. unless you have a fit board you can play every game sat down like dance games etc.... pointless! the Kinect on the other hand gives you no choice but to get off the sofa and really get involved and work up a sweat! sorry Wii, thanks for what you have done for gaming but YOU LOOSE move over for the big boys!!

  47. dave mcara

    48 weeks ago

    Great Way to keep fit

  48. dave mcara

    48 weeks ago

    Great Way to keep fit

  49. surfingjohn

    48 weeks ago

    The Wii is great. Everyone in the family uses it. The games are designed for everyone to use and can be played in short bursts rather than having to block out a slice to time to progress through levels.

  50. andy01

    48 weeks ago

    One sure way to get fit

  51. watsoa

    48 weeks ago

    Can't get on it - my wife loves it.

  52. officer dibble

    49 weeks ago

    wicked, great family fun and some actual excercise

  53. S WRIGHT

    49 weeks ago

    Will miss this after I seperate from my hubby - he got custody

  54. brierlj1

    49 weeks ago

    brilliant.. great fun when friends and family visit, the wii always comes out

  55. FreakyDragon

    49 weeks ago

    really fancy trying this but it seams quite addictive when you start playing.

  56. markster

    2 years ago

    oh when the console is modded not official. yes it will playback dvd's.

  57. markster

    2 years ago

    well i just love playing Call Of Duty Modern Warfare online. not bad for a console that does not do online games according to the review.

  58. kia kaha

    3 years ago

    Love it. Excellent for the casual gamer, good for the hardcore gamer but perfect for the in between (me)

  59. vgrahame08

    4 years ago

    It's a fun little console in short doses, personally I prefer more depth from my games, and in all honesty I think the motion sensitive thing a bit gimmicky, my five year old loves it though.

  60. markyp1

    4 years ago

    We're lucky enough to have a 360 and a Wii sat under the family TV. The Wii gets by far the more use, and everyone gets involved. It's reliable (the 360 had to be taken back twice for repair / replacement), social (where's that copy of Wii Sports?) and addictive. The lack of eye candy isn't such a big issue - everyone's too busy playing to worry about the lack of photo-realism in water reflections. We've yet to have anyone send the controller flying through a screen. 10/10.

  61. benzo132

    4 years ago

    I got one last christmas and I still cant stop playing it, its well worth the money, even if there is such a shortage.

  62. mikecross

    4 years ago

    Can't get one !

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