Tribute to Nintendo Part II — Why I HAD to include the Nintendo Wii in Kids Computer Games Recommendations

Posted by Jenny Mannion On September - 12 - 2007 ADD COMMENTS

Ok, I know — 2 Nintendo articles when the Nintendo Wii is a Game Console and not technically a kids computer game?! Well, once again Nintendo has surpassed all expectation as to what gaming is all about. The Wii offers the best way to bond with your kids over video games while not even feel like you are playing a video game.

If you have seen the commercials for the Wii — you have seen that Nintendo has created a new remote (wiimote & sometimes the nunchuck addition is needed). These remotes move the way you would move your arms if you were in these situations. Try Wii Sports which comes with the Wii and you can play baseball, tennis, golf, boxing and even bowl and do this standing next to your child and/or spouse. You create Miis on the Wii that look like a cartoon version of you or you can choose a pre-made character and you are ready to play. It gets you standing and interacting with the screen like you would if you were out playing these games. It even got my 72 year old step-dad who has never had any interest in video-games off the couch bowling. I read an article recently where it was being introduced into nursing homes to get people up and moving and enjoying playing games together. The Wii is ALWAYS a hit at my house. When friends come over it is pretty entertaining to set a couple up to box each other (talk about STRESS relief!). You attach the Nunchuck for this one and hold each part of the wiimote in each hand and just punch and bob and weave in front of you like you were really boxing. If you have had it for a while and have a bunch of characters it is funny to be playing baseball and it show up that “grandpa” or a friend you entered in months ago is in the outfield or up to bat. Also on Wii Sports is the Fitness Training option where you WILL get a workout as it takes you through different activities related to the sports on the disc. For example, you will have to hit 50 tennis balls in a row, then box a round, then hit 20 balls in a row in baseball, etc. This can be a real workout and is much different than the traditional sit on the couch and play a game standard.

There are many games for the Wii. While there is only one I could find that is truly EDUCATIONAL (Big Brain Academy ) the Wii takes games to a new level and there is something for everyone. Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree offers 15 Activities that challenge your brain in single-player Test and Practice modes, Big Brain Academy Wii sees how you measure up in five categories: memory, analysis, number crunching, visual recognition, and quick thinking. You can play with up to 8 players. In the Nintendo tradition there are far more family related games than violent games so you would have no problem finding something that appeals to every family member. Our favorite besides Wii Sports is Mario Party 8 — which has a ton of mini games with Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach as some of the characters you can be. You can play a board game version which is tons of fun and includes some of the mini-games or you can just freely play the mini-games once you have unlocked them. My husband and I play with our 8 year old son and 4 year old daughter and have lots of laughs and fun.

Nintendo has once again gained the respect of the gaming community. They have surpassed the X-Box and the Playstation in demand and sales. They are the least expensive console system and the most revolutionary. Can’t wait to see what they come up with next!

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