The Nintendo Wii is a strange gaming console in comparison to the latest releases from their competitors. Although not as cutting edge in video graphics, the Wii console provides a unique gaming experience that its competitors cannot. The unique nunchuck interface allows the gamer the ability to relinquish the now all too common passive sitting-on-the-couch role, for a new interactive environment. The control can sense arm movements and translate these movements wirelessly into the game. Characters respond to actual movements instead of to frantic button mashing and keypad pressing.

The first action when turning on the console the first time is creating a Mii. A Mii is a graphical representation of you used in playing games. Creating yourself on the console allows you to familiarize yourself with the controls, as well as letting you have a few laughs as you try out the wrong nose or eyebrows. It also gives you time to realize that for the first time, you really are part of the game.

Simplistic in nature, many people quickly adapt to the Nintendo Wii gaming system. Enjoyment of this system spans generations from young children to retirees. Occupants of retirement homes enjoy competitions and social interaction during Wii bowling tournaments. Children and their grandparents create new bonds through video gaming that were never thought possible. In the past, "Grandma" would never have attempted to play a video game, but today - you may not be able to pry her away from it.

With Wii the options are nearly endless Shooters, scrollers, action, and role-playing games utilize the same exceptional controller. Interactive exercise with the console is possible with some of the new offerings. Wii consoles have also been used in physical therapy. It has motivated those on the road to recovery from accidents to carry out their exercises.

The Wii is an ideal console for a family on a budget - the console is affordable, the games are affordable, and it also comes with additional remotes. The Wii can cost hundreds of dollars less than its competitors, and it appeals to the whole family. Because the Wii is Nintendo's main console for the next few years, it should be around for quite a while before it becomes obsolete.

The Nintendo Wii console also allows users to surf the internet and download games from Nintendo's extensive library of past titles. Instead of pushing forward with more complex games with prettier graphics, Nintendo has turned back towards innovation, and has once again opened up video gaming to the casual and inexperienced consumer. With the arrival of the Nintendo Wii, video games are no longer the only for the hardcore gamer.

Playing the Nintendo wii is very simple with only a few minute learning curve. It can easily be played by young children as well as the elderly, as has been shown in retirement home Wii bowling tournaments across the country. The interactive nature of the wii console allows generations of gamers to play together that were never possible before. Trying to convince your grandmother to play videos games was nearly impossible before the release of the Wii, whereas now, you may have trouble getting her to give up the controller.