At the upcoming Electronic Entertainment Expo, Japanese video game developer and console manufacturer Nintendo has confirmed that they will be unleashing a brand new home console system that will rival the power and capabilities of the Xbox 360 and the Playstation 3. While it sounds impressive, it is also a signature of Nintendo: hardware is not everything. Sure, the new system will be powerful –compared to the 360 and the PS3 which were released several years ago.

The famous Nintendo motion gaming system, the Wii also faced a similar situation many years ago when it was first launched. The system came out ahead of its competitors at Microsoft and Sony and enjoyed plenty of sales. When the 360 and the PS3 came out months later, critics stated that the Wii’s lower spec graphics would be the downfall of the system. Now, many years later, the Wii is still performing strongly in the market.

There is no doubt that the hardcore market has long moved on from the Wii -with the system often playing second fiddle to owners of the PS3 or the 360. But it is this market position that makes the system so strong. Among casual gamers, the Wii is the number one system of choice. For hardcore gamers, the low price point and entertainment value of the Wii makes it an ideal secondary system to own. This meant that most PS3 owners had a Wii as a secondary console and the same applied to 360 owners. There were fewer gamers who bought an Xbox and a PS3 –let alone those who have all three systems.

Sales and distribution are not the only things important to a game console. A system’s game library is always among the most important factors to consider for any person choosing to purchase a system.

Right off the bat, it is pretty obvious that the Wii has a significantly younger target market. If you are planning to purchase a system for a preschooler or a grade-schooler, then the Wii should be the first choice on your list (and you might consider getting a DS as well). With plenty of games that focus on light tasks, bright colored visuals and simple storylines, the Wii makes for a perfect children’s console.

For slightly older audiences, the Wii has some pretty good titles that should not be passed up. Dead Space, Mad World and No More Heroes are just a few of the hardcore titles in the Wii’s library. There are also some interesting ports of old games such as Obscure, Resident Evil 4 and Okami that have been brought to new life with the motion controls. It may not be a first choice for the discerning, hardcore players, but if you are looking for a secondary system, it is hard to go wrong with the Wii.

In the end, the Wii has plenty to catch up on in terms of capabilities mostly due to its lower spec hardware as compared to later generation systems. But the Wii was never meant to take up the niche currently occupied by the PS3 (or the 360); instead, the Wii was developed to bring the joy of video games to a much broader audience –something that other systems would find difficult to achieve.

Chances are, your Nintendo Wii is sitting quietly at the living room, the family den or the designated game room –one way or another, it is rare to have this very social gaming console to be sitting quietly inside one person’s room alone (but, yes, it does happen). If your household is the type that has the motion gaming device strategically located for everyone’s best enjoyment, then you will certainly appreciate these little tips we have.

Tracking Playtime

The Nintendo Wii is the perfect parental helper when it comes to keeping track of your children’s gaming habits. The system will log in the title of the games being played and for how long. While it does not keep exact track of the time a game was played or who was the person who played it, doing so enables you to see if anyone has been sneaking in extra gaming hours at night.

The Wii is more than just a sly tattle-tale however, this log is public and can be used by anyone (though it cannot be tampered with or edited). For gamers, this helps ease out time issues by allowing you to track your own gaming habits. If you have been having trouble balancing time for obligations and gaming, then a quick review of this log might help you properly organize your schedule.

Virtual Post Its

Another great thing about this system is that it allows you to post virtual notes. If you need to step out for a bit and need to remind your buddy to clean up the sink before playing, a simple note on the system’s dashboard will often suffice. For messages are not meant for today, there’s a calendar that allows you to write important announcements and letters well ahead of time.

Oftentimes, there are various users of the console (and each person has a Mii). You can write messages that are addressed to specific users for that personal touch –just remember that the content of the letter is still public.

Occasionally, some Wii games will make use of this feature to post game highlights and achievements –a feature that we would certainly want to see in more titles. For the most part, the message system gets the heaviest flow of functionality from the users of the device. If you have not tried out this feature, now is a great time to do so and teach your family or roommates about it.

Browsing the Web

If you have downloaded the Internet Browser channel, all you need to do is to turn it on and get online. The browser makes use of a custom Opera-powered browser that allows you to view web content in a more TV-screen compatible output (larger fonts and all). There’s also a specialized YouTube channel for Wii users and support for Adobe Flash Player -which is more than what we can say for many Apple gadgets. For those who truly want to make full use of the web experience that the console can provide, it is a good idea to invest in a USB keyboard which you can hook up directly into the Wii. This eases out the slower process of using the onscreen keyboard (which you control with the WiiMote) and makes typing a whole lot faster.

The Wii is more than a just a game console, it has been designed to work for you and your family in plenty of useful ways. All you need to do is to poke around the console’s many features and settings to see what else it can do for you.

Nintendo Wii has been considered to be the pioneer in motion gaming. Released years ahead of the PS Move the Xbox Kinect, the Wiimote controlled console has shown us all how fun and exciting motion gaming can be. Of course, not all Wii games make full use of the motions controls –some games can be played just fine with the optional joy pad-style ‘classic’ controller. Others on the other hand, take the use of the Wiimote and Nunchuck to a whole new level.

No More Heroes

We open this list with none other Goichi Suda’s masterpiece of a beat-em-up: the No More Heroes series. In terms of controls, not much has changed from the original and the sequel (No More Heroes: Desperate Struggle), but regardless, this game is still one of the most quirky motion controlled titles to be released.

Lead character Travis Touchdown ends up joining a tournament of assassins, and in order to reach the top spot, he has to eliminate the rest of the competition. The game opens with the beam-sword wielding hero starting with the tenth spot and as you progress through the story, you get to meet whole host of sexy and bizarre assassins that stand in your way. There’s plenty of adult humor in this game, some subtle, others crude. The action sequences on the other hand, are plenty of violence. It is encouraging to see that Nintendo is now making room for more mature players (after all, most of us who grew up on Mario and Donkey Kong are now a whole lot older).

The controls for this game place it as the first entry on the list: the combo system makes full use of the buttons, motion and even Nunchuck movement to execute Travis’ wide range of moves. We are also going to tip our hats off for the “phone call” event sequences where you need to press the controller against your ear (the Wiimote has an internal speaker) as well as the slightly naughty beam-sword charging motions. Of course, we will not be going into that, it is up to you players to explore.

Sky Crawlers: Innocent Aces

While we are not too fond of the Japanese novel or the anime, the Sky Crawlers game on the Wii is one of the most impressive flight simulation titles we have seen on the device.

The big advantage of the Wiimote is its versatility. Players can use it as a gun, as a sword, as a regular controller and in this case, as a flight stick. The WiiMote can be used to control your plane’s pitch while the Nunchuck handles the acceleration. Tilting both from side to side will control turning and rolling. It is fun, though a little exhausting after an hour or so –which is due to the fact that unlike a typical flight stick which rests on a base, the WiiMote is supported entirely by your arm. Also, the lack of a base means not having a reference point for a ‘neutral’ position. Some inventive players are known to have crafted their own mounts for the Wiimote to get past these issues.

The game itself makes use of Ace Combat’s game engine, which means that many of the factors considered in flying have been simplified to a point where the game is actually enjoyable (without having to think too much about calculations). Simplified, however, does not mean unrealistic. Reckless flyers will still find themselves stalling and crashing if they do not act with care.

Overall, this game provides a nice change of pace for many Ace Combat veterans. The old school planes and new approach to the delivery will certainly be a welcome change. The challenge level for some of the special boss fights will also force players to start taking the game a lot more seriously even on the normal difficulty. If you are a fan of great dogfights and have been looking for a new way to experience it, Sky Crawlers is the way to go.

Trauma Team

Combining various point and click game genres can be a little tricky, but the folks behind Trauma Team certainly know how to make a great game. This little gem of a Wii title is basically an advanced version of Trauma Center for the DS. Not only does it improve on the gameplay of the original, it adds plenty more to the mix.

Players start off the game by choosing one of six characters. Doing so determines what story missions will be played and how the gameplay will turn out. After each mission, players will be returned to the character screen and the same process plays out. This continues until all story missions start overlapping each other in a much larger plot event.

Each character introduces a new form of gameplay. One involves investigation, some require medical surgical procedures, and others require players to talk with patients for diagnosis. There are a total of six individual gameplay features on this game, and they all come together to bring a truly inventive experience in the use of the Wii’s motion controller. If you have been looking for a game that delivers in terms of controls, storyline, visual style and gameplay, then Trauma Team is a definite must have for you.

Resident Evil 4

As ironic as it may seem, a game that was not meant for the Wii is also one that has completely redefined the concept of hardcore motion gaming. Enter Resident evil 4. This little pseudo-zombie fest of the great sci-fi survival horror series from Capcom takes on a whole new style of gaming as it got ported over to the Wii.

Now, looking back at the original Playstation 2 version of the game, it is pretty obvious that the creators wanted to do something different. An optional chainsaw controller was released for the Sony which introduced a new way for the player to ready their weapon (the special controller had more than aesthetic value). With the Wii version, RE veteran Leon –and his epic emo hairstyle, gets the full set of controls that the PS2 controller hinted at.

Movement is controlled by the Nunchuck and the gun control makes use of the Wiimote. This turns the game into something of a hybrid 3D-adventure and on-rails shooter. In terms of graphics and storyline, not much has changed. Those who already played the PS2 version will not find anything new outside of the control system.

This game is a must have for RE fans who have yet to play RE4 (and you should, it has been out for a while) and any Wii owner wanting a little more thrilling than the usual fare of Nintendo titles. The innovative use of the Wiimote and the way it changes the gameplay experience from the original title will certainly be an experience players would not want to miss.

Elebits

Last on our list is Elebits, a storybook style, children’s sci-fi game that had us wondering just how much potential the Wiimote truly has. For a point of perspective, players have to remember that this is one of the first Wii games ever released, and for that time, the graphics had been pretty good and the controls were nothing short of amazing.

The main story is simple, bizarre beings known as Elebits have starting popping out and it is up to the player to find them all and capture them with a unique laser-gun-zapping apparatus invented by the protagonist’s father. To play the game, players simply have to point and zap objects in game. Initially, you can only zap small objects as you move things around the house (small books, chairs, etc), doing so will uncover various Elebits that can be captured. One you accumulate enough of the alien-like beings, your zapper will become more powerful, allowing you to move larger objects such as entire shelves, phone booths and cars.

The real fun in this game is when you are moving around the stages and tossing objects around. Various power ups will boost your ability to grab, push and even thrown objects up in the sky –which is a great way of clearing the view. It is a fun and light gaming experience, mixed in with a few challenging timed missions. Elebits is a perfect recommendation for those who want a quick taste of real motion controlled gaming.

It is easy to love the Nintendo Wii, it has plenty of great games, has a fun control system and it is a gaming experience that you can easily share with friends and family. This is why when something starts bugging up on the system, people will get worried. To help ease things out, here are a few useful tips to try out before hurriedly bringing your system to the nearest repair center.

Non-Responding WiiMotes

Now here is a common issue. After all, a WiiMote is how you control the console. Without it, playing a game is practically impossible. So what do when things start going south?

First, check the batteries. These controllers use two AA batteries to run, so click on the home button to see if how many of the four lights on the controller light up (more lights mean higher charge). If the controller is not responding, you might want to replace the batteries.

So let us say you have all four lights indicating a full charge but the game is still not responding to your commands. This may be a synchronization issue. Remember that your controller is wireless and that the Wii has to detect it before the two can work together. Simply press the red sync button near the SD card slot on your console to help your system find the controller.

Inaccurate Aiming

More often than not, games will require you to make use of the infrared sensor to aim at the screen and navigate menus, shoot guns and simply move things around. There are occasions when this starts acting abnormally.

One of the first things you should do is to confirm the set up of the sensor bar. From you Wii’s system menu, you can set the configuration of the sensor to assume that it is located on top or the bottom of your TV screen.

Another factor to consider is if there are lights in front of the TV and lights behind you. The sensor bar may accidentally pick up IR feedback from lights and other devices behind you. Be sure to look around your playing area to see if there might be items that are interfering with your system’s performance.

Lastly, check the overall lighting. In some cases, the light in the room may be too strong and is interrupting the feed between the controller and the sensor. You may choose to turn off the lights or diffuse it a little to allow for a better level of communication between the WiiMote and the sensor bar.

Unable to Back Up Save Files

This is not really a hardware issue, but more of an incompatibility problem. According to Nintendo, the Wii supports only certain SD cards. This can be a little annoying if the SD card you currently have is incompatible with the console, but sadly, the only way to remedy this issue is to purchase a brand new card. Nintendo lists SanDisk and BD&A as officially compatible, but users are also recommended to update to version 4.00 or higher of the system firmware to further improve compatibility.

So there you have it, three of the simplest quick-fixes for three of the main issues that Wii owners tend to run into. However, if your Wii console is still suffering from issues, it is advisable that you take it to the nearest authorized Nintendo service center for a quick check.

Nintendo’s motion controlled gaming console is considered to be one of the top systems in terms of overall entertainment. While its value to hardcore gamers may not be on the same level as the Playstation 3 or the Xbox 360, the Wii has more to offer to a broader market of casual gamers and of course, families.

If the Wii is currently on the center of your home entertainment system, with the console playing host to friends and family, you might want to consider investing a little bit of money and time to grab these very useful accessories.

First off, the Wii Balance Board –normally, we would not recommend getting a console peripheral that is only useful for one game (Wii Fit), but in this case, the Balance Board is a must have. Not only do you get to do really amusing things on it (you can test which among your friends can balance best on one foot), but there are plenty of useful applications that use the board. These applications mainly improve exercises that help you keep track of your weight –something that many gamers would appreciate.

When it comes to pointless accessories that offer loads of fun, nothing beats the various add-ons to the WiiMote controller. They range from simple items such as a sword, shield, tennis racket and the like. While they do not add any functional value (some even make playing a little harder), it is always fun to see your friends waving a plastic sword at virtual enemies onscreen.

Speaking of playing in front of a screen, get better WiiMote straps. Nintendo’s WiiMote comes with straps that are used to tie the controller to the player’s wrist (which will help prevent people from accidentally throwing the controller). There are already countless tales of various plasma and HD television screen that have been smashed by an over-eager player’s WiiMote. Better straps would help fasten the controller to the wrist better –just be sure to tell all your users to put on the straps when they play!

Aside from the usual array of swords and hammers, there are a few WiiMote add-ons that actually help, such as the steering wheel, the gun-grips and yes, even the Link crossbow (from Link’s Crossbow Training). These do not necessarily help you aim better –as most of us are far more lethal with a remote control style grip. But they do actually enhance the gameplay experience. There is also an additional extra motion sensing device that goes on the bottom of the WiiMote as well –which helps tracking your movements a lot more accurate.

To get more out of your gaming on the Wii, it is a good idea to buy rechargeable batteries. There are two variants. One is the typical AA battery size that replaces the standard batteries. The other is a Lithium Ion based battery that replaces the standard battery and the battery cover. The good thing about the L-ion battery is that is often comes with a charging dock so that you can be sure that every time you play, your controller is all charged up and ready to go.

So the next time you find yourself with a little extra gaming budget. You might want to pass out on grabbing the latest game releases and instead, look for some worthwhile purchases that would enhance your gaming experience with your current library.

One of the many great features about the Wii is that it is compatible with plenty of old games. Many are already quite familiar with the many Virtual Console games which allow you to play NES, SNES, N64, Megadrive and other platform titles on the Wii. Of course, players will have to use the classic controller in order to play the games properly.

But one great feature of the Wii that is being overlooked is that it can play GameCube games. There are four dedicated ports on the system to plug in the old GC controllers and 2 memory card slots for save file access. No need to worry about the smaller GameCube discs, simply pop them into the disc tray and the Wii will automatically center it for you. If you are asking, ‘what is so good about the GameCube?’ -here is a quick list of our top picks.

Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader

No fan of this generation-transcending work of science fiction can go without experiencing the amazing gameplay that Rogue Leader has to offer. Featuring plenty of amazing voice over work, sound effects that seem to pop right out of the move and a gameplay that truly places you in the heat of the action, this game takes Star Wars interactivity to a whole new level. The game also features a whole array of ships ranging from the well known X-Wing to the more obscure A-Wing as players fly off in missions that coincide with the events of the original trilogy.

Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes

We have a love-hate relationship with this game. Silicon Knights was given plenty of freedom with the remake of the original Metal Gear Solid game for the Playstation and had it graphically updated for the GameCube. The result is a visually stunning work of art that comes pretty close to the graphics for Sons of Liberty on the PS2. The gameplay has also been adjusted to bring in controls and functions available in the PS2 sequel.

The downside is that the Knights had a little too much freedom with Twin Snakes. While the general storyline has not been changed, minor character details have been adjusted. Otacon has become a Nintendo fanboy, Snake has turned into a bit of an acrobat –among others. While the canon story has not been altered, fans of the series felt that the changes were too out of character. Still, for those who have yet to play the MGS series, this title is a great way to be initiated into the world of stealth based action gameplay.

Animal Crossing

Oh, we already know, there is Animal Crossing: Wild World for the Wii. But somehow, nothing beats the charm and feel of the original AC for the GameCube. Most importantly, this is a great way for old GC owners to continue their towns and their game. The GC version of this life simulation game plays a lot simpler and less stylized than the newer version –which is something that a lot of the older fans of the series would appreciate. In any case, if you have been missing out on KK Slider’s weekend concerts and are not planning to play the new AC game, this might be the best time to take the game out of storage and pop it in for a trip back to your town.