One of the most anticipated and innovative video gaming systems is the Nintendo Wii. Known for being one of the first companies to bring home video games to the masses, Nintendo has created a first in gaming with the Nintendo Wii. First launched in 2006, the Nintendo Wii has won many awards. It has an edge over its closest competitors (the Sony Playstation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360) in that it is able to read ones movement in 3D with its one-of-a-kind remote controller. Instead of just sitting and pressing buttons on the controller, the Wii encourages activity and movement. The remote works from different angles and makes one feel like they are actually in the midst of the game, rather than just sitting on a couch in a living room. Because of this, the Nintendo Wii has mass appeal and has reached a greater demographic than traditional video game systems. Not only is it easy enough for a small child to play, but it is often used in retirement or nursing homes as it encourages activity for older people, and useful for those with limited mobility.
Not only has Nintendo invented a new way of playing, it also has the ability to get updates and messages over the internet, even when on standby. It is the smallest of Nintendo consoles, so it can fit in even the smallest of spaces. It takes Optical discs and has a slot for an SD card as well as two USB ports. These allow for the uploading and downloading of games, pictures, Mp3s. It comes equippedd with one remote and nunchuck (used for certain games) as well as a compact bar that senses the movements of the remote and nunchuck as well as Wii Sports which includes five different sports: bowling, boxing, tennis, baseball and golf. Each game is a lot of fun, but do not overdo it too much the first time you play – you will realize there are muscles that you have not used in a while!
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Another attachment one can purchase for the Wii is the Wii Fit. The Fit comes with a Balance Board that is placed on the floor and when stood on, has multiple sensors which detects movements and measures balance. It is so sensitive that all one has to do is shift their weight and the Wii Fit board follows the movement. The Fit is perfect for those that want to keep in shape but get bored of the same workout. The disk comes with 48 different fitness games and allows one to keep track of their weight gains or loss and body mass index and can support up to 330 lbs.
Exercises on the Fit can be categorized by Balance games, which work on your core muscles, strength training, which pumps up muscles, yoga (encourages flexibility and balance) and aerobics which works up a sweat and exercises the heart.
There is also a log that one can record activities done apart from the Wii to keep track of your fit level.
Nintendo Wii and Wii Fit are perfect for those who need or want to increase activity by turning exercise into fun and games.
