bit-tech Shopping: Nintendo Wii Console

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Month

Strengths: Physical movement is the key, not just button pushing

Weaknesses: movements take time to figure out how to sync with the video characters

Summary: Our whole family plays, even the grandparents so that makes this system unique. We all get a workout by playing the boxing game. However I can't figure out how my movements are being translated to the video character. In time I expect more games with better perspectives and better matching of movement to come out though.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Month

Strengths: Fun for the whole family

Weaknesses: The graphics could be much better

Summary: I bought the Wii for my two kids after playing it at a friend's house. The sports games are good fun with realistic motions. The whole family can play and enjoy it. Highly recommended for party fun and family gatherings. One can play and execise at the same time. I look forward to the new "Fit" game that's coming out in May.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 30 Days

Strengths: great product

Weaknesses: none

Summary: Bought this for our 5-1/2 year old son but my husband and I have been using it for guitar hero. Great product, easy to install/set up. Wish the games were not so expensive though.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2 Weeks

Strengths: simplicity in using console

Weaknesses: the only weakness is the person using it

Summary: My husband uses the Wii every morning as an exercise program. He enjoys it more than going to gym. The games are good because as you improve it gets more challenging.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 13 Months

Strengths: It's motion-controlled (mostly), the next-gen of video gaming experience. Great internet interface and allows me to resurrect nostalgic games from old systems (Super Mario, etc.).

Weaknesses: Motion control is still in it's infancy. Most games don't utilize it like they should. Graphics are somewhat cartoony.

Summary: What else is there to say except that Nintendo actually found a way to get more money out of their patents for the power glove and power pad (anymore born after 1990 won't understand what I'm talking about). Motion controlled video gaming is the future and Nintendo is at the forefront. The Wii allows anyone to stop going to smoky bars to play virtual golf or bowling and do it from the comfort of their living room. My mom wants a Wii now and she never cared for video games before. The controls are easy to master, I just wish they had more games that utilized the motion controls to their fullest (give it a few years I'm sure). Once Wii Fit comes out, expect it all to change again. For the better. Yes, PS3 and W-Box 360 have better graphics, but the Wii is leagues ahead in terms of making video gaming an experience and everyone should have one in their house. No doubt about it.