Works-for-Me Wednesday,
The Toys Worth Buying Edition:
Nintendo Wii for Video Game Haters
When I saw this week’s theme, I just knew that I would write about one of the many educational toys that I have lavished on my children. But then I remembered that in most cases, the box got more play than the actual toy.
Then the Wii came to mind because it’s the current new toy in the house and we play a lot. But then I remembered that I hate video games. Hmmmm…
I hate video games, yet I love the Wii. How is this possible? Faced with this paradox, I asked myself,
Why do I love the Wii?
Let me share the reasons:
1. Physical activity
I’ll get this reason out of the way, since it’s the one everyone talks about. Frankly I’ve never believed (and still don’t) that jumping around in front of your TV is a good substitute for running around on a playground. So: new form of recess? Not so much.
But for what it’s worth, most Wii games require players to move, which is better than perching on the couch, twiddling your thumbs with the controller. Many games take advantage of the active design with a sports theme, with everything from skiing to bowling. With Wii Fit you can do yoga. And the Active Life Outdoor Challenge, first in an active series, lets you paddle a kayak, stomp on moles, and jump over logs.
2. Goofiness
One reason I don’t like video games in general: They’re just so SERIOUS. The levels and the puzzles and the fancy moves. Ugh. Plus, the gamer seems to always be glaring at the TV screen, furiously clicking buttons.
And Heaven help the household where a kid can’t conquer a level. Wailing and gnashing of teeth can be heard all the way down the block. (Or is this only my house?)
Contrast that with the Wii: It’s really hard to take yourself seriously when you play tag down a ski slope. Or leap over an imaginary jumprope. Or bend your body sideways after “letting go” of the ball just like the real bowlers do when they’re trying to make a spare. It’s just goofy. And apparently that’s a good match with me. (Who knew?)
3. Moves that make sense
When I watch the Charlies play some of our older video games, I get totally lost when they’re learning a new “skill.” Because the movements you make have NOTHING to do with reality.
To jump and glide I have to press A, then B, then A and B together, then wait a half-second and click C in rapid succession while holding down D? Why? In what universe does this make sense?
I guess I’m too literal. If I’m asked to throw, I’d like to make an actual throwing motion. Call me simple. And when I learn new skills on the Wii, I have some hope of actually “getting it.”
(And in case you were worried, the controller has a wrist strap to keep you from actually throwing anything at the TV screen. Good to know, huh?)
4. Interactivity
Wii is almost as much fun to watch as it is to play. Because, hello? Goofiness.
When I watch my daughters try to find each other on the ski slope and end up skiing in circles, I get just as dizzy and laugh just as hard as they do. Many games have a two-player option, and some offer play for up to four people. Anyone who’s watching will be entertained, and have many opportunities to heckle.
While most traditional video game play is isolating – fun to play but boring to watch – Wii actually makes for a great occasional “family game night”
***
We didn’t take the purchase of Wii lightly. At around $250, it’s kind of an “investment” gaming system. And for a family still watching a picture tube TV and playing Playstation 2, it was a big jump.
But at the end of summer, as a reward for some hard work the kids did, we took the Wii plunge. I’m glad we got it, and I can now almost justify the expense. Now the kids tend to list Wii games for Christmas or birthday presents, and since they provide such fun for the whole family, we’re all excited to get them.
This Christmas, a Wii console could make a very entertaining big gift for the whole family.
***
What you need to know:
The Wii system, unless specially bundled, comes with only one game called Wii Sports, and one controller and nunchuk. (Yeah, I know. Nunchuk. So far we haven’t found any karate games, but whatever.)
First: Buy an extra controller/nunchuk combo if more than one person will ever play.
Second: Wii Sports includes golf, tennis, baseball, and bowling. It can entertain a family for months. But what about when you want to get a new game? They’re not cheap (around $50 for a new release), and they can’t all be fantastic. (We learned the hard way that some Wii games are just like any old-skool Xbox game: multilevel, finger-controlled, and not very active.)
So what do you do? Watch for sales. (Target has a “Buy 2, Get 1 Free” offer this week.) Find reviews by people with similar interests. Rent before (or instead of) buying. Blockbuster stocks a great selection.
***
Games we’ve played and love
Wii Sports, Wii Ski, Carnival Games
Games we plan to try
Outdoor Adventure (I totally want to stomp some moles!), Boom Blox (great reviews, and our kids have asked for it)
I’m sure there are tons of other great games. In fact, if you can recommend any, I’d love to read about them in the comments.
20 responses so far ↓
1 The Bargain Shopper Lady // Nov 5, 2008 at 6:40 am
This is a great review. You almost have me convinced! Now we just need a tv!
2 Happy Mommy // Nov 5, 2008 at 7:57 am
We love our Wii so much! Now we need to find the Wii fit, that’s what the kids want for Christmas.
3 Steph // Nov 5, 2008 at 9:25 am
I’ve seen Wii Fit on Amazon recently. I’d better put in my request for it now, cuz *I* want it for Christmas.
4 Rachel K // Nov 5, 2008 at 10:47 am
perfect timing. this is one of the things I’m considering for Kyler for Christmas. . .
5 Andrea // Nov 5, 2008 at 11:32 am
For once I wish we’d had the money to get a Wii for our kids (we have four) outright but we just don’t; HOWEVER, our kids agreed to pool their allowances when I found a bundled deal at ToysRUs which included the Wii console, TWO controllers and TWO nunchuks, Wii Sports AND Mario SuperSmash Brothers (I may be a little off on the order of words in that game title but I’m sure your kids know which one I’m talking about!). I got all that for a little over $350 (including free shipping!) and the best part is that even though my kids agreed to pay for it with their own money and the package has already arrived at our house, they don’t even know it’s been ordered and think that I changed my mind about purchasing it! (Sidenote to Happy Mommy: Wal-mart, as recently as two weeks ago, had plenty of Wii Fit in stock, but customers were limited to one apiece.)
6 Sherry // Nov 5, 2008 at 1:03 pm
I have been seriously considering getting this as a CHRISTmas family gift. I think it would bring some fun to our family and maybe improve some relationships, too.
7 Kimberly // Nov 5, 2008 at 3:05 pm
I strongly recommend MarioKart for Wii…you’ll need a Wii Wheel (or 2, or 4) that you can slide your Wii controller into as well. Game about $50 and Wii Wheel between $10-$20, but very worth it. I can’t drag myself away some nights (and I’m 25!). You can also play with other players around the world (if you connect your Wii to your home network), which is fun for me b/c I can challenge out-of-town friends. I love MarioKart!!!
8 Lisa // Nov 5, 2008 at 3:08 pm
I’ve been considering this too, after many years of being a video-game-hater. Thanks.
9 thedomesticfringe // Nov 5, 2008 at 3:26 pm
My neighbor has one and it’s so fun!
10 Toni // Nov 5, 2008 at 3:48 pm
I love the wii fit. I am addicted to all the balance games and my family has enjoyed the friendly competition. I also love the step aerobics! I can do it in my pjs and no one notices.
Toni
11 Audra Krell // Nov 5, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Amen to everything you said….I second that Wii emotion. I have three boys and they ALL do the yoga. It cracks me up, but it’s their idea and so cool!
12 faemom // Nov 5, 2008 at 6:38 pm
I bought it for a birthday/father’s day gift, and the only way I could get it was bundled with five other games and another controller and nunchuck, which made it expensive but well worth it in the end. As for being taken to serious, you should meet my husband. He refuses to play Star Wars Lego because I do better than he. Sigh. But the games are tons of fun. Even my mom bought one for herself.
13 Fiddledeedee // Nov 5, 2008 at 6:45 pm
We just got home from Target. We made use of the buy 2, get one free. We previously rented a few games from Blockbuster to check them out. So, for $19.99 each, we just got “Disney Princess”, “Barbie Island Princess”, and the free one was “Hotwheels.”
My girls are in heaven. Personally, I still LOVE the old Mario 3 from the 90′s. I’d love to find something close to it. (Paper Mario is too weird.)
And yes, the goofiness factor is big around here, too.
14 Steph // Nov 5, 2008 at 6:48 pm
What great comments! I have yet to find someone who HATES the Wii. It seems like anyone who’s played it loves it.
@Andrea, I’ve heard good things about Super Smash Brothers. We might put that on the “want” list. Sounds like you’re gonna have some very happy kids.
@Kimberly, I totally want Mario Kart. That commercial with the people playing on opposite sides of the world sold me. (Yes, ad people love me.)
@Toni, Oooooo, Wii Fit does sound fantastic. And since I spend most of every day in my pjs anyway, it’ll work out well.
@faemom, MEN. They manage to find some way to make everything into a competition. Oh well, more Lego Star Wars for you.
15 @ngie // Nov 6, 2008 at 8:44 am
We need to get our Wii fixed – the cable that has the special connector in the back lets the audio through but no video.
16 Christina Costain // Nov 8, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Wii have a Wii in our very near future! My dh was at Target last night seeing what he could scrounge up for their Buy 2 get 1 sale! Not much left, but I think Wii will have a good base to go from! he he
Hoping Santa brings a Wii fit, too.
17 JourneytoFamily // Nov 8, 2008 at 6:13 pm
We’re an Xbox360 family, but I’m really wanting the Wii! I want the fitness package one! (visiting from BPOTW)
18 notsosahm // Nov 9, 2008 at 12:01 am
My mom got us a Wii and Guitar Hero for Christmas. She gave it to us in July so we’ve been able to pre-ejoy it. We’ve also tried the sports games and the carnival games. Those are all fun. I would love to get the Wii Fit for Christmas. I desperately need to work out but lack motivation to actually get out of the house. I think, since I like the other stuff on the Wii, that I would actually use it. And as far as I know it tracks your progress so I can tell if I’m improving.
19 Elizabeth Channel // Nov 10, 2008 at 11:48 pm
This Outdoor Adventure is going on the Christmas List. I’m tired of all this Mario. There’s no movement involved!
20 katdish // Dec 7, 2008 at 9:38 am
Steph -
You totally have to get Rayman and the Raving Rabbids (1, 2 and 3). Check it out!
We have 1 and 2. I can’t wait for Santa to bring the 3rd one. If you have a Wii fit board, it has an option to PLAY WITH YOUR BUTT! How cool is that?
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