Nintendo's seventh generation console, previously codenamed Revolution but now known as Wii, blew away all the competition at the recent E3 Convention in Los Angeles. That's right, Nintendo's latest gizmo was the talk of the town ahead of Microsoft's XBOX 360 and Sony's Playstation 3 -- a thrashing that harked back to the early-90's and its Nintendo versus Sega duels for supremacy.
So why has Wii proven to be such an unexpected convention success? Well, the XBOX 360 and PS3 don't bring a new gaming experience to the table. Yes, both consoles produce prettier graphics and come "future-proofed" for high-definition televisions, with the PS3 even equipped with a BluRay player, but beyond that it's just more of the same...
But Wii takes it to a different level. Nintendo's dinky system may be outclassed technically, but its visuals are still better than the GameCube (and not much behind PS3/XBOX 360, unless you're being snobbish). But -- and here's the crucial thing -- the Wii is a far more immersive console for your gaming experience. Why? Welcome to the Wiimote...
The Wiimote is how players interact with the Wii. Essentially, forget your gamepad (although standard pads will be available), because Nintendo have created a "nunchuk" design that can sense its position in 3D space through dozens of hidden sensors.
What does this mean exactly? Allow me to elaborate. Imagine playing a tennis game, but where you can actually use the Wiimote as a substitute racket! Yes, that's right, you can now stand in your living room and play tennis (virtually). The same goes for any sports-based game! Swing your Wiimote to play baseball, golf, table-tennis... even go virtual fishing!
The Wiimote even has a degree of forced-feedback/vibration, and a small speaker for sound effects. Just imagine a Star Wars game on Wii where you can actual brandish your own virtual light saber complete with humming sound effects! The upcoming Zelda game also allows the Wiimote to be used as a bow -- with the "twang" of your arrows moving audibly from the Wiimote's speaker to your TV!
The possibilities are endless! First Person Shooters, sports games, platformers, beat 'em ups, flying/driving games... all will be revolutionised by this more immersive system.
This level of interaction is something you just won't get with the XBOX 360 or PS3 (despite the fact Sony have belatedly stolen Nintendo's idea by updating their PS3 controllers with similar sensors, but with underwhelming results.) Still, expect the PS4 to have a Wiimote-esque interface... sometime in... ooh, 2011?
In addition, the Wii will be much cheaper (the PS3 is expected to be £400, whereas the Wii will be nearer £150) and Nintendo are going to launch Virtual Console (an online area accessible by Wii, where you can download selected games from their back-catalogue of retro games -- fantastic news for fans of classic gaming). It also goes without saying that the Wii can play GameCube games and interface with any GC peripherals you bought -- so your money wasn't wasted!
Of course, there are downsides to Wii over its rivals. As I said, the graphics aren't as good (but not exactly terrible) and it won't play next-generation HD-DVD/BluRay discs. But for pure fun and a fresh perspective on gaming... the Wii is where it's at!
Still don't believe me? Then checkout the Wii trailer and join the revolution against Sony and Microsoft's stranglehold on the market... and return Nintendo to its rightful place!