Nintendo Wii System

[janmike]

Ok, time to upgrade the little guy's Gamecube. I think we will go the Nintendo Wii System route. Compatibility for one thing. So anything I need to know about this (good, bad, sofware, version #...) before I try and snag one on ebay for Christmas. Hell if I can upgrade audio I guess he can upgrade the game platform. Thanks folks.

PS - I have no idea what these are worth so I'll check the local Walmart first.

[dorokusai]

The Wii was the coolest purchase this year for us, we love it.

[polkatese]

ditto. I don't think there is any real legit hardware complain against Wii.

Is Ebay a good route? I am just saying that your local walmart, target, ebgames, etc. are better option, IMO.

Two thumbs up, btw. Of course, right behind 360. ;)

[jdhdiggs]

Walmart early Sunday morning or Tuesday mornings are usually good bets. You could also try BB or CC online and have it shipped.

[BIZILL]

there was of course the initial problematic snapping of wrist straps that sent controllers hurling through screens and monitors. but afaik, they've corrected this issue.

[Shizelbs]

there was of course the initial problematic snapping of wrist straps that sent controllers hurling through screens and monitors. but afaik, they've corrected this issue.

Yes, there are new wrist straps. Also, the remotes now ship with the plastic/rubber grip sleeve. Better grip, and should cushion the blow if you were to let the remote fly.

[cheddar]

Yes, there are new wrist straps. Also, the remotes now ship with the plastic/rubber grip sleeve. Better grip, and should cushion the blow if you were to let the remote fly.

Duh, I wondered why none of my friends put their rubber grips on. It's a new feature. I guess they got them before they started including them in the box. Yes, get the rubber grips. But I think they sell them seperately too in all sorts of colors. It really helps you hold the main controller better.

[cheddar]

Also, I agree with others to check with your local retailers first. It seems that they are a lot more available now. Talk to someone in charge and see how hard they are to get. Retail is your best bet unless you need it quick.

[janmike]

They are real easy to get. I could go to WalMart and buy one right now. Since we have a number of Gamecube games it does not make sense to me to change platforms from a compatibility perspective. I see a lot of difference devices that you can purchase and wondered what would be the best to get – controllers that is. The Gamecube is very simple.

[cheddar]

Basically you need four controllers and 4 nunchuks. The nunchuks plug into each controller so you can use both hands. All the other add-ons are more cosmetic including the rubber driving wheels that fit over the main controller. It just feels more like a wheel but doesn't change the play very much.

One controller and nunchuk comes in the box. Another controller comes with the wii play game. That leaves you two controllers and three nunchuks to get someplace else. There are also some specialty stuff like guns. But I haven't played with them yet.

[janmike]

One thing is for sure, I am not buying no god damn gun.

[Shizelbs]

Nintendo is giving away the new rubber grips to current Wii owners that want one. They are giving up to four grips/sleeves away per console.

[Disc Jockey]

I don't know that you really need four nunchuks. I've never seen a three or four player game that required nunchuks, only the one and two player.

For anyone that bought the Wii before Nintendo starting shipping them with the sleeves, you can get the sleeves for free from Nintendo's website

[cheddar]

I don't know that you really need four nunchuks. I've never seen a three or four player game that required nunchuks, only the one and two player.

Well, you definitely need two sets for boxing. And I seem to remember a multiplayer 3rd person shooting game where each person needed a set to move and aim. But that was before I got my console, so I don't remember it well. But I do remember something like 4 split screens while playing it.

[engtaz]

I think you can get away with 3 nunchuks, only because the dog might eat one. LOL

engtaz

[MKZ]

Where can I get the wii console in New York, Boston Area?

[dorokusai]

Target.

[MKZ]

Target.

They don't. :(

[tommyboy]

The Wii was the coolest purchase this year for us, we love it.

I'm just curious what games you have played that made you love it. My friend has the wii and we have played quite a few games, None of which I would ever give a thumbs up for innovation or fun factor.A few I played are wii carnival, Mario party, wii play, and Sonic(the one with party games). Wii sports was the only game I felt was a "new" experience(especially the bowling), and that game was free...

Well, if it gets such praise here, maybe my buddy just buys the shitty games

[engtaz]

Rayman Ravin Rabbit #1, Wii Sports and Wii play.

engtaz

[dorokusai]

Tommyboy - The ones Engtaz mentioned are what we have with the Ravin Rabbits being the most fun. We like it because it allows us to do something together.

[LBrize]

The Wii has been a great purchase for me. I waited in line for 17 hours to get the thing on opening day, and I was too tired to hook it up!

Most of the games I've played have been great fun, and like most others here, simply go to a retail store to get your Wii. They're still selling higher than retail on Ebay most of the time, because Nintendo sells out every shipment within days! Just ask a store manager when they're going to get them, and get there when the store opens. You may try reserving one also, but retail is the best bet at this point.

P.S. I think you and your son will be fighting over Wii time!

[janmike]

There are 10 of them at the Walmart in town. No problem getting one and will do this weekend. Waiting until November could be a problem as the Christmas rush will start. My son is 8 and I know that he will want us both to play. Thanks.

PS - You are right. They are more expensive on Ebay than they are at Walmart.

[chillywilly]

the wii is great my wife daughters love it. The Wii is a good family machine

[wallstreet]

that's what i'm hoping for. I've got one stashed in the closet from Santa Claus.

[Sherardp]

Just bought one here in Japan, even here they sell out fast. Finally got my hands on one in the local store that carries the US version.

[zombie boy 2000]

My entire family is hooked. And by "everybody", I mean my 75 year old grandmother. I second Doro's assessment. It really brings everyone together and is far more fun than it should be. Adding a few beers to the mix takes it to the next level.

[dorokusai]

Do you find yourself like actually having muscle aches? Is that bad? :D

[zombie boy 2000]

Yeah.. we have affectionately named 'em "Wiinjuries".

[zx_toth]

Do you find yourself like actually having muscle aches? Is that bad? :D

I go to the gym 4-5 times a week and I found I had a sore elbow after playing the tennis for 2 hours .... so you may be ok :)

[dorokusai]

Thanks guys, I'll stop crying then.

[tommyboy]

Yeah.. we have affectionately named 'em "Wiinjuries".

You must love the "shaking the wiimote" games.. I bet it "causes" a lot of your wiinjuries:rolleyes:

Speaking of those "types" of games (More commonly known by my friends as "yanking the chain" games). Do you guys go for broke here? or do you just hide your true skills?

Well, I'm sure practice makes perfect right.

[dorokusai]

Huh?

[MKZ]

Rayman Ravin Rabbit #1, Wii Sports and Wii play.

engtaz

Just got one from OR and they are on the way. I have also bought Rayman Rabbits, Wii Play and extra Nunchuk Controller. Any recommended Accessories and Games? How many Controllers do I need for 2 players? Thanks.

[dorokusai]

Just two controllers and two nunchuks. I also use the memory card from my Gamecube.

[MKZ]

Just two controllers and two nunchuks. I also use the memory card from my Gamecube.

Is that SD?

[dorokusai]

I have no idea really, just re-used it from the old system.

[MKZ]

I think I could use regular SD (http://www.buy.com/prod/kingston-2gb-secure-digital-card-sd/q/loc/101/202743332.html) instead of this (http://www.amazon.com/Wii-Sandisk-Gaming-Memory-Card/dp/B000KBKBBM/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-0097206-7207826?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1193762037&sr=8-1) to save money. Thanks dorokusai.

[jdhdiggs]

Regular SD, less than or equal to 2GB in size works just fine and you'll save about 50% off of Nintendo's prices. Handy bit o knowledge that is. Perhaps we should post all our Wii console names and have a big ol'Polk mii parade...

[Maurice]

wii tennis is like CRACK!!!! Back away from the wiimote.;)

[zombie boy 2000]

Thanks guys, I'll stop crying then.

Cry all you want. You will always have a support group among Wii owners. First weekend of Wii madness, friends and fam walked around like we'd been gutted in Somalia. Bad injuries. Bad Wiijuries.