Nintendo Wii
After trailing the gaming race for two generations with "me too" consoles, Nintendo is taking a much different approach with its new system. The Nintendo Wii--formerly known as the Revolution--makes use of special motion-sensitive controllers that allow you to swing a sword, throw a punch, or drive a car with a flick of the wrist rather than with the push of a button. At about $250, the Wii also costs considerably less than the Microsoft Xbox 360 or the Sony PlayStation 3. Read on for CNET's complete coverage of Nintendo's interesting new system, including the latest news, videos, and product reviews.
Nintendo Wii shopping
Nintendo keeps things simple with the Wii. It comes in only one version, which, at about $250, costs significantly less than the Xbox 360 or the PlayStation 3. The Wii also includes one pleasant surprise, a simple but infectious game called Wii Sports that lets users get a feel for the system's wireless controller. You can swap the remote back and forth to play golf or to bowl, but if you want to play tennis or baseball head-to-head, you will need to purchase at least one more controller.
Nintendo Wii games
SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab (Wii)
Price: $39.20 to $53.99
Nintendo Wii accessories
Logitech G25 Racing Wheel - wheel, pedals and gear shift lever set
Price: $238.97 to $299.99
Nintendo Wii editors' review
The good: Revolutionary controller design offers unique motion-sensitive gameplay options; built-in Wi-Fi delivers free online services and (eventually) gameplay; Virtual Console has major nostalgia appeal; compatible with all GameCube games and controllers; built-in SD slot for storage and photo viewing; includes Wii Sports game; most affordable of all next-gen systems.
The bad: Controller eats batteries and takes some time to get used to; lacks the advanced HD graphics and surround sound found on the Xbox 360 and the PS3; requires a wired receiver unit placed near the TV to interface with wireless controllers; can't play CDs or DVDs.
The bottom line: It lacks the graphical prowess and rich media features of the Xbox 360 and the PS3, but the Nintendo Wii's combination of unique motion-sensitive controllers and emphasis on fun gameplay make the ultra-affordable console hard to resist.
Nintendo Wii features
The best GameCube games for your Wii
The best GameCube-exclusive games from the last generation to play on your brand-new Nintendo Wii. Read more
January 25, 2007Next-gen consoles compared: PS3 vs. Xbox 360 vs. Nintendo Wii 
And then there were three. The Xbox 360 has had the next-gen mantle to itself for a year, but now it has some major competition in the form of the Sony PlayStation 3 and the Nintendo Wii. Read more
November 20, 2006Ask the Editors: Which is the best gaming console to get: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, or Nintendo Wii?
The complete triumvirate of next-generation gaming consoles is now available, but choosing the right system isn't as easy as going for the one with the highest rating. When shopping for your console of choice, here are a few things to keep in mind. Read more
November 29, 2006Must-have Wii accessories
Getting a Nintendo Wii? You'll need to pick up a few other items to fully enjoy it. Read more
November 16, 2006Things that go Wii!
The Wii is finally here, and we have the photos to prove it. Nintendo's new console hit stores November 19, and at least initially it is out-selling the more powerful and more expensive Sony PlayStation 3. If you haven't gotten your hands on the Wii yet, here are some shots to tide you over. Read more
November 10, 2006Nintendo Wii news
Video games: Cheap therapy?
New genre of games claims to boost players' psychological health and self-esteem. Read more
February 08, 2007Can GM's Pontiac become cyber-groovy?
news analysis The automaker is going full-throttle with branding on Yahoo, MySpace and Second Life as it tries to capture a younger, hipper market. Read more
February 07, 2007N.Y. lawmaker hopes to ban iPod use in crosswalks
State senator's bill would make it illegal to cross the street tuned into portable electronic devices such as MP3 players and BlackBerrys. Read more
February 07, 2007Nintendo Wii tips and tricks
Get gaming accessories
Unless you purchased an upgraded bundle, today's game consoles are bare-bones packages. Read more
Console gaming online
Console gamers recently discovered what their PC counterparts have known for years: the real fun in gaming is online. Read more
Gaming in HD
Low-res visuals are so last century. Today's game designers are betting you'll be playing their games on an HDTV, and both the Xbox 360 and the PS3 support HD. Read more
User opinions for Nintendo Wii
by dragon2o00 (see profile), 22/05/2005
so like me you probably read everything there was to read about... Read more
by pwasson (see profile), 07/08/2005
by techned (see profile), 19/05/2005
Here's the arguments I've seen so... Read more
by dannydyer1000 (see profile), 17/09/2005
All revolutions start... Read more
by t22_squad (see profile), 15/06/2005
Learn about Nintendo Wii
Nintendo has ventured off the beaten path with its newest system, and the company knows it. While the Sony PlayStation 3 and the Microsoft Xbox 360 both emphasize their impressive graphical capabilities, Nintendo downplays the importance of graphics on its new console. While the Sony and Microsoft consoles keep the branding of their respective predecessors, the oddly named Wii is a semantic departure from Nintendo's more literally named 2001 console, the GameCube. And while the PS3 and the Xbox 360 both use conventional gamepads bristling with buttons, control sticks, and directional pads, the Wii uses a device that looks more like a TV remote than a gamepad to control its games.
These strange choices could have spelled failure for Nintendo's newest endeavor. Underplaying processing power, using a strange new controller setup, and giving the whole package an odd name could have been major mistakes for Nintendo. (Consider some of the company's earlier attempts to go against the grain: the Power Glove and the Virtual Boy.) But if our early experience with the Wii is any indication, this particular Nintendo gamble seems likely to pay off. It's strange, it's new, and it's not as powerful as its competitors, but the Nintendo Wii succeeds in its primary mission: it's fun to play.
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Nintendo Wii pictures
Wii launch titles
The Nintendo Wii arrives on November 19, and over 20 games will be waiting to greet it. Here are some of the best launch titles for Nintendo's new system.
Eight must-have Wii accessories
Know someone who's getting a Wii for the holidays? These add-ons will let them (or you) make the most of it.
Waiting for the Wii in Times Square
New Yorkers line up in droves to get their hands on the new Nintendo game console.
Lining up for the Wii
Roughly 1,000 eager fans line up in Los Angeles to get their hands on the Nintendo Wii.
Nintendo Wii moves closer to launch
Launch of Nintendo's Wii gaming console is set for Nov. 19 as IBM delivers the first batch of processors.
See all pictures
Windows Vista videos
Nintendo Wii Classic Controller
Unless you don't have a GameCube controller or any GameCube games, give this Wii peripheral a pass.
We Crave the Wii laptop
Veronica's guest host, Ryan Block of Engadget, shows off a Nintendo Wii laptop. Veronica counters with a diamond mouse, a platform shoe phone, and some earthquake safety advice.
Craving NYC: Downtown chic meets Wii sports
Manhattan's Hotel Gansevoort is one of those places that tends to wind up in the gossip columns of Us Weekly magazine. But it also has something that Nintendo fans--and everyone else--will crave: Wiis on demand.
Nintendo Wii
The Nintendo Wii's combination of unique motion-sensitive controllers and an emphasis on fun gameplay make the ultra-affordable console hard to resist.
Wii takes over Times Square
Long lines, but wait worth it for fans purchasing the first units after midnight.
Gaming preview: The Legend of Zelda: The Twilight Princess
Originally developed for the GameCube, Twilight Princess has been optimized for the Wii's motion-sensitive controller.
Must-have game console: Nintendo Wii and Sony PS3
That's right--we have a game console tie! Rich DeMuro explains why they are both on our list.
