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.
Price: $329.95
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Nintendo Wii editors' review
The good: Revolutionary controller design offers unique motion-sensitive gameplay options; built-in Wi-Fi delivers free online services and 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 home game console.
The bad: Controller eats batteries and takes some time to get used to; online gaming and community features hobbled by horrible "friends code" system; nunchuk controller sold separately; 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
Best games for the Wii
Psst...if you've tracked down a Wii, the hard part is over. But still, you're gonna need some games. Here are the best ones out there. Read more
October 18, 2007Retro tech: The best game pads for the Wii
The Nintendo Wiimote is darn fun, but you can't use it to play GameCube games or most Virtual Console titles. Use these old-school controllers instead. Read more
February 9, 2007The 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
High notes from a low-profile E3
The new-style E3 is no longer a huge free-for-all, but that doesn't mean Microsoft and others in the video-game business aren't making some noise. Read more
July 15, 2008The next wave of PCs
New chips like Intel's Atom and Nvidia's Tegra are shaping the development of PCs from the Eee Box desktop to the emerging category of mobile Internet devices. Read more
June 05, 2008Podcast: Google Health and a case of the heebie-jeebies
Napster opens up its massive MP3 library; why Google Health gives Rafe Needleman a serious case of the willies; and can cable companies succeed in the wireless market? Read more
May 20, 2008Nintendo 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
If you are seriously looking for an un-biased review of any of the 3 next-gen consoles, be prepared to... Read more
by w4rr10r (see profile), 02/24/2007
so like me you probably read everything there was to read about... Read more
by pwasson (see profile), 08/07/2005
by dragon2o00 (see profile), 05/22/2005
by techned (see profile), 05/19/2005
All revolutions start... Read more
by t22_squad (see profile), 06/15/2005
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.
Nintendo Wii pictures
Best gadget design
The Wii's on our list of the most stylish-looking gadgets in history. See what other gear cracked the top 10.
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
Nintendo Wii videos
Quick Tips: Turn on Wii screen burn-in reduction
Don't suffer from burn-in! If you have your Wii hooked up to a big screen, we'll show you how to make sure those images don't linger long after the game's over.
Quick Tips: Set Wii parental controls
Learn how to control access to games on a Wii console by using their ratings.
Quick Tips: Synchronizing your Wii remote
Whether your Wii remote isn't responding or you want to temporarily add a friend's remote to your system, we'll show you how.
Quick Tips: Make Wii photo slide shows
Impress your friends with slick photo slide shows on the Wii--find out how to add your own MP3 background music, how to change the order photos are displayed in, and how to transition between pictures.
Quick Tips: Nickname your Wii
Learn how to give your Wii console a nickname so you can tell your systems apart even when you're connected to others.
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.
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