Community Newsletter: Q&A: To Wii or not to Wii? That is the question.
- 12/14/07 4:30 PM
ADDITION TO MY LAST MESSAGE...= I SHOULD HAVE MENTIONED
by k_fitzgerald433 - 12/7/07 10:31 PM In reply to: To Wii or not to Wii? That is the question. by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
SORRY, I SHOULD HAVE MENTIONED THE GUITAR GAME HAS A GUITAR WITH IT INCLUDED IN THE $90.00 CDN. IF YOUR CHILD IS INSTRUMENTAL, HE WILL DEFINATELY LOVE IT AND IF NOT AFTER ALL IT IS THE LATEST THING AND THAT ALONE HE WILL LOVE. WHEN MY SON BOUGHT IT I WAS SHOCKED AT THE PRICE, I THOUGHT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN EASILY ABOUT $200. HIS FRIENDS COME OVER AT TIMES JUST TO PLAY THAT GAME. I ACTUALLY WANT TO TRY IT OUT AND I DO NOT CARE FOR VIDEO GAMES. GOOD LUCK, WOULD LOVE TO HERE HOW U MADE OUT, LET ME KNOW
KEL
Nintendo Wii
by darrinfamily - 12/7/07 10:33 PM In reply to: To Wii or not to Wii? That is the question. by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I personally do not own one but two of our sons have one and their family enjoy them. One thing I love about the system is that their children are not sitting so much and are up and physically engaged in the games. This is why I would say that it is well worth the money spent. Too many children end up sitting while playing electronic games and forego any kind of exercise. Also, being that it was part of the agreement with your son, I believe you owe it to him for fulfilling his part. Now it is up to you as the adult to keep your promise.
Wii vs. PS3 or XBox
by dandevil - 12/7/07 10:54 PM In reply to: To Wii or not to Wii? That is the question. by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Your brother in law is so right.
Son wants a Wii
by Hayfarmer82 - 12/7/07 11:00 PM In reply to: To Wii or not to Wii? That is the question. by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Rhonda,
I own a PS3, and have played both the X360 and Wii. The first question is the age of your son, because the Wii system is oriented more towards "Family" friendly games. PS3 has no games like bowling, pool, interactive baseball, etc... and neither does the X360. The PS3 and X360 are geared more towards the "FanBoys" who demand highly intense graphic presentations of games that are oriented towards seeing how much carnage one can create against another. Most games available are first person shooters and the like, while the sports games derive their entertainment factor from ones ability to move their fingers and thumbs on the directional pad. Their are some games for the X360 and PS3 which are family style, but they are very few at this point in time. The X360 and PS3 are also oriented towards deriving entertainment by interacting with other members in online challenges/co-op play. Wii doesn't really have a strong site oriented towards adding game content from an online server.
If you think your son can handle first person shooting/stabbing/stealthy deaths and fights with some showing significant gorey shots and you feel that he is old enough to handle these situations, then get him an X360 or PS3. If you don't want him exposed to some of these games but want games that he can interact with by motion like swinging a golf club or bat or innocent style Role Playing then get the Wii. The Wii does also have some of the game styles aformentioned for X360 and PS3.
If I had a preteen child, I would not expose them to the first person shooters of X360 or PS3. An early teen I would monitor those types of games, because they don't need to be exposed to Modern Warfare or Viscious Kung Fu endings, and an adolescent teen I wouldn't worry too much except for the possible racier innuendos implied in a very few of the PS3 and X360 games. Overall they are all good systems with X360 and PS3 offering the best graphics and sound plus expandibility, while Wii has better interactiveness and poorer graphics and sound.
Remember that poor graphics and sound does not equate to poor games. Wii has several excellent games specifically devoted to it alone.
Hope this helps a bit. Ask your friendly store clerk and research on line to see what all their strengths and weaknesses are.
Why Adults Should Support The WII purchase - Health & Exercise
by WilliamHarper - 12/7/07 11:00 PM In reply to: To Wii or not to Wii? That is the question. by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
The following Wall Street Journal article is a little negative but it discusses that WII players actually get exercise.
Additionally, Nintendo will be bringing out, this Winter, games that are less frenetic. They are being used in Japan to give exercise AND memory improvement (Brain Training for Adults)to the elderly. I think this is a very cutting-edge trend in home entertainment.
Other links:
http://www.gilbertguide.com/blog/2007/10/16/a-video-game-that%E2%80%99s-good-for-you-no-matter-what-your-age/
http://www.gilbertguide.com/blog/2007/10/16/a-video-game-that%E2%80%99s-good-for-you-no-matter-what-your-age/
A Wii Workout:
When Videogames Hurt
Nintendo's new system forces players to move their bodies, causing aches for some couch potatoes; a case of 'Wii elbow'
By JAMIN WARREN
November 25, 2006
A videogame maker has finally succeeded in getting kids off the couch and moving around. But the new approach is turning out to be more exercise than some players bargained for.
These surprisingly vigorous workouts are being triggered by Nintendo's new Wii videogames. The Wii game console, which went on sale last weekend, competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's new PlayStation 3. One of the Wii's distinguishing features is a motion-sensitive technology that requires players to act out their character's movements, wielding the game's controller like a sword or swinging it like a tennis racket.
The new console has been wildly successful, selling out at stores and winning high marks from critics and game buffs. But as players spend more time with the Wii, some are noticing that hours waving the game's controller around can add up to fairly intense exertion -- resulting in aches and pains common in more familiar forms of exercise. They're reporting aching backs, sore shoulders -- even something some have dubbed "Wii elbow."
"It's harder than playing basketball," says Kaitlin Franke, a 12-year-old from Louisville, Ky. She has been camped out in front of her family's TV, fine-tuning her bowling motion and practicing boxing footwork in two of the Wii's games. Almost immediately, she says, her right arm started to feel numb.
In Rochester, Minn., Jeremy Scherer and his wife spent three hours playing tennis and bowling, two of the games included with the Wii. Mr. Scherer says he managed to improve his scores -- at the cost of shoulders and back that were still aching the next day. "I was using muscles I hadn't used in a while," says Mr. Scherer, a computer programmer who describes himself as "not very active." Mr. Scherer is vowing nightly "Wii workouts" to get in better shape.
VIDEO
See Nintendo's videos1 of people using the new Wii controller.Another hazard: collisions. All those flailing arms can sometimes inadvertently smack into lamps, furniture and even competing players. IGN.com, a popular site that reviews videogames, said one player testing the Wii lost her grip and sent the controller flying into a wall. Blaine Stuart of Rochester, N.Y., mistakenly whacked his fiancée, Shelly Haefele, while playing tennis and also accidentally hit his dog while bowling.
Nintendo itself warns players about this risk just before some of the games begin. A message flashes up on the screen saying: "Make sure there are no people or objects around you that you might bump into while playing." Some Wii games also have pop-up reminders every 15 minutes advising gamers to take a break.
Perrin Kaplan, a spokeswoman from Nintendo, says the company hasn't received complaints from any gamers about soreness. "It was not meant to be a Jenny Craig supplement," she says. "If people are finding themselves sore, they may need to exercise more." She says that while it might be more fun to play the games more aerobically, it's possible to play without leaving the couch.
The Wii's introduction is part of a critical holiday season for the videogame industry. Two big new players -- the Wii and the PS3 -- are getting their launch this year. Starting last week, shoppers have been lining up, but in many cases, stores are already sold out of both consoles. The Wii and the PS3 are now fetching more than $1,000 on some Web sites like eBay.
The Wii, which retails for $250, comes with a remote control-size device that communicates wirelessly with a sensor sitting on the TV. It also comes with a secondary device -- which attaches via a cable to the first device -- that can mimic a variety of objects, from fishing rods to samurai swords. With their purchase, gamers also get Wii Sports, a package of five games, including golf, bowling, tennis, boxing and baseball. More than two dozen games are available for about $50 each. In one of those games, "Rayman Raving Rabbids," players aggressively shake the controller; in the action game "Red Steel," players wield it as a handgun. Nintendo has marketed the Wii to non-gamers who might find activities like bowling or golf easy to pick up and play.
Ryan Mercer, a customs broker in Indianapolis, lifts weights several times a week. But that hasn't helped much with the Wii. After playing the boxing game for an hour and a half, his arms, shoulders and torso were aching. "I was soaking wet with sweat, head to toe -- I had to go take a shower," he says. And the next morning? "I had trouble putting my shirt on," says the 21-year-old avid gamer.
Some past games have involved physical exertion. The popular "Dance Dance Revolution" by Konami has players moving their feet to music across a pad on the floor. And RedOctane's "Guitar Hero" requires players to attempt air-guitar types of moves. Beyond those two individual games, Nintendo in the 1980s sold something called the Power Pad, a plastic mat that recorded players' movements as they ran or jumped. But the Wii is a far more ambitious attempt to integrate body movement into all games.
In the past, pain from videogames has more typically been associated with the small repetitive movements of thumbing a controller's buttons. In the 1980s, some players addicted to the game "Super Mario Brothers" came down with what was later called "Nintendo thumb."
Doctors advice: Stretch out and be sure to take care of any injuries afterwards. "It's just like athletic play," says Lana Kang, an orthopedic hand surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.
Ms. Haefele, who along with her fiancé is also a gamer, has been heeding that advice. Last year, she suffered a tendonitis injury and started wearing an elbow brace. Now, she also wears it when she plays the Wii.
Write to Jamin Warren at jamin.warren@wsj.com2
http://online.wsj.com/public/article_print/SB116441076273232312-3nPirhZn20_L2P7m_ROtFUkh6yA_20071124.html
what a long message
by BigFanOfSims3 - 12/15/07 2:03 AM In reply to: Why Adults Should Support The WII purchase - Health & Exercise by WilliamHarperholy cow.
how much time did you spend on writing this message.
To Wii or not to Wii....
by malek_mroueh - 12/7/07 11:17 PM In reply to: To Wii or not to Wii? That is the question. by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Games consoles have cult followings and you're bound to hear arguments from each camp. I'd say get the WII as it really is a great all rounder for your son, his mates and even yourselves.
An added bonus is unlike the other consoles, the WII will have him jumping around and moving instead of sitting with the controller. The WII is an excellent choice for any parent in my opinion.
I accept the Xbox and PS3 are better machines and better graphics etc. but you will find it hard to beat the sheer fun and innovative play of the WII.
If you want him to be happy
by beyondtoday - 12/8/07 12:25 AM In reply to: To Wii or not to Wii? That is the question. by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
It is always a tough call when it come to a child's hopes and dreams and that is what you are dealing with.
I would try this take him to the shop and show him the types of games on offer the cost to buy and the features of the game machines for they all offer different thing personally I think the Wii would be a bad call but you see his friends may have one and he just wants to fit in one thing you may want to ask him is can the wii play movies like ps3 and x-box cause with the dvd's beeing made less popular in favor of blu-ray or at least will be over time it would be an investment he can still get use out of as an all-in-one entertainment system. I think you will find if you allow him to make the choice given all the facts he may make it easy for you and that in it's self makes a happier child.
I hope this has helped you
Wii Wii
by twhip - 12/8/07 1:57 AM In reply to: To Wii or not to Wii? That is the question. by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Rhonda,
Go ahead and get him the Wii, it's what he wants and what he's worked for in school. He probably knows what games he wants for it. My 16 year old son enjoys playing Wii games so your son probably won't outgrow it very soon. The Wii is also less expensive than the 360 or PS3.
It's a gift, it doesn't have to be practical. Imagine his joy when he opens it and your joy with making him happy and keeping your agreement.
Tom
Wii seems to be a bit different
by Luto Lopez - 12/8/07 1:59 AM In reply to: To Wii or not to Wii? That is the question. by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I'm no expert, but I can tell you that even though my youngest grandson already had both a Playstation (2 I think, not 3) and an Xbox (not sure which version), he "had to have" the Wii for his last birthday. I do have to say that the Wii is the only one that got me to join in the games with him (baseball, bowling, etc - the "active" Wii games, not the typical jump & kill games that all seem - at least to a non-gamer - to really to be basically variations on the same theme regardless of platform).
Of course the Wii is the most recent introduction & is not quite so pricey as the others so it is a bit of an apples to oranges comparison, but if I remeber right, the last report I read said the Wii was outselling the others by roughly a 10 to 1 margin. So it must have something going for it.
Get him the Wii
by NedBuckmaster - 12/8/07 2:53 AM In reply to: To Wii or not to Wii? That is the question. by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Of the three of you, your son probably has by far the most experience with game consoles. If he wants the Wii, get him the Wii. He kept up his part of the bagain!
re : Answer fo Rhonda
by Jamfan55 - 12/8/07 3:13 AM In reply to: To Wii or not to Wii? That is the question. by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
If you've already made a specific agreement/contract with your son, and he's working hard to fulfill his end of it, you should stick to that agreement. If you insist on considering alternatives, you should include him in that choice beforehand
Less a question of tech and more a question of promise
by singa2n - 12/8/07 4:24 AM In reply to: To Wii or not to Wii? That is the question. by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
First of all, as a high school teacher I have many students from age 14 through age 18 and into college level who have played the Wii and are quite happy with the games and the console. Kids in general have a lot of energy to burn and the Wii provides much more activity for body workout than just the traditional hand held thumb and finger style games. I also teach Japanese, which puts me in touch with the kids who like DDR (Dance Dance Revolution), and other gaming systems and consoles. Often it is the same group of students, who are active and enticed by physical activity, who like the Wii because of the body movement required during game play.
The first question at this time should relate to the energy level your 12 year old has. If he is physically active, and has friends of the same activity level he will probably like the Wii for years to come. Depending upon your own activity level as parents, you will also have some opportunity to play, laugh and enjoy as you compete in the partnered or multi player games. If you are a parent who wishes that sometimes your son had a little less energy to burn, then the Wii is a definite must. With this said, it is still secondary to the issue at hand
The promise you made is key to this issue, and is far more important than buying something which in your opinion, or that of your brother-in-law, would be better in the long range than the Wii. Obviously your son has a great enough interest in the Wii to make a deal, for which he has been keeping his end of the bargain.
Educationally speaking we all learn from our choices, and should be allowed the dignity of living with those choices so that we have some experience in choosing wisely or perhaps making better choices based upon our life experience. Under the circumstances you outlined, the Wii is the game system, which you must buy, because it is central and key to the part of the bargain you made to have your son get good grades.
Giving any other game system at this time would not only renege on the deal, but make your son much more wary in bargaining with you in the future. In essence you would have gotten what you wanted out of the bargain, but he would not get the thing for which he has been working. You would also be telling him that your decisions are worth more than his, and that your “adult” opinion will be the ruling factor in whether or not you honor any deals you make with him in the future. Will the Wii be detrimental to his health, stamina, safety or mental state? Obviously not, although there are urban legends about some people losing a grip on the hand held controllers and sending them through the screens of their plasma TV’s. If there isn’t a reason you can supply to your son better than your brother-in-laws opinion, for giving him something he didn’t ask for, he should get the Wii. Just try asking your sons feelings about giving him something else other than the Wii and watch his response. I bet your brother-in-laws opinion will pale in comparison.
Based on student feedback, the game system is good enough to merit your sons interest for years to come if he is an active sort, and if over time his interest starts to wane, you will immediately have an educational opportunity in the future to discuss with him this decision you had to make in regards to the Wii. It will let him know that you are ready to support him in his decisions as he is grows into adulthood, which in all reality is a mere 6 years away. Trust me. If you haven’t been working with him to help him learn from his decisions before he is 18, it will be much tougher to do at that point. I've been through multiple challenges of this sort as a father of 4 sons and a daughter. The cost of the Wii and its playability, as well as the opportunity to discuss choices you son has made in bargaining for how he could get one for Christmas is worth more than any advice you are going to get about buying something else instead of the promised Wii. Get him the Wii.
One thing more
by singa2n - 12/8/07 8:15 AM In reply to: Less a question of tech and more a question of promise by singa2nI forgot to add that if your son learns from you that it is all right to make a bargain, and then not keep your end of it, he will likely carry that into his future personal life and rationalize his behavior as he makes and breaks deals. Teach him that even when we have second thoughts about a deal, we should honor our word (being open to discuss our concerns with our partners in the bargain) or else our honor doesn't run very deep. This will have an impact upon his relationships with friends, family and potentially his own children. Seemingly small issues can often carry long term consequence. Again I say.... get the Wii. The principle is more important than the playing.
Wii vs. XBox
by wcrutcher - 12/8/07 4:31 AM In reply to: To Wii or not to Wii? That is the question. by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
We have both, and our teenage grandson likes the XBox much better. The older folks love the Wii, especially bowling and tennis. Wii forces you to physically interact with most of the games.
I think we are not comparing apples to apples. The graphics of the XBox are much better. The controls are very different. Most kids will have experience with one of the hand held games that is more like XBox.
Many of the XBox games are very violent. You will need to be careful which games you buy and allow your child to play, in my opinion.
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