The Wii has the capability to browse the internet via the "Internet Channel". The interface is clunky and dumbed down in my opinion, but that could be because I wasn't a fan of MSN TV. In theory, the Wii should be capable of streaming YouTube videos by now, but I haven't actually checked that out yet myself. If you're going to only buy one system, I would recommend the Xbox 360 (Yay Microsoft!) and if you happen to have a some left over cash and entertain frequently (or have children), I would recommend the Wii as a second choice. It doesn't add much to the theatre set up, but I think it does provide significant value to your entertainment choices.
Chris Pratt
· 10 months ago
I was surprised to find out that you have to actually pay for the Wii Internet browser channel, though. It's 500 points; whatever that translates to in true dollars is beyond be.
MaleahB
· 10 months ago
Oh yeah, I forgot about Wii pts. Its a brilliant scheme from Nintendo to squeeze a few more pennies from each user. If I remember right, 100 points = $1. So the browser would be about $5. Its not so unlike downloadable content from Xbox live. I don't remember what its called off the top of my head, but the Wii also has the option of downloading software to play games from previous consoles like N64, Sega Genesis, and others. The N64 download was something like 1,000 points. Then of course you have to pay points download the games. Some games are available for around 800 points. Which for those of you playing along at home means 1,000 = $10 and 800 = $8.
Like I said, it is a weak choice if you're looking to add function to your home theatre set up. It just doesn't add a whole lot outside of gaming at the moment. However the latest push from N into a niche market seems to be home fitness with the Wii Fit. And for when you're on the go, there's always "My Weight Loss Coach" available for the N DS. There's rumor that since Wii Fit did so well, that Nintendo is looking at making more fitness games available with the feature of being able to communicate between Wii and N DS. Apparently quantified self-tracking is becoming more and more popular... among a certain demographic. There's a couple of hacks out there to turn the Wii board into a weight scale and track weight gain/loss. Which is pretty cool, but I think the hack to allow you to surf Google Earth was far more entertaining.
Anyways, I say again great choice as a second console if you're looking to expand you're video game library/options. And with games like Pii Pii Brothers (http://www.thinkgeek.com/stuff/41/superpiipii.html) how can you go wrong?
Chris Pratt
· 10 months ago
Integrating a fitness model into the Wii was a brilliant move. Wii boxing seems to be a really good aerobic workout, since it makes you use both arms and dodge and weave. Wii baseball or bowling probably not so much as the movements are highly simplistic. From what I've seen, the Wii Fit seems more appropriate for yoga or pilates than a high-endurance workout, though. Still, clever move on Nintendo's part since they can't really compete on the same playing field as the XBOX 360 or PS3 with the Wii.
All Comments
Like I said, it is a weak choice if you're looking to add function to your home theatre set up. It just doesn't add a whole lot outside of gaming at the moment. However the latest push from N into a niche market seems to be home fitness with the Wii Fit. And for when you're on the go, there's always "My Weight Loss Coach" available for the N DS. There's rumor that since Wii Fit did so well, that Nintendo is looking at making more fitness games available with the feature of being able to communicate between Wii and N DS. Apparently quantified self-tracking is becoming more and more popular... among a certain demographic. There's a couple of hacks out there to turn the Wii board into a weight scale and track weight gain/loss. Which is pretty cool, but I think the hack to allow you to surf Google Earth was far more entertaining.
Anyways, I say again great choice as a second console if you're looking to expand you're video game library/options. And with games like Pii Pii Brothers (http://www.thinkgeek.com/stuff/41/superpiipii.html) how can you go wrong?