the game you gotta get, this week, on Wii

Console:

The Wii's hardware is a step up from Nintendo's last home console, featuring higher graphics powers and enhanced backwards capability. In addition, it is sleek, shiny and a tiny 3 DVD boxes thick! It also comes complete with a silver stand, providing you to stand it vertically (as pictured) or horizontally, like other traditional consoles.

Featuring wireless internet capability and a self-loading disc reader, similar to that in car stereos, but with the luxury of a blue neon flashy light! In addition, the Wii comes boxed with the sensor bar, which plugs into the back of the console and makes it so the Wii-mote works all it's magical wonders.

The Wii-mote is the thing that sets the Wii apart from absolutely everything that is out there on the market. It is the revolution that Nintendo promised. Featuring motion sensors, you can point the remote at the screen, move it around, and simultaneously, your cursor on screen will mimic your moves! Even better, it is wireless and takes standard AA batteries.

Likewise, the Nunchuck which comes included connects to the Wii-mote and similarly has gyroscopes which mean a quick flick of this equipment and it will register on screen. For example, shake the Nunchuck near a door and ta-da! the door will open, as if, in real!

The Classic Controller is the key to backwards compatability. It connects to the bottom of the Wii-mote and features everything a now contemporary controller should: shoulder buttons, twin analogue sticks and the classic D-pad.

Want to see the Wii controllers in action? Hundreds of joyful vids are available on youtube.

This is the main hub of the Wii. You are greeted by this screen every time you turn on, or you can navigate to the Channel screen by pressing the central HOME button on the Wii-mote.

Here you can visit all the various features of the Wii:

• System settings - for memory capacity, parental controls, internet settings, system languages
• Messaging  - post memos, email your friends, or talk to other Wii machines
• Mii channel - create your own unique character that can feature in some Nintendo games, you can also send them on the Mii parade and showcase them around the World on other people's Wii's.
• Shopping Channel - here you can purchase a huge back catalogue of old Nintendo games from their systems over the years; NES, SNES, N64, Sega Megadrive
• Photo Channel -  you can insert your digital camera's SD card and view them in a slideshow, or alternatively edit your photographs and turn your Dad into a devil!
• News channel - by being constantly connected to the internet, your Wii can provide you with news stories happening in your location!
• Forecast channel - going out for a picnic? Make sure you check this channel, as it gives weather forecasts for your region, whilst being able to spin the globe and find out just how warm it is down under in Australia
• Internet channel - exactly what it says on the tin, you can surf the web from your Wii! All expected features of your typical internet browser work perfectly, such as, YouTube videos.

              

GameCube compatability:

The Wii not only works with regular Wii shaped discs, but also the smaller Gamecube discs for compatibility with your Gamecube games library.

Opening up the secret flap on top of the Wii, you can plug in your Gamecube controllers (which can be used for the vast majority of Virtual Console games), as well as plugging in your Gamecube memory cards.