the top of the television set – reads the movement of a player’s remote. If my wrist is not perfectly aligned with the ball, my golf swing might just cause me to double bogey on hole 5.


Wii games such as basketball, swordplay and Frisbee have provided hours of entertainment for my husband and me. Most video games are tailored only to individual players, leaving a person insular and detached from others. Nintendo’s Wii is markedly different. One of its greatest strengths is its ability to accommodate multiple players simultaneously, providing individuals the opportunity to engage with one another while competing in an interactive game.


Players have the option of creating “Mii” characters which can physically resemble themselves. Strategically, I designed my own character to appear as intimidating as possible. My husband fails to acknowledge that my domineering character makes any difference in competition; but tell that to his bowling average. My brother – who also owns a Wii – and I have enlisted our parents to create their own Mii characters on our game sets. Interestingly, their characters depict what I would assume they looked like about 30 years ago – young, physically fit and without any gray hairs. After creating their Miis it was no surprise to find they, too, were instantly hooked through the physical interaction of this unique video gaming system. Whenever our family gets together, the games begin. My parents have found themselves challenged by the Wii’s unique software that tests their stamina and mobility, while at the same time offers a one-of-a-kind way to spend time with their kids.


In terms of popularity and sales, Nintendo’s Wii is included in the list of the top 10 gaming consoles sold worldwide. At the end of July 2010, Nintendo had sold more than 73 million units of the well-liked gaming system. Nearly 21 million of those were sold in the 2009-10 fiscal year alone. While those flocking to purchase the Wii for their home are often young people, it might surprise many to know that consumers investing in the Wii are not strictly of the Millennial Generation.


OKLAHOMA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY 9


Those young at heart are also welcoming a vacation from an inactive lifestyle. Seniors who have used the Wii praise it for improving their hand-eye coordination, as well as their agility. Noting this special demographic, Nintendo has partnered with some retirement communities in hopes of expanding their target audience. Wii bowling matches are not an unlikely sight at any given retirement community across the country. These same communities market their Wii activities by hosting bracketed tournaments, with prizes for participants.


The Wii supports nearly 1,200 different video games in addition to its most popular, Wii Sports. With these other games, Nintendo has met the needs of consumers who prefer the classic feel of playing Super Mario Brothers, as well as the musically adept who might favor Rock Band or Guitar Hero. Games range from car Continued on Page 10


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12