I was completely thrown in the dark the first time my gaming pals started to talk to me about Wii and its revolutionary mark on the gaming industry. Every word they said was babble to my brain until I decided to do some researching. I was really caught by surprise when one of my favorite websites Yahoo! decided to jump in the game and offer their own version of the Wii device.
Before we get into details of Yahoo! Wii, let me give me you a brief overview of the Wii system. Wii, which is pronounced “We” was first introduced to the public in September 2006 under the Nintendo Company. The Wii system was built for fast internet connectivity for online gaming and other usage such as browsing the net. The system also includes a sensor bar that can be used for its wireless controller and a remote control that may be used as a handheld pointing device. The Wii system can also receive messages and updates over the internet.
Yahoo! Wii offers the same compatibilities as the Nintendo Wii, but there are a few others kinks that Yahoo! plans to explore with their system. The console can handle Nintendo GameCube controllers, memory cards for saved games, USB devices to connect to your wireless network. The controller is a combination of high-tech acceleration, which can also detect motion, alignment, and speed of movement for playing games. The remote control has a built in storage device that lets you save user profiles and even includes a small speaker for up close listening pleasure. By switching plugs on the console you can have a motion sensing controller for a steering wheel or a light gun, depending on which game you are playing. Wii Channels, I believe is the most intriguing function for Yahoo! Wii. With Wii’s TV channels you can stay up to date with news, weather, surf the internet, and browse through message boards or even your Yahoo! Photo collection. You will even have an option to design your own avatar to use when playing Wii games. By using Yahoo! Wii Channels you will also have access to downloadable games from past consoles such as Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and Nintendo 64.
The revolution had begun with such websites as GameTap that gives you online access to thousands of video games, but with the Wii system as the new gaming console, online gaming has been changed forever.
Teschia L. Blakley
Mygamer.com