Wii

Looking for my Wii Internet Channel homepage? That is right here.

Welcome to my Nintendo Wii guide! I created this guide to help you to know what to include in your Wii collection. This will never be an all-inclusive list, but it will always only contain products I recommend owning. I have divided the items into a number of categories, so you can look where your interests lie:

- For starters - Haven't actually purchased a Wii yet? Thinking of getting a Wii for somebody? Here is a a good list of items to start with.
- For everybody - Just about everybody should get these (hence the description of the category)
- For parties - One of the Wii's core strengths is its in-person party game playability. However, not all party games are created equal.
- For couples - Want to play non-party games together with your significant other (probably a non-gamer)? This list is for you!
- For exercisers - Can't get to the gym? Think the Wii will solve your weight problems? Probably not, but here is how you can try anyway.
- For nostalgia - Grew up playing Nintendo games and want to recapture some of your youth? Didn't actually buy a Gamecube? Check this out.
- For gamers - Go buy a PC, XBox, or a Playstation. Still here? Look at this list.

Have suggestions? Email them to me (ncooprider AT gmail DOT com)!

For starters

Obviously, in order to start playing Wii you will need a Wii! It comes with a controller, a nunchuk, and Wii Sports. Wii Sports is pretty fun, especially to play with other people. I like tennis.

Your second controller should come as part of the Wii Play package. It is a collection of mini games for $10 more. Sure, the games are all pretty lame, but it's $10!

You'll need one more of these in order to box in Wii Sports with a friend.

In addition to the one that comes with the Wii and the one with Wii Play, you will need two more so that you can play four player tennis! Trust me, this is important.

Although not critical, you will go through batteries quickly without getting a charge station of some kind. They have four-slot ones that work with the protective cases, but the kind shown here is what I have.

For everybody

Get Wii points to check out some WiiWare stuff. I suggest World of Goo and the Internet Channel as a minimum. You can play flash games over the internet using the browser (but no Hulu yet).

Mario Galaxy is the best game out right now for the Wii. Get it.

Everybody is getting Wii Fit. Why not you? Sure, we all stop using it after a month, but having the balance board is cool. For this one you might want to wait for Wii Fit Plus.

For parties

The Wii takes four controllers. If you are going to party, you need all four.

Some games use the nunchuk, some don't. Only get the full four if you have a game that uses them (like Rayman Raving Rabbids).

I never really liked Mario Kart much, but this one got me hooked. Something about actually driving the kart. Almost anybody can play, although there is a bit of a learning curve.

Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party is the ultimate Wii party game. Up to eight players can play at once, and games can use the Wii balance board. Get the right group of people together and this game is a riot. Get the wrong group of people together and it is still pretty funny.

If you haven't heard of Rock Band, what rock have you been living underneath? The strongest endorsement of this is that my sister-in-law, who previously stated how much video games were of the devil, now owns a Wii because of this game.

For couples

One of the great things about Mario Galaxy is that a second player can help Mario along. It isn't too intensive, but it does allow some cooperative play. My wife and I liked it.

All three of these Lego games will have the same comment. Fun, funny, and fairly easy, these games are great for two player fun. If either player dies, they fall to pieces and then immediately respawn. No blood and guts, just Lego pieces.

For exercisers

I'll admit that Wii Fit is not the answer to America's weight problems. In fact, the game gets annoying and boring after a few weeks of consistent play. However, it is the only way (currently) to get the balance board, plus it gives you a glimmer of what is possible.

For nostalgia

Two words: Virtual console. I would suggest getting the original Zelda, Secret of Mana, and Mario 64 for starters. You'll need the next item for the last two.

The Wii controller doesn't have all the buttons old Nintendo controllers used to have. This add on does. With it you can play all those button-laden games.

A Wii can play Gamecube games if you have them and a Gamecube controller. Better go wireless to stay true to the Wii. The Nintendo Wavebird is the best wireless controller, but good luck finding one for a reasonable price.

In order to save Gamecube games you will need a Gamecube memory card.

This is a fun game, although somewhat short (I played it after Zelda: Twilight Princess, which might have put things in improper perspective). Zelda: Windwaker is fun, cartoon-y, and mostly non-gory. The ending sort of gets you right between the eyes, though.

For gamers

Zelda: Twilight Princess is a great game. I'm still a little angry at it, though, which is why it is at the bottom of the page. I was on level 48 of the cave of ordeals and the game wouldn't let me move on even after I cleared it. Did you think I was going to try and go through it all again to see if it would break again? Not yet. . . .