Wii help needed

[beanzontoast]

I've never used a Wii and know little about them other than what I've seen on tv, not being into games much, but have been asked by a relative (- prospective Christmas present hunting I think: just because I work with computers doesn't make me a games console guru!-) what would have to be bought for a family of four to be able to play. I said I'd do some asking around... so I'm hoping the more experienced Wii-ers here can help! I've looked on Play and Amazon etc to see what offers there are, but there's a few things about the equipment that are not clear to me.

First off, I'm assuming nunchucks are the equivalent of joysticks and that they plug into the wireless controllers. So they would need to have four of each for some games, yes? (Not exactly clear what the difference is between the two - does the wireless controller function a bit like a PS controller?).

Presumably, these wireless controllers fit into the wheels for playing Mariocart? But if so, what are the Wii motion plus things that I see advertised? Do they replace the wireless controllers? do they also fit in the wheels?

Do the wireless controllers use bespoke batteries? And if so, presumably they would need to buy a charging station too?

Any other buying tips / things worth knowing about Wii equipment appreciated. I'm hoping if they go ahead that I might get a go at some point!

 

[livestrong10_02]

not an expert but bought recently for my nephew.

u need a numchuckle thing for games that require u to run, cycle so without buying many games would be able to be played.

you will also need a wii motion censor that fits on the end of the controller (not all games but many require it), usually an extra £20 as i found out to my cost

batteries are AA so u could always buy rechargeable so dont need a charging station

 

[Garz]

First off, I'm assuming nunchucks are the equivalent of joysticks and that they plug into the wireless controllers. So they would need to have four of each for some games, yes? (Not exactly clear what the difference is between the two - does the wireless controller function a bit like a PS controller?).

Presumably, these wireless controllers fit into the wheels for playing Mariocart? But if so, what are the Wii motion plus things that I see advertised? Do they replace the wireless controllers? do they also fit in the wheels?

Do the wireless controllers use bespoke batteries? And if so, presumably they would need to buy a charging station too?

Any other buying tips / things worth knowing about Wii equipment appreciated. I'm hoping if they go ahead that I might get a go at some point!

Nunchucks are just an extension to the standard controller, but some games are more fun to play with this extra. You will need one for every controller.

The controllers do fit inside the steering wheel and morph into one unit. Unsure about the battery query. Shop around for the best deal but sometimes a random trip to asda you may find a bargain.

 

[Piemaster]

Kids bought Wii sports resort and it came with the motion plus. Highly recommended as a family game. They can both beat me easily at table tennis though.
We only have 2 controllers and its usually enough for us. It will get pricey to buy 4 + nunchucks + motion plus. If any of the kids friends are coming round they'll bring their own. I'd say get two initially (unless its a good deal on a console package for four) and buy the extras if its found they are really needed.
Charging station plugs into console and charges 2 controllers.
On buying it: just keep an eye out for packages, toys'r'us, Game, Gamestation Amazon, etc, etc. As usual more you buy at once the better the deal.

 

[summerdays]

Yep - buy Sports resort to get one motion plus and Wii Play to get an extra controller.

The basic set comes with one remote and one nunchuck - so obviously only one person can play. We are now have 3 of each but generally it tends to be a maximum of 2 people playing at any one time. Some games only have one person playing anyway.

We have battery rechargers anyway so haven't bothered with a charging unit. We have enough spare batteries so that we always have spares for the bike lights anyway.

What age are the children. Depending on what they are like, mine have enjoyed games like Lego Star Wars, Mario Super Galaxy, and Smooth Moves.

 

[Panter]

I highly recommend the Vapex 2900Mah AA batteries.

Coupled with a cheapo, regular charger, they provide endless power and, believe me, they will be under some drain for the first few days

 

[beanzontoast]

you will also need a wii motion censor that fits on the end of the controller (not all games but many require it), usually an extra £20 as i found out to my cost

Not come across this in the things I've read - presumably these are powered by the controller?

 

[beanzontoast]

What age are the children. Depending on what they are like, mine have enjoyed games like Lego Star Wars, Mario Super Galaxy, and Smooth Moves.

Cheers for these suggestions. I've seen some footage of Lego Star Wars game on You Tube (slightly OT - also came across some of those clips where people re-enact classic movie scenes using Lego: great laugh!). Mario is one game I have played, so I can tell them about that and Mariocart from personal experience. Smooth Moves... what's that about then?

 

[summerdays]

Smooth moves is about doing daft things with the wii .. like watching your husband jump over imaginary things - I think of it as a spectator sport but get great laughs watching others perform daft manoeuvres (drink often helps this game). Probably from about 8+ all the way to adult.

 

[yorkshiregoth]

Play.com are selling the new black wii for £164. Comes with the wii motion and sports game.

 

[Mr Pig]

The nun-chuck things are only needed for certain games but you would need four. However, very often you can still play the games without it. My kids play most games without it, in fast we only have one nun-chuck.

The batteries last so well that you can get by without rechargeables. We've never bothered, regular AA batteries seem to last for ages.

The sports type games are good if the players are all ages. Kids love Mario Kart but it takes a lot of practice to be able to play it at all! I gave up ;0) Super Mario Galaxy is a good platform game, Boogie is fun if you like singing and dancing and Rayman Raving Rabbids is funny.

Generally speaking, games that are based on films or TV shows are not as good as stand alone games and some are dire.

As an introduction to the Wii I would highly recommend Wii Play. It is a selection of simple, fun games that anyone can learn very quickly. If I was buying a Wii for the first time it's the first game I'd buy. It also comes with a Wii controller so it's very good value.

 

[beanzontoast]

Thanks all for the info and sound advice.

By coincidence, there was a 'Nintendo House' display that we passed in the shopping centre today, and I was able to chase up some of the points you guys have raised with the Nintendo staff there too. Feel a bit more clued up now!

 

[Mr Pig]

Feel a bit more clued up now!

Don't worry, the Wii must be one of the simplest games consoles ever invented! ;0)