I also got a Wii for Xmas, and was researching the exercise components for myself, so I'll share what I found out.
The Wii is made up of multiple parts. The base unit ($200) comes with: - 1 computer console - one wireless control that is made up of 2 parts: a Rectangular Remote controller and a kidney-shaped "Nunchuk" controller that gets wired to the rectangular part when you need to do things with 2 hands or multiple body parts. - an infrared receiver/detector that sits on your TV - Wii Sports games (Baseball, bowling, boxing, golf, tennis) Additional games run about $50 when newly released and come down to about $20 when they've been around a while.
Because the controllers can be used in 3 dimensions (using accelerometers?) as well as by using buttons & joysticks, games can be much more physical, are often played standing up. There are many props that have been designed to hold the remotes to make the gameplay feel more realistic for a specific activity. For example a steering wheel for driving games, various sporting things (bats, racquets, golf club), swords, guns/rifles, etc. ($15-$40)
Also, it seems that there are far more multiplayer games for Wii then other systems, most games are for 2-4 players, so you can both/all play at the same time. But you'll have to buy additional Remotes ($40) & Nunchuks ($20) The remotes run on 2 AA batteries, so buying the rechargeable battery packs & charging station is a good idea upfront. ($25)
If you want to exercise, in you can buy additional kits/packages: There are only a few pieces of additional equipment for exercise (strength training, balance, yoga & such): - The balance board ($100) - 2 two pound dumbbells (available in a bundle) - Stretch Band ($20)
Exercise software choices: - Fit Plus (supersedes Fit) ($20) (This software title is often bundled with the balance board for about $100 - $150 depending on what else is included, mat, gel covers & storage case for balance board) - Your Shape ($70) - Active Life: Extreme Challenge ($60) - Daisy Fuentes Pilates ($20) - Sports (free with console) - Sports Resort ($50)
If shopping online HSN.com & QVC.com often have some nice deals if you know what you want.
Very Basic Wii Information
Date: 2009-12-27 06:37 am (UTC)The Wii is made up of multiple parts. The base unit ($200) comes with:
- 1 computer console
- one wireless control that is made up of 2 parts:
a Rectangular Remote controller
and a kidney-shaped "Nunchuk" controller that gets wired to the rectangular part when you need to do things with 2 hands or multiple body parts.
- an infrared receiver/detector that sits on your TV
- Wii Sports games (Baseball, bowling, boxing, golf, tennis)
Additional games run about $50 when newly released and come down to about $20 when they've been around a while.
Because the controllers can be used in 3 dimensions (using accelerometers?) as well as by using buttons & joysticks, games can be much more physical, are often played standing up. There are many props that have been designed to hold the remotes to make the gameplay feel more realistic for a specific activity. For example a steering wheel for driving games, various sporting things (bats, racquets, golf club), swords, guns/rifles, etc. ($15-$40)
Also, it seems that there are far more multiplayer games for Wii then other systems, most games are for 2-4 players, so you can both/all play at the same time. But you'll have to buy additional Remotes ($40) & Nunchuks ($20) The remotes run on 2 AA batteries, so buying the rechargeable battery packs & charging station is a good idea upfront. ($25)
If you want to exercise, in you can buy additional kits/packages:
There are only a few pieces of additional equipment for exercise (strength training, balance, yoga & such):
- The balance board ($100)
- 2 two pound dumbbells (available in a bundle)
- Stretch Band ($20)
Exercise software choices:
- Fit Plus (supersedes Fit) ($20) (This software title is often bundled with the balance board for about $100 - $150 depending on what else is included, mat, gel covers & storage case for balance board)
- Your Shape ($70)
- Active Life: Extreme Challenge ($60)
- Daisy Fuentes Pilates ($20)
- Sports (free with console)
- Sports Resort ($50)
If shopping online HSN.com & QVC.com often have some nice deals if you know what you want.