Though it's best known for its casual and family-friendly games, the Wii has a few offerings for folks of all ages. We've placed a few of our recommendations below, but let's be honest: You just want to try Wii Sports' boxing against your grandmother, you psychopath.
Hardware
Nintendo Wii - $199.99 [compare prices]
Good news! You don't have to deal with any confusion when choosing the best model of the Nintendo Wii -- there's only one option. For $199, you get the console, a controller, a nunchuck attachment, and a copy of Wii Sports. It's not as difficult to get your hands on Wii as it was during holiday seasons past, but it's still a good idea to call ahead to your local retailer to find out if they have any in stock before making the trip.
Good news! You don't have to deal with any confusion when choosing the best model of the Nintendo Wii -- there's only one option. For $199, you get the console, a controller, a nunchuck attachment, and a copy of Wii Sports. It's not as difficult to get your hands on Wii as it was during holiday seasons past, but it's still a good idea to call ahead to your local retailer to find out if they have any in stock before making the trip.
Games
Animal Crossing: City Folk - $19.99 [compare prices]
A somewhat simplified life simulator that allows you to perform odd jobs, socialize with neighbors, decorate your house, create a garden, design clothes ... it lets you do a lot of stuff, okay?
A somewhat simplified life simulator that allows you to perform odd jobs, socialize with neighbors, decorate your house, create a garden, design clothes ... it lets you do a lot of stuff, okay?
Boom Blox Bash Party - $29.99 [compare prices]
Is there anything more satisfying than chucking bowling balls at precariously stacked towers of Jenga-esque blcoks? If there is, we've never heard of it.
Is there anything more satisfying than chucking bowling balls at precariously stacked towers of Jenga-esque blcoks? If there is, we've never heard of it.
House of the Dead: Overkill - $19.99 [compare prices]
We're still on the fence as to whether Overkill is actually a good game. However, it's got pretty fun light-gun shooting action, a Grindhouse aesthetic that really works for us, and it also broke the Guiness World Record for "Game with the most F-Bombs dropped." That's gotta be worth something.
We're still on the fence as to whether Overkill is actually a good game. However, it's got pretty fun light-gun shooting action, a Grindhouse aesthetic that really works for us, and it also broke the Guiness World Record for "Game with the most F-Bombs dropped." That's gotta be worth something.
Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess - $49.99 [compare prices]
One of the launch games for the Wii platform, and one of the best games on the console to date. Definitely worth purchasing if you're buying the system or a fan of the Triforce-infused franchise.
One of the launch games for the Wii platform, and one of the best games on the console to date. Definitely worth purchasing if you're buying the system or a fan of the Triforce-infused franchise.
Mario Kart Wii - $49.99 [compare prices]
If platforming, brawling and tower-toppling aren't your cup of tea, this entry in the classic multiplayer racing franchise might just be what the doctor ordered.
If platforming, brawling and tower-toppling aren't your cup of tea, this entry in the classic multiplayer racing franchise might just be what the doctor ordered.
Metroid Prime Trilogy - $49.99 [compare prices]
You get three excellent first-person action games from one of the best franchises under Nintendo's belt for the price of one new game. There's literally nothing wrong with this package.
You get three excellent first-person action games from one of the best franchises under Nintendo's belt for the price of one new game. There's literally nothing wrong with this package.
New Super Mario Bros. Wii - $49.99 [compare prices]
If you've purchased a few extra controllers, New Super Mario Bros. Wii is one of the best multiplayer experiences on the platform. It's also capable of tearing your family apart, as seen in this recent commercial.
If you've purchased a few extra controllers, New Super Mario Bros. Wii is one of the best multiplayer experiences on the platform. It's also capable of tearing your family apart, as seen in this recent commercial.
Okami - $24.99 [compare prices]
It's doubtful this one ended up on your loved one's Christmas list, but it's a great, reasonably priced action-RPG akin to Zelda. That is, if Link was an ancient god reincarnated as a wolf.
It's doubtful this one ended up on your loved one's Christmas list, but it's a great, reasonably priced action-RPG akin to Zelda. That is, if Link was an ancient god reincarnated as a wolf.
Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition - $19.99 [compare prices]
Arguably the best game in the Resident Evil franchise was ported the Wii last year, adding some intuitive motion controls that add some magic to the game's zombie-killing proceedings. At just $20, it's a must-buy.
Arguably the best game in the Resident Evil franchise was ported the Wii last year, adding some intuitive motion controls that add some magic to the game's zombie-killing proceedings. At just $20, it's a must-buy.
Super Mario Galaxy - $49.99 [compare prices]
The mustachioed plumber's first major outing on the system was one of the best installments in the franchise's history. C'mon, you know you're going to buy this one. It's a-him. Mario.
The mustachioed plumber's first major outing on the system was one of the best installments in the franchise's history. C'mon, you know you're going to buy this one. It's a-him. Mario.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl - $49.99 [compare prices]
A slightly more frantic multiplayer experience on the Wii, Super Smash Bros. Brawl lets you and three others play as your favorite Nintendo characters, and then lets you beat the ever-living snot out of each other. It's not as gruesome as it sounds.
A slightly more frantic multiplayer experience on the Wii, Super Smash Bros. Brawl lets you and three others play as your favorite Nintendo characters, and then lets you beat the ever-living snot out of each other. It's not as gruesome as it sounds.
Wii Sports Resort - $49.99 [compare prices]
Much like the game which comes bundled with the system, Wii Sports Resort is a collection of tropically-themed mini-games. However, it comes bundled with the Wii MotionPlus attachment, which improves the motion-sensing capabilities of the controller. A pretty good offer with some pretty fun, albeit short, built-in games.
Much like the game which comes bundled with the system, Wii Sports Resort is a collection of tropically-themed mini-games. However, it comes bundled with the Wii MotionPlus attachment, which improves the motion-sensing capabilities of the controller. A pretty good offer with some pretty fun, albeit short, built-in games.
Accessories
Wii Fit Plus with Balance Board - $99.99 [compare prices]
Hey, it's one of the most successful games on the platform for a reason. With promised support for the Balance Board peripheral in future games, you might want to get your hands on one of these while you still can.
Hey, it's one of the most successful games on the platform for a reason. With promised support for the Balance Board peripheral in future games, you might want to get your hands on one of these while you still can.
Wii Nunchuk - $19.99 [compare prices]
You'll need this peripheral for most Wii games, so it makes sense to have as many of these as you have Wiimotes.
You'll need this peripheral for most Wii games, so it makes sense to have as many of these as you have Wiimotes.
Wii Play with bonus Wii Remote - $44.99 [compare prices]
If you can find one of these packages, pick it up. Not only does it include another Wiimote (trust us, you'll want more than one), it also comes with Wii Play, another entertaining mini-game.
If you can find one of these packages, pick it up. Not only does it include another Wiimote (trust us, you'll want more than one), it also comes with Wii Play, another entertaining mini-game.
