As most parents (like me) may have already suspected, the computer and video game industry is growing and, according to PC Magazine, the number of U.S. households with game consoles rose notably, up from 33% in 2007 to 38% in 2008.
Thanks to our new best friends at Nintendo, we now have a Wii!
[SQUEAL]
You see, I tried to win one over at City Mama's and shared my most embarrassing fitness story. No, I didnt win. Got runner-up, though. But, this time, the infamous Kotex-Karate mishap (as my two oldest girls like to call it) went terribly right.
So, our family has joined the 63% of parents who believe games are a positive part of their children's lives and they just can't seem to put the Wii down!
Seriously, you'd think their Grandparents would have learned how to share...by now...yes?
My husband Garth (not his real name) was skeptical.
"Do we really need ANOTHER game system?"
[eyes go wide]
"But, it's a Wii!"
I mean, nearly every family on the block has one and the Wii Remote is supposed to provide a natural, intuitive and realistic feel to gaming.
"You gotta try it, Grandma!"
My FIL was skeptical (like father, like son) until my MIL beat the pants off her youngest grandson in bowling (pictured above and not looking very happy, at that moment) something she would never be able to do, in real life.
She suffers from Trigeminal Neuralgia (a debilitating nerve disorder that causes extreme facial pain) and lifting (let alone, throwing) something as heavy as a bowling ball...well...it would most certainly trigger an attack.
With the Wii, players raise the remote in their hand (just like a bowling ball) and then swing their arms to roll the ball. The speed of the swing and the angle at which they release the ball affects the ball's spin, so it takes some practice to master control over the ball and knock down the pins.
Mini-me watches as Mama (recovering from a double-knee replacement) kicks some bowling butt!
My parents played on bowling leagues for years and they were also skeptical (I know, I know; just act surprised anyway...okay?) but, we took the Wii over to their house (yes, it travels well) anyway.
The NES gaming console (with front-loading cartridges) was released in the United States in 1983 and worldwide in 1986!
Though, my twin brother and I distinctively remember receiving an NES for Christmas one year, my parents felt that today's video games are just a little too complicated, for them.
"You...me...in the living room...YOU'RE NEXT!"
I was talking to my Aunt Elizabeth in the kitchen (she's from Hungary and is visiting with us, here in New Jersey, for the summer) and, although it was nice to see my mom having fun and my aunt DID want to try the Wii, we were both shocked by the challenge and how my typically very quiet and usually soft-spoken mother really seemed to enjoy beating each and everyone of her 4 grandchildren.
She was fierce.
Papa exercises his right to have some fun, with the Wii!
My father tried it, too -- he's diabetic, also had one of his knees replaced, as well as 9 other surgeries, in 2 years and currently undergoing treatment for severe back pain -- and was impressed by the realistic sounds and graphics.
"STEEEEEERIKE!"
Along with bowling, Wii Sports includes tennis, baseball, golf, and boxing.
With Wii Sports, it's easy to get Grandparents off the couch, or the easy chair, and ready to play.
However, bowling seemed to be the all-around-family-favorite. It helped my family break the language barrier and even my husband, Garth (not his real name) had to admit it was nice to see everyone having fun. We also witnessed, first hand, how the Wii can help players forget their physical limitations, even for a little while.
With the gaming system, you can create your own Mii character to participate in Wii games.
My 7-year-old daughter made one for Mama and even gave her Mii a pair of reading glasses and blue eye shadow.
Aaaand, 9-year-old son created this pretty realistic-looking representation of his Papa.
No, this game is not easy -- the tiniest turn of the wrist can set you off track -- and the availability, or lack thereof, is sometimes very difficult to swallow. But, I honestly don't believe that the creators anticipated such a huge response. Especially, from the senior citizens population.
"Dad wants to buy one, for mom."
Yep, judging from the look on his face, my husband was just as surprised to learn that the Wii was such a big hit!
"Which one?"
[grin]
"Both of them!"
The Internet has the potential of becoming one of, if not, the best resources for marketers and corporations looking to "get in touch" with their customers. Some companies get it, most are still trying to.
I've had the pleasure of attending Nintendo Wii Fit parties (hosted at BlogHerCon 2008 and Johnson & Johnson's Camp Baby) and mom blogger events in New York City. The Nintendo World Store often times opens its doors and holds family-friendly events to the general public, as well.
With that said, I'm adding Nintendo as our newest Favorite Find and appreciate their support of the blogisphere, with hopes that it continues to help introduce the gaming world to the next generation, young and old!
Just so you know, Nintendo Wii Sports retails for approximately $300.00.
Getting my kids off the couch, giving them yet another reason to share some more quality time with grandparents and helping senior citizens find their confidence, again?
Priceless!
© 2008 This Full House and This Full House Reviews - All Rights Reserved.
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