Wii Hardware Resource Center

Low cost doesn't necessarily mean low tech. Nintendo opted out of the graphical arms race to keep costs low for the Wii. As a result, the Wii is the only console in this system generation that can't output high-definition visuals. But you wouldn't know that from looking at the sales numbers. The Wii was an instant sellout when Nintendo first launched the system in the winter of 2006, and retailers are still having a difficult time keeping systems on the shelves a year later.

The Wii competes with the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3, but the system might be in its own category because it sits at a lower price point and offers a unique set of games designed specifically for the motion-sensitive controls. The Wii's game library has first-party staples such as Zelda and Mario, as well as a whole new set of franchises first developed for the Nintendo DS.

You can find the new Metroid Prime 3: Corruption if you want to scratch that first-person shooter itch, or go with some novel gameplay in Mercury Meltdown Revolution. The system is great for party games. Rayman Raving Rabbids, Mario Party, Wario Ware: Smooth Moves, and Wii Sports are sure to bring out the competitive streak in all players. Upcoming blockbuster games from Nintendo include Super Mario Galaxy, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and Mario Kart Wii

Wii System Configurations

The Wii doesn't come in too many flavors, but you might as well know what you're getting yourself into. As they say, knowing is half the battle.

Wii Online

Find out what kind of features the Wii has when it goes online. Learn about the Wii Shop, the News channel, and what kind of online gaming options are available.

Wii Accessories

The whole point of the Wii is to play with people, and to do that you're definitely going to have to get a few extras along the way.