Then there's the Forecast and News Channels. Both give users frequently updated information on the world and their local happenings based on user settings. Users will have access to local weather that is frequently updated and accurate and can also check out weather in their region or around the world via a 3D map system. Likewise, Wii users can get news around the world which is presented on a 3D map. The 3D map is pretty straightforward to understand and the setup is a snap.

Finally there's the Photo Channel, which allows users to take digital pictures stored on an SD memory card and display them on their television screens. Users also can manipulate the photos in a variety of fun and creative ways, such as zooming or creating mosaics, puzzles or slide shows. They can draw, add stamps, and copy and paste. They also can change the "mood" of photos by brightening them, converting them to monochrome, inverting the color or changing them to stark black and white. Users can even add an MP3 tune to their slide shows. It provides a fun and easy outlet for people to edit their digital pictures. Users also can send their pictures to other Wii consoles by attaching a photo to the Wii Message Board.

Wii Remote

One of the key features that Nintendo is touting with the Wii is its controller, which uses motion sensing technology to allow gamers to really get into a game in new ways. The control allows for anyone to use physical motion to manipulate the action on the screen. Players can swing the controller like a sword, aim it like a gun, swing it like a golf club, tennis racket or baseball bat, using it like a fishing pole, etc. The Wii Remote without its nunchuk attachment resembles a television remote control. Up to four Wii Remote controllers can be connected at once using wireless Bluetooth technology and the wireless signal can be detected within 10 meters of the console. Both the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers include a three-axis motion sensor. The Wii Remote controller also includes a speaker, rumble feature and expansion port, and can be used as a pointer within 5 meters of the screen. The Wii Remote controller has a power switch, plus pad, A, B, Minus, Home, 1 and 2 buttons. The Nunchuk controller includes an analog control stick and C and Z buttons. The Nunchuk is really important when you need to use the remote to aim a wqeapon - like a gun in a first-person action game because it allows you an additional set of tools to handle movement.

The Games

But all of those wonderful bells and whistles aside, a console system is only as good as the games people can play on them. At launch Nintendo has Zelda: The Twilight Princess, eXcite Truck and Wii Sports. While these three titles may seem like meager offerings at first glance it's hard to deny the massive appeal of one free game (Wii Sports is included with the system) and one of the best selling game franchises of all time. Of the three eXcite is the weaker of the three if you believe early reviews on the game. But Zelda at launch along with one free game? Who can complain about that.

Nintendo's Zelda franchise is the 800 lbs. gorilla of the industry. It sells systems and Zelda: The Twilight Princess serves the franchise well with an all new adventure chalked full of the kind of action fans expect. The Twilight Princess takes extreme advantage of the Nintendo Wii's controller, allowing gamers to fight using its motion sensing technology to fight, fish, move, or even draw back a bow string. It's an interesting game that will truly showcase what the Wii is capable of and it looks great to boot.

eXcite Truck is an off-road racing game that was designed to show the driving capabilities of the system. Players can use the remote like a steering wheel turning the remote left or right to steer The game features big jumps, lots of dirty dusty off-road driving and plenty of terrain to challenge players.

Finally there's Wii Sports, the free game that players will be most familiar with when they buy their Wii systems. Wii Sports features multiple titles in one package including tennis, baseball, bowling, golf, etc. Players will see just how well the controller works as they swing it like a tennis racket or a golf club, or roll it like a bowling ball. Wii Sports looks like a Nintendo game should and is a lot of fun.