#Wii mario kart bundle review 480p#
(That said, we've reviewed a viable alternative that will provide 480p HDMI-out for your Wii: the Neoya Wii2HDMI attachment.) To be honest, we'd rather have other features instead-we'd trade the GameCube jacks for an HDMI-out port without blinking. Odds are slim that you'll tap into the GameCube library, unless you're a hard-core Nintendo system owner or a garage-sale shopper. In addition to Nintendo's sizable library of Wii games, in a pleasant but odd tip of the hat, the Wii is backward-compatible with the GameCube, thanks to four GameCube controller ports and two memory card slots that lie tucked away behind a side door. No matter the color, the clean, almost innocuous look makes the Wii one of the least imposing consoles of all time. The Wii now comes in black as well as white, and a limited-edition red version was briefly offered last fall for the holiday season to commemorate Mario's 25th anniversary. The thin, small, minimalist box almost resembles a set-top device. The console hasn't changed a bit since 2006, unlike both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, which have seen redesigns and performance improvements. The Wii is arguably the easiest to set up of the three game consoles: even the box comes in clearly labeled sections that resemble Apple's packaging. With that caveat established-if you're still interested-let's take a look at the system in greater detail. Just be prepared to invest another $70 to $100 if you need extra controllers and some must-have titles (such as Wii Sports). Buy the Wii only if you're looking for a kid-friendly gaming console with a solid library of older, affordable games. Our advice is to consider the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 first, currently available for as low as $249 and $199, respectively. But, other than the impending release of Zelda: Skyward Sword, there isn't much to look forward to for the Wii.Īt this stage in its life cycle, the Wii isn't really a console to invest in. The Wii was the cheapest gaming console before, and it remains the cheapest now. That doesn't mean there aren't a ton of excellent, first-party Mario, Zelda, and Metroid games worth buying, and some interesting bargain-bin exclusives never seen on any other console that would be fun for grown-ups and families alike. The Wii was an aging, fading star last fall, and today it's a console that's feeling decidedly last-gen: it still isn't HD, and its appeal beyond budget family entertainment and nostalgic gaming is dwindling fast. Kinect and PlayStation Move, and by family-friendly gaming devices like the iPad.
The answer, as usual, is, "It depends." We used to love the Wii for its clean, futuristic design and motion-control family games, but its thunder has since been stolen by motion-control alternatives like the So the question remains: at those prices-about half those of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360-is the Wii worth the investment for first-time buyers? That said, it can be found for under $135 from such major retailers as Wal-Mart and. We'd love to see this system drop down to $99, but that's just wishful thinking for now.
#Wii mario kart bundle review plus#
Those interested in multiplayer games will also have to buy an extra Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk, at $40 and $20 respectively.Įurope has announced an even less expensive redesigned Wii bundle, but the $150 Mario Kart version remains the least expensive Wii console in the U.S. It doesn't make much sense, especially considering the game's five years old. Mario Kart's a fun casual racer, but Nintendo's taken its most popular motion-control game out of the equation, forcing people to buy Wii Sports separately. Instead, the new Mario Kart bundle includes a Wii Remote Plus, a Nunchuk, a copy of Mario Kart Wii, and a Wii Steering Wheel plastic accessory. Gone is Wii Sports, the perennial Wii console pack-in.