Nintendo Wii Changes the Gaming World

The simplicity of the Nintendo Wii has allowed it to crack the rapidly growing senior citizen market and make video games a healthy diversion for a segment of the population who often eschew strenuous physical activity.

While older generations often fund the video game purchases of their children and grandchildren, it’s rare to find them purchasing a game console for themselves. Until now.

The Wii’s ease of use and physical interaction make it an outstanding game console for gamers of all ages. A recent Reuters story illustrates the demographic shift that Nintendo is successfully leading as they expand the $30 billion video game market.

Many video game mavens, including this writer, wrote the Wii off as a novelty. However, Nintendo has gotten the last laugh in this battle as their comparatively inexpensive $250 console has captured the limelight over more technically advanced gaming systems like the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Instead of focusing on cutting-edge graphics and overly complex games, Nintendo made the console simpler and the games more fun to play. Bingo!
While that logic makes sense now, I think that hard core gamers didn’t pay much attention to the Wii because of the stunning graphics and advanced technology found in the Xbox and PlayStation consoles.

The Wii, like the Atari Flashback, is really a family oriented gaming console. Anyone can pick up a controller and do moderately well with very little practice. Plus, games such as bowling and tennis are just plain fun.

For seniors, and anyone else who gets little physical activity, the console can provide some moderate health benefits. While the Wii will never replace a good aerobic exercise such as walking, it could definitely provide some lighthearted activity that can be shared across generations.

If you’re searching for the perfect gift, you might consider the Nintendo Wii. Not only is it fun, it’s also a good bridge to help connect several generations of the family. Imagine everyone gathered around the big screen clambering for playing time at your next family gathering.

Think it can’t happen? Nintendo dares you to try.