Nintendo Wii – Enter the Electronic Fist
KUNG FU GLOVE: The Nintendo Wii Power Fist
I reckon I’ll still be playing computer games when I’m old – until my fingertips begin to crank up from arthritis. There’s nothing childish about that – I mean besides war, gaming technology brings about the latest and most innovative developments in electronics and digital technologies.
However, I always thought my latest gaming investment would be in a PSP3. Then I learnt more about the Nintendo Wii. Now I want one; especially after seeing the latest sales figures from Japan which reveal that Wii outsold PS3 by three units to one through August last year.
The Wii’s increasingly popularity seems to have no end. An interview with the senior vice president of marketing and communications for Nintendo, revealed that the company feels no threat from the Microsoft Xbox 360 or the Sony PS3.
“Two companies are going in one direction, and we’re headed in another” – George Harrison.
The Wii is revolutionizing gaming in the home with its close affinity to virtual reality. New motion-sensitive appendages are being developed at a rapid rate – letting gamers young and old experience the digital world in whole new ways.
The kung fu wii power glove
I’ve also always wanted to be a kung-fu fighter when I grew up. Yet after taking a few classes last year I failed dismally as I found it way too physically intense. My dreams were shattered until I heard about the new wii kung-fu power glove.
Nintendo Wii Kung Fu Power Glove
Also referred to as the Wii Nunchuk, this device contains motion-sensing technology as well as an analogue stick which assists in character movement. The glove is contoured to perfectly fit the player’s hand. And, once armed, the glove-bearer can throw real punches and kicks that can be interpreted in a bad-assed kung-fu game (see video – link below).
Nintendo has come a long way. From manufacturing playing cards when it was founded in 1889, future Wii products include the Wii Body Controller, Mii Contest Channel, Nintendo Magic, Wii Handle, and something called Soma Bringer. (You can see a full list of the latest Wii products at www.crn.com. Who knows what these might cost but the standard and very current Nintendo Wii Console will cost you $180 (roughly R1260).
Breaking down the family
I do have one ethical problem with gadgets such as these however. An article I came across mentions that the Nintendo Wii games system has been implemented in several retirement homes in the US after a certain grandchild brought his/her Wii over to show granny! I might just as well be one of the pensioners striking for such a system in my future retirement home, but what of family ties?
When I was growing up a ‘games night’ involved playing scrabble or rummikub with the family. The television was switched off and we were forced to actually speak to one another. I just feel that bringing a screen into the picture turns everyone’s attention to what’s behind it, rather than focusing attention on one another. So my only concern is: what about the children?
Links:
Wii Kung-fu video
www.wiisworld.com
Full interview with Nintendo
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