When Nintendo launched the Wii console way back in 2006, it really was a fairly radical departure from the normal marketing strategies employed in the computer games industry. Even allowing for the fact that the market is accustomed to change at a rapid pace, the Wii was still a significant new development. Instead of following the usual route map of bringing out a new, more powerful, faster console with upgraded graphics, Nintendo introduced a whole new aspect to gaming as a result of the Wii’s control system.

The Wii operates by using a hand held, wireless, motion sensitive controller which can detect motion in all directions. Instead of tapping buttons on a D-pad or manipulating a joystick, gamers wave their hands around, gesture and point using the wireless remote – known as the Wii-mote. It results in a much more intuitive interaction with the game which is different from other consoles.

It really is very easy to pick up game play on the Wii – even adults seem able to do it. If you don’t know what to do then just flail your arms around a bit more and see if anything happens. It’s probably one of the chief reasons why the Wii is popular across a wide range of ages – more so than other consoles.