Nintendo Wii Deals

Wii: Nintendo's Video Game Console Series

When the Wii was first launched with motion sensor technology, it was unique. Players controlled an avatar with their own movements and quickly became immersed in the action. A few hard-core titles like Resident Evil and Silent Hill are available, but the Wii has always focussed on fun games for all ages of player. Eventually, the Wii was superseded by the Wii U with its touchscreen GamePad controller, then more recently, the hybrid Nintendo Switch became the company's latest release.

Wii: Motion Control Gaming

Launched back in 2006, the Wii was named to echo the word 'We' and reflect its broad appeal. The motion sensor, Wi-Fi connectivity and social play aspect made it an instant hit with all types of player. An impressive 101 million units have been shifted worldwide, beating the sales figures of both the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360. Over time, the original concept was refined, with two further consoles appearing in the collection; the Wii Family Edition in 2011 and the Wii Mini in 2012.

The Wii Family

The original Wii was followed by a number of later models:

• The Wii – The Wii is a seventh-generation home video system designed for a broad demographic. Inside the box, buyers find the console, a stand which enabled it to be positioned vertically, a stabiliser for the stand, a Wii Remote, a sensor bar, a Nunchuk, a power adapter, two batteries, an AV cable, a scart adapter and RCA connectors. There was also a user manual and a copy of Wii Sports to get things started. The Wii was smaller and lighter than its contemporary consoles with an illuminated slot-loading drive, but its most unique quality was motion controlled gaming. For the first time, people could exercise while they were playing a video game, just using the controller. When pointed at the sensor bar, the Wii Remote Controller picks up movement in three different dimensions. In play, it allows gamers to explore the environment, while a rumble feature and a speaker react to the action. The Wii was initially finished in white, but a black version followed shortly after. In 2010, a limited edition red console was released to mark Super Mario's 25th Anniversary. It came with Wii Sports, the New Super Mario Bros. game, a Nunchuk and a Wii-mote to match. The Wii Light Blue was launched in 2012 to commemorate the London Olympics, it also has a matching controller and comes bundled with Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

• The Wii Family Edition – The Wii Family Edition released in 2011 was the system's first redesign. It has 512MB of storage and the same dimensions as the original but sits horizontally rather than upright. Also, unlike the first version of the Wii, it is not compatible with discs from the GameCube. The Wii Family Edition came in a bundle with two discs, Wii Party and Wii Sports, and buyers also received a Wii Remote Plus. When Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games was launched in 2011, Nintendo also released a Wii Family edition in blue to coincide with the event. There is a black edition which comes with the Super Mario Galaxy soundtrack CD and the New Super Mario Bros. game.

• The Wii Mini – With the Wii Mini, released in 2012, the designers went for a complete overhaul of the Wii concept. Finished in black with a contrasting red border, this version came with a Nunchuk to extend gameplay and a Wii Remote Plus controller. There was no game included in the package. Although the gaming experience is similar to that on other Wii consoles, the Wii Mini is, as the name would suggest, far smaller. Like the Family Edition, the Wii Mini does not support GameCube titles, plus there is no SD card slot or Wi-Fi connectivity for online gaming or browsing.

• The Wii U – Named after its famous predecessor, the Wii U system was the first Nintendo console to boast HD graphics. As an eighth-generation platform, it was pitted against the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4. The controller took the form of a GamePad with a touchscreen along with action buttons, an analogue stick and direction buttons. Players can use the tablet as a supplementary screen to enrich the larger display or to play the game direct without the need for a monitor. The Wii U has a great deal of functionality; as well as the GamePad, you can join in with a Wii Remote, Balance Board, Nunchuk or Pro Controller. A raft of new games plus backwards compatibility with most Wii titles gives the console a massive catalogue of titles. Once online, players can use the Nintendo Network Platform as a hub and the Miiverse social network to share content with other players. The Wii U console was well-designed, with plenty of exciting first-party titles and a lower price tag than its rivals. Nevertheless, it was not popular with consumers – around 13.5 million units were sold in total. Some commentators say buyers were put off because the name suggests a rebranded Wii although it is an entirely new console. Released in 2012, the system also had fierce competition from advanced consoles like the PS4 and Xbox One. Faced with a choice, consumers opted for the more future-proof machines.

• The Nintendo Switch – Launched in 2017, the Switch is technically the successor and not a part of the Wii range as well as a hybrid home console that can also be used as a portable handheld device. You can choose to play at home in front of a TV, or on the move. The tablet measures around 16cm and has two Joy-Con controllers which are removed for solo and two-player gaming. Continuing the Wii tradition, the Switch is very simple to use and the screen pops with colour. Unlike its next-gen counterparts, the Switch is not going to deliver a 4K HDR experience, but it's proved innovative enough to be a hit, despite a few initial wobbles.

Trailer for the Original Nintendo Wii

What is a Mii?

The Mii is another quirk of the Wii series: customised avatars that players can create on the console to represent themselves. You can choose facial characteristics, body types and hairstyles to produce a virtual you. Anyone who plays on the console can have their own bespoke Mii and they often appear as bit-part players in games or pop up in crowd scenes cheering on other characters. Gamers can visit the Mii Plaza by going to the Wii Menu, then the Mii Channel. Here you can store and organise up to 100 Miis.

Choosing a Console from the Wii Series

Some games can be played on any consoles, but the Wii has its own titles which only work with the motion control feature and cannot be ported to other systems. If you are interested in trying out exclusive games like The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, The Last Story, or Donkey Kong Country Returns, then it's certainly worth picking up a cheap Wii deal and getting stuck in to the retro action.

Although they're great fun, it's worth remembering that production has ended on all Wii titles, so if you'd prefer a console that's got all the Wii titles, plus more exclusives of its own, like Bayonetta 2, Super Smash Bros on Wii U, and Splatoon, then invest in a Wii U.

For people who already own a Wii or a Wii U, moving to the Switch will provide a genuinely portable experience along with smoother gaming and much more visual depth. A lack of streaming services may put off some buyers, but there's no doubt that the Switch indicates an exciting return to form for the company and a worthwhile upgrade.

Technical Details for Consoles in the Wii Series

Here are the technical specifications for the original Wii, released in 2006:

• CPU: Broadway Processor

• Dimensions in cm: 4.39W x 15.7H x 21.54D

• Weight: 3.6kg

• Connectivity: AV input/Wi-Fi

• Screen Resolution: 480p or 480i depending on the game

• Colours: White/Black/Red/Blue

• Disc Drive: GameCube disc, Wii disc

• Storage: 512MB Built-in flash memory

• Expanded Storage: Up to 32GB using SD card

• Backwards Capabilities: With GameCube

Specs for the Wii Family Edition, released in 2011:

• CPU: PowerPC

• Dimensions in cm: 15.74W x 4.3H x 21.59D

• Weight: 2.9kg

• Connectivity: AV input/Wi-Fi

• Screen Resolution: 480p or 480i depending on the game

• Colours: White/Blue/Black

• Disc Drive: Wii disc

• Storage: 512MB Built-in flash memory

• Expanded Storage: Using SDHC Memory Card

• Backwards Capabilities: With the original Wii

Specs for the Wii Mini, released in 2012:

• CPU: IBM PowerPC

• Dimensions in cm: 21W x 13.6H x 25.6D

• Weight: 0.72kg

• Connectivity: AV input

• Screen Resolution: 576i, 480p, 480i depending on the game

• Colours: Red/Matte Black

• Disc Drive: Wii Disc

• Storage: 88MB Built-in flash memory

• Expanded Storage: No

• Backwards Capabilities: With the original Wii

Specs for the Wii U, also released in 2012:

• CPU: IBM Power-based multi-core processor

• Dimensions in cm: 16.51W x 4.5H x 26.92D

• Weight: 1.6kg

• Connectivity: USB 2.0/Wi-Fi

• Screen Resolution: Supports HD graphics

• Colours: Basic Model comes in White/Deluxe set comes in Black

• Disc Drive: Wii U and Wii discs

• Storage: 8GB Built-in flash memory with the Basic Model or 32GB with the Deluxe Set

• Expanded Storage: USB

• Backwards Capabilities: With the original Wii

In comparison, specs for the Nintendo Switch, released in 2017:

• CPU: NVIDIA Custom Tegra processor

• Dimensions in cm: 23.87W x 10.16H x 1.39D

• Weight: 0.29kg

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi/BlueTooth/Lan Adaptor

• Screen Resolution: 1280 x 720 HD ready

• Colours: Console/black Joy-Con controllers/red/grey/yellow/pink/blue/green

• Media: Switch game cards

• Storage: 32GB Built-in flash memory

• Expanded Storage: MicroSDHC or microSDXC cards up to 2TB

• Backwards Capabilities: Not yet

Wii Storage and Colour

The original Wii doesn't contain a hard drive, but instead, it has 512MB of flash memory which it translates to roughly 2200 'blocks'. It might sound like a lot, but it won't go far once you've download a few games, save your progress and create your Mii characters. To get around the problem, you can place an SD card into the front slot and save all your titles to that.

The Wii is commonly available in crisp white or the more traditional black. There are also two limited edition colours to be found: red and blue. Whichever colour you prefer, with a sleek finish and diminutive size, they will not look out of place alongside modern consoles.

Does the Wii Have any Accessories?

Every new Wii came with a Wii Remote Plus, a controller with wireless connectivity which connected to the sensor bar. Players can buy additional controllers in a range of colours and lots of other accessories to make game play more enjoyable. Here's a list of what's available:

• Nintendo Points Card – You can buy a Nintendo Points Card then spend Wii Points online at the Wii Shop Channel. Wii Points let you pick between new titles and bonus content.

• Balance Board – Launched to complement Wii Fit, the Balance Board is a device which players can sit, lean or stand on. It is pressure sensitive, so people can use their whole body to participate in mini-games, sports and yoga. You also can use the Wii Fit and Balance Board to weigh yourself, then create a personalised exercise regime.

• Classic controller – If you miss the look and feel of a traditional controller, you can buy a classic version to play your favourite games. Reminiscent of the NES, and N64 controllers, these connect to the console using a cable and are mainly used for playing virtual competitions from the Wii Shop Channel.

• The Pro controller – In two colours, black and white so buyers can match it with their original console, the Pro Controller has sophisticated features and a classic look. The easy-grip sides mean players stay comfortable during especially long games and more buttons to the shoulder give added control. There are different Pro controllers for the Wii, the Wii U and the Nintendo Switch available. It is compatible with most WiiWare, Virtual Console, Wii and Switch titles.

• The Nunchuk – A Nunchuk is attached to the Wii-mote using a short cord, and it adds extra utility with a couple of trigger buttons and a little joystick. Players hold the Wii-mote in one hand and the Nunchuk in the other whilst negotiating their way through a game. Not all titles support the additional device but with those that do, like The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, you won't be able to play without one.

• Zapper – Combining the Nunchuk and Wii Remote in one accessory, the Zapper is designed to make play more exciting during target-based sports. It is shaped like a gun and has a holster where the Wii-mote can slot safely in. When purchased brand new, it often comes as a bundle with the Crossbow, but you can sometimes buy an individual zapper as part of a second-hand Wii deal.

• Wii wheel – One of the most iconic Wii accessories, the Wii Wheel was originally bundled along with the Mario Kart game. It houses the Wii-mote whilst you play and makes the steering function feel more spontaneous. It isn't limited to Mario Kart, you also can use it in other driving titles like Colin McRaes DiRT to feel more involved in the race.

• Lens cleaning kit – Like any lens in regular use, the Wii's disc reader can become dusty and in need of a clean. This small kit contains a type of cleaning fluid which is specially formulated for the job.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Owning a Wii?

The Wii created a massive splash in the gaming industry when it was released. The motion sensor element was a game changer, and the multiplayer features of games like Mario Kart and Wii Party made playing a social activity that all ages could enjoy together. However, for more serious players, the Wii remains a platform for children. Here's a closer look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Wii as a home console.

The Pros:

• Prepare for a workout – Unlike other consoles which only demand skilled button bashing, with the Wii you'll need to get up, or at least sit up, in order to play well. This innovation changed the physically passive nature of gaming into something far more dynamic, as you have to act out what you want your Mii (or avatar) to do on screen.

• Play out of the box – The controllers are highly intuitive, so no one is going to struggle with understanding how the joystick works, or which button is needed. Whatever your gaming experience or aptitude, you can pick up and play a Wii game. The controller is speedy and accurate, so in the majority of instances, it does exactly what you expect it to.

• A party starter – Fun for players and their audience, the Wii really ramps up the shared gaming experience to another level. Children can play with parents or grandparents and work together to complete virtual sports trials or go up against each other in a fishing competition. You can get the whole family started on a fitness journey and monitor their progress using the Wii Fit game.

• Appearance and noise – Practically silent whilst in use, the Wii is also very small and inconspicuous.

The Cons:

• Less sophisticated than rival consoles – Compared to its next-gen contemporaries, the Wii has fewer multimedia features and weaker hardware. The environments do not look photo realistic, as they can on other consoles, but the Wii's graphics were never a key selling point.

• Player need their space – You can play other consoles whilst laid in bed if that's what you prefer, but the Wii demands an active gamer who has the room to move their arms and legs around – particularly during dance or sports titles.

• Accessories can be pricy – As Wii accessories can also be used for the more younger Wii U console, they can be expensive.

Buying a Console from the Wii Family

Production of the Wii and Wii U has officially ended, but they are still widely available online. Brand new consoles are on sale at Amazon, but you can also shop for used and refurbished consoles at eBay. New titles are no longer made for the console, but it's easy to find them at online stores like GAME and Music Magpie or second-hand as part of a bundle. At Nintendo's UK Store, you can still shop for Wii U game discs and digital downloads. The Switch as Nintendo's newest coup is widely available at retailers like ShopTo, Smyths or Argos.

You can shop for cheap Wii deals on discs, accessories and consoles during the Black Friday event when prices on some electronics are cut by up to 40%. A good time to shop for second-hand consoles is around Christmas, when many people sell off their older systems to make way for a new one they received as a gift. Cheap Wii games and accessories may also be available in the summer, spring and winter sales.

Nintendo Wii Discounts at HotUKDeals

Players looking for a console or titles from Nintendo can head over to the Wii page at HotUKDeals, here we bring together all the latest bargains around in one regularly updated list.