With its last-generation game console, the GameCube, Nintendo was pretty much stuck playing third fiddle to Microsoft and Sony. But owners loved the GameCube, and the console was particularly kid-friendly with great proprietary games starring Nintendo exclusives like Mario, Pokemon and Zelda. The GameCube is discontinued, but a "limited" platinum edition (*est. $100) can still be found at some retailers.

For the Wii, Nintendo took a completely different direction from Xbox and PlayStation. Rather than spending development dollars on hyper-realistic graphics, Nintendo invested resources into developing its new wireless, motion-sensitive controller. The controller looks more like a standard remote control, with a wand-like shape. Instead of mainly pushing buttons, you control gaming maneuvers by moving the controller around in different ways. For example, to play a tennis game, you actually swing the controller over your head to simulate a serve. To play an action game, you use the controller like a sword or fighting stick, stabbing and jabbing in the air. A secondary controller, the included Nunchuck, connects to the primary controller so you can use both hands -- for instance, in a boxing game.

Before you get too excited about the motion-controlled sensor, it's important to note that hardcore gamers should steer clear of the Wii. In most reviews, testers note that the Nintendo Wii isn't meant to challenge the most skilled gamers, who will be frustrated with its not-very-accurate controller. Slate magazine's Eric Sofge is the Wii's harshest critic. Sofge, a self-confessed die-hard gamer, is frustrated that the controller isn't that nuanced -- it doesn't demand a lot of finesse from the user. Even small kids will find themselves hitting home runs and bowling strikes.

Other reviews agree that the Wii isn't the best choice for solo first-person-shooter games, or for epic fantasy games. For those types of immersive games, the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 is a better choice. But reviewers counter that the Wii isn't meant to be a high-end gaming system -- it's meant to involve viewers, getting families and friends off the couch and waving around the controller. In this respect, testers say the Wii is entirely successful -- games are simply fun to play. PC Magazine's Jim Louderback echoes most reviewers when he writes that although graphics look "terrible" compared to Xbox and PS3, playing games on the Nintendo Wii is "maddeningly addictive" and "intuitive."

Two years after its release, the Nintendo Wii's popularity hasn't faded. However, supply seems to finally be catching up to demand and finding the console at retail isn't quite the challenge it once was. Since buyers no longer need pay a premium to land one, the Wii is the least expensive of the gaming consoles. One of the newer accessories is the Wii Balance Board (*est. $80), which allows you to play snowboarding and skateboarding games, as well as a whole new series of exercise games that emphasize balance and stability.

The Nintendo Wii ships with a set of simple cartoonish sports games. You can develop a custom cartoon character to represent yourself in the games, called an avatar (Nintendo calls it a "Mii"). Reviews say this feature is a little corny, but fun. An SD card slot lets you view photos on your TV through the Wii. The Wii connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi to download updates. You can also get weather and news, and you can leave messages for other players. You can download legacy games for the system's Virtual Console. For some multi-player games, players can pass the controller around, but some competitive games, like boxing, will require an additional wireless controller (*est. $40) and Nunchuck (*est. $20). For playing older games, you can get a Classic controller (*est. $20).

The Wii right now doesn't play CDs or DVDs, and most sources say the Wii's online gaming setup is awkward at best. The Wii comes with a composite video cable for connecting to a standard TV or HDTV. The system can also play games in smoother 480p (about DVD quality), but you need a separately purchased component cable (*est. $30). A LAN adapter, for connecting to the Internet with an Ethernet port, is also an option. You don't need to be online to use the Nintendo Wii -- Internet is only needed if you want to download legacy games, connect with friends or get online updates.

Nintendo has over 350 games available right now for the Nintendo Wii, and some of the best rated include Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition, Super Paper Mario, Mario Kart Wii, Rock Band, de Blob, Zak and Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Tiger Woods PGA Tour ‘09, Super Mario Galaxy and Super Smash Brothers Brawl.