I can’t believe how quickly things change in the gaming console market. Who would have ever thought that you could ever compare the Nintendo Wii and the Xbox 360? However, as the Wii has matured and the Xbox 360 has evolved, it is actually a valid comparison now. The addition of Kinect to the Xbox adds motion control to that platform. Does that make the new Xbox the right choice for your gaming preferences?
The Nintendo Wii
The Nintendo Wii caused quite a stir when it was first released in 2006. Actual physical body movements were translated into on-screen action and everyone wanted to experience that kind of innovation. It brought video gaming back to the family and back to the party. It turned relatively simple games like Wii Sports into activities that people would play for hours. The Wii brought new kinds of players to the console arena.
Xbox 360 Slim With Kinect
Fast forward to 2010 for the release of Microsoft’s Kinect. It takes body movement control to the next level by getting rid of the controllers. All you have to do is move.
Head to Head Comparison
Controllers: The Wii is controlled by the Wii remote and the attached “Nunchuk.” After a quick and generally painless setup, you can start playing and getting familiar with how these items work together. After the initial “wow” factor wore off, some complained that certain movements weren’t registered correctly by the console, prompting the release of “WiiMotion Plus.” Good technology, but it added to the cost.
On the other hand, you can use Kinect without a hardware controller. The sensor bar does everything. It can even handle two different players at the same time. Of course, without the need for a physical controller, many are finding the Kinect more intuitive than the Wii. It also makes possible a very cool and very futuristic menu system in which you grab and drag menu items.
Games: Nintendo has done a decent job supplying games for the Wii, with something available for almost everyone’s gaming preferences. Most of the best titles seem to come from Nintendo itself, indicating somewhat weak third-party support for the console.
Although it is early in the cycle, Microsoft seems to have a good lineup of games queued for release, including the obiligatory dance and workout titles. Hopefully they will round out this selection with some more unique and original uses for the Kinect.
Price: The Wii is clearly more affordable than the Kinect-Xbox combination. The Wii can be gotten for $200 (less on eBay) and comes with a fairly complete setup. Extra controllers are somewhat pricey, but you can find good deals online. The Kinect is more expensive if you don”t already own a compatible Xbox, but owning the newest thing is undeniably attractive, regardless of the price.
Deciding between the Kinect-Xbox 360 combo or the Wii will ultimately depend on the games you like to play and your budget. But if you’re keen to grab some new technology, Kinect is definitely the way to go.
