Can you believe that it's already been a whole entire year since the Nintendo Wii was released? In fact, at the time of this writing, it has now been officially more than one year! Feels like just yesterday, doesn't it? Although the Wii has been out for more than a year, it doesn't officially make it the oldest "next-gen" system. That spot actually belongs to the Xbox 360, which in comparison, is over two years old. The incredible thing about the Nintendo console is it's undeniable success, and how fast it's achieved it. To give you an idea of the measure of it's success, although the Xbox 360 was released one year before the Wii, the Wii had officially passed it's sales this year!



The success that this system has seen up to this point, has been completely unprecedented. Even after more than a year, you would still have trouble finding this console in the stores - After a whole year! As soon as the system is put on store-shelves, there's someone there to snatch it right up! Because of the hectic demand for the console, it may not seem to practical too purchase the system in person, unless of course you don't mind playing the potential "chase and catch" game. If you do though, then shopping online for the popular video game system may be your best bet of grabbing it. So, over the course of the year, the Wii has been in high-demand, and there are no signs of it slowing down. Although this may not be great news for consumers that are looking to purchase the system, it most certainly is great news for the consoles manufacturer, Nintendo.

Until recently, video games in general have been geared more towards the "hardcore gamer", leaving little room for those casual games that might entice people with less interest in video games to give it a try. The great thing about the system though, is that it essentially bridges that gap. It brings together both hardcore and casual gamers alike. Wii sports, a game packaged with the Nintendo console, has you swinging your arms, and moving your body. Instead of using complicated button combinations to play a game of tennis for example, with the Wii, all that is required of you is the motion or swing of the controller, making it easy for people of all ages to enjoy.

Just because the Wii may seem to be simple in controls doesn't mean that you can't play games that are more complicated. The console provides titles for both the hardcore and casual gamers. Those that have played games for several years will quickly warm up to titles like Super Mario Galaxy, The Legend Of Zelda, Red Steel, Call Of Duty, and the list goes on. Just the opposite, those that are new to the gaming scene will find fun in games like Wii Sports, Wii play, Big Brain Academy, Wii Fit, and the list goes on and on. Looking at the systems software library, it's not hard to notice the diversity of games, thus making it easier for consumers of all ages to find what they like.

The reason for Wii's massive success is because it has managed to reach audiences beyond those that have normally been playing games. It has simplified controls, yet at the same time is using cutting-edge technology. The software available has expanded beyond titles that are available for the hardcore gamers only. It has games that can be played online at no additional cost. Most importantly though, it's user-friendly. It's these combinations, and more, that have made the Wii the must-have video game system for more than a year.