Wii
The Wii (pronounced we) is the fifth video game console released by Nintendo. It is the direct successor to the Nintendo GameCube, but it treads such a different path that it feels more like a completely new product than a descendent. The distinguishing feature of this system is its wireless controller, the Wii Remote, which can be used as a handheld pointing device and can detect acceleration and orientation in three dimensions.
So, although the Wii's graphics pale in comparison to the other major console players, its motion magic puts gamers quite literally in the swing of things—and has led to a renaissance in casual gaming.
This controller is especially compelling when applied to sports games such as tennis, baseball, golf and bowling. But it can have a dark side since when utilized by games devoted to killing, it enables realistic slashing, stabbing and shooting movements.
Still, a high percentage of Wii games—so far—are active, turn-based games, many of which bear E ratings. And that has earned the Wii a family-friendly reputation, spurring big sales numbers.
The Wii system is fully backward-compatible with Nintendo GameCube software. But unlike it two big competitors, it does not currently allow users to watch DVDs.
Internet connection is possible through a wireless or wired Wii LAN adaptor. The console also makes Wii channels available for photos, messaging and surfing the Web. (The latter requires an external Internet connection.)
A sensor bar allows the Wii remote controller to be used up to 16 feet away. And up to four controllers can be used simultaneously.
Parental Controls
The Wii offers only basic options to restrict content, and none related to time.
1) Game Ratings: The Wii console reads from the game disc which ESRB rating (EC, E, E10+, T, M, AO) a given game has received. Parents can then limit the games their children are allowed to play by restricting certain ratings.
2) Access to Internet: The built-in Wi-Fi connection can be restricted with a downloadable Opera browser.
3) Pass Code Lock-Out: Parents can set a pass code that will keep Family Settings protected and ensure that parents are the only ones that can access or change them.
The GameCube has no parental controls. And parental controls settings for Wii do not affect GameCube game discs.