Nintendo DS Buying Guide
January 31, 2008
You can choose from a variety of colours. These colours include Arctic White, Onyx Black and Coral Pink.
This accessory allows you to give voice commands in games. This also allows you to talk and chat with other players over the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.
You may want to buy spare battery in case you are far from electrical outlets for charging.
You can recharge your Nintendo DS battery straight from the power source.
You need the DS Stylus to manipulate the console using the touch screen. The stylus easily snaps on the side of the Nintendo DS body and comes in a variety of color to match the main DS body. The stylus is a part of the package but you may need to buy one for spare. You must always use Nintendo-licensed stylus to avoid damaging your touch screen!
You need this to protect your Nintendo DS from scratches and other harsh impact that may damage the system. Look for cases that have clips so you can attach the Nintendo DS on your belt when you so desire. Also include a screen guard and velvet cloth wipe.
This is used on games that work with sliding type controls. A miniature plastic pad is connected to it which can also be used with the DS touch screen.
This is a small device the size of a USB flash disk and is plugged into a computer’s port to creating a mini hotspot. With the hotspot, five Nintendo units may be able to connect to the internet. This function is supported by Microsoft XP operating system only.
This is an add-on player utilizing SD cards for MP3 music that you need to buy separately.
You can see you opponents online using the Nintendo DS camera. This perfectly complements the DS headset when you chat and talk with other players online.
Nintendo DS Lite Cartridge Slot Cover
This works with the DS Lite only to keep the cartridge from gathering dust and debris when not used. Different cartridge slot cover colors are available to suit the DS body color.
Nintendo Wii Buying Guide
January 30, 2008
Are you a serious gamer who wants to enjoy the latest and most innovative games today with thousand of other like minded players?
Yes, there are hundreds of games and game gadgets to choose from. From your cellular phones to your personal digital assistant to computers and the internet, there is no limit to games access wherever you are.
One of these gaming gadgets is the Nintendo Wii. The Wii is the phenomenal direct successor of the equally phenomenal Nintendo Gamecube. In the top three places of high end gaming consoles, Nintendo Wii shares the limelight with Sony’s Playstation 3 and Microsoft’s Xbox 360.
Processors:
The Nintendo Wii is powered by a PowerPC central processing unit called Broadway. Although Nintendo has not yet confirmed its speed, reports have it that the Broadway is clocked at 729 MHz. This processor is made with the 90 nm SOI CMOS process.
Graphic Processing Unit
The Graphic Processing Unit for the Nintendo Wii is the "Hollywood" graphics processor made by ATI Technologies. It has a reported clock speed of 243 MHz.
Nintendo Wii is packaged with Bluetooth and at least 2 USB ports. Bluetooth allows you to wirelessly connect external devices like game controllers. USB on the other hand requires a cable to connect external devices but connection is as easy as inserting the tip of the device which is easily detected and becomes functional in an instant.
Memory
The Nintendo Wii has a 512 MiB built-in NAND flash memory but you may want to expand storage with the SD card memory up to 2 Gigabytes.
Although the Nintendo Wii has an excellent built-in speaker and controller, you may want to install Dolby Pro Logic II for maximum sound enjoyment.
This is the main controller attached to the Wii via a remote cord about 3.5 to 4 feet long. It is called a Nunchuk because it actually looks like a nunchaku. This can provide an accelerometer for tilting and axis motion sensing.
Nintendo Wii Classic Controller
Introduced in 2006, the Nintendo Classic Controller plugs to the Wii Remote with a cord. This is similar to the Nunchuk but this has two additional analog sticks and the ZL and ZR buttons.
If you want war games that rock, then you may want to buy this accessory. The Wii Zapper is a gun shell peripheral. It looks like a shot gun with a trigger hole. A revised new design looks like a submachine gun.
Glove Kits
The Glove kits will allow you to get a better grip on the Wii Remote. You can choose from many colors and glow in the dark looks. Some gloves even change hue depending on the heat of your hand.
This is a third party accessory and is bundled with certain games like Monster 4×4 World Circuit and GT Pro Series.
Wii Sports Package
Another third party accessory released by GameStop, the Wii Sports Package includes a golf club, baseball bat and tennis racquet.
Wii Boxing Gloves
This is a specialized glove for boxing. The Wii Remote and Nunchuk controls are placed inside each glove to simulate punching.
Hori Fighting Stick
The Hori Fighting Stick is especially designed for arcade style fighting games.
Since rechargeable options for the Wii Remote are not offered by Nintendo, but you can choose from third party chargers. You can buy a direct charger system from Nyko that can accommodate two Will remote units. This is powered by an AC adapter with a special battery pack.
Another company is Joytech which sells a pass-through connector charger to the Wii power cable.
Brando Workshop has come up with USB powered charger. This features a combination charging stand and NUnchuk cradle.
GAME CONSOLES - Entertainment on your palm!
October 23, 2007
Game consoles are also called as console games in the UK. Game console is an electronic product dedicatedly designed and marketed all over the world for gaming functionalities. Numerous game console manufacturers are available and they have launched unique model of game consoles with new games.
These console games can be referred as ‘video games’ as video is a primary element in them. A dedicated game console has a main unit and a controller. Users will be using the controller. This controller is essential to control all the gaming features. You can view some buttons and pads. Audio and visual effects can be obtained from your television. Microsoft Xbox, Sony Playstation and Nintendo Game Cube are some of the examples of game consoles.
Game consoles play an essential role in entertainment. Certain games have come with only audio element but some consoles offer audio as well as video elements in gaming features. A handheld game consoles will be marketed with the display, speakers, controller, console etc. Due to technical advancements it is easy to get even the latest games by downloading them from the internet. You can have a demo play on the internet as well. If you have simpler game console, you may not able to enjoy these kinds of advancements. You can play only fixed versions of fixed games.
DILEMMA BETWEEN PC GAMING AND CONSOLE GAMING
Game consoles are available in the UK in 3 different platforms namely:
• As consoles
• As handheld devices
• As PC games
If you have planned to buy a game console for your kid, handheld consoles are the right choice. PC games and the consoles will be suitable only for adults who mostly like graphics or animations in gaming. If you are confused between PC gaming and Console gaming, it is suggested to follow the tips given below.
• THINK OF YOUR BUDGET
Budget will make you to choose one among the two. PC games are much costlier than console games.
• POWER UTILITY
Power consumption of the both PC and Console games have to be considered. As everyone knows very well, PC requires more power than console games. It is because PC has to share its power with CPU, monitor, keyboard and mouse. But one thing is sure, if you are ready to sacrifice your hard earned money on electricity bill, you will enjoy amazing gaming features through PC games which will not be offered by simpler console games.
• GAMING COMPATIBILITY
There is no need to consider about compatibility in case of console games. While you prefer PC games, it is essential to check your system’s compatibility to support your gaming features. Think about it!
• GAMER CONSIDERATIONS
Think, who is the actual gamer at your home? If it is your kid, it is not good to offer them PC games as they may leave you in risk by deleting important files unknowingly. It is best to prefer easy consoles for kids. If your whole family is interested in playing, it is better to choose a game console with multiple participants support.
DEAR PARENTS, ALWAYS KEEP AN EYE ON RATING!
• ESRB
ESRB is an acronym the term “The Entertainment Software Ratings Board”. This board of authority has given different ratings for distinct video games. They used various alphabets for indicating different rates. Frequently used ratings are given below.
• ‘T’ Rating
Suppose a game is rated as ‘T’. It means the gaming features are only meant for teenagers not for kids. Usually “T” rated are given when a game contains violence or obscene words.
• ‘M’ Rating
Suppose a video game is marketed with ‘M’ rating, it indicates that the game may contain unwanted sexual themes or explicit violence. Therefore that game is only meant for persons who are above 17.
• ‘A/O’ Rating
A/O rating is given only for adults. Games which have contents of violence and nudity will be rated as ‘A/O rating’.
POINT TO PONDER FOR BUYING A RIGHT GAME CONSOLE
Console based video games are marketed in the UK in thousands of models and designs. But everything can come under only 6 major brands namely:
• Xbox 360
• PS3
• PS2
• PSP
• Wii
• Nintendo DS
Hopefully it is not tough to choose one among the six. But evaluation of various things is important before selecting a console. Try to follow these guidelines for choosing appropriate console based gaming unit.
Tip 1 – READ REVIEWS
It is vital to read as much as reviews about game consoles not only from magazines but also from the web. Therefore you can know about the basic functioning, gaming features, design, weight and price can be known for numerous brands.
Tip 2 – HAVE A DEMO PLAY
Most of the console manufacturers show free demonstrations. Always have a demo play before you purchase them.
Tip 3 – CONSIDER THE PRESENCE OF GRAPHICS AND IMAGE QUALITY
Graphics are the most interesting part of any game which increases the interest to play. As technology has advanced, it is not tough to get an ideal console with graphical aspects to enhance the interest to play. Therefore check whether your console has some graphical aspects in it. Images displayed on the console have to be impressive in quality. Graphic capabilities of the consoles will vary from one to other. You may not expect the same graphic capability in PS3 that you have in Xbox 360. Portable consoles do not have more graphic capabilities.
Tip 4 – SELECTION OF GAMES
Choosing a game is as important as choosing a console. Choose games which are compatible with your console. Nowadays, users can easily download newly released games from internet and can send directly to their consoles.
Tip 5 – CHECK GAMING FEATURES
Before you make the payments, never forget to check all the gaming features of the console. You may not be able to handle some features or some functions may be difficult to use. Prevention is better than cure. So check all the basic features at the time of demonstration itself. Then you have to consider some other things like:
• Total playing time
• Usage of weapons
• Execution of commands
• Audio Quality
• Special effects
Tip 6 – ADJUSTABILITY
A game console should not be rigid. If so, you cannot make any adjustments like increasing or decreasing the level of volume. Then unit has to set up easily with the controller.
Choose a challenging game console and enjoy!
Tip 7 – THINK OF PRICE
Price is an essential factor which determines the purchase decision. Distinct consoles are marketed with distinct price tags. When you want to buy consoles at cheap price, it is better to go for past generation consoles like Nintendo 64 or PlayStation. Newer releases may demand more money.
GAME CONSOLE ACCESSORIES
Ok, now you have got some idea about how to choose a console based video game. Next, we are ready to offer some information about console-based accessories, without which you cannot play. You have to keenly read some articles or reviews about game consoles and its accessories.
Browse some websites created for offering information about game consoles. From those sites, you will know about new models of consoles. If you get link to manufacturer’s website, there you can get detail descriptions about how they function; gaming features and tips to play effectively. The accessories have to be purchased after you choose the game. It is because some games require additional accessories to enjoy the game to its fullest.
