Official Wii/DS Q/A thread. FAQ in first post! Game reviews in second post!

[miatamel]

I THINK I "picked" Mario Party? I was in such a panic to get it in my cart and it said "pick one of these" and, not having time to research and not having done research ahead of time, that's what I picked. If you don't recommend that one, maybe they'll let me swap it for the Galaxy or a racing one.
Okay, I just thought to check my shipping confirmation. It IS Mario Party 8, the numchuck and and extra wiimote and jacket. Just those three things jacked the price from $249 to $385 with tax. But if you say that is a reasonable price, I'll have to bow to the expert!! Again, hate to be a pain, but if you'll just weigh in on Party 8, I'll go from there. And if you say keep the two controllers, that's what I'll do, too!
Thanks again.

 

[harleyquinn]

I THINK I "picked" Mario Party? I was in such a panic to get it in my cart and it said "pick one of these" and, not having time to research and not having done research ahead of time, that's what I picked. If you don't recommend that one, maybe they'll let me swap it for the Galaxy or a racing one.
Okay, I just thought to check my shipping confirmation. It IS Mario Party 8, the numchuck and and extra wiimote and jacket. Just those three things jacked the price from $249 to $385 with tax. But if you say that is a reasonable price, I'll have to bow to the expert!! Again, hate to be a pain, but if you'll just weigh in on Party 8, I'll go from there. And if you say keep the two controllers, that's what I'll do, too!
Thanks again.

Take back the jacket and Mario Party 8. While I like that game and think it would probably work for your family, I think you have better options that will make you feel better. The jacket is just unnecessary, so get that $5 back. Though from the prices I know things to be, you might have gotten that free? Not sure. You should get $49.99 for MP.

I would try and take that back and get Excite Truck. I would actually try your local used games stores for Excite Truck before getting it from CC. I can't believe it's still full price in stores.

 

[geetey]

Just a heads up but I have been searching EVERYwhere for Excite Truck. I can't find it new or used anywhere locally. I have checked GameStop, EBGames, Slackers, Best Buy, Circuit City, Target, Walmart, ToysRUs... I think that's it. Just wanted to let you know that it is hard to find!

On the other hand, we have bought some games for Christmas and when I was in ToysRUs today, ALL of the games were in stock! So I was able to purchase Super Mario Galaxy, Complete Saga Legos Star Wars, Mario & Sonic Olympics and Wario Smooth Moves on sale for Buy 3, get 1 free. So, this is a heads-up to give ToysRUs a try if you are still looking for games. Luckily, for me, DH likes making returns (so he will return the same games I bought elsewhere) and we saved $50 plus tax.

Sarah - have you played MySims? I am not looking to buy any other games for Christma (they are also getting Guitar Hero III) but they were demo'ing it at the mall this morning and it looks cute.

 

[left210]

I bought Mario Party 8 and Mario & Sonic Olympics but now I am thinking maybe I should exchange the Mario Party 8 for Mario Galaxy. What do you guys think is the best one?

 

[miatamel]

Geetey,
I was at my Walmart yesterday and perusing the Wii games while I was still even more ignorant about the whole thing than I am today (!) and I did see Excite Truck at mine. Granted, we are in a rural area and that might make a difference, but I wonder if you could get it online at Walmart.com? If I thought you could get it in time for Christmas I could get you one and send it to you but I don't think that would be possible now. Or would it? We don't have any kind of used game stores around here but I'm going to check out our local movie rental place as I think they do that. Maybe they a have less expensive copy around. That is, if I even keep the stupid console! I'm feeling so ambivalent about it! Maybe it was just the chase that was interesting--now I'm done with it!

 

[The_Horned_King]

Sarah - have you played MySims? I am not looking to buy any other games for Christma (they are also getting Guitar Hero III) but they were demo'ing it at the mall this morning and it looks cute.

I know you asked the wife, but to answer for her....No she has not played it. It does look like a ton of fun, but we have not purchased it yet do to 1) haveing to many other games to play. and 2) hearing that while fun it get's old quick as the most fun part is simply building thiings, but that the rest of the game is a little lacking in depth. Some day I'm sure we will buy it at a cheaper price.

I bought Mario Party 8 and Mario & Sonic Olympics but now I am thinking maybe I should exchange the Mario Party 8 for Mario Galaxy. What do you guys think is the best one?

In my mind there is no doubt, that I would trade MP8 in for Mario Galaxy. That said if you are looking for more of a multiplayer family experience then you need to stick with MP8. Galaxy if a fantastic game but is pretty much a one player game.

THK

 

[geetey]

Thanks, Horned King! I was just curious.

We really like buying used games and go that route whenever possible.

miatamel - do you have kids? Honestly we have a blast with WiiSports - that game that comes with the system. It is really really fun! Especially at the beginning, dh would be down in the basement after 1 AM bowling! He wanted to get to Pro status. That said, we have always been a gaming family and can really appreciate the new aspect Wii gives gaming. It is fun to see my 60+ yr old parents playing Wii games. Whenever we have friends over, the kids disappear to play wii before the adults bump them off. It is a system for all ages!

Not sure if that helps you feel any better but maybe it would be better to just play with what you have (the system) before sinking more $$ into something you aren't sure about.

Thanks for the offer about Excite Truck! I doubt it would make it here in time since my FEDEX package, sent on 12-9, still hasn't arrived! Argh!!

Good luck with your decision!

 

[miatamel]

Since I'm furthering my Wii education...

I just saw on the Target family bundle that just popped on wiialerts.com--what is a Wireless Sensor Bar, AV cable for standard TV connections and the Wii stand? Especially curious what the sensor bar is and if I need to have a cable bought before I give this b'day present!

 

[The_Horned_King]

Since I'm furthering my Wii education...

I just saw on the Target family bundle that just popped on wiialerts.com--what is a Wireless Sensor Bar, AV cable for standard TV connections and the Wii stand? Especially curious what the sensor bar is and if I need to have a cable bought before I give this b'day present!

No you don't need any of that!

The wireless sensor is to "extend the play range", but it's not needed as a sense is already part of the system.

The AV cable is worthless as one comes packed in with the system already same goes for the "wii stand"...again worthless as the only stand you will need is part of the boxed system.

This is why Nintendo reciently said they hate "bundles" as companies like walmart, target, ect. are forceing people to buy stuff that is not needed, and in fact many times already included in the system's package to begin with.

So a quick answer is...NO you don't need that stuff.

 

[2angelsinheaven]

Just trying out the web from the Wii.

 

[The_Horned_King]

Just trying out the web from the Wii.

Ohhh..... go to youtube and watch videos on the wii it's fun!

 

[Madi100]

I bought Wii Play that comes with the remote. The remote does not have a jacket. Can I reqeust a jacket from Nintendo? My other four come with them.

 

[got2travel]

Geetey,
I was at my Walmart yesterday and perusing the Wii games while I was still even more ignorant about the whole thing than I am today (!) and I did see Excite Truck at mine. Granted, we are in a rural area and that might make a difference, but I wonder if you could get it online at Walmart.com? If I thought you could get it in time for Christmas I could get you one and send it to you but I don't think that would be possible now. Or would it? We don't have any kind of used game stores around here but I'm going to check out our local movie rental place as I think they do that. Maybe they a have less expensive copy around. That is, if I even keep the stupid console! I'm feeling so ambivalent about it! Maybe it was just the chase that was interesting--now I'm done with it!

I was feeling the same as you. I got the Wii last month because of the chase and I happened upon it up on Amamzon at the right time. I ordered it thinking I'd send it back if I changed my mind. But, after taking the advice here to set it up early just to avoid and Christmas Eve frustration, I have totally changed my tune. I set the system up and played a few rounds of bowling. I'm so excited now. It is so much fun. Unlike the previous video game systems we've had, I will be playing with DS on the Wii.

 

[cruisnfamily]

Just trying out the web from the Wii.

I guess you got your wireless code or whatever it was in order to get hooked up. Yay!!

 

[cruisnfamily]

It's so exciting reading all of these people getting Wiis this Christmas. Santa brought one for DS12 last year (after waiting in line in the dark on launch day) and he's literally the only real live person I know who has one. He does not know even one person other than himself that owns a Wii. Little does he know, at least 2 of his friends are getting Wiis this Christmas. Will he be able to do anything fun with them? I know there's some kind of friend code or something but what's it's purpose? DS thinks he'll be able to play Smash Brothers with his friends while they're in their house and he's in his....is he right about that?

 

[2angelsinheaven]

Yup, got the wireless working.

 

[The_Horned_King]

I bought Wii Play that comes with the remote. The remote does not have a jacket. Can I reqeust a jacket from Nintendo? My other four come with them.

Yes althoguh I believe they are out of them at this time...look at www.nintendo.com in the wii section they usually have a link about it somewhere.

It's so exciting reading all of these people getting Wiis this Christmas. Santa brought one for DS12 last year (after waiting in line in the dark on launch day) and he's literally the only real live person I know who has one. He does not know even one person other than himself that owns a Wii. Little does he know, at least 2 of his friends are getting Wiis this Christmas. Will he be able to do anything fun with them? I know there's some kind of friend code or something but what's it's purpose? DS thinks he'll be able to play Smash Brothers with his friends while they're in their house and he's in his....is he right about that?

Yep he is 100% right...once Smash is out he can play against them online(and others world wide) As of right now he can A) send messages and Mii's to them B) Play a game of Call of Duty, Madden 08, Pokemon Battle, and Mariop Strikers. Other agmes ar on their way...the next 2 big online titles will be Smash Brothers and Mario Kart.

Pm me your wii friend code and I'll get you are's. I'll even send you some cool new Mii!'s!

 

[dheinz]

My kids (DD9, DS7, & DS3) asked Santa for a Wii and I told them NO ask for something else! Well, I walked into Target yesterday and asked if they were going to get any more in before X-Mas. They had 9 and I got one!

The problem, I know NOTHING about the Wii. I have been reading previous posts and now I think I am more comfused. This is the 1st gaming system we have owned since Nintendo 64! HA!

So, question... will we be able to use the Wii on X-mas day with the sports pkg and 1 controller? My in-laws (they are more confused than me) got the Wii and Guiter Hero so do we need to take a remote to their house so we can all play?

Can DS games play on the Wii? Sorry for such a long post!

TIA

 

[2angelsinheaven]

Here is the reply I got from Walmart when I wrote to say I thought their bundle was unfair...

Dear ---------,

My name is Elizabeth. I am with the Walmart.com Customer Service Team.
Thank you for allowing me to assist you today.

I am writing you today in regards to your comments about finding the
Nintendo Wii at a lower price with other vendors.

Our pricing guarantee at Walmart.com is the same as your local Wal-Mart
stores: to offer you Every Day Low Prices on our wide assortment of
merchandise, with added savings on some items that carry the "Rollback"
symbol. We strive to make our prices highly competitive with the lowest
prices you'll find. However, as being an Internet vendor, we can offer
different specials for our national customer base.

We made the decision to sell the Nintendo Wii bundled with games and
accessories needed for play. Instead of making trips to several
different stores, you may purchase the bundle and be ready to play as
soon as the items arrive. I understand that this item is very popular
and can quickly go in and out of stock. We consider the bundle a way to
save our customer's time and money by purchasing all needed accessories
online, or you may purchase the console alone at your local Walmart
store.

I apologize again,-------, for any inconvenience you may have
experienced.

Thank you for visiting Walmart.com. We appreciate the opportunity to
serve you and look forward to your next visit.

If we may be of further assistance, please email us at help@walmart.com.
We're here to serve you 7 days a week!!

 

[Disney8704]

Oh yes, its actually a approriate game for any age. My newphew who is 2, loves watching me play. So if hes 2, and loves watching me play, theres no doubt your girls are to young. Zelda Twilight Princess is a VERY good game. One of my favs for Zelda. But its really depends on what your girls like. Do they like playing games like Zelda? If they havent tried it, go somewhere like to gamestop, and see if they have a playable demo of it. If not, then rent it first and let them try it out. Not everyone is gonna like Zelda. So it would be better off for them to try it. Fishing & fighting are very fun. Riding Epona is a lot of fun to. The graphics are one of the best Ive seen on the Wii so far, besides Super Mario Galaxy.

Is Zelda appropriate for two girls ages 6 and 10? I LOVED Zelda growing up, but not sure it's for them.