I’ve wanted a Nintendo Wii since I first started reading about all the new style of games Nintendo was going for and trying some of the ideas out on my DS. But the sheer amount of work to actually get one combined with my apparent inability to regulate the amount of time I spend gaming meant that it just wasn’t a good idea. Still, I’d been tracking inventory at the local stores and the Sunday before Father’s Day I noticed that Toys ‘R Us was showing the Wii in their weekly ad. I’d heard a few tips that the way to pick up the still-hard-to-acquire platform was to watch the papers and show up right away when they were in the papers.

Since church is at 11:30 and Toys ‘R Us opened at 11, it seemed perfect. We went for breakfast and made our way to the line that was already growing in front of the store at 10:40. Even being there 20 minutes early, seven months after the launch of the Wii, we were number 13 and 14 in the line. About five minutes before opening the manager came out and gave the 16 people in line (fortunately no one waiting missed out) their tickets for systems. Jaime was number 14 so that a friend from the office could have one since I’d promised him I’d pick him one up if I found them in stock.

I don’t have a whole lot to add to what’s been written elsewhere about it. It’s a lot of fun, and the type of games are much, much more conducive to social events than sitting and playing by yourself. It’s probably good for me since I have a habit to get too absorbed in games, and this way after an hour or less, I’m done playing and more than happy to just watch others or go do something else (how many other systems actively encourage you to go outside and stop playing on the console?!). In fact, watching others play is very nearly more fun than playing yourself. I wish I had more controllers (just two right now) as I’d love to see the craziness of a four player tennis match as folks try not to mangle each other in my little living room while playing doubles.

*Bonus points to anybody who recognizes the reference in the title without the almighty goog.

Posted by Jordan on Monday, June 25th, 2007 at 10:29 am.