Using my Wii as a dust collector was getting old, so I decided to purchase a copy of Wii Sports Resort. This game includes one Wii Motion Plus – the add-on module  that increases the accuracy of your movements.

Something worth remembering is that to play Wii Sports Resort with friends, you’ll need a Wii Motion Plus for every controller you wish to use. Lets face it, the Wii’s main use is with friends, so if your buying this game, plan on another $35 for a 2nd Motion Plus.

While the Motion Plus is just an add on module to the end of your controller, it comes with a silicon surround. This fits over your entire controller, adding a serious amount of squidgy padding at the top. I can only imagine this is a response to those slippery fingered people who’ve put controls through their expensive TV screen.

The Good

• Accuracy is improved with Wii Motion Plus
• Plenty of new sports to play (some require the nun chuck)
• Wii sports games are extended (i.e. bowling features 100-pin)

The Bad

• Wii Sports Resort requires Motion Plus.
• Can get expensive, especially if you want to play 4 players.

Overall

I picked up Wii Sports Resort for $79. Add another $35 for the additional Wii Motion Plus and the experience cost me $114. That’s pretty pricey for a Wii game. Admittedly it’s not as much as you’ll fork over for plastic musical instruments.

Overall I’ve really had fun playing Wii Sports Resort. now against 3 separate opponents. Reports are the game is selling well and that doesn’t surprise me, given its an extension of what the Wii excels at – fun, multi-player gaming.

Available right now is new software for the Wii. System Menu 4.0 contains a slightly revamped UI, but also ads support for up to 32GB SD cards.

What are you waiting for.. go update your Wii !

Update
So perhaps my excitement at this announcement was a little overzealous, likely due to the fact I struggle for reasons to even turn on my Wii these days. Turns out there’s no real changes other than the SD card icon / support.

More @ Engadget and Joystiq

In the interest of equality in my gaming coverage, I’ve now got all 3 consoles (PS3, Xbox 360, Wii). So for those of you who’ve thought the PS3 coverage has been a little light on, then please rest assured that’s all about to change. I’ll now be keeping you up to date on the latest developments of all 3 consoles.

I’m also looking to find a good capture device for each console, to produce video game reviews, as well any upgrades to firmware etc.

I had an amazing sense of Déjà vu, reading about Nintendo’s latest product – Wii Fit. With multiple sites reporting the launch is about to happen (May 21st), I was certain I’d seen it already on sale in Australia.

Yep, I did. Amazing Australia actually received a product before the US. This wouldn’t seem like such a big deal if this was a regular occurrence, however the years of being on the trailing edge of releases from technology companies has pre-programmed us aussie’s to expect things later rather than sooner.

So props to Nintendo for finally giving us a break and releasing the Wii Fit here first.

As for the game, it looks like something I’d try out, but would quickly loose motivation, so I’ll skip on buying this one.

More @ Engadget and Nintendo

Above is the opening video for Mario Kart of the Wii. If you have a Wii + kids, it’s time to get excited.. the latest installment of Mario Kart is almost here.

Congratulations Nintendo! Let’s face it, a million units of anything is big deal, especially in a country of 21 million people.

AustralianIT has the details.

Without a doubt, the Wii is the most accepted console from females, there’s just no escaping that. So why not get a purple controller just for your lady fried.

More @ WiiFanboy

While Americans still wait to get adequate supplies of Wii’s, Australians have actually had a steady supply since launch. A number of my friends got Wii’s when they first went on sale here (December 7th 2007), are now, only a couple months later, trying to offload them. The reason sighted by most is the lack of use the console receives, something that could easily be attributed to a lack of good games.

Those Wii Fanboys may argue differently, but given that Wii Sports (the free game that ships with the console) is probably the most played game on the Wii, that speaks volumes about the other available titles.

So your probably wondering why I would want to snap up a Wii at this point. As a blogger / podcaster that often covers gaming news, I felt it important to be across developments in the Wii arena. If I come across a PS3 cheap, or if Home lives up to expectations, I’ll grab a PS3 for the same reason.

The Wii has also become well known for being the drinking console of choice. I fell this is where the Wii’s strength is, to play with friends for short periods of time. The physical movement-related controller scheme does not blend itself well to long gaming sessions. I remember last year spending 6 to 8 hour blocks of time in front of Halo 3 and Assassin’s Creed, I would not like to do that on the Wii.

I look forward to some really fun short bursts of gaming on the Wii and you can look forward to much more Wii coverage from techAU.