Nintendo Wii: The Must-Have Console

With the video-game market becoming dangerously vertical, Nintendo has introduced its new Wii console as an answer to gamers looking for a more satisfying experience -- and as a must-have on every gadget lover's Christmas list.

The learning curve to play and enjoy most next-generation video games has steepened, forcing potential consumers out of the market.

While other video-game makers are presenting increasingly realistic graphics with more gore and violence, Nintendo instead has focused on bringing the experience to everyone.

Enter the Wii.

Ahead of the Pack
After its Nov. 19 debut in North America for $249.99, game players flooded stores searching for the console.

If you weren't able to snatch one, don't worry -- Nintendo should have ample units available by year-end.

By comparison, Sony (SNE - commentary - Cramer's Take) officials previously warned that only 2 million PlayStation 3 consoles, which launched just days before the Wii, would ship by the end of this year -- half of what Sony had previously forecast.

In addition, the PlayStation 3's European launch was delayed until next March.

The Wii's pricing also comes as no surprise, as the company maintained for months that the console would be priced below its rivals.

Microsoft (MSFT - commentary - Cramer's Take) is charging $300-$400 for its two Xbox 360 models, based on hard-drive space and extras, while a PS3 will run $500-$600.

The real genius behind the Wii, though, is the way it plays.

This is where Nintendo has been the most innovative in the video-game wars: The new console comes packaged with the Wii Remote control (or Wii-mote) and Nunchuk attachment.

The Wii-mote resembles a television remote control, simplistic in design when compared to the complex controllers of the PS3 or the Xbox. The intuitive controls make it easy for anyone to pick it up and play games immediately.

The Nunchuk addition gives users a small joystick and enables dual-handed controls. [Source]