Wii Accessories And Gaming Products

The Amstrad CPC 464 Home Gaming Computer

Thought i'd have a break from the norm today and reflect on some of my early computer days.  The Amstrad CPC 464.  I remember getting one for Chrsitmas when I was a kid and loved it.  The colourful keys, colour screen and built in cassette deck.  What more could a young lad ask for.  That computer was the first machine I ever learned to program on.  Happy days.

The Amstrad CPC 464 was released before the Enterprise, was less powerful, but included a monitor and cassette recorder, and retailed for less. The CPC in fact had a strikingly similar colour scheme to the Enterprise, and it may be that Amstrad boss Alan Sugar had seen a prototype. The Amstrad CPC 464 was an 8-bit home computer produced by Amstrad in the 1980s . CPC was an acronym for 'Colour Personal Computer', although it was possible to purchase a CPC with a green screen (GT65/66) as well as with the standard colour screen (CTM640).

The Nintendo Wii And The Ever Changing Gaming Console Market

Many people these days can have very hectic lives which can mean they are not able to go out and do something to have fun and divert their minds from work.  That's why it is sometimes the easy option to opt for tasks that can be done from the comfort of your own home. That's how these game consoles are becoming more popular. More and more people are opting for the latest gaming consoles today that are full of all the features they desire.  For most people, the last thing they want to do when they arrive home after a long day at work, is sap all their remaining energy by doing  some physical activity.  With the technology that surrounds us today, it is by far easier, and much more appealing to kick back on the sofa and play your favourite games on your gaming console.

The very first console video game system that could be played on a television set at home was the Magnavox Odyssey.  It was designed by Ralph Baer and it was first released to the public in 1972 and only met with limited success.  In 1975 the real revolution in video games for the home began with the release of the home version of Pong by Atari.  Atari landed an exclusive contract for 175,000 units with Sears who would take the product to market via their stores. The game was a massive success for the 1975 Christmas sales.  The interesting thing about this game was that all the discrete technology was designed into a single chip which was the most advanced consumer electronics chip ever made until up to that point.  This opened up a whole new world and the home video entertainment system was born.

The most recent console to be released is the Playstation 3.  The storage device on this console is competent size, and the graphics capability is outstanding.  In fact all the previous 1400 games that were available in the previous versions can also be used on the Playstation 3.   Its cutting edge Blu-Ray technology gives sharper images, and even the shot of sand flying or glass breaking is truly remarkable.  Contrast this to the blurry image of the paddle and ball games which were manufactured in the 1960’s, you will appreciate just how far technology has moved on in recent years. The games are much more expensive these days, with prices easily topping £50 - £60 per game. If you realised just how much work, and man power it takes to make one of these games, you will realise that those are fair prices. These games come with new features where you can control elements of the game and create your own gaming a characters. Customisation is the name of the game and that’s why these games are becoming as popular as they are.

Many aftermarket gaming accessories have been introduced over recent years.  They are available for every gaming console, depending on each ones available features.  These accessories can range from wireless controllers, carry cases, hard drives and HD component cables.  The Nintendo Wii has seen the largest range.  These aftermarket wii accessories include padded wii boxing gloves, wii steering wheels, wii sports packs and charging docks.  This is just to name a few.

The Wii remote is a long, thin remote control unit and picks up the gamers movements by moving and pointing the device. The unit features wireless technology and operates using a short-distance Bluetooth radio.  You can use a maximum of four controllers with a distance of up to fifteen feet from the Wii sensor bar. It is multi-functional and allows nimble use, and can be used horizontally, as well as like a steering wheel for driving games.  According to the designers, the design will enable experienced players to hold a remote in both of their hands, or a Nunchuk in one and a remote in the other.  Technically advanced, it can sense movement and orientation.  The wii-mote can pick up linear motion along three axes. The optical sensor can determine the direction.  According to CNET the pointer can get jerky or twitchy, and, the tilt control requires a light touch.  The remote controls are also non-changeable and players have to stay with Wii’s calibrations.

The Nintendo Classic Controller is an old skool style expansion controller that can be used with the Wii remote slotted in to play games by using a traditional game pad.  It is to be used to play existing games, virtual console games, and multiplatform games.  It connects to the Wii remote through a cord.

Wii Boxing - Enhancing Gameplay By Using Wii Boxing Gloves

Wii boxing is a game where you hold the Wiimote in one hand and the Nunchuck in the other. You literally throw punches in real life to punch in the game. Wii boxing is so badass and Smooth Moves is just so ridiculous, you can't not love it. If you love the RPGs more, you can probably pass on it, since Zelda: Twilight Princess is on Gamecube, and Link looks freaky anyway. Wii Boxing is one of the five free games that come with the system. It can be played by all ages and is a wonderful way to bring together the family.

Working your way through the six title series will earn you more boxers, arenas, clothes and gloves. The Wii controls will allow you to throw punches, dummy, dodge, block and duck, as well as utilising a three-punch combo, which is unique to every character. In this game, you will be able to customize your character by changing things like their hair, boots, and gloves. Each fighter also has a special three punch combo, and you can enjoy fun multiplayer action with Wii Hotseat.

You can buy wii boxing gloves for this game which adds realism to the game.  You simply insert the wii-mote and nunchuk into the boxing gloves and your away.  Without gloves, it's just a case of holding each device whilst punching, and therefore doesn't really feel like you're in the fight.  It is though down to personal taste.

The Wii Steering Wheel

The Wii Wheel is a plastic shell that contains a hollowed compartment where the player inserts their Remote. This allows the player to control their kart by steering the wheel  and is a welcome upgrade over experiencing the virtual world through thumbs only. It is more like driving a kart, and less like driving an electric wheelchair.  The wii wheel is also durable, easily replaceable and extremely easy to handle.  Some people prefer to opt for more heavy duty style Wii racing wheels.  It is all down to personal preference.

The Wii wheel is fantastic for the recently released Mario Kart Wii.  The game comes with the intuitive Wii Wheel, which makes it easy for novices to compete against veterans, so no one is left in the dust.  And with a broadband hook-up to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, players can compete with up to 11 other drivers from around the world for racing dominance.  Mario Kart Wii has the same superlative music - comically squeaky play-room funk, warp-speed folk fiddling and heartbreakingly nostalgic chip-music originals.  It has the same plethora of unlockables:  you can win access to more characters and six more vehicles.