Nintendo announced today it would launch its newest console, Wii, on Nov. 19 in the US and Dec. 2 in Japan - and with the announcement, the company wasted no time in differentiating itself from the competition. Nintendo’s goal is to divert focus away from the state-of-the-art graphics and cutting-edge power generally associated with new gaming technology, by creating an easy-to-use, fun console that would appeal to a broader user spectrum.

“Our strategy is based on one core belief: that the next step in gaming is bringing gaming back to the masses,” Nintendo President Reggie Fils-Aime offered as a reason for the change in the console’s demographic. Nintendo’s goal, he explained, was to focus on making the system user friendly for everyone, “young and old, gamer or non, alone, with a friend or with the whole family.”

The much-anticipated design of Wii’s extra controller, which has been described as both a ‘remote control’ and a ‘magic wand’, is another step in the user / family friendly direction. This interactive device functions on motion sensors and allows users to wave, swing and jab away, in any manner that the game requires. Essentially, in the specific games where it can be used, it takes out the complication of button combinations and manipulation found with standard controllers. It allows players to follow their instincts and act out what’s happening on the screen. For those of us who’ve been doing that all along, and falling off the couch trying to make that extra-long jump in the process, it’s just an excuse not to look so ridiculous.

Wii’s console package will include the Wii Sports compilation disc comprised of tennis, baseball, golf, boxing and bowling - so if any of you out there were holding your breath for the traditionally-included Super Mario title, as was the case with the GameCube you’ll be left in the cold. It is expected that at least ten games will be available by the console’s launch date, with roughly 30 more to be released before Christmas. But if you’ve really just got to have your fix of Mario or any other retro game, Wii’s Virtual Console Service will allow you to download them all for $5 to $10 each.

Additional Features:

• Wii Connect 24, a combination of low power consumption and built-in WiFi, allows the console to be left on in standby mode all the time, to receive constant downloads of new content.
• The easy-to-navigate Wii Channels Menu allows users to choose games, get news or the weather and create fun caricatures for use in the games.

Another ‘user-friendly’ attribute of Wii, that may make it a hotter seller than its competition, is its price. Compared to both the Playstation 3’s prospective selling price, and the price of the Xbox 360 at its launch, the Wii comes in at $250 US, or roughly half the cost of the other two consoles.

So regardless of whether you’re an experienced gamer, or are just sitting down to have a little fun, the Nintendo Wii could be worth checking out - at the very least you’ll finally have an excuse to jump around your living room.