I remember seeing the commercials introducing the Nintendo Wii system and thinking to myself that this game console wouldn’t stand a chance in the “then” environment of Playstations and Xboxes. But like many other instances, I’ve been proven wrong. In fact, not only have thousands of homes invited the new game concept into their homes, but we have as well, thanks to a gift to my boys from Santa.

Christmas morning revolved around the newest addition to our home – the Nintendo Wii game system. Melanie and I didn’t find ourselves enjoying our gifts, but instead were pushing the boys out of the way so we could get our turn to play.

If you haven’t seen the Wii in action, you are missing something. Especially when it involves a 31-year-old mother of four in a boxing match with her son. Most of the games call for physical interaction. For example, in the boxing match, the player has to throw and thrust their fists in punching movements. The game registers the movements and you see the results on screen. The boxing game specifically with Melanie’s enthusiasm and boxing exhibition is exactly the vivid memory I’ll have of Christmas 2008. My wife, Melanie couldn’t resist from throwing herself into the ring with my six-year-old son Landon for a three round bout. What she didn’t realize is that you need the endurance of an ultra-marathoner just to keep up. My son, who has more energy than her and I combined, took all of one round to knock her down three times. After suffering an immediate defeat, Melanie decided to try her luck at the best of three fights. Landon, showed some fatigue from the first match and it took him only two rounds to knock his dear mommy out in the second match. Melanie decided due to her fear of having a heart attack or developing asthma, to throw in the towel.

All of our family has bowled together, played tennis together and found ourselves laughing and enjoying time together playing the Wii.

To truly understand the game, you have to try it for yourself. The Wii is for everyone. It’s ease and interaction provides an experience for the whole family. As the makers say, you don’t just play Wii, you experience it.