What is Wii?
Wii is a video game console, released in 2006. It differs from other consoles due to its innovative motion-sensitive remote control and online features through the Internet. The Wii currently has a large market share of the home video game console market.
Nintendo Wii is known for games targeted at young children, such as Wii Sports.
Many parents are unsure of what kind of games exist on the Wii. The following article will provide an overview of family-friendly games. Older Wii players might benefit from this list too!
A short explanation about 1 vs multiplayer games
Games that can support two or more players can be played alone with little to no disadvantage (except losing access to the "social" aspect). Single-player games however usually require a higher level of skill and dedication, especially when playing against CPU opponents (computer-controlled characters).
What is the peculiarity of the Wii Nintendo console?
The Wii console is based on motion sensors: the controller in the player's hands, and the "Wiimote," which is placed in front of you, can detect how it moves. This makes games requiring motion more immersive, due to the connection between what happens within the game and the player's physical movement.
Top-10 Wii games for kids
Super Mario Galaxy 2
(type: platform game)
This game is suitable for any child who has mastered the basics of controlling a game character. The player controls Mario by running, jumping, and using special powers to defeat enemies.
There are many different areas within each level with their own challenges to overcome; if you get stuck on one planet/area you can always jump into another! Solo players will find themselves constantly developing new skills in order to progress through the levels, while multiplayer players can compete or cooperate against enemies or bosses.
The graphics are very cheerful, which is important for younger children. The main flaw of this game might be that it's very story-heavy with lots of cutscenes - most kids would rather just play!
Advantages:
- Suitable for solo players and multiplayer
- Cooperative play is suitable for younger children, competitive play is suitable for older ones.
- The captivating main storyline with optional side-quests
- Lots of different planets/areas within levels
- Different enemies and bosses
- Suitability as a family game
Disadvantages:
- Story-heavy with lots of cutscenes
- Lots of dialogue might bore some kids
- The world map can be slightly confusing
- The storyline might be too scary for some children (the Big Bad)
- Easier levels are too easy for older players
- Some secondary skills are required to progress through the levels
Nickelodeon fit
(type: fitness game)
This game actually gets the most out of the Wii controls without being too difficult to play. Features over 20 different animated exercises. Can be played by 1 or 2 players at a time, both competitively and cooperatively
The player can alternate between moving the remote in each hand with one standing on the balance board
As no real exercise equipment is required, this game is suitable for casual players who just want to try it out or even for hardcore athletes trying to recover from injury. Younger kids might have difficulty coordinating their moves correctly, but there are enough simpler versions of every exercise that they will still be able to participate in fun ways. The multiplayer option means everyone can play together, which can be a huge advantage in encouraging active play for children and parents.
Advantages:
- Suitable for solo players and multiplayer
- Great family game, encourages activity
- More suited to casual players
- Needs no real exercise equipment
- Able to coordinate movements easily
Disadvantages:
- Some more difficult exercises might require coordination that younger kids lack (can be made easier)
- Could get boring over time - best to switch it up every once in a while!
Big brain academy
(type: puzzle game)
This game is part quiz show, part board game. You have to answer questions by placing pegs on a board so the line doesn't cross itself. 1-4 players can compete at one time. This game is suitable for all ages but requires good reading skills in order to do well. The multiplayer option means that the whole family can play together or parents can help younger children who are having difficulty with individual questions.
Advantages:
- Suitable for solo players and multiplayer
- Very fun for competitive people - suitable for all ages!
- Perfect family game; parents can help younger children if necessary
Disadvantages:
- Requires good reading (children may need to be older)
- Some questions are more difficult than others
Wii party
(type: the board game)
This is a collection of about 20 different mini-games, many of which use the Wii Mote and Nunchuck controllers. Up to 4 players can play at one time. This game is great for family play or just casual meet-ups with friends.
Advantages:
- Suitable for solo players and multiplayer up to 4
- Great for family play - highly enjoyable!
- Needs no real exercise equipment
- No skills required to start playing; suitable for all ages and levels of skill
Disadvantages:
- Not as engaging as other games or sports (can get boring)
- Requires good reading ability if you want to do in some parts (limited child-friendly version)
Just Dance 3
(type: rhythm game)
This is a collection of about 20 different songs that are performed by dancers on screen, which you have to copy with your own choreography using the Wii Mote. You can either follow the dots on-screen or if that gets too hard, just improvise! This game is great for family play or just casual meet-ups with friends.
Advantages:
- Suitable for solo players and multiplayer up to 4
- Great family game - highly enjoyable!
- Needs no real exercise equipment
- No skills required to start playing; suitable for all ages and levels of skill
Disadvantages:
- Can get boring over time
- Requires good reading ability if you want to do in some parts (limited child-friendly version)
Chores monster
(type: the board game)
All the whole family can play this game - it's a board game about doing tasks around the house, designed for teamwork. This is great for getting kids into chores and helping them realize that they are actually fun activities that don't have to be boring!
The multiplayer option means everyone can play together, which can be a huge advantage in encouraging active play even among younger children. A lasting positive result of playing this game is increased willingness to do chores or other frequently neglected household tasks at home.
Advantages:
- Suitable for solo players and multiplayer up to 4
- Great family game; encourages family bonding and teamwork
- Perfect for younger kids (who may find other games boring)
- Parents can make chores more fun or decrease difficulty if necessary
Disadvantages:
- Some tasks might be difficult for young children, but parents can get involved to make things easier.
- Requires good reading ability if you want to do in some parts (limited child-friendly version)
Nintendo selects: Super Mario all-stars
(type: side-scrolling platformer)
Everyone's favorite classic Mario game is available on the Wii! This includes 3 of the original games from the NES console, plus a bonus fourth world with new levels. You can play as either Mario or Luigi and you can also pick U and L for left and right-handedness. It has updated graphics and controller options that increase ease of access for different users.
Advantages:
- Suitable for solo players and multiplayer up to 4
- Can be played by all ages - fun for all involved!
- No skills required to start playing; suitable for all ages and levels of skill
Disadvantages:
- Requires good reading ability if you want to do in some parts (limited child-friendly version)
Kinect adventures
(type: adventure, exploration)
This is a very fun, interactive experience that can be played by both children and adults. It's a nice way of getting active as the player walks around with their arms stretched out exploring different places with animals.
There are 4 types of play available: cooperative, single-player, competitive, and multi-player. You can also play on your own without any other players. It's a great family game that encourages physical activity and exploration.
The main plot of this game is about a priceless relic that has been stolen by pirates. So it's up to you, with the help of an old wizard, to travel through time and take on different challenges using your actions.
Its graphics are very impressive and it can be played with up to 4 players. And the best part about it is that you don't need any equipment at all - just your body!
Advantages:
- Suitable for solo players and multiplayer up to 4
- Encourages movement as well as social play, teamwork, and cooperation
- Perfect for those who don't have the space or equipment to play regular sports or games
Disadvantages:
- May be difficult for those with short attention spans, unless it is played in short chunks.
- Requires good reading ability if you want to do in some parts (limited child-friendly version)
uDraw Studio: Instant Artist
(type: creativity, drawing)
This Wii U game uses both the TV and the Wii u tablet as a controller to create art. There is a huge variety of pre-set characters and backgrounds to choose from; each can be customized with different colors and patterns. Each drawing that you make will then appear on your screen for everyone else to see! You can also play 2 player games like time attack where you have to draw something very quickly before your opponent does without making too many mistakes.
Its main feature that highlights this game among other drawing games is the ability to save your drawings. This makes it an ideal game for children who are just learning to draw as they can see what they have done so far and improve on their skills over time. If you want, you can also upload your drawings online!
Advantages:
- Suitable for solo players and multiplayer up to 4
- Can be played by all ages - fun for all involved!
- No skills required to start playing; suitable for all ages and levels of skill
- Highly motivational activity that is healing at the same time; encourages creativity with no mistakes or failures due to the auto-save feature
Disadvantages:
- Requires good reading ability if want to do in some parts (limited child-friendly version)
- Limited game modes for solo players.
Story hour: adventures in reading
(type: fun, imagination)
This game is all about encouraging children to read by providing them with a wide variety of different books (147 in total) that they can choose from. There are many different categories available including picture books, poetry, and fiction; each one comes with its own unique characters and adventures. The players simply read the text within the book and follow the story as it progresses.
There is no actual gameplay involved, but there is an option where you can play Hide and seek and listen out for the special clues that will help you solve puzzles later on! You also get graded at the end of each "chapter" which tells you whether or not you chose well-known words etc. This makes it a very useful activity for parents to do with their children as it encourages them to build up their vocabulary.
Advantages:
- Encourages imagination and language development through reading activities
- Teaches pre-reading skills such as distinguishing between letters, sounds and words
Disadvantages:
- Requires good reading ability if want to do in some parts (limited child-friendly version)
Final words
As you can see, there are many different options to choose from depending on your child's interests. Some games will require more skill than others but that is completely up to you to decide!