Are you on the hunt for a video game console to support your stress filled life as a stress-relieving activity and a healthy habit? Well, look no further than the Nintendo Wii. Released November 19, 2006, not only does the Nintendo Wii relieve stress, it also promotes social bonding, which research has shown again and again relieves stress (Mileham, 2007). It is advanced to the point of appealing to your everyday gamer; but, in addition it is capable of being easily learned and played by those who may not be so video game savvy. The Nintendo Wii is for those of all ages—beginners included . Personally, in my own humble opinion, I truly love the Nintendo Wii; not only as a gamer, myself, but for the stress relief possibilities it provides.
According to a review by Elizabeth Scott (2008), some pros of the Nintendo Wii and relieving stress, particularly include that it, “can be used to promote relaxation as well as fitness;” in addition the Nintendo Wii has the possibility of promoting social bonding as I have mentioned above, along with “togetherness among family and friends, parents and kids; [it includes] many family-friendly, non-violent games [that] are available, many of them educational in nature; [and] many games involve more physical activity in game play, which is great for stress relief and health” (Scott, 2008).
There are some people who prefer other consoles to the Nintendo Wii. Perhaps their PlayStation 3 is perfect for them. Or their Xbox, extraordinary! Well, not for me and my Nintendo Wii! I will admit, however, there are some aspects that could fair to perhaps do a little better in terms of quality—aspects of the game console that perhaps Nintendo will think of enhancing when they come out with their next generation of gaming console. For example, I absolutely agree with Scott (2008) in that “the sound and graphics appear less advanced than some other game consoles.” However, in a way I sort of like this, as when playing ‘classic’ games from back in the day. You know, the old school games whose graphics weren’t that great, but you just could not wait to get out of detention hall so you could race home, blow on that cartridge (ha ha), and shoot at some spacecrafts? Another downside is that it cannot be used as a CD player, a DVD player, or a Blu-ray Disc player, as some consoles can. However, don’t we all already own one of these for its own stated purpose, anyhow? Even if I didn’t, I bought the video game console just for that—playing video games. Anything extra (such as stress relief) is just a great big bonus in my eyes.
The following is a short description of the Nintendo Wii by Scott’s (2008) article/ review: “The Nintendo Wii’s controller senses movement, and can be used to register real moves made by players as part of the game.” Its networking function allows for you to send a message to a friend, receive a message from a friend, share avatars, and even more! “Wii Sports, which is included, lets you play games like bowling, tennis or boxing solo or with others (Scott, 2008).” In addition, the Nintendo Wii, particular in comparison to the other gaming consoles at this time/ generation, is relatively affordable.
The Nintendo Wii has been a hot item for gamers and non-gamers alike for quite some time now. It appears Nintendo came up with the idea to market themselves to people who may not particularly be into videogames, or may even never thought they would ever want to be—moms, dads, young professionals, and families with children—as well as the everyday experienced gamer. It would seem that Nintendo had a great idea up their sleeve. For this idea has worked!
I cannot emphasize enough how much I just *LOVE* my Nintendo Wii. And for numerous reasons, but of course, for the stress relief it gives me at the end of a hard working day, in a way bringing me back to my childhood days—having fun without a care in the world—something more of us need: “me time.”
As mentioned above, one can create avatars that look like themselves, a family member, or anyone, really. With the networking feature of this console, you can take polls, send and receive messages with friends, and many other good, clean fun things. It is really just that easy. It is a great distraction from the stress of life, “and you are not numbing your mind (Scott, 2008).”
My family and I got purchased our Wii at about the end of the school year, so we had lots of time to play not only on the weekends, but anytime, and we all often used it as a stress reliever in the evenings. For the first time in quite awhile, we were all gathered around our new television set, along with our new gaming console (Odom, 2007). Over the years we had played a few board games here and there, maybe attempted to start a card game—only to have something come up or find that a card was missing and funny how those games never came to an end. Nope, there is absolutely nothing like playing video games together as a family, just like providing moral support during a difficult, draining, perhaps defeating campaign. But with each victory, a celebration is sure to ensue—each of us cheering together with love and laughter, and every defeat never alone. “With the Wii, we’re all having fun together. It provides a bonding experience, as well as a bit of an escape. That can relieve stress for the whole family (Scott, 2008).”
Not getting enough exercise as of late? Belly a bit big from this past holiday season… Okay, way past holiday season? “The game that comes with the console, Wii Sports, gives you an opportunity to feel like you’re really playing various sports as a family. It gives fun exercise opportunities (my 8-year-old works up a sweat with the boxing program), but also levels the playing field for younger family members; their version of tennis allows us all to play without tears of frustration fits from my five-year-old, because it’s a bit easier than real-life tennis (Scott, 2008).” Sold separately, other games can help one learn yoga (you mean me? Yoga!); Pilates and other relaxation exercises; set weight loss goals, while following a fitness regime; and even track all of this progress as you go.
Yep, this gaming console is definitely for me. When it comes to stress relief and relaxation, nothing can out beat my Nintendo Wii.
Scott, E. (2008, November 24). Nintendo Wii: What’s all the Buzz About? Retrieved June 8, 2009 from About.com at http://stress.about.com/od/products/gr/wii.htm
Odom, M. (2007, June 11). Nintendo Wii Redefines Family Game Night. Retrieved June 8, 2009 from http://blogcritics.org/gaming/article/nintendo-wii-redefines-family-game-night/
