In the early days, games were simple enough for parents and children to play together. Wii returns to those times but uses brand new technology. Players simply move the motion-sensitive Wii Remote to swing a virtual tennis racquet, cast a fishing rod or wield a warrior's sword. Up to four people can play Wii together wirelessly.

Only slightly larger than three stacked DVD cases, Wii is small enough to squeeze into even the most cramped corner of your living room, either positioned horizontally or vertically. Plus, wireless controls mean there are no cables cluttering up the house.

With Wii, parents can rest easy that their children won't see something they shouldn't. A password system lets parents 'lock out' games that are rated for older players, and they can restrict access to the Internet Channel and News Channel, too.

Built into the Wii console are a number of handy features. The Wii Message Board lets you leave notes for players. You can also use Wii to store and edit digital photos in the Photo Channel, surf the internet in the Internet Channel*, and also check the news and weather in the News Channel* and Forecast Channel*.

*Internet connection required