5 Beneficial Skills And Behaviors You Can Learn By Playing Video Games

Contrary to what some parents seem to believe, there are some benefits that derive from playing and enjoying video games. Playing video games can develop skills that one can use throughout life. Here are a few of the positive benefits that may result from video gaming.

1. Increased hand-eye coordination.
By playing certain fast-paced games such as first-person shooters and racing games, one quickly learns how to rapidly translate what one sees with the eye to a hand movement. The video gamer has a vested interest in picking up this skill, because if they do not, the games are over quite quickly.

Hand-eye coordination is useful for such areas as driving a real vehicle, writing, and self-defense. Translating from the eye to the hand is an important life skill that one uses every day.

2. Enhances reflexes.
This benefit is similar to the previous one. Many games require the gamer respond quickly rather than taking the time to think about what one needs to do.

Just as with hand-eye coordination, properly developed reflexes are necessary to respond to the outside world. At the very least, we can say that reflexes help us avoid danger and injury. Better-developed reflexes enhance our ability to play games such as racquetball, tennis, and any team sport such as baseball or football.

3. Problem solving skills.
Many games requires the gamer to figure out not only what to do but how to do it.
Just like in real life, there are often multiple means to achieve some end, and each option requires thinking through the implications of each path.

4. Increased memory.
Many games require remembering where to pick up certain useful tools or where to perform other specific actions. In many cases, one must remember to do a series of actions in the proper order. In Legend of Zelda: The Windwaker, one must remember the location of certain items so that the player knows where to pick them up later. In the classic Mario Bros game, there are specific "booby traps" which kill Mario if the player forgets about them or does not remember how to avoid them.

Memory of course is a life-skill which has become more important than ever before. We must remember website addresses, passwords, phone numbers, and the like.

5. Typing skills.
This applies to some PC-based games, including many online games. In World of Warcraft, one must learn the location of certain characters on the keyboard to perform many of the required actions in the game.

Typing of course is a required skill for any job that requires the use of a computer.
Though many parents are stressed over their children's fascination with video games, there are many positives to video gaming which should not be overlooked.

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3 Ways The Wii Is Superior To The PS3

If you have ever heard two people argue about whose video game console is the best, you already know the arguments. Some will say that their console is more powerful, has more games, or better controllers.

It is true, however, that people tend to have different ideas of just what "better" means, so it may be helpful to be more specific in your reasoning when it comes to such arguments. Since nobody knows just what "best" means, even if one console were "better" than another, how could you possibly prove it? So, using specific arguments and logical reasoning, here are three ways that the Wii is superior to the Playstation 3.

Firstly, the Wii is more innovative. Nintendo wanted to make something completely different from what anyone else had done, and that is exactly what they did. It's a totally different and very much more effective control scheme in many ways.

The PS3 was Sony's first shot at utilizing the Sixaxis controller, which does implement motion control. However, this was put in effect after the Wii was announced and it's technology shown off. The Sixaxis is neither original or innovative, or at least not nearly on the same level as the Wii Remote.

Secondly, the Wii is more accessible. Not only is the wii remote extremely simple to pick up and play and offers superior control in almost every area, there are alternatives for places where it doesn't do so well. An example is fighting games.

Motion-sensing my not suit some people when it comes to fighting games, simply because such games often call for a series of quick commands in a short amount of time to successfully pull off powerful combos. If this is the case for you, simply put down the Wii remote and Nunchuk, and plug in a "Classic" controller, or even a Gamecube controller.

Lastly, the Wii is more advanced. Nintendo got tired of the race to make consoles with better, and better graphics. They stepped back for a second and realised that their competitor's consoles were very similar to each other.

In fact, whenever either Sony or Microsoft come out with a console, the only fundemental difference between it and their last venture was that the new one has "better graphics".
Is that true progress? I don't think so. But what Nintendo wanted to do was something different. Not easy, but different, and rather risky too. They wanted to focus more on control and gameplay than on graphics. Is such a move truly a "step back"?

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7 Steps To Reducing Your Stress Over Your Child's Video Gaming Habits

Video games are so popular and often addictive today and parents often clash with their children over:

* The amount of time the child spends playing video games.
* The objectionable nature of the themes in the games.
* The emphasis the child places upon playing games while neglecting other duties or pasttimes.


As games have become more realistic and interactive, such as the Nintendo Wii with its motion sensing technology, some children have difficulty setting boundaries on the video gaming.
Rather than nagging or getting frustrated with your child, why not have a systematic plan in place that addresses your concerns? Here are seven tips that you can begin applying today to help reduce the tension in your home over video gaming.

1. Limit video game playing to specific hours of the day. What some parents have done is choose certain hours in which games may be played, for example between 7 and 9 PM. Other hours of the day are reserved for other activities.

2. Place conditions which must be met before video gaming may begin for the day. Examples include homework, cleaning the bedroom, and mowing the lawn.

3. Tell the child that before a new game is purchased or borrowed from a friend, you are going to check a few reviews to determine whether the content is appropriate for the child's age and maturity level.

4. Set rules that cover which ratings or content types are not acceptable for your child to play.

5. Regularly play video games with your children. Your child may resist this idea at first, particularly if you have been overly critical of gaming or if the child sees their gaming as "their" territory. Find a game that you can both enjoy. Your child will probably enjoy showing you how to play.

6. Have the child write about why they enjoy playing certain games. One way this can be done is start a blog dedicated to video gaming or a subtopic thereof. The blog can be centered around a certain console, such as the Nintendo Wii, the Sony Playstation 3, or Microsoft's Xbox 360. Or perhaps it would be preferable to focus on a certain type of game, such as racing, first person shooter, or martial arts.

7. Set up a system in which the child can earn the privilege to play video games for as long as they desire, on specific days. Include conditions that must be met first and make sure you are clear on when the privilege may be used. Some parents have constructed a "point" system which works similar to a bank. The child "earns" points by doing certain activities, such as keeping their grades up, doing their homework every day, or maintaining a clean bedroom without being told. The specifics will be tailored to your own family and situation.

Figure out which activities will add points and the number of points, the total number it will take to earn an "all-day" gaming day, and the specific types of days in which the points may be "spent". For most families, this will mean a weekend day which is free of other planned activities.
By implementing some or all of these ideas, you can improve your relationship with your child and reduce the stress associated with your child's video gaming habits.

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Understanding The Four Types of Wii Controllers

It is understandable that newcomers to the Nintendo Wii console may be confused by the variety of controllers available. The reason for this happening was, in part, because the motion-sensing technology the console excels in is not so well suited for some games.

For example, the Wii's initial "Wii Remote"(or "WiiMote") may be excellent for first-person shooters and racing games, but does not handle so well with genres such as fighting, where the player is often forced to quickly pull off a series of complex actions in a short amount of time.
So, in total, there are four controller setups: WiiMote, WiiMote & Nunchuk, GameCube Controller, and Classic Controller.

The WiiMote was the original setup. Its a one-hand motion-sensing controller that is often used for puzzle and party games, as well as racing games and some sports. For each of these, the controller is held in a different position.

In racing games, the controller is held sideways with both hands and twisted back and forth to control the racing vehicle onscreen. In sports, the controller is held in various positions which mimic real life. For example, in bowling, the controller movement is very similar to the movement of one's hand and arm while bowling at the lanes. The tennis game requires holding the controller upright to serve the ball, and flicking the wrist to return the ball.

The Nunchuk is a control stick attachment that also features motion-sensing. An example of its features is in that of the common first-person shooter: you look, aim, and fire using the WiiMote in your right hand, while you steer with the Nunchuk in your left hand, and lift the Nunchuk slightly to reload your weapon. The Nunchuk is also used in boxing, manipulating the left hand punches while the WiiMote controller manipulates the right hand punches.

Some Wii games are compatible with the GameCube controller. Some examples include Super Smash Brothers Brawl and Mario Kart. These are traditional type games that do not lend themselves well to the new Wii controller. The GameCube controller is not wireless as are the WiiMote and Nunchuk.

Yet another option in a Wii controller is the "Classic Controller". The Classic does not feature motion-sensing, but does have dual control sticks (rather like that of the Playstation) as well as basically all the button configurations that the Gamecube controller features. As with the GameCube controller, the Classic is not wireless.

However, this is going to change very soon because the Nyko company will very soon be releasing their wireless version of the Classic Controller. Reviewers with preview models have generally praised this new edition to the Wii controller family.

The Nintendo's variety of controllers insure there are many ways to play and enjoy games on the Wii.


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Why Wii Sports Is So Popular With Video Gamers

The Nintendo Wii is a radical departure not only for Nintendo, but for video gaming across the board. Nintendo took a gamble but it obviously paid off, since it is now the number one selling video console.

What makes the Wii different? We can highlight two areas: how the games are played and who the target market is.

Wii gameplay is nothing short of a gaming revolution. For over twenty-five years, gamers were forced to hold a small gamepad or joystick. Both types of the traditional controller were prone to create hand and fingers cramps. Certain kinds of controllers with fairly sharp corners, most notably the Nintendo NES, were proned to drill gouged-out areas on the inside of gamers' hands. Apparently the games were so intriguing that they ignored the pain and kept playing!

A common feature of the traditional controller is they require quick movement of the players' thumbs and in some cases, fingers. While the Wii controllers also contain a few buttons that are controlled by thumbs and fingers, the primary movements are enacted by hand movement. This is a much more natural type of play that is very satisfying to many people.

This new style of controller lends itself very well to certain types of gameplay, most notably sports such as baseball or tennis. Nintendo has constructed their system so the controller is held and operated in a fashion very similar to the method in which the actual sport is played. So when you are a batter in a baseball game, you must hold the controller in a position as you would a baseball bat. When hitting a tennis ball, you merely flick your wrist just like you would with a tennis racquet.

This leads to the next area which makes the Wii stand out. With this product, Nintendo is targetting people who have not traditionally played video games while at the same time, creating a system that current gamers can appreciate and enjoy. Not everyone can get the hang of grasping a controller with both hands, and for both those types of people, the Wii is a perfect choice.

Nintendo's newest console and it's Wii Remote technology remain unrivaled, and for the most part, unchallenged. The exceptions are that of Sony's PS3 "Sixaxis" controller, and that was a last-minute deal, just months before the PlayStation 3 was released and not long after the Wii's motion-sensing technology was announced. The Sixasis controller incorporates some of the motion-sensing aspects of the Wii but retains the old familiar controller style.

Also, Microsoft recently announced the development of an Xbox 360 "Remote" that is reported to showcase the same technology as the Wii remote. What this next Xbox "Remote" will deliver in terms of gaming experience remains to be seen.

Nintendo is not sitting on its heels and continues to blaze new trails. For example, a reported new technological enhancement will plug into the Wii remote and provide more accurate sensing. This will lead to a better gaming playfield for everyone as Sony and Microsoft try to catch up.


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What Makes the Nintendo Wii So Different From Its Competitors?

The Nintendo Wii is a radical departure not only for Nintendo, but for video gaming across the board. Nintendo took a gamble but it obviously paid off, since it is now the number one selling video console.

What makes the Wii different? We can highlight two areas: how the games are played and who the target market is.

Wii gameplay is nothing short of a gaming revolution. For over twenty-five years, gamers were forced to hold a small gamepad or joystick. Both types of the traditional controller were prone to create hand and fingers cramps. Certain kinds of controllers with fairly sharp corners, most notably the Nintendo NES, were proned to drill gouged-out areas on the inside of gamers' hands. Apparently the games were so intriguing that they ignored the pain and kept playing!

A common feature of the traditional controller is they require quick movement of the players' thumbs and in some cases, fingers. While the Wii controllers also contain a few buttons that are controlled by thumbs and fingers, the primary movements are enacted by hand movement. This is a much more natural type of play that is very satisfying to many people.

This new style of controller lends itself very well to certain types of gameplay, most notably sports such as baseball or tennis. Nintendo has constructed their system so the controller is held and operated in a fashion very similar to the method in which the actual sport is played. So when you are a batter in a baseball game, you must hold the controller in a position as you would a baseball bat. When hitting a tennis ball, you merely flick your wrist just like you would with a tennis racquet.

This leads to the next area which makes the Wii stand out. With this product, Nintendo is targetting people who have not traditionally played video games while at the same time, creating a system that current gamers can appreciate and enjoy. Not everyone can get the hang of grasping a controller with both hands, and for both those types of people, the Wii is a perfect choice.

Nintendo's newest console and it's Wii Remote technology remain unrivaled, and for the most part, unchallenged. The exceptions are that of Sony's PS3 "Sixaxis" controller, and that was a last-minute deal, just months before the PlayStation 3 was released and not long after the Wii's motion-sensing technology was announced. The Sixasis controller incorporates some of the motion-sensing aspects of the Wii but retains the old familiar controller style.

Also, Microsoft recently announced the development of an Xbox 360 "Remote" that is reported to showcase the same technology as the Wii remote. What this next Xbox "Remote" will deliver in terms of gaming experience remains to be seen.

Nintendo is not sitting on its heels and continues to blaze new trails. For example, a reported new technological enhancement will plug into the Wii remote and provide more accurate sensing. This will lead to a better gaming playfield for everyone as Sony and Microsoft try to catch up.

Visit http://www.4nintendowii.co.uk/ - for the best Nintendo Wii prices in the UK.

Is The Future Of Shooters The Nintendo Wii?

There is much debate surrounding the evolution of the First-Person Shooter genre on video game consoles. Is the future of shooters in graphics or innovation? Gaming enthusiasts will often respond, "A mixture of both," which is a perfectly reasonable answer. However, many developers clearly put one element before the other.

Nintendo, for example, favors innovation because they have been in the business for many years and believe that while gamers will always come to expect better and better graphics, but engaging gameplay will always last. Developers such as Epic, on the other hand, seem to believe that gameplay will continue to be presentable enough through better and better graphics.

Perhaps, in a way, both insights are true. But should first-person shooter developers be concentrating solely on graphically powerful consoles like the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3? Whatever your thoughts, here are three reasons why the future of shooters is, in fact, the Nintendo Wii.

Reason number one: the Wii is advanced far ahead of the competition. The technology powering the Wii Remote takes gaming to a whole new level. Nothing this major has taken place in video game history for years, and the recently announced MotionSense attachment will make the controller even more accurate. The user experience is only going to improve over time.
MotionSense, also known as MotionSense Plus, will result in more realistic game play by enhancing the accuracy and sensitivity of the Wii controller.

Reason two: the Wii is accessible. Its shooters are easier to pick up and play than on any other console, and its controls rival the aiming precision of the PC itself. A video game console has never been this close to surpassing the PC in this area.

Wouldn't you say the utilization of this technology is just logical?

Reason number three: the Wii is immersive. There is much more to the motion-sensing technology than is immediately apparent. Games with motion sensing are simply more realistic and enjoyable to play than those without. This is true because the motion sensing technology mimics real life, whether a first person shooter or other type of video game.

Making motions in real-life that directly correspond to the display on the TV is the most revolutionary and innovative step we have seen in the home gaming market for a long, long time. The motion sensing technology in the Wii increases the connection between gamer and game, resulting in a rich user experience that makes it very difficult to return to the "old" way of playing.

All of the above reasons point to this conclusion. For first-person shooter developers in these times of great change in the gaming industry, the Wii is going to be the place to be. Nintendo has such a head start that it will take the rival consoles literally years to catch up.

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