Here is a collection of independent rants and raves about the Wii. It was sort of inspired by Jack Handy.

Every Monday I fire up my Wii to check what game Nintendo sent our way. For the past few Mondays it has been disappointment. It’s not that the games are no good, some have been games I’m sure many have been waiting for, but it’s that there is only one Virtual Console game released since WiiWare has come about. When I reflect on the extensive library that is the combination of NES, SNES, N64, Genesis, NEOGEO, and TurboGrafx 16, if find it disappointing that Nintendo reduced the number of Virtual Console games released. While I understand that it costs money to transfer these games, it is one of the primary reasons many people bought the Wii. If Nintendo wants to release one WiiWare game a week, that’s fine, but I wish they wouldn’t have taken away from the VC.

If Nintendo keeps pace with other platform producers we might see the next generation of gaming consoles around 2010. I just hope that Nintendo keeps backward compatibility as a service to its customers. Also, if VC games could be transferred to future consoles, that would be neat.

Screenshot from The Conduit

Wii’s future is potentially bright, especially if it brings in games that attract adventure, action, and RPG gamers. I’m not talking VC games either. I want to see more  regular games in these categories. There is a start with Alone in the Dark and The Conduit (Q1 2009). However, I think this direction is already being pursued. I just thought I’d bring it up anyway.

Finally, I want to know what I can use Wii’s USB ports for besides a keyboard. What else could Nintendo develop that can be used through a USB? I’m thinking video camera, Wii remote charger, Wii to Nintendo DS connection, or maybe some peripherals for a game.

Well, it felt good to get this all out, and I’m sure I’ll think of some other speculative things Wii might do later tonight. Thanks for stopping and reading the random rants and raves. I know it wasn’t the most coherent thing I’ve ever written, but it might segue into a more in-depth look at some of these items.

Rx by,

Dr. M. CLK

If it’s the weekend and I’m in a gaming mood, I’ll probably hunker down in front of the tube for 3-4 hours. Usually, sometime during that period I’ll get a craving for some snack for subsistence until dinner. However, most video game consoles and computers have control devices that are collection pits for snack debris and prime targets for spilt liquids. We’ve all seen the dreaded “Cheeto Finger” and the devastation it causes when it comes into contact with any object. To save your controllers functionality and to battle your game time hunger, here’s a list of snacks that can be safely eaten while gaming.

Pretzels

Maybe not the most flavorful item in the snack world, but it is one of the cleanest if you buy the bite size version. If you don’t care much about crumbs on furniture this snack will suffice. If you’re brave you can get some dip and game on!

Chips and Salsa

The only reservation I had about this snack is the salt on your fingers and the salsa spill possibility. But, this pales in comparison with Cheeto Fingers. Just be cautions when handling a fully loaded chip. Alternatively, you could nuke a plate of chips with cheese on top for some home style nachos. Be careful with molten cheese; if it gets on you it’ll hurt and if it gets in your controller it might hurt your bank balance.

Cookies

Classic. Crumbs are the only foe you will face with most cookies out there. You probably don’t want to eat too many if you have to explain why half a batch of cookies is missing after one afternoon. All in all, this snack is great, especially if you have a variety.

Sandwich

If game time is over lunch time you might need more than a mere snack. Go for the gusto with a sandwich. But, keep in mind the ingredients you use. Condiments and juicy meats can drip out the opposite side wreaking havoc on whatever it lands on. Peanut butter, lunch meats, and sandwich spreads in moderation are good choices for game time foods. Choose wisely.

Licorice

Not much needs to be said here. Solid choice. Look out for sticky fingers or red fingers that can stain. Go for the rope so you can use the plastic wrap as finger protection and you should avoid any problems.

Most Candy

Skittles, M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, and other candy bar items are good if you are in a climate controlled environment. They’re even better if you can leave the wrapper on to protect your fingers. Don’t hold small candy like the Skittle or M&Ms in your hand for too long or you’ll have a colorful tie-dyed palm.

Bottled Beverages

This is your spill saver. The drink doesn’t even need to be sold in a bottle, just put it in one. Make sure it has a functioning cap to seal the liquid in. Even if you don’ have a cap, a bottle with a small opening will not allow for too much of your beverage to spill out if you catch it in time.

Hope this has given you a better idea of what is a good snack for your game time delight. Until next time…

Rx by,

Dr. M. CLK