Anybody bought a Wii?

[Roland]

I understood the point quite clearly. I use the DVD player connected to my main TV for maybe three movies per month.

Well then, you obviously won't need to worry much about wearing down your Wii. I wouldn't make DVD playback a make-or-break choice in terms of a gaming console, but that's me. Ultimately, it's your money, your family, and your time and involvement. If you feel that DVD playback is enough to avoid getting a console, by all means, wait. However, if you can live without it for the time being, especially since it would appear that it's a software solution, and so can be patched in in the future, you might be better served getting one sooner.

There's always an Xbox 360 to consider. Yes, it's more money, and probably not as kid-friendly as a Wii, but it will do DVDs, and with an add-on, HD-DVDs. Not to mention Live Arcade, which does have some old classics, and games that anyone, including your son, can enjoy. But I know that was not the object of your inquiry, and I don't expect you to change your mind. Personally, if I didn't have a 360, I might be tempted to get a Wii first. But, then, it'll be much harder to get one over a 360, and although I own VERY few games on my 360 (cost being factor #1, limited selection being #2), I have gotten plenty of mileage out of my system, and am comfortable enough with the monetary investment I have put into it. Live Arcade has greatly expanded my gaming library and my enjoyment of the system, and serves as a solid interim solution between major game releases. But, then, I'm probably a bit stronger gamer-at-heart than you, so having multiple consoles would fit with my tastes and desires more than yours, I am guessing. And, I don't have any children to worry about, so I can afford to base my decisions based solely on what I want out of the system.:)

I will be picking up a Wii. Probably post-Christmas, with my gift money that I earn. I don't see too much on the horizon for me to pick up, in terms of gaming. I'm avoiding the PS3 just like I did the PS2 and (for awhile) original Xbox. Even my 360 I didn't get until March of 06. A PS2 may finally be in the works for me, doubly so if they cut the price again (although I doubt they will). I'll probably pick up a silver one, just to be different.:)The tricky part will be finding all the old games I've missed over the years, but that's what Ebay is for. I'm content with my 360, and Gears of War satisfies my gaming urge plenty well for the time being. I'm planning on waiting a bit on the Wii, though. I bought a DS when they first came out, having not learned my lesson from GBA (and then SP, and now Micro), and although I have a small GBA library, I own no DS games, despite there being a wealth of good ones to choose from. So, I may wait until next spring to pick up a Wii, to truly see how things go. Back in the old days, first-gen console adoption was a given. But, then, everything worked back then. There were less problems, less things to go wrong, and certainly not as much innovation as seen with the Wii. So although I'm not really skeptical of the Wii, especially not like I am the PS3 (which WILL be plagued by numerous problems, mark my words), I'm planning on waiting until there's a bit more solid library of games out, and the waters have been tested by others who have more money and time to burn than I do. I definitely support Nintendo in their efforts, and I will be picking up a Wii as I said, but for now, my 360 keeps me very happy, and my PC fills the rest.

Let us know how your decision goes, and if you do choose a Wii, what you think of it. I'm eager to have some more hands-on experience from someone, as media outlets generally suck for reviews and previews.