The Nintendo Wii is a great system – until something goes wrong. Numerous wii problems have cropped up since the inauguration of the incredibly popular gaming system. If it happens to you, there are a couple troubleshooting options to consider.

First of all, as with any electronic device, one tried and true technique for dealing with any wii problems is to simply turn off the system, unplug it, wait a few minutes, and then restart. In many cases, this will solve your problem and get you back to gaming.

However, there are some circumstances where turning the system off and back on simply doesn’t work. Or, your wii problems may be so continuous that turning it on and off every few minutes is terribly inconvenient. In those circumstances, you’ll want to delve a little deeper.

In general, your wii problems are likely to be one of two different sorts – either a problem with the software or the hardware. Frankly, many of the software problems (i.e., those related to the game disc itself) are easily solvable. In fact, one of the most common errors is to put the disc in backwards – don’t feel silly, it happens all the time. Another option, if you’re having problems with the system reading the disc, is to insert the disc while the system is off.

If you find your wii problems are related to the hardware, don’t despair. Other gamers have gone through what you’ve gone through and have some solutions to suggest, as follows:

• Wii mote (the game controller) isn’t working properly: Try re-synchronizing the controller using the small button at the bottom of the wiimote. Another option is to check the batteries – if you accidentally leave it on overnight, the batteries may drain faster than you would think. And, oddly enough, some gamers have found that the wiimote has problems in the sunlight, so store it in a cool dark place.
• Wii synchronization with the Internet: In some cases, your Wii system may not synchronize properly with the Internet and you may receive an error message like “Error 110213.” If you can, try upgrading your router. If your router is of an older generation, it may not communicate properly with the Wii. If that doesn’t work, you may have a hardware problem on your hands that can be resolved by contacting Nintendo. They will either repair the system or send you a new one.
• Wii stops responding or error messages won’t go away: First, try turning everything off, unplugging it and then restarting the system. Many glitches are resolved through this easy technique. Otherwise, you’ll need to contact Nintendo, which has been very responsive to gamers concerns.

Now, if you’re considering getting a wii and are concerned about potential wii problems, the short answer is “don’t worry.” Error messages with the Nintendo Wii are few and far between. In those few cases where you do have a problem that you’re unable to solve through these trouble shooting methods, do get in touch with Nintendo. They have been more than willing to replace faulty systems as quickly as possible.

And if you think you have wii problems, just be glad you aren’t the guy who, while playing Wii Bowling, lost control of the wii remote and watched helpless as it swung directly into his television set, cracking the screen. Hopefully he at least got a strike!