Think back to the 80s and 90s. Surely you have some great Nintendo memories from that time period. You most likely used to come in after school, get the Nintendo out, and started playing. Then, as you got older, the game consoles changed, games got more complex, and you wanted to go back to that simpler time.

Now, with these console games, you can do just that.

The Wii virtual console is a way to take those old games from your past and play them on your Wii today. You can go to
www.nintendo.com, pick out one of the Wii virtual console games, hook your Wii up to the computer and get started.

Now that you know the basics, let’s find out if these games will take you back to the old days or just leave you reminiscing about a time you cannot go back to.

The Good

• Going back in time has never been so fun. There are Wii virtual console games from all Nintendo gaming systems, which means you can go back in time to play Castlevania, the hit of the 1980s, move into the 1990’s with Punch Out! featuring Mr. Dream, and even get more current with the 1998 hit for the Nintendo 64, Yoshi’s Story.
• These games are easy to download. You can quickly go to the site, click a few keys and you’re playing in no time. While it might seem like a pain to hook your Wii up to the internet, it really is not. You can be playing right away.
• These games are cheap. You pay via Wii points, which, retail at 2000 points for $20. The most expensive game will run you 1000 points, and most are much less than that.
• A lot of the old games are as fun as they were back when they were first played. There is something refreshing about playing the games of the past.

The Bad

• The graphics are still from the old days. Remember Dig Dug? Don’t expect a makeover. You are getting the same games. For some people, that is what they want. However, keep in mind, we have matured a great deal through the years as far as graphics go. You might feel as if you are going through a time warp when you seem some of the graphics.
• You might have to buy a classic controller to play the games. This will not cost very much, though.

The Bottom Line

Wii virtual console games are a lot of fun for the old school gamer. If you want to go back in time for a bit and play Zelda 2, this is a great opportunity. There is no additional hardware to buy, with the exception of the controller, so this is a low risk way to have fun.

If you already have a Wii and you are looking for a way to increase your level of fun on a Friday night, give the games a try. It’s quick, easy and cheap, so it is worth the effort. You might realize you have missed Super Mario Bros. and spent hours playing the classic hit. With so many games to choose from, you are sure to love reliving the past for a few hours.

Where to Download

The best place to get Wii virtual console games is at
www.nintendo.com.