Addressing all of the dusty Wiis out there...

Are you still playing your Wii? From all the people who own the system that I happen to know, the answer is a resounding 'NO.' The cute, little white boxes have been relegated to such menial tasks as paperweight, coaster, and in severe cases, a symmetrical dust collector. Mine, however, still gets regular exercise. I’ll share my secrets ^_^.

First off, as a gay man I attract a never-ending supply of female companions (mmhmm, yeah, I’d gladly trade some of them with you straight lads if you’re willing to pass off some of your hot jock friends). The girls I live with and even the ones who live close by are always, and I mean always up for a game of Mario Party 8. Also known to catch their collective fancies is a spin around the track in Mario Kart Wii. While playing with them isn’t the “hardcore” video gaming experience, it still manages to be a lot of fun -- hanging out with your friends, competing in a game that doesn’t really matter, and having a few laughs.

I also still manage to play alone, in a much geekier fashion. As lacking as the online experience is on the Wii compared with competing systems, it has still allowed at least one crucial development: the Smash community has gone viral. As someone who used to play Super Smash Bros. Melee competitively, there isn’t a sweeter blessing. Through the use of online Brawl communities, never again do I have to give up an entire weekend holed up in a room full of unhygienic, rude freaks that are good at Smash because they never leave home. I can geek out in the convenience of my home, whenever I choose to. Which is surprisingly often; thrashing people (and being thrashed) in online Brawl doesn’t seem to get old.

The two sites I use are smashbrawlrankings.com and allisbrawl.com. The former, SBR, has more of a community feel to it, if that’s more your thing. The moderators there are bizarrely kind and helpful and the kids you play there are more likely to become your Brawl buddies, if you will. It’s where I started out and I don’t regret it for a second. AiB has a more competitive scene. Many more Brawlers are attracted to the site and tournaments are run regularly. There’s always someone there who can give you a challenge. I’d recommend SBR for a smoother transition into the Smash community, but either will do.

So, yeah, I still play Brawl a ton. It’s great to get a 2 vs. 2 going with four good players and have at it. Lag is still a bit of an issue, but if you’re playing someone on your coast, it’s honestly not a problem. Moreover, internet connections have more to do with it than the limitations of Nintendo WiFi; I’ve played lag-less matches with people in Europe and Japan. Perhaps this information will get you to find something else to keep water rings off your wood, perhaps not. If the latter, hopefully you can hold out for 2009, by all indications a better year for the Wii overall.