Nintendo Wii makes motion the controller

The Wii arrives with a simple physical idea: point, swing, and gesture with the Wii Remote instead of learning a dense button layout.

Nintendo pairs that controller with Wii Sports, a collection that demonstrates bowling, tennis, baseball, golf, and boxing in minutes. The software explains the hardware to families and first-time players.

The console enters a market defined by powerful competitors, but its argument is different. Nintendo is selling participation and immediacy, giving the living room a reason to move.