Video Gaming has started to become a popular thing in libraries over the last year or two. Video game collections are being developed and video game programming is all the rage. There are doubtless many reasons for this; however one of the top reasons for the popularity of the programming is that video gaming is largely a social event. The games that have become most popular for these programs are ones that 2 or 4 people play together, often against each other, such as Mario Kart, Smash Bros, or Dance Dance Revolution. These are all very fun games to play, but they are even fun simply to watch, and they all appeal to a broad range of people. In the case of Dance Dance Revolution it has the added benefit of being a physical game which seems to be a large attractor.

So, you’re probably asking what my point is. Well, there is a new system coming out in the fall or early winter, by Nintendo called the Nintendo Wii. This system is getting a lot of press because it is going to be a very different type of videogame system. It has two features that are very special about it that I believe are going to make it the premier system for library use.

The first important feature is the controller. On a normal video game controller you simply press buttons or a joystick to manipulate figures on the screen. The controller for the Wii however will work largely upon movement. It will use infrared technology to capture how you are holding or moving it and transfer that movement to the game. This means that when you are playing a golf game you need to swing the controller like a club to hit the ball, or in a shooting game you need to point it at the screen where you want to shoot. This movement takes over where the Dance Dance Revolution left off in adding a physical aspect to video games. Not only does it sound fun to play games like this but they will be ideal for a group environment. Just imagine watching four people violently swinging around their controllers like tennis rackets while playing in your library.

The second important feature of Nintendo in general, but also Nintendo Wii, is that the games are often for everyone. They try very hard to make games that appeal to both kids and adults. Not only do these games appeal to every one but they are trying to develop totally new types of games to appeal to non gamers, such as the elderly. If you don’t believe me check out “A Game for All Ages” in the May 14^th issue of time magazine. If they can make games that appeal to more people, and are appropriate for all ages it would be the perfect system to use in the library. With budgets being the way they are many libraries can’t afford to have numerous gaming systems, so one system that appeals to many people is ideal. By the way, the Wii will also be significantly cheaper then its two counterparts the X-box 360 and the Playstation 3. It’s projected to cost about $200-$250 as opposed to the $399 of the X-box or the possible $500 of the upcoming Playstation 3.

So, librarians, be ready for the Wii. If you are already using video gaming in your libraries set aside some money for a Wii this fall and you won’t be sorry. If you haven’t already jumped into the world of gaming at your library, consider starting with the Wii, it will be a lot of a fun, and if you do it fast you might be the first place to own one in your area and the kids will come for that reason alone. For more info on the Wii check out Nintendo’s website or IGN.com.

Side note. While I don’t claim to be an expert on video gaming in libraries, I do know a fair amount about video games themselves, and about hosting tournaments or game events at least in small libraries. I however am not quite sure what you as readers want to or need to know. If you ask questions I can do my best at answering them and will know how to go about blogging on this subject.