So we got a Nintendo Wii for Christmas. Pretty fun machine, though I haven't had much time to play it yet. My only complaint is that the controls take awhile to get used to, and if the game wasn't designed specifically for the Wii, the Wii remote/nunchuk tends to actually make the game more difficult.

Still, with an impressive library of game releases in its first year and backwards compatibility with, conceivably, every Nintendo game ever made (through Gamecube compatibility and the Virtual Console) this could very well be the NES of the 2000s.

We got the following games with the system...

Super Mario Galaxy - My wife has been playing this one, but from watching her it looks pretty darned impressive. I like the nods to older games in the Mario series. That was sorely missed in Super Mario Sunshine.

LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga - My son loved the first two games for the PS2, so it was a given we'd get this. I think it controls a little harder than the PS2 version, but it's nice to have all the levels on one disc and the bonus goodies are a real plus. It's also been polished in places, as the first game seemed a bit rushed. Definitely the best version of the game so far!

Sonic and the Secret Rings - Awesome graphics and breakneck speed. Unfortunately the controls are really wonky and it make doing basic moves much more difficult than it should be. If I get more time, I may give it another try. It's way too hard for the kids, however. So far I'd say Sonic Heroes for the Gamecube is the best 3D Sonic game, hands down. It would be nice if Sega went back to that style of gameplay and just polished it up a bit.

SSX Blur - Another toughie, and I haven't played it enough to tell you whether or not it's any good. I loved SSX Tricky on PS2 and I was kind of hoping for that same rush on Wii. So far I'm not hearing much voice acting, and the controls are very, very difficult. Maybe I just need more practice?

For me, the Virtual Console is one of the most exciting features. My son loves our old N64, but it takes up a lot of room. It looks like we can finally sell it and download Super Mario 64, Pokemon Snap and his other favorites on the Wii.

So far, so good. Between the Wii and the DS, it looks like Nintendo is finally back on top! Sorry Sony, you dropped the ball with the PS3 and I don't see myself getting one anytime soon.