myHDTVchoice.com

If you’re wondering how the graphics of the Nintendo Wii fare on a large HDTV like the 47″ Vizio, I can tell you, they look…..eh, ok. I purchased the Wii because it’s supposedly the best of the new consoles in terms of sheer entertainment. The functionality of the controllers gives games a wider range of gameplay and allows players to get more involved in the game.

The Wii is capable of pumping out widescreen 480p, the same as a DVD. You need to buy a special cable for 480p, otherwise, the Wii outputs 480i. I think the cable is worth the price for the extra clarity a progressive signal brings to the LCD. Many of the Wii’s early games are ports of early Gamecube games, and thus carry previous gen graphics. For example, the best game so far for the Wii (in my opinion) is Resident Evil IV. The game has been ported from the Gamecube edition. The game looks grainy on my screen, even at viewing distances of 8 feet. In contrast, Warioware: Smooth Moves, a game made specifically for the Wii, looks sharp and clean, mainly due to its cartoony graphics and bright palette of colors.

So far, the Wii has been an average entertainment experience, mainly because of the lack of great games. But the potential is obviously there, in terms of gameplay. Graphics for the console haven’t been pushed to the limit yet. But, the ceiling will always be 480p. If you want cutting edge graphics, of course you should go with the 360. But if you want to get the whole family involved or entertain a lot, the Wii is a good choice, even for large HDTV owners.

*Update* Check out Part II of my take on the Wii on my HDTV (I included better pictures).