Wii Sports family game guide

Wii Sports is a collection of five sports games made by Nintendo and released in 2006 alongside the Wii console. In most regions it came in the box with the console, which helped it become one of the best-selling video games ever. Its big idea was motion control: instead of pressing buttons, you swing the Wii Remote like a tennis racket, a golf club or a bowling ball. This made the game instantly understandable for people who had never played video games, including grandparents and young children. Players use their Mii, a simple cartoon avatar, in every sport. The five sports are tennis, baseball, bowling, golf and boxing, each kept short and simple so a whole family can take turns.

How to play Wii Sports

Each sport uses natural movements. In tennis, you swing the remote forward or backward to hit forehands and backhands, and your character runs to the ball automatically; matches are played in doubles. In bowling, you hold a button, swing your arm and release the button to let the ball go, adding spin by twisting your wrist. Golf asks you to aim, then swing gently or strongly to control distance, and to putt on the green. In baseball, one player pitches and the other swings to bat. Boxing uses both the Wii Remote and the Nunchuk, one in each hand, to punch and block. There is also a training mode with small challenges for each sport and a fitness test that gives a playful score for the day. Up to four players can join with their own remotes.

Tips for new players

• In bowling, keep your swing straight and slow; strength matters less than accuracy.
• In tennis, time your swing as the ball arrives rather than swinging early.
• Use the wrist strap and leave space around each player to avoid accidents.
• Try the training challenges to improve one skill at a time.