It's physically active. Not "going for a hike" active, but definitely "better than sitting motionless for three hours" active. Games like Wii Sports get kids (and parents) moving, which is more than you can say for most screen time.

It's actually multiplayer. Like, real multiplayer where everyone's in the same room, looking at the same screen, laughing when someone throws a bowling ball backward. There's no voice chat with randos, no toxic lobbies, no worrying about who your kid is talking to online.

The barrier to entry is low. Grandma can play Wii Bowling. Your 5-year-old can figure out Wii Sports Resort. There's no complicated button combos or steep learning curve—just swing the remote and see what happens.

It's a complete experience. You buy the game, you own the game. No season passes, no V-Bucks, no "Mom, can I just buy this one skin?" The game is the game, and that's it.

Ages 5+

This is the reason you buy a Wii. Wii Sports came bundled with the console and includes tennis, bowling, baseball, golf, and boxing. Wii Sports Resort is the upgraded version with swordplay, archery, basketball, table tennis, and more.

These games are perfect for mixed-age play because skill matters less than enthusiasm. A 6-year-old can absolutely destroy their parent at bowling through sheer chaotic energy. It's also great for rainy days or when you need to burn off some energy before bedtime.

Parent tip: Set a timer. Seriously. "Just one more game" turns into 90 minutes real fast.

Ages 6+

Mario Kart is the gold standard for family racing games. Up to four players can race simultaneously, and there are accessibility features like automatic acceleration and steering assist for younger kids.

Yes, there will be tears when someone gets hit by a blue shell right before the finish line. Yes, someone will accuse someone else of cheating. This is normal and possibly character-building.

Parent tip: The steering wheel accessory (a plastic shell that holds the Wii remote) makes it feel more like real driving and is worth the $10.

Ages 7+

Just Dance games turn your living room into a dance party. The Wii remote tracks your hand movements while you follow on-screen dancers. It's ridiculous, it's exhausting, and it's honestly a great workout.

Younger kids (ages 4-6) can participate even if they can't follow the moves perfectly—they'll just enjoy jumping around to pop music. Older kids and teens will actually care about their scores.

Parent tip: Preview the song list. Some Just Dance games include songs with lyrics you might not want your 7-year-old memorizing. The "Kids Mode" versions are safer bets.

Ages 7+

These are legitimately some of the best platformer games ever made. Super Mario Galaxy has a co-op mode where a second player can help collect items and stun enemies—perfect for a younger sibling who wants to "help" without needing advanced gaming skills.

The games are beautiful, creative, and genuinely challenging without being frustrating. If you want your kids to experience what "good game design" actually means, this is it.

Ages 6+

Think Mario Party but specifically designed for the Wii. It's a collection of mini-games and board game-style competitions. Great for family game nights when you want something structured but not too serious.

Some mini-games are better than others (there's always a dud or two), but there's enough variety that everyone will find something they like.

Ages 7+

The LEGO games on Wii are co-op adventures where you solve puzzles, collect studs (LEGO currency), and work through beloved movie franchises. LEGO Star Wars is probably the most popular, but they're all pretty solid.

These games are forgiving—you can't really "die," you just lose some studs and respawn. This makes them perfect for kids who get frustrated easily or for parent-child co-op where skill levels don't match.

Parent tip: The humor is goofy and the violence is cartoonish LEGO destruction. It's about as safe as gaming gets.

Ages 6+

Classic side-scrolling Mario with up to four players at once. It's chaotic—players can accidentally (or "accidentally") bounce off each other, which leads to both cooperation and hilarious betrayals.

This is harder than it looks. If you haven't played a Mario game in a while, prepare to be humbled by a moving platform.

The Wii is ancient technology. The graphics look dated compared to modern consoles. The online features (Wii Shop Channel) shut down in 2019. But none of that matters for family gaming. You're not here for 4K graphics—you're here for your kid to laugh when you fall off a cliff in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

Physical safety matters. The Wii remote strap exists for a reason. Use it. Kids will accidentally launch the controller across the room. Also, make sure there's enough space—you don't want anyone punching a lamp during Wii Boxing.

Screen time is still screen time. Yes, it's more active than passive YouTube watching, but it's still gaming. The Wii doesn't magically exempt you from setting boundaries. An hour of Mario Kart is still an hour in front of a screen.

This is a gateway console. If your kids love the Wii, they'll probably want a Switch eventually. The Wii is a great way to introduce gaming in a controlled, family-friendly way before deciding if you want to invest in newer (more expensive) systems.

The Wii isn't going to win any awards for cutting-edge technology in 2026, but it absolutely still delivers on fun, accessible, family-friendly gaming. If you're looking for something that gets everyone in the same room, encourages some physical movement, and doesn't come with a monthly subscription fee or in-game purchases, the Wii is shockingly relevant.

It's not a replacement for outdoor play, reading, or actual conversation—but as far as screen time goes, this is about as good as it gets. You're making memories, not just filling time.

If you're buying a Wii: Check local Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or retro gaming stores. Make sure it comes with at least two controllers and the sensor bar. Wii Sports should be included (it was bundled with most consoles).

If you already have a Wii: Dust it off. Seriously. Those games are still fun. If you want to expand your library, used game stores usually have Wii games for $5-15.

If you're unsure: Start with Wii Sports or Mario Kart. If your family loves it, great—you've got a winner. If not, you're only out $60 total, which is less than two months of a streaming service you're probably not even watching.

And hey, if you're trying to figure out whether your family should eventually upgrade to a Nintendo Switch, or you're wondering how the Wii compares to other family gaming options, we've got you covered.