game-worn

A much more accurate MiWi review.
A local department store had the MiWi on sale, so I decided to buy one for review. The one that I got could be a slightly updated version of the MiWi that's posted here, as the box says "MiWi Xtra", but the contents of the packaging along with the system itself are very similar to what's pictured.

The system comes with two "Geniecon" Wii remote knockoffs, one arcade joypad controller, two PingPong attachments, a golf club attachment, a baseball attachment, a tennis racket attachment, a "Soccer Transmitter", two cartridges with the games, and the console itself.

First of all, I do have to agree that the control is nothing like an actual Wii. While the Wii uses 2.4ghz Bluetooth technology, the MiWi uses infrared technology, much like TV remotes. As a result, the wireless controls aren't as good as a real Wii. More on that in a bit.

The system comes with a "7-in-1" game cartridge that has the sports games on it. You can choose from "TV Karate", "Tennis", "Extreme Power Soccer", "Ping Pong", "Master Golf", "Bowling', and a baseball game called "World Series". There is another cartridge that has 32 arcade games on it, and they are "Highway Racing", "Tank", "Shudu" (Sudoku puzzle), "Hitting Mice", "Square" (Tetris clone), "Snake", "Boxes", "Lawn Purge", "Over-Speed Racing", "Diamond" (Arkanoid clone), "Archery", "Bee Fighting" (an odd Galaga clone), "Fish War", "Motorstorm", "Shooting Balloons", "Zuma" (yes, a Zuma clone with the actual name), "Fish War", "Aqua Mix", "Golden Gate", "Hammer", "Rugged Hammer", "Pro Crack", "Duel Soccer", "Harry", "Tiger Man", "Glass", "Smart Bomber" (Bomberman Clone), "Maze Pac" (another Tetris clone), "Apex Gun", "Farm Keeper", "Fancy", "Loop Legend", and finally, "Pets Crossing" (Frogger Clone). It's possible the MiWi that's posted here may have different games, but it will probably have at least some of the games included with mine.

Of course, the "7-in-1" sports games are supposed to take advantage of the wireless technology the system has. Because the system is based of traditional infrared wireless technology, the movements you make with the remote may not always get through to the system. It requires a combination of standing within the wireless IR range and also the orientation of the system itself. I tried several of the sports games, and when the system is positioned correctly, you can control the sports games much like a real Wii, but it will be hit and miss at best. "TV Karate" comes closest to being like a real Wii game. In fact, you can even control the sports games with the joypad A/B buttons, which means you don't have to use the remotes in a Wii-like fashion to begin with.

The "32-in-1" arcade cart is where the most fun comes, at least for me. Some of the games are actually fairly decent, such as "Square", "Shooting Balloons", "Diamond" and "Apex Gun". The arcade games can be controlled with the "Geniecon" remotes on their side or with the wireless arcade joypad. I recommend using the "Geniecon" remotes as the D-pad on the arcade joypad isn't the best.

At last, but definitely least, is the manual. What a joke. The manual that came with my MiWi has lots of mistranslated English, such as "Geniecon may plug with various fun accessories. This will bring more funny and interesting play". The manual doesn't even tell you how to use the "Soccer Transmitter" that comes with the system.

If you can't afford a Wii, you may want to give the MiWi (or the various other Wii clones) a try. Though the limited selection of games may get old after a few weeks though.

If you can't afford a Wii, then get Xavix-- not this piece of junk
This is a really bad Wii knockoff. The 16 bit graphics are laughable. The interface is nothing like the Wii and if you buy this, don't ever show it to anyone because you'll be a laughing stock. It's understandable that some people can't afford a Wii or simply don't want to pay such a hefty pricetag just for the one or two games you might actually end up playing. But don't throw your money away on this product. If cost and quality are important, then there are much better options. If you want a "toy" for the kids, go with the Jakks Ultimotion Swing Zone. It costs less and is and what it claims to be--a fun toy. If you want a less expensive alternative for adults then consider the Wii's predecessor known as the Xavix. There are some who say that system is better than the Wii though the graphics are not as good. The Xavix port and games are sold separately and are not cheap, but by buying only the games you intend to play, you can still save 50%-60% over the Wii and avoid the major disappointment and embarrassment of owning a deplorable Miwi.