You may or may not know that about three years ago, I joined a team of Nintendo Brand Enthusiasts through the Brand About Town agency. My first role as a brand ambassador was to host a Wii Fit Plus yoga party – my, how things have changed with Nintendo since then! I’ve continued on as a Nintendo brand ambassador these past few years, and want to share today a little about Nintendo’s latest, the Wii U.

Now that the holiday season is over and the rush of the Wii U launch has settled, I thought it would be good to introduce you a bit to the Wii U console. Specifically, I want to share with you why it might be a good option for your family. Do note however, that I do not own a Wii U (yet), so this information comes from various sources: friends, online information I’ve read, and information sent to me by the agency.

First, the Nintendo Wii U system launched back in November of last year and includes a new console and the Wii U GamePad. The Wii U GamePad is a new controller with a touch screen that allows for interaction with the games you play. From what I’ve noticed, it provides another dimension of game play and lets another player join the fun through the use of the GamePad.

Wii U Love from Nintendo Brand Ambassadors

Some Nintendo brand ambassadors were able to get a sneak peek of the Wii U before it launched (unfortunately, I was unable to attend the event myself due to other travel I had at the same time), and had the following to say about the Wii U:

“Overall, I think it’s going to be a really neat system that will expand the way we play our multi-player games and add new challenges to Wii Fit. It’s awesome how you can use the pad on its own while watching TV.”

“I’ve never played games where you actually work together, what a neat concept.”

“I have always been skeptical of letting my kids play video games because I was concerned about them interacting with other users online. So knowing that I can set parental controls on the Wii U is great.”

“I have 4 boys who are very competitive and really like to play so usually I don’t get to, but now with the Wii U I get to use the game pad and beat them all!”

Wii U Great for Family Fun, Even Preschoolers!

I also chatted a bit with a friend of mine who is not only a father of three, but a gaming fan as well and owner of the blog Confident Gamers. Chris relayed to me that his older boy (age 3) loves playing with the Wii U and even “instructs” guests on how to play! I love how kids have no fear of telling you what they know. His son’s favorite game is Nintendo Land, which they enjoy playing as a family.

My friend said he thinks one of the reasons his son has been able to pick up playing with the Wii U so easily (despite his young age) is the touch screen aspect. I personally know how easy it is for babies and toddlers to navigate a touch screen interface – my baby boy has been using the iPad since he was only 1-year-old! Chris shared that he is also a fan of the profiles you can set up on the Wii U. His son has his own profile, for which they have limited the access using the parental controls.

I can see that the Wii U is a fun addition for families and one I look forward to trying in the near future. It seems like a great way to have fun with the kids and help you game together as a family! The Nintendo Wii U can be purchased starting at $299.99 for the basic bundle, or for $349.99, you get some bonus accessories and the Nintendo Land game.

Have you tried the Wii U yet with your family?

More Info and Reviews of the Nintendo Wii U:

• A Wii U Review for Dads
• First Impressions of the Wii U
• Fun Features of New Super Mario Bros. U
• Video Review of Wii U Game, Nintendo Land
• Hands-on with the Nintendo Wii U

Photo: Michael Sheehan/Flickr

This post is part of a paid campaign.

Growing up, I know I played a lot. Whether playing dolls, school, or making up some kind of game, I remember playing a lot with my friends in our backyard patio or theirs. So far, though, my four year old hasn’t been able to experience that same play time with her peers. I don’t even know if there are any kids her age in our neighborhood. Perhaps when she starts school next year, it will become easier to find playmates for her in the area. Until then, we will continue to be her primary playmates, something else that is different from her childhood and mine.

You see, I don’t remember my parents being as involved in play time as I know my husband and I are with her. Sure, I know my mom did play dolls with me sometimes, but for the most part, I remember playing with friends and my brothers more than with mami y papi. That may also change for baby girl now that she’s about to have a baby brother.

Still, I actually love our family play time and know that both my husband and I have a lot of fun actively playing with our daughter. I can’t imagine that will change too much in the coming years.

This Thanksgiving weekend has been one where we’ve done quite a bit of playing as a family. The fact that there’s been no school or work, has allowed us to slow down and enjoy our time together more. That’s definitely something I’m thankful for.

Some of our favorite activities we enjoy as a family that I’m thankful we get to do on a regular basis include impromptu dance parties in our living room, game nights (whether board games or family video games), and movie nights. Each allow all of us to participate and often bring about interesting conversations with our four year old, plus lots of laughter.

As our baby girl grows and her soon-to-be baby brother shows his personality, our family play time will be enhanced and expand to include many more activities. One we look forward to is bike riding, but she hasn’t mastered the skill just yet.

What family activities or play time are you thankful for? Did you get to enjoy some of them this Thanksgiving?

Disclosure: I am a Shout Brand Ambassador through a compensated Mom Bloggers Club member program. This post was written in conjunction with the program, but all opinions and thoughts are original.