DeKALB | The next generation Nintendo console, the Wii — pronounced “wee” — is set to launch Nov. 19.

The Wii is different than most game consoles because it doesn’t have a traditional gamepad. Instead, it uses a controller that looks a lot like a TV remote.

According to Nintendo, the Wii remote uses motion-sensor technology and pointing features to allow the user to manipulate and play the game in very nontraditional ways.

In a racing game, for example, the player would turn the Wii remote on its side like a steering wheel to control the car. The remote can also be held like a bat in a baseball game.

An additional remote, the Nunchuck, resembles half of a traditional controller. When connected by wire to the bottom of the Wii remote, it adds an analog control stick and two buttons.

“I’m not into it as much as some of my friends, but I definitely plan on buying it,” said sophomore English major Andrew Szafran. “I think it has better multiplayer options, so I think that’s more casual.”

The Wii does feature a traditional gamepad, but t’s intended for use with its virtual console games. This feature will allow players to buy and download classic games from consoles like the Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, TurboGrafx 16 and Sega Genesis, among others. According to IGN.com, virtual console games will cost between $5 and $10. New games for the Wii are priced at $49.99. The Wii will also play Nintendo GameCube games.

In spite of various reports indicating that up to 4 million Nintendo Wii consoles will be available in the United States before the end of December, Stan Treger, a sophomore audio recording major, doesn’t think that will stop people from camping out all night to get one.

“I think there will be people waiting outside for a Wii because some people go crazy over next-generation game systems,” Treger said. “I’m buying one, but it might actually be difficult to get one because the Wii is being released at a very cheap price. It costs less than half the Playstation 3 and includes a game [Wii Sports].”

According to circuitcity.com, a Wii will run about $250, which is considerably less costly than competing systems. Circuit City lists the base XBox 360 system at $300 and the base Playstation 3 at $500.