Unboxing Nintendo Switch and My Switch Story

Minecon 2016 & Mother's Day

Well, we did it...Mother's Day Weekend 2016 and we have tickets to Minecon!

This has been somewhat of a family goal for a few years now.  My Nephew, thewalkthruking, became obsessed with the game shortly after we sorted out how to actually play Pocket Edition.  Since those early days he moved on to Minecraft Console Edition via Xbox One, and then wound up with a custom, gaming computer to play PC.  

Instrumental in his addiction was the PvP side of the game...he can quote off Mindcrack UHC stats better than a Wiki, or Reddit and in the downtime came across other SMPs with their own UHCs like The Cube.  Ever longing for more, he got into Reddit UHC, Badlion, and more.

We not only live streamed our own Pocket Edition UHCs in those early days, but PvP Matches, Build-Offs, and our custom, now traditional, "Bare Fist Beatdowns" became staples for any family gathering. Minecraft usurped Mario Kart Wii and became King.

A few short years later I set up the Minelogox server for a Christmas gift...I don't know that I'll ever top it.  With our new gaming computers, we are pushing that ground while also enjoying Realms based Minigames via a Realm he got from his Nana for this past birthday (and as a cover in case we couldn't score Minecon tickets).

Minecon will finally give him the chance to meet some of his favorite YouTubers and the people behind the game!  We have wanted to do this for awhile and Minecon kind of combines a whole host of smaller, regional conventions where a few folks would be at and expands it 20 fold with a straight up focus on the block game.

For his Birthday this year, my Mom (see also TWK's Nana), said she would get him Minecon tickets.  We tried Friday night and couldn't checkout...they were sold out, we must have just missed it.  Saturday we were on the road and all of us busted out or cell phones and frantically hit refresh more than we'd cumulatively used the button in the phone's lifetime..the carhop at Sonic probably thought we were crazy when the car shook with the elated roar following my sister's, "I'm in...we got them!"

We tried to stay calme as we figured we could still get booted...the final submit was hit and then we had successive notification chimes of confirmation e-mails.  Freakin' sweet!!!  We are going to Minecon!  The pure tremor of joy we all saw from TWK made the effort worthwhile.  The game that has dominated his, and our, life for these last few years is going to be accessible at a new, more personable level...and that is VERY exciting.

The only downside is that my Mom and Sister were a little disappointed when they learned the "capes" we kept talking about were virtual, or in-game only and NOT something tangible, in real life...maybe Mojang could make them 2 for Mother's Day...

Happy Mother's Day to all the great Mom's out there!  The day is intended to honor moms with gifts and praise, and while this technically happened Saturday, not Sunday, the effort in scoring the tickets is  reflective of the 24/7, year-round efforts mothers put forth to raise their children right and do what they can to bring joy into their lives...Maybe TWK and I can get them IRL Minecon capes, their current capes are hard to see ;)

Hope to see some of you out in Cali and at Minecon for a great time!

Super Smash Bros. March Madness Tournament

Bracket #1 - Mario

Bracket #1 - Mario Bracket (Complete Video)

Bracket #2 - Luigi

Bracket #2 - Luigi Bracket (Complete Video)

Bracket #3 - Waluigi

Bracket #3 - Waluigi Bracket (Complete Video)

Bracket #4 - Wario

Bracket #4 - Wario Bracket (Complete Video)

Final Four & Championship

Final Four & Championship (Complete Video)

Skylanders Trap Team at E3 Exclusive Interview with Executive Producer Scott Krager

Hey Everyone,

Here is an exclusive interview I got with the Executive Producer behind the Skylanders series, Scott Krager!  He was kind enough to let me take up about 10 minutes of his time and I tried to highlight a few key points, pick up on his favorite new characters, and gain insights from his perspective.

I totally apologize for the bobbing camera...I'm not a vlogger and apparently I don't make for a great tripod...Sometimes we clip a little hair, or the chin, but the audio still came thru great and that is what really matters.  I tried to stand beside the camera to get closer to him to ensure we could hear his voice...that to me is an okay trade off, lol.  If I am fortunate enough to attend next year, I think the tripod will be coming.

That said, I was able to get confirmation from him on pricing for the line up (Single Traps, Core Skylanders, and Trap Masters) and he confirmed what I learned earlier from Jin.

Scott was also kind enough to give a shout out to my Nephew (thewalkthruking) and offer up his take on his 2 favorite Sklyanders, Slam Bam and Freeze Blade!

Here is a text-based accompaniment to the interview:

E3 Scott Krager

-Senior Producer

At this point I knew what was off limits and just opted for info that could be released.  Trust me,  I asked everyone, including him, right before this interview…and then kept asking thru the evening.

His favorite Trappable Villain: Painyatta

His favorite Trapmaster: Wallop (who btw is the HEAVIEST I have ever held)

His favorite Core: Chopper (with gyro-dino-exo suit)

Price Points

-Starter Pack: $74.99

-Individual Traps: $5.99

-Core: $9.99

-Trap Masters: $14.99

--Battle edge with Skylands Most Wanted AND interaction with Traptanium Clusters

---They were referred to multiple times here and in other conversations as “guest stars”

-Tried it again, but NO INFO on Battle Packs or Adventure Packs

 -I went for info on an 8 Pack of Traps: they are considering everything

--For me an 8 Pack is highly desirable, especially since it should knock the price down some

-What does the crowd at E3 mean to you?

--He has been here since Spyro’s Adventure, and says it is one of the highlights of his 20+ year career in the industry.  He values the professional success, but enjoys seeing his kids interact with the game at his personal, family level.

-Castaways

--I knew we would get nothing info wise, but I did get confirmation that even our forgotten guys like Voodood, Ghost Roaster, Dino-Rang, and Sunburn would get jump attacks, even if they stay molded in their debut forms…I’ll take the small victory for those of you who have their favorites invested in the old cast.

-Trapped Villains

--1 Per Trap (this is absolutely how it works, not 4 per trap as so many reported early on)

--Each villain has their own theme song to add personality

-My Nephew (had to get him a shout out and Scott’s insights on his favorite)

--Slam Bam, Scott loved his concept and unique design

--Freeze Blade, Vicarious Visions came up with him and he likes the leeway the Water Element affords in ice and is very well rounded

-Trap Team October 5^th

--Will we see a gradual release of info approaching launch?

---He thinks so

I had a ton of tough questions, but I sadly knew they would be met with the same guarded reply and that honestly would have made for a bad interview.  Thus, I tried to focus on the positives, get his personal favorites and take on the series development as the Executive Producer.  I couldn't pass up the chance to get my Nephew’s questions regarding his favorite Skylanders covered with a personal recap, so I opted for that as well, lol.  So, if you also like Slam Bam and Freeze Blade, you got some nice bonus content.

The assumed approach of a gradual release of info is likely correct.  I think they wanted to keep the focus on what is "New" and "Innovative" at E3, and then likely reveal some more, gradually over time.

Mario Kart 8 Unboxing with GameStop Pre-Order Poster & Review

What?  Mario Kart 8 for Nintendo Wii U
Where Did You Get It?  GameStop
What Did It Cost?  $59.99 Plus Tax
Promotions?  Free Mario Kart 8 Poster with Pre-Order
Promotion 2: Free Nintendo Game with the Registration of MK8 in Club Nintendo
What Was Stock Like?  Well Stocked!

Unboxing Mario Kart 8 and Checking out GameStop's Pre-Order Poster

I have waited a long time for this game!  I am a huge fan of the Mario Kart 8 Series and could not wait to get my hands on this title!  I picked up 2 copies, one for myself and one for my Nephew since it tied in perfectly with the last day of school (props to Nintendo for the Friday release!).

My Nephew and I logged a lot of time playing Mario Kart Wii and Mario Kart 7 together...In fact, it would be easy to say Mario Kart Wii is the reason I got into wanting to record gameplay footage.  Every night we raced there was some epic comeback or insane ending...We always finished with, "I wish we would have recorded that."  So, I started recording!

I was miffed we didn't get the free Blue Shell/Spiny Shell like Europe did, but Club Nintendo does offer a free game with the registration of Mario Kart 8.  These aren't bottom shelf, $5.99 games either...They are premo, Nintendo Titles!  The Legend of Zelda Wind Waker HD, Pikmin 3, Wii Party U, and New Super Mario Bros. U are the 4 titles you can choose from...I always encourage people to sign up and register their hardware and software with Club Nintendo for reasons just like this, not too mention the other cool prizes.  I am currently torn between Wind Waker HD and Pikmin 3...

The other thing that miffed me was the total lack of advanced notice on pre-order, or day of purchase bonuses...I waited a long time for announcements, or a potential blue shell equivalent here in the US and all that turned up was GameStop's poster.  As it turned out, Walmart and Target both had Wii Wheels going with the game...but I was unaware of those until the Sunday before release.  Toys'R'Us has the BOGO40%, which is great, provided there is another title you want to pick up.  That said, I went for the pre-order bonus glory in GameStop's Poster.

It isn't the flashiest thing, but it is neat and will look great hanging.  It measures 11" x 17" for those wanting to frame it...Although, since it is double-sided that will kill off one display angle.  I suppose though, most will have a favorite side and can mount it facing outwards.

The front side features a slash cut design with the Mario Kart 8 logo on one side and Mario in his anti-gravity kart on the other.  The dividing line is some race track advertisements.

The back side features another slash cut styling with snapshots of several of the new tracks meshed with the load screen style art.

I personally would have preferred a very simple poster.  Perhaps a blown up version of the cover art itself on one side and the back side featuring all the track names, characters, and items.  I suppose I value information and a helpful snapshots a bit more than modern styled art, but to each his own.  It was free, it is Mario Kart related, and I really can't complain.  I do hope though that Club Nintendo will offer up a 2 or 3 Poster Set as I described: Cover Art, Tracks and Items, and Characters.

The game gets a special Red Case which is rare and cool, despite me personally being a fan of the standard Wii U Blue.

The instruction manual is basically 1 page and in full color, but lacks detail.  I still miss the old mega-thick, informative manuals of old.

That said, this game is great!  The hours of fun and infinite reply value make it a steal.  It will deliver solidly as a gift of any sort and will likely maintain a perch at the top of the charts as word continues to spread with peer influence.  Mario Kart 8, in my opinion, is an example of software that moves hardware.

If you don't own a Wii U, the Mario Kart 8 Wii U bundles is the way to go and a tremendous value.  You will not regret purchasing this game.

I have currently played about 3 hours of Multiplayer with my Nephew and logged another 2-3 in the solo Grand Prix.  The new tracks are outstanding!  The graphical prowess of the Wii U definitely impresses...the retro cups featuring tracks born on the Wii version (like Moo Moo Meadows) are stunningly different...you can pick up the feel, lines, and sounds...but graphically they are like night and day.  I never had issues with the graphics on Mario Kart Wii, but Mario Kart 8 absolutely blows it out of the water.

When you factor in the infinite replay of Mario Kart Wii, but now have new, never before played characters (The Koopalings) AND the customizable karts and bikes like in Mario Kart 7 on the 3DS, you have opened up the door for tons of options and the chance to literally squeeze every last .001 off your time trial records.  This feature will be very much appreciated by hard core players.

The online mode has a great, simple interface that will get you racing in no time.  You can hop on regionally, worldwide, with friends, or via tournament.  You can also set up private rooms etc. to keep the action close to home, or within your circle of friends.

I've yet to play Battle Mode, but my Nephew and I should do that tonight.

This game seems to me an improvement over Mario Kart Wii and that game has yet to get boring to me...I envision a full run from this game as well.  Hardcore players will love the new elements and characters to master while breaking records, and casual players will enjoy the pick-up-and-go play style that the series is known for....Mario Kart 8 can be your weekend retreat for a good time, or an obsession hunting quicker times and Tourney wins.

Regardless your age, skill level, or penchant for video games, Mario Kart 8 will entice everyone to get involved...even if it is just as a spectator.  There is so much built in to the visuals, it is a little overwhelming at times trying to take in the surroundings AND win the race.

This is truly a must own for any Wii U Owner, Mario Kart fan, or gamer in general.  If you don't have a Wii U, this is reason enough to get one!

Myself and my Nephew will be playing this one for years to come...Thanks to Nintendo for delivering up yet another first party smash hit!

Unboxing Kickoff Countdown Skylanders SWAP Force

What? Kickoff Countdown, Tech Element, SWAP Force Newlander
Where Did You Get It? Toys'R'Us
What Did It Cost? $10.99 plus tax (BOGO50%)
What Was Stock Like? Well Stocked!
What is Included? Kickoff Countdown, Stat Card, and Sticker Sheet

Unboxing Kickoff Countdown

Skylanders SWAP Force Character Introduction 74: Kickoff Countdown 

Kickoff Countdown vs the World: Filmed with thewalkthruking

Kickoff Countdown
Tech Element, SF Newlander

Slogan: "I'm the Bomb!"

Card Stats
Power: 115/200
Armor: 90/200
Agility: 60/200
Luck: 45/200
Totals: 310/800

LightCore Countdown, Kickoff Countdown, Countdown

SWAP Force, New Tech Corelanders

Tech Element SWAP Force Lineup (New Characters)

SWAP Force Tech Line-Up (Complete minus Silver Sprocket)

SWAP Force Tech Element Special Edition Figures

Unboxing Trap Shadow Skylanders SWAP Force

What? Trap Shadow, Magic Element, SWAP Force Swapper, Sneak Ability
Where Did You Get It? Special Delivery
What Did It Cost? $14.99 plus tax
What Was Stock Like? Check TRU 3-13-2014
What is Included? Trap Shadow, Stat Card, and Sticker Sheet

Unboxing Trap Shadow

Trap Shadow
Magic Element, SF Swapper, Sneak Ability

Slogan: "Hide and Sleek!"

Card Stats
Power: 140/200
Armor: 180/200
Agility: 100/200
Luck: 80/200
Totals: 500/800

Magic Element Swappers

Sneak Ability Swappers

Magic Element SWAP Force

Unboxing Freeze Blade Skylanders SWAP Force

What? Freeze Blzade, Water Element, SWAP Force Swapper, Speed
Where Did You Get It? Special Delivery
What Did It Cost? $14.99 plus tax
What Was Stock Like? Delivered
What is Included? Freeze Blade, Stat Card, and Sticker Sheet
More Info to Note: Nitro Freeze Blade releases 3-23-2014 at Target in the USA

Unboxing Freeze Blade

Freeze Blade
Water Element, SF Swapper, Speed Ability

Slogan: "Keeping it Cool!"

Card Stats
Power: 140/200
Armor: 75/200
Agility: 200/200
Luck: 85/200
Totals: 500/800

Water Element Swappers

Speed SWAP Force Skylanders

SWAP Force Water Element as of 3/12/2014

(Missing Punk Shock)

Unboxing Fryno Skylanders SWAP Force

What? Fryno, Fire Element, SWAP Force Newlander
Where Did You Get It? Walmart
What Did It Cost? $9.96 plus tax
What Was Stock Like?  Last one, intentionally hidden.
What is Included? Fryno, Stat Card, and Sticker Sheet

Unboxing Fryno

Fryno
Fire Element, SF Newlander

Slogan: "Crash and Burn!"

Card Stats
Power: 130/200
Armor: 105/200
Agility: 80/200
Luck: 25/200
Totals: 340/800

Plants vs Zombies Garden Warfare Game Showcase with Xbox One Exclusive Splitscreen Offline Co-Op

This isn't really an unboxing, but rather a video to highlight a great game that may fly under a lot of people's radar...

Checking Out Plants vs Zombies Garden Warfare

On that same note, there are some drawbacks you will want to know about if you aren't equipped with a solid internet connection, or aren't fond of the additional subscriptions like Xbox Live Gold and PlayStation Plus.

After having played the game with my Nephew tonight I can honestly say it is a blast, just as I had hoped...It is sad knowing we are missing out on the "online" aspects of the game (see almost everything), but I am equally hopeful that my trial of Xbox Live Gold will pan out with the connection and I can move forward to enjoy the rest of the game.

Please note that the Split Screen Offline Co-Op is only avaialbe on Xbox One!

Speaking of which, let's take a look at the available maps!

PvZ Garden Warafare Xbox One Offline Co-Op Part 1:

PvZ Garden Warafare Xbox One Offline Co-Op Part 2:

Oh and what about the pre-order bonus I mentioned that enticed me to commit to GameStop?  Well, sadly I didn't check things out PRIOR to entering the code, but it will showcase what is available.

GameStop Pre-Order Booster Pack Bonus

Skylanders SWAP Force: Team Survival, Rival Survival, and Ring Out

Here is a little Skylanders SWAP Force Showcase where my Nephew and I took some time to see what all the Two Player Battle Modes had to offer.  In all the videos my Nephew (thewalkthruking) plays as Slam Bam and I play as Terrafin.  Both Skylanders are Series 2 and Fully Upgraded!

Here is a look at the action:

Team Survival:

Rival Survival:

Ring Out:

Unboxing Think Geek's Minecraft Light-Up Redstone Ore

What? Minecraft Redstone Light
Where Did You Get It?  Toys'R'Us
What Did It Cost?  $24.99 plus tax
What Was Stock Like?  Probably 8-12 total, but it was the first time I'd seen them in person

Unboxing Think Geek's Light-Up Redstone Ore

While making my usual rounds hunting for Skylander variants etc., I spotted this Minecraft Redstone Light from Think Geek.  Technically they call it the "Light-Up Redstone Ore" but I think 99% of people would agree that "Redstone Light" successfully and succinctly describes this item best.

My Nephew, as you should know, is big time into Minecraft...given that it was red and that we have recently been playing around with Redstone, I figured it would be a cool Valentine's gift.  The product was not priced on the shelf, but the nearby stickers seemed reasonable...I didn't know it was $25 till I got home.  That is a higher price than you can get online at Amazon $22.49, or Think Geek at $19.99, but I suppose the fact it was there, I didn't have to pay freight, and I had it for Valentine's Day covers the premium.

This is your typical novelty gift, but it seems to be well made and looks like it will give him years of enjoyment.  My only concern is that the "tap" action isn't quite smooth...there is no set point to trigger a change and sometimes you can inadvertently do so, but all-in-all, I think that constitutes only a minor issue.

The light itself is pretty cool.  Don't forget that you need 2 AA Batteries and a small Phillips screwdriver to access the battery compartment.  Once you have the power source in place you simply slide the switch to the "ON" position (it is tucked away nicely on the bottom side).

The cool thing is there are 3 levels of brightness that go from a dim glow all the way up to an impressive output of red.  I don't think you'd want to read by the Redstone light, but it would work well as a night light, side table tap light, or just a really cool light up block at parties and get togethers.

For the price, I think it is a nice item and should function as intended for years to come.

Below you can see the 3 different levels of brightness...If nothing else you know you've got a hit with any Minecraft fan and a sure fire conversation piece!

All-in-all I am happy with this Redstone light, my Nephew loves it, and I think it is going to look pretty cool in his bedroom.  There is also a Diamond Light that I may pick up at some point in the future!

Minecraft: Love It, or List It

Minecraft: Love It, or List It is a parody my Nephew and I came up with to put a spin on the popular HGTV Show, "Love It, or List It" by way of Minecraft builds...

We are currently using Minecraft Pocket Edition, but if folks like the series and it takes off, we might expand it to Minecraft PC.  The main thing here is just having fun...

Let us know what you think of the video!  You can find the entire Series here:

Minecraft: Love It, or List It

Season 1

Episode 1: Steve and Mary

1ofWiisdom's 3 Year Anniversary on YouTube

Today, February 9th, 2014 marks my 3 Year Anniversary on YouTube!

I am typing this at 6 AM (not because I'm up early, but because I haven't gone to bed yet...although anyone that watches my vids regularly would already know that is how I roll), but look for a Channel Update later tonight as well as the release of some videos I've been saving!

Thanks to everyone who has enjoyed the videos on YouTube, commented, subscribed, shared, etc...That is what I started the channel for to have fun and let others in on the action!

It honestly began just because my Nephew and I wanted to record our Mario Kart Wii races (which were routinely, ridiculously epic finishes)...I was unaware at the time that it would snowball into what it has now become, but I wouldn't change anything.

I sincerely appreciate everyone taking their time to watch the videos.  There are tons of options out there and I am humbled you prefer my take on things...

I'll cover the anniversary and a few other topics in the Channel Update and once it is LIVE I will embed it here.

Thanks again for your support,

1ofWiisdom

Skylanders SWAP Force Battle Mode Treacherous Beach

As promised in the Arkeyan Crossbow Unboxing and Introductory videos, my Nephew (thewalkthruking) and I recorded some PvP for everyone.  We used an assortment of characters, most hailing from Wave 3...Check it out for yourself!

Here is a list of the battles:

SWAP Force Arkeyan Crossbow Battle Pack

-Treacherous Beach

1: Thorn Horn Camo vs Grim Creeper – Thron Horn Camo (Wiisdom)

2: LC Wham-Shell vs LC Countdown – LC Wham-Shell  (Wiisdom)

3: LC Wham-Shell vs LC Countdown – LC Countdown (thewalkthruking)

4: LC Wham-Shell vs LC Countdown – LC Countdown (thewalkthruking)

5: Wind-Up vs Dune Bug – Wind-Up (Wiisdom)

6: Rattle Shake vs Quick Draw Rattle Shake – Rattle Shake (Wiisdom)

7: Spy Rise vs Qiuck Draw Rattle Shake – Spy Rise (Wiisdom)

8: Spy Rise vs Blast Zone – Blast Zone (thewalkthruking)

9: LC Countdown vs Blast Zone – Blast Zone (thewalkthruking)

10: Stink Bomb vs Rubble Rouser – Stink Bomb (Wiisdom)

11: Stink Bomb vs Spy Rise – Spy Rise (thewalkthruking)

12: Thorn Horn Camo vs Grim Creeper – Grim Creeper (thewalkthruking)

13: LC Countdown vs Grim Creeper – LC Countdown (Wiisdom)

14: LC Countdown vs Spy Rise – Spy Rise (thewalkthruking)

15: Stink Bomb vs Spy Rise – Spy Rise (thewalkthruking)

16: Blast Zone vs Spy Rise – Blast Zone (Wiisdom)

17: Blast Zone vs Dark Blast Zone – Blast Zone (Wiisdom)

Wiisdom = 9 Wins, thewalkthruking = 8 Wins

Special thanks to thewalkthruking for helping out for this video!

Minecraft Pocket Edition Survival Mode: Ultimate Quest Series

Hey Everyone,

This is something that has been a very popular request.  My Nephew and I have decided to make it happen.  As of New Year's Day we have started a brand new Minecraft Pocket Edition Series called, Ultimate Quest.  Ultimate Quest will be set up in a Season/Episode format.  We will upload as time allows.  It is played without any mods or hacks, and from the ground up.  If you have any suggestions for what you would like to see, let us know!  We hope you enjoy the series!

You can get updates here on this post and via Twitter.
You can also check out my Nephew's blog: http://www.thewalkthruking.blogspot.com

Ultimate Quest Season 1, Episode 1:

New Year, New House, New Series

Ultimate Quest Season 1, Episode 2:
Creepers Declare War


Ultimate Quest Season 1, Episode 3
The War Continues


Ultimate Quest Season 1, Episode 4
Iron!!

Unboxing PowerA's Skylanders SWAP Force Pro Pack Mini Controller Set for Nintendo WiiU

What: PowerA Pro Pack Mini Controller Set for Wii and WiiU
What Does It Cost?  $39.99 plus tax
What Was Stock Like?  Pretty easy to find

Unboxing PowerA's Skylanders SWAP Force Pro Pack Mini Controller Set 

(ie WiiMote and Nunchuck)

One thing you can never have enough of is game controllers.  Whether you have friends over all the time, or just go hot and heavy with your favorite games, they are much needed.  With the WiiU on the market, something a lot of folks (like myself) ran into is the inconvenience of having to pull a jacket/sleeve, pop a cover, hit the sync button, and reverse the process just to swap from Wii to Wii U.  This is something that haunts me all the time...I like to keep the two separate so if I want to use a save file on Super Smash Bros. Brawl, but my Nephew and I last played New Super Mario Bros. U we have to re-sync at least one of the Wiimotes...

If you are in that position, you at least want 4 WiiMotes on tap to keep 2 dedicated to each system and save you precious time.  If you are new to the Wii U, or replacing a worn out Wiimote, this is a hot ticket.  Clearly, as a Skylander fan this is a desirable item...

Back in June PowerA was nice enough to give out some controllers at E3...That light blue Skylanders Giants Wiimote has been my Nephew's staple since shortly after and it has served quite well.  With that background, you will get a feel for where the review is coming from...

The first thing to note is that these are "Mini."  If you have smaller hands, or are shopping for younger gamers, this is perfect.  I've seen a lot of kids struggle with the regular sized Wiimote, let alone when you'd strap on the Motion Plus Accessory.  This "Mini" controller downsizes things just slightly to make a difference, yet maintain functionality for those with big hands (like me).

There is no "jacket" but the WiiMote and Nunchuck both sport a Soft-touch finish that kind of takes its place.  This is a soft, smooth textured finish that kind of doubles as a slip resistant finish.  It is very nice and doesn't "sweat" as much as your typical sleeved WiiMote.

The other great thing for kids is the oversized buttons...Smaller dimensions on the controller with larger buttons makes for the perfect package.  For anyone else, the illuminated buttons are a very cool touch and look awesome with the lights out (just watch the video to see for yourself!).

The WiiMote includes a quick clasp strap and the Nunchuck sports a 3' cord which is plenty long for even the craziest Wii Fit activity.

If you are in the market for new, or additional controllers for your Wii or Wii U, this is perfect.  The price is right, the quality is great, and the added features and character artwork (Bouncer and MagnaCharge in this case) really stand out.

My Nephew actually likes this one so much he has already called dibs...guess I'll go back to the Giants Light Blue version!

You can find these pretty much anywhere games are sold as well as online at Amazon, who usually has the best price.

We've had close to 6 months of service out of the E3 Pro Pack Mini and it has yet to let us down...including the battery!

If you are in the market for new controllers, or need a good stocking stuffer be sure to check out PowerA's Pro Pack Mini Controller Set!  In addition to this Navy Blue, there is also a pretty sleek Sublime offering:

BONUS!  

As of making this post and video LIVE, Toys'R'Us still has their Black Friday/Cyber Monday pricing of 50% off on the PowerA line!  That means you can get either controller set for abou $17...Sweet!

Here are the links:

Blue Pro Pack Mini Controller Set:

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=24143136&cp=&parentPage=search

Green Pro Pack Mini Controller Set:

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=28345066&cp=&parentPage=search

Note that the production shots both feature Blast Zone on the WiiMote and Wash Buckler on the Nunchuck...The one we unboxed has Magna Charge on the Nunchuck.  I have not seen the Green Set, but will check out the Blue Set more closely at my local store and see if it is Magna Charge or Wash Buckler...If you have, or have seen the green set and can vouch for the character, let me know!

Skylanders Pop'N'Race Unboxing and Review

What: Skylanders Pop'N'Race
Where Did You Get It: No clue honestly, lol
What Did it Cost? $9.99 plus tax (I've seen it priced lower both std. price and on sale)
What is Included: Game Board with Dice in Popper, 4 Groups of 4 Colored Pegs

Unboxing and Review of Skylanders Pop'N'Race

While out of town for Thanksgiving, my Sister picked up an early gift for my Nephew and I...Skylanders Pop'N'Race.  This is essentially a Skylanders spin on the classic Milton Bradly (Hasbro) Pop-O-Matic Trouble (I think my family's version is from the late 80s, lol...still works fwiw).

Anyway, there is nothing too flashy, but it is functional and most importantly FUN.

There are 4 Characters featured on the board: Tree Rex, Crusher, Spyro, and Trigger Happy.  The characters aren't necessarily by their featured slots, but I suppose it doesn't matter in the end.  Life is Green, Earth is Brown, Tech is Orange, and Magic is Purple (although you could change that up if you are inclined).

The other neat Skylander feature is that each slot (outside of your Start Point and H-O-M-E feature Elemental Logos.  This would make it very easy to customize a game...IE if you are Earth and you land in an Earth Slot you could advance 2 more spaces, roll again, kill anyone within 5 slots, etc...the options are endless..this is what my Nephew and I were alluding to...

The game board isn't exactly the most durable thing I've ever seen, but in all honesty, as long as it doesn't get wet, I see no reason for it not to last years.  Plus, for under $10 you really can't go wrong.

You can find this pretty much anywhere board games are sold and online...

It is a nice addition to any collection and yet another way to bring Skylanders into other portions of your life.

Happy Halloween 2013: Skylanders SWAP Force Undead Battle-A-Thon and Pumpkin Eye-Brawl

I gave my Nephew an early present Wednesday night, Pumpkin Eye-Brawl!

We unboxed him and added in a few things for good measure:

Unboxing Pumpkin Eye-Brawl with My Nephew, thewalkthruking

As promised in that video, we said once Halloween festivities wrapped up, we would try to record some Undead Battle action in Skylanders SWAP Force...As usual, we delivered:

Halloween 2013 Special Edition Skylanders SWAP Force Undead Arena Battles

Unboxing Pokemon Rumble U Figures: Shiny Pikachu, Deoxys, and Lucario

This was the second half (Part 3 Overall) of our launch day haul from Thursday, August 29th, 2013!

I will archive this unboxing in the original post, which contains more info on the game and NFC communication, as well as a complete character list.  You can check it out here:

http://www.1ofwiisdom.com/2013/08/unboxing-pokemon-rumble-u-nfc-figures.html

The three Pokeballs we picked up this time had the following characters:

-Shiny Pikachu!!  Yep, that explains me wondering why it wasn't yellow, lol.

-Deoxys (Normal Forme)

-Lucario

I grabbed all three of these on Launch Day as well...we just divided them up into 2 separate videos to speed things up...mainly because my Nephew had to get home and do some homework.

That said, I was stoked to learn that the coloring wasn't off, but that we had actually landed a Shiny Pikachu!  From what I understand these are very hard to come by and as of this point in time we only know of Shiny Pikachu, Shiny Eeveee, and Shiny Genesect.  Here is the video:

Opening 3 Pokemon Rumble U Figures: Shiny Pikachu, Deoxys, and Lucario