The Nintendo Wii is a triumph of creative engineering in the realm of video games that had previously only been experienced inside a shrinking number of arcade venues. Not since the first Nintendo in the mid `80s has a console been able to innovate to a level that bridges generational gaps and ushers in a brand new era of gaming.

So, it’s incredibly sad to see the amount of dust collecting on Wii consoles owned by friends or family members.

The most frequent explanation I hear for this kind of mass console neglect is due to the lack of available opponents, which changes drastically when large groups of people consume a moderate amount of alcohol at a party. The same is true during the holiday season because there is always an abundance of bored loved-ones eager to avoid playing board games.

Obviously there is nothing wrong with the Wii, which is just as fun today as it was the day it was purchased. In fact, I’d argue that anything with the power to make both your old college roommates and your grandmother swat fists into the air and holler at the television screen is FAR MORE entertaining than any other device.

This level of entertainment can only increase with the addition of Wii accessories that help to mimic real-life sports…

Everlast Boxing Gloves
GAMES: All Boxing games for the Wii (Wii Sports, Ready2Rumble, Punch-Out)
PRICE: $25-$30

The Everlast boxing gloves for the Nintendo Wii are the ultimate show piece for anyone who enjoys punching the crap out of the air like it’s Muhammad Ali in his prime. Players can insert the Wii-mote into two different places on the gloves: a top pouch strap for games that only require motion, such as the standard boxing game available on the original Wii Sports or inserted into pouches stitched into the palm of the glove allowing for access to button functionality — something that’s absolutely necessary when playing a game like Punch-out.

I would highly recommend these for anyone who may only have the basic games released around the same time as the console was launched, such as Wii Sports. Just looking at them made me want to call in sick so I could spend the day advancing the amateur circuits. It’s definitely cool to put on a pair of boxing gloves that bear a very striking resemblance to the real thing. Hardcore gamers might be put off by the lost of maneuverability they may experience using the gloves on games with more complex controls. But if you aren’t running a pro tournament (do those even exist for the Wii?) go ahead and pick them up. Your social gatherings will be infinitely improved because of it.

Everlast Shadow Boxing Gloves
GAMES: Any boxing games
PRICE: $20

Much like the traditional boxing gloves mentioned above, these Everlast Shadow Boxing Gloves add an enhanced level of appeal to any punching game for the Wii. (Not to mention that they just look cool.) This pair only offers one way to insert the Wii-mote and Nunchuk — snugly fitting pouches sewn into the palms — yet there is a much greater level of maneuverability for pressing buttons. I’d recommend these to more technical players who still want to appear like a Wii champion.

Everlast 2lb. Dumbbells
PRICE: $20

After jabbing, punching and uppercutting your way to being the greatest, pop in one of several Wii Fit games and drop those Wii-motes into the Everlast Dumbbells and turn entertainment into a workout.

Each dumbbell weighs 2 lbs. and will work on almost any Wii Fit game (Gold’s Gym Cardio in particular). Pair them with the elastic resistance band that comes standard in the Wii Fit board pack and you’ll get even more of a workout.

Louisville Slugger Baseball Bat
GAMES: Most Wii Baseball games will work (Mario Super Sluggers, The Bigs, The Bigs 2)
PRICE: $15

I always took issue with baseball games on the Wii because nothing you could do with the controller ever realistically felt like swinging a bat. That being said, I was probably the most excited about this accessory if not for this reason alone. The Louisville Slugger licensed Wii bat is made of a tough foam that won’t break bones but definitely hurts if you accidentally get hit (This may have happened during routine testing… to me).

The Wii mote fits into the handle of the bat and uses a mirror to redirect the controls signal to the console itself. I had minor trouble operating the menu screens until I repositioned the mirror to directly point at the Wii‘s sensor. Beyond that it was pretty much like you’d expect to swing a bat.

Prince Tennis Racquet
GAMES: Nearly all Wii Tennis Games
PRICE: $15-$20 (2-pack $25)

For pretty much the same reason as the Louisville Slugger Bat, I love the idea of actually being able to swing a racquet when playing a simulated tennis match — such as the one licensed by Prince. Although, I must say that for tennis games in general, it is a bit easier to figure out how to use the controls.

Still, when I’m bored and wanting to kill a few hours with someone who never plays video games, let alone something that has a motion sensor control, the visual of being able to swing a racquet helps.

Everlast 3″ Aerobic Step for the Wii Fit Balance Board
PRICE: $25

I’m not much for the balancing / Yoga-like mini games that require the use of a Wii Fit board so I probably wouldn’t think twice about the Everlast 3-inch Aerobic Step accessory. However, nearly every girl I spoke to that owned a Wii asked me where they could get them which then prompted me to examine its benefits more closely. Honestly, the 3-inch lift does make the exercises more strenuous and worth foregoing the crowded gyms in favor of your living room.

Also, I wouldn’t recommend shoving the great American novels under the feet of your Wii Board because they are (a) not fixed to the board (b) could skew the results when attempting to play the game, and (c) may cause you to fall thus causing injury.

S3 Sportboard
GAMES: Any Snowboard, skateboard, surfing or Ski game that requires use of the Wii Balance Board
PRICE: $45

This particular Wii Fit Balance Board accessory immediately made sense to me because, well, it’s a friggin’ Snow / Skate / Surf board ( — officially dubbed the S3 Sport Board). It attaches to the bottom of the balance board and essentially adds a character to your Sport boarding game of choice.