The modern family (video) game night

Playing video games, once considered a "no parents allowed" activity, has become one of the most popular ways for families to have fun, interact and even stay healthy - together.

A recent national WeTime Survey of parents, conducted by Harris Interactive, showed "playing a video game we can all enjoy" is a favorite activity for 45 percent of families. Parents of tweens (children ages 8 to 12) said the video game console is the No. 3 consumer electronic product their children use most often, just behind televisions and laptop computers.

Call this movement the new "We Time" - or "Wii Time," since Nintendo's console is often at the center of modern family game nights. And it's no coincidence that the console's name sounds like the word "we." Nintendo designed the system to get families and friends active and engaged with each other. The company chose the name, "Wii," to represent this goal of togetherness.

Developed with significant input from modern moms and their families, a newly-launched line of Memorex gaming accessories for Nintendo Wii, Wii Fit and DSi are designed to enhance the multi-player gaming experience and bring new excitement to modern family game nights:

Families say: Popular racing games come with one wheel but may not allow for a significant improvement to the gaming experience. In addition, purchasing individual wheels so each family member can play can be costly.

Solution: Racing Wheel Family Three-Pack for Wii from Memorex (MSRP $24.99)

Families that enjoy racing and go-kart games will love these durable wheels, which offer more features than traditional wheels at an affordable price. Linked closely to colors that echo the character colors in popular racing games, the rubberized grips of the Memorex wheels come in four colors - red, green, blue and purple - so family members can customize their competitions. The wheels are also MotionPlus compatible, thanks to a hidden compartment in back, and feature a spring-loaded trigger, so the racing experience is truly enhanced. Remotes are easily placed in the wheel thanks to a unique, side-loading feature (they don't have to be forced in and out like many other racing wheels), and the wheel's rubberized grips help keep hands from slipping around while racing.

Families say: Current sensor bars in the marketplace offer limited playing range, causing families and friends to sometimes game uncomfortably close together.

Solution: Extended Range Wireless Sensor Bar for Wii from Memorex (MSRP $14.99)

WeTime brings families together - but a little space is good when it comes to multi-player games. Memorex's Extended Range Wireless Sensor Bar allows family members to spread out while playing, without losing the remote signal. This is great for games that require larger accessories, such as guitar or sports kit-related games. The sensor bar is wireless, so it can be placed near the television and your gaming console can be placed anywhere in the room, eliminating unsightly cables. The sensor bar also features a LED-indicator warning to signal when battery power is low.

Families say: Wii Remotes with rechargeable batteries don't hold a long-lasting charge, must be removed from sleeves before charging and are tricky to place into docking stations.

Solution: Quad Controller Charging Kit for Wii from Memorex (MSRP $44.99)

Modern family game night can't happen without charged remotes. But it's expensive to frequently replace the remote batteries, and many controller charging kits are frustrating and time-consuming to use. In addition to solving the "we need more batteries" and "where's the remote?" issues, this inductive charging solution from Memorex solves three problems in one compact, affordable product. Families can keep remotes in their protective sleeves while charging and neatly organize their remotes by placing them on top of the charging station. The battery holds a long-lasting charge - up to 30 hours of continuous play time - so there's no more wasting valuable playing time or trying to fit your remotes perfectly into the charging station. Instead, you can jump right into WeTime.

For more information and where to purchase products, visit www.memorex.com.

WeTime Parent Survey Methodology

The WeTime Parent Survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Memorex Nov. 4-10, 2009 among 1,344 adults age 18-plus who are the parents of children 0-17 years old. No estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated; a full methodology is available.

About Memorex

Memorex is one of the most trusted and recognized consumer brands in modern marketing

history. A portfolio brand of Imation Corp (NYSE: IMN), Memorex is the North American market share leader in optical media and media accessories at retail and one of the best-known names in the consumer electronics industry. Memorex reaches into millions of homes with home audio and video products, portable electronics, iPod and iPhone docking stations, cables, headphones and gaming accessories that are stylish and simple in form and function. For more information about Memorex, visit www.memorex.com.

Memorex, the Memorex logo and Imation are trademarks of Imation Corp. and its subsidiaries. Wii, Wii Fit, Wii Remotes, DSi and MotionPlus are registered trademarks of Nintendo of America. These products are not designed, manufactured, sponsored or endorsed by Nintendo. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Courtesy of ARAcontent