UK Government To Distribute One Million Nintendo Wii Consoles By 2010

Nintendo Japan has been working closely with the British government to make sure that the gaming console serves not only as a healthy peripheral but also a pedagogical one.

For instance, this version of the Wii will come with one year free broadband connectivity courtesy of Talktalk to allow the young users to interact with their friends and a dedicated school portal.

The move is also expected to have an impact on crime figures as teenagers and young adults or teenagers remain at home instead of roaming on the streets. It could also provide with a much needed boost to the UK gaming industry which has been severely hit by the current recession.

It is understood that the government will use the ongoing apprenticeship scheme to encourage gaming companies to foster a new generation of game developers.

The government's plans have been broadly welcomed by the concerned parties. Nintendo can expect a significant windfall from what amounts to a £150 million direct investment.

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Health proponents argue that millions of young people will be able to enjoy gaming in the safe environment of their dwellings while exercising and keeping healthy.

The European Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA) have welcomed the announcement saying that they will look forward to a much enlarged user base, a welcomed boost during the recession.