Bit Generations was a series of simple games for Game Boy Advance. Once considered for US release under the Digilux name (and Digitylish before that) and even rated by the ESRB, the games are still only available in Japanese shops. The games were budget priced and came in tiny, stylish white and silver boxes. Each sported a minimalistic style meant to put the focus on simple, yet engaging gameplay. Though some of the titles came closer to this mark than others, the idea of bit Generations remains compelling.

For example, Dotstream is a racing game literally made up of colored lines rather than fancy cars. Digidrive’s concept involved directing traffic and was an experience somewhat like an abstract rhythm game. Soundvoyager is most unique in that it shunned graphics almost completely, instead offering an aural challenge.

While not all of the bit Generations games themselves are suited for control with the Wii remote, the new control scheme offers exciting new possibilities for fun and addictive gameplay experiences, and it’s the idea of the series that is important. Nintendo has suggested the Wii is good for simple diversions that encourage engaging or relaxing gameplay environments. This is especially good for smaller developers, since a successful Wii game need not be complex or have a large budget. While there is still a place for games requiring thought, slightly more mindless games of reaction are perfect for winding down the day.

The Wii has quite a bit more power than the GBA, which would allow for more subtle effects while still maintaining a simple design. This retro-modern style has become popular in games such as Xbox Live Arcade’s number one title, Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved. While keeping the games simple, gameplay can be honed and unique styles of presentation can be experimented with.

Bit Generations-style games would be perfectly suited for release through the Wii Shop Channel as Wii Ware titles. We have already seen a plethora of minimalistic Flash games in recent years, many designed or adapted for play on the Wii Internet Channel. A bit Generations line would allow these types of games to come to full fruition by incorporating Wii motion control. - Aaron Kaluszka

The Wii is meant to bring families and friends together to enjoy games. Long before digital entertainment, card games and board games were filling that role. Though there have been games that attempt to bridge that gap of old and new, such as Mario Party, sometimes the classics remain the best. Clubhouse Games is a DS title containing 42 different classic games. Though not very fancy, it pulled off dozens of games with elegance and even included Wi-Fi multiplayer.

Xbox Live Arcade has already realized the potential on the console realm with offerings such as Uno, Texas Hold’em, Hearts, Spades, and Backgammon. These games can be played online so that it isn’t necessary to have a room full of people to play. Whether released individually as small, cheap Wii Ware downloads or as an entire collection like the DS version, Clubhouse Games on Wii is a natural fit.

Of course, not all of the games would be possible for local play on the Wii since many games rely on secrecy of dealt hands. In this case, the DS-Wii connectivity could be an option. Regardless, playing poker or chess over the internet is very compelling as evidenced by the popularity of online communities such as Yahoo! Games. These games could be enhanced through online leader boards and chat capabilities. Even though these types of games have seen success on XBLA, the Wii provides a more natural control scheme through its mouse-like pointer controls and potential for gestures.

Bringing familiar classics to the system would only serve to make the system even more welcome to the casual and non-gamer markets, and could act as a gateway to other Wii experiences besides offering their own brand of fun. Such games would be cheap to develop but provide hours of entertainment to anyone, all without the required cleanup after a traditional game. - Aaron Kaluszka