By Meghan Streit
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

In living rooms across America, families and groups of friends are bowling, playing tennis and golf, and even boxing. The Wii, Nintendo’s latest video gaming system, lets people play virtual sports using a wireless controller that detects players’ motions.

With high-tech graphics and innovative technology that detects real-time movements, the Wii experience is uncannily similar to actually playing all of your favorite sports—but you can do it indoors any time of the year.

The “Wii craze” has swept the nation since it was introduced in December 2006, and Monarch Landing residents are no exception. Most evenings they can be found in the community’s clubhouse, rolling spares and strikes in competitive Wii bowling tournaments.

Just like in any bowling league, folks formed teams and organized a competition schedule. In April, Monarch Landing’s two top-scoring teams faced off in a final competition, as a crowd of about 50 of their neighbors cheered on their favorite bowlers.

“It is fun, especially in bad weather,” says John Torri, whose team the “Wii Swingers” made it to the finals. “We’ve had a really good time doing this.” Jeri Miller played on the opposing team, the “Alley Cats.” Miller says she used to be an avid bowler but never imagined she’d be playing a virtual version of the sport.

Since Monarch Landing installed a Wii system in the clubhouse, Miller has been playing at least once a week. The final match between the two teams was a stiff competition, with plenty of friendly jeering and lots of laughter.

In the end, the Wii Swingers emerged as the champions.