Nintendo is doing the world a lot of favors these days. Instead of simply producing mindless racing and shoot-em-up games, they want people to get their priorities straight. The Wii console allows a slew of apparently constructive interactive activities, including exercising and instrument playing. It’s all part of Nintendo’s revolutionary plan to get people active and productive without having to get off the couch.

The video game guru’s latest threat, “Wii Music,” allows gamers to play up to 60 different instruments by simply flailing the controls in whichever way the instrument requires. Let’s call it faux music class.

Ever since witnessing the television advertisement, my brain has been reeling trying to figure out the entertainment value of such a game. I assume some mirth arises from watching others pretend to play a violin or a guitar while holding two plastic controls. Certainly the game is not meant for people that can actually play an instrument, because they would not be wasting their time pretending to do something they actually can. The game must pander to people who have always wanted to be good at an instrument but were too lazy to simply get lessons. After all, those who can, do. Those who can’t, play Wii.

Consider another pathetic attempt at faux productive gaming by Nintendo – “Wii Fit.” This one allows gamers to participate in a multitude of activities designed to provide rigorous exercise. The actual positive effects of the game are debatable, but what’s important is that it makes people feel better knowing they don’t have to leave their home and go to the gym when a computer-generated character can help them reach their health goals. It’s probably best not to tell “Wii Fit” players that the controls aren’t quite heavy enough to work for weight-lifting.

Don't even get me started on "Wii Sports." Nintendo took five comparatively unpopular sports and turned them into interactive gaming experiences. Bowling, tennis, golf, baseball and boxing have all been brought to the comfort of your dorm room. As far as I can tell, the main benefit of this game is to pump up your arm, allowing you to carry your books more easily around campus. Although the competitive banter heard between addicted students is proof that "Wii Sports" is a great indicator of one's true athletic ability.

I’m clearly not a video game person. I’ve never understood the copious amounts of entertainment people get from playing “Halo” for 12 straight hours, or how games like “Grand Theft Auto,” as fascinatingly ridiculous as they are, can get away with being so completely morally bankrupt.

Wii, however, is playing at a different level. Nintendo actually believes it is doing something useful by allowing people to play healthier, more productive games. There is nothing productive about it. If these games are doing anything, they are making people less productive and more willing to sit at home knowing they can do just about anything they want by playing a video game.

If the world was without video games, I have no doubt that we would be a smarter, more sophisticated, healthier and more productive society. However, they exist, and must be dealt with. Video games should remain as pure spectacle, something to have fun with every once in a while, but not replace everyday activities. If technology continues in this direction – which it will – then at least come out with something useful, such as a Wii game that does my ALEKS (online math program) homework.

Perhaps Pixar’s “WALL-E” universe wasn't so far off. Maybe it's only a matter of time before we are all 400 pounds, floating around in hover-chairs, ordering around little Wii robots to do everything for us. If that happens, well, game over.