The Official Nintendo Wii Thread.

[dbiersdorf]

http://revolution.nintendo.com

Introducing... Wii.

As in "we."

While the code-name Revolution expressed our direction, Wii represents the answer. Wii will break down that wall that seperates videogame players from everybody else. Wii will put people more in touch with their games... and each other. But you're probably asking: What does the name mean?

Wii sounds like "we," which emphasizes the console is for everyone. Wii can easily be remembered by people around the world, no matter what language they speak. No confusion. No need to abbreviate. Just Wii.

Wii has a distinctive "ii" spelling that symbolizes both the unique controllers and the image of people playing it. And Wii, as a name and a console, brings something revolutionary to the world of videogames that sets it apart from the crowd.

So that's Wii. But now Nintendo needs you. Because it's really not about you or me. It's about Wii. And together, Wii will change everything.

----

Absolutely horrid.

EDIT: Changing this to the official Wii thread since it is the largest discussion of the Wii that we have.

[davidbrit2]

So what was that whole "Nintendo Go" thing about? Are they trying to tell us to "Go Wii" or something?

[Happy_Dude]

WTF????? :?

[sabre2922]

WTF????? :?

AGREED

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA?

seriously though

whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAA

[DeputyMoniker]

I hope over time I'm desensitized to the stupidness of this name. There's a good chance I'll just say "Nintendo" when I speak of it.

[dbiersdorf]

So what was that whole "Nintendo Go" thing about? Are they trying to tell us to "Go Wii" or something?

That Nintendo GO video was fake from the get-go. I thought everyone knew that. -_-

[c0ldb33r]

Don't like it. No Sir, don't like this one bit.

Hopefully they'll change it before brining it to north america.

[DonMarco]

Horrid compared to Revolution? Yes.
Compared to anything other console name? No.

So what was that whole "Nintendo Go" thing about? Are they trying to tell us to "Go Wii" or something?
I thought it was the name of the online network they were doing.

[slip81]

That's absolutely rediculous. I'll continue to call it the Revolution.

[ClubNinja]

Maybe the portable version will be called "Wee Wii".

[Happy_Dude]

Maybe the portable version will be called "Wee Wii".

I shall call him "Mini-Wii" :evil:

[hezeuschrist]

Sounds just as dumb as Xbox 360 did the first time I heard that.

I don't really care what it's called, I'm still buying it.

[Joker T]

That is fucking horrible, nice move Nintendo.

[THATinkjar]

This is... dodgy. It doesn't "look" right, but I don't care.

[pacmanhat]

...Interesting. I kinda like it.

In any case, I can't wait to get a hold of my Wii and play with it this fall. :)

[sabre2922]

That is fucking horrible, nice move Nintendo.

well put

lets go play some Wii weeeeeeeee why? its Nintendo weeeee or ummmm Wii heh ya

[Enixis]

The most revolutionary name for a console yet...

[pacmanhat]

That is fucking horrible, nice move Nintendo.

well put


No, it really isn't.

I salute Nintendo for going with something eye-catching and different. By the time this system comes out, no one is going to care about the name, and anyone who decides to call it the 'Revolution' out of distaste for the name is only going to look ignorant (and rightfully so). No other system's name is getting talked about like this, which only means more attention for the system as time goes by. It's a brilliant move, and an interesting but excellent choice.

[Julio III]

I first saw this on another forum and the title of the thread was simply Nintendo Wii and I thought they simply misspelt wifi and opened the topic - and then, ouch. They're trying to broaden the market then they choose a stupid name which people are going to have to be told how to pronounce and then its called wee. It looks stupid when written and sounds stupid when spelt.
I'm surprised they didn't stick with Revolution because quite a lot of people already know what it is and have association with it and for other people at least its a real word

[Happy_Dude]

I salute Nintendo for going with something eye-catching and different. By the time this system comes out, no one is going to care about the name, and anyone who decides to call it the 'Revolution' out of distaste for the name is only going to look ignorant (and rightfully so). No other system's name is getting talked about like this, which only means more attention for the system as time goes by. It's a brilliant move, and an interesting but excellent choice.

I shall agree with this yet remained horrified.

[gepeto]

Nintendo is notorious for this. I remember the n64 early name Ultra. For the first 2 years after its release I would go into stores looking for games for the ultra 64.

[Flack]

So what was that whole "Nintendo Go" thing about? Are they trying to tell us to "Go Wii" or something?
That comes later with the "Little Pig Advertising", in which Nintendo will go Wii Wii Wii, all the way home.

[Jasoco]

...Interesting. I kinda like it.

In any case, I can't wait to get a hold of my Wii and play with it this fall. :)Did you mean to put that double-entendre in there? You dirty dirty man. ;)

[Push Upstairs]

Not that i planned on buying the thing anyway, but that name......I don't know if i should laugh or be disgusted.

Wii

It sounds like the name of some Japanese concept car.

[Jasoco]

You don't "plan" on buying a Nintendo system. It just happens.

[Buyatari]

You don't "plan" on buying a Nintendo system. It just happens.
yeap right after you buy the other 2.

That name is just bad. Gets my vote for worst ever of all serious contenders. If ever there was a system the public would not buy just based on a name alone this would have to be it. Awful.

[kainemaxwell]

I think only Photoshop can express our ideas on this name change.

[tylerwillis]

As much as I love puns, I wouldn't name a game console based off of one.

[Happy_Dude]

http://img272.imageshack.us/img272/5397/wiiwtf8pe.jpg

They must have been smoking Wiid

[DeputyMoniker]

I salute Nintendo for going with something eye-catching and different.

It's pretty similar to Viiv. I almost want to think they got the idea from Microsoft. Kinda like theyre leeching off MS for some free "this is the future" advertisement. I have a hard time taking myself seriously when I say that but for whatever reason they chose it...it's stupid. Like it's already been pointed out, it's just as stupid as 360 sounded...but as I mentioned before I'll probably become desensitized to it's stupidity just like I did the 360. However, Wii sounds a lot like a penis...so it'll take some time before I get used to that one.

[Castelak]

I... actually like it. @_@

[Frica89]

its gonna b fucked up when u start hearing little kids say "i cant wait to go home and play with my Wii all day" or " me, tommy, and alex all played with our Wii's together and it was awesome" LOL im still gonna buy it but i hope to god they dont go through with that. please nintendo, to quote mrs. lovejoy from the simpsons, WILL SOMEBODY PLEASE THINK OF THE CHILDREN?!?!

[sabre2922]

first interview with Nintendo about Wii from Gameinformer.

We still scratched our heads, so we spoke with Nintendo of America's Public Relations Manager Matt Atwood to get Nintendo's explanation of what the name was really about.

Game Informer: Why change the name in the first place when people are already used to The Nintendo Revolution?

Matt Atwood: We always stated that Revolution was a code name. While it indicates the disruptive nature of the system, we wanted a name that represents all inclusiveness, because that’s a huge point of the system. It’s not about you or me – it’s about Wii. So, it’s basically a different kind of a system.

GI: Whose idea was Wii?

Atwood: It was actually several people internally. But beyond that, we aren’t disclosing specifics on how the name came about. But it was several people at NOA and NCL.

GI: So it wasn’t Yamauchi coming in with his iron fist and saying, “We’re calling it Wii!”

Atwood: (laughs) No. No, it wasn’t. For a long time there we’ve been discussing the name and there was a lot of talk, and this is what the committee came up with. It was a large group of people that came up with the name.

GI: This is going to sound really crass and rude, but a child’s way of saying they have to go to the bathroom is saying they have to go wee. Doesn’t that concern you at all?

Atwood: No. Anytime you announce a new name you’re going to get a lot of questions and the whys. If you look at what TiVo did or Virgin Airline for instance, a sort of tie in for example. Those names have become household names and it had nothing to do with that at all. We wanted a name that represented the fact that this system was really for everyone to play. And Wii, the word, is W-i-i, and the two I’s represent both people and the controllers. So, it’s really not about this sort of tongue in cheek.

Again if you look at things like Yahoo! Or Virgin, or Caterpillar or Naked Juice, or Prius – the car, or Napster – these names either have funny connotations or don’t make sense initially. But if you look at how we support this, and what the name represents, I think it makes sense.

GI: So there were never thoughts of, “Let’s just stick with Revolution? It’s a really cool name”

Atwood: I think there were thoughts across the board. There were thoughts of sticking with Revolution, then there were thoughts of a completely different name, but once everything came together this was the name decided. I think they wanted a name that was very unique. Because this system is not about an upgrade of an old system. This is about an entirely new way to play, an entirely new type of system.

GI: Just seeing the reactions in our office and seeing what people are saying online – it seems people are really shocked at this name, and aren’t really that thrilled about it.

Atwood: I think the first time you hear any name, it sounds odd. I think one of the reasons is that it’s totally different and unexpected as you said. The first step will be getting to E3, and getting hands-on. We’re pretty confident it’ll become a lexicon like Google, or Amazon, or Virgin. Obviously there will be first reactions, but once you get your hands-on with the system and understand, and watch the video, and read the back story of what this name is supposed to represent, I think it all ties in.

GI: Isn’t it a little tricky that you have to give us a one sheet to explain what the name means and it doesn’t say it by itself.

Atwood: No, the point is we want it to be very clear what we’re saying. Again, we’ll go back to your traditional naming conventions for systems. They tend to be fairly literal. That’s not what we want at all. We want something that isn’t as literal. But once you understand it, it makes a lot of sense.

Once you touch the Revolution, this will make more sense. Once you play more games, and once the system is out, and more and more people play it, and you’re realizing these different experiences, it’ll make more sense. Again, it may sound a little bit of a line, but I think it fits well. This is not about you or me, it’s about Wii.

GI: Is that the new “Blue Ocean”?

Atwood: It’s all relational. It all fits. The Wii name fits in with the Blue Ocean strategy as far as going different, going unique, making a statement, but at the same time really pointing to the fact that this isn’t a traditional system and not done the traditional way. This is about expanding the audience, while not at all ignoring our core, in fact appealing to them, which you’ll find at E3. It’s about broadening.

GI: Are you trying to connotate a Wi-Fi type thing?

Atwood: I thought the same thing too. The Wi-Fi thing isn’t really part of it, though, once you get to E3, there may be news on that. We’ve already said the system will be online out of the box, but while it lends itself and kind of fits, it’s not the overall intent.

GI: Why reveal the name now? Why not wait until your E3 press conference?

Atwood: E3 for us is all about the games. We understand that when you announce a name it’s going take a bit of time to get comfortable with it, and when we get to the show we want the focus to be completely on the games, and the gameplay. The focus of E3 is to get everyone to play this system. You can only appreciate the system when you play it. I know for a long time we’ve been talking about all the possibilities, and I know you guys have been talking about all of the possibilities of the system.

The key is to focus on the games and the gameplay at E3, not a name, but anything but that.

GI: Speaking of E3, has Nintendo figured out how to control all of the different freehand controllers that are going to be pointing at 80 different directions?

Atwood: Yes, NCL has worked on that and have a pretty good solution which you will see at the show.

GI: This is a very different name and it’s going to be really interesting seeing what the world has to say about it. Nintendo has always paved their own path since the NES, so is this sort of following in that tradition you think?

Atwood: I think that the last few years – the best comparison would be the DS. When we announced DS everybody wasn’t sure about the name, obviously that one is quite literal. But it’s about the concept behind the DS and the concept behind the Revolution. So while Nintendo has gone their own way since the NES, as you stated, it’s really about this new direction of expanding the market, taking care of our traditional gamers, but also developing games like Brain Age, Nintendogs, and the new titles you’re going to see at E3. Really approaching videogames in a very different way, because we don’t believe that staying the course is the right way to go. We believe that a new way to play is the answer. People want more immersion and we will deliver it.

GI: What did you honestly think of the name the first time you heard it?

Atwood: First time I heard it, I sat down and thought about it for a bit, and “Do I like it, Do I not?” and as I thought, “Hmm, it seems a little bit different. I don’t understand it." And then I did the same thing you guys did and watch the video, and the more I understood about the system, the more it’s made a lot of sense to me. Yeah, initially I went, "Wow, this is different." And then once I started getting more hands on with the system, and once I started to understand the concept behind the system and how the name ties in, I actually really like it. I think people will talk about it. You’re definitely seeing it on the net, and people will continue to talk about it.

What I like about it is, it’s not about abbreviating anything. There will be no abbreviation needed. There is no Nintendo Wii. It’s just Wii. It’s a very inclusive name in that respect.

GI: So what are you going to tell the people that think you’re crazy for naming it the Wii?

Atwood: We’re going to tell them, one, play the system. Kind of what we told you. I think initially you’re going to see some reaction, and I think its going to make a lot of sense. Get your hands on the system. Once you see entirely what we’re doing with the system it will make more sense. I would suggest really trying to understand looking at the background story of the name because it’s really telling of the system. The system really supports it. I would say get your hands on the system first and then make your decision. The first look will be at E3, but that won’t be the entire one. The system comes at the end of 2006 and we’re pretty confident and comfortable.

GI: It’s been rumored that the new big Revolution secret is the fact that the nun chuck controller is also motion detecting…

Atwood: Really. That’s interesting. I would say 9:30 in the morning on Tuesday of E3 will be filled with surprises and I would just show up. Because there’s been a ton of speculation. Some of it’s right. Some of it’s not. We’d say that if that’s the only secret you’re expecting you’re going to be very surprised.

GI: Do you think Nintendo is going to take home E3 this year? Why do you think Nintendo will be the big buzz at E3 this year?

Atwood: I think it comes down to totally what I’ve been talking about with the name. I’ve been a gamer since – well I got my NES when I was 11 – and I am starving for a new way to play. I was cynical about the DS when it shipped, I was completely cynical. And long before I worked at Nintendo I found myself playing that system far more than any other handheld. The reason being is that I could do different things.

Right now I’m playing Trauma Center for instance. I love that game. You cannot do that anywhere else. Those types of experiences are really what is compelling. When I can do something new – Nintendogs, Brain Age – those are completely different ways to play and it’s what I’m playing right now. I love the classics, but I’ve played them for a very long time and with the Wii we’ve already talked about you’re going to have the classics, you’re going to have the hardcore games, but you’re also going to be able to play new unique types of games. That’s huge.

To me that has massive social implications. For instance, I’ve played games for many years, and I’ve tried to talk to my mom about a game and it was completely Greek. I believe Wii will open that dialog. I believe it already has with DS. When you look at Brain Age, you can take that game to your parents, your uncle, your niece, and everybody likes it, and gets it, and wants to take it from you. It’s taking this very personal experience and allowing to become more social. And people can understand it more. I mean, when you play Brain Age, you hold it like a book, that’s very easy to understand. You’re going to see more things like that.

GI: (laughs) The name Wii makes me think of peeing! You said you have to hold the DS like a book for Brain Age, I hate to know how I’m supposed to hold the Wii controller.

Atwood: I’m not going to go there, but you won’t be surprised. When you look at it, there’s so many different things you can do. But come to E3 and you will appreciate it.

-Billy Berghammer

http://gameinformer.com/News/Story/200604/N06.0427.1154.38678.htm

[jcalder8]

Man that name is awful. The main problem I have with it is that no one is going to know how to pronounce it. There will be so many parents who come into shops and totally butcher the name. I don't like the 360 or PS3 names but at least they are easy for everyone to remember and there aren't more than one way to pronounce it. I think it could hurt Nintendo a bit in the end, it won't hurt them much but considering the market right now you don't want to give anyone an advantage.

[pacmanhat]

Un-freaking-believe.

I just took a quick glance over at the GameSpot forum's discussion on this. I am AMAZED at how shallow the gaming populous can be. Putting graphics over gameplay is idiotic enough, but putting the NAME of the system over anything else is downright incorrigable. Granted, the forum is packed with trolls, but still - it angers me to no end.

[pacmanhat]

The main problem I have with it is that no one is going to know how to pronounce it. There will be so many parents who come into shops and totally butcher the name. I don't like the 360 or PS3 names but at least they are easy for everyone to remember and there aren't more than one way to pronounce it. I think it could hurt Nintendo a bit in the end, it won't hurt them much but considering the market right now you don't want to give anyone an advantage.

You mean except for the FIRST SENTENCE of Nintendo's announcement that explains how it's pronounced? And the thorough media coverage and advertisement that clearly pronounces the machine's name? Yeah, I'd miss that too.

[Leo_Ames]

"I just took a quick glance over at the GameSpot forum's discussion on this. I am AMAZED at how shallow the gaming populous can be. Putting graphics over gameplay is idiotic enough, but putting the NAME of the system over anything else is downright incorrigable. Granted, the forum is packed with trolls, but still - it angers me to no end."

If they can't even get the name of their system right, how can gamers expect them to get the task that actually require skill correct? Another 3rd place in the console wars, and it won't even be close to 2nd place this time I bet. I hope I'm proven wrong, but I don't have high expectations.

[Buyatari]

Un-freaking-believe.

I just took a quick glance over at the GameSpot forum's discussion on this. I am AMAZED at how shallow the gaming populous can be. Putting graphics over gameplay is idiotic enough, but putting the NAME of the system over anything else is downright incorrigable. Granted, the forum is packed with trolls, but still - it angers me to no end.

Yeap thats why its a terrible name.

[le geek]

Touching is good...

[JPeeples]

How did they get the name of the system "wrong"? It's THEIR NAME! It's a unique name, it'll be weird to say, sure, but that'll be overcome easily with time. It's certainly a change from the regular bland names for systems, and far more creative than "PlayStation 3" for example.

[downfall]

Man that name is awful. The main problem I have with it is that no one is going to know how to pronounce it. There will be so many parents who come into shops and totally butcher the name. I don't like the 360 or PS3 names but at least they are easy for everyone to remember and there aren't more than one way to pronounce it. I think it could hurt Nintendo a bit in the end, it won't hurt them much but considering the market right now you don't want to give anyone an advantage.

As compared to the parents who come into Gamestop these days and ask for "one of them Xbox games", or "one of them Playstation games", and have no idea whether it's a PSone, PStwo, Xbox, or Xbox 360 game? And then they get mad at me because I can't visualize what's in their house, nor read the mind of their child that isn't even at the store with them.

Yeah, ok. :roll:

If anything, the confusion will be minimal, because we'll actually know what in the world the customers want, unlike now.

[Leo_Ames]

"How did they get the name of the system "wrong"? It's THEIR NAME! It's a unique name, it'll be weird to say, sure, but that'll be overcome easily with time. It's certainly a change from the regular bland names for systems, and far more creative than "PlayStation 3" for example."

We'll see this fall I guess if they got it wrong like I believe. :)

[Jive3D]

I like it.

[MegaDrive20XX]

Great, I can see the marketing for this...."Nintendo Wii, we want you to play!"

"hey, did he just say Nintendo wee wee?" :hmm:

[portnoyd]

That is fucking horrible, nice move Nintendo.

Jesus Christ. I thought it was fucking joke.

It's not?

Are you kidding?

Oh come fucking on.

Hai guys guess what? Our new dog does Nintendo's new system on the floor when we leave him crated for more than 5 hours.

I'd like to meet the marketing genius who came up with this one, and punch him in the eye.

Yes, let's not try and alienate our old userbase.

'Hey, let's make a name that is uncomfortable to say!'
'Ok, how about Fawhoop?'
'Now, that's too weird.'
'How about NESr, so we can hark back to the days where everyone fondly remembers Nintendo?'
'No, THAT MAKES TOO MUCH SENSE.'
'Hey guys, I'll be right back, I gotta take a wee'
'THAT'S PERFECT! PRINT THAT MOTHERFUCKER!'

I would honestly take 'Snakes on a Gamesystem' over this monstrosity of a name.

Now if you don't mind, I'm going to go drop the sequel to the Wii in my toilet in my bathroom.

[THATinkjar]

Great, I can see the marketing for this...."Nintendo Wii, we want you to play!"

"hey, did he just say Nintendo wee wee?" :hmm:

Better marketing examples...

"Wii not play Nintendo?"

"Wii on WiFi"

"Nintendo WiiFii"

I could go on, but Nintendo aren't paying me for this gold.

[sabre2922]

That is fucking horrible, nice move Nintendo.


Now if you don't mind, I'm going to go drop the sequel to the Wii in my toilet in my bathroom.

DUDE thats the fucking FUNNIEST thing ive read all day ROFL
and ive read a LOT of funny shit about this all over the net.

[njiska]

All i can say is, "What the Hell?" Never fuck with a good thing.

[Dobie]

I think I Wii-ed myself a little bit.

The name of a system is all-important. Yes, it is shallow to judge a console by the name. But the name is supposed to encompass what a product is all about. This name makes me think of urination. Plain and simple. I don't correlate urinating and videogames unless I drink too much water before I sit down to play.

Anybody remember in the automobile industry why the "Nova" sold so poorly in Spanish speaking countries? It sounded cool to US buyers, but it elicited the wrong image elsewhere. Much like "Wii" is doing for us here.

I'll still buy one... but I might have to give the cash to some little kid outside of the store, because I cannot fathom walking into EB and asking for a Nintendo Wii without somebody snickering at me.

[ShinobiMan]

Hey hey guys, It's not about you or me, it's about Wii. :evil:

The name is different thats for sure, and my first reaction was WTF. But it's starting to grow on me. Like a fungus.

[YoshiM]

Anybody remember in the automobile industry why the "Nova" sold so poorly in Spanish speaking countries? It sounded cool to US buyers, but it elicited the wrong image elsewhere. Much like "Wii" is doing for us here.

Oh yeah. It meant "No Go", if I'm not mistaken.

Another car name rumor/story is about how Toyota and Chevrolet (emphasis mine) were going to work on a new car together. The name? A combination of the two manufacturers (and I kid you not): "Toylet".

Anyway, to get back on topic, at first my reaction was a "saaaaaay what?" Wii. "We". More like "Why?" Then I saw the video and read the above GI interview. The more I mull it over, the more it makes sense. It's kinda like "iPod"-probably one of the dumbest names I heard of at the time. Now it's essentially the new "Walkman" and when you mention it everyone knows exactly what you are talking about.

*IF* Nintendo has a decent ad campaign to go with Wii, the whole concept might work. Make it hip, trendy and marketed to a *person* rather than a *gamer*. Just like iPod, as there were digital media players before it but they really didn't make an impact. iPod comes out with a snazzy campaign along with a surprising ease of use and an unobtrusive kinda hip design and now it's everywhere. "i" anything is the new catchname/phrase. Nintendo could hit paydirt.

I just hope they don't mention that your DS can "touch" your Wii.....

[MrRoboto19XX]

I dont care what the systems name is, when you think about it, what game system's name doesnt sound a little odd?

Nintendo, theyve got serious balls to make a descision like this, and if anyone could make the name work its them.

Nobody is going to complain about the name if the games are good.

Wiiva Nintendo.

[GrandAmChandler]

That's the most absurd thing I have heard all day.

Personally I would have preferred "Super 64 Nintendocube DS boy - Limited Edition Platinum"

But I guess we can't all win. :roll:

[jajaja]

Haha is this serious? I agree, WTF?!?! Nintendo Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii? haha that is fucking crazy.

[Rev. Link]

I swear, Nintendo is a 10th degree black belt in the art of taking one step forward and two steps back! I mean, talk about shooting yourself in the foot!

Sure, I'm still gonna get one. I love Nintendo games, and a stupid system name isn't gonna keep me away. I'm sure most of us old school fans feel the same way. But Joe Public off the street who's never played a game before - who just so happens to be a big part of the demographic Nintendo's trying to attract now - is going to laugh at this. He's going to think it's one of the stupidest things he's ever heard. And he'll be right!

Now, I hope to God Nintendo's gamble here pays off, and this things winds up just like Google, iPod, TiVo, Yahoo, etc. Weird name, but everyone likes it anyway and knows what it is. But man, why not just stick with Revolution?! Wii is in no way going to help Nintendo shake that "kiddy" image! Can you picture heading into Game Crazy and saying "I need to pick up Mario Wii!"? I can picture it, but no matter how hard I try not to be, I'm always wearing a diaper and sucking a pacifier!

I love Nintendo, and God knows I'm counting the days until I get this thing, but Wii has got to be the single stupidest name for a game system of all time.

[calthaer]

Anybody remember in the automobile industry why the "Nova" sold so poorly in Spanish speaking countries? It sounded cool to US buyers, but it elicited the wrong image elsewhere. Much like "Wii" is doing for us here.

Oh yeah. It meant "No Go", if I'm not mistaken.

Another car name rumor/story is about how Toyota and Chevrolet (emphasis mine) were going to work on a new car together. The name? A combination of the two manufacturers (and I kid you not): "Toylet".

No kidding - this is the first thing I thought of. I was like - "some Japanese exec came up with this name and didn't listen to NOA when they told them it was asinine."

It's the most ridiculous and horrible name I could have possibly conceived (short of PUU, which is what others have been joking about). Looks like their tight-lipped plans are coming to fruition - maybe they should have run this by some focus groups first. Whoever went by this internally was a complete nitwit.

So much for Nintendo understanding gamers. Honestly, who wants to admit to owning one of these things now? This has single-handedly converted me from the "I'm excited about this and will tell other people" camp into the "I will wait and see, and MAYBE buy this after a year or so has gone by" group.

Can you imagine launch day with this thing? Everyone will be lining up - maybe they'll bring in urinals and port-a-potties for launch day!

[rbudrick]

RULE number one opf marketing: NEver, ever confuse the consumer.

It's certainly a change from the regular bland names for systems, and far more creative than "PlayStation 3" for example.

Yes, and the sam ol' same ol' is why we will have a PS3. People in general don't want creativity...they want the same old shit. GTA type games, FPSs, EA sports games...same old shit, different title.

Yes, I hate the name Wii, but revolution was a far better name...it was perfect and spoke volumes. If you need a volume to EXPLAIN your name, there's a problem.

-Rob

[ShinobiMan]

Aw come on, can't Wii all just agree on something for once?

Sorry, it just got the best of Wii.

Nintendo Wii. Wii aim to pwiiease.

LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL

[heybtbm]

I swear, Nintendo is a 10th degree black belt in the art of taking one step forward and two steps back! I mean, talk about shooting yourself in the foot!

Agreed. Totally lame.

[ASSEMblerEX]

http://assemblergames.com/images/wii/1.jpg

http://assemblergames.com/images/wii/2.jpg

http://assemblergames.com/images/wii/3.jpg

http://assemblergames.com/images/wii/4.jpg

http://assemblergames.com/images/wii/5.jpg

http://assemblergames.com/images/wii/6.jpg

http://assemblergames.com/images/wii/7.jpg

http://assemblergames.com/images/wii/8.jpg

[lordnikon]

I don't like this new name at all.

Also, it is not unique.

Nintendo seems to be borrowing way too much stuff from Apple.

Instead of one "i" they have two. Also, just look at the new DS Lite, and the revolution controller. Toss in a white revolution console, and this is anything but original or unique.

This is dissapointing.

In the end when you strip away all of this, the name "Wii" itself is difficult to use in a sentance and to pronounce. It is awkward.

[Sniderman]

So, can I assume that Nintendo's next next-generation console will be the "Puu?"

Thank you. Thank you. You're too kind. However, I can't take credit for the line. Fark.com has a thread and they're ripping the new name apart. In fact, someone suggested this Flash video should be used for Nintendo's marketing of the new console:

Weeeeeeeee! (http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/weeee.php)

I'm still laughing my ass off. LOL

[hezeuschrist]

Oh man. This thread rules almost as much as this one:

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=27252&highlight

I'm pretty sure just about every single person that posted anything negative in that thread (myself included) has had a lot of crow in their diet in the past year or two.

It's just a name. It doesn't matter what you call it, as long as they've got a good tag line to go with it, which they do, it doesn't matter.

It's not about you, it's not about me, it's about Wii.

Thats brilliant marketing, and if it's supposed to be about encompasing as many new players as possible, the name fits excellently. After the DS I've learned to trust Nintendo in their decisions. As long as they make enough money to keep bringing me the games I want to play, I don't care.

[joshnickerson]

I seem to recall a similar debate about five years ago when Nintendo announced the "Gamecube" name for their new console...

I can see where Nintendo is trying to go with this, and I wish them the best of luck... I do have a suggesting for their commercial...

A teen walks into a store, and sees a Nintendo set up. He looks at it for a minute, then walks over. As he reaches over and grabs the controller, a familiar Queen song begins to play...

"WII WILL, WII WILL, ROCK YOU!"

LOL

[portnoyd]

Oh man. This thread rules almost as much as this one:

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=27252&highlight

I'm pretty sure just about every single person that posted anything negative in that thread (myself included) has had a lot of crow in their diet in the past year or two.

It's just a name. It doesn't matter what you call it, as long as they've got a good tag line to go with it, which they do, it doesn't matter.

It's not about you, it's not about me, it's about Wii.

Thats brilliant marketing, and if it's supposed to be about encompasing as many new players as possible, the name fits excellently. After the DS I've learned to trust Nintendo in their decisions. As long as they make enough money to keep bringing me the games I want to play, I don't care.

The difference is between that thread and this is all piss jokes made about the name. And people did not like the concept, but here, no one likes the name.

It'd be more fair to compare that thread to the one about the WEEEEEEEEEEEEEE's controller. Apples to apples and all.

And it would bloody help if Meston didn't erase all his posts in said thread, so you could actually see the first post's contents.

And hey, my post in that thread was more positive than most! And my second and third post on page 6 made me lawl. *pats self on back*

[diskoboy]

So long, Nintendo. It's been..... Whatever.

There went any remote chance of me buying this console, now.

(imaginary conversation time!!)

-What consoles do you own?

-Well I own an Xbox, a 360, a PS2 and 3, and a wii...

-A wii??

-Yeah.... A Wii.

-(other person keels over and dies laughing)

[Rev. Link]

ASSEMblerEX: (I didn't want to quote that long post) Nice! That girl's fine. But what's with the drawn on scars all over her chest? Is she supposed to be done up like some game/anime character I'm just unfamiliar with? Or is that perhaps bleed-through from some other picture?

[le geek]

That's the most absurd thing I have heard all day.

Personally I would have preferred "Super 64 Nintendocube DS boy - Limited Edition Platinum"

But I guess we can't all win. :roll:

add EX + alpha and a winner is you!

[portnoyd]

http://nwiidieyoung.ytmnd.com/

[ASSEMblerEX]

ASSEMblerEX: (I didn't want to quote that long post) Nice! That girl's fine. But what's with the drawn on scars all over her chest? Is she supposed to be done up like some game/anime character I'm just unfamiliar with? Or is that perhaps bleed-through from some other picture?

It's cosplay. Some game character.

[hezeuschrist]

It'd be more fair to compare that thread to the one about the WEEEEEEEEEEEEEE's controller. Apples to apples and all.

It'd be more fair, but the comparison still stands from our viewpoint. None of us are on the inside, none of us know the entire concept of the Wii, none of us are major marketing gurus, and none of us are market analysts that can legitimately measure the impact the name of a console has to it's eventual acceptance.

And I find it really entertaining that only one person so far has claimed they aren't buying the system because of the name. I should quote that for posterity.

As for all the piss jokes, if they had called it the Nintendo We, none of those would have come up. Phonetically identical, same meaning, but different spelling and now it garners a whole bunch of 1st grade potty humor. I'm as entertained by a good fart joke as anyone else, but all the Nintendo Urine jokes are just dumb.

[thefireflowermario]

i say its better than ps3 real original

[sabre2922]

Isnt she supposed to be THE BOSS? u know guys Metal Gear Solid 3 ;)

http://assemblergames.com/images/wii/1.jpg

[Griking]

I can't believe the number of people here writing the console off because of it's name. I thought that the crowd here was supposed to be more intelligent and open minded than the GameFaq people. Who really gives a shit what it's called? If they make good fun, games for it then it'll do well.

I seem to remember people complaining at one time the the name Dreamcast was stupid as well.

[portnoyd]

It'd be more fair, but the comparison still stands from our viewpoint. None of us are on the inside, none of us know the entire concept of the Wii, none of us are major marketing gurus, and none of us are market analysts that can legitimately measure the impact the name of a console has to it's eventual acceptance.

And I find it really entertaining that only one person so far has claimed they aren't buying the system because of the name. I should quote that for posterity.

As for all the piss jokes, if they had called it the Nintendo We, none of those would have come up. Phonetically identical, same meaning, but different spelling and now it garners a whole bunch of 1st grade potty humor. I'm as entertained by a good fart joke as anyone else, but all the Nintendo Urine jokes are just dumb.

Fair enough. Although we aren't industry, it has to say something that everyone on the net has taken a potshot at the name.

I think the majority of us are more concerned for Nintendo's welfare with this system and name, than our purchasing plans.

It's not Wii, or We, it's that it sounds like wee. The spelling didn't cause the piss jokes. :)

I still stand by position, illuminated by this almost-clever YTMND:

http://revolutionname.ytmnd.com/

[diskoboy]

One last thing....

When I first saw the 'Wii', I thought it meant W-2; Nintendo was just trying to be cool by using lower case "I's" as roman numerals.

And even then, I still gotta say, that's a better name than 'Wii'.

Then I clicked the link and read the story... The first sentence tells us how it's properly pronounced.
The first though that ran through my head.....

I gotta take a leak.

Sorry to be so graphic... But seriously folks, this name is gonna take some serious flack. Nintendo had better put out some damn flawless games to make up for that name alone. But I still don't think I'd ever admit to owning it.

[sabre2922]

Maybe its a big joke courtesy of Nintendo ....or were all part of some humungous "GEEK" NIGHTMARE, one that we have yet to wake up from LOL .................................................. ...............OR we are all in Silent Hill x_x

[goatdan]

I think that this is the dumbest name they could've come up with. Revolution was known and really defined the console. Wii? Um, no.

Then again, remember how stupid everyone thought Dreamcast was? And it turned out to be an all right console name after all.

[lordnikon]

I keep trying to imagine that I will be saying " Wii " 6 months from now as if it is perfectly normal. However, I keep trying to use it in a sentance verbally, and it's just not working.

I have no idea how I would have a conversation about this console on the telephone.

This name might work great in Japan, but in North America and PAL Territories it will continue to be odd, strange, and difficult to use in a discussion about video games. (Actually it might work well in France...)

I guess I will just have to call it "Nintendo's New System", or say screw everyone and keep calling it the Revolution for as long as I live.

Dreamcast I can say, GameCube I can say, Playstation I can say. But Wii?

It seems Nintendo designed this name specifically to be that "last 5 seconds" at the end of a commercial on TV. Great... that's cute, but as a name used in general social discussions, it is HORRIBLE.

[hezeuschrist]

There is far too much thought going into the name here.

[NintendoMan]

Wii. ???????

Hmm, I can live with that title, but shit, calling it the Revolution was great with me.

[Frica89]

yoo this is the funniest thread i ever read... but as long as the games r good i aint really gonna care. oh yeah and the woman from those pic has to be "the boss" from MGS3...look at the white clothes, blond hair, and snaked shaped scar

[Jasoco]

You guys sadden me. You're gamers! And you're crying over a name? Even when you know who it's attached to? This isn't some upstart. This is Nintendo. They probably know what they are doing. People will get used to it. Stop with all the "That name sucks so much I won't buy the console out of spite because it embarrasses my easily fractured soul."

Sheesh. Fine. DON'T play Mario 128. DON'T play Pikmin 3. DON'T play Smash Bros Rev--I mean Wii--I mean 3. DON'T play Twilight Princess in a new way with the controller.

Do I think the name is silly? Yes. But at least I'm not so immature the first thing that comes to mind is grade school potty jokes. And WWII? WTF? Also, "Copying Apple with the 'i'"? Not THAT'S just reaching. Apple (I am a Mac user and Apple fanboy.) didn't patent or even create the "i". Nintendo isn't even using it in the same context or even position as Apple does. Get over it.

I haven't even been to NeoGAF yet. I dread what their reaction was. [Copy Paste reply above]

[DeputyMoniker]

I heard they were also considering "Cum guzzling gutter slut"

I guess Wii is better than that.

[lordnikon]

Also, "Copying Apple with the 'i'"? Not THAT'S just reaching. Apple (I am a Mac user and Apple fanboy.) didn't patent or even create the "i". Nintendo isn't even using it in the same context or even position as Apple does. Get over it.
Sorry, if this isn't just like Apple, then I don't know what is:

http://insidermedia.ign.com/insider/image/item/325/3256435/wii_042706_spot.jpg

http://money.cnn.com/2005/09/15/commentary/game_over/revolution/nintendo_control.jpg

http://www.cdrinfo.com/images/uploaded/Nintendo_Revolution3.jpg

http://www.playfeed.com/blogimages/nintendo_ds_lite_sm.jpg

http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/nintendo-revolution-1.jpg

[Xizer]

What an awful name.

As a renowned Nintendo fanboy, I admit to this name sucking massive amounts of ass.

Dreamcast wasn't near this bad. In fact, I thought Dreamcast was a great name.

Nintendo, Wii would you name your system this?!

[Damaramu]

Not a fan of the name, but I'll still get the system. It's no biggie. LOL

[Slate]

Can you imagine (Or remember) PSP Discussions back in 2003-2005?

It'll be normal in all good time, But you have to know what the heck it is before you go on discussing it or hearing about it.

[Jasoco]

Also, "Copying Apple with the 'i'"? Not THAT'S just reaching. Apple (I am a Mac user and Apple fanboy.) didn't patent or even create the "i". Nintendo isn't even using it in the same context or even position as Apple does. Get over it.
Sorry, if this isn't just like Apple, then I don't know what is:
Wii're talking about the name here. Not the design. Try to keep up. The name is nothing alike. The design is a whole different thing. (Apple's design has influenced just about EVERYTHING since 1998. It's to be expected.)

I know you like Apple and all, but your zealot is showing.

[Push Upstairs]

I can't believe the number of people here writing the console off because of it's name. I thought that the crowd here was supposed to be more intelligent and open minded than the GameFaq people. Who really gives a shit what it's called? If they make good fun, games for it then it'll do well.

I wrote off the system because:

1. I haven't been happy with anything Nintendo has cranked out since...well, the SNES.

2. I fear some over-use of attachable "accessories" for the controller that you *need* to buy to play games.

The name didnt do squat to my opinion...other than make me wonder why they didn't change it to something else.

Kinda reminds me of that anime "Laputa: Castle in the Sky" and how it had to be changed in Spanish speaking countries. Why couldn't this have been changed in the English speaking countries?


But here is only one person who will give me a straight, non-biased answer when it comes to the name of this system and that is my girlfriend. She doesn't play games and she doesn't spend time discussing them so her opinon will be pure (and from what Nintendo has said, shes the person they are trying to market to)

[whoisKeel]

What an awkwrad ass name.

[Jasoco]

Only on page 3 of the NeoGAF thread and they're still taking it better. Here's a great reply:

You people overreact constantly.

1998: "DREAMCAST? That's the gayest name ever. I'm gonna keep calling it Katana!"

2000: "GAMECUBE?? What a faggy, blocky name! I'm gonna call it Dolphin, because that's much less faggy!"

2006: "Wii!? Oh my God, I can't handle it. It's just Revolution for me!"

Also..

Look at it this way:
1. When typing, you never have to shorten it. No "GC" or "PS", it's just Wii.
2. There's one more lowercase i than any single Apple product, which makes it better automatically.
3. Your friends and reletives will never confuse it with long, hackneyed names like "PlayStation" or "Xbox" when buying you gifts.

Embrace the Wii!

[lordnikon]

Wii're talking about the name here. Not the design. Try to keep up. The name is nothing alike. The design is a whole different thing. (Apple's design has influenced just about EVERYTHING since 1998. It's to be expected.)

I know you like Apple and all, but your zealot is showing.

I do not own any Apple products. I don't like their hardware or their software.

The Wii name, along with the design scheme of the console, its controller, and the DS Lite are all too close of a match to what Apple uses.

Sure, Apple didn't invent this design style and marketing lingo. But they are the most visible company using it. Because of this there is NO WAY Nintendo could have developed all of this without knowing about Apple or its products. Unless Nintendo locked some people in a cave for 10 years.

This whole "package" wreaks of Apple.

Because of this the looks of their new roleout of hardware, and the name do not qualify as original or unique.

Instead of coming up with a truely unique look and feel for their new console, they decided to attach themselves to a pre-existing popular design scheme in order to bring in more money.

[Jasoco]

Ignore the Zealot part. I got you confused with that other Mac user. My bad.

They didn't call it the "iNintendo". Think about that.

Also, the guy on the previous page is right, I was just thinking the same thing. The name is much more original than both the competitors. Playstation 3. Yeah. Originality flows out of Sony HQ. At least Microsoft added 359 to their sequel console instead of just 1. ;)

Jasoco out. Quibble amongst yourselves. I'll chime in if I see something worth replying to.

[hezeuschrist]

I can't believe the number of people here writing the console off because of it's name. I thought that the crowd here was supposed to be more intelligent and open minded than the GameFaq people. Who really gives a shit what it's called? If they make good fun, games for it then it'll do well.

I wrote off the system because:

1. I have never seen it in action.

2. I've never seen any videos of any games.

3. I have no idea what games are even on it.

4. I've never played it.

Glad we got that out of the way.

[Jasoco]

Prompted by a post at NeoGAF (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=97127&page=3#297):

http://www.jasoco.net/data/files/images/Wii%20Are%20Not%20Yellow.jpg

[Bronty-2]

I can't wait to play with my wii all day long lol

seriously, HATED the name at first but don't give a shit now. getting over it pretty quickly. the name just doesn't matter. Frankly I think I'm going to enjoy the comedy value of the nonstop double entendres. I'll still buy one at launch.

[XYXZYZ]

LordNikon is right, their latest marketing is waaay too Appley.

All I'm really dreading is how annoying that name is going to be when other people get ahold of it; all those dumbass video game "journalists" who think they're funny, forum trolls, regular journalists who think they're funny, it's going to get real old real fast.

But yeah, it's better than "Gamecube 2". Of course if this system is successful enough, they'll need to keep the name for the next console and it'll be called the "WiiII".

I'll probably still call it the Revolution. As a matter of fact, I still think "N64" is a really dull name and to this day I sometimes call that system the "Ultra Famicom".

[Lothars]

I honestly don't know what to think of the name

I will hav et osay that when i first heard of the gamecube name i thought it was horrible but it grew on me

same with the DS

I would honestly prefer them to call it the Revolution

[GarrettCRW]

It would seem to me that Nintendo is going to play up a sense of community with the name.

Wii=We. (This could also work with the "Who Are You?" campaign.)

It's too bad Meston got himself banned, though, because this thread would be so much more interesting with him around. ;)

[Chronodriftersx]

It's too bad Meston got himself banned, though, because this thread would be so much more interesting with him around. ;)

You know before long the posts and the topic title end up edited as N/A ...see the DS thread Heuzus linked to. Must have been some real gold there for sure here as well. :hmm:

[Avenger]

i got the 'wii' news from my teacher today in my texturing class...like all of you i was totally shocked at first and thought it was ridiculous, as did the rest of the class...no one could figure out what to make of it. I wasnt going to post anything but what the hell here are my 2 cents

Revolution was, hands down, a better name no questons asked, everyone loved it and was eagerly awaiting more Rev news. The name change was a major curve ball, no one saw it coming.

I think people WILL get used to it, but only because they HAVE to.

If you think of it in the context of WE and not WEE(PEE/PENIS/etc), its not a BAD name...yes there are dozens of names that would have been better but, oh well.

I dont know about you guys, but i havent said Wee, for going to the bathroom, since i was probably about 4. Again, people WILL stop making this connection (unless the console is a horrible failure, then it was be made fun of for the rest of time).

Nintendo is looking at the bigger picture here, they want you, your mom, your dad, and your sister to play. Just for an experiment, go ask your parents, or someone who is a non-gamer what they think of the name...I don't know what the reaction will be but let us know it might be interesting.

Nintendo has screwed up big time in the past, but since the DS i have learnt to trust them...look at how much that was hated when it was announced....those people who wanted to kill Nintendo are the same people playing their DS everyday.

And last but not least, let the games speak for the system. If the games kicks major ass, who's gunna bash it for the name? But they definetly have guts changin the name like that.

[hezeuschrist]

No one saw it coming? It was a code name from day one. They'd said in many, many interviews that it wasn't the actual name for the console.

[Gamereviewgod]

[quote="Jasoco"]You people overreact constantly.

1998: "DREAMCAST? That's the gayest name ever. I'm gonna keep calling it Katana!"

2000: "GAMECUBE?? What a faggy, blocky name! I'm gonna call it Dolphin, because that's much less faggy!"

2006: "Wii!? Oh my God, I can't handle it. It's just Revolution for me!"

The difference is that Wii has alternate meanings when you pronounce it. It doesn't just sound bad, but it means piss, penis, and tiny. Look, we're all going to buy it because of the games. That's us though. We know it's about the games.

What of the mainstream crowd Nintendo is trying to pull in? You know, the people that DON'T play games? Say someone is working in an office and in a casual conversation, they say "Hey, wanna come over tonight and play my Wii?"

Awkward? Believe it. Maybe Ipod sounded bad. Maybe Dreamcast sounded terrible. Maybe Xbox 360 doesn't roll off the toungue. The difference here is meaning, and the first things in my mind were the three alternate meanings, long before I grasped the whole "togetherness" aspect.

You can't sell a console named Wii to a soccer mom no matter how used to it we get. From a marketing perspective, it's a mess.

[Daniel Thomas]

Likely scenario:

"Say, baby, why don't we go back to my place and play with my Wii-"

<SMACK!>

Oh, yeah, this is gonna be good. The parody ads alone will be worth the laughs.

<goes back to reading books>

[Evan_G]

I wonder what Freud would have to say about the initial reaction. To be honest, I would never have though about the "urinating" connotation at first.

Anyways, as for the name of the Nintendo Wii, I could care less. People who critisize it are just the whores of marketing, and I am sure once NIntendo markets it enough, you all will eat it up with a spoon. Is the Nintendo Wii really worse than "Sony Playstation 3", "Sony Playstation Portable", "Microsoft Xbox 360", or "Nintendo DS"? Or are you just bashing the name because you are following the crowd?

[-hellvin-]

If you bought two of them, you'd have a wii wii.

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAaaaa

[diskoboy]

Likely scenario:

"Say, baby, why don't we go back to my place and play with my Wii-"

<SMACK!>

Oh, yeah, this is gonna be good. The parody ads alone will be worth the laughs.

<goes back to reading books>

That would be funny to see... But Nintendo wouldn't dare tarnish their 'family-friendly' image.

At least i wasn't the only one praying that Nintendo themselves, would make fun of the name.

And I have to begin to agree with some of those, who are making fun of those of us, making fun of the name 'Wii' (I'm sorry... It still sounds a little funny to me)

After all.... Most of us old gamers, our first run in with Nintendo was with an oddly named game titled 'Donkey Kong' .

Then we played it, and totally cared less about the name, even though there was not a donkey to be found anywhere in the game.

The name still is funny, though. I probably would've liked the name better if they spelled WE correctly ;)

[ozyr]

WHen I came here (to the forum), I expected that there would be a huge topic on the new Wii system. I guess most people just are not that open to new ideas.

Yes, I myself thought the name was rather wierd, until I went to Nintendo's website and saw the animation for the name. To me, it makes sense now, and I loved the animation of the new system name.

Anyway, I plan on buying it no matter what it is called. If you don't like the name, deal with it! It Is JUST a name... :hmm:

[Push Upstairs]

I can't believe the number of people here writing the console off because of it's name. I thought that the crowd here was supposed to be more intelligent and open minded than the GameFaq people. Who really gives a shit what it's called? If they make good fun, games for it then it'll do well.

I wrote off the system because:

1. I have never seen it in action.

2. I've never seen any videos of any games.

3. I have no idea what games are even on it.

4. I've never played it.

Glad we got that out of the way.


Would i get same response if i had said "PS3" or "360", or do these responses only apply when Nintendo is named?

Just curious. :D

[studvicious]

Just as long as people don't start calling the controller the "wii-ner" LOL

That would be funny to see... But Nintendo wouldn't dare tarnish their 'family-friendly' image.


Then I guessed you missed their commercial where they had a mouse humping a Micro? :D

[Sylentwulf]

Just adding another "my god that name sucks" reply.

My god, that name sucks. Can you imagine going into any store as a grown human and saying "Can I get a nintendo.......wii?"

[Frica89]

aight i slept on it and im now that im over the initial shock i sorta like it (in a non-gay way, assholes) its a much more colorful name than XBox or ps3.

[robotriot]

As already mentioned before, the name reminds me much more of Intel's Viiv (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/06/Intel_Viiv.png) than anything Apple made. Personally, belonging to the non-English majority worldwide, I think the name is ok, because the first thing I thought of when hearing it was "we".

[FantasiaWHT]

Too busy to read through all the replies but...

1) The bathroom humor jokes are going to be rampant

and

2) I'm still going to keep calling it the Revolution. Honestly I think Revolution was 100% perfect.

[NintendoMan]

You can't sell a console named Wii to a soccer mom no matter how used to it we get. From a marketing perspective, it's a mess.

I agree. I personally don't really like the name, but don't really give a shit and will get used to it.

But i don't think the "casual" gamers will buy something with a stupid name that might not be able to pronounce. They have the look of the system right, but not the name. Those casual gamers care about looks and names first, everything else second.

If nintendo was trying to get the non gamer, they really fucked up with the name. My opinion is that with this name people will turn the other way.
Real gamers won't care, but everyone else will.

[QBert]

I can't believe the number of people here writing the console off because of it's name. I thought that the crowd here was supposed to be more intelligent and open minded than the GameFaq people. Who really gives a shit what it's called? If they make good fun, games for it then it'll do well.

I seem to remember people complaining at one time the the name Dreamcast was stupid as well.

Thank you!! Sure it's weird and is taking me a bit to get used to it, but 2 years from now, EVERYONE will know what it means and will be a household name just like ipod and everything else that was once weird.

Just from reading about the wii today, it's already growing on me.

Just calm down people, damn. :roll:

[NoahsMyBro]

I haven't read this thread since early on (maybe page 2), and haven't got time now, so I apologize if this has already been pointed out, but earlier in the thread I believe somebody said something like:

“Am I happy it’s called Wii? No. Will I still buy the console? Yes.”

Well, you're famous (sort-of)! Check this out:
Rocky Mountain News (http://blogs.rockymountainnews.com/denver/freePlay/2006/04/wii_has_fans_asking_why.html#more)

[Happy_Dude]

I still really hope they change the name but no matter what it ends up being
called it will be refered to as "The Nintendo" around my place. Just like EVERY
other nintendo console I'v ever owned :)

[FlashStash]

What an awful name...You think Nintendo would know that there has NEVER been a company or product ::winniethepooh:: that has been successful ::bj'swarehouseclub:: that has had a silly name ::dick'ssportinggoods:: or some sexual connotation ::longjohnsilver's:: associated with it's name ::seaman'sfurniture::.

I mean just look around...why in the WORLD did they think this would be a good name?!?!?! What company would be foolish enough to name themselves after something that could be ridiculed so easily??

Ok guys, but seriously...you're ALL taking the wrong perspective on this...

What kid is going to want to be accused of not playing with his Wii?!? "Little Billy, you don't play with your Wii!??! What kind of freak are you? EVERYONE's playing with their Wii these days!! Are you from another planet or something? Who refuses to play with their Wii?!?!?

Sheesh people, it's just a name...I'll be lined up day one to buy one, no matter what the name.

FS

[calthaer]

Look, of course I am a gamer. But most of my friends are not. I try to encourage them to play games, and occasionally they do come over or I bring my GameCube over or PS2 or whatever and we play a multiplayer game. And usually they have a good time playing it - it's fun.

So what am I going to say to these people - normal, average, everyday people - about Nintendo's new system? Up to this point I was stoked about it. It was cool. I did not write off the DS when it came out (thought it was promising), I had no problems with the "Dreamcast" name when it was released, the GameCube was neither one way nor the other with me, and the Revmote has great promise as a gaming device.

Ideally yes, how the game plays is the primary thing. I will most likely end up buying one at some point. I'm not judging the whole system on its name alone.

But I will probably be keeping it in the closet and bringing it out when I want to play it. I will not be talking this up to my friends whatsoever. How can I? Their reactions are going to be the same as all the English-speaking gamers. Why? Well, because "we" is such a common word that it will not even be considered in association with it, and so you're left only with "wee" - urine, penis, and / or small. I don't particularly care what they think about my games - I play Pokemon, and don't really hesitate to mention that to my normal, adult friends. But "wee?" Even I find that embarrassing. It's asinine, retarded, ridiculous, ludicrous - and just plain stupid. It's not a name that will create positive word-of-mouth in English-speaking countries, I don't believe - it certainly won't get good word-of-mouth from me.

Perhaps people will "get over it" given enough time and exposure to the name. But there are lot of people out there - the so-called "casual gamers" - who will not spend significant time with the name / brand. They will hear about it once and either dismiss or embrace it right then and there. The buzz regarding this name will flare up initially and then die out, and this flare that will reach the mainstream audience just plain stinks.

I used to think highly of Reggie's marketing skills. Part of me is wondering whether (and hoping that) this is a joke, a marketing ploy, in the days building up to E3. I hope they're just creating a stink so that the smell of a real name will seem like a fragrant aroma in comparison. But we'll see.

[Fighter17]

I can see why Nintendo call it the "Wii," but the problem is that putting the word in a sentence will make it more of a sex joke than a console. Let me tell you this, many French porno videos saids "Wee" on them! :P

[downfall]

At least me and hezeuschrist aren't the only two who know what's up. Chris Kohler just kicked all your internet asses.

http://blog.wired.com/games/index.blog?entry_id=1467976

That is completely all that needs to be said about it.

[diskoboy]

Just as long as people don't start calling the controller the "wii-ner" LOL

That would be funny to see... But Nintendo wouldn't dare tarnish their 'family-friendly' image.


Then I guessed you missed their commercial where they had a mouse humping a Micro? :D

Actually, I don't think I have ever seen that commercial. I'll go see if youtube has it...

[sabre2922]

Ok after all this I still dont like the name and I still hope this is some kind of brilliant marketing joke/scheme from Nintendo BUT I still cant wait to play Metroid Revo...um Wii.

[hezeuschrist]

What of the mainstream crowd Nintendo is trying to pull in? You know, the people that DON'T play games? Say someone is working in an office and in a casual conversation, they say "Hey, wanna come over tonight and play my Wii?"

I know you may find this hard to believe, but the first time anyone HEARS the name, they'll see the word WE. Not Oui, not Wee, not Wii, We. And that's exactly what they'll think.

As for your casual conversation, have you structred a sentance so poorly as such to call attention to the name of some object since third grade? Honestly, no one would ever say, "Hey, wanna come over tonight and play my Wii/Xbox 360/Playstion3/Dreamcast/DS?" And again, hearing the word will bring familiarity to the word we all use everyday. We. Not Piss.

And Push, yes, this is a unique case, as it's obviously not comparable to the 360; it's been released and you've very likely had your hands on the system by now. Writing it off based on actual experience is quite alright. The PS3 is very likely going to deliver the exact same experience the PS2 did, just more expensive and prettier. Writing something off based on skeptiscm and internet toilet humor is absurd. The point is to be open minded and not write off a totally different idea just because it sounds wierd. Try it out before making a judgement. You know, books by the cover and all that.

[DigitalSpace]

A sig I saw on CheapAssGamer:

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/9849/wiisig9gl.gif

[Gamereviewgod]

I know you may find this hard to believe, but the first time anyone HEARS the name, they'll see the word WE. Not Oui, not Wee, not Wii, We. And that's exactly what they'll think.

As for your casual conversation, have you structred a sentance so poorly as such to call attention to the name of some object since third grade? Honestly, no one would ever say, "Hey, wanna come over tonight and play my Wii/Xbox 360/Playstion3/Dreamcast/DS?" And again, hearing the word will bring familiarity to the word we all use everyday. We. Not Piss.

Of course people think of it in other ways. This six page thread proves it. Also, it's not used to think "we." There's nothing when it's spoken to make people think as it reffering to multiple persons. It's used like "play with the Wii."

And of course people have conversations like that. Let's change it:

"Hey, I got a Xbox last night. Want to try it out after work at my place?"

Let's flip it:

"Hey, I got a Wii last night. Want to try it out after work at my place?"

It doesn't work. Ever. In any casual situation. In a month, I'll forget that I thought of it as piss. When it releases, a non-gaming crowd won't give it that time or thought. They won't search out a product, not matter how spectacular it may be, when it gives the illusion that it's a tiny penis that plays video games.

[hezeuschrist]

I know you may find this hard to believe, but the first time anyone HEARS the name, they'll see the word WE. Not Oui, not Wee, not Wii, We. And that's exactly what they'll think.

As for your casual conversation, have you structred a sentance so poorly as such to call attention to the name of some object since third grade? Honestly, no one would ever say, "Hey, wanna come over tonight and play my Wii/Xbox 360/Playstion3/Dreamcast/DS?" And again, hearing the word will bring familiarity to the word we all use everyday. We. Not Piss.

Of course people think of it in other ways. This six page thread proves it. Also, it's not used to think "we." There's nothing when it's spoken to make people think as it reffering to multiple persons. It's used like "play with the Wii."

And of course people have conversations like that. Let's change it:

"Hey, I got a Xbox last night. Want to try it out after work at my place?"

Let's flip it:

"Hey, I got a Wii last night. Want to try it out after work at my place?"

It doesn't work. Ever. In any casual situation. In a month, I'll forget that I thought of it as piss. When it releases, a non-gaming crowd won't give it that time or thought. They won't search out a product, not matter how spectacular it may be, when it gives the illusion that it's a tiny penis that plays video games.

You've got some issues man, because I don't how the hell you got the illusion that it's a tiny penis that plays videogames. The name will accompany images of the system, or the games, or the controller. It'll rarely be displayed as "Wii" without context in print, on TV, or in PoP displays.

The only thing this six page thread "prooves" is that it's absolutely a discussion that took place on the internet. It's ripe with overexaggerations, absurd conclusions from almost no context and overflowing with pee jokes. Really, this doesn't represent humanity in any reasonable way.

It's a name for a videogame system. That's it. There is WAY too much thought going into this. When you tell someone about the system who has likely never heard about the system, you aren't going to introduce it as Wii, you will introduce it as a new Nintendo product that plays games X and Y in manner Z. Thats it. If you do introduce it as "Wii" you'll preface it with "The Nintendo."

When you go to work next, given you don't work in a gamestore or a heavily game related environment, ask someone what they think of the Nintendo Wii. They'll ask what it is, you'll explain it, and thats it. Unless provoked, the average mature person won't make these stupid jokes.

If you take ANYTHING out of context you can make absolutely retarded observations about it. The examples in that wired blog that were posted were perfect. In sixth grade "Oui" is the subject of the same stupid jokes, but once you get past middle school it's not funny or entertaining, just like all the allusions made in this thread. I'm a fan of stupid humor as much as anybody, but so far every Wii to pee joke thats been made isn't funny.

[Lemmy Kilmister]

But it's starting to grow on me. Like a fungus.


You probably want to go and get that checked out.. after all, it may just be a STD caused from playing too much Wii.

Anyways, the name may be Wii but it stinks like a big 'ol deuce.

[blissfulnoise]

In the span of 4 hours I've gone from being repulsed by it, to accepting it, to loving it. Just like a retarded child. 8-)

I imagine that will be everyones eventual response, I just have no patience so I went through the phases as fast as I could.

Don't worry, you'll all catch up soon.

Viva La Wii!

[tylerwillis]

It's a name for a videogame system. That's it. There is WAY too much thought going into this. When you tell someone about the system who has likely never heard about the system, you aren't going to introduce it as Wii, you will introduce it as a new Nintendo product that plays games X and Y in manner Z. Thats it. If you do introduce it as "Wii" you'll preface it with "The Nintendo."

When you go to work next, given you don't work in a gamestore or a heavily game related environment, ask someone what they think of the Nintendo Wii. They'll ask what it is, you'll explain it, and thats it. Unless provoked, the average mature person won't make these stupid jokes.

I believe that I read in one of the interviews that Nintendo does not want to preface the Wii with anything (ie, the Nintendo Wii) because they want it to stand apart from the "traditional" game playing machines.

I might be alone, but I don't generally preface the name of the company to the name of the console... I say Xbox, not Microsoft Xbox; PlayStation not Sony Playstation; etc. With the Wii, I almost feel the need to append Nintendo to it just so that it's understandable as a game machine.

[gamegirl79]

Personally, I don't like the name, but you can bet I'll happily walk into Gamecrazy and ask for my very own Wii on launch day. LOL

Remember how in the late 80's/early 90's there were some people who called every video game and every system "Nintendo"? Maybe that's what folks will start calling Wii. Just Nintendo. Instead of "hey wanna come and check out my Wii? I've even got attachments and accessories for it!" we'll all revert back to "hey wanna come check out my Nintendo?".

[hezeuschrist]

It's a name for a videogame system. That's it. There is WAY too much thought going into this. When you tell someone about the system who has likely never heard about the system, you aren't going to introduce it as Wii, you will introduce it as a new Nintendo product that plays games X and Y in manner Z. Thats it. If you do introduce it as "Wii" you'll preface it with "The Nintendo."

When you go to work next, given you don't work in a gamestore or a heavily game related environment, ask someone what they think of the Nintendo Wii. They'll ask what it is, you'll explain it, and thats it. Unless provoked, the average mature person won't make these stupid jokes.

I believe that I read in one of the interviews that Nintendo does not want to preface the Wii with anything (ie, the Nintendo Wii) because they want it to stand apart from the "traditional" game playing machines.

I might be alone, but I don't generally preface the name of the company to the name of the console... I say Xbox, not Microsoft Xbox; PlayStation not Sony Playstation; etc. With the Wii, I almost feel the need to append Nintendo to it just so that it's understandable as a game machine.

I've read that too, and I agree. But those are established brand names, do you think anyone in 1994 would have much of any idea what the crap a PlayStation was? The first time I heard it i thought it was some backyard plastic playset, not a next gen gaming machine.

For the sake of context, people will brand it "The Nintendo Wii," regardless of what Nintendo themselves are going to refer to it as. Until it becomes an established pillar of the industry (Just as the Nintendo DS has become the DS, look at the cover of the Lite, Nintendo is nowhere to be found), people will refer to it in context.

[JPeeples]

Saying "Wii" in a gaming conversation isn't much weirder than just saying the initials of a system. "I'm going to buy a Wii game" isn't worse than saying "I'm going to buy a PSOne/PS2/PSP/DC/DS/GC game" - it'll just take some getting used to.

[portnoyd]

After a day of soaking this in, my stance on buying it has not changed (a launch day Yes), but I have this thought:

Why couldn't they have called it Wi or even still Wii and have them pronounce it like Wi?

The Nintendo Y. Would have been a better name, imo.

[hezeuschrist]

Ugh, Y would have been terrible, even worse that Wii from a marketing standpoint.

The Nintendo Why. It would instantly cause the consumer to question the product itself and wonder why Nintendo made it. It would be an instant negative disposition towards the product.

[boatofcar]

Just to throw my 2 cents in, I think that every new system name sounds dumb. The PlayStation. The X Box. They sounded dumb, but everybody got over it. Personally, I think the Wii spelling is cool, who else can incorporate their controller design in their logo?

[meancode]

http://www.breakingwindows.com/new/OWiily.jpg

Hey, I got bored.

[Overbite]

Nintendo is gonna make a portable version called the WiiMan

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/7318/08weeman4bw.jpg

The european version is gonna be called the Loo!


ahahahahahahahahahah

MAYBE THERE WILL BE A MASTURBATION SIMULATOR FOR IT

[CartCollector]

I'd just like to point out that Nintendo has already sold something in the States named stupidly. Its name was so stupid that even the guys that ran Nintendo's U. S. operations laughed at it, thinking Nintendo was certainly going to be bankrupt pretty soon.

The name, of course, is Donkey Kong.

[Kid Ice]

First: don't come out with something people aren't even sure how to pronounce.

Next: Don't make people ask "why?". Come on.

Third: Wee is not a good thing. It has negative connotations regardless of context.

Finally: Revolution was a good name. Even "Rev" invokes excitement.

[MegaDrive20XX]

Re-reading this thread is the funniest thing since ytmnd LOL I love it! keep it going!

[Iron Draggon]

They have got to be kidding. This is a belated April Fool's joke, right? If not, it will go down in history as the lamest name ever for a console. No, it will go down in history as the lamest name ever for anything. How purely retarded!

[o2william]

"I got the new Nintendo console: Wii."

"You sound excited."

"Why?"

"Cause you said 'Whee!'"

"No, not 'whee.' Wii."

"Yeah, whee. Like you said."

"But I didn't say 'whee.' I said 'Wii!'"

"Wha...?"

"No, not 'Wha!' Wii!"

"The machine is called 'Wii'?"

"Wight! I mean, 'Right!'"

"Why?"

"Not 'why!' 'Wii!'"

"No, why is it... never mind. How's that spelled, anyway?"

"W-I-I."

"Why?"

"No Y. W-I-I."

"No, why W-I-I?"

"Why not?"

"Well, shouldn't it be pronounced 'Why'?"

"Why?"

"Right!"

"No, I mean why should it be pronounced 'Why'?"

"'Cause it has two I's!"

"'Why' is stupid. 'Wii' is cool."

"Why?"

"No, 'Wii'!"

"Why is 'Wii' cool?"

"'Cause we're cool, dude!"

"What?"

"We're cool! Or at least I am. I'm starting to wonder about you."

"Just forget it. I'm getting a PS3."

[Gamereviewgod]

You've got some issues man, because I don't how the hell you got the illusion that it's a tiny penis that plays videogames. The name will accompany images of the system, or the games, or the controller. It'll rarely be displayed as "Wii" without context in print, on TV, or in PoP displays.

I don't have issues. I'm looking at this from outside the video game driven side of my mind and looking at from the average consumer standpoint. Wii, when pronounced, offers to many different ways of thinking. Even if their ads call it the Nintendo Wii, it's still baffling.

Microsoft did the same things with those goofy Jump In ads, but at least Xbox was a known brand by this point. The ads were still stupid, but at least it couldn't be looked at as a Nintendo piss machine. Again, to you and I, it doesn't matter what it's called. You honeslty believe that Nintendo can capture a market that doesn't play video games right now with advertisements calling something Wii? Honestly?

The only thing this six page thread "prooves" is that it's absolutely a discussion that took place on the internet. It's ripe with overexaggerations, absurd conclusions from almost no context and overflowing with pee jokes. Really, this doesn't represent humanity in any reasonable way.

It's overflowing with pee jokes because that's how the majority of people thought when they first heard the name, in additon to Weeeee and penis.

It's a name for a videogame system. That's it. There is WAY too much thought going into this. When you tell someone about the system who has likely never heard about the system, you aren't going to introduce it as Wii, you will introduce it as a new Nintendo product that plays games X and Y in manner Z.

I don't say Sony Playstation. I don't say Microsoft Xbox. I very rarely write the company name when I write a review. You use the name of the hardware, not the company.

When you go to work next, given you don't work in a gamestore or a heavily game related environment, ask someone what they think of the Nintendo Wii. They'll ask what it is, you'll explain it, and thats it. Unless provoked, the average mature person won't make these stupid jokes.

Were not making jokes. Were stating that the pronunciation of the consoles name leads to other things, like thoughts of urine. It's not about being immature, it's about trying to draw in the non-gaming public, which I believed Nintendo had a great chance of doing, with a game console called the Wii.

If you take ANYTHING out of context you can make absolutely retarded observations about it. The examples in that wired blog that were posted were perfect. In sixth grade "Oui" is the subject of the same stupid jokes, but once you get past middle school it's not funny or entertaining, just like all the allusions made in this thread. I'm a fan of stupid humor as much as anybody, but so far every Wii to pee joke thats been made isn't funny.

it's not about being funny as I've stated multiple times above. I'm not trying to make a joke. If they released the console and called it the Nintendo Pii would still think it would sell? The people out there who don't play games won't give it a second thought. They may be watching TV casually, multitasking and hear the commercial. They'll hear Nintendo Wii, and there's about a two in three chance they'll think something other than "We" as in people like I did. [/quote]

[diskoboy]

I'd just like to point out that Nintendo has already sold something in the States named stupidly. Its name was so stupid that even the guys that ran Nintendo's U. S. operations laughed at it, thinking Nintendo was certainly going to be bankrupt pretty soon.

The name, of course, is Donkey Kong.

There's an echo in here ;)

I said the same thing a few posts back, CartCollector. I remember the first time I saw DK in the arcade. I (like alot of other people) though there was a misprint on the marquee, and it was supposed to be Monkey Kong

BTW - I love the avitar! Oh, snap! Time to unpimp ze auto![/i]

[hezeuschrist]

Again, neither you nor I are marketing executives or persons with access to market research that would lend to naming this system Wii.

People are taking this like Nintendo just sat down and said, "Well, Revolution is a code name. How bout Ultra 128? Uhh... Battery? Backie? Waterfall.. uhh, hrm, I gotta take a wicked yes. pee.... wee... Uhh... Wii? Wii! Yeah, that'll do it. Moving on!"

They market tested the shit out of this name, in all three regions. Why didn't they leave it Revolution? Ask a Japanese person to say that. They have credible analysis that lends to the thought that yes, this is a mass marketable item with the title "Wii." How do I know they did all this? They're Nintendo, and they're more about making good business sense than making leaps to gain acceptance. They always have been, and they're not going to stick any flagship product out there without making sure that whatever it's called is going to be accepted. Count on it.

And again, you don't say Sony Playstation or Microsoft Xbox because those are proven brands. You don't say Apple iPod... speaking of dumbest names for products ever, iPod? What the hell does that mean?

I don't know why people are so upset over the name for any reason, and I especially don't get why they're upset because they think the name of the system is going to sink Nintendo. They've been around for quite some time and they aren't going anywhere. They've always been profitable and as long as they continue to remain profitable, you and I will continue to play the games they make... so who gives a shit?

[Buyatari]

The name, of course, is Donkey Kong.

As far as names go. Donkey Kong was bad. Pacman was bad. Game Cube was bad. We grew numb and over time accepted them.

No one has an example that is as bad as Wii.

Wii is just plain horrible.

Horrible.

When Wii games are in the budget bin and the system is no longer supported it will still be an horrible name.

[Gamereviewgod]

Again, neither you nor I are marketing executives or persons with access to market research that would lend to naming this system Wii.

No, we're not. We're consumers. We're looking at this from the position of the people who will buy this, not a PR or advertising firm. All the market research in the world doesn't mean a damn thing when you choose a name with so many meanings.


I don't know why people are so upset over the name for any reason, and I especially don't get why they're upset because they think the name of the system is going to sink Nintendo. They've been around for quite some time and they aren't going anywhere. They've always been profitable and as long as they continue to remain profitable, you and I will continue to play the games they make... so who gives a shit?

I don't think it's going to killl the company. They'll turn a profit because of a dedicated fanbase. I'm saying that they had a huge chance to take gaming and broaden into somethnig so excepted, that like movies, every body watches/plays them, from senior citizens to four year olds. You can't capture a market with a name like Wii.

[GarrettCRW]

The only thing this six page thread "prooves" is that it's absolutely a discussion that took place on the internet. It's ripe with overexaggerations, absurd conclusions from almost no context and overflowing with pee jokes. Really, this doesn't represent humanity in any reasonable way.

It's overflowing with pee jokes because that's how the majority of people thought when they first heard the name, in additon to Weeeee and penis.

That's because most people on the Internet (myself included) are fucking idiots who find dick and fart jokes to be extremely funny. (This, naturally, explains why Kevin Smith is extremely popular on the Internat, and I suspect he'd say the same thing himself if given the chance.)

[pacmanhat]

I just want to say that I couldn't agree more with what hezeuschrist. He's hitting every nail on the proverbial head here.

And to all of you who are bitching about the name, I want to thank you for giving me such a good laugh. Keep it up, please.

[hezeuschrist]

Again, neither you nor I are marketing executives or persons with access to market research that would lend to naming this system Wii.

No, we're not. We're consumers. We're looking at this from the position of the people who will buy this, not a PR or advertising firm. All the market research in the world doesn't mean a damn thing when you choose a name with so many meanings.

Yes, we are consumers. No, we are not the persons whom Nintendo aimed at capturing with this naming plot. We're going to buy the system regardless of what it's called. They could call it the Fagatron 4000 and I'd buy it. We aren't in their picture because they don't have to worry about us not purchasing. They aimed this specifically at people who would never visit a board like this, thus, our views are unreasonably bias towards the situation. We know too much about the industry to be able to see through the blinders of the "average consumer."


I don't know why people are so upset over the name for any reason, and I especially don't get why they're upset because they think the name of the system is going to sink Nintendo. They've been around for quite some time and they aren't going anywhere. They've always been profitable and as long as they continue to remain profitable, you and I will continue to play the games they make... so who gives a shit?

I don't think it's going to killl the company. They'll turn a profit because of a dedicated fanbase. I'm saying that they had a huge chance to take gaming and broaden into somethnig so excepted, that like movies, every body watches/plays them, from senior citizens to four year olds. You can't capture a market with a name like Wii

I simply can't agree with you there, not to mention you're making an absolute statement about the future of a volatile market. There are a billion examples of completely absurd names for incredibly popular products, and there are also plenty of examples of an idea that no one in the core audience finds appealing reaching a far greater mass.

Nintendogs for one. There are plenty of people on this board and other likeminded individuals that do enjoy Nintendogs, but when I heard the numbers and saw the people that were playing it, they were largely non-gamers. People I would never expect to shell out a good amount of bank for a system made the Nintendogs DS Bundle one of the fastest selling systems ever.

But still, it's just a name. The name isn't going to sell the system, the games are. If the software support is there, no ones going to give a shit about the name. If Joe Non-Gamer walks into GameStop with his buddy and picks up the remote for the Wii and finds it entertaining, the name means nothing.

Will they lose sales to a very small group of completely insecure douchebags who fear being judged for owning something based on a title? Possibly, but who cares. Those people are douchebags.

But ultimately, it's all speculation. It's possible that the name could be so appauling that nobody buys it. It's possible that it could outsell the PS3 and X360 combined, tenfold. Time will tell.

[playgeneration]

people can justify and defend the name as much as they like, but when it comes down to it there are a million better names they could have choosen. Wii doesnt really explain what the product is, and just creates confusion, how am i supposed to pronounce it we? why? w2?
Now if they get everything else right, like actually bothering to make sure 3rd party games are released for it, then i wont care about the name. But at the moment the poor name just reminds me of the other silly decision - its only a slightly more powerful gamecube with a different controller, is that enough to warrant spending £200 on?

[NoahsMyBro]

Just to jump in, I've seen a few posts discussing previous bad names, and the non-impact those names had. I have to disagree with a couple of the examples:

1) Gamecube - until this week, I don't think I'd ever read or heard anybody complain about the Gamecube's name, and I see nothing wrong with it. I didn't think it was a bad name the first time I heard it, though I did think it seemed 'different', in a sort of rebellious/subversive way, than other console names.

2) Dreamcast - I thought this was actually an excellent name for a system, and again, I don't recall any criticism of the name when it came out.

[FantasiaWHT]

At least me and hezeuschrist aren't the only two who know what's up. Chris Kohler just kicked all your internet asses.

http://blog.wired.com/games/index.blog?entry_id=1467976

That is completely all that needs to be said about it.

He has it completely and totally backwards. It's the gamers that will overlook the name's stupidity and (possibly) enjoy the esoteric appeal of it. It's the rest of the world (who Nintendo is supposed to be drawing in) that will blanch at it's utter banality.

For those of you saying "it's just a name, and a name doesn't sell a system, games do" are you freaking nuts? A name is the centerpiece of marketing. I think what you've got is some esoteric literati nut jobs that thought this up and pushed on their higher-ups with some impressive techno-babble jargon. Their "explanation" just reeks of it.

A bad name CAN ruin or at least hurt a product. The first connotations one gets with "Wii" are definitely negative. Sure, if you think about it and sit down and read Nintendo's explanations, some justification for the DEnotation arrises, but you are going to lose all the customers unwilling to look past the first connotations.

Did you people not pass middle school English? The denotations for "Wii" are acceptable but the connotations are not. Utterly moronic.

[Jasoco]

Maybe they revealed the name before E3 so they could get enough feedback on the name. Maybe they'll change it by May 9th.

Frankly, I still think Revolution. But I go where the games are no matter what the console's named.

[crazyjackcsa]

I don't know, is it really any worse than i-pod?

[cyberfluxor]

crazyjackcsa has the point they were making. If you read the article on the main Digital Press page they wanted some wierd name like Amazon, Google, or i-pod to stick in our minds. I don't mind it and I'm sure over time we'll remember this debate but not care at all.

btw: VAGiNA
;)

[kentuckyfried]

At least me and hezeuschrist aren't the only two who know what's up. Chris Kohler just kicked all your internet asses.

http://blog.wired.com/games/index.blog?entry_id=1467976

That is completely all that needs to be said about it.

He has it completely and totally backwards. It's the gamers that will overlook the name's stupidity and (possibly) enjoy the esoteric appeal of it. It's the rest of the world (who Nintendo is supposed to be drawing in) that will blanch at it's utter banality.

For those of you saying "it's just a name, and a name doesn't sell a system, games do" are you freaking nuts? A name is the centerpiece of marketing. I think what you've got is some esoteric literati nut jobs that thought this up and pushed on their higher-ups with some impressive techno-babble jargon. Their "explanation" just reeks of it.

A bad name CAN ruin or at least hurt a product. The first connotations one gets with "Wii" are definitely negative. Sure, if you think about it and sit down and read Nintendo's explanations, some justification for the DEnotation arrises, but you are going to lose all the customers unwilling to look past the first connotations.

Did you people not pass middle school English? The denotations for "Wii" are acceptable but the connotations are not. Utterly moronic.

Well said.

Right now, and this is right at the beginning, we have not been endlessly bombarded with the Nintendo marketing for this product. We haven't heard it repeatedly on the Radio. Seen it in a magazine, a catalogue, or a flyer. The point being that it probably won't be too hard over a small length of time to convince us that the name "Wii" is actually a name for a videogame system, and that it's quite a normal name.

Having it said, hearing, and seeing it written over and over and over and over and over (etc), will eventually convince us it's ok for the new Nintendo to be Wii ;)

Sad thing is, that I think that as of this moment, before the advertising, I think that we have real and unfettered opinion of the naming.

We think it's fucking stupid, for the most part.

And these arguments and jokes regarding the name could very well be generating the hype that Nintendo has been planning all along, for all we know.

[OdSquad64]

Personally I think Wii is a silly name for pretty much anything. However, I will be purchasing one on launch day and I know that when I ask for it I'll undoubtedly have a smirk on my face from saying something so silly. But who's to say Nintendo won't change the name for other countries (not saying they will), it's seems reasonable enough and in fact they've done it before, so it's not completely out of the question. Sure, it seems shallow to judge the console on its name alone, but guess what, there are a helluvalot of shallow people. Will there be people who won't buy the console based soley on the fact that its name is "Wii"? Yes. I will honestly say that I believe a majority of those people are the uninformed consumer and the non gaming types Nintendo is aiming this console towards. In a best case scenario people will ignore the name and the Wii will be a success, but only time will tell.

I will however be refering to the Wii as the Nintendo World War II amongst freinds from this point on as I think it is a nifty nick name.

Also please note, if I ever saw a product named the "Fagatron 4000" I would buy it immediately regardless of cost, what it was, or what purpose it served.

[portnoyd]

Ugh, Y would have been terrible, even worse that Wii from a marketing standpoint.

The Nintendo Why. It would instantly cause the consumer to question the product itself and wonder why Nintendo made it. It would be an instant negative disposition towards the product.

And Wii isn't?

I'd like to take this opportunity to get Zach Meston's opinion on this subject. Zach, take it away!





Thanks for your opinion Zach, it truly mattered.

[studvicious]

At least IPod makes sense. Think about peas in a pod, that's exactly what it means: the pod holds the peas. SO you have a pod from Apple that holds tunes, files, videos whatever and it's YOURS - it's personal. It's MY pod. It's ME MINE I, it's an IPod.

That was clear as day to me the first time that I heard about an Ipod and what it did - great name. WII?? I just don't understand why they would choose it. It's *stupid*. And yes I've read their reasonings for choosing that name and it's still stupid.

Don't get me wrong though, I'm preordering one the first second that I can, I just think that it's a dumb name.

I've also never thought that the Gamecube was dumb - obviously straight to the point and not very original sure, but it wasn't bad. The name Dreamcast never struck me as odd either. It gave a sense of a limitless future. But that's just my $0.02

[hezeuschrist]

Seriously, Nintendo doomsday theories are so last week. This name isn't going to sink the console. This name is not going to sink the company. This name WILL help bring the system to the mainstream, and it WILL help it gain mass acceptance.

Weather or not you can see that is completely irrelevant. You can swear up and down that the first thing a rational adult sees when they hear the word "we" is a dick or a puddle of urine. And I'll swear up and down that you're wrong. No one here has any reasonable way to claim that they've actually managed to take an unbiased view of it, and if you try to say that then you're REALLY full of shit.

Nintendo hasn't always been a genius factory in their major decisions, but they know whats at stake now. The cockiness of the post-SNES era is gone, Yamamuchi is gone. If the amalgamation of internet toughguys had their way with Nintendo they'd have been in the shitter three years ago.

I don't know how you can so quickly discredit a marketing decision made by the company who took the DS from being a wholesale ridicule machine to the most popular handheld in the world. Do the games do it? Yeah. Does their marketing do it? Absolutely. It's both, and given that the Wii can have the same quality of titles that the DS has, the combination of the two is going to push the Wii past the gamecube (in popularity) in no time.

And thats it. I'll be sure to link back to this thread in two years and we'll see what "Wii" brings to your mind then.

[Bronty-2]

One thing I love about the name is that when spoken it has the effect of turning game titles into verbs.. you write "wii madden" but hear "we (play) madden."

"What do you want to play today?"
"Wii madden" (sounds like "we (are going to) play madden")

etc.

Quirky as all hell but growing on me rapidly.

[Buyatari]

"wii madden" but hear "we (play) madden."


Ehh I hear it as. Wee little Madden. As in a fraction of the whole.

wee - to pee
wee - teeny tiny
wee - giddy toddler exclamation

I'm sure this name is great for a Japanese launch but not for a US launch but it depends on your market. Its an ok name for a 4yr olds toy but if you want to earn back some of rep you lost on the last 2 systems with the 20some year old gamer this is not the way to do it.

Lets not beat around the bush if you are going to do it then just do it. Just merge with Disney make only E rated games for kids and be done with it. You will mantain a profit system after system but will never have the market share you once had as the NES or even the SNES.

[Schenley]

OK, I just spent wayyyy too much time reading through 7 pages on this.

I gotta admit, when I first heard about this on Thursday, I HATED it. Looking at the word made me think it was Japanese. Hearing it, of course, made me think of piss.

But, after letting it sink in a while, it is growing on me.

Without adding "me too" stuff that's already been said...

-Wii, if I'm not mistaken, is recognizable in any language.
-This has certainly gotten people talking. I cannot remember ever hearing so much talk based solely on a name...
-Although many people have connected it to piss, how about wheeeee - another term from childhood that was yelled when having extreme enjoyment - like on a rollercoaster, water slide, or sleigh riding.

I think this will work, and in two years, this will be as common sounding a term as iPod.

Oh, and I don't get the people that don't know how to pronounce it. How on earth would get "Why" out of the spelling of Wii?

[studvicious]

Just imagine the two-headed monster on Sesame Street putting this together... "W" ... "I"

"wha...."

"eye...."

Something like that 8-)

[Slipdeath]

The reason for the name is to rhyme with the Xbox three sixtii and the ps thrii

[InsaneDavid]

hey must have been smoking Wiid

Oh man.. ROFL

If "I want the CubeStationBox2.. uh.. you know, the one that's purple and looks like a purse" in the retail chain wasn't bad enough last time around I can just imagine what this is going to do. Then the un-tech types are going to see "Nintendo wifi connection" somewhere and think it's pronounced "weefee." LOL

RULE number one opf marketing: NEver, ever confuse the consumer.

And there you have it.

ASSEMblerEX: (I didn't want to quote that long post) Nice! That girl's fine. But what's with the drawn on scars all over her chest? Is she supposed to be done up like some game/anime character I'm just unfamiliar with? Or is that perhaps bleed-through from some other picture?

It's cosplay. Some game character.

Isnt she supposed to be THE BOSS? u know guys Metal Gear Solid 3 ;)

Really... was saying that myself. That's supposed to be The Boss, have you not played Metal Gear Solid 3? O_O It's a long snake shaped scar along her upper body.

[smork]

People are bored; there's already a Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii) for it!

And it sure looks like the Government of India (http://www.wii.gov.in/) will be getting alot more hits soon.

[YoshiM]

Well, I kinda did a "test" to see what reactions a person who isn't really a gamer would have.

First subject: my wife. She's a casual gamer, loves her DS and Animal Crossing. I told her the new name. She gave me a funny look and said "that's gay." I then explained to her the meaning of "Wii" and her mind didn't change.

Next subject: my sister-in-law. Hasn't really been "into" games since the N64 and The New Tetris. She's practically "non gamer" who rarely picks up the 360 controller to play PGR3. Her response, and I quote (as in I'm not just making this up), "that is so gay."

Even though I get the concept, I still don't like it. Alone without explaination it says *nothing* about the system. Not even the video really says anything because the concept of multiplayer...is a *given*. Nintendo has been strongly promoting multiplayer since putting four controller ports on the N64. Xbox Live has pretty much made the online concept of console multiplayer gaming mainstream. Even non-gamers who sit at their computer playing Bejeweled or something probably have a good idea that their scores are compared with other people online. So the emphasis on "we" is practically a backtrack, as if Nintendo thinks they are revolutionizing multiplayer. They're not.

They could have just called the system the REV. It could be an acronym (how Sony would "Revolutionary Entertainment Vehicle" sound?). It could represent a strong ad campaign ("REV...olutionary....REV...it up......REV...olt against the ordinary.....REV...ise everything you know about video games.....The Nintendo REV). Easy to say, even in Japanese. And it's doesn't require a paragraph to explain what the hell it means.

If I had the balls, I'd LOVE to go to a store and do a "man on the street" type interview with people. I'd love to see their reactions to the name-people that Nintendo is targeting with the Wii.

[boatofcar]

Don't worry, the name might be a joke anyway (http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/punkd/did-nintendo-punk-us-with-wii-170381.php).

[kentuckyfried]

I wanted to make a pic of Calvin pissing on a Wii logo, but the gimp doesn't want to work on my old ibook.

I'll leave it to some other savvy DP'er ;)

[pacmanhat]

Don't worry, the name might be a joke anyway (http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/punkd/did-nintendo-punk-us-with-wii-170381.php).

Anyone who's actually worried about this title should do the gaming populous a favor and not be a part of it anymore.

And the day Kotaku becomes a completely reputable source is the day I quit gaming. LOL

[JPeeples]

I love that people have made a far bigger deal of the name than even Nintendo has. I wouldn't mind if the system got another name, but "Wii" is just fine.

[Rev. Link]

Really... was saying that myself. That's supposed to be The Boss, have you not played Metal Gear Solid 3? O_O It's a long snake shaped scar along her upper body.

Haven't gotten around to Snake Eater yet. Sue me. :)

Anyway, as for Wii... Now that time has passed and I've gotten to talk to some of my friends about it (some big gamers, some not) my stance on the issue remains pretty much the same. This might just be the stupidest name in the history of the industry. Now, of course I'm going to buy it, that was never in question. I look forward to it very much. But I still think that the non-gaming crowd Nintendo's trying to appeal to is going to think this is stupid and not give it a second thought.

I really see this as a missed opportunity for Nintendo. They had the chance to really catch people's attention with a cool name, even if it meant they had to call it something different here in the US than in the rest of the world. Instead, they'll still catch people's attentions, though in a potentially negative way. One, I might add, that does nothing to help the "kiddy" image they've been working to overcome.

<shrugs> What can you do, though. In the end, we just have to trust to them to know what they're doing. I hope they prove that they do. Sink or swim, though, I'll definitely be along for the ride, same as I have for the majority of my life.

[hezeuschrist]

without explaination it says *nothing* about the system.

Ugh, thats a horrid point. Xbox? What the hell does that say? It's a box, in the shape of an X. Congratulations, thats what it looked like, what does it do?

Playstation? I get it. It's simple but childish, but Sonys marketing has turned into THE brand to own. Why you think Nintendo can't do the same with Wii is beyond me.

I still can't believe I'm the only one playing devils advocate here. People are bringing up all kinds of points against the system that can be made against any other name in the tech industry, but are only bringing them up now because they personally think the name likes penis in its bum. Thats absurd.

When it comes down to it, you can take any name and brand the shit out of it. It doesn't matter what it's called, if the marketing does what it can and should do, it'll be popular. They can make "Wii" the coolest thing on the block. The only explanation you need is, "It's a video game system." there you go, I just solved the riddle. When you start looking into WHY name something as it is, you're going to deep. Why name newegg.com New Egg? Zip Zoom Fly, Amazon? Why name Google Google? Why name Xbox Xbox? None of those names say ANYTHING about the product or service they represent even in the most convoluted of explanations. It's taking shit simply because the internet goons deem it needs to take shit for having a terribly remote affiliation with urine.

Fucking absurd.

[studvicious]

Sink or swim, though, I'll definitely be along for the ride, same as I have for the majority of my life.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

[studvicious]

I still can't believe I'm the only one playing devils advocate here.

I don't understand why you think you're right and everyone else is wrong. Can't people just have different OPINIONS and leave it at that?

When you talk about names that have nothing to do with the product, names like Google, Yahoo, newegg, whatever.. and then Wii it's really Apples and Oranges (IMO). They could've named it "scrumtrulecent" and that (in a way) would've been better and more comparable to the names mentioned above, why?? It's technically pronouncable. Remember when Prince changed his name to a symbol? People didn't buy it.. it was dumb. The biggest beef I have with the Wii name is just that - at least give us a name that has an unquestionable pronunciation.

But when all is said and done I really don't care what they call the thing as long as I GET ONE.

[FantasiaWHT]

It's taking shit simply because the internet goons deem it needs to take shit for having a terribly remote affiliation with urine.

Fucking absurd.

The obvious inaccuracy in your statement is that it's NOT just internet goons who make the association with bathroom humor. Every single person I've talked to, gamer and non-gamer alike, has had a nearly identical reaction to the name.

The other problem you have is you are assigning peurile reactions to US. You and the handful of other defenders of Wii are trying to make us seem like we have the intellectual capacity of Beavis and Butthead because we NOTICE the potty joke possibilities.

The "best" argument out there is that "a bad name won't hurt the sales of the system", which goes against all the established knowledge of marketing. If you think a bad name can't hurt the sales of a system, you must also think a good name can't help the sales of a system (or your logic is just messed up), which, if trues, makes me wonder why you're arguing so hard?

[Rev. Link]

hezeuschrist: Most of what you're saying I agree with. If marketed correctly a goofy name for a product/service can work. In some cases it can work really well. And if anyone can make the name "Wii" work it's probably Nintendo.

I think what most of us have a problem with, though, no matter how well Nintendo markets it and even if it is well recieved by the general public, is that the name "Wii" is just plain stupid sounding! I mean, Google, Yahoo, etc., those are weird names, but Wii? C'mon, you have to admit it's on the extreme end of the spectrum.

[hezeuschrist]

The "best" argument out there is that "a bad name won't hurt the sales of the system", which goes against all the established knowledge of marketing. If you think a bad name can't hurt the sales of a system, you must also think a good name can't help the sales of a system (or your logic is just messed up), which, if trues, makes me wonder why you're arguing so hard?

I'm not arguing that a bad name for a product won't hurt the sales of said product. If you named a blender "The Toastmaster" you'd have confused the consumer and lead them elsewhere.

My point is that, regardless of personal opinion, Wii is not a bad name. Do I like it? Completely irrelevant, but if you find my first post in the thread you'll probably have your answer. It's totally different and it is WAY out there. The only reason we don't see other major brands like Amazon, Google, and Xbox as way out there is because they're established and they have been for the better part of a decade. And much like these odd brands it has incredible potential.

But still, the majority of people refuse to believe that there is a counter point, that it does have massive potential. In the forefront of most internet junkies minds is a load of piss jokes. I've been around the most disgusting corners of the internet and I'm far more confused by this than I am by tubgirl or goatse. Seriously, tubgirl managed to shit on her own face and I'm far more confused by the fact that the Nintendo faithful have absolutely no faith that Nintendo knows what they're doing.

I guess that's what's really got me riled up. For as long as I can remember, and I was a part of this for a long time, most people think they know the answers to put Nintendo back on top. Drop the kiddy image, do this, do that, put GTA on your console, make it play DVD's, follow the leader. But through all the unpopular decisions the company still turns GREAT profits, and we all get to continue to enjoy their great games, and it doesn't seem that in the midst of any of this greatness that anyone is very grateful. There are so many aboslute statements all over the net claiming that the title of this system is a death sentance for the consoles popularity, that no one will ever be able to see past it's initial absurdness. Even when presented with a load of ultra popular brands that make no sense, this thought still prevails. No faith, just pee jokes. I just find it baffling that so many fans think the company that gave rebirth to the industry they love has absolutely no idea what it's doing. Mind blowing really.

There's pretty much nothing more I can say, and I'm not trying to change minds as much as I'd like to simply open them. We'll see how the situation pans out past E3, through launch and into the systems life.

[YoshiM]

without explaination it says *nothing* about the system.

Ugh, thats a horrid point. Xbox? What the hell does that say? It's a box, in the shape of an X. Congratulations, thats what it looked like, what does it do?

Ahhh, but you seem to be missing a point: the target audience! Xbox was specifically (at least the way I saw things back at the system's launch) marketed to gamers. Gamers knew about Xbox thanks to the power of the web and news spots. However, if you weren't a gamer, you didn't really know. But that was okay, with games like Halo or DOA 3, they didn't want Johnny Game Latelys...they wanted the gamers. It worked.

Nintendo, on the other hand, wants to attract the *non* gamer. The non-gamer doesn't go online to find out about gaming, doesn't read Nintendo Power or G.I. and probably doesn't go on message boards to discuss gaming. They probably couldn't tell an Xbox from a Playstation and probably wouldn't care anyway. Essentially, a clean slate.

Now, tell them they want a Wii.

With iPod the name was attached to "something". A pod is tangible and typically small (pea pod, for example). For those who didn't know what Apple was up to or knew anything about MP3 players (as they were out before iPod), a 30 second commercial of a silouette of a dude dancing with an iPod, with music in the background and a close up of the device itself made the concept very clear.

Nintendo releases a "webmercial" that, to the non-gamer, may raise more questions than give answers. By seeing the Nintendo name they may figure out that Wii has something to do with gaming but what really they wouldn't know.

By sticking with "Revolution" the non gamer could come away with "Wow, it must be really something if they call it a Revolution".

Playstation? I get it. It's simple but childish, but Sonys marketing has turned into THE brand to own. Why you think Nintendo can't do the same with Wii is beyond me.

Again, different audiences. Playstation was advertised to gamers, with marketing that compared them to Sega and Nintendo. If you were a gamer, you'd know what a Playstation was. If you weren't, it didn't matter to Sony because they were competing by advertising the most advanced system on the market. And the non gamer probably wouldn't care about being able to play with polygonal characters as opposed to flat sprites.

When it comes down to it, you can take any name and brand the shit out of it. It doesn't matter what it's called, if the marketing does what it can and should do, it'll be popular. They can make "Wii" the coolest thing on the block. The only explanation you need is, "It's a video game system." there you go, I just solved the riddle.

Thing is, people will want to know WHY it's called "Wii". It's just too damn obscure to not require some sort of explation as to why it's called that.

"Is it really small?"

"No: With this system they say It's not about you and me, it's about Wii"

"What?"

It's a limp (no pun intended) word and in marketing, that sucks.

When you start looking into WHY name something as it is, you're going to deep.

Which is why good marketing doesn't make people wonder why things are named the way they are. It also helps when you target to the proper demographic. For common household things, you want something that can be quickly identified like Windex (cleans windows as that's how its advertised) or Oxyclean (cleans stuff with oxygen). As for your queries:

Why name newegg.com New Egg?
"Egg" sounds close to the term "Egg head", meaning intelligent. Can't quite figure out where "new" fits in, but the website was obviously targeted to computer people. It's catchy and techy people "get it". If you don't get it, you probably aren't the target demographic.

Zip Zoom Fly

Read the site's About Us page. Again, targeted to a computer audience.

Of course, you're using Internet sites for examples. Even in this day and age of the Web, comparing a virtual store with a bonefide physical product are almost apples and oranges.

[rcgamer]

if i buy a next gen system it will be the revo--uh, wii. i was sold when they stated that you would be able to download and play most any game from nintendos past on it. then when sega came onboard with the genesis titles i really was blown away. i think nintendo may have a big hit on their hands with this one. as far as the name , i dont care for it, but i still expect nintendo to throw another curveball before it comes out.

[killersquirel]

I don't think the name "Wii" is a bad name in the slightest. When I first heard it, I was put off a little for a total of one minute and then I started to think of the simplicity of the name and also thought about it in terms of graphic design and branding.

I think that it has a lot of potantial and I feel that Nintendo could definetly have a winner on their hands with this. "Wii" want a revolution, "Wii" want interesting new ideas, "Wii" want to experience nirvana. "Wii" are waiting.

-mike

[hezeuschrist]

I'd accept your points if the product were on the shelf for the past three years, but the NAME has only been announced for THREE DAYS. You want me to go tell someone they want a product that doesn't even exist yet?

Nintendo is going to have aboslutley MAJOR advertising campaigns surround this machine, before, during, and after launch. They're going to push this name into our brains that the Wii is a gaming machine. It's had absolutely no time to brand itself. I don't know how this point is escaping anyone. THREE DAYS. It's not going for mass market appeal until it's available. The hardcore will snatch the thing up at launch and when they replenish stock they'll come back and do their best to make everyone who doesn't play games want one.

Nintendo doesn't need to market to gamers, the news sites do it all for them. It's rampantly obvious that Nintendo is following the Apple model of product design and to think that they'd do anything other than copy their marketing design is pretty silly, even their tone in the announcement reeks of Apple. Nintendo will absolutely push this to the point where the consumer is going to want one just because they see it on TV every four minutes.

I'm still just blown away that after the name of a product has been announced for three days so many are just declaring it dead in the water. And what's even more baffling is the only "reason" this is even being declared is because "the name is dumb."

[2Dskillz]

What is an iPOD?

[studvicious]

Who said this thing is dead in the water? I think that it will sell VERY well. Way better than the Gamecube in fact. I think they are doing a lot of things right especially when it comes to 3rd party games this time around, I just think it's a dumb name. And whether you want to belive it or not so do most other people.

[YoshiM]

I'd accept your points if the product were on the shelf for the past three years, but the NAME has only been announced for THREE DAYS. You want me to go tell someone they want a product that doesn't even exist yet?

I was gearing my thoughts toward the near future rather than right now. Hard to sell the concept of nothing. Unless you're Sony :D

Nintendo is going to have aboslutley MAJOR advertising campaigns surround this machine, before, during, and after launch. They're going to push this name into our brains that the Wii is a gaming machine. It's had absolutely no time to brand itself. I don't know how this point is escaping anyone. THREE DAYS. It's not going for mass market appeal until it's available. The hardcore will snatch the thing up at launch and when they replenish stock they'll come back and do their best to make everyone who doesn't play games want one.

I hope they do. I really do. I'd like Nintendo to do well because they do bring some great games and concepts. I bad mouthed the DS because the concept of the touch screen seemed sooooo hokey. Now it's one of my favorite game systems.

With "Revolution", the code name meant something. Something new, something bold. "Wii" just sounds neutered and I'm having a hard time wondering how the targeted audience is going to wrap their brains around that word unless Nintendo really *is* going to flood the airwaves with strong advertising. However advertising hasn't really been Nintendo's strong point over the recent years. Either that or I've been reading the wrong magazines or watching the wrong channels at the wrong times on TV and missed Nintendo's support of the Gamecube, GBA or DS.

I'm still just blown away that after the name of a product has been announced for three days so many are just declaring it dead in the water. And what's even more baffling is the only "reason" this is even being declared is because "the name is dumb."

I totally agree with you on this. Just mind boggling. I know I'm griping about how non gamer folk are going to grasp the concept of what a "Wii" is but I don't think the system's going to sink. Unless the control scheme is so out there that no one but developers can figure it out it should at least do as well as the Gamecube just because it's Nintendo.

[hezeuschrist]

I think that more than the convoluted explanation Nintendo has given for the the name, that the name itself personifies what the system is trying to do.

Nintendo is trying to break the mold of the current industry with bold simplicity in both control scheme and name. If they're going to try and reinvent the wheel they may as well take the leap and abandon the trite naming conventions of the industry as well.

[portnoyd]

Hezeus seems to be like a bizarro world Zach Meston. It's amazing to watch.

Still think the name could be better though.

[RegSNES]

WTF????? :?

My thought's exactly. My reaction to this was almost on par to my reaction to seeing the PS3 controller.

I spare the bad puns since a billion of them have already been plastered all over the net. "Revolution" was a fine name. A name Nintendo should have went with. Sounded better than PS3, that's for sure. Yes, like many, I think the name sucks. But hey, I'll still be buying one.

[Iron Draggon]

You know, I wonder what the lame explanation for the super-retarded name of this system is in other languages. OK, "we" get the point of why it's called "wii" here in the US and in other English speaking countries, but what the hell is their explanation for the world's lamest name in other countries where they don't speak English? I'd like to know.

[hezeuschrist]

Hezeus seems to be like a bizarro world Zach Meston. It's amazing to watch.

Still think the name could be better though.

Ouch, that hurts. Is that really how I come off? I'm certainly not meaning to stand on any kind of soap box, but when you're arguing against "wee" jokes it's kinda hard :/

[Rev. Link]

Hezeus seems to be like a bizarro world Zach Meston. It's amazing to watch.

Still think the name could be better though.

Ouch, that hurts. Is that really how I come off? I'm certainly not meaning to stand on any kind of soap box, but when you're arguing against "wee" jokes it's kinda hard :/

Hey, I get where you're coming from. I just think that, no matter how well Nintendo markets it and even if it does wind up catching on like wildfire and becoming an iPod-like phenomenon, it'll still be a stupid sounding name.

[SirDrexl]

I think one reason why people don't like the name is just that it isn't Revolution. It may not have mattered what they changed it to, just that they changed it at all. If they hadn't spent a year or two referring to it as the Revolution, and just called it Wii to begin with, people wouldn't be nearly as upset. People accepted Yahoo, Google, and iPod, because they didn't have previous superior names to compare them to.

[lendelin]

The name sounds good to me. It is unique, memorable, a bit 'off' (which is also very fashionable), and can be filled with quality (which matters in the end) ...I don't understand the excitement about it. It certainly won't hurt any sales figures.

[lendelin]

You know, I wonder what the lame explanation for the super-retarded name of this system is in other languages. OK, "we" get the point of why it's called "wii" here in the US and in other English speaking countries, but what the hell is their explanation for the world's lamest name in other countries where they don't speak English? I'd like to know.

Not a prob at all because non-English speaking countries use 'inventive' English all the time which sounds very strange but not for them...like "handy" (for cell-phone) in Germany. The big word in Germany is now "wellness." There are wellness hotels, wellness weekends, even wellness socks and wellness weight. Dumb, stupid...but it works because a lot of terms can develop positive connotations...so can Wii. (besides, even in the Brazilian jungle the meaning of the English "we" is easily understood)

[YoshiM]

The name sounds good to me. It is unique, memorable, a bit 'off' (which is also very fashionable), and can be filled with quality (which matters in the end) ...I don't understand the excitement about it. It certainly won't hurt any sales figures.

Wow. "Wii" brings lendelin back. Nintendo's right, it not about you or me, it really IS about Wii....

:D

[Teknik_SE-R]

the play on words they use on the Wii website are so incredibly cheesy. It seems like they had the marketing ass-hats make up some retarded ass name, and then had some stereotypical, socially diconnected geeks come up with the whole spiel.

it's not aobut you, its not about us, its about wii... damn communists

I am just in shock. I still don't know what to think

[hezeuschrist]

I don't really want to tell anyone what to think, but if you're thinking "communists" you might want to re-evaluate the situation...

[hydr0x]

The name sounds good to me. It is unique, memorable, a bit 'off' (which is also very fashionable), and can be filled with quality (which matters in the end) ...I don't understand the excitement about it. It certainly won't hurt any sales figures.

Wow. "Wii" brings lendelin back. Nintendo's right, it not about you or me, it really IS about Wii....

:D

well, if it's good enough to bring HIM back, why don't i join in too LOL

i think the name is a little bit weird, but we'll get used to it, i see no problem at all with it (ESPECIALLY not in the non-english countries, everyone knows "we", noone knows the other meanings of it :p)

[lendelin]

The name sounds good to me. It is unique, memorable, a bit 'off' (which is also very fashionable), and can be filled with quality (which matters in the end) ...I don't understand the excitement about it. It certainly won't hurt any sales figures.

Wow. "Wii" brings lendelin back. Nintendo's right, it not about you or me, it really IS about Wii....

:D

Hi Dan :) ...actually, Wii didn't bring me back, but an airplane did. :) I was in Germany for almost two months and had very little time and restricted Internet access. I looked up DP only once all this time. Nice to be back, to read great posts again, delve into gaming news, and actually play some games again...yeah. :)

[lendelin]

well, if it's good enough to bring HIM back, why don't i join in too LOL



see above...I was in 'wellness' -Germany (when in the world did this wellness-nonsense start? :)

i think the name is a little bit weird, but we'll get used to it, i see no problem at all with it (ESPECIALLY not in the non-english countries, everyone knows "we", noone knows the other meanings of it :p)

I agree. The name will be much less of a problem in non-English speaking countries. I actually like the name...if I like the system has to be seen...I'm still very skeptical.

[Teknik_SE-R]

I don't really want to tell anyone what to think, but if you're thinking "communists" you might want to re-evaluate the situation...

wha... O_O ?

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e155/Teknik_SE-R/stalin.jpg

or how about...

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e155/Teknik_SE-R/dr-evil.jpg

I'm just giving you a hard time.

I have to say the name is stupid, but not for its reference to piss or wankers or wahtever. The play on words they have on their one page site are stupid, and I think my head is going to explode if I hear any more of that crap from nintendo... (funeral will be held on May 9th following N's press conference in front of the LACC, closed casket due to the circumstances of death. Burial will be at the planter box in front of N's HQ in Kyoto)

That said, I realy don't care what it is called, I'm still buying two. :D this is going to be a great system. Whether its the new ps or the next dreamcast, I don't know, but it WILL be a great system.

[hezeuschrist]

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e155/Teknik_SE-R/stalin.jpg

Ok, thats funny.

[AgeOfPenguins]

Here's a screenshot of what the Wii will look like:

http://www.ageofpenguins.com/wii.jpg

[Teknik_SE-R]

Here's a screenshot of what the Wii will look like:

http://www.ageofpenguins.com/wii.jpg

LOL I knew they wanted this thing to have unprecidented user interactive features, but that is rediculous!

[SirDrexl]

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e155/Teknik_SE-R/stalin.jpg

Here's the first video showing the new game for the Stalin Wii:

http://www.zeronews-fr.com/flash/super-mario-communist.php

[rbudrick]

I'm seriously not going to be comfortable walking into a store and asking if I can "buy a Wii." I have a huge johnson, but I still feel that just saying such a thing might make me gay, or invert my penis.

I'd honestly feel less stupid walking in and asking "Can I buy the new Nintendo Penis?"

I'm honestly quite surprised no one has photoshopped the controller in this pic into a penis or some kind of sex toy.

http://www.lowdown411.com/uploaded_images/revoctrl-787049.jpg

-Rob

[portnoyd]

Ouch, that hurts. Is that really how I come off? I'm certainly not meaning to stand on any kind of soap box, but when you're arguing against "wee" jokes it's kinda hard :/

Nah. :) The difference is, you are playing the part of devil's advocate and not being a total jerk while doing it. Like I said, Bizzaro Zach. :)

And another difference, you have a valid point and opinion.

[goatdan]

I think that more than the convoluted explanation Nintendo has given for the the name, that the name itself personifies what the system is trying to do.

Nintendo is trying to break the mold of the current industry with bold simplicity in both control scheme and name. If they're going to try and reinvent the wheel they may as well take the leap and abandon the trite naming conventions of the industry as well.

You've been doing a good job of playing devil's advocate. I want to make a point to see what you think of this...

While I agree with most of what you're saying, there is a large critical flaw that I see with the name "Wii". That flaw is that unlike other words which brands were built around, there is already a word "We". And unlike Yahoo or Pod, we is used regularly. Before Yahoo.com came along, before the iPod, it wasn't like people were walking around saying that "Hey, I just got this new CD listening Pod" or often saying "Yahoo!" for no reason.

People use "we" in everyday speech.

And I think that works against it. Nintendo isn't going to be trying to just brand a word to a product, like Apple, Yahoo and the like have done, but they are going to try to brand a word to a product which is used every day. When you sit down at a conversation and you hear the word "pod" most people now would probably automatically associate that with either Apple or music. When you hear the word we, no matter how long this product is out, you'll have to think about what the person is talking about. It isn't instantly recognizable, and it never will be.

I really feel that this is going to be the one really big failing point about the console. Yes, there have been other consoles people thought had stupid names, but usually it was because it was something made up or random like Dreamcast or Playstation or Xbox.

Finally, is the majority of people really ready to walk into a store and ask to see the "Wii games"? I see this as another huge stumbling block to the promotion of the console. Again, wee has another meaning here, as small or tiny. So, when a gamer walks into a store, they have to say that they would like by definition a "small game." A "wee game." A Nintendo Wii game. There is a problem here.

The non-hardcore gamers who Nintendo is banking on to make this thing a success aren't going to want to have to say something embarassing when they walk into their nearest store to get a game. They walk into a GameStop or EBGames, where it is already intimidating since there are SO many games there for lots of different systems, and then they have to say something that, had the console not been named this, they would've never said, and that will impact the decision.

The name shouldn't be this important. But of all the damn names that Nintendo could've picked, I think that this one has about as many different potential problems as just about anything non-vulgar could have. It won't doom it for sure, but I don't see non-gamers walking into a store and saying, "Hi! I'd like a Wii console today and some Wii games." You might as well ask someone that isn't overly buff to walk into the gym and tell the biggest, most ripped bodybuilder there that he is ready to "take on the wee weights."

There is automatically a natural want to NOT make yourself obvious, and saying something like that is obvious. I know the system will be named Wii, and I know that people will be forced to say it. I'd normally argue for hours on end that the name means absolutely nothing -- I think Xbox 360 is about as stupid of a name as could be, although I don't think it is stopping anyone from purchasing the console -- but in this weird case, I think that "Wii" will have to wait and see just what happens, as I think it most definitely will affect gamers at the beginning.

That's my two cents. I might be totally wrong. I might be totally right. Who knows. Whatdya think?

[Howie6925]

Im still going to call it the "revolution" because "wii" just sounds dumb.

[Canadian Psycho]

the play on words they use on the Wii website are so incredibly cheesy.
Thank God we can fall back on the brilliant puns crafted by the creative minds of several posters in this thread. Funny, funny stuff*.


*If you're 10 years old.

[hezeuschrist]

When you hear the word we, no matter how long this product is out, you'll have to think about what the person is talking about. It isn't instantly recognizable, and it never will be.

I think that wholly depends on how aggressive Nintendo is with their marketing. I don't think it'll be an overnight shift in state-of-mind for the world, but I think in a couple of years, if Nintendo really pushes it, it really won't be that bad.

As for walking into a game store and asking about Wii, I've done that a couple times asking people who work in game stores so far and it's sprouted the same kinda conversation you'd have with any game store employee over anything game related. Granted, most everyone who works in a GameStop or EB is a hardcore Nintendo fan, but still it certainly wasn't akward or embarassing talking about Wii. At least it's no more embarassing than talking about why the D20 system kicks ass in KotoR.

Once the context is out there and people know what you're talking about, it's just another label. If it's referred to "The Wii" in conversation it's pretty unmistakable what's being talked about. Or at least it should be over time once the populace has been beaten to near-death with Wii advertisements.

But really, the mass market success of the Wii rests solely in the hands of NoA's and NoE's marketing departments. And really, thats absolutely no different than any other new product trying to gain acceptance or brand itself. The only additional hurdle Nintendo really faces is their own name and the image they've got right now. They've been branded by the general public a "kiddie company" for at least the past 5 years and getting past that to the non-gamers is going to be extremely difficult.

The negative connotations of an initial reaction to "wee" are minimal at best. Saying that it's assosiation with pee jokes or tiny objects will soil its public standing is like saying no one named Richard could be popular in the public eye because the Dick jokes wouldn't ever stop.

[theelement]

the only thing that's odd is in the nintendo binder we have at wal-mart still shows the logo Nintendo Revolution.

[hezeuschrist]

the only thing that's odd is in the nintendo binder we have at wal-mart still shows the logo Nintendo Revolution.

You mean a mass market retail giant hasn't updated every aspect of its business operations in relation to six-day-old news about a product that isn't even going to be released for another 5 months?

No way.

[FantasiaWHT]

I don't think it'll be an overnight shift in state-of-mind for the world, but I think in a couple of years, if Nintendo really pushes it, it really won't be that bad.



Which is EXACTLY the reason why this is a bad name choice. Thank you for pointing that out. In "a couple of years" this generation of systems will be half done.

[theelement]

they didn't put it in there but 2 months ago, and why would they even bother with putting nintendo revolution logos in there if they knew they were changing the name. They said they knew it for awhile now.

[comrade]

they didn't put it in there but 2 months ago, and why would they even bother with putting nintendo revolution logos in there if they knew they were changing the name. They said they knew it for awhile now.

I would probably guess to throw everyone off, you know? Resultiong in a huge wave of publicity and shock! News that would shock Wal-Mart employees everywhere!

Oh, and Nintendo said in the begining that the 'Revolution' was a place holder name. We knew they would change it ahead of time. The public just didn't know what the name was going to be, or when it was going to be announced.

[atomicthumbs]

I'm just going to say this, then stop watching this topic...


I like it. But how the name is received by the general public depends greatly on their advertising campaign.

[Jasoco]

The Nintendo rep was in today. She didn't know a date yet, but she said "Winter". Which scares me. It could mean anywhere between Thanksgiving (A stretch) and March! Hopefully that was a safety date and the real date will be announced on Tuesday.

[calthaer]

I think that wholly depends on how aggressive Nintendo is with their marketing. I don't think it'll be an overnight shift in state-of-mind for the world, but I think in a couple of years, if Nintendo really pushes it, it really won't be that bad.

This post identifies the whole problem. Throwing a big push of marketing dollars merely in an effort to mitigate the damage done by a stupid name is a complete waste. They could be using that effort to actively steal market share from Sony or Microsoft, or to get people to play and try their new console.

The name should be an asset to the system, not a detriment that they have to slowly change with a big push in marketing so that the name "won't be that bad."

[comrade]

The name means to urinate for god sakes!

I guess I can learn to like it. :roll:

[hezeuschrist]

I don't think it'll be an overnight shift in state-of-mind for the world, but I think in a couple of years, if Nintendo really pushes it, it really won't be that bad.



Which is EXACTLY the reason why this is a bad name choice. Thank you for pointing that out. In "a couple of years" this generation of systems will be half done.

I still disagree. Nintendo, if they stayed the present course, would be nowhere. No one would care about GameCube 2, even most of us.

They HAVE to make people care about a new brand, a new idea, and with that comes a new name. You can't build an empire around a brand name in a couple of months, and yes, it's going to take years to make it happen. But once they build that foundation you can expect to see the Wii logo on everything Nintendo, from renaming the GameBoy Evolution to "Wii Portable" (ok, that's really bad), to releasing a sequel to the DS designed around the Wii brand name.

As for using those dollars to attract Sony or Microsofts customers? THATS an impossible battle, no matter how much you put into it. They simply aren't running that race and the Joe Average PS3 player cares about one thing above all else: Graphics. Trying to coax a consumer with that frame of mind is going to be nigh impossible for such an "underpowered" system.

It's a whole new Nintendo, and I'd rather see them try to re-establish themselves in a new direction than to see them continue to chase their tails and waste a bunch of money on a technology race they simply can not win. This has far more implications than just the looming console generation, the is the beginning of a whole new company.

[FantasiaWHT]

Hezeus, I agree totally with your analysis of what Nintendo needs to do, I just feel that there's an incredibly large number of better ways they could have accomplished the same thing without using a word with such awful connotations.

(A handheld Wii... the Port-a-potty!)

Just to illustrate... imagine Sega had never made a 16-bit system. A system with a name like "Genesis" now would do everything you described. We have had two generations of video game systems with incredibly derivative names that follow an identical template- universally a compound word, mostly combining a gaming-related theme with a concrete object or location. A cube with which you play games. A station with which you play. A box that's an X. A cast of dreams. Something like Genesis has none of that.

Wii may catch on, but if it happens at all it will happen slowly. The esoteric reasoning behind the name is not going to win over the public majority quickly. I'm not even sure if marketing alone can do that before the system even comes out; I think it's more likely that it will not appeal until (even if) it becomes a success. Why not pick a name that's INSTANTLY catchy and doesn't force the first-time-hearer to wade through confusion, astonishment and even disbelief that it is serious?

[Bronty-2]

I dunno... different type of name for a different type of console. I can see a lot of people walking into eb or whatever, seeing the name "Wii" and asking "what the hell is that"? Salesperson explains the how different the functionality is, etc. It will definitely grab people's attention and make them ask about the system... which is when nintendo hopes to convert that curiosity into a sale, I guess. Will it work - I don't know. But it might. The different name does underscore the idea that this system is not like the others, which is what they're going for. Whether that turns into sales time will tell.

But I don't think you can discount a system that is priced affordably, appears to have a very good launch lineup, has backwards compatability and a virtual console feature. There's a lot there for your money. Whether or not people are ready for new controllers and a strange name we will see but personally I think it looks pretty promising. The fact is that it looks like they will deliver a lot of value for the price, and I think that will sell some people on it for sure. The fact that it's coming after and not before the success of the DS can't be understated either... they have proven to least a few million people that their new direction is worthwhile. I think they have a good chance of expanding on that success.

[hezeuschrist]

Actually for the handheld system I was thinking "P-Wii." Heh.

Wii may catch on, but if it happens at all it will happen slowly. The esoteric reasoning behind the name is not going to win over the public majority quickly. I'm not even sure if marketing alone can do that before the system even comes out; I think it's more likely that it will not appeal until (even if) it becomes a success. Why not pick a name that's INSTANTLY catchy and doesn't force the first-time-hearer to wade through confusion, astonishment and even disbelief that it is serious?

I don't think the "meaning" of it is going to be pushed very hard, moreso just the fact that it's different will likely be the large portion of the marketing push. They needed to have some kind of immediate rationalization behind it, and I wouldn't really be all that suprised if the only piece of it the mass market gets is the tagline, "It's not about you or me, it's about Wii."

I don't expect the name to win anybody over until the system is released at the very least. Hell, I don't expect the name to win anybody over. Pre launch advertisement will probably be slim, but it'll be there to plant the seed. I just think there is FAR too much emphasis being put on the negative connotation of the word. Much like anything that can have any number of dick and fart jokes associated with it, the public will quickly get over that. I wouldn't expect to still be hearing "wee" jokes by the time the system launches in the states. That's obviously not its strength.

It's strength is in pure simplicity and difference, not the convoluted meaning of togetherness. It needs to be totally different to represent the totally different experience you'd have with the system, and it's complete difference will prompt people to look into it. Be it amused, confused, shocked, awed, or genuinely interested, the name will make people think enough to look deeper. The reason they look deeper at that point is completely irrelevant.

It's strength right now is in the thousands of 10 page threads across gaming message boards all across the internet. It's doing exactly what it should be doing, getting people talking about the name gets people talking about the system, and come Tuesday there's going to be so much anticipation built up over what we can actually associate the "Wii" with it'll take first billing over anything to do with the PS3.

[Bronty-2]

hezeus, I salute you sir ;) We posted that at almost the exact same time - looks like our trains of thought were quite similar.

[calthaer]

They HAVE to make people care about a new brand, a new idea, and with that comes a new name. You can't build an empire around a brand name in a couple of months, and yes, it's going to take years to make it happen.

This is a good point, and one which makes it seem even more stupid for them to throw away the positive credentials and connotations that the name Revolution has been building up over the past year or so.

[Bronty-2]

I see your point, but then again, looking ahead, "revolution 3" doesn't sound so revolutionary does it? :) Kind of like Final Fantasy 12 or something ;) (guess the first 11 weren't so final). So if they are trying to establish a brand that is going to be around for 20 years or something, then I'm not sure Revolution was the right name either.

[B - Mark]

I don´t like the name "Wii" for the new Nintendo´s console.
For me the name "Revolution" causes more impact.
Because the controls and the system download games from old consoles.

We can´t forget his price is lowest in comparsion with Playstation 3 and XBox 360, according Nintendo´s preview.

[hezeuschrist]

They HAVE to make people care about a new brand, a new idea, and with that comes a new name. You can't build an empire around a brand name in a couple of months, and yes, it's going to take years to make it happen.

This is a good point, and one which makes it seem even more stupid for them to throw away the positive credentials and connotations that the name Revolution has been building up over the past year or so.

The simple answer to that is that in this day and age of global software sales, they have to have a global name, something "Revolution" certainly isn't. Anyone who has heard Iwata try to say revolution would very much understand that name wouldn't fly at all in japan... and really, I don't think it would have worked in japan even beyond the phonetic difficulties. It just doesn't seem to fit the culture at all.

Beyond it being pretty worthless in Japan, it really doesn't have the same impact Wii does, or for that matter, any other easily recognizable word would. It certainly fits better, but this is a marketing move, not a definition. The simplicity is going to be a huge part of the campaign to move the console and Revolution sounds and feels very much stuck in the current industry trends, something this console means to break completely free of.

Not to mention the only people that even know about the Revolution are people that are not in their major target audience. At this point it's pretty much an industry junkie term and anyone in the mass market doesn't have a clue. Those are the people they need to build a brand around, not us. They've already got our dollars.

[playgeneration]

The name is bad, no-one can really deny that. You can defend nintendo's choice by saying "its only a name, who cares?" or "the name has got everyone talking about it". But you know what, i would much rather them give it a bland dull name, and have some amazing new games that capture peoples attention instead. Xbox wasnt a particularly wonderfull name, but you could play halo on it, and thats all that people cared about.
E3 will really show if nintendo can back up their claims of revolutionising the industry. Will they show brand new franchises with unique control, or a different way to play yet more mario party games?.

[playgeneration]

The name is bad, no-one can really deny that. You can defend nintendo's choice by saying "its only a name, who cares?" or "the name has got everyone talking about it". But you know what, i would much rather them give it a bland dull name, and have some amazing new games that capture peoples attention instead. Xbox wasnt a particularly wonderfull name, but you could play halo on it, and thats all that people cared about.
E3 will really show if nintendo can back up their claims of revolutionising the industry. Will they show brand new franchises with unique control, or a different way to play yet more mario party games?.

[playgeneration]

The name is bad, no-one can really deny that. You can defend nintendo's choice by saying "its only a name, who cares?" or "the name has got everyone talking about it". But you know what, i would much rather them give it a bland dull name, and have some amazing new games that capture peoples attention instead. Xbox wasnt a particularly wonderfull name, but you could play halo on it, and thats all that people cared about.
E3 will really show if nintendo can back up their claims of revolutionising the industry. Will they show brand new franchises with unique control, or a different way to play yet more mario party games?.

[Richter]

like it or not, the name is here to stay

http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/04/wii-trademark-surfaces-naysayers-wiip/

[Jhonny_ParadoX]

"E3 will really show if nintendo can back up their claims of revolutionising the industry"

Nintendo is known for helping save the entire console gaming industry back in the 80s. I have been fairly disappointed with the past two consoles that Nintendo has released though, but I have a feeling that they have done a lot of research into untapped target audiences and current gamers alike, which prepared them for this console.

As for the name, I think everyone's initial response is to spit out something negative, then ask "wtf does it mean?" And THAT is exactly what they want to acheive. Nobody really likes the name, but it works for the purpose it was made for, to generate interest and curiosity. Overall the deeper meaning to the name will become apparent with time, for now, continue with the potty jokes and the play with the name. Wii will survive.

[GrandAmChandler]

I am dubbing this "The official Wii Thread"

DISCUSS!

[calthaer]

Their tag: "playing is believing..."

to which I respond:

"and weeing is relieving."

Graphics ARE deceiving, but sucky names cause grieving.

[Ed Oscuro]

LOL

[Daniel Thomas]

Having just watched Nintendo's press conference, I'm seriously sold on Wii. The name doesn't bother me anymore, thanks to Sony. Since when did they turn into The Great Gatsby?

I don't know where hardcore gamers will fall, but I see this being a big hit. It just looks fun. Everybody who sees this is going to want to give it a try. Everyone. And the best part is not having to hock a kidney in order to play.

The image of people of all ages, playing with the Wii remote, will sell. It's selling an image, a panache of cool, just like iPod. I can see the tennis game being a hit, and the new Wario Ware will be a must-own. New Mario, new Metroid, and good heavens, do I get to fight with a sword?

Do you have any idea how much money Lucasarts is going to make with their lightsabre game? You know they're making one. That's going to be a license to print money.

I'm interested in hearing what the bloggers on the E3 floor have to say about the games.

[OdSquad64]

so err um... contemporary controller announced, anyone notice this?

http://www.engadget.com/media/2006/05/wiiclassic.jpg

seems like a SNES and PS2 controller combined

http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n10/e3_2006/wii/controller.html

This seems like good news to me. Why is there a wire though?

[Rev. Link]

Why do so many people keep saying that looks like the PS2 controller? Just 'cuz of the two sticks? What kind of conventional controller these days doesn't have two sticks?

The thing just looks like a modern day SNES controller.

[NintenDk]

Why do so many people keep saying that looks like the PS2 controller? Just 'cuz of the two sticks? What kind of conventional controller these days doesn't have two sticks?

The thing just looks like a modern day SNES controller.

Probably ironically because of the 4 button array and dpad LOL :roll:

[THATinkjar]

I really enjoyed Nintendo's conference. A good mix of trailer reels (for both Wii and DS) and on-stage gameplay, which made the games look really fun.

I thought the three new franchises that Nintendo introduced briefly were actually the weakest part of the presentation. The graphics looked ordinary, the names were hardly original, etc. But I am sure they will be a ton of fun to play :)

And blimey, the GameCube got some love, didn't it?

[Julio III]

Why do so many people keep saying that looks like the PS2 controller? Just 'cuz of the two sticks? What kind of conventional controller these days doesn't have two sticks?

The thing just looks like a modern day SNES controller.

2 sticks in what looks like really awkward places to use. I hate where the sticks (left in particular) are on the PS2 pad and the one on this looks even harder to use. I also can't imagine trying to pull the trigger with my thumb on that stick.

Also, if this is meant to be used to play N64 games its going to need 2 more face buttons.

Sorry, that pad looks butt ugly to me. Looks like i'll be spending more time with my wiimote woo!

[FantasiaWHT]

Touching is good... the Wii DS!

Sorry, they just don't stop coming!

[Hep038]

Reminds me of this controller I bought and hate. It is just too small for me to use more than 30 mins. My friends love it, but I only keep it around for them to use.

http://www.nlgaming.com/games/2132/logo/logo.jpg