Nintendo Wii

[RTSDaddy2]

I've just been scoping out Nintendo's page on their new machine, the Wii (pronounced "we"),  formerly known initially as the revolution. 

Personally I can't wait to see one of these things and try out those controllers.  If - and it is a big IF right now - those controllers are as much fun to use as they appear, wife may have a hard time keeping me away from one.  I ain't convinced it's all that easy yet, but one never knows.

The fact that it will still play Gamecube games is a huge plus also as the little woman likes Mario Kart Double Dash a WHOLE lot.

Thoughts based on what you've seen / heard / know?

[AtomSmasher]

The wii will be the first console I've ever tried to buy around launch time, it just looks very cool to me.  Both the Wii and the PS3 have been discussed pretty thoroughly in these threads:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=53203.0
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=53822.0

[ChadTower]

I've already starting saving up for one... don't like to use household funds for new (high priced) console stuff so PB+J lunches for the next couple of months it must be....

[missioncontrol]

I've already starting saving up for one... don't like to use household funds for new (high priced) console stuff so PB+J lunches for the next couple of months it must be....

I'm sure you can splurge for a dash of bacos on the sammich once a week.....

[pointdablame]

It's the only console from this next generation that I'm considering putting my money towards anytime soon.  The 360 looks cool, but I supposedly have one coming from Freepay, and the PS3 catches my attention, but I won't be touching it with a 20ft pole until that price is cut in half or so....

The Wii controller looks like it could be a great, great piece of hardware.  I certainly hope it pans out.

[shmokes]

Yep.  I've been on a personal crusade to convince people who usually wait for price cuts to jump on this at launch, because that's the make or break time for any console.  If it isn't a huge success at launch third parties will cut back support.  Fewer third parties means fewer games which means fewer people will buy the Wii in the future, which comes around again to 3rd parties cutting even more support, which leads again to fewer people buying the Wii, etc. etc. etc.

Nintendo has taken an enormous risk, practically betting their existence in the console hardware market on this one device.  Few companies that size would be willing to risk their company on such a revolutionary departure from the status quo, which is why Xbox 360 is Just a faster, prettier Xbox and PS3 is just a faster, prettier PS2.  As gamers, unless you want to be playing the same old rehashes over and over again for the next ten years, you owe it to Nintendo to make the Wii an enormous success.

Preorder.  Pick it up at launch.  Imagine the games that are possible with that controller that will never be made without major 3rd party support.  Imagine Fight Night, Star Wars (light saber melee), Tenchu (grabbing someone from behind with the nunchuck and slitting their throat with the remote), Tiger Woods, etc.  Name me any game and I could throw out an idea for control that would put a gamepad to shame (with the possible exception of the standard fighter).

Buy this thing at launch.  You can feel good about it if you consider that it'll cost no more than 2/3 an Xbox 360 and 1/3 of a PS3, so just pretend that it's been out for a year and a half already and that's why it's so much less expensive than it's competitors.

[Vigo]

In my opinion, the Wii has the potiential to be the best, but it all depends on the amount of quality games that come out for it. The Nintendo DS struggled only due to a lack of games, which they are finally starting to make up for. So having a lightsaber duel would only be cool if they make a star wars game.

Anyone got a release list?

[brophog]

The Nintendo DS struggled only due to a lack of games, which they are finally starting to make up for.

Struggled? Nintendo is the leading revenue producer of the Big 3.....and it isn't because of the Gamecube.

[Vigo]

I had a DS on its release date, they had nothing worth getting other than the remake of mario 64 for a good half year...

http://www.planetgamecube.com/reviews.cfm?letter=&ProdType=&System=Nintendo%20DS&region=&Timespan=&&order=ArtPost

[TOK]

Nintendo has taken an enormous risk, practically betting their existence in the console hardware market on this one device.  Few companies that size would be willing to risk their company on such a revolutionary departure from the status quo, which is why Xbox 360 is Just a faster, prettier Xbox and PS3 is just a faster, prettier PS2.  As gamers, unless you want to be playing the same old rehashes over and over again for the next ten years, you owe it to Nintendo to make the Wii an enormous success.

They've forced themselves into this position by releasing two lackluster machines in a row, not even counting the Virtual Boy. The problem they now face is that many of the great Nintendo-only developers have left.
I'm interested, but skeptical of the controller. I'll buy it when good games are out and its proven that its not a gimmick. I've seen the video that was posted around, but that was a commercial, not a demo.

[Vigo]

The Nintendo DS struggled only due to a lack of games, which they are finally starting to make up for.

Struggled? Nintendo is the leading revenue producer of the Big 3.....and it isn't because of the Gamecube.

And the reason why they are leading is because globally, nintendo is much more poplular.

Its like comparing Coke and Pepsi. Pepsi may have an advatage in the states, but globally, coke is killing pepsi.

[horseboy]

Nintendo has taken an enormous risk, practically betting their existence in the console hardware market on this one device.  Few companies that size would be willing to risk their company on such a revolutionary departure from the status quo, which is why Xbox 360 is Just a faster, prettier Xbox and PS3 is just a faster, prettier PS2.  As gamers, unless you want to be playing the same old rehashes over and over again for the next ten years, you owe it to Nintendo to make the Wii an enormous success.

They've forced themselves into this position by releasing two lackluster machines in a row, not even counting the Virtual Boy. The problem they now face is that many of the great Nintendo-only developers have left.
I'm interested, but skeptical of the controller. I'll buy it when good games are out and its proven that its not a gimmick. I've seen the video that was posted around, but that was a commercial, not a demo.

I hope you aren't saying that the N64 was lackluster. That would just be stupid.

[brophog]

I had a DS on its release date, they had nothing worth getting other than the remake of mario 64 for a good half year...

http://www.planetgamecube.com/reviews.cfm?letter=&ProdType=&System=Nintendo%20DS&region=&Timespan=&&order=ArtPost

Same with a LOT of consoles. They still sold DS's well enough to keep the company rolling right along.

And the reason why they are leading is because globally, nintendo is much more poplular.

I don't recall you saying ANYTHING about the DS struggling in only 1 country, you simply said struggling.......which is incorrect.

[Vigo]

It was, when the PSP came out with oodles of games and movies and mod capabilities, people saw that there were only a few worthy games for the DS, and felt pretty darn good about buying a psp.

Nintendo's Frankenstien monster now attacked them on the handheld level.

[brophog]

It was, when the PSP came out with oodles of games and movies and mod capabilities, people saw that there were only a few worthy games for the DS, and felt pretty darn good about buying a psp.

Since when? The PSP has never sold well and even the few sales it initially had were to movies.....of which, many large retailers are no longer carrying. You're losing ground in this discussion by the post.

[Vigo]

I'm not saying that PSP did well, my point is that It did cause some struggle with the DS due to the fact they they lacked games. They recently released a monster load of sweet games and the DS lite, which is why they are still killing the PSP. Nintendo still has a huge thorn in their sides tho.

[DaveMMR]

Nintendo has taken an enormous risk, practically betting their existence in the console hardware market on this one device.  Few companies that size would be willing to risk their company on such a revolutionary departure from the status quo, which is why Xbox 360 is Just a faster, prettier Xbox and PS3 is just a faster, prettier PS2.  As gamers, unless you want to be playing the same old rehashes over and over again for the next ten years, you owe it to Nintendo to make the Wii an enormous success.

They've forced themselves into this position by releasing two lackluster machines in a row, not even counting the Virtual Boy. The problem they now face is that many of the great Nintendo-only developers have left.
I'm interested, but skeptical of the controller. I'll buy it when good games are out and its proven that its not a gimmick. I've seen the video that was posted around, but that was a commercial, not a demo.

I hope you aren't saying that the N64 was lackluster. That would just be stupid.

No, it would be apt.  Sorry, I love the good ole' Nintendo game machine but they released a system that was sticking to an old staple that 3rd parties didn't want to use anymore (i.e. Cartridges).  Consequently, compared to NES and SNES, there was a lot less "must have" games than usual. 

Secondly, I haven't been a complete Nintendo fanboy (though I own or owned all the major systems) but I'm going to get a Wii at launch.  I love the philosophy behind the system's design.  A return to simpler, pick-up-and-play games that entire families can enjoy is something I missed in this glut of GTA clones and storylines encompassing 600-pages of spoken dialogue. 

[shmokes]

 I've seen the video that was posted around, but that was a commercial, not a demo.

E3 was months ago.  You can find actual gameplay footage of Metroid Prime, Red Steel, Wii Sports, Zelda, Madden (I think) and I think others that just don't come to mind.  You can also read the impressions of dozens of people who have played these games first hand both at E3 and at game developers offices. 

It's not the mystery it once was.

[Vigo]

And I was like

WHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Thanks for the list shmokes...

[pointdablame]

It was, when the PSP came out with oodles of games and movies and mod capabilities, people saw that there were only a few worthy games for the DS, and felt pretty darn good about buying a psp.

Nintendo's Frankenstien monster now attacked them on the handheld level.

as a HUGE PSP fan, and very happy owner of one.. I have to chime in and say:  what the hell are you talking about?

I'm sorry.. but the PSP did NOT come out with "oodles" of games.  There was next to nothing to play on the PSP when it came out.  The DS had much stronger launch titles.  You may not have found anything you liked, but by an large, industry analysts have said over and over that the PSP was lacking games for a very long time compared to the DS.

Are you sure you don't have the DS and PSP mixed up? Cuz it seriously sounds like you do.

[brophog]

Sorry, I love the good ole' Nintendo game machine but they released a system that was sticking to an old staple that 3rd parties didn't want to use anymore (i.e. Cartridges).

The cartridge decision had numerous ramifications, including piracy (imo, helped launch the PS 1), but another big reason was resent on the part of many companies in response to the way Nintendo treated them during their heyday. I think we might finally be getting to the point where sins are forgiven and companies are coming back to Nintendo.

[DaveMMR]

Sorry, I love the good ole' Nintendo game machine but they released a system that was sticking to an old staple that 3rd parties didn't want to use anymore (i.e. Cartridges).

The cartridge decision had numerous ramifications, including piracy (imo, helped launch the PS 1), but another big reason was resent on the part of many companies in response to the way Nintendo treated them during their heyday. I think we might finally be getting to the point where sins are forgiven and companies are coming back to Nintendo.

Companies don't need an apology.   They need a large installed user base for their taget system with less-than-restrictive licensing rules.  Companies stuck with Nintendo during their tyranical days (5 games per year, exclusivity for 2 years, high cost per cart) because that's where the money was.   

[brophog]

It's your last sentence that you need to focus on. Once other options started opening up, some of these companies decided they could make money with a little less restriction........and they weren't going to take any crap from Nintendo any longer.

No need for an apology.......time heals all wounds. Nintendo has something different here and a few companies are taking notice.

[Stingray]

I'm not going to get involved in the whole tired Nintendo vs. Sony debate. I have every system that both companies have ever released (with the exception of a VB) and I love them all. These ridiculous platform wars get stupider every time I waste a few minutes of my time reading through one.

With that rant out of the way I'll just go ahead and echo what a few have already said. The Wii is the only next gen console I'm at all excited about. The other two just look like more of the same to me.

-S

[pointdablame]

NINTENDO RULZORZ!!!!! and SONY likes harassing little boys!!!

Sony fans are t3h suxors!!!

-S

Real mature dude....

[Vigo]

I just love the sheer irony that nintendo created the playstation.

For those of you that don't know, nintendo entered a contract with sony to create a cd based system for them. sony did so, and nintendo then decided to tell sony to take a hike. Sony released the system under their own brand name, and thus the playstation was born.

I know theres more to it, but thats it in a nutshell...

[RayB]

I even have a spec document on a CD-ROM attachment device for the SNES, buried in a box somewhere. I should dig that up and scan it...

I'm buying a Wii on launch as well. I support Nintendo's philosophy and commitment to REASONABLE PRICING.

Even if the controller becomes "gimicky" it's not as if you can't make "regular" games on it and use the "nunchuck" controller.

Just go here, http://wii.nintendo.com/home.html

click on the "from E3" link and watch all the videos of people playing for the first time. Alot of "takes getting used to" comments, but watch how enamored everyone looks....

[Vigo]

I'm not finding your link...

[brophog]

I just love the sheer irony that nintendo created the playstation.

For those of you that don't know, nintendo entered a contract with sony to create a cd based system for them. sony did so, and nintendo then decided to tell sony to take a hike. Sony released the system under their own brand name, and thus the playstation was born.

I know theres more to it, but thats it in a nutshell...

Yeah, that's essentially what happened. Sony put so much time and resources into the project that, even though they didn't want to, they released it under their name.

[RTSDaddy2]

Amazingly enough, I may catch a break with the Wii....I was telling my wife about the new controllers, and based on that alone I might be "allowed" to get one on launch day.  Maybe.  Hopefully.  We'll see

I really wish they'd throw one out on display prior to launch so people could try the controllers out first - or something like that.  If it's a failure, I'd be in a lot of trouble.

[hypernova]

Amazingly enough, I may catch a break with the Wii....I was telling my wife about the new controllers, and based on that alone I might be "allowed" to get one on launch day.  Maybe.  Hopefully.  We'll see

Wait...who's wearing the pants again?

Just make a few sacrifices between now and then, and you'll have enough saved up in no time for it and a few extras.

If it's a failure, I'd be in a lot of trouble

Just tell her you've been a naughty boy.

[brophog]

Hypernova says like he's single. When it comes to the checkbook, she's always the one with the pants.

RTS, I'm sure their will be kiosks in the stores. I seem to remember an interview during E3 with one of the Nintendo execs suggesting they were looking into the best way to do something. Considering their system is marketed almost solely on this aspect, I can't imagine Nintendo not finding someway to demonstrate it.

[ChadTower]

Hypernova says like he's single. When it comes to the checkbook, she's always the one with the pants.

Only if you allow it to be that way.

[RayB]

Sorry i fixed my post. Added this link:
http://wii.nintendo.com/home.html

[hypernova]

Hypernova says like he's single. When it comes to the checkbook, she's always the one with the pants.

Only because I make her do it.  (Even though I'm mathematically superior to her.)  But hey, she worked in a bank for a few years, and for God's sake,
It's balancing a checkbook!

It just sounds gay!

Jane balance checkbook.  Tarzan swing.  Swing more fun.

[MikeDeuce]

What works for my gf and myself is to have separate accounts at the same bank. In-bank money transfers are free and super quick online (at least at BOFA). We reconcile a couple times a month and split all bills that are mutual right down the middle... utilities, rent, food, pet supplies, gas, etc.

The rest is for Mikey to play with... and Mikey likes toys (and his testicles) 

[DaveMMR]

and Mikey likes toys (and his testicles) 

Way too much information!

[lcddream]

someone playing tony hawk downhill on wii

[97thruhiker]

I have not bought a console at release since the NES.  With that said I plan on buying the Wii when it comes out.  Everything I've seen about it looks good.

[RTSDaddy2]

Hey Hyper,

Where did I ever say I didn't wear the pants?  It's just that if I want to keep from being naked this winter I know to where and whom I'd better turn first!!   

Liked your comment about Jane and Tarzan