Gaming The Nintendo Wii

[Xeago]

So, I used to love Revolution as a name.
It was so slick, so cool.

Then Nintendo goes and brings out Wii.
I was upset.

Then I said it. "Weee"

I smiled.

"WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE"

I laughed.

Then I got it.

It's fun. Revolution my be a cool name, slick and everything.
But, one thing it's not, is fun.

I like Wii, 'cause it's fun to say.
And Wii will break the ice for the uninitiated.
I like Wii now. It's something I have fun saying.

I like Wii.
It's just plain fun.

"WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE"

 

[Harsky]

Xeago: Now that you say it, it does make me smile a bit. WANNA HEAR A JOKE!

An Irishman, Scottishman and an Englishman go to a magical swimming pool. It's magical because the thing they say before they jump in will turn into what they said. The Scottish man ran towards the pool and shouted, "WHISKY!" The English man then did the same but shouted, "TEA!" and the Irishman also did the same but shouted, "WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"

 

[Lily]

I actually like it, once you see the explantion behind the brand. The name transcends language barriers, and really does evoke the images of people together and the controller. It's unique - I always thought "Revolution" was cumbersome, silly and overdone.

 

[Ace Gunman]

I'm officially in a state of shock. I have no idea what to think at the moment... so I'll... get back to you on this...

 

[ozzyzak]

Does anyone else think of the weeee squirrel?

 

[dafatkid27]

Yay! Kyoji and I always agree.

1% minority FTW

Hey! I agreed. That makes us like, 1.5% or less...

 

[Ace Gunman]

All I can think about when seeing/reading Wii is this.

Okay, that made my day, seriously, that's hilarious.

Next off, if this is the real name... bad choice. People who arn't in the know about it's true meaning will either think "wee" (as in piss), or "oui" (as in the french word for yes). Neither of which is a good thing. "Wee" is obvious, but it's also well known that Americans (and alot of english-only Canadians), and alot of the British... have a small and silent thing against the French (watch any American or British TV series and count how many times they insult the French). It may not be right, but it's a fact that alot of the english speaking folks just don't think very highly about the French (not my opinion, just telling it how it is).

So basically, when someone goes up to his friend and says: "Hey, did you here about the Nintendo Wee/oui!?" (which is how the friend will think it is spelled)... the results won't be good.

P.S. - It does actually remind me of the Weeeee Squirrel.

 

[berlinka]

Wii? Those Japs were just so busy with far out New Age brain storming that in the end they forgot what it sounds like in english.

I really understand and appreciate the meaning and all, but it just doesn't pronounces. Too short, too faceless, to much urine!!

But on the other hand, if it's a smart console, it doesn't matter a bit, as I thought "Nintendo DS" was a name for the next failure after Virtual Boy! So this could be the next best thing...

"You're the next in line for the next best thing, but I don't know" - cardiacs-

 

[DJBurkey]

I think its a pity that Wii pronounced the way it is has that meaning of piss in the UK. Its a superb name innovation-wise, represent "we" as family/everyone united in gaming, as well as the two controllers. But it is just going to sound odd in conversation here, "Do you want to play with my wee?", "Can I have a wee?" etc. If they pronounced it W.I.I. or W2 (like WII) it would be cool

Regardless, whats in a name? I'm still gonna buy it and love it anyway.

 

[feriol]

Anyways, i bet some will call it, "dubya eye eye".

Seriously, 'Wii', WTF? If they used it for their online service, okay, but a console?!?

 

[KenshinMan]

am I the only one who doesn't really care what the systems called?

 

[Ace Gunman]

am I the only one who doesn't really care what the systems called?

It's not even about that. It's not really about our personal opinions. It's about them digging their own grave by naming it this. Alot of fanboys (like ourselves) will forgive them and buy it anyway, but because of a terrible terrible name it may not penetrate the market properly, and would die. I'd hate to see such an awesome console die purely on the basis of it's name.

 

[barakku]

Wii is maybe the worst console name in history. Why not "pee" instead?

Could be more attractive to children

Or "wank", for teenagers

Maybe Nintendo will surprise us all..... let's hope. At first glance, everybody laughed (me too) at the telepad, that now is the thing everybody wants to try and experiment with.

I trust Nintendo, as always.

 

[Lily]

..and from the e-mail I received from Nintendo today..

Introducing ... Wii.

As in "we."

While the code-name "Revolution" expressed our direction, Wii represents the answer.

Wii will break down that wall that separates video game 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 this 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 gathering to play.

And Wii, as a name and a console, brings something revolutionary to the world of video games 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.

Details released at Electronics Entertainment Expo, May 2005:

The Cool Look: The new console boasts high-quality materials and a smart, compact design, approximately the size of three standard DVD cases stacked together. A variety of prototype colors are being showcased during E3. It will come with a silver stand that makes the system a welcome, artistic component of any multimedia setup, whether it's displayed vertically or horizontally.

Backward Compatibility: The new console plays all games from the current Nintendo GameCube™ generation. But there's more…

The Secret Weapon: The console also will have downloadable access to 20 years of fan-favorite titles originally released for Nintendo® 64, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System® (SNES) and even the Nintendo Entertainment System® (NES).

Easy Expansion: A bay for an SD memory card will let players expand the internal flash memory.

Two Disc Formats, One Slot: Instead of a tray, a single, innovative, self-loading media bay will play both 12-centimeter optical discs used for the new system as well as Nintendo GameCube discs. Owners will have the option of equipping a small, self-contained attachment to play movies and other DVD content.

The Specs: The system boasts 512 megabytes of internal flash memory, wireless controllers, two USB 2.0 ports and built-in Wi-Fi access. A worldwide network of Nintendo players can gather to compete in a comfortable, inviting environment. Wii's technological heart, a processing chip developed with IBM and code-named "Broadway," and a graphics chip set from ATI code-named "Hollywood," will deliver game experiences not previously possible.

The Stars: Introduction of a number of new franchise properties will add to the world's richest stable of stars, including Mario, Zelda, Super Smash Bros., Donkey Kong and Metroid.

Wireless Freedom: A number of Wi-Fi-enabled launch titles are in development that will employ Nintendo's newly announced wireless gaming service, Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection. A worldwide network of Nintendo players can gather to compete in a comfortable, inviting environment.

Freedom of Design: A dynamic development architecture equally accommodates both big-budget, high-profile game "masterpieces" as well as indie games conceived by individual developers equipped with only a big idea.

 

[Akoji]

Damn honnestly americans are that imatures?

Damn , everyone i told them the new name hasnt thought the meaning of urine or whatever. They found the sense of We almost imediatly XD...

 

[ninjyas]

I like to play with my Wii -ner

Now i know why they made that controller design.
They were targeting the female gamers

 

[KenshinMan]

wow....I guess nintendo should change the name, atlease in America and a few other places.....due to the huge amount of immaturity..

 

[TPi]

Because, it's really not about you or me.
It's about Wii.

CODE[16:09:24] then
[16:09:32] shouldnt the revolution be called 'Us'?
[16:09:33] the revolution is built on poor grammar
[16:09:55] fantastic
[16:09:57] lol

 

[tyger]

Wii is the dumbest console name in history way to go Nintendo drop a widely accepted name for an ignorant non synonym non word mispronouced why.

 

[Psyfira]

I like Wii, 'cause it's fun to say. And Wii will break the ice for the uninitiated. I like Wii now. It's something I have fun saying.

I agree, it is a fun name to say because of the way it's sounds. But I think they could've chosen better. Despite Nintendo's best efforts to recruit older players their main customer base in the UK are children, which is exactly the demographic group that would find humor in it's alternate meaning and some kind of personal victory in being able to "get away with" using a frowned upon word repeatedly in public. Parents are going to have a nightmare with the fallout from this one.