“With the Xbox 360 and the PS3, the primary focus is graphical prowess,” Ben Kuchera reports for Ars Technica. “In many cases these new games feel a lot like old games with a new coat of paint. One might begin to wonder if we are going to see the same basic gaming concepts over and over, simply with better graphics as time goes on?”
Kuchera reports, “Nintendo is saying no; they are dropping out of the graphics race. Fact is, the Wii is not very powerful in relation to its two competitors. Where it can fight back is innovation; instead of a normal controller, you interact with the game via a remote control-like device that many simply call the ‘Wiimote.’ In-game movements are based on, well, real-life movement—and one or two buttons. This control scheme is designed to be intuitive and to really immerse you in what you’re doing.”
Kuchera reports, “You’re going to have to learn a whole new way to think about games. When it comes to the Wii, we’re all newbies, and while that may make some hardcore gamers uncomfortable, it’s a revelation for new gamers who finally have something they can pick up and figure out instead of feeling like they couldn’t compete without years of practice. The graphics are underwhelming, sure, but that Wiimote is a brand new way to play your games.”
“While I’ve played some great games this year, I don’t know if I’ve had as much fun with any of them as I do with the Wii. It was hard to keep from smiling as I played. It makes me feel like a kid again, and if you’re a kid, you’ll be entranced. This may be that magical system that’s going to interest your non-gamer parents, girlfriend, or wife—people who never thought they could pick up and control a video game,” Kuchera reports. “The Wiimote has nearly unlimited potential, and while we’ve seen some novel uses of it so far, I can’t wait to see what talented developers will come up with in the next few years.”
Full, very comprehensive as usual from Ars, review here.
Not Apple-related, but may be interesting to some MDN readers. We’re following the story of Nintendo’s Wii for pretty obvious reasons.
Related articles:
Nintendo sells over 600,000 Wii consoles at launch – November 20, 2006
PC Magazine Editor’s Choice: Nintendo Wii is ‘fun, engaging, wildly innovative’ – November 14, 2006
5 must-have Nintendo Wii launch games – October 09, 2006
Nintendo’s Wii on Toys ‘R’ Us hot holiday list – September 26, 2006
Nintendo to launch Wii in Japan on December 2nd, priced around US$200 – September 14, 2006
IBM ships first microchips for Nintendo Wii – September 10, 2006
Can Nintendo’s Wii end up number one in market share? – July 18, 2006
Nintendo Wii wins E3 ‘Best of Show’ award – June 01, 2006
Nintendo’s Wii steals show at Electronic Entertainment Expo – May 12, 2006
Simply LOVE the Wii.
I considered the PS3, already had and sold an XBOX 360.
Finally something unique other than better graphics again and again.
I would say that it is a gutsy move by Nintendo. A bit Apple-like. And hopefully right. Innovation, not just upgrading and moving on in the old track. First thinking, finding the (hopefully) RIGHT angle and then have the guts to move against the mainstream. I wish them all the best!
I’m a 42 year old guy for whatever that matters. I was at a friends and he had the Wii system.
My initial comment was ‘Don’t make me do anything where I have to expend energy’
An hour later, after bowling, baseball and golf – I beat him in boxing to become ‘king of the world.’
I had a blast and didn’t expect that at all (I’m hard to impress)
Anyway – my “kids” will get a new console for Christmas.
Guys, if you want a Wii, find out when shipments are, then go to Costco ~1 hr before opening.
No kids, plus the need of a membership card keeps the filthy masses away. I only has to wait 30 min on launch day for mine.
North American sales so far:
Sony Playstation 3: 145,000 (despite Sony’s hopes of shipping 400,000)
Nintendo Wii: 600,000
Others…
Microsoft Xbox 360: average of 246,000 per month since launch
Sony Playstation 2: averages 473,000 per month in same period as Xbox 360 above.
Well said Richard.
Finally something unique other than better graphics again and again.
i couldnt agree more. the wii actually brings something new to the table.
7 days till i get mine =D
The Wii is just damn fun! The system OS is very intuitive and pleasing. The VC is already about as good as XBOX Live Arcade (in 2 weeks). The graphics will get better, the control will always improve with new ideas. They really nailed it. Change is good.
I predict that the Wii will become the newest way to lose weight. Actually getting exercise during video games?? If I get a doctor’s prescription, will my health insurance pay for my Wii ??
i appreciate you guys including such stories. thanks, mdn.