So Nintendo’s new console, the Wii, now has a launch date and price.
$250USD, November 19 (Dec 2 in Japan), including Wii Sports, a new Wii controller, the second Wii controller (each person gets 2), receivers and batteries for the receivers.
Launch games include (thanks Joystiq): The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Excite Truck, Trauma Center, Madden 07, Need for Speed: Carbon, Elebits, Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz, Metal Slug Anthology, Rayman: Raving Rabids, Red Steel, Barnyard, Cars, Avatar, Blazing Angels, Far Cry: Vengeance.
So that’s the facts. Some folk are angry that the console isn’t “less than 250$” as Nintendo had promised, at least not really. Some are angry that it isn’t being released before the PS3 (launches 2 days earlier).
Personally, I won’t be buying the Wii at the pricepoint that it’s launching at. For 100-150$ I might think about it. But not at 250$. Sure, the 250$ includes a game. And sure the game’s worth 50$. But I would never buy it, so the game’s worthless to me. Besides, an Xbox 360 is only 50$ more. Yeah, it’s the cut down version. But the cut down version compares nicely with the Wii (except that the 360 is more powerful and will have 100 more games).
That’s not to say it won’t do well. The Wii will launch with about 2M consoles, more than 1.5M more than the PS3. And I’m confident they’ll sell out of those (as will the PS3). My biggest concern is the launch lineup for both systmes. Besides Legends of Zelda, Rayman and Red Steel, nothing even vaguely appeals to me.
Anyways, the Wii will do well. I’m pretty sure the new controller system will even go over well. But, once that initial rush is over, it could be tough going. Fighting against the 360, without real online play, less games, less “classic” games, a nearly identical price point, less high profile games… Really the only saving grace for the Wii after that first rush is the new controller and some of the games that go with it.
I only wish Nintendo the best. I’ve been a huge Nintendo fan since my first NES and Mario. I’d never want Nintendo to pull a Sega. I’m just really concerned that they aren’t doing anything this generation to position themselves as a leader. And considering Sony’s doing everything in their power to ensure that the PS3 fails, that really only leaves the 360. And my concern is, as always, that given a leadership position, that Microsoft will stop innovating.
In short, while I won’t buy a Wii at first (or until there are games I must, must have), I’m pulling for the little guy to make a big enough mark to pressure Microsoft, inspire developers and lay another nail into the PS3.
#1 by Justin - September 14th, 2006 at 16:23
Well, I am a fan of the Zelda games, but I really like my N64. I think $250 is a lot for a new gaming system so I can either wait until the price goes down or just stick witih the classics.
#2 by Drug Rehab - September 19th, 2006 at 16:47
The Wii vs. the PlayStation 3 AND the Xbox 360 check this out.
#3 by Karine - September 22nd, 2006 at 08:42
I don’t think the Wii is meant to compete against the xbox 360. The PS3, maybe - if only because they have more “family” games (Buzzer, Singstar, that sort of stuff).
I think the Wii is aimed at a different market than hardcore gamers. While the xbox 360 will be aimed at 15 years old and older that will play alone or online, I see the Wii as the console for younger demographics. I don’t see 4-12 year olds playing the xbox 360 - but I could be wrong.
Also, I think the Wii will apeal to casual gamers. It’s cheaper, and it looks like a whole lot of fun. Also, call me old fashioned, but I’d be happy myself with a console that lets me play in my living room with other people that are physically there, as opposed to strangers online. Multiplayer games are painfully rare on the xbox 360, or is that just an impression?
Anyway - given their success with the DS, I think it would be a mistake to sell Nintendo short already. I think the fact that they’re not going directly against the xbox 360 and the PS3 is a huge point in their favor. I’m willing to bet they’ll succeed with a big part of the gaming crowd that the other two seem to have forgotten exists.
#4 by Jeremy Wright - September 22nd, 2006 at 08:49
Karine: The issue is that it isn’t cheaper. That’s a myth. And, the games that are coming out in the first 6 months, only a handful are for “younger” gamers or non-hardcore ones - while the 360 currently has about a dozen (and about 20 more in the Arcade).
I agree that the Wii is generally positioned to be a more “fun” box. But they’ve made a fair number of mistakes in the last month or so. Some small (no DVD playback), others larger (60$ controller, with only 1 included at launch).
I’m happy to wait and see. However the console isn’t the console it was meant to be. It’s not cheap, it’s not group-centric (only 2-3 of the games at launch will have this type of functionality) and the new controller is really only being used by a couple of games in the launch window.
That doesn’t mean Nintendo can’t pick it up. They managed to do that with the DS after all. But once isn’t a guarantee of success, considering the number of failures out of The Big N in the last decade.
#5 by Jessica simpson - September 22nd, 2006 at 17:44
aah. I don’t like WII, XBOX rox. others are toys.
#6 by Cara - September 23rd, 2006 at 23:45
I agree with Karine’s comment that the Wii is for the younger generations and even the older generations, however the Wii will not be able to compete with the PS3 once they hit the market.
PS3 offers more games that appeals to this generation of teens, young adults, and general adults who enjoy the variety of games offered. In addition, having the ability to play agains the computer is an option that gamers like. It allows gamers to test their skills and abilities on their favorite games.
I think the Wii is a great addition to this niche market of gaming, but after all these years, I don’t believe that Nintendo has what it takes to make that huge of an impace in this market to surpass the PS3 all together.
#7 by Mag - September 24th, 2006 at 07:41
Maybe the system would be more acceptable than the name!
#8 by Karine - September 25th, 2006 at 12:44
Hey Jeremy - thanks for replying. I’m not sure I expressed myself very well. I can’t really judge the Wii package - I’ve not followed the news that closely. My point was that they market it differently, and to a different market, and that for me is why they might succeed.
I’ve no doubt that the 360 is a fabulous console - after all, you’ve said so yourself ;-). Their marketing just leaves someone like me (the epitome of not much of a gamer… in the competition sense at least) completely uninterested. I’ve not heard of one xbox 360 game I’d like to play (well maybe top spin 2). Why is that? and that’s when their ads have not totally put me off (things you can tell your wife the xbox 360 does? hello, wives play too.) The Arcade? I fail to grasp the concept of downloading games on a console, when I could be downloading them on my personal computer (and that would make my life easier too). Again, not saying it isn’t fantastic - just saying they’ve completely failed in getting me interested. And we could go on a long tangent about how when you’re going to spend $350+ on a console you should be informed about what you buy etc, the truth is, there’s only so many hours in the day, and I could be reading Pride and Prejudice instead. (sorry, could not resist the stereotype.)
As for launch games… as a rule, don’t they usually suck?
2-3 games that offer group-centric functionality is pretty good actually. If they’re fun, why would that be a problem? I don’t think casual gamers are interested in a billion games. I know I’m not. I know I own a fair number of (now old) xbox games and have barely played any of them, because most of them were single-player.
Totally agree that a success is not guaranteed though. While I think their marketing is smart, that does not mean it won’t fail.
#9 by Jeremy Wright - September 25th, 2006 at 12:55
Karine,
Oooh, great point on marketing. You’re totally right. Nintendo is being supremely “on message” with the Wii launch, while Microsoft is just being … odd…
In terms of the Arcade, my wife and son play it constantly. Marble Blast Ultra in particular. While some of the games are available on your computer, the console “arcade” experience is actually pretty sweet.
That said, I tend to be a bit of an evangelist for the 360. I really believe it’s the best console *yet*. I can’t say ever, since I haven’t played the Wii yet, but yeah.
I guess my point about launch games was that if you walk into the store and look at all 3 consoles side by side, the 360′ll have 100 ish games. The PS3′ll have a dozen. The Wii’ll have about 20. More than 10 of the 360 games’ll be “group centric” (not counting XBLA). More than 40′ll be online. And a half dozen will be specfiically family oriented. That’s more than the other two combined.
Now, taht said, your point on marketing is very, very well taken. I’m really looking forward to a year from now when we can actually judge which console is best overall.
And thanks for commenting
#10 by Karine - September 26th, 2006 at 07:26
Thank you, it’s a pleasure to converse with you, Jeremy
You’re right of course, the going in the store and seeing what’s available will ultimately play a key role in to what people will buy. That and whatever sales pitch. I wouldn’t be surprised to see people come in to buy a Wii and leave with another console, actually. The fact that the 360 will have come out a year before will be a huge advantage - more games, and an almost guaranteed availability. Not sure about the same for either the Wii and the PS3.
As for the Arcade, I’ve no doubt it’s fantastic. Maybe I’ll get a 360 and try it - and its group-centric games - when I get tired of playing WoW
#11 by Kidneytreat - September 27th, 2006 at 13:27
Nice and interesting games on this new Wii Nintendo and I think that is a little bit to expensive ,but who is a great fan of Nintendo will purchase it immediately. I am waiting for the launch of Wii to see if he can face it out my favorite PS3.
#12 by Kidneytreat - September 27th, 2006 at 13:35
Nice and interesting games on this new Wii Nintendo and I think that is a little bit to expensive ,but who is a great fan of Nintendo will purchase it immediately. I am waiting for the launch of Wii to see if it can face it out my favorite PS3.
#13 by Flower Delivery - September 28th, 2006 at 06:35
The good news is that Need for Speed is there. I like it a lot, although a little disappointed by the PC NFS because I could not see from the cockpit.
#14 by Kidneytreat - September 28th, 2006 at 12:52
I don’t think so that all of us are stupid even I think the Wii will appeal to casual gamers. It’s cheaper, and it looks like a whole lot of fun. Also, call me old fashioned, but I’d be happy myself with a console that lets me play in my living room with other people that are physically there, as opposed to strangers online.
#15 by ContactLenses - October 6th, 2006 at 13:36
I’m gonna buy all three systems at some point despite their cost. I think the general video gaming public has a lot of pent up desire to play games on next gen systems. These last couple of years were just spent waiting for these type of new systems to come out. I think I’ll be done with my Xbox 360 however, once I finish playing Halo 3.