Wii officially $250 on Nov. 19

[matthewk]

I've seen the term "gimmick" being tossed out here a few times. What makes the controller any more/less gimmicky than improved graphics? Aren't "improved graphics" just as much of a marketing ploy as a new controller? You don't need better graphics to play the games.

I guess I'm a little confused as to why some think of this as nothing more than a gimmick. What would you need to see to prove that this is something useful?

[Naples39]

I don't think anyone will question the importance of the contrl scheme to the Wii, but only time will tell if it's a gimmick or a true breakthrough. It may flop, or 5 years from now Sony and MS will release a copycat and we'll wonder how we were ever satisfied playing games before it. I certainly don't expect to convince everyone on this board about the system before any of us have played it, but I remain extremely excited to try what could be the biggest mainstream video game breakthrough in 20 years.

To me buying the PS3 is like buying a super-expensive graphics card. You're all excited to get it, and then you pop it in and you realize you're still playing the same game and only the detail level has changed. No thanks.

[DivotMaker]

Come on now. Every company is in it for the dollars or the Yen or whatever currency you care to use. Putting $ signs in the company's name is just silly.

Maybe it is silly. Big deal. I like doing it from time to time to show my displeasure in HOW they market their products and how they mislead consumers.

[maddoc1979]

Ultimately it's all about FUN. I don't care if the graphics have an extra coat of polish if the games aren't fun, or if they're too complicated to play. I totally understand Nintendo's idea here. I guarantee that my wife will actually pick up one of these controllers and try playing Wii Sports or that Orchestra game if it ever comes out. For the non-hardcore gamers who haven't been playing games for years and years, pick up and play is important. She's tried Guitar Hero and the occasional Dance Dance game, but she'll never try GTA or frankly, any sports game other than Table Tennis. There are just too many buttons. If Nintendo's games are FUN, I'm in. And $250 isn't too much when the alternative is $600, and really just more of the same.

Doc

[reeche]

I still think they have a great shot....A better one in my book than a $600 system

[Brando70]

Ultimately it's all about FUN. I don't care if the graphics have an extra coat of polish if the games aren't fun, or if they're too complicated to play. I totally understand Nintendo's idea here. I guarantee that my wife will actually pick up one of these controllers and try playing Wii Sports or that Orchestra game if it ever comes out. For the non-hardcore gamers who haven't been playing games for years and years, pick up and play is important. She's tried Guitar Hero and the occasional Dance Dance game, but she'll never try GTA or frankly, any sports game other than Table Tennis. There are just too many buttons. If Nintendo's games are FUN, I'm in. And $250 isn't too much when the alternative is $600, and really just more of the same.

Doc

But you could say the same thing about the GameCube, and it still went down the pooper for the most part. I'm not debating whether or not the system will be any good. I'm just offering an opinion on whether I think the system will succeed.

I really liked my GameCube. Great little machine, with arguably the strongest group of exclusives. While it was behind the XBox in terms of storage and audio, graphically, it held its own and looked much better than the PS2. And despite all those benefits, it got killed -- completely dominated by the PS2, and eventually outpaced by the XBox once that system's library improved.

I don't see how the Wii can fare better. It's cheaper than the competition but not cheap. It's relatively weak compared to the competition. There are some neat ideas but I think Kaz has some good points -- I don't necessarily want to play every game like it's Dance Dance Revolution. Sometimes a joystick is just a joystick.

Just my opinions. I would like to see the Wii succeed and the PS3 tank because Sony has been so arrogant about the PS3.

[reeche]

Ultimately it's all about FUN. I don't care if the graphics have an extra coat of polish if the games aren't fun, or if they're too complicated to play. I totally understand Nintendo's idea here. I guarantee that my wife will actually pick up one of these controllers and try playing Wii Sports or that Orchestra game if it ever comes out. For the non-hardcore gamers who haven't been playing games for years and years, pick up and play is important. She's tried Guitar Hero and the occasional Dance Dance game, but she'll never try GTA or frankly, any sports game other than Table Tennis. There are just too many buttons. If Nintendo's games are FUN, I'm in. And $250 isn't too much when the alternative is $600, and really just more of the same.

Doc

But you could say the same thing about the GameCube, and it still went down the pooper for the most part. I'm not debating whether or not the system will be any good. I'm just offering an opinion on whether I think the system will succeed.

I really liked my GameCube. Great little machine, with arguably the strongest group of exclusives. While it was behind the XBox in terms of storage and audio, graphically, it held its own and looked much better than the PS2. And despite all those benefits, it got killed -- completely dominated by the PS2, and eventually outpaced by the XBox once that system's library improved.

I don't see how the Wii can fare better. It's cheaper than the competition but not cheap. It's relatively weak compared to the competition. There are some neat ideas but I think Kaz has some good points -- I don't necessarily want to play every game like it's Dance Dance Revolution. Sometimes a joystick is just a joystick.

Just my opinions. I would like to see the Wii succeed and the PS3 tank because Sony has been so arrogant about the PS3.

Hmmm...I hear you but I think the market situation, price, availability, and momentum are completely different this time around. Comparing it to last gen just isn't accurate in my book.

[LAking]

Even thoguh i'm disappointed about the price tag i hardly think the Wii is a gimick or that it's now destined to fail. I just think Nintendo made it a little harder on themselves than they had to.

To compare the Wii's GPU power to the 360 and ps3 is missing the point. Nintendo's goal is to expand the entire video game market. They want to introduce gaming to a new demographic. Shiny new graphics aren't gonna win those people over. Easy to pick up and play controls will. I've mentioned this before in previous Wii threads but i'll say it again. My girlfriend is very interested in the Wii. Believe me when i say she couldn't care less about the 360 hooked up to our HDTV. If the Wii can get my non gamer friends to join me in a game of mario kart or whatever then it's an awesome system in my book.

It's hard to say how the NA market is gonna react to the Wii but i can easily see the Japanese eating this thing up. They tend to love interactive games like DDR, so why not the Wiimote?

[LAking]

Hmmm...I hear you but I think the market situation, price, availability, and momentum are completely different this time around. Comparing it to last gen just isn't accurate in my book.

Agreed. Plus, there was nothing about the Gamecube that made it stand out against the other systems at the time. It didn't offer gameplay that was any different than the ps2 and xbox but it lacked dvd playback and wasn't as powerful as the xbox.

[matthewk]

-- I don't necessarily want to play every game like it's Dance Dance Revolution. Sometimes a joystick is just a joystick.

I think you CAN play every game with a regular controller. Didn't they state this a while back? There is a "normal" controller that can be used in place of the stick, and I thought it worked for any game.

[fanatic]

I hope this doesn't sound like a shallow comment, because I'm always about the gameplay first and foremost...

However, for those that have spent thousands perhaps on an HDTV, it's going to be pretty rough to see what 360 and PS3 games will be capable in the next couple of years if you only have the Wii to play.

Also, with the Wii...the idea of rearranging my coffee table and standing in front of a TV that's pretty low to the ground seems a bit too much for me. I would literally be looking down at the game. I'm all for being immersed, but I really don't know how comfortable I'm going to be trying to play tennis on my recliner.

[Feanor]

Come on now. Every company is in it for the dollars or the Yen or whatever currency you care to use. Putting $ signs in the company's name is just silly.

Maybe it is silly. Big deal. I like doing it from time to time to show my displeasure in HOW they market their products and how they mislead consumers.

Cool, I'll just skip your posts when I see you're using them because I see enough of that childish crap at places like GameFAQs.

[LAking]

I hope this doesn't sound like a shallow comment, because I'm always about the gameplay first and foremost...

However, for those that have spent thousands perhaps on an HDTV, it's going to be pretty rough to see what 360 and PS3 games will be capable in the next couple of years if you only have the Wii to play.

Also, with the Wii...the idea of rearranging my coffee table and standing in front of a TV that's pretty low to the ground seems a bit too much for me. I would literally be looking down at the game. I'm all for being immersed, but I really don't know how comfortable I'm going to be trying to play tennis on my recliner.

For the last time, the Wiimote does not require you to stand or wave your arms around wildly. All the hands on impressions from E3 stated that it only requires a simple flick of the wrist. You can exagerate the movements if you would like but it's not required at all.

[DivotMaker]

Cool, I'll just skip your posts when I see you're using them because I see enough of that childish crap at places like GameFAQs.

Nothing like getting your panties in a wad over a non-issue. Please ignore my posts from now on if a simple $ can set you off like this.....

[dbdynsty25]

For the last time, the Wiimote does not require you to stand or wave your arms around wildly. All the hands on impressions from E3 stated that it only requires a simple flick of the wrist. You can exagerate the movements if you would like but it's not required at all.

Guess you didn't watch the "demonstration" of Madden Wii. The developer was clearly not just "flicking" his wrist.

[fanatic]

I hope this doesn't sound like a shallow comment, because I'm always about the gameplay first and foremost...

However, for those that have spent thousands perhaps on an HDTV, it's going to be pretty rough to see what 360 and PS3 games will be capable in the next couple of years if you only have the Wii to play.

Also, with the Wii...the idea of rearranging my coffee table and standing in front of a TV that's pretty low to the ground seems a bit too much for me. I would literally be looking down at the game. I'm all for being immersed, but I really don't know how comfortable I'm going to be trying to play tennis on my recliner.

For the last time, the Wiimote does not require you to stand or wave your arms around wildly. All the hands on impressions from E3 stated that it only requires a simple flick of the wrist. You can exagerate the movements if you would like but it's not required at all.

I understand that it's not required, but I would imagine that the greatest enjoyment from using the Wiimote is that you can mimick real actions. I'm not sure if a "flick of the wrist" will really be a huge revolution in the way I play my games. You know what I mean?

[Naples39]

I understand that it's not required, but I would imagine that the greatest enjoyment from using the Wiimote is that you can mimick real actions. I'm not sure if a "flick of the wrist" will really be a huge revolution in the way I play my games. You know what I mean?

So if I understand this correctly, the only to advance gaming is to be so obtrusive that people like yourself won't even be interested in it? Sounds like you've created a rather unfair catch-22.

[GameSeven]

I have been of the mind that I would get the Wii to complement the 360, but may well wait for things to shake out with the Wii in the early going. With respect to the controller, while I won't say it's a gimmick, I will say there is a fine line between a novel controller or a novelty. I have a relative who put in some time with it and considers it not so easy to use as impressions would lead you to believe but I'm willing to take his comments with a grain of salt until I can try for myself.

I will say that the controller decision is an odd one. Consider that it comes with one remote and one nunchaku. Additional remotes and nunchakus are sold separately ($40 and $20) respectively. As well, the retro controller goes for $20, IIRC. It just seems like there is the potential to fragment the market with respect to peripherals.

-G7

[fanatic]

I understand that it's not required, but I would imagine that the greatest enjoyment from using the Wiimote is that you can mimick real actions. I'm not sure if a "flick of the wrist" will really be a huge revolution in the way I play my games. You know what I mean?

So if I understand this correctly, the only to advance gaming is to be so obtrusive that people like yourself won't even be interested in it? Sounds like you've created a rather unfair catch-22.

I would hardly say that a new remote concept is the only way to advance games.

What I'm implying is that the Wii concept is inherently flawed because in order to really take advantage of a motion sensitive controller, you're going to need the perfect space for it, a tv at the right height and certain sightlines that a lot of people might not have.

Trust me, I really like where they are going theoretically.

[wco81]

Lastly, it's not like all the sports games will be a disaster either. I am actually planning on buying Wii Madden, which will be my first Madden since 2003. Golf games should also be very fun as well. Third, just the idea of EA transferring the new NHL 07 stick controls to the Wiimote gives me goosebumps. EA has also said they are putting more money into development for Wii than any Nintendo console since SNES.

To each his own... I still say that after a couple hours in of flailing your limbs about in dramatic fashion, you will catch a glimpse in a mirror and realize there was nothing wrong with pressing "x" to snap the ball. They are going to have to deliver on some non-gimmick stuff to have a chance.

Yeah I'm skeptical about the Wii controller having any value beyond the novelty period, especially for games which have been designed and refined for decades on the traditional controllers.

Especially sports games where it seems gestures will replace button presses to trigger animations. Now if they translated your exact motion to onscreen, that would be a bit more interesting. It could be amusing for party games but might become tiresome for solitaire gaming.

[ddtrane]

Yeah, I'll wait for the first price drop. I certainly have enough quality games to keep me busy for a long time. It would have been a tough decision at $200.

Well said. My sentiments exactly!!!!

[ScoopBrady]

Guys, take any personal riffs to PM's please.

I think I'm holding off on the Wii until next year if I even get one at all. Partly because I don't have one preordered and I don't want to scramble to get one and partly because I've been initially happy with the past 2 Nintendo systems only to dump them when there were no new games coming out and a 2 year wait until the next Zelda, Mario, or whatever.

One thing that has me skeptical as well is the Wiimote. It sounds like a great idea and there will definitely be games that use it well and take gaming to a new level. With those game though will be a slew of games that either tack on Wiimote functions for their game when they're not needed or shallow games that use the Wiimote in a great way but provide only 30 minutes of fun. This is what primarily drove me away from the DS. There are some truly special games on the DS but there's way more crap that you have to wade through to get to them.

I wish Nintendo all the luck in the world with this console but I don't know if I'm willing to shell out $250 for it yet.

[davet010]

european price has just been announced at 249 euros, or £175. So we get to pay a premium of $100.

At £125, which is the sterling equivalent of your price, I'd have bought one. At £175, Nintendo can do one.

Be interesting to see how they get on at that price - by Xmas you'll be able to get a 360 sans hard drive for that.

[Leebo33]

Yeah, I'll wait for the first price drop. I certainly have enough quality games to keep me busy for a long time. It would have been a tough decision at $200.

Well said. My sentiments exactly!!!!

I've been known to change my mind though

However, I really don't think it's going to happen this time because I'm either anticipating a rather quick price drop or the PS3 surprise me and I'll need the money for that by the time I can get one next summer

[wco81]

Well Nintendo used to compete on better graphics and sound through the N64 but lost market share at each step.

Now looks like they want to compete on control mechanics, going by the success of their portables, especially the DS.

Of course it can be argued that Nintendo blundered by fighting the tide of technology, when they stuck with cartridges (because it was financially advantageous to them, even if it screwed over third-party publishers) instead of going to optical discs for cheaper, greater storage.

Now, they could be fighting the tide of growing HDTV sales by staying at standard definition. If the Wii controller doesn't survive the initial curiosity factor, it could be more of the same.

They probably saw an opportunity to price it higher than they otherwise would have, since the competition is so much higher in price. They better be careful that the perception of the Wii's competition becomes PS2 and Xbox, rather than PS3 and X360.

When they do commercials, they won't be able to convey the uniqueness of the Wii controller on TV that well. So if people see clips of gameplay which looks like current gen games...