Ben MooreWhy is the inferior Wii so popular?
September 12th 2008 02:52
Category: No Category
The Wii is in every way inferior to both the PS3 and the XBOX 360. In almost every regard, technically they are considerably weaker when it comes to processing power, graphics and speed. They have a lack lustre games line up, and only cater for the child market. The only thing going for it is the price.
But the price is cheaper than the others for a reason. The PS3 and 360 are considerably more, but that is justifiable, due to the far superior processing power and games line up. The Wii’s other strong point is that it uses its motion sensor abilities to create a niche. But what the marketing neglects to mention is that the PS3 has and uses the same technology. A PS3’s SIXAXIS controller has exactly the same capabilities as a Wii, but the vast majority of ignorant consumers don’t even know this. An example of the PS3’s motion sensor capabilities is demonstrated in Motorstorm, where you can tilt the controller like a steering wheel to drive, and Playstation store titles like Super-rub-a-dub, uses the controller’s motion sensor entirely. The main fact is that Playstation doesn’t market this feature because their focus is on blockbuster games and the experience of the gamer, not a silly gimmick to rope in gullible consumers.
Then there’s the games line up. Yes they have exclusive titles like Zelda and Mario etc, but the only other games they market are their motion sensor games like Wii sports and Wii fit etc. All these games are only targeted at the casual gamer and the fact that they sell so well is an insult to the gaming community. Games like Wii sports are prehistoric when it comes to playability and graphics and quite frankly don’t deserve to be in the current market. The only other games in their line up are games that are being released on the out dated PS2, barely any of the blockbuster titles released on the PS3 and 360 will ever be released on the Wii, due to the fact that the console can’ handle them.
Really when you think about it the gimmick Nintendo have created is not even better than the PS2’s EyeToy. The EyeToy was a huge seller for PS2, but Playstation didn’t depend on it for their entire sales. But Nintendo on the other hand have devised an entire console around one idea, a very risky move if you ask me.
Another cunning ploy Nintendo has implemented to boost their reputation is only shipping out limited amounts of the console. This in turn creates a huge demand for their console, because they only ship miniscule quantities in bursts to retailers. Therefore when a consumer goes into a store to purchase one they are often knocked back by staff claiming they sold out in minutes. This tactic creates a false sense of urgency for the consumer and makes the console in demand, when in fact it hasn’t sold anywhere near it’s counterparts. Also the fact that it is doing so well now is because the vast majority of gamers already own either a PS3 or 360, sometimes both. Therefore these consoles aren’t selling as much at the moment.
The Wii’s shelf life is severely short and the majority of consumers will get tired of it within weeks. The far safer bet is to keep up with technology and get yourself a PS3 or 360, because they at least use modern technology and release games for people over the age of 10.
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Comment by Jarrah
Back to the Eighties
Something hardcore geeks forget, is that things are actually more fun when you do them with other people - you know, socially.
Anyone can pick up the Wii and play, and have a good laugh.
I don't thinks its even comparable to the gimmicky Eye Toy.
I've been a gamer most of my life in a sparing way, but I would love a Wii over an Xbox or PS. All my friends and family can play, and even my Mrs wants one.
Comment by lord_dani
Between history always proof that the console with weakest technology might not always be the one that has the weakest sales. See PS1, PS2 and this gen, the Wii has just proven it again. Nintendo has studied and understand that being a console with the strongest hardware does not equal to sales. Unfortunately, Sony with all its arrogance totally forgot this trend.
Comment by Anonymous
Just for your information, since the amount of recearch you've done for this article is close to zero: The 360 is already cheaper than the Wii, but still gets killed saleswise.
Game line-up is a matter of opinion of course, but saying that a revolution like Wii Sports "quite frankly don’t deserve to be in the current market" is absolutely ridiculous. That game single handedly expanded the game audience, something that's GOOD for the industry. Only narrowminded people like you don't see that. Without Wii (and games like Wii Sports and Wii Fit) the industry would likely be stagnant or even declining.
The most hilarious part however is where you accuse Nintendo of limiting shipments as a marketing ploy in an article that is about the unfairness of the massive sales. I think you're a little confused. Just so you know, Nintendo is shipping 2.4 million Wii's a month, an absolute record for a gameconsole. Even the mighty PS2 didn't reach those numbers. If that's not enough you can hardly blame Nintendo.
Don't even get me started about the Sixaxis or your perception that Wii only has games for people under 10. Cause that's just sad.
Comment by Anonymous
This means: the Wii is on track to become the best selling home video game console of all time.
You know what you want in a video game -- the owners of the PS3 agree with you. They are the minority. The majority (and growing in marketshare every day) are the owners of the Wii, who not only enjoy the classic Nintendo franchises but also the innovative gameplay and design offered by Nintendo's Touch Generation titles.
When you say "all these games are only targeted at the casual gamer and the fact that they sell so well is an insult to the gaming community" you are mistaken; the "gaming community" of today are embracing the products Nintendo is bringing to market. Nintendo is not the problem here--the problem is you, your obsolete view of video games, and your incessant whining.
In short: suck it up, bitch-boy.
Comment by Anonymous
I FUCKIN LOL'D
"Also the fact that it is doing so well now is because the vast majority of gamers already own either a PS3 or 360, sometimes both. "
Also, FUCKIN LOL'D
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by Grant Shepherd
eTV Reviewer
techstuff
For all of you who claim its the social aspect and playability of the Wii and every one can play etc, Have you not heard of Singstar, Buzz, Little Big Planet?
Also to the anonymous guy who disputes my claim that Nintendo limit shipments, it is true, i work in retail. Even though it has increased slightly for Xmas, in the past stores were given roughly under 10 consoles at a time and had to wait months to get anymore in. Customers had to layby them and without even having any in stock, hoping they would eventually come in. Nintendo is notorious for this and loves created un-warranted hype.
Yes i agree that te Wii is probably doing a good thing for the gaming industry, in terms of attracting more gamers. But overall it is making the gaming industry go backwards in terms of graphics, story, design etc.
Many high up game reviewers from reputable publications like Gamespot and IGN have also mentioned there worries about the future of the WII. Especially now that Nintendos creator has stated he has all ready released all the "big" games designed for the Wii - WII sports, Wii play, Wii fit and Wii music.
Everything has now been done, there are no more gimicks coming. The Wii is going to seriously crash over the next year and i feel truly sorry for the people who would have wasted their money on a obviously outdated system.
While you will all be playing your PS2 style games and inferior attempts at PS3 and XBOX titles (star wars the force unleashed for example) i will be happily playing truly remarkable games like Little Big Planet, MGS4, GTAIV, Fallout, Resistance, Saints Row etc etc etc.
Go on keep arguing with me, i dont really care, i know in the long run you will understand.
Comment by Anonymous
inaccuracies all over the place!
only cater for the child market.. this is not true: Metroid Prime 3. Manhunt 2, Madworld, Mo More Heroes 1 & 2.
The only thing going for it is the price.... again it's untrue x360 is cheaper but still sells far far less.
SIXAXIS controller has exactly the same capabilities as a Wii...more untruth where is the built-in IR pointer then? or the speaker that's used in NHM and the Guitar Hero games etc etc?
it's just lies and inaccuracies. if i were half as ill-informed, i wouldn't have the nerve to publish a blog.
Comment by LOL