To me the Wii was one of the greatest systems ever made. IN THEORY. Nintendo has committed what I am dubbing, "the game cube effect". The Wii is a great idea, however it lacks good graphics and the most game play mechanics are clunky. The use of the Wiimote is often clunky, and it's better to randomly swing the Wiimote in different directions like a moron instead of properly thinking of the way the a game should be played. Another aspect about the Wii that relates to the game cube, is that a majority of the games are... childish. If Nintendo is going to match with the 360 (I'm excluding the PS3 because it's not doing so well that I know of), then Nintendo really needs to make Wii systems with a better graphics engines and they need to fix the controler mechanics that Nintendo promised us. I have a Wii and proud of it, but that doesn't mean it's perfect by any means

What do you think?

You have not said anything new or different from what has been said since the Wii first came out; the entire first post is an echo. I'm certain that there are dozens of other topics near identical to this one.

Currently the Wii is outselling the 360 by well over twice as many consoles. So the Nintendo is doing pretty well for itself and really has no need to 'match' anyone.

It can never take the place of my little purple lunchbox. (Gamecube)

I don't know. I loved my Gamecube. Maybe it didn't have the sheer processing power of the other systems, but there were lots of good games for it. Besides, there were some nice looking games on the cube. The Metroid Prime games and Resident Evil 4 stand up next to pretty much anything on the others as far as I'm concerned. I also had a PS2 and enjoyed lots of games for it, but I'll always have a special place for Nintendo.

gremily:
The use of the Wiimote is often clunky, and it's better to randomly swing the Wiimote in different directions like a moron instead of properly thinking of the way the a game should be played.

I don't think that a point like that should be counted right now until the Motion Plus peripheral comes out. They're fixing those problems.

But anyways, you compare the wii to the gamecube, but the "failure" of the gamecube was that developers didn't like it/the disc format/costs, but it did have (at least) the potential to have better graphics than the PS2. More developers are behind the Wii than the gamecube, but instead of making quality games to boost the system, they're releasing mini game collections and low quality games. That is the problem of the Wii, not the graphics themselves, the developers efforts.

gremily:
however it lacks good graphics and the most game play mechanics are clunky.

Go check out a game called 'The Conduit' (or Legend of Zelda or Mario Galaxy...) - shows that it's merely the developers, not the system, which is the problem.

sma_warrior:

gremily:
however it lacks good graphics and the most game play mechanics are clunky.

Go check out a game called 'The Conduit' (or Legend of Zelda or Mario Galaxy...) - shows that it's merely the developers, not the system, which is the problem.

Agreed, the developers really need to create games in a new way for them to work on the Wii, not just shoehorn old gaming philosphies onto the motion controller.

First off: Wii motion Plus. Fixing the clunky gameplay mechanics.
Second: Yes it's still outselling the 360 like Quaidis said.
Third: The PS3 can do however well it wants, the PS2 more than made up for every PS3 that didn't sell.

It's more likely the GameCube will become the Wii.

All of a sudden all these games that were out on the GameCube for years, people are like 'OMG I have to play this'.

Wow that Conduit game looks bloody impressive for the Wii, especially the real-time reflections.

I don't think the Wii will suffer the same fate of the Gamecube, merely its playerbase is indication enough of that. The perception that the Wii is just for kids and such is slowly slipping away although the plethora of cheap minigame games is not helping. Personally I cannot wait for Madworld.

Cheeze_Pavilion:
It's more likely the GameCube will become the Wii.

All of a sudden all these games that were out on the GameCube for years, people are like 'OMG I have to play this'.

I must say one of the first thoughts I had when I got a Wii was that I would finally be able to play all those Gamecube games I never had a chance with before. Finally I can play things like Wind Waker.

1. The Wii is not going to be the little bastard child of gamers any time soon. As long as it is still selling out in stores and people are willing to pay 600 dollars for the system on ebay, it is still the winner of this "console war" you keep bragging about. It is not a case "well, it does not count because of this, that and the other thing." The 360 is in second place and will be probably be until the next quarterly report gets published soon. the 360 will probably will do better after the holiday season report is out, but it still has to deal with that fact that the Wii still has sold 10 million more units than it has.

2. Do not count the PS3 out yet. World wide, it has sold over 14 million units, only 5 million units shy of the x-box 360. While it may be the loser in total sales at this point, it will only go up. Every time the price goes down by 100 dollars, sales increase by 50 percent. My friends and I were waiting for the price to go down to 300 dollars before we attempted to get a ps3. As soon as I get that one, I'll consider getting a 360.

I agree with malestrithe, the ps2 won the previous consule war what's going to stop the ps3? Anyway back to the wii, the only reason people are buying it is because it's new and no offence they're not gamers. I've yet to see a reason to get a wii, it's for children to break. It's only a glorified stick. Think about it, what games are on the wii? Say mario, zelda, and resident evil 4 I dare ya.

I think that its insinuated it amoung nongamers enough that it won't go the way of the gamecube. And with more games aimed at regular gamers, I think nintendo will keep developing the concept. its here to stay my friends, its here to stay.

First of all, I'm someone who was born in the '90s and, thanks to FireNES, am enjoying Battletoads. My point is, why do people whine about the graphics? Am I in the dark here? The Wii is the top selling console so far and it has "Last-gen" graphics. I don't understand why we're calling them "Next-gen" consoles, if it was "Next-gen" it would be the console to start off the 8th console generation.

Second of all, I'd rather stomp on Goombas as Mario, inhale enemies to steal their powers to use against others as Kirby, and run at high speeds as Sonic than gun down aliens in the 700th game where you can do that as Master Chief.

Quaidis:
You have not said anything new or different from what has been said since the Wii first came out; the entire first post is an echo. I'm certain that there are dozens of other topics near identical to this one.

Currently the Wii is outselling the 360 by well over twice as many consoles. So the Nintendo is doing pretty well for itself and really has no need to 'match' anyone.

It's doing well because a huge part of its audience are people who weren't gamers (and arguably still aren't) until it came into existence. As a utility for general fun and amusement the Wii is a neat little platform but as a "gaming" console it is, thus far, mostly a novelty.

malestrithe:

2. Do not count the PS3 out yet. World wide, it has sold over 14 million units, only 5 million units shy of the x-box 360. While it may be the loser in total sales at this point, it will only go up. Every time the price goes down by 100 dollars, sales increase by 50 percent. My friends and I were waiting for the price to go down to 300 dollars before we attempted to get a ps3. As soon as I get that one, I'll consider getting a 360.

I sorta disagree that price is the only reason its sales can increase - the release of a good exclusive is just as likely. Guessing around 1,000,000 consoles sold per major exclusive (A fair guess, I'm sure you'd agree), I guess the Ps3 will overtake the 360 in....mid 2009. Or maybe about this time 2009, depending on the order they're released in.

The Wii cannot become the Gamecube at this point because the cube was a contender that ultimately just failed for god knows what reason exactly. It was inexpensive it stood up to the PS2 and Xbox fine. Just one of those things that happens.

As it satands the Wii carved a new market for itself, as challenging as the Wiimote may be for new users and while there are improvements to be made, it is a very progressive move in gaming and compared to the sixaxis it is very effective.

It is an easy system to develop for and provides enough new game-play options with a wide enough market to ensure a continual flux of games.

Who will win the console wars for this gen? I'm not sure we can predict it at this point and I am not sure we can even put the Wii in this battle because it so outside the box, maybe it will be a co-winner? I am putting my money on the Xbox 360. Final Fantasy XIII is evidence of that as are the comparable library sizes and overall quality points. The PS3 is not "out" but based on the fact that we are already at the generation's halfway point I don't see the PS3 being this generation's PS2, short of a major major change in the market, and I don't see the market changing until the tech changes.

mark_n_b:

Who will win the console wars for this gen? I'm not sure we can predict it at this point and I am not sure we can even put the Wii in this battle because it so outside the box, maybe it will be a co-winner? I am putting my money on the Xbox 360. Final Fantasy XIII is evidence of that as are the comparable library sizes and overall quality points. The PS3 is not "out" but based on the fact that we are already at the generation's halfway point I don't see the PS3 being this generation's PS2, short of a major major change in the market, and I don't see the market changing until the tech changes.

Doesn't the 360 losing Bioshock mean this thing works both ways?

I initially thought Nintendo had gone off the deep end, as Sega did to themselves during the war with Nintendo and Sony. It looks like that the Wii is really successful with people who aren't so much "hardcore" gamers. Not to say hardcore gamers don't have or want one (I wouldn't mind having one), but I think Nintendo has found the niche for the Wii by selling it to people who previously weren't so into games - at an affordable price too! The PS3 may be the most powerful console released as of yet - but will it ever match the sales of the Wii?

Though the announcement of that friggin' orchestra game and listening to Miyamoto had to be a stake through the heart of many gamers.

Speaking of Gamecubes, I need to find one and play all of those games I missed.

Fujinsan:
I agree with malestrithe, the ps2 won the previous consule war what's going to stop the ps3? Anyway back to the wii, the only reason people are buying it is because it's new and no offence they're not gamers. I've yet to see a reason to get a wii, it's for children to break. It's only a glorified stick. Think about it, what games are on the wii? Say mario, zelda, and resident evil 4 I dare ya.

No More Heros. Blam.
Metroid Prime 3. Double blam.
Super Smash Brothers Brawl. Mi-ba-bla-ba-splosion.
Strong Bad's Cool Game 4 Attractive People. ZAPPLE DAPPLE DOOM!

Indigo_Dingo:

mark_n_b:

Who will win the console wars for this gen? I'm not sure we can predict it at this point and I am not sure we can even put the Wii in this battle because it so outside the box, maybe it will be a co-winner? I am putting my money on the Xbox 360. Final Fantasy XIII is evidence of that as are the comparable library sizes and overall quality points. The PS3 is not "out" but based on the fact that we are already at the generation's halfway point I don't see the PS3 being this generation's PS2, short of a major major change in the market, and I don't see the market changing until the tech changes.

Doesn't the 360 losing Bioshock mean this thing works both ways?

What? They're updating the 360 dash so Bioshock simply doesn't work anymore? Scary.

Decoy Doctorpus:

Indigo_Dingo:

mark_n_b:

Who will win the console wars for this gen? I'm not sure we can predict it at this point and I am not sure we can even put the Wii in this battle because it so outside the box, maybe it will be a co-winner? I am putting my money on the Xbox 360. Final Fantasy XIII is evidence of that as are the comparable library sizes and overall quality points. The PS3 is not "out" but based on the fact that we are already at the generation's halfway point I don't see the PS3 being this generation's PS2, short of a major major change in the market, and I don't see the market changing until the tech changes.

Doesn't the 360 losing Bioshock mean this thing works both ways?

What? They're updating the 360 dash so Bioshock simply doesn't work anymore? Scary.

I thought people could tell I meant losing exclusivity of Bioshock. Guess you're not quite as smart as I thought.

Actually the Decoy Doctorpus is a very clever fellow. You see, that was a trap, and you just sprung it. Time to roll against your Reflex defense..... OOF! 24, that's rough. You just took -10 to your agility.

Indigo_Dingo:
Doesn't the 360 losing Bioshock mean this thing works both ways?

Nope, call me when Sony releases its copy of Halo.

Bioshock was never a system exclusive title, it was released for PC and 360 at the same time and neither Microsoft nor 2K touted it as a system specific franchise. Final Fantasy was by both Square and Sony until the E3 announcement.

I know you are a big PS3 guy Dingo so don't think I am saying the PS3 is failing or going to go out of business or anything, I'm just saying that when we look back at these systems ten years from now we won't be able to compare the PS3 to the PS2.

King Hippo:
The wii was a peice of shit, i don;t understand why people bought it in the first place.

Nintendo are doing what they always do, give you a gimick and then laugh as idiots go mad over it.

Take away the wiis controler, whats left? poor graphics, bad gameplay, and childish games.

If anyoe knows why it sels so well tell me.

And dont give me this crap about the controller.

The controller for it is a waste of fuckking time, it makes playing HARDER, so its just a gimmick.

Because some people choose fun over better graphics. Seriously, I traded my Halo 3 in for Metroid Prime 3. Guess what, Metroid was more fun.

The problem with the GameCube is that it didn't have anything particular to make it stand out from the pack. Plus, much like the Dreamcast, it was poorly marketed. The Wii has cut a niche for itself with its user friendly games and I think that will be enough to buoy it for a while to come, although I think system sales will slow right down.

I've noticed something recently that I haven't seen in quite some time, ads on the TV for the Xbox360. With the recent price cut and awesome line up of games I think it is going to move in a big way around Christmas and open up a decent sized gap on the PS3.

That said, that cat and mouse game between the 360 and PS3 will continue and the PS3 will slowly but surely claw back toward pulling even with the 360 during the course of 2009 with a steady stream of solid titles.

What will happen after that, who knows.

I'm confused. What's the "Gamecube effect"? I love my Gamecube.

*edit*

Think back to the time when you did not know how to play video games. Yes, that time actually did exist at one point. What were the first games you played, back before you knew how to move in a 3D environment or understood a JRPG stat? The truth is, in the early days of video games most games were fairly basic or easy to comprehend. Me, you, all of us, learned to play video games on much simpler stuff. An SNES game was easier to figure out than the mountain of preconceptions that the Xbox360 and PS3 require you to know before playing a game.

Think hard now...in order to play video games you have to start somewhere. What Nintendo realized was that all these hardcore consoles were excluding beginners. So they made a controller (yes, it's the controller) that was as stupidly simple as the original Atari controller that got so many people hooked, but with a simple hook-up could be made more complex for other games.

http://malstrom.50webs.com/birdman.html

Someone else on the Escapist posted that essay, but it pretty much sums up what I just said. The Wii won because it remembered to make games for beginners, which includes the billions of people who've never played games in their life, the little kids just getting started, and everything in between.

Stop expecting everyone to know how to read Shakespeare without having something easier to learn how to work with before they tackle the hard stuff.

Without barely reading the post, I would have to say the Wii will be the Cube among the core gamers. I think all the really hardcore gamers who have all 3 systems, will soon treat their Wii as the new gamecube. Sure it's fun at first, but you'll get tired of it, slap it and tell it that its worthless and then lock in the basement too ashamed to let it see the light of day. Just my opinion. Either way, if you have a Wii and you honestly enjoy it, then theres nothing wrong with that....more power to you!

DeadlyFred:

Quaidis:
You have not said anything new or different from what has been said since the Wii first came out; the entire first post is an echo. I'm certain that there are dozens of other topics near identical to this one.

Currently the Wii is outselling the 360 by well over twice as many consoles. So the Nintendo is doing pretty well for itself and really has no need to 'match' anyone.

It's doing well because a huge part of its audience are people who weren't gamers (and arguably still aren't) until it came into existence. As a utility for general fun and amusement the Wii is a neat little platform but as a "gaming" console it is, thus far, mostly a novelty.

The same could be said for the snes: many people were not gamers until that system, as well as the sega genesis and, dare I say, the first Nintendo system came out. Many people on this very forum were not gamers once, and thereafter became gamers upon buying the 'hip' game (or in your case, 'novelty') machine of the generation. The graphics did not matter all that much back then in the decision, either. There were games with terrible graphics and there was still tetris, with those blocks, and the stacking of them. Hours of entertainment!

As it stands, those mothers buying their children the n'th percentage of Wiis on the market right now are unconsciously growing a new army of button-pushing, eye-straining, pixel-induced psychopaths. They will be growing, feeding off of the Wii console for years, evolving into a new version of Us. And after a small portion of this new gaming generation have children of their own, they will talk about the old platform called the Nintendo Wii and how they played Zelda before virtual reality and space gaming existed.

I have a Wii. I enjoy it. There are plenty of titles that don't solely consist of mini-games and many that are absolutely fine.