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Editorials and Features

Do Wii Like it? Part 1   Article by: MrCHUPON

Article: Do Wii Like it? Part 1 [Written 2006-05-11]

We seeked response [for the name "Wii"] at the Nintendo World Store after Nintendo of America's Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales Reginald Fils-Aime's appearance on April 28th. Of course, one wouldn't expect too much negative commentary at a store full of red-blooded Nintendo fans. But it's worth noting other peoples' rationalizations for the naming. As if Wii haven't had enough already. Possibly the biggest news on the internets before the weekend beginning April 28th, 2006 was Nintendo's renaming of the console code-named Revolution to something different, shorter, and - well weird. Blogs about the topic are multiplying like rabbits exposed to a lifetime's supply of aphrodesiac. I've got quite a bit to say about the subject as well, though that's a battle for another day (specifically, Tuesday). That subject? The Nintendo Wii. It's pronounced "we", not "why" - though one could certainly be forgiven for mispronouncing it due to such an unorthodox spelling. The explanation on Nintendo's website regarding just why you'll be asking about "Wii" instead of "Revolution" is as follows: Introducing... Wii. As in "we." While the code-name Revolution expressed our direction, Wii represents the answer. Wii will break down that wall that seperates videogame players from everybody else. Wii will put people more in touch with their games... and each other. But you're probably asking: What does the name mean? Wii sounds like "we," which emphasizes the console is for everyone. Wii can easily be remembered by people around the world, no matter what language they speak. No confusion. No need to abbreviate. Just Wii. Wii has a distinctive "ii" spelling that symbolizes both the unique controllers and the image of people playing it. And Wii, as a name and a console, brings something revolutionary to the world of videogames that sets it apart from the crowd. So that's Wii. But now Nintendo needs you. Because it's really not about you or me. It's about Wii. And together, Wii will change everything. This statement, as well as a neat little Flash video demonstrating an animated Wii logo, can be found here. With websites the world round afire with both negative and apologetic commentary, it's clear that not only has this name caused quite a nasty stir around the community but that it's managed to gain the almost undivided attention of the gaming community. So what's in a name? Will a name like "Wii" prevent Nintendo from reaching the mass-market it so clamors for? I decided to consult some folks on the matter out of sheer curiosity. Mind you, this is in no way a conclusive study to provide evidence - a sample size of 5 people, after all, doesn't say much. First, my sister Audris, who hasn't played many videogames since the 3D era came to light, has recently been hogging my Nintendo DS to play Yoshi's Touch n' Go and Brain Age. "I don't think it's strange," she said, "or even embarrassing to ask for a Nintendo Wii when you go shopping." However when revealing Nintendo's reasoning behind the name "Wii" - namely, the concept of creating a console for 'we' (i.e. everyone) - she said, "That's taking it a bit too far. I think they want people to read too much into things." Ironically, one would expect that the name would strike people as odd before hearing about the reasoning. She noted, however, that "Nintendo's likely going to put a lot of marketing effort behind it to sell people on the name so that it won't be a problem for people." We seeked response at the Nintendo World Store after Nintendo of America's Executive Vice President of Marketing and Sales Reginald Fils-Aime's appearance on April 28th. Of course, one wouldn't expect too much negative commentary at a store full of red-blooded Nintendo fans. But it's worth noting other peoples' rationalizations for the naming. Carlos, a store employee, was gracious enough to offer his answer first. "I like it. It symbolizes what Nintendo's trying to do, so in my personal opinion I like it. That's the consensus of the employees here at the store." Said patron Nick Lombardo, "I think it's different - but - you know, a lot of people are against it. But it's got people talking. Instead of just calling it Gamecube 2, or the Five or the Go which was the rumor, now everyone says, it's the Wii! And IGN is exploding about how many people - so I mean I think they're doing it right in getting how many people talking about it." Nick's friend Gerard chimed in: "I think any press is good press, even if it's bad press. As [Nick] said IGN's blowing up. Everyone's talking about how bad the name is, but everyone's still talking about it." Before I bolted out of there, I got one last quote from a young man named Louis. "Personally, I don't like the name. They should have stuck to Revolution. Wii - wee - you could make a lot of jokes about it. That's the only thing I don't like about it. But I would buy it still, because it's going to be the cheapest system out, and it's going to be Wi-Fi - I get Wi-Fi everywhere." In the coming days we'll be seeking consumer opinion from a more impartial crowd - namely, that which exists outside of the Nintendo Store. Expect to see some quotes from Gamestop, EBgames, Best Buy and Circuit City patrons - among others - in the coming days. (Trigames.NET would like to thank those who agreed to participate in the questioning.)

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