Wii know, wii feel the same way

Now that wii've (sorry, wii'll stop) had a few hours to let it all sink in, Nintendo's new "Wii" moniker for their next gen console still isn't ringing true. Sure, we get that whole community-ish thing they're going for, and we're happy for our friend, the letter "i," which has had quite a few successes in the consumer electronics industry, including a slew of popular Apple products and a double role in Intel's Viiv platform, but we're just not feeling "Wii." Turns out we're not the only ones, and between the comments on our Wii post earlier, Joystiq's informal poll, and the insightful commentary of our editorial staff...

Ryan: "Eh, I thought the iPod was a pretty stupid name too. We'll just have to wait and see."
Evan: "Just let me know when I can emulate the console on my phone."
Marc: "Why?"
Paul: "What do you want? Leave me alone! Can't you see I'm talking to Zelda right now?"
Ross: "Sometimes, even hardcore gamers need to stop and take a Wii."

...it's not looking like a home run for Nintendo marketing. Of course, the DS didn't get a lot of love at first, and in that case Nintendo clearly demonstrated that it's all about what you do with it. But with proponents of the console already facing an uphill battle in evangelizing the strange control scheme, Nintendo sure isn't helping out much.

Read - Game Informer interviews N's Matt Atwood
Read - Joystiq's Wii poll
Read - Joystiq's first impressions
Read - Revolution Fanboy
Read - Go Nintendo
Read - GameSpot
Read - IGN
Read - 1UP
Read - Straight from the horse's mouth

[Sean @ Apr 27th 2006 7:39PM]

In just 3 letters, nintendo has dominated the gaming press for today.

[Mark @ Apr 27th 2006 7:51PM]

The games Wiill be what matters.

[Ian @ Apr 27th 2006 7:51PM]

@#1 O RLY? Maybe its cause there was no other gaming news today.....

[rich @ Apr 27th 2006 7:54PM]

#1 - Bingo. This isn't about hitting a home run, or having the most powerful console. Nintendo is taking a page from Apple's book and focusing on use, not ability. It doesn't matter what the name is - heck, for a solid decade, every non-gamer I knew called playing video games on a TV "playing nintendo" regardless of the console actually being played. This is all about brand awareness and common knowledge - and sometimes you have to pick a stupid name to get everyone to talk about you.

[jon @ Apr 27th 2006 7:57PM]

Nintendo - Wii don't get it.

[JT @ Apr 27th 2006 8:01PM]

I'm sorry Nintendo but I won't buy a Wii JUST BECAUSE OF THIS NAME!!!

Last week, I said I wanted a Revolution, a friend said "it's just kids games."

me: "NOPE! it's going to rule!"

Now that it's called something childish, i can't get one.

Sorry, you lost my, and any self-respecting 18+ year old's money...

[King Bigos @ Apr 27th 2006 8:01PM]

Nintendo is ruined

[faboo @ Apr 27th 2006 8:03PM]

I play, you play, Wii all play... NINTENDO!

Wii-Play

my word of the day.

[Pete M @ Apr 27th 2006 8:04PM]

I don't know about in America but in the UK wee means urine. How could they miss this??

How could they give the OK to a name that means piss!

Nintendo Piss

[bitrodya @ Apr 27th 2006 8:06PM]

Wii shall overcome.

[Erik @ Apr 27th 2006 8:10PM]

*sarcastic Wii pun here*

[jamesbrown @ Apr 27th 2006 8:11PM]

nintendo more like ninten-d'oh!

[Edward Kappus @ Apr 27th 2006 8:12PM]

Wii huh? Sounds like the name for an internation gay pride rally.

[Edward Kappus @ Apr 27th 2006 8:15PM]

Typo, meant to say internationAL gay pride rally

[Lenz @ Apr 27th 2006 8:17PM]

This is possibly a stupid observation, but flipping the logo over presents a decent looking "M!!"

Wanna bet that's gonna be in the startup screen for the next Mario game?

[Jonas Bergler @ Apr 27th 2006 8:21PM]

why should we really care though, its not like nintendos are really anything great, and all their trying to do is stay in the market by releasing new products all the time. Maybe if they spent twice as long researching and developing a product they might actually release something decent.

[Edward Kappus @ Apr 27th 2006 8:22PM]

V-Dub: What time is it?

Gamers across the country: I don't know.

V-Dub: It's time to Unpimp ze revolution.

[booboo @ Apr 27th 2006 8:22PM]

Go Nintendo.... All I want this year is a ROCKING console to make my year. I can't imagine the game industry without nintendo. Your name doesn't matter with mii.

I cant wait to sii and try out wii.. WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[Jake @ Apr 27th 2006 8:32PM]

What's funny is how very Japanese this name is. If you think "pronounce it like its Japanese," the sound comes out "Weeee!!".

If you think "pronounce it like its American English," it comes out... "Why!!"

Oh the beautiful, beautiful irony...

[Tom @ Apr 27th 2006 8:34PM]

We've set up a page to encourage people to contact Nintendo to encourage them to rename the Wii. www.wii-fi.org - spread the word, I think public pressure can get Nintendo to realize they've made a huge mistake.

[Jared Schwager @ Apr 27th 2006 8:41PM]

Well, that does it for me. I won't be buying a single next-gen console. Xbox 360 has it's share of problems, PlayStation 3 has been delayed for who knows how long and still might not make the November date, and now Nintendo gives their console the most retarded name I've ever heard. I was going to buy a Nintendo Revolution once it released, but I just can't stand the name enough to buy the thing.

I'm sorry, but I can't see myself saying "Hey guys! Wanna come over to my house and play on my Wii?".

[rex @ Apr 27th 2006 8:41PM]

I think that they meant the "Wii" as in "Weeeeeeeeeee" when you're like randomly having fun at something... So therefore their new console is going to add some Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Fun into our lives...well to those who bought it ^_^... WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! o/

[Raymond @ Apr 27th 2006 8:46PM]

to #6:

You actually won't buy a system you were excited about just because you don't like the name? YOu haven't even seen any actual in game footage. you are a tard. Don't buy a wii. I don't want to end up playing you on the wii wifi.

[Jico @ Apr 27th 2006 8:47PM]

"6. I'm sorry Nintendo but I won't buy a Wii JUST BECAUSE OF THIS NAME!!!

Last week, I said I wanted a Revolution, a friend said "it's just kids games."

me: "NOPE! it's going to rule!"

Now that it's called something childish, i can't get one.

Sorry, you lost my, and any self-respecting 18+ year old's money..."

Not that this guy would know: he's probably not out of puberty.

[Perrey Z. @ Apr 27th 2006 8:51PM]

Isn't that funny how these odd names somehow sound stupid, yet interesting at the same time... First was Hitachi's WOOO, then Intel's ViiV, not Nintendo's Wii.

I can wait to see the Japanese commercials related with this sub-name. they "Wii" be a laughting and confusion riot.

#8: Different interpretation for different regions and languages, take crazy-ass-couch-jumping Tom Cruise, he named his newborn daughter Suri which means Princess in Hebrew, Pickpocket in Japanese and i belive is a city or village in your country where the founder of the Sciencetology cult came from. So it's a matter of exploring the real meaning of the word and it's association with something releated to the behavior of the individual {Tom Cruise} or business strategy {Nintedo}.

[erik @ Apr 27th 2006 8:58PM]

@ #17 That's been the best post I've seen yet, laughed my ass off at the thought of the Wii flying through the air, after being catapulted, screaming Weeeeeeeee!

[Skeletor @ Apr 27th 2006 8:58PM]

Did someone just say "Wiiaboo?"...

'cause I think I just heard someone say "Wiiaboo."

[rubaiyat @ Apr 27th 2006 9:02PM]

@ #21

Or you could simply call it your Nintendo.

And #6...what exactly is amazingly catchy and adult about PLAYstation and Xbox360??

No really...what exactly is inherently mature about Xtreme to the max Xbox or the PLAYstation??

Whatever, its not a loss.

[poo @ Apr 27th 2006 9:05PM]

And for a more rational view:

http://wiredblogs.tripod.com/games/index.blog?entry_id=1467976

[Matt @ Apr 27th 2006 9:11PM]

@4: re "playing Nintendo"...thats not been used in decades :) now conversation would go something like this:

...
"What are you guys up to tonight?"
"Probably just get a pizza in, watch a DVD, playstation. What about you?"
...

Its not even "playing playstation" its just "playstation" - like how "search on the internet" has become "google for" or "google it".

I think this is a fucking stupid name myself - they should have chosen something that doesn't sound like a normal word - "Wii"/"We", "Wii"/Oiu" (thats French for "Yes" and is pronounced "Wii"to all American readers). Sure it might look cool on paper or as a fancy logo, but talking about it wont work.

[Ben @ Apr 27th 2006 9:12PM]

I guess if you don't like the new name Nintendo could try for a compromise. How does the Wiivolution strike you?

Aside, what is it with double i's these days? Viiv? Double i's aren't going to suddenly make you the coolest guy on the block. Give it up Nintendo and Intel. (Who, if you notice only have 1 i in their names? Are they trying to compensate for something!?)

[mike @ Apr 27th 2006 9:19PM]

Wi(f)i

[Dylan Horkin @ Apr 27th 2006 9:21PM]

I bought a 360, and perhaps I'll buy a Wii. But come ON, that's lame name. Not to mention it rhymes with XBox 360.

Then again, the XBox 360 was codenamed "Xenon." I was disappointed when it was changed to 360... perhaps I'll get over the whole "Wii" thing.

But I don't see this helping Nintendo's kiddie image. I can just see it now...

"Wii little kids like to play the Nintendo Wii."

Regardless of gameplay, there'll always be whiners.

[Jimmie @ Apr 27th 2006 9:22PM]

Sign the petition to change the name back.

http://wiihatethename.com/

it's worth a shot.

[Nano J. Gator @ Apr 27th 2006 9:34PM]

Deja Vu. I remember these exact same comments appearing around the time that the Dreamcast name was announced.

[Mike @ Apr 27th 2006 9:34PM]

I get the feeling that this decision was made by Nintendo Japan. No way their US marketing gang would've come up with a name this silly.

While "DS" isn't anything special, it's simple and straightforward. "Wii" is awkward... I could see a lot of semi-ingorant mom's asking for the "Nintendo Why" in 2007. I pity the sales associates that have to explain how to pronounce the name.

Back in the day, mine would ask for that "Ni-ten-do"... which is at least close enough not to bother the sales folk. Weee..... Why?

[Sheriff of Ballsville @ Apr 27th 2006 9:43PM]

Wii don't give a shit about your petition, neither does Nintendo.

Wii won't be referred to as Wii anyway, we'll just call it what we've [left out the "wii this and wii that out on purpose] always called it: Nintendo.

[Ryan J. @ Apr 27th 2006 9:47PM]

What everyone is missing is that both the DS and the Wii are really smart monikers for their consoles. It strengthens the brand name. Nintendo is trying to bring people back into gaming and by forcing people to have to say Nintendo before their product names allows people to identify with the brand that they first played with, the Nintendo NES. Notice how the original system most people just called Nintendo. As in "hey Paul, wanna come over and play some Nintendo?" Same thing with Wii. To new players, Wii is going to be difficult to pronounce after reading it in the Target ad or on their daughter's Christmas list. They will go to the store and say do you have the new Nintendo? It's the same thing Lincoln is doing with their new line. I own a Lincoln, not a Navigator. Builds brand strength. I have yet to hear a casual player call it a DS, only a Nintendo DS. The same doesn't hold true for Sony. People say either Playstation 2 or PS2. Consumers don't identify with Sony. I don't think Microsoft wants the consumers to associate their Xbox line with the company because they want to move away from the corporate stodgyness Microsoft usually brings. Nintendo is smart here I think. They have a corporate strategy that is forcing the consumer to identify with the corporation, not with a single product. this will help Nintendo across the board in my opinion because if one nintendo is a hit, consumers subconsiously associate that with the other products at least to begin with. PS3 will have to build itself up and not start from the spot PS2 took off from.

[mcheddadi @ Apr 27th 2006 9:50PM]

You know want? You're all gay.


If you dont think the console is worth buying because of its name, then go buy a ps3 or 360, nintendo doesn't care , its the most profitable videogame compagny ever. you either ride the wave or get lost.



its Wii, get used to it

360 is not a revolution and ps3's cubed. Wii will Succed

[Mr Funk @ Apr 27th 2006 9:51PM]

Don't you guys get it? If you're not going to buy a console because it has a "ghey" name, or because you think your super-macho-xbox mates willmake fun of you, nintendo doesn't care. You were going to buy an xbox 360 anyway. You are what's wrong with the video-game industry. You are why we have massive budget, super pretty, $120 games that suck monkey balls.

[Paul Gale @ Apr 27th 2006 9:55PM]

The name change from Revolution to Wii was certainly a bold move by Nintendo. Yes it's weird, but it's also very unique and fun to say. I personally love it, though probably still would have preferred "Revolution". Revolution sounds edgier and more adult, whereas Wii sounds more friendly and worldly. I get what Nintendo's trying to do here and what the name of its console exactly means. Hopefully people will just let it sink in, because there's no turning back now. I've been saying the name all day long; I never before said the word "we" as much as I did on April 27th, 2006. Man, this day will go down in history. Nintendo, only you can shake the industry this much. I can't wait to go to E3 and play with the Wii-mote and maybe chat with Shigeru Miyamoto, Howard Lincon, Peter Main, and Satoru Iwata again; those guys are awesome. Thanks Nintendo. Wiiiiiiiiiiii!
Paul Gale
1up.com

[1Up @ Apr 27th 2006 10:05PM]

Well I know what im buying my girlfriend for Christmas, but this things not coming anywhere near my wallunit and plasma.

[Shakespeare @ Apr 27th 2006 10:07PM]

What's in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.

[DarkFader @ Apr 27th 2006 10:08PM]

I have nothing against "Wii". It's good. Don't just all give negative comments.
ウィーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー！
Not "Oui" because it's french and I hate that.

[expungablerobot @ Apr 27th 2006 10:08PM]

"If you're not going to buy a console because it has a "ghey" name, or because you think your super-macho-xbox mates willmake fun of you, nintendo doesn't care"

Well they should. And some of us are in marketing- sorry that we should have an opinion on something that, while you may not think important, is a huge part of America and, yes, Nintendo: branding.

[wanksta @ Apr 27th 2006 10:10PM]

Resident Evil 5 on Wii, Pwease :D

[seamus @ Apr 27th 2006 10:11PM]

Okay, I can stomach the name---but for the love of god, never say "Wii-mote" again.

[Revrant @ Apr 27th 2006 10:13PM]

*Click*
*Revolution flies by* "WII!"
"V-Dub, repwesenting ze gametight ya? Ya"

[Jedi Huff @ Apr 27th 2006 10:13PM]

I think people are make a big deal over nothing. Who cares what its called. Did everyone forget how effing cool Red Steel looks? The controler and the system are going to be awesome. I will buy all 3 next gen systems.

[Frankenstein Black @ Apr 27th 2006 10:20PM]

LoL... At this point there should be no such thing as a Nintendo FANBOY;
- FANGIRG
- FANCHICK
- FANMOM
- FANAUNT
- FANFAIRY
Maybe... Hey I hear they are also coming out with a pink Betty Boop model. LoL... Yea, can�t wait for the cooking game that really show off the wonder of the Wii (lol) controller. I think I�ll try it out with my mom and sister. Hahahehe...

Don�t you see?! If you consider yourself a "real gamer", Nintendo don�t love you no more. Now save those pennies for the PS3, a real gamers gaming rig...