Wii in a theater: we don't need no stinkin' pixels

This latest Wii vid, which we've decided in a completely non-mathematical way stretches those 480p pixels to about one square foot of screen per, just goes to prove what all those Wii fanboys have been politely discussing with the Sony and Microsoft camps all along: pixels don't necessarily equal fun. In fact, we'd like to present another theorem of Wii fun: any game that makes your friends look like total fools -- sort of like they look when they're actually bowling, golfing, boxing or saving princesses -- is a total keeper, and if you can do it while being immersed in a totally sick 344-inch theater screen, with a digital theater projector and homemade sensor bar backing you up, then it's all the merrier. Keep reading for a video of this ultimate in Wii setups, or peep that read link for detailed instructions in building your own sensor bar (a variation on the original DoctaBu design).

[FrankTheCrank @ Dec 24th 2006 7:42AM]

480P...HAHAHAHAHAHA....

That's REAL Next Generation for you...Gamecube graphics. WOW!!!

Thanks Nintendo...

[Jeff Foster @ Dec 24th 2006 1:07PM]

you're an idiot.

[Peebert @ Dec 24th 2006 8:12AM]

Imagine how much sicker Gears of War would have looked. Or Resistance. Or... anything other than Wii Sports.

Sorry, I know this was meant to be a "Wii will, Wii will rock you" kind of article, but it's pretty wiik. I could play Dr. Mario on a screen like that and have a good time.

[jack @ Dec 24th 2006 9:12AM]

480p? Give me a break. Nintendo, when you put the breaks on technological advancement just because you want to appeal to the lowest denominator you isolate and piss off "tech-gamers". I will NEVER buy the wii just out of principle. I am gonna reward Microsoft and Sony with my money for keeping us moving forward. Please save the motion-revolution crap, real techies know that gimmick has been out for years. Again, thank you Sony, thank you Microsoft, I know you are taking a loss per console but know this, a lot of us out there REALLY appreciate the R&D, and will support you, no matter what.
Seriously nintendo, 480p? and I am supposed to be impressed by the big screen? Go throw that crap in the garbage, better yet go give it to moms.

[Earl @ Dec 24th 2006 12:16PM]

I love how M$ and Sony fanboys scream about graphics. While the whole time they are downloading XBLA games, and PS1 games.

Why do these uber-super powerhouse consoles offer really "old gen" games that you pay to download? Why have a system than can play games in 1080p, then download Street Fighter 2?

Simple answer: the games are FUN! It has nothing to do with the graphics!

Gotta love hypocrites. GRAPHICS, GRAPHICS!! Oh wait, it's not 1080p, so that should be taboo now, right?

Anyone, please explain to me about how much graphics do matter. Then try to rationalize that explanation as to why so many people play XBLA and PS1 games. Both of which have "shitty" graphics.

Must be the gameplay...

[Stephen @ Dec 24th 2006 12:35PM]

You're just now realizing that the Nintendo Wii is 480p?

[Daniel Spiegelman @ Jun 20th 2007 4:09PM]

what is even funnier is that they are playing in 480i not p

look
they are using a composite cable

[hugoliva @ Dec 24th 2006 9:22AM]

Last time i checked, one played video games to have a good time and got entertained, i don't know when video games turned to be funnier because of the RAM, disk size and raw power of the processor... Maybe jack and frank would have a blast playing chess with deep blue

[Nerdtalker @ Dec 24th 2006 2:38PM]

Playing with Deep Blue? You betcha anyone would have fun just being able to SAY that they've played Deep Blue.

In all seriousness, there's no point arguing that the Wii isn't fun. The real argument here is that Nintendo could have made what they have even better by combining HD-leval graphics, AND the fun of the Wiimote/nunchuck/physically driven interfaces. If they had done so, they'd have something even more marketable.

[Martin @ Dec 24th 2006 9:27AM]

Wow if that's your attitude about the wii then you don't DESERVE a Wii. Yeah so go play your PS3 so it can blow up in your face just like the rest of Sony's products. *#@!ing idiots.

[TheCount @ Dec 24th 2006 10:53AM]

HAHAHA, man, let me tell you, your wit boggles the mind. I don't know how you got so clever, but keep at it man. Hilarious, simply hilarious.

[Obie @ Dec 24th 2006 9:35AM]

You'd think people would be more mature and openminded here, but I guess fanboys are truly ageless. I have both an 360 and Wii. I play gears for it's violent beauty, and my wii for whimsical fun.
But thats just mii. ;)

[Pom @ Dec 24th 2006 9:39AM]

Awsome except for the fact that you can tell there's some lag when the guy played wii bowling. Oh, and I will NEVER buy the ps3 just out of principle. I am going to reward Nintendo for staying innovative instead of just packing their overpriced consoles with overpowered hardware that games won't even take full advantage of.

[Deluxe @ Dec 24th 2006 10:13AM]

"I am going to reward Nintendo for staying innovative instead of just packing their overpriced consoles with overpowered hardware that games won't even take full advantage of." possibly one of the most ridiculous arguments I've ever heard. You know that little man inside your head that says 'Stop' when you're doing or saying something stupid? Listen to the little man. He is your friend.

[david @ Dec 24th 2006 10:06AM]

i would like to see how many post are fanboys arguing vs people actually commenting on the article itself.....

now i should get back to finishing that 1080p projector.

btw progress isnt always about higher pixel counts or more processing power (evolution). I would say that the wii is closer to a more realistic and more immersive virtual reality in certain aspects than say an xbox 360 which is only more photo realistic.

if i remember right the sega genesis had better specs but the snes won that battle.

still, i think i ll buy the ps3 and a wii.

[Andrew Miguelez @ Dec 24th 2006 1:48PM]

Yes, completely agree! Also, GameCube had the best graphics card and the highest potential for graphical output but it was never used to its full potential and even if it had been used, I think the PS2 would have still prevailed. That's how it works. Every company, every system, and every user needs what they need when they need it and it all works in its own way. Nintendo has paved the way for the next consoles and even computers to implement a newly perfected motion-sensing system. In the same way, Xbox Live has opened the door to better online multiplayer functionality and PS3 + Xbox have improved the graphics end of the equation. All together we have better products, better choices, and a better range of prices and availability. I, like everyone else, would have loved the Wii to have better graphics. However, at the same time, the price of the Wii allows it to do very well and opens up fancy new gaming greatness to those with smaller budgets. It will also make a lot more kids happy this holiday season when they get what their parents wouldn't have otherwise been able to afford. I think the Wii is an awesome improvement in gaming and those who are being so negative and not thinking rationally, are just pissing people off. I'm a fanboy of a lot of different technology but I do not knock a competing technology just because it's not my favorite or that it doesn't work for me. To each his own.

Happy Holidays to all! And let's try to get along.

I'd never buy a PS3 - costs too much for me. (but it's amazing)
I probably won't buy an Xbox 360 because of the price as well. (but I love playing it at my friend's house)
I can't wait to buy a Wii because the price is right and I enjoy having fun with friends and family. The Wii is perfect for that because gamers and non-gamers can easily jump into any game without being overwhelmed with joysticks and button-combos.

I say, they're all awesome systems and I hope each of you gets the one you want. I also hope you appreciate the concept that not everyone thinks what you think or has what you have. Try to think happy thoughts instead of putting others down. Peace.

[Deluxe @ Dec 24th 2006 10:08AM]

You could look like just as much of an idiot going out and playing real golf, plus then you wouldn't have to shell out a bunch of 100's for a re-packaged GameCube with a new controller :)

[Donovan @ Dec 24th 2006 10:27AM]

"pixels don't necessarily equal fun."

How does that mean that good graphics make games not fun? Why didn't Nintendo just release the wiimote for the gamecube if graphics and nothing else matter to them. Was a whole new console necessary?

[marc @ Dec 24th 2006 11:00AM]

I'm going to have to agree with the pixels don't equal fun. For those of us who grew up on NES zelda and snes mario kart, it's all about the gaming not about the image. I've got a similar setup at home, a front projector image making a 8ft wide screen and let me say that it is ALLOT of fun. And for the curious in the house i've never noticed a time lag. I'm thinking nintendo is going to win this round assuming they can produce the games that will keep people interested. flame on...

[s00pcan @ Dec 24th 2006 11:13AM]

No stadium seating = massive failure

[Zach @ Dec 24th 2006 11:26AM]

Wow. People here are pointlessly insulting.
Nintendo's going to do what it's going to do, it's obviously not targeting the pixel obsessed people here with it's wii. All things considered, it lost that battle when the PS2 came out.
Instead it's targeting people who are willing to spend 250$ on a console that a)works, b)presents an innovative idea to gaming (yes the idea has been around, but it hasn't operated more than a gimmick, and Nintendo took it seriously that is the innovative part), c)is fun to play. I have no problems with the wii, and I have no problems with the 360 or PS3, it's just different machines.
Personally, the PS3 won't get my money until it's working well, and I try to keep my cash away from Microsoft as a principle (monopoly anyone?), so eventually, I might get a wii.

[Frankenstein Black @ Dec 24th 2006 11:40AM]

Well I’m an immersive environment kind of guy (favorite movie: Blade Runner) and, well, staring at super sized pixel blocks just doesn’t appeal to me. Sorry Nintendo save Mario and the flailing about for mom and the kiddies.

I said this before and I will say it AGAIN, THE WiiMOTE IS AN ACCESSORY AND NOT A PLATFORM! THE EXPERIENCE CAN EASILY BE DUPLICATED ON XBOX 360 OR PS3 WITH THE RIGHT, MOTIVATED, GAME DEVELOPER. PERIOD!

NOW STOP THE NONSENSE UBSOFT AND BRING ON ASSASSIN’S CREED!
http://assassinscreed.uk.ubi.com/

[Wii_Lil_Friend @ Jan 4th 2007 8:32PM]

hey franko freak you are so full of 5h17 period. Try swinging punches with the 360 or PS3 controller in fight night round 3 ?? yeah you heard me full of 5h17!!

[Geo @ Dec 24th 2006 11:44AM]

looks fun, but its not 480p. Single composite cable into the projector = 480i
Component cables ftw.

[D-Rock @ Dec 25th 2006 11:18AM]

Arguing over what video game system is better, is like being in the special olympics. Even if you win, your still retarted!!! I have a Wii and a Xbox 360, and a 1080p 56" tv. I have one for eye candy, and one for when I have a party or something, and people can all play together on the wii. For all you retards at the top of the comments here, the Wii is targeted at a different audience. People who don't usually play video games, or for the casual gamer. Not the buck toothed nerd who drools on themselves and has to wear a diaper to bed, because they pee in their sleep, at 30 years old. If you like the wii, buy one. If you don't then shut the heck up. I bought a PS3, didn't like it, and I put it up for sale on craigslist. I'll prob buy another PS3 a year from now or so, when Blu-Ray starts to take off. Every system has it's positives and negatives.

Merry Christmas!

[serotoninzero @ Dec 24th 2006 12:40PM]

Oh, I love console battles.

I own a 360 and a Wii. I'll probably get the PS3 when there is more exclusive games on it. However, you're missing a huge point. Wii is fun. It's fun. The free game that comes with it is far from fully featured, but guess how many hours me and my friends have put into it? Argue all you want about the tech, I have equal love for HD visuals and all that, but the Wii is accessable and fun, and thats worth my money.

[Paul @ Dec 24th 2006 12:40PM]

that is awesome
who gives a shit about res when it comes to console games. If you want a high res game then get a nice computer.
Nintendo has the exact idea. Leave the computer games to computers and make some ridiculously fun and original gameplay experiences for the consoles.

[Meltz; @ Dec 24th 2006 1:08PM]

Finally!!! Thank you!!! If i am craving good graphics, ill stick to my nvidia 7800gs card in my PC, i wont drop 600 bucks on a single-purpose pc disquised in some sleek case. If i crave a fun console, ill stick with Nintendo - they, for one, know what they're doing. We've hooked up an N64 to a screen of similar size mentioned in this article and played Super Smash Bros multiple times. Now that is fun, and no, the quality wasn't that bad. So everyone shut up and move on with your lives

[Jeff Foster @ Dec 24th 2006 1:08PM]

I'm pretty sure your non-mathmatical way is actually just a "wrong" way.

:P

[walk2k @ Dec 24th 2006 1:33PM]

You know what's really funny? All the Nintendo fanboys screaming about how graphics "don't matter" and then scrambling around for the component cables...

And what about sound? No digital sound output? No 7.1 surround sound?? So I guess sound "doesn't matter" either?

What about a processor capable of advanced AI or physics simulation?

I'm sorry, I like Nintendo games, they can be a lot of fun, but the big N completely dropped the ball this generation. The Wii isn't much more than a GameCube-Turbo with a gimmick controller that once the novelty wears off will look more like the NES Robot...

[Mr. Picklesworth @ Dec 24th 2006 1:55PM]

I suppose you haven't noticed that physics simulation happens even in games like Mario Kart?

Hell, my DS can run the ODE physics engine (even a very poorly ported version of it) to simulate 4 cubes falling.
I have a 500 mHz Celeron thing that can handle all sorts of 3d physics simulations (but it doesn't render them very well).

I guess you didn't notice Elebits, which (though I frankly don't care about it) has a gravity-gun sort of thing going on with, yes, real-time game physics.

On top of all that, game physics - especially in first-person shooters - are completely over-rated and misused at this point.
AI is often too stupid to react to moving physics objects, the physics simulations are generally too basic to do anything, thanks to either:
-Lazy developers
-Or an intent to keep the game looking better in surface detail. A whole bunch of tiny objects made into a map can slow things down, and when all of those are physics objects...
Therefore, these days when people talk about game physics they usually mean something like "OMG, I can shoot the coffee cup off that desk with a rocket launcher!".
Maybe a year or two from now (when I release Equilibrium, which actually uses physics as the underlying gameplay mechanic and doesn't include any coffee cups) that will all be better.
But then, when physics becomes THE gameplay mechanic, it becomes unnecessary to have 100,000 physics objects bouncing around. Doing that would be the equivalent of "making Mario better" by having a bad guy occupying every bit of screen (or a level made of bad guys).


Sound: Sure, I agree that it matters and it is a real shame the Wii doesn't handle it as well as it could. Nintendo is usually pretty good about sound (the DS's sound hardware isn't bad at all, and even the GBA's was pretty decent!), but with the Wii they seem to have just ignored that aspect. A sad waste of a good opportunity, because good surround sound makes for some incredible immersion.

[Jonny G @ Dec 24th 2006 1:33PM]

I used to be one of these 'pixel' shaggers... its all about the pixels i thought until i bought ma wii!

I have an Xbxo 360 and an US Import PS3 and at the mo all i've been playing is Zelda: Twilight Princess on the wii and also wii sports as i feel totally immersed in the game whilst playing...

The amount of R&D that has gone into making sure the wii controllers work and work well is a hell of a lot and to be honest Nintendo have always said they are releasing the Wii to appeal to everyone in the family...

OH AND LETS NOT FORGET the battle between the PSP (lovely graphics) and the DS (crappy graphics but innovative!)... The PSP sells well but the DS is wiping the floor with it because it appeals to a larger demographic than the PSP does...

I dont think the next gen war should include the wii as its a different machine for a different group of people... let the 360 an PS3 fight it out an whils they do that the WII will just tick along nicely and gain more and more support and unique games!

J.

[Mr. Picklesworth @ Dec 24th 2006 1:40PM]

"Sorry Nintendo save Mario and the flailing about for mom and the kiddies."
Well, that's sort of what they're doing, what with their aim to attract the non-gamer. It seems to be working, too.

As for the Wii Remote being possible to duplicate on other consoles... Yes, it can. But who is going to buy a game that requires 4 special (and relatively expensive) controllers Specifically For That Game on top of the 4 controllers they already own? Guitar Hero works because you only need one controller and because /the controller is the game/.
Beyond that, this is why stuff like the EyeToy doesn't work. Sure, the console could have a 3rd party (or even 1st party!) extra controller that works exactly like the Wii's controller, but not everyone - or many people at all - would buy it.
Games would need to have a fallback to use the regular controller, thus defeating the purpose of the extra controller to enhance gameplay since you can't just create gameplay that only works sometimes.
Most developers motivated to make money and stay in business, therefore, would stay as far away from that optional controller as possible.

[Mr. Picklesworth @ Dec 24th 2006 1:55PM]

So, doe you own a ginormous screen like that such that you would notice?
...Or are you just imagining that you were those people in the article?

[one1082 @ Dec 24th 2006 2:06PM]

that's gonna be an expensive screen to fix when the wiimote strap breaks

[ryan @ Dec 24th 2006 2:33PM]

i dont game... i quit when i had a sega genesis... i have a short attention span (and a life) and i cant make myself 'learn' a game... forget it... they got too complicated... i think the best game of all time is paperboy BUT that video looked really fun! im going to buy a Wii! there are a lot of people that just want to pick it up and play, that dont want to get a second mortgage to buy a console, and dont want to invest a ton of time to figure out a game... the tech in the other consoles is impressive, and i pay attention as a geek, but it isnt fun to me. I have friends that work at EA, and i can get whatever i want for free, and i still dont.... i am not alone... nintendo is going to attract a lot of non gamers like myself to (or back to) gaming, and thats the best way in business to make money, to expand the market

[Diddle @ Dec 24th 2006 2:39PM]

Anyone else notice that the credits say "Origiral Music" ?

LOL

[alienshards @ Dec 24th 2006 2:41PM]

youtube actaully is limiting the resolution more than the wii, i'd say.

hi def doesn't matter. me and my friends switched from the xbox 360 to an xbox on an HDTV because halo 2's maps weren't on the 360.

ergo, although 1080p would be nice, enjoyment should come first.

[Grant @ Dec 24th 2006 2:52PM]

We did this in our high school auditorium last friday on 3 1080p projectors.

[Peebert @ Dec 24th 2006 5:01PM]

Between Xbox, PS2 and Gamecube, Gamecube ended up sucking on third place. Why? Because there weren't many games worth playing beyond the big franchises and a few third-party gems. PS2 and Xbox had better games and more of them, as well as being able to share hot properties in many cases.

Wii will end up the same way, I fear. I have all of the systems, and I can tell you that the big dollar games like Gears Of War just can't be developed for a system like Wii, and it'd be a sin to cram Wiimote functionality into it anyway. At the end of the day, the Wii is going to have a few really great bright moments (like Zelda, Metroid, Mario, etc.) but it's going to lose out to the lustre of next-gen graphics. People aren't out there buying plasma and LCD TVs so they can play golf in 480p.

[Carpenteer @ Feb 27th 2007 4:48PM]

I think what all you HD fanbois are forgetting/failing to understand is that people are NOT rushing out to buy giant plasmas w/ HD capabilities in the numbers you seem to think they are... and Nintendo understands this. Just b/c your broke-ass lusts for the newest tech does NOT automatically mean the shift from SD to HD is nearly over - hell it's barely begun. Get a grip, SD is gonna be around for at least another 5 years - plenty of time for Nintendo to develop their next-gen console with 1080p and all the other bells and whistles that by then WILL be commonplace.

[Paul @ Dec 24th 2006 6:05PM]

on the contrary, theaters are rear projection so no electronics would get broken.
The screen is most likely against a wall so the most damage that would incur would be the wiimote breaking.
Lets say that the screen does receive such damage that it is deemed necessary to replace it.. A 300" widescreen theater screen is only about $600

[RhythmGuru @ Dec 24th 2006 7:46PM]

I have a Wii. I have had multiple (10+) people play it who I have never played video games with in my life because they WANT to play it, and can learn it quickly. Parents, friends, siblings, aunts and uncles, some of who never have played before, nor have ever asked to come over to play PC, PS2, PSP, or any other games with me. This is what Nintendo wants, this is what they are getting. They've succeeded no matter what everyone says about this and that.

[az @ Dec 24th 2006 8:51PM]

the wii is for people who have friends. ie, it's a lot of fun to play w/ a bunch of people. the angry video game nerds here probably don't know what that's like. they'd rather 'immerse' themselves in their video game world (w/ surround sound! ooh) playing against other losers online.

[Matt @ Dec 24th 2006 8:54PM]

How many of these PS3 fanboys have actually played a PS3?

I was far less than impressed, to say the least. The motion sensor: terrible. The graphics were absolutely horrendous. Jaggies, flickering shadows, framerate crawl, it was like playing a PS2. I would never spend my money on that, ever. I'd pay more for a 360 than I would for that.

The Wii, however, is fun. The graphics may not be 1080p, but last I checked, playing a terrible game in 1080p didn't make it a good time.

[alterego @ Dec 26th 2006 11:20PM]

I've had that experience, too. But I believe it was on a tv that had 1080i, so it got downgraded to 480p. After playing it somewhere else at 720p, the problem was fixed.

[Mike @ Dec 24th 2006 8:55PM]

Why do you care so much about the graphics. The Wii is just plain fun. Get over it. It's not the end of the world. The PS3 looks GREAT but that's all it has going for it. It's not fun to play a better looking PS2 when the Wii is available.

[bobcobb @ Dec 24th 2006 11:07PM]

I always laugh when fanboys start attacking a console for one reason or another. Regardless of power, the wii is still the best console of the next generation. It is innovative and enjoyable. The other consoles are just the same, but with slightly better graphics.

Oh, and for you people use the latest FPS as an example of a good game on consoles, I seriously doubt your judgment. The PC is superior for FPS and always will be until a console is released with a control scheme similar to a mouse and keyboard. Until then, playing FPS on consoles will always be a pain in the ass and not much fun. Anyways, enjoy your Xbox360 or PS3. My computer is more powerful, more useful, and I've had it since this summer.

Now, I might buy that PS3 in two or three years, but until then wii for mii.

[MaxP @ Dec 25th 2006 1:36AM]

I luv all of you guys

seriously keep entertaining me with such stupid matter

that way i wont have to buy any console to have fun

peace.

[Sinbios @ Dec 25th 2006 9:02AM]

It's a joke. It's supposed to be funny. Laugh.