Nintendo Goes Wii
April 27, 2006 | 1 Comment
I was simultaneously notified today of Nintendo announcing the official title of their next generation console by Tom, Adam, and Jon… Nintendo announced the change from codename Revolution to calling it Wii. Check out the announcement video on Rewired Mind.
Then read this explanation of the name from Nintendo:
Introducing … Wii.
As in “we.”
While the code-name “Revolution” expressed our direction, Wii represents the answer.
Wii will break down that wall that separates video game 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 this 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 gathering to play.
And Wii, as a name and a console, brings something revolutionary to the world of video games 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.
As for now, Nintendo.com has been /.’d, so you’ll have to try again later if you want to read what they have to say themselves.
Tags: console, game, gaming, Nintendo, revolution, video games, we, wii
Video Game Auctions
October 4, 2005 | 2 Comments
As most gamers know, you end up buying a lot of games for consoles that in the long term you stop playing. This is natural and common. In general, your choices were to either hold on to these older games or sell them back for real cheap to someone like EB Games or GameStop. Of course EBGames and GameStop would then just mark the game way up and throw it back on the shelf. This always bothered me because the next gamer would come along and pay an unreasonable price. So, my solution has always been to just hold on to games, sharing them with friends who wanted to try them out and eventually handing them down to my classic game collector friend, Tom.
Now there is a better solution: Game Swap Zone.
Game Swap Zone is basically an EBay for gamers. Prices there are set by gamers with minimal markup. Finally a solution I can support, a solution that keeps game costs down for all gamers.
Tags: auction, auctions, classic games, Fun Whatnot, game auction, game swap zone, gamer, games, gameswapzone, gaming, video games
Nintendo Announces Revolutionary Revolution Controller
September 16, 2005 | 6 Comments
Yesterday Nintendo announced at
In what I’m certain will be a hugely controversial move, the basic controller is one handed and looks more like a remote than a controller. However, a chip inside the controller can track its position and orientation. This allows physical movements of the controller to be represented as in game motion or general input. Imagine slashing a weapon or aiming a gun just by pointing.
You can also switch to the ‘Nunchaku’ configuration where an expansion controller plugs in for the other hand giving additional buttons and an analog stick. The two controllers are then connected by a short cord.
In my opinion, the key to this controller is that anyone can pick it up and start playing. It is fundamentally intuitive. Don’t believe me? When was the last time you handed someone a controller and watched them leaning and moving the controller all around in front of them? Sure this is usually parents, girlfriends, or generally non-gamer types (obviously there are exceptions to those stereotypes), but I want the whole family to actually be able to play games together. I want to fish with nephew, fight with my niece, play party games with my grandmother, etc. Currently the console is something I turn off when people come over, it would be a lot of fun to have anyone play.
But it’s not just for beginners, this interface is far more natural for first person shooters. Aim with one controller, walk with the other. The uses of this are endless, hopefully the games are made available.
Finally I am actually excited about a next generation system. If Nintendo can produce the right selection of games satisfying all different types of gamers, advanced especially, the Revolution could in fact revolutionize the industry.
Don’t think Sony doesn’t realize the industry is changing, just look at their involvement with the DDR pad, the Eye Toy, and microphone input. They are trying this too, but haven’t realized the simple answer is a massive improvement of the basic controller. Microsoft just doesn’t get it at all. They are addressing only the “bigger and better” sort of needs. That will only take them so far. This combined with much higher anticipated price points could finally put Nintendo back in the game.
From GameSpot:
Overall, despite its unorthodox appearance, the Revolution controller has a comfortable feel. The assorted demos on hand also indicated that playing Revolution games will be a more active, physical experience than playing current-generation games. Whether a player uses the pointer mechanic to actively control onscreen action or uses two hands to take advantage of attachments, the Revolution controller will likely change how games are played.
Still don’t believe me? Skeptical? This is just an Ad, but it shows a level of fun I haven’t found with a group of varying skill leveled friends since Super Smash Brothers…
Read more about it here:
1UP.Com: Revolution Controller Finally Revealed
Gizmodo: Nintendo Revolution Controller News Roundup
PCMag: Nintendo Revolution Controller Finally Revealed
Cnet News: Test out the new Revolution controller
IGN: TGS 2005: Hands-on the Revolution Controller
Gamespot: Nintendo Revolution Controller
AP vis MSNBC: Nintendo introduces new remote control
Reuters: Nintendo unveils next-generation game controller
Tags: console, controller, gamecube, games, gaming, generation, IGN, microsoft, next generation, Nintendo, playstation, ps2, ps3, revolution, revolutionary, sony, Tokyo Game Show, video games, xbox