Revolution Name Revealed - Nintendo Wii? WTF?

[Dr Mario Kart]

http://revolution.nintendo.com/

speechless.

from the Japanese site:
http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/img/description.gif

Perrin Kaplan on CNN comments:
http://money.cnn.com/2006/04/27/commentary/game_over/nintendo/index.htm

"I think people have to look back and let it settle in," she said. "I'm sure people felt the same way when Google was named – or the iPod. Napster. Yahoo. There's a whole host of unusual names that have become a part of everyday conversation and I think they're viewed now as unique."

...

So why announce the name now and not at the show?

By letting the gaming community vent now about the name, they will be less distracted as launch titles for the system are announced and initial reports about what it's like to play the games begin to come in.

Also, said Kaplan, "We want people to understand our approach before we get to E3. [Also], it's really noisy at E3 and I don't think we would have had the chance to explain how we came to the name."

Reggie is going to be making an appearance and signing autographs at the Nintendo World store in NYC this Friday(tomorrow), if you want to take the matter up with him

[wbc1228]

You gotta be kidding me........

I want to play with my wii wii. That does not sound right..............

[shipwreck]

We better alert Cheapy of the name change. Hope everyone will like the new "Wii Forum".

Okay, that name is just ridiculous.

[Dr Mario Kart]

I move that everyone continue to call it Revolution with Wii being the red headed step-nickname that everyone is aware of but no one uses.

[mykevermin]

At the risk of sounding redundant, based on the kana, that's 'wee', not 'why'.

Egads. Well, although they had a lot of great ideas going so far, that's a pretty monumental fuckup right there.

It was perhaps named by those people who thought it would be fine to sell the Chevy Nova in Spanish speaking countries.

[CheapyD]

"We" are disappointed.
Revolution was much better.

Why was this revealed before E3?

[mtxbass1]

Only one thing sums this up.
http://www.threebrain.com/weeeeee.shtml

weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

[willardhaven]

That's pretty hilarious.

[Dr Mario Kart]

Why was this revealed before E3?

This is a confusing matter as well. Maybe so that the shock and any possible negative auto-backlash would be out of the way?

[shipwreck]

Does this mean "Madden Revolution" just got a name change to "Madden Wii"?

I know I'm aching to get my hands on some Madden Wii.

[sleepy180]

Looks at date...WTF APRIL Fools was almost 4 weeks ago!
I LOL'd at that response in the gamefaqs thread.

Personally i think its pretty gay name. But i guess i like the shortness of it. I can live with it i guess.

http://revolution.ign.com/articles/703/703502p1.html



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 (http://revolution.ign.com/articles/703/703502p1.html#) 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.

[Maklershed]

I just read this on kotaku. I hope its not true. It doesnt affect how well the console works but that is one horrendous name.

[Wombat]

whii

[Number83]

BWAHAHAHAAHA!!! But hey, we all thought the name XBOX 360 sucked too...What do we know? Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii! <Runs around in circles>

[mr ryles]

thats a priitty cool name, but it will take giitting used to.

[1modernboy]

That's just a bad call: You should never make your console name sound like a euphemism for taking a piss.

[guyver2077]

gay

[wildnuts02]

nintendo fanboys shall be called: Wii-Ners from now on.

/post in soon to be classic thread

[botticus]

This is a confusing matter as well. Maybe so that the shock and any possible negative auto-backlash would be out of the way?
I would agree, but if you thought there was going to be negative backlash, wouldn't you just think of a different name?

Ha... the site is hammered, I can only load the Nintendo logo.

[Supercake]

I swear, I will make myself get used to this.

:lol: Haha, you and many other Nintendo fans! It's going to be real hard to get used to Wii! I trust Nintendo, but it's shame, I really liked Revolution. Well, I remember people laughing about Xbox, but we're all used to it now.

[cochesecochese]

Goddamnit. Goddamnit goddamnit goddamnit.

Remember when the GCN was shown the first few days at E3? They had the awesome (for the time) Zelda demo, laid out connectivity and had every developer under the sun raving about how easy it was going to be to develop for it.

Looks like they built up the hype for nothing again.

[Robobandit]

You should never make your console name sound like a euphemism for taking a piss.

They're trying to connect to what people are familiar with.. they are familiar with television remotes.. and they are also familiar with taking a leak.. brilliant!

I do like the logo, and the animation that goes with it.. and the concept of the name is kind of zen-like, but immature people will ruin what they were trying to do by saying "wee wee" and such.

Xbox isn't really that great of a name, either.. (especially 360.. just now they have competition)

[Dr Mario Kart]

http://people.uleth.ca/~pollej/owiiwii.jpg

Nintendo's trying to cash in on meaning "in heaven's hands"

[LinkinPrime]

WTF? I'd take GO instead fo Wii.
How the hell would you even pronounce it, or use it in conversations?

[Ikohn4ever]

hopefully its their wi fi network or something

[Number83]

If I bought two I can Wii Wii...The more I say it, the more I like it!

[Dr Mario Kart]

Who couldntve seen that coming?

Touching is good -> 5 inch wand -> Wii?

[mr ryles]

hey dude wanna come over and play with my wii?

[Dr Mario Kart]

We dont even need Strell for the wang jokes. Everyones a fucking comedian all of a sudden.

[Ace Harding: Private Eye]

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 (http://revolution.ign.com/articles/703/703502p1.html#) 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 is the exact reason why we need less marketing people and more gamers in control of companies these days. Seriously, read that copy and tell me it's not utter bullshit. Who are they talking to? Completely ridiculous!

[Ikohn4ever]

Wedbush Morgan Securities' Michael Pachter was more mixed in his assessment. "My initial reaction, of course, is that the name is dumb," he bluntly stated. "However, upon reflection, I thought that the name Game Boy was dumb, REALLY thought that the name Xbox was dumb, and can't even recall my reaction to PlayStation. Let's face it, devices with cool names like Dreamcast and Gizmondo fail, and the lame names seem to do well."

[joeposh]

This is such marketing focus group BS... I mean it could be alot worse (I heard some horrible names tossed around) but it just can't compare to "Revolution". That one word said so much about the system and Nintendo's new direction. It also sounded cool. I wouldn't have any problem saying "I'm going to play some Revolution" or "Did you hear about the new Revolution game?" but "I'm going to play some Wii" definately won't flow from my mouth without some hesitation.

I'll come to terms with it I'm sure, but for now I can't help but be disappointed (especially after all the positive news concerning the console in recent days).

[SteveMcQ]

I thought more of the sound you'd make when you're pushing a two year old on a swing. "Wwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!" How fun. I like it. It's amusing.

[LinkinPrime]

I'm buying it regardless of the name but I dont like it.

Nintendo Ultra 64 sounded really cool and it changed to Nintendo 64 :cry:
Nintendo Revolution :D Nintendo Wii :cry:

[evilmax17]

Best console ever, worst name ever.

Wow.

I'm still just as excited as ever to own/play it. But god damn, is that a horrible name.

God damn.

Edit: Although the text on their official page is kind of comforting. The last line made me feel valient (no sarcasm).

[mykevermin]

"DUDE!"

"What?"

"C'mon over to my house, I gotta Wii!"

"Er..."

[mofo1115]

eh stupid name but I'm still getting one at launch.. I think i'm just going to keep on calling it revolution

[mr ryles]

lets just be glad that nintendo never kept the name "dolphin"

[evilmregg]

I think Nintendo is intent on failure now. They just keep punching themselves in the dick more and more.

[Redeema]

If only that was JUST the japanese name and they named it something different here. Still, I'm in with everyone else, I'll buy it regardless of what they call it. Hell, they can call it Pandora's Box and I'd still buy it and open it.

[ryanbph]

horrible name, still getting one though

[evilmax17]

Nintendo's been pretty forthright with addressing fan reaction, I wonder what they'll have to say about this?

[basketkase543]

Wow. After viewing the video on the Nintendo website that shows the "i" letters in motion, I can at least begin to see the reasoning behind it.

The lower-case "i" looks almost exactly like their controller. So they want their name to immediately communicate something about the structure of their console.

I like their mentality of wanting people from all over the world to have an easily pronouncable name.

I guess everything makes sense overall, BUT just because it all makes sense doesn't make it a good idea. It just doesn't seem like a very marketable name. It still may catch on though.

[Strell]

We dont even need Strell for the wang jokes. Everyones a fucking comedian all of a sudden.

THERE IS NO EMOTICON TO EXPRESS WHAT I AM FEELING.

:(

Oh wait yes there is.

:(

[CAG 79]

Oooh Wii Wii!

http://img285.imageshack.us/img285/8046/213056te.jpg

[botticus]

They better release this at $99 now... otherwise how can I go into Best Buy and ask for a Wii?

[Strell]

Wii is NOT FTW, NINTENDO.

NOT FTW.

[Brak]

gay
Oh, God. That almost made me fall out my chair.

[evilmax17]

Man...I feel just like I did when I found out about the DS having 2 screens. "Come on Nintendo...what are you thinking. This can't be real."

But it is. They put me in my place with the DS, maybe they'll do that with the Wii's name. Maybe if they have really really good marketing. Like, Revolution gather-the-troops-for-battle style commercials.

For some reason, I just can't pull myself away from this thread. I dunno if the shock will wear off today.

[munch]

:lol: Good one Nintendo! But seriously though, what's the name of the console?

[javeryh]

Only one thing sums this up.
http://www.threebrain.com/weeeeee.shtml

weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

That is some seriously effed up shit right there.

[Strell]

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/reggieloution/

GO. GO NOW, FUCKERS.

NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW.

[FurryCurry]

At first I thought... "It's not that bad."

Then I thought... "What the hell is this, lol."

And a little later... "No really what the hell is this? Wii? Nintendo, damn. Yall fuckin' up big time."

And now I think... "The Revolution was a better name PERIOD. It represented everything this new console is doing. Plus, the nick name, Rev, calls to mind Reverand Run from Run DMC, which makes me think of a church, and Nintendo's console leading converts in their new gaming religion. What does Wii make me think of? An attempt to be cool and incredibly japanese. I guess at the end of their countless meetings they all felt so bold standing together saying "Wii!" like a bunch of drunken tools. They had a hit with keeping the DS' name as the DS but now they take a step back. Failures."

Doesn't matter anyway since I'm still buying the console, but in my heart it will always be the Revolution.

[TimPV3]

Guess people will have to change their sig's to VIVA LA WII!

[SpottedNigel]

Remember, for the average not Internet dork, it will sound pretty damn classy.

[Dr Mario Kart]

"In France, its called the Nintendo YES."
Someone needs to shut down the internet for a while.

[Chacrana]

Wii would they name it something so insanely stupid?

I thought the Xbox 360 name was stupid because it essentially says "hey, we're marketing to stupid pricks that are still in middle school" but "Wii?" Who the hell thought calling it "wii" would be good? It's pronounced "wee" so it's already given Sony and MS fanboys something to make fun of it with.

[Brak]

I'm waiting for the rush of YTMNDs.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/reggieloution/

GO. GO NOW, FUCKERS.

NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW.

Petitions never work. :(

Terrorism, on the other hand...

[CAG 79]

Reggie playing with the Wii! (http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y262/ninjablade/reggilution2.gif)

[munch]

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/reggieloution/

GO. GO NOW, FUCKERS.

NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW.

SIGNED. I STAND BY 'THE REGGIE' AND THE WANG REMOTE!

[evilmax17]

Go to www.gamespot.com (http://www.gamespot.com) for a nice picture of the logo paired with the console.

It looks a lot better than it sounds. The logo is pretty spiffy/classy visually.

[munch]

http://www.tvsquad.com/images/2005/09/GOBheartgetshard3.png

"I've made a huge mistake."

[datruth29]

OMG it just hit me! Are Nintendo going to start naming their games after their consoles like they have always done (except for the Cube).

Mario Wii.
Metriod Wii.
F-Zero Wii.
Pikmin Wii.
Mario Kart Wii.

......

[munch]

Go to www.gamespot.com (http://www.gamespot.com) for a nice picture of the logo paired with the console.

It looks a lot better than it sounds. The logo is pretty spiffy/classy visually.


Colin Sebastian, Lazard Capital Markets' senior research analyst for Internet and interactive entertainment, displayed Vulcan-like logic responding to the Wii revelation. "The success of the console will have much more to do with the quality of the games and the gameplay," he said. "Nintendo probably believes they've found a name that can stick with consumers. Revolution was catchy, but given similarities with the Xbox 360 name, perhaps Nintendo felt they had to make a change."


How is Revolution similar to Xbox 360? There were so many cool things you could do with the name Revolution. It is just a name, but man, it was such a cool name.

[foltzie]

Swing and a Miss...

[judyjudyjudy]

I'm totally horrified...

[xmrblondex]

How about
"I'm going to go play nintendo" rather than "I need to take a Wii"
?

That would seem to make sense. If nintendo is trying to appeal to those with no experience in games, it makes sense to make the brand name "nintendo" the more appealing choice for common reference. It is still a nintendo

But what are they going to call the next gameboy?
Mii because you play it by yourself?
Yuu because you pass it around?

[Brak]

How is Revolution similar to Xbox 360? There were so many cool things you could do with the name Revolution. It is just a name, but man, it was such a cool name.

A 360 is a revolution. Although I never looked at it that way, as Nintendo, themselves, used "Revolution" in the context of "revolutionary".

[LinkinPrime]

Appearently "ii" in Japanese means "good" So its "Nintendo Good"
Or "Nintendo Bueno" in Spanish :lol:

[mr ryles]

Appearently "ii" in Japanese means "good" So its "Nintendo Good"
Or "Nintendo Bueno" in Spanish :lol:

or nintendo yes in french.

or to americans Nintendo "I hate this name"

[FurryCurry]

10 minutes later...

Yeah and the Nintendo GO would have been great too. And as much as I don't like it, I really see this shit catching on in a year. Now I keep thinking of the nunchucks = ii! Damn them! FUCK I'VE BEEN PWNED BY MARKETING!

*imagines a possible marketing campaign*

Wii Will Wii Will Rock you!:rofl:

Yeah like that will happen...so many puns I can make now...dammit nintendo! (From SRK)
You've just proved how they are going to pull this off.

omg *worships Nintendo* they are fucking geniuses!

No such thing as bad publicity!

[javeryh]

Reggie playing with the Wii! (http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y262/ninjablade/reggilution2.gif)

:D

[Dr Mario Kart]

http://stashbox.org/uploads/1146158917/wiiaboo.jpg

[mojoman5165]

really, really gay...I'm positive people are gonna be afraid to say it in public, which means Nintendo has already isolated a certain group of people

[Chacrana]

No such thing as bad publicity!

There is when people start wii-ing on your system.

[Tromack]

The more I think about it the better I like it. Still not as bad as the katana -> dreamcast transition.

[Chacrana]

http://stashbox.org/uploads/1146158917/wiiaboo.jpg

I don't understand, but I applaud your standing up for your rights.

[Chacrana]

The more I think about it the better I like it. Still not as bad as the katana -> dreamcast transition.


People didn't make jokes about pissing on your system with the Dreamcast.

[Survivor Charlie]

Stop fighting guys. Can't Wii all just get along?

[Tromack]

People didn't make jokes about pissing on your system with the Dreamcast.

Well, given that I'm not 12 years old, I doubt anyone I personally know will either.

[Scorch]

The Nintendo weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[Brak]

http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/info-books/bottlenose/images/ill-dolphin.gif

That was a welcomed name change... This'n, not so much.

[mr ryles]

some people say cucumbers taste better pickled.

[Rig]

Wow. I am disgusted and horrified. Terrible, terrible name.

[Kfoster1979]

Uhhhh Why oh why.. I Can't wait until launch so I can ask for a wii

[mr ryles]

I suggest watching the vidoe for it at 1up.com or gamespot.com if you can get in. It may change your ideas on it.

[RedvsBlue]

I suggest watching the vidoe for it at 1up.com or gamespot.com if you can get in. It may change your ideas on it.


See the problem though is that a console video game system shouldn't need a video to explain the name. How many people in the average public are going to go on gamespot to see a video about something called the Wii.

I think Nintendo was on a great track to attract a lot of new video game players/customers and then they up and change the name to this?!?

[ShimSham]

I like the name all right.

I'm really surprised some people are freaking the eff out over it though. It's not that big of a deal. I could call my TV a funkmachine but that doesn't make it any different.

I buy consoles for what they're offering me, not what their name is.

It's a hell of a lot better than just tacking on a higher number to the end.

[Vinny]

I think this is the first time I'll decide not to purchase a console based on the name alone...

I'm absolutely speechless. I can't believe a system that I was so hyped over could've lost my interest due to a pathetic attempt at a pun and trying to sound witty.

Why to fuck up Nintendo... just when you were getting everything else right...:bomb:

[botticus]

See the problem though is that a console video game system shouldn't need a video to explain the name. How many people in the average public are going to go on gamespot to see a video about something called the Wii.

I think Nintendo was on a great track to attract a lot of new video game players/customers and then they up and change the name to this?!?
I don't think a lot of people who aren't currently gamers (gamers I would hope don't base their gaming purchases on a name) know anything about the Revolution yet, so it will all revolve around the marketing campaign before or after E3.

[mr ryles]

See the problem though is that a console video game system shouldn't need a video to explain the name. How many people in the average public are going to go on gamespot to see a video about something called the Wii.

I think Nintendo was on a great track to attract a lot of new video game players/customers and then they up and change the name to this?!?

I'm sure the average non gamer would care less about the name, but they need to release the video for all the gamers who complain about the name.

The average person just knows it will play the new Zelda and Mario and that is all they need to know to convince them to buy it.

[secretvampire]

You know, I've decided I like it if for no other reason than when the hell did a Japanese console actually have a name worldwide that sounded Japanese? Think about it...Gamecube, Genesis, Saturn, Playstation, Dreamcast...

And at least it is unique. Not just another number tacked on a previous name.

I think this is the first time I'll decide not to purchase a console based on the name alone...

I'm absolutely speechless. I can't believe a system that I was so hyped over could've lost my interest due to a pathetic attempt at a pun and trying to sound witty.
Wow, you win for the most pathetic response I've seen thus far. I won't buy the console because I don't like the name, doesn't matter how the games play. You aren't a gamer, you are a marketing pawn.

[terribledeli]

I buy consoles for what they're offering me, not what their name is.



But the average consumer doesnt. We can all safely say we're all smart enough to see what it brings to the table. But will your 15 year old neighbor be interested? "Hey Bobby, do you want a Playstation 3, Xbox 360, or a Nintendo Wii for Christmas?"

If my testicles hadn't dropped, I wouldn't be caught dead holding a console named Wii.

[Greetard]

Nintendowned.

[botticus]

But the average consumer doesnt. We can all safely say we're all smart enough to see what it brings to the table. But will your 15 year old neighbor be interested? "Hey Bobby, do you want a Playstation 3, Xbox 360, or a Nintendo Wii for Christmas?"

If my testicles hadn't dropped, I wouldn't be caught dead holding a console named Wii.
You act as though a parent will put equal weight to three items whose costs may be $500, $400, $150.

I think you put too much import on the name. Kids love things with goofy names. Like tamagotchi or pokemon. Though the fact that a bunch of people in their 20s and over are obsessing over "wee" jokes is frightening ;)

[Chacrana]

Well, given that I'm not 12 years old, I doubt anyone I personally know will either.

There are some things that are funny no matter what age you are.

[yukine]

My first reaction: #*$&@*#&$*#@&$**!!!!!!

But now... I don't think it's really all that bad, although the rumored "Go" would of been better.

Shit, I remember my first reaction when seeing the Wii's controller, hell even the Nintendo DS.

Nintendo knows what they are doing.

[ShimSham]

But the average consumer doesnt. We can all safely say we're all smart enough to see what it brings to the table. .
I think this is the first time I'll decide not to purchase a console based on the name alone...

I'm absolutely speechless. I can't believe a system that I was so hyped over could've lost my interest due to a pathetic attempt at a pun and trying to sound witty.

Why to fuck up Nintendo... just when you were getting everything else right...:bomb:

Yeah...

[RelentlessRolento]

4 months from now I see nobody having a problem with this..

[judyjudyjudy]

Well, given that I'm not 12 years old, I doubt anyone I personally know will either.
I don't know any 12 year olds either, but most of my 20 something year old friends have the maturity level of one.

[mr ryles]

There are some things that are funny no matter what age you are.

midgets kickboxing......yes

watching someone get kicked in the nuts..........yes

listening to k-fed rap..............yes

overusing puns for the word "wii".............No

[1modernboy]

Stop fighting guys. Can't Wii all just get along?

Surely you will smoke a turd in purgatory for that one.

[Chacrana]

midgets kickboxing......yes

watching someone get kicked in the nuts..........yes

listening to k-fed rap..............yes

overusing puns for the word "wii".............No


I realize that puns are the lowest form of comedy, but they are acceptable when something is unveiled for the first time. I'll think of more clever ways to make fun of Nintedo's system as time passes (even though I'm doubtlessly buying one.)

[Ecofreak]

Well, my jaw is officially on the floor.

Guess we'll all be having fun with our Wiimote...

I still in Nintendo's camp I'm going to have a :-? expression on my face for quite a long time, despite the good logic behind the name.

BTW, does anyone know the general reaction when Apple announced the iPod? I'm sure that name probably hit similar resistance, and now look at it - the name is synonymous with all things dealing with portable music.

[yukine]

Well, my jaw is officially on the floor.

Guess we'll all be having fun with our Wiimote...

I still in Nintendo's camp I'm going to have a :-? expression on my face for quite a long time, despite the good logic behind the name.


Nintendo is doing a good job of keeping us shocked this generation. ;)

[mr ryles]

Well, my jaw is officially on the floor.

Guess we'll all be having fun with our Wiimote...

I still in Nintendo's camp I'm going to have a :-? expression on my face for quite a long time, despite the good logic behind the name.

BTW, does anyone know the general reaction when Apple announced the iPod? I'm sure that name probably hit similar resistance, and now look at it - the name is synonymous with all things dealing with portable music.

I love how words like wiimote sound like a gay kid with a lisp. :rofl:

[javeryh]

4 months from now I see nobody having a problem with this..

How about right now for me? :D I don't see why anyone would care - sure it's newsworthy and everything but at the end of the day "Atari 2600" sounds a billion times worse than "Wii" and that worked out OK...

[Dr Mario Kart]

The gates of pun hell have burst open like shutting off the containment in Ghostbusters.

[kaw]

Great, like the Sony and MS fanboys needed any more fodder. Talk about your colossal blunders.

Why Wii Nintendo? Why Wii?

[mr ryles]

wiilax guys, evawiithing is gonna be all wiitte.

[Ecofreak]

Nintendo is doing a good job of keeping us shocked this generation. ;)

They're doing too good of a job - my heart can't take much more of this.

Here's an interesting post from a Joystiq reader, continuing my idea about the iPod:

When the iPod was announced did you all think apple released a giant whale egg? The name is simple, the name stands out, and the name doesn't matter the games do.

"Wii" seems to summarize Nintendo's next-gen strategy quite well, and the name is iconic like the "iPod" is today. It's universal because it's not entirely a word - it's a picture/word. Never thought there could be a combination of that before - I mean in the English language.

Sounds pretty good to me.

[Genocidal]

I remember my first reaction when seeing the Wii's controller

:lol:

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE TOO MATURE, WANGS ARE THE CONTROLLERS OF WII.

[botticus]

:lol:

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE TOO MATURE, WANGS ARE THE CONTROLLERS OF WII.
:lol:

Sadly, I'm already cool with this name. Didn't take as long as with the remote. I'm ready to go preorder at EB and dare them to make a comment about the Wii.

[thorbahn3]

And I thought the name Dreamcast was bad.

[cochesecochese]

Well, now that I sit back and think on it for a minute it's not so bad after all.

I'm wondering what kind of non-game software Nintendo is going to put out on this thing now.

[Brak]

*runs back to the thread, out of breath*

I made a YTMND as fast I as a I could!

http://weeonwii.ytmnd.com/

[botticus]

Well, now that I sit back and think on it for a minute it's not so bad after all.

I'm wondering what kind of non-game software Nintendo is going to put out on this thing now.
Potty-training?

Sorry.

[Dr Mario Kart]

They say that their intent will make more sense after E3. So lets wait and see. Their press conference is going to start with, "You might be wondering"

[evilmax17]

It's slowly sinking in. I just hope it doesn't alienate developers.

They say that their intent will make more sense after E3. So lets wait and see. Their press conference is going to start with, "You might be wondering"
Good call.

[CAG 79]

The main reason why people don't like the name Wii is because it makes the console sound like a pussy when compared to the Xbox360 and Playstation 3.

[botticus]

The main reason why people don't like the name Wiiis because it makes the console sound like a pussy when compared to the Xbox360 and Playstation 3.
Umm... Playstation. You sure about that? You only get that impression because Sony marketing worked their magic on it ten years ago.

[mr ryles]

They say that their intent will make more sense after E3. So lets wait and see. Their press conference is going to start with, "You might be wondering"

"You might be wondering............. Well Wii have the answer!!!!!!!"

[Ecofreak]

"We are the Knights who say Wii!"

"We demand a shrubbery!"

-From Joystiq.com

[yukine]

Just accept the Wii. Become comfortable with the Wii. ;)

[jkam]

The name sucks but who gives a shit? This is the problem with most gamers. All they give a shit about is image image image. I don't care how my fucking console looks, what the name is, playing it on a mega sharp 60" HDTV, or who the fuck is endorsing it. I want good fucking games and that is what Nintendo does best.

[basketkase543]

Oh wow, this thread has turned more annoying the console name itself. Jeez.

[Dr Mario Kart]

http://i3.tinypic.com/w03j81.gif

They dont even need to advertise now. The name clearly advertises itself.

[CAG 79]

Umm... Playstation. You sure about that? You only get that impression because Sony marketing worked their magic on it ten years ago.

What I'm saying is that everyone knows the name Playstation and Xbox. Adding a 3 and 360 doesn't make that much of a difference but adding Wii next to the Nintendo name is what sounds akward. Nintendo Revolution sounded to much better.

[mr ryles]

http://i3.tinypic.com/w03j81.gif

They dont even need to advertise now. The name clearly advertises itself.

Awsomeness!!!! :rofl:

[Brak]

http://i3.tinypic.com/w03j81.gif

They dont even need to advertise now. The name clearly advertises itself.

Will that be a launch title?

[rockhero]

They might as well have just gone for it all and called it the Nintendo $$$.

[shipwreck]

I don't remember there being a big outcry about the iPod though. You have to remember that it was launched after the iMac and during the time that Apple was making the lower case "i" the trademark of all of their products. You had iMac, iMovie, iBook etc. before you had the iPod, so it seemed like a perfectly acceptable name.

I think the "Wii" moniker is going to just further along the perception that Nintendo is for a younger generation of gamers. For some reason, the name seems to fit into the same fold as the Sega Pico to me.

I really think they try to overthink these names and try to make them overly symbolic to the point where most people just won't get why it's called that.

[Genocidal]

http://i3.tinypic.com/w03j81.gif

They dont even need to advertise now. The name clearly advertises itself.

I would buy this game.

[Robobandit]

They might as well have just gone for it all and called it the Nintendo $$$.

Then they'd be accused to marketing cigarettes to minors in the UK

[botticus]

Then they'd be accused to marketing cigarettes to minors in the UK
And strangely, the Wii Wiki only mentions "wee" being a urine reference in England. I say we blame it all on the Brits.

[yukine]

I would buy this game.

I think all of us would.

AAA title.

[mr ryles]

Then they'd be accused to marketing cigarettes to minors in the UK

We'll just have to admit marketing is a tricky buisness now days, and this is what nintendo thinks will appeal to the most people.

[Ecofreak]

Then they'd be accused to marketing cigarettes to minors in the UK

:rofl:

[munch]

If such a kick ass name like Revolution wasn't in the mix before I wouldn't have care. But damn, Revolution sounded so cool and was germane to Nintendo's philosophy this gen. I really liked that one.

[spoo]

I love how words like wiimote sound like a gay kid with a lisp. :rofl:
The Wiimote (http://fozzy42.com/SoundClips/Movies/BlazingSaddles/itstwue.wav)

Do they expect a grown ass man (without any kids) to go into Best Buy and buy a Wii and some Wii games?

[botticus]

If such a kick ass name like Revolution wasn't in the mix before I wouldn't have care. But damn, Revolution sounded so cool and was germane to Nintendo's philosophy this gen. I really liked that one.
That's the thing there, I think. As I said before, I doubt many non-gamers have heard of the Revolution, so it's not as if they're already attuned to some other name. This won't be a shocking revelation when commercials start coming out, it will just be a new console named as it is.

[y2jedi]

http://www.tvsquad.com/images/2005/09/GOBheartgetshard3.png

"I've made a huge mistake."
Hahaha,

a huge, little (wii) mistake.

[Number83]

I don't know about the rest of you :roll: , but I'm having too much fun with this...In fact I just transferred all my PS3 dollars into Wii dollars...I hope I don't chaff.

[Plinko]

I really hope Nintendo hears an outcry against the name at E3 and it's changed back. What a disappointment. Revolution was a far better name.

[62t]

The sad thing is the guy who come up with this name probably has a six figure paycheck.

I hope we can call it W2 or something.

[botticus]

The sad thing is the guy who come up with this name probably has a six figure paycheck.

I hope we can call it W2 or something.
You can call it whatever you want. Personally I will go with the Weggiie. Hopefully Strell and RF don't smite me.

[GF_Eric]

"Kung Pow: Enter the Fist" + Nintendo Wii = Nintendo Weeeeeeeeoooooooo weeeeeeooooooooooo weeeeeeooooooo

That's what we're calling it around here, anyway.

[Survivor Charlie]

Honestly, who cares what the name is? The name does not somehow make the games for it worse.

-Online Smash Bros.
-Online Monkey Ball
-Mario
-Zelda
-Kid Icarus
-Metroid

The name might seem silly, but the bottom line is this is a Nintendo machine. If you want the highest quality first-party games, the machine to beat is the Wii.

[Blitz]

http://i3.tinypic.com/w03j81.gif

They dont even need to advertise now. The name clearly advertises itself.
ROFLMAO!!
:rofl:


As far as the name goes, I don't really care. I don't play a game system because the name is cool. XBox sounds pretty stupid as does Playstation. Besides 99% of the people on this board already play with their Wii Wii's.

[wageslave]

Holy fucking shit!

Now Sony and MS are going to outsell nintendo this generation just because the name "Wii" sucks so bad. How can they think that can be any good outside of Japan? Somebody needs to be fired over this!

I don't care, I'm still calling it the "Revolution"

I'm sending Nintendo an email when I get gome asking them WTF?

[evilmax17]

I really hope Nintendo hears an outcry against the name at E3 and it's changed back. What a disappointment. Revolution was a far better name.
*Sips on some New Coke*

[mykevermin]

Their press conference is going to start with, "You might be wondering"

"what the fuck we're on."

[1modernboy]

*runs back to the thread, out of breath*

I made a YTMND as fast I as a I could!

http://weeonwii.ytmnd.com/
Well done, Brak. Now sit back, relax, and crack open a cold one.
Everyone can make their own goddamn jokes about you having to take a Wii afterwards.

[SpottedNigel]

It sounds better than Nintendo DS.

[spoo]

"what the fuck we're on."
What the fuck were wii on?

Fixed.

[javeryh]

Well, let's say this Twinkie represents the normal amount of psychokinetic energy in the New York area. Based on this morning's reading, it would be a Twinkie thirty-five feet long, weighing approximately six hundred pounds.

[Reality's Fringe]

"The wii symbolizes our attempt to overpay some community college marketing major for not doing his goddamn job until the night before."

Still, it's not like Xbox is a sweet-ass name. And neither is playstation. All 3 companies need to be kicked in the nuts. SIGN FOR THE REGGIELOUTION!

[mykevermin]

I predict a stock crash in poor humor based on "Snakes on a Plane" based on recent blunders on behalf of Nintendo.

[Dogpatch]

:-s :-k

Not sure about the name, but keep the puns coming! Free advertising out the wii wii! :razz:

To Wii or not to Wii?
That is the question!

[psychobrawler]

It's the Nintendo Wii60? They'll never hear the end of this one...

[Dr Mario Kart]

Christ, this has to be some sort of record for world wide internet jokes playing on a singular thing.

::sigh::

I'm just glad Twilight Princess was delayed so I can use TP on my Wii

[maddfrog]

I will never get over how the video game industry has changed from when I started playing games in the 80's.

Why does it matter to any of us what the name of the console is? Unless you have shares in Nintendo and are afraid of losing money on the possibility that the console won't sell because of the name.

I just don't understand how the hell the name of a console translates on what the console can do. I remember back in the day when the NES was out at the same time as the Genesis the argument wasn't about the names or about what the console looked like, but it was graphics and if Mario was better than Sonic and vise versa.

So the question is why? Why does the name, the look, determine a console and not the games anymore?

[Reality's Fringe]

IAt least the wii-mote is till awesome.


...Did someone already make that joke?

[Abalistar]

You'd think that after all these years, you'd be used to stupid console names. Gamecube? Xbox? Playstation? Really, the only really cool names I can think of are of systems that failed. Saturn, Dreamcast, Jaguar, Neo Geo Pocket Color(I just like the longness). The only major exception to this that I can think of is the Genesis. So by making a name that is bad, they have locked the #1 spot in the next generation! HA!

I personally dig the symbolism of it, and as someone else said, it is kind of zen like. Sadly, everyone is going to make lame "wee wee" jokes. Damn you all! :wall:

[Dogpatch]

IAt least the wii-mote is till awesome.


...Did someone already make that joke?

Probably

I will be buying the system regardless. The name just seems to be a Wii-bit odd. :razz: Could not resist.

[wildnuts02]

beware of the:

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/2716/photo1a4jf.jpg

[Dogpatch]

beware of the:

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/2716/photo1a4jf.jpg

:rofl:

[Oops! I did it again.]

Holy fucking shit!

Now Sony and MS are going to outsell nintendo this generation just because the name "Wii" sucks so bad. How can they think that can be any good outside of Japan? Somebody needs to be fired over this!
Ehh I think that might be overblowing it a bit. I don't think the difference between a name like Wii (which we're all probably going to come to be familiar with and accept as time goes along and as the name is further saturated into the gaming coverage) and a name like Revolution. It's really not that bad of a name at all. Wii...confusing perhaps, but the logo looks cool, it'll probably look better on the console itself than Revolution would, and if they further explain the meaning and make it more easily digestable, I think the whole backlash will quiet down pretty quickly. I doubt sales will fall just because it's called Wii. If the prouduct is good, the product is good...and it looks like this product will be great.

[Dr Mario Kart]

Everyone on the internet will have joked about it so much, that they'll be tired of it this time tomorrow. Burnout

http://i3.tinypic.com/wkim2w.jpg

[derder]

"We" are disappointed.
Revolution was much better.

Why was this revealed before E3?

Because NoA knew that it was a bad idea, but couldn't convince NoJ. And didn't want to bad press of people laughing as they left the auditorium.

[Tybee]

*sings*

Wiiiiiiiii shall overcooommmmmmmme, Wiiiiii shall overcoooommmmme....

[derder]

Introducing... Wii.

As in "'We' love fucking with you."

While the code-name Revolution expressed our purpose, Wii represents nothing. Wii will break down the remaining faith in our fans and stockholders. Wii will put people more in touch with their feminine side.. and each other. But you're probably asking: Why would you do this?


Wii sounds like "we," which emphasizes our perversion in the gaming industry. Wii can easily be mocked 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 symoblizes two penises and the image of people being rammed by them. And Wii, as a name and a console, establishes our target demographic that sets it apart from the crowd.

So that's Wii. But now Nintendo needs help. Because it's really not about you or me. It's about Wii. And together, Wii will change everything.

[Dr Mario Kart]

http://money.cnn.com/2006/04/27/commentary/game_over/nintendo/index.htm

Nintendo comments on the reaction, updated first post

[Blitz]

Everyone on the internet will have joked about it so much, that they'll be tired of it this time tomorrow. Burnout

http://i3.tinypic.com/wkim2w.jpg

:rofl:

Damn juice on my monitor. You're really on a roll today.

[megashock5]

The main reason why people don't like the name Wii is because it makes the console sound like a pussy when compared to the Xbox360 and Playstation 3.

I don't know. I don't think everyone needs to have their game system sound cool or tough to feel okay about themselves.

My only problem with it (as opposed to other examples people are using, like iPod) is that on sight alone nobody knows how to pronounce it. I've been purposely showing it to any non-gamers who come into my office today to guage their reaction. 'W 2' is the first thing they say, followed by 'W eye eye'

Therefore TV advertising is required. People need to see the visual and hear it pronounced before the apply that sound to the word.

[evilmax17]

Because NoA knew that it was a bad idea, but couldn't convince NoJ. And didn't want to bad press of people laughing as they left the auditorium.
Wow, dead on.

By letting the gaming community vent now about the name, they will be less distracted as launch titles for the system are announced and initial reports about what it's like to play the games begin to come in.

[botticus]

Wow, dead on.
I wouldn't say they knew it was a bad idea so much as saying "This is what we feel is going to work, but we know initial reaction is going to be ugly. So let's get it out of the way now."

Frankly, if we look back on the controller thread, it was the same. Everyone shocked and sad and lots of jokes, and moved on from there to where I think a lot of us are excited about it.

Good comments by Perrin, I think. In addition to what's quoted in the OP:
"I think people have to look back and let it settle in," she said. "I'm sure people felt the same way when Google was named – or the iPod. Napster. Yahoo. There's a whole host of unusual names that have become a part of everyday conversation and I think they're viewed now as unique."

[CoffeeEdge]

I'm sticking with Revolution. Sorry Nintendo, but I liked Revo better.

Maybe it'll grow on me.

[Reality's Fringe]

http://money.cnn.com/2006/04/27/commentary/game_over/nintendo/index.htm

Nintendo comments on the reaction, updated first post

"Kaplan said the criticism was not unexpected, given Wii's uniqueness.

"I think people have to look back and let it settle in," she said. "I'm sure people felt the same way when Google was named – or the iPod. Napster. Yahoo. There's a whole host of unusual names that have become a part of everyday conversation and I think they're viewed now as unique."

Not a bad point. Still like REGGIEloution better.

[soonersfan60]

If you thought there was going to be negative backlash, wouldn't you just think of a different name?

That's because they didn't think this through. You should never name a product with something that does not have an immediately recognizable pronunciation. That is poor marketing. Not to mention all the "why" and "wee wee" jokes.

Dane.

[RelentlessRolento]

i don't see why everyone is bitching... pretty much any system from the Playstation era and on have had horrible odd names.

now look at these and see them as if you've never even heard of them or know what the hell a video game is:

"GameBoy"
"Virtual Boy" (can come off as a bit petto...)
"Playstation"
"Playstation Portable"
"Xbox"
"Xbox 360"
"Gizmondo"
"Dreamcast"
"Saturn"
"Nomad"


I would say alot of those names are quite obscure... some just sound cooler than others, but make no sense. I actually am glad that nintendo is taking the idea of "we name a console based off a conceptual design or purpose" instead of just naming things since they sound cool like the Xbox 360 (don't say there was concept... they came up with the name before they realized what it meant).

[lurknomore]

Maybe the North American version will be named something else...something significant? Wii Stinks to high heaven.

[chimpian]

eh interesting think of it this way no
rev just wii
interesting.....
i think it will grow on ya
im starting to like it.....

[Ecofreak]

Doesn't matter, because eventually Nintendo's gonna be singing "Wiiiiii are the champions! Wiiiii are the champions! You are the losers, and Wiii are the champions!!!"

Nintendo should make this their theme song.

[RelentlessRolento]

6 months from now I'm going to resurrect this thread just to make everyone feel horrible about critisizing a smart move by nintendo.

[chewster777]

As soon as I saw this, I imagined all of the wee wee jokes that would come about and after reading the responses, I'm amused to see just that. Man, I'm not sure about this. Still, it does kind of refer to whatever wi fi stuff it's supposed to provide. But still...

[SpottedNigel]

6 months from now I'm going to resurrect this thread just to make everyone feel horrible about critisizing a smart move by nintendo.

I give it 2 weeks when we see its unveiling on all the news channels.

[wildnuts02]

6 months from now I'm going to resurrect this thread just to make everyone feel horrible about critisizing a smart move by nintendo.

blind damage control. wii-ners would say the same thing if it had been called the Nintendo Poo

[derder]

I think you guys are missing the point. They went from a good name to worse name. Simple as that.

[evilmax17]

blind damage control. wii-ners would say the same thing if it had been called the Nintendo Poo
Which reminds me, wonder if they'll port over Boon-ga Boon-ga (http://www.seanbaby.com/nes/naughty02.htm)?

[evanft]

The name sucks ass.

[DT778]

great name.

[jer7583]

I came up with what I thought was a pretty good concept for a Revolution Logo that included the controller in the logo that worked better than this. A simple R! with the remote being the bar of the exclamation point.. emphasizing fun and excitement, and showing the controller.

This makes sense conceptually, but I don't see how nintendo couldn't expect this kind of childish backlash. It's a pretty gusy move and you have to respect that they're willing to run headlong into that kind of thing and not worry about what 10 year olds (or those who act like them) think.

Anybody think this name is just a further diversion from the norm for nintendo? I don't think they want anyone to make any mistake that the Rev/Wii is ANYTHING like PS3 and X360. If you're going to distance yourself from the competition, go all out, even in name.

Im still buying one, and the games will still rock.

[RelentlessRolento]

blind damage control. wii-ners would say the same thing if it had been called the Nintendo Poo

no... that would just be plain idiotic of nintendo to go "Poo" ;)

I like how Nintendo knew that people would backlash, and that's the reason why they are anouncing it now, so that E3 will change everyone's opinions. Stop the bitching and moaning... at least nintendo is making a damn console.

[shipwreck]

6 months from now I'm going to resurrect this thread just to make everyone feel horrible about critisizing a smart move by nintendo.

Go for it. I'll stand by "Wii" as a horrible name until the day I die.

Unless of course you are talking about it being a smart move to announce this prior to E3, then I wholeheartedly agree that this was indeed the smartest move they could do with the name. This name is a detriment to the system and Nintendo knows this and yet still chose to call it this.

Sure, they bring up Google, Yahoo, iPod, and Napster, but guess what, the general public can look at those names and actually pronounce them. Hell, Google is actually a word for "look", Yahoo is synonymous as a noise people make when they are having fun, iPod (I already explained how this one fit in with Apple's whole "i" line), and Napster could have been called whatever it damn well pleased as people just used it to download music for free.

And all the other console names that people are mentioning are either all actual words in the English language, a combination of real words to make up some brand name, or something that is obvious to pronounce.

Wii is a terrible name. I'm still buying one, but I can see many kids, teens, and twenty-something non-hardcore gamers passing up the Wii simply on name alone. Nintendo is already known for having the "Kiddie" console and this name is certainly not going to help matters in that regard here in the States.

It's a pretty forgetable name as well. A one-syllable name that is pronounced the same as a common word such as "we" does not have near the penetration power of something such as "Xbox 360" or "Playstation 3".

[RelentlessRolento]

so what's the acronym for this? "W"?

[spoo]

Please stop telling me how great (or bad) Wii will be. Nobody knows how good or bad the Wii will be. The thing we do know is how bad of a name Wii is.

[jer7583]

the xbox 360 and the Wii both have the same concept.. everyone coming together, everyone's invited. I think Wii is more successful at that concept and more original.

[SpottedNigel]

The thing we do know is how bad of a name Wii is.

Except that not everyone thinks its a bad name.

[psiufoxx2]

How is it we accept a name like wikipedia but not wii.. What is wrong with us?

Go for it. I'll stand by "Wii" as a horrible name until the day I die.

Unless of course you are talking about it being a smart move to announce this prior to E3, then I wholeheartedly agree that this was indeed the smartest move they could do with the name. This name is a detriment to the system and Nintendo knows this and yet still chose to call it this.

Sure, they bring up Google, Yahoo, iPod, and Napster, but guess what, the general public can look at those names and actually pronounce them. Hell, Google is actually a word for "look", Yahoo is synonymous as a noise people make when they are having fun, iPod (I already explained how this one fit in with Apple's whole "i" line), and Napster could have been called whatever it damn well pleased as people just used it to download music for free.

And all the other console names that people are mentioning are either all actual words in the English language, a combination of real words to make up some brand name, or something that is obvious to pronounce.

Wii is a terrible name. I'm still buying one, but I can see many kids, teens, and twenty-something non-hardcore gamers passing up the Wii simply on name alone. Nintendo is already known for having the "Kiddie" console and this name is certainly not going to help matters in that regard here in the States.

It's a pretty forgetable name as well. A one-syllable name that is pronounced the same as a common word such as "we" does not have near the penetration power of something such as "Xbox 360" or "Playstation 3".You're overreacting. Honestly.

[shipwreck]

Except that not everyone thinks its a bad name.

Yes, some of the Nintendo faithful are swallowing down Wii with no problems.

[derder]

the xbox 360 and the Wii both have the same concept.. everyone coming together, everyone's invited. I think Wii is more successful at that concept and more original.

You're turning this into a thread about the system, not the name. I think we should make a seperate thread. But I find it hard to believe that there is someone who likes this name, let alone prefers it over Revolution.

[Ma12kez]

Sounds alright to me, as long as it offers good gameplay.

[Vinny]

I was kidding about not buying due to the name... I typed in a rush and didn't think to put any sort of smilie. I think I've made it pretty clear that I'm hyped for the Revo. The hell would I back a losing company and then say I'm not buying their system due to the name?:P

But the part about Nintendo fucking up stands- that wasn't sarcasm. Revolution was a better name. Period.

[guardian_owl]

I'm just glad Twilight Princess was delayed so I can use TP on my Wii
Congratulations, that was the first one to actually make me Laugh out Loud

[SpottedNigel]

Yes, some of the Nintendo faithful are swallowing down Wii with no problems.

(Cue Golden Shower joke) :)

[daphatty]

Lamest. Name. Ever.

Another example of the Japanese butchering the english language.

[Robobandit]

I'll decide if they fucked up when I see their marketing compaign.

That said, regardless of the name, I'm rather excited about the console.

[spoo]

Except that not everyone thinks its a bad name.
point taken but I still stand by what I said.

BTW will most call it "Wii," "The Wii," "Nintendo Wii," "The Nintendo Wii," "Wii Nintendo," or "The Wii Nintendo?"

I just realized how it makes it sound small.

[RedvsBlue]

"Son, are you playing with your wii again?"

[Squee]

Wii get signal! Main screen turn on!
Hello gentlemen! All your wiipons of mass destruction are belong to us!

[wildnuts02]

any idea if Call of Duty: World War Wii was confirmed as a launch title?

[io]

:lol:

Sadly, I'm already cool with this name. Didn't take as long as with the remote. I'm ready to go preorder at EB and dare them to make a comment about the Wii.

Yeah, now I'm going to have to go into GR every week and ask if I can preorder the "weee" yet. I'll just call it the "new Nintendo thing" and hope they understand. #-o

[Dr Mario Kart]

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/8573/pennyarcadeedit1om.jpg

See? Its going to be fun.

[vgamergirl]

The name's wii-tarded, but i'll still buy one 'cause Nintendo rocks millions of ass.

[rabbitt]

any idea if Call of Duty: World War Wii was confirmed as a launch title?

I think that could cause problems when searching about the Nintendo Wii. Lots of World War II stuff could come up.

[evilmax17]

Nintendowii also sounds like a planet from Star Wars.

[spoo]

I think that could cause problems when searching about the Nintendo Wii. Lots of World War II stuff could come up.
Maybe this is part of Nintendos Evil plan, WII Japan vs. US ;)

[psiufoxx2]

Go for it. I'll stand by "Wii" as a horrible name until the day I die.

Unless of course you are talking about it being a smart move to announce this prior to E3, then I wholeheartedly agree that this was indeed the smartest move they could do with the name. This name is a detriment to the system and Nintendo knows this and yet still chose to call it this.

Sure, they bring up Google, Yahoo, iPod, and Napster, but guess what, the general public can look at those names and actually pronounce them. Hell, Google is actually a word for "look", Yahoo is synonymous as a noise people make when they are having fun, iPod (I already explained how this one fit in with Apple's whole "i" line), and Napster could have been called whatever it damn well pleased as people just used it to download music for free.

And all the other console names that people are mentioning are either all actual words in the English language, a combination of real words to make up some brand name, or something that is obvious to pronounce.

Wii is a terrible name. I'm still buying one, but I can see many kids, teens, and twenty-something non-hardcore gamers passing up the Wii simply on name alone. Nintendo is already known for having the "Kiddie" console and this name is certainly not going to help matters in that regard here in the States.

It's a pretty forgetable name as well. A one-syllable name that is pronounced the same as a common word such as "we" does not have near the penetration power of something such as "Xbox 360" or "Playstation 3".You're overreacting. Honestly.

[Pancake Rabbit]

Yeah this will really reach out to the casual gamers

"Yo! my man! you wanna play that new madden!?"

"Yeah dawg whatchoo got that on the 360?"

"Naw I got it on the uhhh...the wii"

"THE WHAT!?"

"The wii"

"You some kind of gay?"

[shipwreck]

Nintendowii also sounds like a planet from Star Wars.

It also sounds like a way to describe something.

"See all those bright colors over there?"

"Over where?"

"You know, the ones over there. The ones that look all Nintendowii."

"Oh yeah, I see them now. What about them?"

"Nothing really, we were just two fictional characters illustrating a point."

"Oh, okay. Well, back to doing whatever we were doing then."

[bingbangboom]

UGh... why?

The name is just not that good. I would have even rather gone back to one of the original rumored names, "5".

ITs just like naming a kid... you don't want a name that gets made fun of...

"Wiiwii"

come on... I know the name doesn't make the system but it just doesn't seem that like cool... which is what the console really had going for it.

[David85]

I think I will prounce it...

WHY!?!?!

This has to be the lamest fucking name in gaming history. I get all the fanboys here don't care about the name, but that's not who Nintendo is trying to get. Nintendo wants NEW people, they want the people they lost to SOny back. They want the people who think that Nintendo was kiddy in the past and is now the cool new thing. Wii... I mean they will just continue to bash Nintendo. Way to add gas to the fire.

[the3rdkey]

I love the new name!

[Ecofreak]

Honestly, I think that no other system name has gotten so much attention - and if Nintendo wants to get their name out then this is definitely the way to do it.

Multiple articles on CNN.com, MSNBC.com, Yahoo news - all on the front page of the technology sections. The only time I remember that consoles get this much press is only right before launch or when there is a shortage - never just in the name unveiling.

So people, curious, will read about it and maybe do some more research and become excited about its possibilities and then become a convert soon after it is released.

Crazy marketing power with Just Three Letters.

[botticus]

It's unfortunate that all the image-conscious gamers, who are, you know, the coolest kids in school anyway, are going to take a hit if they want to play the new Nintendo console.

And ship, it's not so much "swallowing the name" as it is saying "Well, it's not the greatest, but there's nothing to be done about it, so I could either bitch about it all day long, or accept it for what it is since I have more important things to worry about than how people will react to the name of the next-gen console I will buy."

And you can bet your ass that Sony is already back at the drawing board pondering if they still have time to rename their console the Playstation Thwii.

[RedvsBlue]

I'm not going to go so far as to say the name won't make me buy it but it does make me lean a little more toward not buying it.

For everyone who says the name doesn't matter, what if they decided to name it the "Foofie powderpuff video game system"? Still wouldn't care?

[megaseadramon]

When I preorder it, I will say Revolution. When I tell friends about it, I will say Revolution. When I am enjoying the games, I will say "Viva la Revolution!"

[Zmonkay]

Boo! Boo I say! Why God? Why does Nintendo hate its fans?

[BustaUppa]

I dunno if the childish jokes will be THAT much of a problem. Do kids today even say "wee-wee" anymore? I assumed that the terminology had kind of moved on, and the only ones old enough to remember would be too mature to care.

Ha ha, People have been bringing up the Dolphin... but remember STAR CUBE???

[Reality's Fringe]

I'm not going to go so far as to say the name won't make me buy it but it does make me lean a little more toward not buying it.

For everyone who says the name doesn't matter, what if they decided to name it the "Foofie powderpuff video game system"? Still wouldn't care?

Yeah, but the flipside of that is true as well. My position is, it's Nintendo, and people are going to bitch about it the same way they bitched about the name "Revolution" and the controller. It doesn't matter if they called it the Nintendo Shit-Hole Blasting, Terrorist 'Sploding, Beef-Eating, Labia-Licker 420 Xtreme Edition; There's going to be bitching.

[botticus]

I'm not going to go so far as to say the name won't make me buy it but it does make me lean a little more toward not buying it.

For everyone who says the name doesn't matter, what if they decided to name it the "Foofie powderpuff video game system"? Still wouldn't care?
If the goal of the console was to put out lots of games with poofy creatures in them, then no, I wouldn't care, but I also wouldn't be interested in it.

But yes, if they had for some reason decided that "Foofie powderpuff video game system" was an appropriate name for the Rev, with all other things remaining equal, I would still go buy one, laughing at the name all the way. But don't go to extremes in comparison or anything.

And I will still be calling this the Rev or just Nintendo, unless Wii gets ingrained by the time I get it, which is certainly possible, since it's a better name and currently what I associate with the console.

[Oops! I did it again.]

When it comes to game console names, the question that pops up in my mind is: what's so BAD about the name? That goes for any console. If there were a console called the Sega Cockdragon or the NEC Am I A Smoothie Machine Or A Game - Turn Me On To Find Out, I might see how there would be a problem...but Wii? I don't see the issue. It's short, it's simple, and other than the possible pronunciation problems (which I haven't personally encountered when showing the link to people, and which would be even more unlikely once word of mouth and media coverage spreads). Wii...it's not a bad name, it's marketable, it makes for a cool logo, and it's basically harmless. Sure, it's no Nintendo MEGAWOWPOWAFIRESWISHBANG but there's not much negative to find here, in my mind.

[zewone]

You must not be a badass dude if you don't play with a Wii.

[Chris in Cali]

How dissapointing, what terrible decsion on Nintendo's part. Dare I say... Wiitarded?

[RedvsBlue]

Yeah, but the flipside of that is true as well. My position is, it's Nintendo, and people are going to bitch about it the same way they bitched about the name "Revolution" and the controller. It doesn't matter if they called it the Nintendo Shit-Hole Blasting, Terrorist 'Sploding, Beef-Eating, Labia-Licker 420 Xtreme Edition; There's going to be bitching.

Personally, Revolution seemed like a keeper to me. Why they didn't keep the keeper, is beyond me. I think they're just going too far with the whole "let's be different" thing. You know, kind of like those emo or goth kids you always make fun of because the want to be sooo different that they end up looking ridiculous?

[shipwreck]

It's unfortunate that all the image-conscious gamers, who are, you know, the coolest kids in school anyway, are going to take a hit if they want to play the new Nintendo console.

And ship, it's not so much "swallowing the name" as it is saying "Well, it's not the greatest, but there's nothing to be done about it, so I could either bitch about it all day long, or accept it for what it is since I have more important things to worry about than how people will react to the name of the next-gen console I will buy."

And you can bet your ass that Sony is already back at the drawing board pondering if they still have time to rename their console the Playstation Thwii.

I really don't think this has Sony reconsidering naming their console.

And my whole issue with the name isn't that I don't think it's a good name or that it matters to me (I don't like it, but like I said, I'm still buying). My issue is that this name will not be well received by the general public or the hip and cool kids that are going to want a next gen console. I don't understand why Nintendo would want to put out a name that is "not the greatest" when they could have named it something catchier that would have a better chance of not turning people away from the console.

A bad name is perfectly fine, but one that can actually have people think your product is "uncool" because of it is not a good decision.

[Reality's Fringe]

Personally, Revolution seemed like a keeper to me. Why they didn't keep the keeper, is beyond me. I think they're just going too far with the whole "let's be different" thing. You know, kind of like those emo or goth kids you always make fun of because the want to be sooo different that they end up looking ridiculous?

I don't know, I liked the name "revolution" too. That might be because I just got used to it for after so long. It -would- be a difficult moniker to live up to, though.

[RedvsBlue]

If the goal of the console was to put out lots of games with poofy creatures in them, then no, I wouldn't care, but I also wouldn't be interested in it.

But yes, if they had for some reason decided that "Foofie powderpuff video game system" was an appropriate name for the Rev, with all other things remaining equal, I would still go buy one, laughing at the name all the way. But don't go to extremes in comparison or anything.

And I will still be calling this the Rev or just Nintendo, unless Wii gets ingrained by the time I get it, which is certainly possible, since it's a better name and currently what I associate with the console.

See, the thing is though, Nintendo fans won't care. The average consumer, on the other hand, will look at it and pass it right by. Names and name recognition matter, plain and simple. If Nintendo wants to sell their system over here they better make damn sure the Nintendo written on the box is larger than the Wii.

[botticus]

I don't understand why Nintendo would want to put out a name that is "not the greatest" when they could have named it something catchier that would have a better chance of not turning people away from the console.
Without knowing anything about how the Big N works internally and across the Pacific, my guess is it went something like this:

January 05
"Hey guys, how about we call it the Wii? [explanation follows]"
"HAHAHAHAHA, seriously, shut up or you're fired. I might have to make a pee joke."

January 06
"You know, after thinking about it for a while, Wii is a great name and has really stuck with me since I heard it. And our focus groups seem to like it [there's ALWAYS a focus group]. Let's do it."

Hence they knew their initial reaction to it, and expected the public to share it. But they also must know something we don't, maybe that once you get used to it, it's a keeper. Keep in mind there's a good six to seven months here between the time we hear the name and the time the product actually hits shelves. We shall see.

Edit: Now that I think about it, wasn't there a supposed leaked pic a while ago that said something about "Nintendo We" or "WE"?

[Dr Mario Kart]

The hard part about selling the system is the required interaction. Forget the name for a moment, when a consumer goes to the Gamestop and sees the 3 displays, he'll probably gravitate toward the prettier one. But if he sees me playing my Madden Rev or Red Steel demo, he will go to that one. I guaran-fucking-tee it.

[spoo]

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/1338/shrubber1vi.jpg

[CouRageouS]

Wii isn't that bad, certainly will take some getting used to. I'll still be calling it the Rev for a long long time though. From watching that little animation, I swear that they picked the named cause it has two i's in it. It does sound kiddy but at the same time sort of simple and sophisticated, like a piece of Ikea furniture. Marketing at its best still.

They should have just went balls out in manliness and called it the Nintendo Koq. Koq all up in your faces Microsoft and Sony!

[vherub]

I don't care for Wii, then again PS3 and xbox360 aren't exactly exciting names either.

I would have liked a stronger name, such as Core, AlphaOmega or HandJob

[RedvsBlue]

I don't care for Wii, then again PS3 and xbox360 aren't exactly exciting names either.

I would have liked a stronger name, such as Core, AlphaOmega or HandJob

The world's first M-rated console!

[SpottedNigel]

Very Pixar now that I think about it (or steal someone elses observation...whatever). I hope they use that as the opening video/menu for the system. Beat it up like the Sega logo in Vectorman or play mini games with it. Have random animations when you turn it on.

We may have the new AOL running man here.

[Reality's Fringe]

This news has broken the internet. Blogs have become terror.

[botticus]

Very Pixar now that I think about it (or steal someone elses observation...whatever). I hope they use that as the opening video/menu for the system. Beat it up like the Sega logo in Vectorman or play mini games with it. Have random animations when you turn it on.

We may have the new AOL running man here.
Yeah, hate the name or not, the logo animation was fun.

[Tybee]

After thinking about this for a couple hours, I've come to this:

Revolution SOUNDS cooler, but Wii LOOKS cooler. Yeah, it sounds dumb, but it's a much better logo. I never liked any of the fan-designed Revolution logos and trying to come up with a compelling visual concept using a long word like that is difficult, if not impossible. Wii offers infinitely more possibilities in that department. But there's no getting around the fact that it sounds silly when spoken aloud.

[greendj27]

All I can say is WOW, and not in a good way.