Wii - Good Name or not?

[wubb]

Okay let's get everyone's gut reaction to the new name.

Sorry no, 'Meh, doesn't matter' or 'I don't care' choices. Have an opinion!

[Robobandit]

After thinking about it, I like it. I'm usually a very concise person, and like to get to the point quickly, so I appreciate that the name is simple, no nonsense.. just.. Wii.

I love the logo, though I have to admit I wouldn't object if they wanted to change back to Revolution, though I think Wii is better than the "Go" or the "Blue Wave"

It really fits with the look of the device, the logo, that is.. Also, there are a lot of names consumers have trouble saying.. like "Toureg", the SUV from Volkswagen.. most folks have no clue how to pronounce it.

At any rate, I'm happy.

[Francis]

Horrible name, I'm afraid Nintendo will lose alot of casual fans they WOULD have captured otherwise. Just because of a ridiculous name.

And yes teenage boys are stupid enough to diss the Wii just because of it's name, and yes teenage boys are a huge demographic Nintendo will need.

[mr ryles]

hate is such a strong word.

[mookiemeister]

Is there a reasoning behind Wii? Does it stand for something?

[whoknows]

I personally hate everything about it. How is Nintendo going to advertise a "wii", seriously. When someone is at a store looking to buy a console will they buy the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, or a Wii?

I dont know, but something tells me the Wii would be the last choice.

[thespillcanvas]

I don't like it. I'm going to feel like a complete asshat in the store.. "Hi, I'd like to buy a Wii please." :/

[Foolman]

It is supposed to stand for Worldwide collective...ness.

Here is a link.

http://revolution.ign.com/articles/703/703593p1.html

Gut reactions tend to be extreme.

[munch]

I voted don't like. But I'll get over it.

[Oops! I did it again.]

Love it...why not.

[Reality's Fringe]

I didn't like it when I first heard it, but that's because:
A. I was used to Revolution
B. I want it to be THE REGGIE.

It's no more lame than any other game system name.

[thespillcanvas]

I didn't like it when I first heard it, but that's because:
A. I was used to Revolution
B. I want it to be THE REGGIE.

It's no more lame than any other game system name.

ROFL at your sig.

[DomLando]

I voted don't like. But I'll get over it.
Same here

[2Fast]

I chose "I like it" because there wasn't an option for "I really don't care either way." I prefer Revolution, but Wii doesn't bother me.

[fillican]

well, they should have put more thought into the name... everyone is going to go around and make Wii Wii jokes.

[Chacrana]

I hate it and love it. I love having something that can be used in nearly every bad pun imaginable... but the name is stupid as hell. So I went with hate.

I'm still buying the system obviously, but it's hard to say "hey guys, I'm gonna go play with my wii."

[SpazX]

I think it's already growing on me. It pales in comparison to revolution, but it does really look good to me, even though I feel retarded when I say it. I guess I'll put I don't like it, since I don't, but that'll probably change after E3 (if it's a great console then the name automatically becomes great :-P).

[daroga]

Is there a reasoning behind Wii? Does it stand for something?

Straight from the horse's mouth:

"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."

[Oops! I did it again.]

ROFL at your sig.
LOL yeah that sig is hilarious.

[daroga]

I'm wondering, it's so close to WiFi... I wonder if that was purposful or not...

[sonderiaom]

I said that I dislike it. Reason being that with the name of the "Revolution" anyone talking about it would have high expectations from it, it would be able to do so much without competing against everyone else. However, with the name of "Wii" it can only be made fun of with the uninformed; all the Urine jokes abound.

[Brak]

Where's the "Who cares?" option?

Really... this isn't going to effect gameplay, the hardware, the games, etc. I could give two shits, in the long run.

However, it is a disappointing "who cares?", from me. I liked "Revolution"... but, again: oh, well.

[Ecofreak]

We should conduct this poll again at launch and see how the opinions have changed over the course of several months and we have more time to sit on this.

[FriskyTanuki]

Okay let's get everyone's gut reaction to the new name.

Sorry no, 'Meh, doesn't matter' or 'I don't care' choices. Have an opinion!
Why do I actually have to care about the name? It doesn't affect gameplay or my view on the system, so I don't really care about the new name. If that's not having an opinion, then I don't have one.

[BIG5]

Just when I thought Nintendo couldn't get any dumber, they go and do something like this... and totally redeem themselves! Just kidding, Nintendo. I for one am not looking forward to see "Wii" on the spines of my games for the next 5 years. First the little purple purse, now this. When will they learn?

[the_gloaming]

To all you naysayers ...

Wii will overcome.

[4tygames]

"Eat, Sleep, and Wii"

"Go game. Go Wii."

"Drink water, go wii."

" Touching Wii is Good"

" Wii can do what no one else can."

Those were created in 2 minutes on the official nintendo forum. These puns will get worse. The worst Nintendo decision ever?

[Dr Mario Kart]

First the little purple purse, now this. When will they learn?

When they lose $4 Billion in a generation, then they will learn. Until then, they pretty much get to do whatever they want.

Heres an interesting defense of the name:
http://blog.wired.com/games/index.blog?entry_id=1467976

[Pancake Rabbit]

As long as wee-man of jackass fame isn't the new mascot I'll be ok.

[KaneRobot]

Wow, XBox 360 was dethroned as the worst console name ever in just 1 year. Congrats, Nintendo.

It's no more lame than any other game system name.

Uh huh. And if they called it "Turdplayer" you'd say the same thing.

[Richlough]

I wasn't crazy about Katana -> Dreamcast , but I got used to it .

[strummerbs]

I think the biggest problem with the name is in marketing to consumers. The name is not going to be popular with game store employees or Christmas shopping parents, certainly. It just seems to reinforce that Nintendo is a "kiddie" system in the minds of a lot of mainstream consumers. Image-centered teenagers and mainstream buyers may be turned off by the name. The Revolution was a perfect name. It had built-in marketing, an appeal to teenagers and adults who have the misperception that Nintendo is for kids. Nintendo cited the oddity of Google, Yahoo, and iPod, but those are different. While those might be odd names, they didn't make anyone giggle or make bad puns, they were just unique names that could be immediately associated with a product or service. Similarly, prior game systems at least had names that either evoked the product's purpose or some interesting comparison (Genesis). The pronounciation of Wii is a commonly used word and has no immediate connotation with gaming, and therefore the name association cannot really be there in the same way as iPod or the like. From a personal standpoint, I think the name is dumb, but I'll still be interested if the product is high-quality. From a marketing standpoint, this seems like Nintendo shooting themselves in the foot, multiplied by the fact they had a strong potential trademark to begin with in Revolution.

[dts5000]

I'm not a fan of the name Wii, but the logo's nice.

http://revolutionmedia.ign.com/revolution/image/article/703/703593/nintendo-talk-to-ign-about-wii-20060427034939324.jpg

[zindsoros]

I dont really like it, probably because I thought that Revolution was a really cool name. Also I have a feeling these Wii jokes are going to get really old really fast. With that in mind, omg what about the French, they are gonna go to the store and ask to buy a "yes" =D

[Grave_Addiction]

I don't like it. I'll always call it the Revolution.

[guardian_owl]

One of these days I am going to do a poll like this on a controversial topic and pull a Colbert with two options like these "Good name" or "Greatest name".

[Dr Mario Kart]

I think the biggest problem with the name is in marketing to consumers. The name is not going to be popular with game store employees or Christmas shopping parents, certainly. It just seems to reinforce that Nintendo is a "kiddie" system in the minds of a lot of mainstream consumers. Image-centered teenagers and mainstream buyers may be turned off by the name. The Revolution was a perfect name. It had built-in marketing, an appeal to teenagers and adults who have the misperception that Nintendo is for kids. Nintendo cited the oddity of Google, Yahoo, and iPod, but those are different. While those might be odd names, they didn't make anyone giggle or make bad puns, they were just unique names that could be immediately associated with a product or service. Similarly, prior game systems at least had names that either evoked the product's purpose or some interesting comparison (Genesis). The pronounciation of Wii is a commonly used word and has no immediate connotation with gaming, and therefore the name association cannot really be there in the same way as iPod or the like. From a personal standpoint, I think the name is dumb, but I'll still be interested if the product is high-quality. From a marketing standpoint, this seems like Nintendo shooting themselves in the foot, multiplied by the fact they had a strong potential trademark to begin with in Revolution.

I think their conclusion is that Revolution, while we like it a whole lot(because its great), is NOT what is going to be marketable toward a larger, more generic, mass audience.

The people who bought into the whole kiddy idea were never realistically eligible to be in the target market.

As long as the vast majority of people who were originally going to buy it still are, and thats the way it looks despite the soreness, then any non-gamers wooed to the market is pure bonus.

Nothing has been able to fool the non-gamer crowd into gaming, by definition. NO Current Marketing techniques, none of our consoles names that apparently dont suck, not flashy graphics, not good games. NOTHING.

Whether it will work or not has yet to be seen, but trying something different in the face of nothing else working isnt unreasonable. They at least have the singular experience in expanding the market with the DS in Japan. The Revolution/Wii, like the DS, has to be experienced. After that, you wont care about anything else, especially petty stuff like NAMES.

Gamers care about games more than names.

[banpeikun]

there needs to be an option "i will like it" and "i will love it."

[akilshohen]

I like the explaination behind the name, but it's was too out of there for me. Presonally it sound like some drug slang.
I could just see D4L of Franchise boyz doing a dance calling it the "wii"
or the woooooo guy saying wiiiiiii

[Graystone]

Wii - Good Name or not?


Shaq-fu no it has to be the dumbest thing I have ever heard. Well for the name of an video game console.

Which sounds better?

1. I'm on my way to get a Wii at the store.
or
2. I'm on my way to go get a Nintendo Revolution.

Yep number two is better I knew you would see it my way.

[video_gamer324]

The name "Wii" is actually pretty clever if you think about it. You see it, and you're curious how to pronounce it. You hear it, and you're curious to know what it is. It's unusual, and I can see people drawn to it. On the other hand, I can see how it could be confusing. In the Wii logo, you can see the symbolism of the two i's, but in regular typeset that symbolism is lost. Also, sometimes when I look at the word "Wii" in regular letters, "WWII" or "Will" comes to mind because they both look pretty similar. Not to mention the confusion it could cause when you try to buy one at a retail store - I can just see some uneducated cashier ask, "You want a what?" Still, though, I'm intrigued by the name, and I'm interested to see how it fares.

[strummerbs]

I think their conclusion is that Revolution, while we like it a whole lot(because its great), is NOT what is going to be marketable toward a larger, more generic, mass audience.

The people who bought into the whole kiddy idea were never realistically eligible to be in the target market.

As long as the vast majority of people who were originally going to buy it still are, and thats the way it looks despite the soreness, then any non-gamers wooed to the market is pure bonus.

Nothing has been able to fool the non-gamer crowd into gaming, by definition. NO Current Marketing techniques, none of our consoles names that apparently dont suck, not flashy graphics, not good games. NOTHING.

Whether it will work or not has yet to be seen, but trying something different in the face of nothing else working isnt unreasonable. They at least have the singular experience in expanding the market with the DS in Japan. The Revolution/Wii, like the DS, has to be experienced. After that, you wont care about anything else, especially petty stuff like NAMES.

Gamers care about games more than names.

The customers in question who will be turned off by this name are not non-gamers, they are mainstream gamers, the ones who buy the vast majority of videogame hardware and software in this country. Of course hard-core gamers will overlook this ridiculous name. Attach the Nintendo name to it, and hard-core gamers will at least be interested. The challenge for Nintendo, if they want to become anything more than a niche player in the next-gen console competition, is appeal to mainstream gamers. It is easy to envision a marketing campaign around the Revolution name that will at least catch the eye of a mainstream audience, which is simply not apparent with Wii. Without catching their eyes, what incentive do these potential customers have to experience the console, as you suggest? They might try it if they see a display at the store, but they won't seek it out. What's more, they might be turned off by the marketing such that they won't try it then. Without appealing to mainstream fans, third party support for the system may be in jeopardy. Nintendo may feel that Wii is a more marketable name than Revolution, but I simply cannot see that being the case, at least to an English-speaking population.

[Dr Mario Kart]

I think all the bases have roughly been covered. We're down to waiting and seeing what unfolds.

Can their marketing convey this new experience to regular people and make them curious enough to try it? (yes/no).

If no, then I think they will still fare pretty well from just gamers. I suppose I can only speak for hardcore gamers, because I dont personally see anyone with the gamer label as someone who would be turned off by a mere name.

I think they should at least be able to make the thing print money like the DS does IN JAPAN.

[R1V3R5]

I'm still not sure. Really.


Also, what is your avatar from Dr. Mario Kart?

[DarkNessBear]

I love it.

Its simple and clean, and I am getting addicted to saying it.

I hated it 3-4 hours ago, but im starting to love it.

Ive been telling everyone, "Hey, Nintendo Revolution is renamed to Wii... stupid huh?"...

But then I find my self saying it... now I keep looking for things on it... now I just love it.

Wii!!!!!!

Its so cool!!!!!

[Dr Mario Kart]

I'm still not sure. Really.


Also, what is your avatar from Dr. Mario Kart?

Thats from an episode of Family Guy, where the character Adam West, ...forgets who he is momentarily and refers to himself as Adam We, I believe.

[R1V3R5]

Thats from an episode of Family Guy, where the character Adam West, ...forgets who he is momentarily and refers to himself as Adam We, I believe.

Umm.... not your sig, your avatar with the anime girl.

[Dr Mario Kart]

ohh! woops. Thats actually one of the cuter versions of someone who is in fact a dude. Thats Adell, who is the main character of Disgaea 2. He wears a tie.

http://ps2media.ign.com/ps2/image/article/687/687726/disgaea-2-20060210010029608.jpg

[R1V3R5]

ohh! woops. Thats actually one of the cuter versions of someone who is in fact a dude.

Doh! Does remind me of the new Megaman Zero from the GBA games though.

[Zmonkay]

I LOVE Nintendo, I HATE the name. I'm gettin one at launch, and am calling it my Revolution. I mean, seriously, THAT was a great name. They kept DS for the DS (I know Nitro was it's first codename, but DS was supposed to be a place holder at first)

[Gameboy415]

I'm still letting the name sink in, but honestly I'd still buy one if it were called:

"Nintendo RAPEYOUINYOURSLEEP"

*Random side note*

Anyone see the potential set up for the next Nintendo handheld being called "Mii"?

(The following is NOT, not true, cease excitement!)

"Its the Nintendo Mii! Now you can play all your Gamecube, GBA, GBC, GB, AND Virtual Console games on the go!"

That'd be pretty hot, and I think wii all can agree on that! :lol:

[Blind the Thief]

Anyone see the potential set up for the next Nintendo handheld being called "Mii"?

(The following is NOT, not true, cease excitement!)

"Its the Nintendo Mii! Now you can play all your Gamecube, GBA, GBC, GB, AND Virtual Console games on the go!"

That'd be pretty hot, and I think wii all can agree on that! :lol:


That's actually a pretty cool idea...ok, if Nintendo eventually does that, then I'll forgive them for "Wii".

[coolz481]

I like it - the logo looks cool and it really does stand out from the rest of the console names. It doesn't sound like a game console, that's what makes it interesting to me. I imported a DS Lite a few weeks ago - Nintendo has really improved the style in their products and I'm sure the finalized Wii will be just as impressive. The timing of this announcement was perfect - by the time E3 rolls around we will have all gotten used to the new name and can get down to business regarding the games.

I believe that the announcement of a new Madden built specifically for Wii, not the console name, is the most important development for Nintendo this week. I used to work part-time at an EB where we primarily sold new sports games. If EA delivers on these new control mechanics, and Nintendo comes in at a reasonable price point AND delivers a workable demo system to retail stores, I think it could easily steal the spotlight and outsell the PS3 this Christmas.

[Logain8955]

Stupid stupid name. I hate it, and for one reason.


From launch until the system dies, everytime I walk into a game store and start looking and stuff, I am going to hear some retarded teenagers making piss and wang jokes about it.

I anticipate having a full backyard of bodies about 2 months after launch.

Anyone know where I can buy some hydrochloric acid, in bulk?

[Blitz]

The customers in question who will be turned off by this name are not non-gamers, they are mainstream gamers, the ones who buy the vast majority of videogame hardware and software in this country. Of course hard-core gamers will overlook this ridiculous name. Attach the Nintendo name to it, and hard-core gamers will at least be interested. The challenge for Nintendo, if they want to become anything more than a niche player in the next-gen console competition, is appeal to mainstream gamers. It is easy to envision a marketing campaign around the Revolution name that will at least catch the eye of a mainstream audience, which is simply not apparent with Wii. Without catching their eyes, what incentive do these potential customers have to experience the console, as you suggest? They might try it if they see a display at the store, but they won't seek it out. What's more, they might be turned off by the marketing such that they won't try it then. Without appealing to mainstream fans, third party support for the system may be in jeopardy. Nintendo may feel that Wii is a more marketable name than Revolution, but I simply cannot see that being the case, at least to an English-speaking population.


The only ones who care about the name are the same ones who were never going to buy it to begin with. You have no idea if Wii will catch peoples eyes or if Revo would have either. In typical american fashion if the commercials are good it will sell. If names mattered Playstation, Ipod, X-Box, and Walkman never would have sold well.

[Scrubking]

Some of you people make me laugh saying that this name will spark curiosity and the like. HAHAHAHA

The first thing that anyone that speaks english is going to think of when they hear Wii is piss. PERIOD. So Nintendo hoping that this will appeal to people who don't know jack about videogames is insane.

Non-gamers are going to ask you more about why they named the console after piss instead of how to buy one because the name is so "cute". :roll:

[botticus]

Non-gamers are going to ask you more about why they named the console after piss instead of how to buy one because the name is so "cute". :roll:
Actually, two non-gamers in my office (one male 29, one female 30) said "Wii? What's that?" when I showed them the logo. Strangely there was no inherent connection to "Wee? Wee wee? Hahaha, that's like pee pee!" If Nintendo's marketing push can get that same reaction, they'll be fine.

[Reality's Fringe]

Wow, XBox 360 was dethroned as the worst console name ever in just 1 year. Congrats, Nintendo.



Uh huh. And if they called it "Turdplayer" you'd say the same thing.

I like how people say that as if it's a legit defense.

"If they hypothetically called it some insane, clearly vulgar name, you guys would be upset!"

Of course, but by that same token, naming it something "uber cool" wouldn't make any difference:
Nintendo "Muff-Diving, Rim-Jobbing, Pirate-Lumberjack Big-Dick Platinum Bling Edifice Z31" You said yourself that xbox is a lame name. That's what I meant. In the context of every other game system availiable to the public, Wii sounds just as stupid. That being said, I already mentioned I don't like the name. The only sweet-sounding console name that can ever be used is "The Reggie". Period.

Anyway, Nintendo nixed "Revolution" for a reason. I'm willing to bet that since they have this "global focus" now they wanted somehing that wouldn't be mistranslated. Revolutions carry different meanings and contexts in different areas (Economically powerful nations don't like Revolutions), so they needed something simple and relatively without meaning. Wii. Not the greatest by FAR, but most assuredly not the worst.

Whether this affects this "new fanbase" they're after or not doesn't matter to me. It might matter to Nintendo's long-term business strategy, but the name of my electronics isn't high on my own list of branding priority.

[VanillaGorilla]

Eh, I don't really care anymore. At first I thought it was stupid, but it's just a name. The ridiculous explanation by it from Nintendo is worse.

[SteveMcQ]

Anyone ever read Moby Dick? What the hell kind of title is that huh?:roll:

Don't judge a book by the cover (or the title).

BTW, what was the reaction to the name iPod? It really doesn't seem to make much sense at first, but it's mainstream now. Not saying that Wii will gain that sort of popularity, but just something to compare it to.

[RelentlessRolento]

How many polls for this friggin name are there? can't everyone agree on a universal poll that is run by unicorns and candycanes?

[Chacrana]

Anyone ever read Moby Dick? What the hell kind of title is that huh?:roll:

Don't judge a book by the cover (or the title).

BTW, what was the reaction to the name iPod? It really doesn't seem to make much sense at first, but it's mainstream now. Not saying that Wii will gain that sort of popularity, but just something to compare it to.

At least with Moby Dick, Herman Melville just came out and said "look, I put dick in the cover." With the Wii, Nintendo's basically saying "go have a field day with that one." And I love it (but I put "hate it" for the poll.)

[trip1eX]

Resitance is futile. Wii wiill be your favorite name within a week.

[Masterkyo]

WII is stupid name for me. Myself & Millions of Nintendo fans didn't know what the heck is "WII" unless they read the article. Why not stick with Nintendo Revolution ???

[evilmax17]

I like it visually. I like to look at it.

A day later, it still doesn't feel natural to say it out loud, or to picture the console while saying the word. Picturing the console next to the logo fits just fine though, for me anyway.

It's weird because Wii is more of symbol than a word or name. Nintendo basically pulled a Prince.

[Swift900]

I voted as liking it. I think Nintendo has the right idea with staying away from the generic console name followed by a number. (example: xbox 360, playstation 3) It totally sets the console apart from the competition. Additionally, the logo looks clean and interesting - what is expected from next generation consoles.

I agree that it is a little awkward to say, but I don't think it will take to long for people to become accustomed to it; and I certainly do not think it will keep anyone from buying it especially if Nintendo delivers on all of their promises.

[neocisco]

Why do I actually have to care about the name? It doesn't affect gameplay or my view on the system, so I don't really care about the new name. If that's not having an opinion, then I don't have one.

You have to care if you want it to sell well. Nobody who isn't already a Nintendo devotee will take the name, and thus the console, seriously. I just hope there is enough negative feedback for Nintendo to realize the huge mistake they're about to make. Wii--it's a marketing nightmare.:bomb:

[wubb]

Why do I actually have to care about the name? It doesn't affect gameplay or my view on the system, so I don't really care about the new name. If that's not having an opinion, then I don't have one.

You don't have to care about the name, but this is a poll asking for your opinion on it. Polls are (as always) optional. ;)

[daroga]

I don't (and probably won't) understand, but I know one thing. Wii now means "unending fun." It's a new word, and whatever. I wish Nintendo all the best of luck. I'm still in at launch.

[Swift900]

You have to care if you want it to sell well. Nobody who isn't already a Nintendo devotee will take the name, and thus the console, seriously. I just hope there is enough negative feedback for Nintendo to realize the huge mistake they're about to make. Wii--it's a marketing nightmare.:bomb:

I think you've lost it. Do you really think the success of a gaming system relies solely on its name? I firmly believe that the combination of the Wii's price point, its 'revolutionary' controller, and the games that take advantage of the technology will determine how well the console sells - not the name.

[yukine]

I like it, I don't love it, but I like it. Revolution was definitely a better name though, as well as the rumored "Go." Oh well.

[Strell]

THe only thing I have to add to this thread is the story of the Edsel. I'll boil it down to this: Ford had to pick a new name for their car, did tons of research, and finally threw it all out the window, settling on "Edsel," which was some executive's nephew or something.

The car was a total bomb based on name alone, despite the fact that it was meant to be a high class luxury car.

While I doubt Wii will make/break the console simply because it would have to overcome a HUGE number of positive influences, I do think it will at least make some sort of impact. What that impact is, I dunno.

Aside from that, the philosophy behind the name is genius.

I can live with the name.

[Doylerulez]

Eh, I don't care for it, but that won't stop me from getting it.

[sblymnlcrymnl]

It's a truly shitty name, but that doesn't really matter. I'm almost used to it already. :lol:

[yukine]

THe only thing I have to add to this thread is the story of the Edsel. I'll boil it down to this: Ford had to pick a new name for their car, did tons of research, and finally threw it all out the window, settling on "Edsel," which was some executive's nephew or something.

The car was a total bomb based on name alone, despite the fact that it was meant to be a high class luxury car.

While I doubt Wii will make/break the console simply because it would have to overcome a HUGE number of positive influences, I do think it will at least make some sort of impact. What that impact is, I dunno.

Aside from that, the philosophy behind the name is genius.

I can live with the name.
It will have an impact, but a minimal one at best. For those few who have such a problem with the name "Wii," perhaps shouldn't be playing Nintendo games in general.

[Kendal]

I know what they are trying to do with the name Wii. But dammit, Revolution was badass. Oh well, Wii will have to get used to it.

[encendido5]

I voted I like it because the logo looks pretty sweet. I'm not really sold on the name yet though.

One thing though, yes revolution sounds better here, but what about all the countries that don't speak English? They won't really care since the term doesn't carry the same connotations it does here.

And for all you haters, you can "cry wii, wii, wii all the way home" :lol:

[XxFuRy2Xx]

I'm not a big fan. I like Revolution a hell of a lot more. Won't stop me from buying the system though.

[botticus]

One thing though, yes revolution sounds better here, but what about all the countries that don't speak English? They won't really care since the term doesn't carry the same connotations it does here.

Revorution?

[neocisco]

I think you've lost it. Do you really think the success of a gaming system relies solely on its name? I firmly believe that the combination of the Wii's price point, its 'revolutionary' controller, and the games that take advantage of the technology will determine how well the console sells - not the name.

My point is Nintendo is unnecessarily handicapping themselves w/this name. Will it be the deciding factor in most purchases? No. However, it's a much harder name to market than Revolution. They'll have to explain how it's pronounced and then what it's supposed to mean. The majority of game purchases are not made by people who have the understanding of games that most of us have. As far as selling the product to the general public (and that's exactly what they're wanting to do w/their new direction) they will be making their job much harder. I want Nintendo to succeed but I don't think this is the way to do it.

[Ecofreak]

My point is Nintendo is unnecessarily handicapping themselves w/this name. Will it be the deciding factor in most purchases? No. However, it's a much harder name to market than Revolution. They'll have to explain how it's pronounced and then what it's supposed to mean. The majority of game purchases are not made by people who have the understanding of games that most of us have. As far as selling the product to the general public (and that's exactly what they're wanting to do w/their new direction) they will be making their job much harder. I want Nintendo to succeed but I don't think this is the way to do it.

Revolution is a great name and has significant meaning if you speak English. But here's a news flash - not everyone in the world speaks English!

And granted, not everyone's going to know what "Wii" means, but it'll be a heck of a lot easier to say.

[oleander]

I'm still buying the system obviously, but it's hard to say "hey guys, I'm gonna go play with my wii."
I don't like it. I'm going to feel like a complete asshat in the store.. "Hi, I'd like to buy a Wii please." :/
Do you say those things now? Like, "hey guys, I'm going to go play with my 360." I don't, but whatever...
I voted "like it." It's not great, but more suitable than revolution, and the logo is pretty cool.

[Ecofreak]

Here's an interesting post from someone on Slashdot about this issue:

Talking to people that have worked in games retail, you find that normal people can't/don't/won't keep the names of the systems straight. People ask for PlayStation 360s and PlayCubes and Mario on Xbox even though they actually own a GameCube - to them the system names are confusing and completely interchangeable.

This is basically Nintendo trying to create a name and brand that is in no way similar to the others, in order to be distinct in the minds of consumers. They see the ad, they actually retain the correct name, and they go and ask for it at the store.

Also, while it may sound dumb to us, you know that they focus-tested the hell out of it in all three territories and, at the very least, it's not completely repellent to those focus groups.

And yet another quote

I think Nintendo, in a way, is making a statement. To hard core gamers, they're saying "This is not your world. There will be things for you, for those who look past the name. yet we are establishing here and now - this system is not for the 'hard core'. This is for all of the girls and grown ups out there who don't get 40 button controls, who will look at the word 'Wii' and go 'Oh, that's interesting.'"

[oleander]

Those are good quotes, Ecofreak.
I never understand why people seem to think that Nintendo is stupid and has no idea what they are doing. The quotes from Kaplan all imply that they knew people wouldn't like it, and that is why they gave it before E3. Does Nintendo think that the system will sell better if everyone hates the name? Of course not. They know it's important, and have certainly spent a lot of time thinking about it, and seeing how people react to it. This is not the wim of some executive in Nintendo...this is a carefully calculated and planned action.
And no, I still don't think the name is great, and I have no idea what they have planned for it...I just know that they have thought about it a lot more than I have and accept it.

[GuilewasNK]

They should get Michelle Wie to do an endorsement deal.

[zewone]

Dude - Wii is the best name ever! I <3 Nintendo and everything they do is orgasm inducing.

[Vinny]

I hate it but whatever... I'll be standing in line to Wii it up with my fellow Nintenerds on launch day.

Funny thing is, the stupidest named console is getting a lot of attention for.. you know, having such a stupid name.:)

[GuilewasNK]

All I'll say is I remember how people thought Dreamcast was stupid, but after a bit of time it was accepted.

If it delivers on all the promises Nintendo is making, and that controller amounts to something, they can call it the Nintendo Asswipe for all I care.

[botticus]

I hate it but whatever... I'll be standing in line to Wii it up with my fellow Nintenerds on launch day.

Funny thing is, the stupidest named console is getting a lot of attention for.. you know, having such a stupid name.:)
For some reason, when you say "Wii it up" it doesn't sound so goofy anymore. I think we found the catch phrase.

[SpazX]

In a few weeks no one will care and only Sony and MS fanboys will be saying anything about it anymore just to take a cheap shot. Nobody really cares what the name of any game console is beyond getting the right games for it and a short name will definitely make it more recognizeable and easy to remember. It's actually great marketing.

If it was actually spelt "Wee" or "We" it would be slightly different since when you see the word you already have a mental representation of what that means, when you see Wii you have no idea what the fuck it is so Nintendo will give you an image and then when you see it that's what you'll think about. I think I'm starting to get it, it's marketing genius.

[Reality's Fringe]

And yet another quote

I think that last quote is dangerous thinking.If all Nintendo appeals to are "Old people/Girls" then they'll be in the same boat as trying to appeal to "hardcore" gamers. Nintendo must cater to everyone to some degree to be really sucessful(and I don't mean that they need to put out 100 hr rpgs or some crap like that). It would be a shame if Nintendo failed to utilize their new control/play mechanics to their full potential by limiting themselves.


If they work it like the DS, they'll be fine.

[FriskyTanuki]

You don't have to care about the name, but this is a poll asking for your opinion on it. Polls are (as always) optional. ;)
Yet you want everyone's opinion on it but ignore an obvious opinion. You apparently don't want the truth. ;)

You have to care if you want it to sell well. Nobody who isn't already a Nintendo devotee will take the name, and thus the console, seriously. I just hope there is enough negative feedback for Nintendo to realize the huge mistake they're about to make. Wii--it's a marketing nightmare.:bomb:
Im not a devotee to anyone, so I guess that's why I don't care what they call it. ;)

[Ecofreak]

I think that last quote is dangerous thinking.If all Nintendo appeals to are "Old people/Girls" then they'll be in the same boat as trying to appeal to "hardcore" gamers. Nintendo must cater to everyone to some degree to be really sucessful(and I don't mean that they need to put out 100 hr rpgs or some crap like that). It would be a shame if Nintendo failed to utilize their new control/play mechanics to their full potential by limiting themselves.

No need to worry about that, as Red Steel has that demographic soundly covered along with the new Madden game.

[Reality's Fringe]

Let's see about we/wee:

an exclamation of joy. Can also be spelled "Whee"

nformal word used by mainly Scottish/Irish people to say something or someone is small or little

The sound of frictionless acceleration.
By adding more "e"'s you are stating that the object is accelerating longer than normal*.
By changing the "e"'s to capitals you are stating that the object is accelerating faster than normal*.

Used to describe one's cuteness

British term used by parents to small children when talking about urinating.

A pronoun referring to oneself and at least one other person

Royal metonym for one's self, country and subjects.


I personally like the last one, and the one about acceleration.
WeeeeEEEEE

[munch]

Revolution is a great name and has significant meaning if you speak English. But here's a news flash - not everyone in the world speaks English!

And granted, not everyone's going to know what "Wii" means, but it'll be a heck of a lot easier to say.

That's true, but the French word for revolution is révolution, the spanish word is revolución, etc. I guarantee there is a japanese word very similar that comes from Marxist language that would have denoted the same thing. What I'm getting at is the word Revolution is actually universal and cuts across many boundaries.

[deadite76]

My point is Nintendo is unnecessarily handicapping themselves w/this name. Will it be the deciding factor in most purchases? No. However, it's a much harder name to market than Revolution. They'll have to explain how it's pronounced and then what it's supposed to mean. The majority of game purchases are not made by people who have the understanding of games that most of us have. As far as selling the product to the general public (and that's exactly what they're wanting to do w/their new direction) they will be making their job much harder. I want Nintendo to succeed but I don't think this is the way to do it.

I'm in total agreement with you! Initially, I didn't like the name but it's grown on me.

[Dr Mario Kart]

The major division in opinion is the following:

a) Its a marketing nightmare
b) Its marketing genius

There really is no way to resolve that except to just see how it turns out.

[DT778]

love it.

[mojoman5165]

Here's an interesting article on how regular people react to it:
http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/28/real-people-speak-out-about-wii/

Makes you feel like Nintendo is on the something

[SpazX]

The major division in opinion is the following:

a) Its a marketing nightmare
b) Its marketing genius

There really is no way to resolve that except to just see how it turns out.

I think the people that think it's horrible for marketing are thinking too much about it. The best marketing bypasses thought; things are made to be catchy, simple, and memorable, no matter how lame or retarded they actually are. In the end, memorability and branding connected with good feelings sell a product.

[oleander]

Let's see about we/wee:

an exclamation of joy. Can also be spelled "Whee"

nformal word used by mainly Scottish/Irish people to say something or someone is small or little

The sound of frictionless acceleration.
By adding more "e"'s you are stating that the object is accelerating longer than normal*.
By changing the "e"'s to capitals you are stating that the object is accelerating faster than normal*.

Used to describe one's cuteness

British term used by parents to small children when talking about urinating.

A pronoun referring to oneself and at least one other person

Royal metonym for one's self, country and subjects.


I personally like the last one, and the one about acceleration.
WeeeeEEEEE
And if you add "on" at the beginning (you know, like "Metroid Prime 3, only on Wii!", which I just realized rhymes in an altogether repulsive manner), you get ennui.

And that is oleander's random thought of the day.

[-Never4ever-]

Eh, I think the names okay, up there with other such blunders such as "Playstation", "Xbox", "Dreamcast" and "gamecube".

Face-it, every system starts off with a cool codename and then they change it to something lame, except Gamecube.

[Dr Mario Kart]

Here's an interesting article on how regular people react to it:
http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/28/real-people-speak-out-about-wii/

Makes you feel like Nintendo is on the something

ha! one of those bitches just had chocolate on the brain!

[Ecofreak]

ha! one of those bitches just had chocolate on the brain!

Which is a known aphrodisiac, so connect A to Omega and you know what she wanted!

[judyjudyjudy]

I voted that I hate it. I've thought other console names were stupid too, but I don't think any of those have ever given me the same lingering gut-churning reaction. And since some people seem to have a hard time differentiating, I just hate the name, not the system. I've loved everything I've heard about it (including the unofficial name, which may be part of why I dislike "Wii" so much) up until the official name.

[lukew8998]

I voted dont like it, but still looking forward to it. no madder what the name
just something to get use to

[Puffa469]

I like it.

When I first heard the name 'Dreamcast' I thought it was the dumbest thing ever, but now I love that name.

Calling your system the Wii is no dumber than calling the Xbox 2 the Xbox 360, so it wont sound like a lesser system sitting on a shelf next to something called a Playstation 3. I mean, Microsoft named their new console something reactionary based on what their competition was doing... now thats stupid.

[evilmax17]

You know, in the Old Testament God revealed his name to be "Yah Weh" (translated as "I am").

Wii fits right in line with that!

[Ecofreak]

After seeing this fan-made Wallpaper, I've become quite fond of the new name.

http://www.4colorrebellion.net/media/pics/06/04/wii_wall.jpg

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3096/1399/400/Wii-Wallpaper-8%28by-SER%29.jpg