Wii are just as surprised as you are about Nintendo's
recent unveiling. Wii are just not
sure how to respond to it (and wii have been carefully analyzing their hype-filled letter), and wii have been making
plenty of jokes. Honestly, we thought of a few (rather negative) things:
- The marketing department is
dyslexic, and tried to copy Apple.
- April fool's joke that Nintendo forgot to send out earlier.
- Someone tainted the ventilation systems at Nintendo headquarters to release mind-expanding substances.
Wii want to gauge
your initial reaction. As Vlad already pointed out, "nobody liked the controller when it was first unveiled
either." While wii (as hardcore gamers) may not be Nintendo's target audience, wii (as Joystiq) want to know how
the average Joystiq reader feels just learning about the new name.
{ Apr 27th 2006 at 3:25PM } 
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Caveman @ Apr 27th 2006 3:31PM
Wii dislike it wiith a passion.
Nigeria @ Apr 27th 2006 3:31PM
Its not that bad. I like it.
Hunty @ Apr 27th 2006 3:33PM
If you currently use a video game console of some sort, imagine yourself replacing its name with the word "Wii" (pronounced "Wee") when answering the poll. For instance: "What's your favorite Wii game?", "I really like the Wii's controller", "I had to send my Wii in to Nintendo to get it fixed", "I have to stand my Wii up on its side to get it to work", "Is the Wii backwards compatible?", "How do I mod my Wii?", or "I'm going to keep calling this console the 'Revolution', so I don't sound like a kindergardner asking to go to the bathroom every time I talk about it".
had2comment @ Apr 27th 2006 3:33PM
Wiiiiiiiiiii, I just threw up in my mouth.
MaX PL and the 360 r4pe Tr4iN @ Apr 27th 2006 3:33PM
we dont care cause names dont really matter.
but this is certainly better than saying Nintendo 5, *cough* Crapstation 3 *cough*
Ben Hollis @ Apr 27th 2006 3:35PM
I loved the remote when it was first announced.
I, too, will try my hardest to keep calling it the Revolution. Anyone want to start a bounty for hacking the bootup screen to say Revolution?
whyywhy @ Apr 27th 2006 3:35PM
New name ASAP!!! (...please?)
Chris @ Apr 27th 2006 3:35PM
I don't care if they call it the Nintendo Crapbox, if they have the games I'll still buy it. But Wii? man, just when I thought Nintendo learned from their mistakes. I guess Nintendo 64 and Gamecube weren't really that well-named either but still...
Bob @ Apr 27th 2006 3:36PM
the puns are are the only fun things wii will like about wii
spoo @ Apr 27th 2006 3:39PM
I blame the french!
Princess Zelda @ Apr 27th 2006 3:39PM
I can get use to it.
I remember 2 years ago having to explain what my iPod was anytime I used it or Google to non computer people.
D dogg @ Apr 27th 2006 3:39PM
When I first came here (couple month's ago maybe), I thought this blog was pretty informative. Now, it's gone completely downhill...
Ben @ Apr 27th 2006 3:39PM
l want a Revolution, not a piss.
Jay @ Apr 27th 2006 3:39PM
Their blurb on the revolution.nintendo.com site sort of explains the reasoning but it just sounds sooo..."markety." That being said, in a year will we care? I suppose it depends on weather or not they deliver.
Roadside G (Gamertag too) @ Apr 27th 2006 3:41PM
THis has to be suicide, seriously if nintendo don't fix this mess, they willbe the laughing stock of the gaming market for at least a good 5 years.
Personally I cant see nintendo keeping this after the bad reaction, even if you ask casual fans or nintendos new core demographic, this name is quite simply a joke.
Nintendo trying to get rid of thier kiddy image, take 1 step foward (cool design, nice "violent" games) and then take 5 steps back with the most easily tragetable name ever.
My god this is literally suicide, wow nintendo are becoming such a joke, much like thier fans.
WOW cant wait for reggie to start his bs with this name.
And the whole ipod comparison is just embarissing, seriously fanboys, your basically saying nintendo couldnt think of a unique way to advertise thier woah full new gimmick, had to ride of the success of another company.
Freezair @ Apr 27th 2006 3:44PM
Normally, I ignore my daily horoscope and only read it because I can. But mine today was interesting:
"What initially puts you off will turn you into a catalyst, and once you see past the obvious you will be unstoppable." That's not an exact quote, but it's to that effect. I immediately thought of all this hoopla.
So I answered "get used to it," because I already love the "Wii will rock you" and "We are the knights who say: 'Wii!'" jokes. And honestly, I think the main reason people are making the "wii/wee" puns is because of the double vowel, and if it was just "wi," I don't think they'd come so fast. Just one woman's assessment of the situation, and overall I'd say, "Yeah, we get it, funny the first time, now will you all grow up please?"
Besides, "Wii" looks better on a logo that "Revolution." Sorry, but the word "Revolution" is just not classy. The system itself looks way too classy to be called a "revolution," which is a word that applies foment, rage, and bloodshed, not sleek whiteness and ergonomic design.
I liked "Go" too, but really, like ol' Bill Shakespeare said. Rose by any other name, people. You know you'll still be camping out for a week, and then you'll go home and play Red Steel for 48 hours straight.
mike @ Apr 27th 2006 3:45PM
Ass you can see all website's are making fun of the name, if you ask me thats a bad sign.
wanderer @ Apr 27th 2006 3:45PM
I love it! It makes me smile just saying it.
Here's a good question: why do "hardcore" gamers so hate to be happy?
Ben @ Apr 27th 2006 3:46PM
Who cares? A rose by any other name...
Crux @ Apr 27th 2006 3:46PM
Now, now. Wii is quite the *cough*stupid*cough* friendly name. Almost.
Revolution, on the other hand, would have to keep it's promise of being, well, a revolution.
Which, of course, may or may NOT happen.
Revo >> Cool name + Disaster if it's NOT a revolution
Wii >> Silly name + "safe"
I'll just pray in the meantime that Wii is a joke. Wii should not tarnish the sacred slate of Nintendo. Wii shall just be a *temporary* name. Amen.
Ryan @ Apr 27th 2006 3:48PM
U guys want to come over and play with my wii? Im haveing a Wii party!
JL @ Apr 27th 2006 3:49PM
Oh well, let's go back to the NES days, and just say "want to play some nintendo?". I don't know about other countries but in the Netherlands noboday spoke about NES or SNES just Nintendo and Supernintendo.
But anyhow, this sucks
piglet @ Apr 27th 2006 3:50PM
Nintendo Wii - Urine the game!
I wouldn't base my buying on the name of a consol so I know I'll be getting one of these anyway, but how could they miss the obvious jokes with this.
Dnice @ Apr 27th 2006 3:51PM
I love it...they are definitely following the Mac style and naming convention... One thing you have to admit...love it or hate it... the buzz on this system is crazy.
ultrapod @ Apr 27th 2006 3:51PM
gonads and strife!
Paul @ Apr 27th 2006 3:51PM
I'm a Nintendo fanboy, admittedly, but anyone who answered the first two options is a BLIND FANBOY. If you answered option 3, I'd say you're on the bubble.
LunarDuality @ Apr 27th 2006 3:52PM
Let me officially start the countdown to the bevy of fake boot screens that incorporate the name "Wii"... 5...4...3...2...
CubeGuy @ Apr 27th 2006 3:52PM
So if that announcement was even remotely non-drug related, why not call it "WE"?
Or better yet, "US"?
Or better yet, "RS"?
Or better yet, "BlueWave"?
Or better yet, [Insert any other name here]?
Or better yet, "Revolution"?
[/nintendo fanboy]
Insomnia Bob @ Apr 27th 2006 3:53PM
Every time I think I've got Nintendo figured out...
Initially, I disliked the DS. "Two Screens? Madness! Poppycock!" I said. But now, it's my favorite handheld. (Mine, and everyone else's, apparently.)
When I first saw the Revmote (Wiimote?) I thought, "Huh. Not sure I'll like that." But then I saw some screens from Red Steel, and I can see the potential for awesomeness. (that's a word.)
But...Wii? I'm not sure I'm going to be able to get past that one. Granted, most things Nintendo has done I've liked, and the ones I haven't taken to initially have grown on me, but...I'm just not sure that I'm down with Wii. Time will tell I guess.
embassy @ Apr 27th 2006 3:53PM
nintendo always tries to be "innovative"..and now its gotten to the point that nintendo being " innovative" is actually NOT " innovative" for them...if nintendo named it the "N5" or something "normal" to that extent...that wud actually BE "innovative" for nintendo instead of always trying to " think outside the box" ..which in this case..may bite them in the ass..
zack @ Apr 27th 2006 3:55PM
It's clearly a good choice, do you think it would be getting this much attention if they announced they were calling it "N5?" I think the name is great, it's so retarted that you have to love it, like a dog with 2 legs, or the Super Mario bros movie.
robotplague @ Apr 27th 2006 3:58PM
I can definately get used to it. I now think it's kinda cool. PS3 announces their name and no one gives a rats ass, Xbox 360 announces their name and theres a bit of news about it....Wii announces their name and the internet explodes and everything shits a brick. Awesome.
Martin @ Apr 27th 2006 3:59PM
Really people, I think Nintendo is on to something. What are the most popular things right now with mainstream people. lets see....
Yahoo,
Google,
iPod,
Things like Metacrawler, Dogpile, those aren't popular search engines and maybe the name has something to do with it. iPod is the most popular MP3 player, and the name is basically synonymous with MP3 players. and look how weird and childish they sound! I remember how retarded I sounded when I first said, Yahoo, Google, iPod, but now they are everyday words and seem normal to say. Nintendo may just be on to something!!!
ottawa.watts @ Apr 27th 2006 4:00PM
if Apple can sell a bajillion "iPods" with one "i" than Nintendo should be able to sell twice as many with 2 "i"s
Anubis @ Apr 27th 2006 4:01PM
"Wii dislike it wiith a passion."
I agree #1....
"Revo >> Cool name + Disaster if it's NOT a revolution
Wii >> Silly name + "safe""
How in the hell is Wii safe??!? It's horrible!..but I do get your point...yes..let it be temporary...dear god.. *shudders*
Like most if this blasphemy is to be continued..I will resort to calling it 'Nintendo'. Tried and true. Done.
And for the record.."Revolution" rolls off the toungue with class. Perdy syllables. ;)
Wii...not only looks weird..it unfortunately sometimes forces one to spit out a hard W in contempt...like you're trying to spit the poison of letters that form a poor excuse for a console name out of your mouth
Dissapointed-Gamer @ Apr 27th 2006 4:02PM
This should go well.
Sean @ Apr 27th 2006 4:03PM
Apparently the japanese love the name.
I just hope they'll call it something different in the US.. like the Famicom/NES, Genesis/Megadrive, TurboGrafix/PC Engine.
embassy @ Apr 27th 2006 4:03PM
yes nintendo has alot of attention..
but...is it positive attention...??..hell no.
this name just re-iterates nintendos perceived " kiddy" image..and anyone over the age of 13 will stay clear of this thing on the name alone...
and u people saying the name has no bearing...i have one word for you.
Gizmondo.
1st impressions are everything in marketing...
dotun.o @ Apr 27th 2006 4:04PM
Creative name and logo, but admittedly, there is the concern of people's (rather immature) reaction and sniggers to calling the name, even though no one objects to using the word "we", which is exactly what the name indicates. So here's a solution: call it "The Wii Console" around dudes who won't grow up.
Julio @ Apr 27th 2006 4:04PM
Piglet deserves a star!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kirk @ Apr 27th 2006 4:05PM
I hate to beat a dead horse...but do you think the Wii intro vid hints at stereo optics? The i hit dots towards the screen...would be kinda neat if you were wearing glasses....iiiinnnntersssting...
rinks @ Apr 27th 2006 4:05PM
I'm sorry, but this is ridiculous. I was just getting stoked for the Revolution, too. Now I have to go to EB and ask if they "have the new Ghost Recon for the Wee? Awesome."
I'm gonna pronounce it "the why", I think.
jaemz @ Apr 27th 2006 4:05PM
So, those of you that like the new name...
is it safe to say you like how Wii rolls off your tongue?
would you say that Wii doesn't leave a bad taste in your mouth?
are you looking forward to geting your own Wii in your hands?
Komrade Kayce @ Apr 27th 2006 4:06PM
Well, look at it this way, actually.
This name is not going to change the minds of any of the people who were already set on owning one. So there, Nintendo still has its fan base.
Its extremely viral, because of how silly it is. Immediately, Nintendo brings attention to itself, quite easily, on something as simple as a name.
That being said, the name is retarded. I dont care about the business tactics or whatnot, I dont want to talk about my 'wii' with friends. Can you imagine having a discussion about it around people who know nothing about games/systems? Way to make yourself look like a dirty pervert.
"Oh yeah, my wii stopped working, so I wanted to go over to Jimmys house and play with his, but Jimmy never lets anyone else play and constantly hogs his wii."
"My wii was acting kinda funky, so I smacked it a bit and all of a sudden, it worked!"
If everyone complains and laughs, maybe Nintendo will change the name right before launch. Hey, look at the PS3 controller. It was scrapped due to fan response.
Actually, the more I think about it, maybe that was the whole plan in the first place. Look at all the publicity they're getting from this, who says they're not just attracting attention and then blammo, its called something else?
rinks @ Apr 27th 2006 4:08PM
Just because it gets attention doesn't make it good. We're not in the "any publicity is good publicity" realm here. You could call it the Douche, and the web would be abuzz about it, but probably not in praise.
Judd Goldenberg @ Apr 27th 2006 4:10PM
My problem isn't so much with Wii, it's that I thought Nintendo found a good name with the Revolution.They kept on saying that Revolution was just a codename, but I was hoping that they'd stay with it just like with the DS. The original name of the Gamecube was Dolphin and I hated that name, so I would've prefered them to change Dolphin to Wii than Revolution to Wii. Actually a dolphin is still not gay as purposely mispelling a word just so that kidz thinks its kool.
Staticneuron @ Apr 27th 2006 4:10PM
Komrade I agree with you. Wii is stupid name but I am still going to get system.
orson claymore @ Apr 27th 2006 4:11PM
before this post, too, reaches 300+
I feel compelled to say
I LOVE IT
its fresh
its disruptive
its polarizing
love it / or hate it
the brand is strong
no one will mistake wii
for anything else
, my utmost respect goes to Nintendo for DOING what nobody else will even try.
Pal @ Apr 27th 2006 4:11PM
I'd rather have it called Nintendo Play or something. Wii isn't striking to me in the least. It's cute in some sense but it's a little weak.
Maybe this is a publicity stunt or a test of some sort to see how much feedback they get on the name.
Sure, the Wii jokes will get old after some time, but it'll be new for any person that finds interest in the console. We as gamers will have to explain to unknowing/new gamers about the meaning of the "double i" every time.
Anubis @ Apr 27th 2006 4:11PM
"Actually, the more I think about it, maybe that was the whole plan in the first place. Look at all the publicity they're getting from this, who says they're not just attracting attention and then blammo, its called something else?"
Yea that's pretty much the gist of it. As another poster reminded of the age old phrase "any publicity is good publicity",....i guess...i can think of a million arguments for and against that statement......anyways...
Yes, very viral indeed the world, myself included, has shat bricks upon the revelation of this being Nintendo's so called "name" for the new-console.
And sure, I probably will buy one anyway. A name isn't going to stop me--but it will make me very...very....very sad..... ;_;