Toys "R" Us nods the Wii
by Alexander Sliwinski 
{ Sep 27th 2006 at 4:00AM }
For the first time ever Toys "R" Us has placed a video game console on their "hot toy" list for the holiday season and it's the Wii.But before the fanboys launch the ballistics at Toys "R" Us, their PR department thought ahead and came up with this soothing response, "The PlayStation 3 is really geared to a savvy gaming enthusiast," said Kathleen Waugh, a spokeswoman for Toys "R" Us, of the decision to add the Wii to the list. "The Wii system appeals to young kids as well as adults."
Even more soothing is the reason Toys "R" Us placed the Wii on their list is because they know they will have "sufficient stock" of the Wii for the holiday season. So there, Toys "R" Us doesn't hate the PlayStation 3, they're just saying that they'll at least have Wii's in stock this holiday season.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
dSboy @ Sep 27th 2006 4:47AM
this is a huge development...1 million Wii consoles at launch, and the only new system available at Toys "R" US this holiday season(xbox 360 doesnt count cuz its already out)...
u can see the nervousness Sony is feeling right now with PR comments such as "The name of the game isnt marketshare" and "Our strategy with the PS3 is long term dominance". Complete bull, Sony knows Wii is gonna take it for a ride to third place this gen.
Newbie Sensation @ Sep 27th 2006 5:01AM
Wow. That is the most clever satirical post I've ever read in all my time at Joystiq. Bravo, dsboy.
nambit @ Sep 27th 2006 5:05AM
Think of the games at the PS3 launch and then think of the games for the Wii and how those games will be played. It's no surprise that Toys'R'Us would acknowledge he Wii is a 'hot toy' since, well, look at the diversity of games that will be available at launch. It certainly doesn't hurt that just about all wii games promote gesture, which kids love.
One has to look beyond the system and think of the games too, especially the ones avaialble. Many folks who plan on buying a system at Toys'R'Us are not necessarily going to buy something that they can show off to their adult friends. Its a place to buy fun games and such for kids and adults who are young at heart.
People have to consider demographics. Oh, right, toys are us are off the NPD list...
fawazr @ Sep 27th 2006 5:17AM
Or they could just be maximizing sales by ensuring that they help generate buzz to move more units of the Wii. Of course, Sony has inventory issues, but then Toys R Us could have overlooked that--since Sony's supplies would no doubt increase in following months. Savvy or not, PS3 adopters wont be substantial enough to generate nearly as many sales as those garnered by the cheaper, more accessible Wii.
There's always a coveted spot for the most powerful piece of tech on the market, but exclusivity, price of entry, and immediate accessibility makes the PS3 a niche investment at best. I simply don't see too many novices taking a chance on he PS3 this holiday season--sufficient stock or not.
Me @ Sep 27th 2006 5:25AM
Yup....The Wii (and nintendo) are for little kids and fanboys that were caught up in their crap since age 5 and the PS3 and 360 are for a mature audience... 18+
Just so happens to be that the gaming audience age ranges from 18 - mid 30's and 40's.....yeah yeah.. alot of little kids play games too, but not as much as people like me !!! MUAHAHAHAHAHAH
DSFAGBOY..... your GAY !!!!
Anthony @ Sep 27th 2006 6:30AM
!!! MUAHAHAHAHAHAH
DSFAGBOY..... your GAY !!!!"
You're obviously in the immature demographic, then.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Oh the irony.
s256 @ Sep 27th 2006 6:37AM
#5 ... What are you, twelve?
That's the impression I get from that post.
Anyway, I'm glad Toys "R" Us will have lots of stock.
bob @ Sep 27th 2006 6:47AM
But can't the kiddies shake and move the ps3 controller two!!! That thing has got everything you can imagine. Nintendo ain't the only one with a motion sensitive controller!! Take that Ninty!!
Ok...sarcasm over.
the_game_master @ Sep 27th 2006 8:16PM
As if there will be any PS3's to ship to Toys R Us, there's only 400,000 this launch. The lower than the PS2 launch.
Kevin @ Sep 27th 2006 7:38AM
T R U accepts pre-orders so I need to get myself busy with getting one of those as soon as they allow it.
GamerZero @ Sep 27th 2006 7:32AM
A little anecdote:-
I decided to upgrade my game playing experience.
I wave my 360 gamepad all over the place to simulate the Wiimote and showed my friends that games are just so next gen now.
They then went off to the pub as you do.
I played for five more minutes until my shoulders and arms were knackered and then went to join 'em for a swift pint.
To my astonishment they had left and on the table
was a glass of pop with a note saying
'Stay off the drugs and alcohol and get a life!'
is @ Sep 27th 2006 7:39AM
People of all ages want Wii's, and it will sell loads of units because of that, just like the DS has done.
End. Of. Discussion.
Lou D @ Sep 27th 2006 12:45PM
FYE has been taking pre-orders since atleast the 15th of September. I'm #'s 4,5 and 6.
aZn_1080P @ Sep 27th 2006 8:18AM
there is nothing surprising about this, Wii is for kids (and adult nerds), so its not surprising the Ninty and TRU would team up like this, just like it wouldnt be surprising if Ninty teamed up with Power Rangers, Coco puffs cereal, or Tamagotchi.
Lachoy @ Sep 27th 2006 8:24AM
Yet more proof that, "Silly fanboys, Wii is for kids!"
The Intangible Fact @ Sep 27th 2006 8:35AM
Just because its for kids doesn't mean I won't buy one. Mario, Zelda, Metroid and other first party games on the Wii are going to be real fun. $250 is not a bad price for what you get. Don't get me wrong, the $600 PS3 will be fun to play but you can get more fun out of a Wii and 360 combo easily.
Gabriel @ Sep 27th 2006 8:40AM
Nice... I gotta say.. I love you PS3 fanboys! You guys lighten my day.
Whenever there's a setback for Nintendo you guys come and say "Ha! Fagtendo 3rd party 2008!!! lolz11".
Now the Wii is beeing advertised as a hot toy, wich will surely make it a probable choice for parents buying holyday gifts, thus increasing the sales, thus making the Wii a success.
And you guys say "Meh! Who cares it will sell a gajillion units? Its for teh gay kids!"
If the Wii really sell a lot, and come out on top of this generation, I really wouldn't be surprised if a Sony PR says: "We're not worried, our products aren't competing, they're clearly not the same and not for the same audience"
Probably Sony will create their own niche just to say the PS3 isn't a failure...
"100% of PS3 owners have bought PS3s, take that!"
dsub @ Sep 27th 2006 8:56AM
if I remember correctly, wasn't the N64 on the "hot toy list" as well back in the same year as Tickle Me Elmo.
djork @ Sep 27th 2006 8:59AM
First and foremost: people really need to stop saying "Ninty."
Ninty
vs.
Nintendo
Russell @ Sep 27th 2006 9:00AM
Speaking of kids and the Wii, what do you guys (and gals) think is a good age for a kid to start playing the Wii? I ask because my girlfriend and I are going to split paying for the Wii 50/50 and my girlfriend has a sister that is 5 or 6 years old. My girlfriend and I both want to get her into gaming, but all she can do on the "conventional" systems is run around and stuff. Do you think she'd be able to handle the Wii a bit better?
Evan @ Sep 27th 2006 9:04AM
@13 "Wii is for kids (and adult nerds)"
Which system is for nerds:
a) The system that features multiplayer party games and has games we can play together with our girlfriends/wifes.
b) The system that focuses on isolated single player games and networked games that we play against people we've never met in real life.
saboola @ Sep 27th 2006 9:50AM
Hey #5 sounds like Joystiq material. Give that man a star!
Jake @ Sep 27th 2006 5:15PM
Wii is teh kiddy!
I always wanted to type that.
Anywho, all I have to say is that if anyone wants a Wii at launch they sure as hell better pre-order it, because it looks like it might go fast, even with the above average launch stock.
Todd @ Sep 27th 2006 9:18AM
Wait wait, since when does mature audiences mean 18+? Just because you turn 18 doesn't mean you're fucking mature. All these PS3 fanboys delight in thinking that a mature game suddenly makes the world go round, as if they're getting passing some right of passage. Let me tell you that just because a game contains mass violence and adult themes does not make said game good. I'm sure plenty of us can count how many God awful FPS games we've played which contained these very qualities. Now how many platform games can you recall which were great, and considered kiddie games by comparison?
darryl @ Sep 27th 2006 9:19AM
"...they're just saying that they'll at least have Wii's in stock this holiday season."
Oh, and that the Wii is for kids (and some odd adults).
Steve H @ Sep 27th 2006 8:46PM
#18 Russell - Obviously, undertanding the maturity level of your gf's little sister is a factor your GF's parent's need to consider before letting her play the system as they are the care-giver's of her.
Now, with that being said, here's a blog writeup (link below) of the Nintendo Wii party that was held for a mom, who mentions that her 3 year old was able to play Wii Bowling (included in Wii Sports) after a short learning curve. My thoughts? It's never to early to start 'em on a good quality system with games that are age-appropriate!
http://picturethis.clubmom.com/picture_this/2006/09/picture_nintend.html
ejflex @ Sep 27th 2006 10:44AM
#16.
I don't know.. you could be right on that one.(Why you know that I have no clue)... BUT... the N64 and the Wii are two totally different creatures.. with two drastically different lineups. Comparing the two is truly foolish.
karby @ Sep 27th 2006 9:38AM
@16.
"16. if I remember correctly, wasn't the N64 on the "hot toy list" as well back in the same year as Tickle Me Elmo."
hm. well your memory must be a little jaded then.
this is the first time *ever* that TRU has included a video game console on its 'hot list'
um...it even says that in the first paragraph :/
Nodnetni @ Sep 27th 2006 9:39AM
Ok, so maybe all you non-Nintendo fanboys are correct, the Nintendo is for kids. While the Sony and Microsoft systems are for the 18+ crowd. Maybe they ban kids from playing those adult systems; we don’t need the 5-17y/o's playing Grand theft auto...But they wouldn’t do that because gaming systems are labeled for everyone. Nintendo just chooses to produce game for their system’s demo graphic which is everyone. Just because there is more of diversity to Nintendo’s game library, doesn’t mean they should be labeled as a kiddy system.
I don't care if Nintendo is for kids; I like to play their games a lot more then the other systems, which I do own as well. Nintendo games are just more appealing and enjoyable, they have a fun feel to them, where as most of the other systems games have an adrenaline rush feel to them, which is fine, but not always fun.
foobob @ Sep 27th 2006 9:43AM
Nintendo is a toy maker. I'm fond of their toys from my childhood...
granted, the only Nintendo games that still manage to get me excited about Nintendo consoles are Zelda and Metroid. But to play Zelda i just need a cheap GC and Metroid really ended with Super Metroid after Yokoi's demise...
that's it for Nintendo to me.
elnico @ Sep 27th 2006 9:48AM
@#19
"Which system is for nerds:
a) The system that features multiplayer party games and has games we can play together with our girlfriends/wifes.
b) The system that focuses on isolated single player games and networked games that we play against people we've never met in real life."
Brilliant comment...
LaughingTarget @ Sep 27th 2006 9:46AM
What I find really entertaining about nay-sayers in this thread is they seem to be honing in on the whole "Sony is for the cool kids" attitude, as if somehow, gaming on the right machine makes you sexy or something. Guess what, it doesn't. These things are pure entertainment objects, and partking in them too much will result in the reverse of making you look good. If anything, it makes you look bad to obsess over this stuff, and worse if your obsession ran for $600 and the end result is sitting on your backside all day and having the full extent of any exercise coming from the thumbs and thumbs only.
Gaming in general is very immature, especially if the tastes come from violent titles. Contrary to popular belief, the Wii is bringing maturity to gaming. Nintendo is saying, "Hey, you don't have to play games the same way all the time. We're giving you a broader type of game, ways to have fun that is new and appealing in groups." Nintendo is DESIGNING a console around playing with groups. Playing nicely together is the pinnacle of maturity, not hoarding yourself away in a room and insulting everyone who thinks different than you.
Playing a PS3 game with an M rated title and making a big stink about it is akin to heading out to a club to get drunk and hit on chicks. Yes, the club won't let you in unless you're 21 and older (18 if you're an attractive female), but that doesn't change the fact that when you get in there, everyone is just a child with a beer. These guys poohpooh the folks that chose to spend their time with friends at bowling alleys, mini-golf, or just hanging around at someone's house playing a board game as immature and childish. Then they go home and yuke all over the place and wake up the next day with some fat, hairy person. Great, who's mature now?
If you got anything out of this, Wii with Wii Sports is mature, PS3 with Resistance: Fall of Man combined with elitism is childish. Only kids rub what they have in other people's faces when what they're rubbing isn't all that special to begin with.
Mr. Fap-Fap @ Sep 27th 2006 9:52AM
heh. I love seeing PS3 fanboys pissing thier pants in this thread.
You guys are hilarious...you're like little 6th graders who their they're hot sh*t now because they're in middle school and SOOOO much better than those puny 5th graders.
Seriously- come back tommorow after you've had a good night's sleep and re-read this thread and tell me I'm wrong.
Jonn @ Sep 27th 2006 10:01AM
But the PS3 isn't a toy! It's a COMPUTER! I know it's true because Sony said so!
clo1_2000 @ Sep 27th 2006 9:59AM
The lack of maturity in some of these posts is amazing. So Nintendo is getting some publicity from Toys R Us, good for them. If you don't like the Wii, then don't buy it. There is no need to be condescending towards the people who want to buy one. I have owned all systems for the last two generations and currently own a 360, plan on getting a Wii this year and a PS3 next year.
For me its all about the games and each system has their own IP (Intellectual Property) that I happen to like. Trying to rationalize everything in the video game industry so that it reflects well on "your" console is childish and immature. Also, being 18 and playing "Mature" rated games does not make you a responsible adult. But I'm 29 and a dinosaur by your standards, so what do I know?
gLitterbug @ Sep 27th 2006 10:33AM
First and foremost: people really need to stop saying "Ninty."
This is the single most true comment ever spoken in any thread regarding Nintendo and should probably be added to the ten commandments.
Novacharged @ Sep 27th 2006 11:04AM
# ps3 is not a computer, sony is only saying that so that they don't get taxed like last time. they said the ps2 was a computer and got away with it but later was caught and paid millions. now they hape to get away with the ps3 because it can go online and store musics ect
Suichimo @ Sep 27th 2006 10:50AM
I bet everyone on here who is calling the Wii kiddy right now would be ecstatic if that was the PS3.
Korexz @ Sep 27th 2006 10:50AM
I don't want to grow up... I wanna play the Wii and have a good time...
I worked for TRU for many years throughout high school and college. The Sony reps (the dozens I saw in my day) assigned to the TRU stores are less than pleasant. They would go in and rework entire sections of the store not assigned to them just to try to grab a little more shelf space. Throwing everything in a cart and hiding it somewhere when I wasn't looking. Cut throat and elitists.
The Nintendo reps were ALWAYS polite and respectful. Generous with promotional items, and available to answer questions. I think I had maybe 4 or 5 reps in the 6 years I worked for TRU.
TRU is looking to regain marketshare also. Wal*Mart (or the devil) has stolen TRU's thunder over the years.
I went into a TRU just the other night for the first time in YEARS, bad memories of Furby, Elmo, Buzz Lightyear / Woody, Tamagotchi, Bounce Around Tigger, Bratz, Zelda: The Ocarina Of Time (Gold Version) and any other toy people wanted for the holiday season that were in short supply kept me away for years... What was the first thing I saw as I entered? DS Lite in Onyx and Pink...
The Wii will TRU-ly rock the "competition" this year.
SuicideNinja @ Sep 27th 2006 11:14AM
Huh?
Who was actually planning on getting a PS3 this year for reasons other than selling it at 20x the original cost on ebay? Sure, I'd take the $499 model since the $599 has little appeal now. But there's no way I'm going to wait in line when it doesn't have any games yet that justify it. Spring time is potentially good PS3 time (that's when I'll get one anyway).
In the end, the PS3 is too expensive to be a "hot toy" for "kids and adults" to enjoy. The 360 could be viewed the same way. Not to mention the games for both aren't really for all ages (as opposed to what Sony and Microsoft say).
This advance makes sense with the Wii. The price is decent, the games are accessible, and there will be several decent games at launch. Why WOULDN'T Toys R Us make such a move?
Too bad the local Toys R Us went out of business months ago.
XBOX @ Sep 27th 2006 11:01AM
Yes,Wii is cheap, but what's more surprising is that it's cheap and the graphics far exceed PS3. Let's not forget that Nintendo is the grandfather of consoles poeple starting in the late 1970's with the first Nintendo along with Atari. But, when it comes to graphics and realism nobody I mean nobody even comes close to XBOX, there not even in the same bracket. Playstation is "GARBAGE!"
Sanchinos @ Sep 27th 2006 10:58AM
I don't wanna throw up, because I already did. I made it to the toilet but forgot to lift the lid! I threw up on bikes and trains and videogames, it's the biggest thing I did! I don't wanna throw up, because if I did - I couldn't be a Toys R Us kid!
Jeff @ Sep 27th 2006 10:59AM
"this is the first time *ever* that TRU has included a video game console on its 'hot list'"
Proof enough that this list is basically irrelevant.
Successful game consoles seem to sell pretty well (to both kids and adults) whether or not they make TRU's "hot list".
Let's look at the rest of their list:
Blue Man Group Percussion Tubes from ToyQuest
Designer’s World from Tiger Games
Dora’s Talking Cash Register™ from Fisher-Price
ESPN Fast Action Football from Fisher-Price
Kid-Tough™ Digital Camera from Fisher-Price
Laugh & Learn Baby Grand Piano from Fisher-Price
Mindstorms NXT from LEGO
My Scene My Bling Bling Styling Head from Mattel
Pink Nitro Notebook from VTech
Power Rangers Deluxe Manticore Megazord from Bandai
Speed Stacks StackPack® from Play Along
Sound City Railway from Imaginarium
Tap Dancing Mumble from Thinkway
“T.M.X.” Elmo from Fisher-Price
TMX Elmo I'll give you. But if I was running a company, I'd much rather have the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 in my inventory than, say, "My Scene My Bling Bling Styling Head". I can pretty much guarantee you which two of those three products are going to sell this year.
crono141 @ Sep 27th 2006 11:06AM
I was in a TRU the other day, looking for my neice.
When we left, my wife said she felt dirty. I dunno about where you guys are, but TRU seems like a place to catch diseases from everyone elses kids who run around like crazy and have to touch EVERYTHING.
TRU=Dump here.
Martin @ Sep 27th 2006 11:04AM
Look people. All videogames are for kids. They are like Women's breast, made for children and catered towards children. The thing is though, there are many adults who like to play with them too (mostly males, but also a growing number of females).
And another thing, they are all toys. They are being sold at Toy's R Us, you Sony fanboys are just upset that Wii was chosen as hotter than the PS3 (but it is only because of stock quantity so get over it and quit whining)
And people getting mad at the fanboys, seriously, all these "PS3 is more mature and for the 18+ crowd" are really just a bunch of 12 year olds trying to look cool. Videogames don't make you cool, they don't make you popular, they don't make you mature. They are just games.
MosquitoControl @ Sep 27th 2006 11:15AM
I can't tell if Me is serious, or hysterically funny, which is the way it goes around here. For all I know he's just Ethan saying it and believing he's correct.
Anyway, this is a non-issue. "Hot Toy" list. The Wii is there, as it's a toy. The PS3 can't be there, as it isn't a toy. I don't even think TRU can sell it legally. I mean, the PS3 isn't even a console - it's a computer. It'll do your taxes, cure your cancer, burn your home movies to DVD, keep track of your record collection in an Access database and download and print a C- term paper for you to hand in as your own - all the things a computer can do!
foobob @ Sep 27th 2006 11:25AM
"Nintendo is DESIGNING a console around playing with groups. Playing nicely together is the pinnacle of maturity..."
Then Nintendo should scrap Zelda and rush another Mario Party for launch title! fast!
Really, man, get a grip: my daugther plays nice with other kids much better than i do with my friends. I wouldn't call that maturity...
Also, multiplayer party games are all very shallow.
You know what truly is imature? Discussing maturity in a videogame blog. "Hey, my maturity is bigger than yours! haha, sucker!"
If you have fun with Nintendo games targetted at kids, go ahead, dig it. Even adults are allowed some escapism from social pressures...
Just don't go on with non-sense BS like "Wii Sports is more mature than Metal Gear Solid 4 because it's multiplayer" or something... it fall flat in the presence of a heavily online multiplayer machine like the XBox 360 and even against ingenious single-player classics like Super Metroid or Castlevania: SotN...
Wiggle @ Sep 27th 2006 11:27AM
I love how Sony Fanboys are getting mad at the constant praising of the Wii and looking at one source of praise...and it just happens to be a toy store, and saying "see! Wii is for kids! The PS3 is teh cool computer system. It will pwn!!!111". Its hilarious, and its not going to make the PS3 do any better. Get over it and stop being jealous. Just buy a PS3 and a Wii!
By the way...The TRU rep even said, Wii is for kids AND adults. That means everyone...not just kids.
Oh and may I point you to Cnet? the Wii tops the most wanted gadget list this week. The Sony PS3 is near the bottom. Is Cnet for kids too?
Poor Sony Fanboys. Can't we all just love all game systems?
Lord Meph @ Sep 27th 2006 1:06PM
Observations from reading this thread:
1) Game Systems that are geared towards social, party-type games and in-person (as opposed to online) multiplayer are for nerds, while $600 super-giga-byte, 'high-powered', lock yourself in your room all night systems that specialize in single-player games where you shoot prostitutes are for the 'mature' folks. mmm-hmmm
2) Being on the TRU hot list in-and-of-itself may not guarantee any additional sales, but it is very good free advertising.
3) The malcontents who claim to be the 'mature' playstation gamers tend to be the ones with the poorest grasp of the english language, and also are the first to toss out childish insults.
4) Some TRU stores, like the one by crono141 as well as the one by me, are shitholes covered in kids' mucus.
5) Non-brits are tired of hearing the brits use the term 'Ninty', and wish they would stop saying Ninty 'straight away'.
Wiggle @ Sep 27th 2006 11:40AM
"If you have fun with Nintendo games targetted at kids, go ahead, dig it. Even adults are allowed some escapism from social pressures..."
The thing you are missing is that Nintendo games are not aimed at kids. They are aimed at EVERYONE. How many people do you know that think Super Mario Bros, Zelda, and Metroid from the classic systems are master pieces? I'm sure a lot. How many of them are adult gamers? A LOT. And what about Ocarnia of Time, Super Mario 64, Metroid Prime 1 and 2, New Super Mario Bros? All of those games got high ratings from gamers and gaming journalists. (and BTW, I haven't come accross a kid who is a gaming journalist yet...meaning those high scores are coming from adults.) Nintendo games, no matter how much they don't appeal to you, are not just for kids. They are aimed at the general audience. Anyone who wants to have fun can play a Nintendo game. That means their games can be enjoyed by all gamers. Not just the gamers who can buy 'M' rated games. I mean for shits sake, Brain Training has sold more copies than most games lately and that isn't aimed at kids, now is it? Get your head out of your ass before you try and pass judgement on a company of their games, your personal opinion matters nothing to anyone but yourself and your lack of seeing the big picture is disgusting. You my friend, need to grow up and maybe try a few "kiddy" games and see that you have no basis for your claims.
...Zelda: TP on Wii FTW!