Five reasons why Wii will disappoint
by Vladimir Cole 
{ Nov 18th 2006 at 5:47AM }
GameDaily dares confront the hype tsunami with an opinion piece detailing why the Wii will ultimately fail to deliver on its promises. We summarize (and oversimplify) their editorial:
- Lack of software support
- Inferior graphics (and yes, graphics really do matter)
- Wii remote control scheme is clumsy in some situations
- GameCube's lackluster sales translate into fewer loyal customers
- Wii price advantage won't last
Here at Joystiq, we're actually divided on the extent to which Nintendo's new console will deliver on its lofty goals. At least we're starting to see some balanced coverage thrown into the mix. Devil's advocates keep us all honest.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Jecrell @ Nov 18th 2006 5:57AM
I've killed owls for less.
Pat @ Nov 18th 2006 6:02AM
vlad = fail
Vlad Killer @ Nov 18th 2006 6:09AM
Not Vlad again, What are you going to do for a job when the Wii is a success. Perhaps they have a cave you can go into full of trolls.
Moogle @ Nov 18th 2006 6:09AM
But what's your opinion Vlad? Really, we'd like to know.
quartz_donkey @ Nov 18th 2006 6:13AM
Why? why post such a thing nothing new will be said on the matter just the same old thing in almost every thread for months now.
Hell even a thread about the format war the Wii was metioned and doesn't even play DVD's for hells sake!
reppy @ Nov 18th 2006 6:13AM
3 out of those 5 reasons were the same reasons the DS would fail.
Simon @ Nov 18th 2006 6:14AM
It's bleedingly obvious you type "how to piss off nintendo fanboys" into google, hit "I'm feeling lucky", and then blog whatever page comes up VC.
It's getting tiresome.
RetroJunkie @ Nov 18th 2006 6:16AM
Opinion
key word in this article
Opinion
Opinion
Opinion
Opinion
Opinion
and just incase some of the fanbots feel like using this as leverage
ill repeat
Opinion
Opinion
OpinionionOpinionOpinionOpinionOpinion
And its made by one guy
seriously
i could of sworn i've seen the same article about the DS
pretty much a another one of those "Analyst" the only difference, he actually bothered to go into detail
and vlad posting this is no real shocker either
Jecrell @ Nov 18th 2006 6:16AM
Simon is correct, if you type "how to piss off nintendo fanboys" into Google, it will bring up VC's article complaining about how Zelda is not Oblivion.
The real question here is how we should cook him before we tear him apart and eat him.
DrXym @ Nov 18th 2006 6:18AM
I think the Wii remote will do just fine when the game features translates real-life arm movements into in-game movements. That's probably why Wii Sports is the perfect showcase for the system.
HOWEVER, I think the system will offer a frustrating and confusing experience when movements don't translate into in-game movements, or the game lags, or the game places a heavy reliance on gestures.
Gestures are slow, gestures get ignored or misrecognized. Gestures suck. Remember Black & White? That game used gestures for all the spells and boy was it annoying.
RetroJunkie @ Nov 18th 2006 6:19AM
one last post before the Sony Cock suckers or Some defensive Nintenfaggots start dukin it out
i think vlad wants fanboys to fight
i mean maybe he gets off on it
i can imagine him sitting at his desk, with a tube of KY in his left hand
Snorri @ Nov 18th 2006 6:22AM
First you slate Twilight Princess, now Wii itself.
If you hate it, just say so dammit!
DJ @ Nov 18th 2006 8:54AM
"Wii remote control scheme is clumsy in some situations"
That's a good reason for a particular game to fail... but it's an SENSELESS and SHORTSIGHTED reason to think the system will disappoint.
Ultimately the system will do well based on the games a person ENJOYS, not the ones that DIDN'T work.
With the development costs low and margins higher than other systems, plus a very large initial user base, we'll see enough games to create an ecosystem, and natural selection will weed out the suckage. There were plenty of sucky DS games. I bought a DS the month it debuted in the US. I bought it specifically for just two games. Now I have about 10, half of them purchased in the last 2 months.
The price advantage quote is actually even a stupider criticism.
Nintendo is currently priced to make a FAT profit/unit. Sony is currently priced at a MINIMUM of
$250-300 under their costs. Microsoft is currently priced at a loss/unit as well. Even without lowering production costs, WHO is in a position to slash their prices first? With the lower power tech that Nintendo has put in there, they'll probably be able to put 90% of that board on a single chip, and drop their costs faster than MS or Sony.
The "loyal customer" issue is ludicrous. Remember Nintendo has an installed base of about 100,000,000 GBA/DS users.
"Lack of software support" is also ludicrouse, looking at the developers flock over to the cheaper development platform right now. Just do a quick google if you don't believe it.
Graphics do matter, so that is a valid criticism, though one that I think will be made irrelevant by other obvious factors.
DeepSleeper @ Nov 18th 2006 6:24AM
Blah blah blah Vlad blah blah blah.
Snorri @ Nov 18th 2006 6:24AM
Ok, maybe not you personally, but still...
Jecrell @ Nov 18th 2006 6:25AM
RetroJunkie: Chill. We're all hating on VC, no need to hand out labels. Let's focus our hate on one person/group/media at a time.
Ndric @ Nov 18th 2006 9:00AM
Funny how I knew who the blogger was just from reading the title :rofl:
Mr.Nitemare @ Nov 18th 2006 6:30AM
The author of this article must have never finished high school...the basis of his statements have no backing ...
1. Lack of software support?
it has already been stated that the cost to develop high quality games for the wii are less than half that to develop high quality games for the other systems.. the programming equipment costs less so even at a lower price point for wii games publishers still make MORE profit on wii games than they do on the other games..that clearly translate into MORE support, not less..
2. Inferior Graphics, graphics do matter?
I've got a few examples for you...Game Boy was green and black..game gear was full color with TV support, who won? DS is Nintendo 64 quality while PSP is two generations ahead at nearly PS2 and boasts more functions, whose sales are higher?
3. Wii Remote is clumsy?
Lets be honest..this true to an extent.. the games that have slight glitches in them have already been said by reviewers to be almost there (and some to be there already) first wave games on new systems always have some type of thing wrong with them that you look forward to them learning about and having fixed for the sequel..plus the programming for motion control on the wii has already gotten easier even before launch with a new system to translate the moves to program on the screen, instead of needing to write all that code.
4. Price advantage won't last?
By the time any of the systems can drop their prices it will only be by maybe 50 dollars, and once they are able to drop their prices close to the price of the wii, technology prices will have lowered further for Nintendo as well..
5. Gamecube sales..fewer loyal customers?
Umm..that makes no sense either...most gamecube owners i know still liked (and like) the cube, just wished it ended up with more support..which has already been resolved on the Wii as you can clearly see if you pay attention to all the game developers raving about it..
So when you write know what you're writing about in the future jackass...
RetroJunkie @ Nov 18th 2006 6:30AM
@16
sorry man
Im just flinging around labels
because the last thing we need is the whole "BIAS" and " WHINING>
You know how certain groups like to use shit like this as fodder
Bravado @ Nov 18th 2006 6:31AM
Balanced reporting doesn't mean actively seeking out contrary opinions, it's looking for balanced articles. If all balanced articles are positive or negative, then you can claim your objectivism. This is just trolling.
Gianni Gotti @ Nov 20th 2006 6:03PM
Wii is going the way of "Virtual Boy", have no doubt about it.
Yoshi Likes Boys @ Nov 18th 2006 6:32AM
Vlad: You are smart.
Don Jose @ Nov 18th 2006 3:05PM
I still think Wii will be one of 2 things: a second-choice console, or a popular gift for the wee gamers in the family. I can't see why anyone with a long history of gaming would want it as their first-choice console, fanboys included.
I played nothing but Nintendo until I saw their plan for the Wii, and I promptly went out and got a 360. I'll still play one eventually when my brother buys his solely for the virtual console, which he thinks willbe#1 redeeming virtue. I can rent a few games for his here and there. As for LoZ:TP, I'll just have to hope for an eventual GC release. I can't remember what the story is on that anymore; I stopped caring when they decided not to release the 2 versions simultaneously.
...and yes RetroJunkie, that's just my OpinionOpinionOpinionOpinionOpinion.
kuristoufa @ Nov 18th 2006 6:33AM
I swear, more of this Vlad posts and im gonna quit joystiq. I come here for news or interesting articles, not some fanboys opinions and biased speculations.
Jecrell @ Nov 18th 2006 6:34AM
RetroJunkie: It's all good. *gets out the popcorn for the hate thread*
Jelster @ Nov 18th 2006 6:38AM
1. Software support has increased with the Wii over the GC where the PS3 and X360 seen less exclusives
2. Graphics don't sell systems, the buzz around games does. Now most of the time graphics feeds that buzz but check out the DS for non graphic buzz producing sales.
3. As is any controller. However I've seen first hand how people feel less threatened around the WiiMote compared to a traditional controller.
4. I believe the Nintendo hardcore will buy the Wii, the undecided who bought a GC because it was cheap and had a game they were interested in might still consider it. Lets also not forget the people who never bought a GC.
5. Nintendo is the only company pulling a profit, they're in the best position to discount their system whenever they please.
Vlad, stop being such a cock. If you don't like the Wii fine but how about you post about a system you do like instead of constantly bitching like a wet nappy.
Aaron @ Nov 18th 2006 6:40AM
The only thing that bothers me about the Wii is the lack of HD support. The rest of these arguments are silly and could be applied to lots of successful things (like, as some people have pointed out, the DS).
The graphical power of the system doesn't bother me, I'm sure we'll see some awesome stuff for it (anyone remember Resident Evil 4?). But why not in 720p? That just seems like a very stupid and shortsighted decision to me, especially after I've seen the huge difference HD makes.
I'm really hoping that can be fixed with a software update, provided you have the component cable. But then there's still the games that'll only be made in 480... Dammit Nintendo! WHY???
spokensilence @ Nov 18th 2006 6:50AM
Five reasons why the PS3 will disappoint.
1. The price has been set too high.
2. Lack of quality games.
3. The replacement of a rumble feature with the addition of a motion sensor system, which just appears to be an afterthought.
4. The inclusion of Blu-Ray, a format which has yet to prove itself, and could seriously hurt the chances of the system if it fails.
5. The recurring problems with HD not working properly, not to mention the inability for some PS1 and PS2 games to work.
Mallam @ Nov 18th 2006 6:55AM
I though they fired Vlad already. How do we complain?
kite @ Nov 18th 2006 7:00AM
I am already waiting for the counter-newspost on one of the reactions. He did this kind of things before, remember.
But meh, maybe you just like to stir trouble online. The anonimity of the web will save you.
Do whatever you want, your articles have proven to be pointless, and their only goal is to make a dramatic scene. If you would be able to use your writing skills better, you could make a drama out of an article without people noticing. But the fact that everybody seems to be pissed at you tells me enough.
I hope you can find joy in the things you write, because I would be losing my hopes. Even if it only was online, I value the criticism I get.
Eric Von Shpeel @ Nov 18th 2006 7:06AM
i cant believe how poor the Wii review scores are.. even Gamespot gave Zelda just 8.8. Without Zelda theres really not a game worth retail price on day 1.
Gerwurztraminer @ Nov 18th 2006 7:09AM
For crying out loud, he said he SUMMARIZED an article! I know most of you get your kicks out of Vlad-bashing, but I don't think he deserves it (this time).
Besides, it's the Wiikend. Be nice. Be happy. And tear him a new one on Monday.
grable @ Nov 18th 2006 7:13AM
As previously mentioned, didnt people say the same about the GC and DS ?.. ok, the GC came in last in sales. But Nintendo still made money, and lets not forget the DS sales are gooood.
Dre @ Nov 18th 2006 7:13AM
I could less as long as it has success with me. Too many tired opinions. Who made him a prophet? The sam can be said about the PSP, the XBOX, the Gamecube, but all of them are still around.
vladicola @ Nov 18th 2006 7:22AM
you lost me at >_> vladimir-cole
Anna @ Nov 18th 2006 7:23AM
Wow, I saw this headline and I said to myself "Vlad", and sure enough...
bored now, back to sleep
Logan @ Nov 18th 2006 11:51AM
You know, Vlad. I would like to commend you for being bold enough to post some criticism on the Wii. A lot of blogs and web forums have become inflated with hype and I think it's great that you're actually presenting another side of the issue.
Let's be fair here. Whenever another writer posts a link or reference to a site that suggests how the 360 or PS3 might disappoint or even speaks of a personal annoyance they have with the system, there is hardly ever the type of outrage.
Think critically, kids. Don't throw your blind loyalty to any company and attack anyone who dares question it. Although Vlad is presenting a side of an argument other than the one that is thoughtlessly followed, that doesn't mean the article he is presenting isn't news.
Logan @ Nov 18th 2006 11:51AM
Wow, the thoughtless drones have come out in hatred of a single man who actually presented a side of the story that is contradictory to the blind hype displayed by the attackers. I guess when someone ruffles the kids' feathers, they have to go into ad hominem.
Vlad, I actually would like to thank you for posting the other side of the Wii issue for a change. It's a shame that you're being foolishly attacked for something you referenced. Then again, I guess that just shows the intelligence (or lack thereof) of your opposition.
DrXym @ Nov 18th 2006 7:44AM
The lesson we learn from these comments is don't dare criticize Nintendo. For to do so is to unleash the spluttering fury of people so emotionally invested that they will take each criticism as a personal insult.
Get over it. Nintendo is just another faceless corporation. Just like Sony and Microsoft. They don't require or deserve your misplaced loyalty.
ELT @ Nov 18th 2006 8:04AM
not to nitpick, but could you please spell words correctly, especially if they are going to be in the article title. Thanks!
bruterules @ Nov 18th 2006 7:49AM
Fan Boys are out today making comments. Finaly some balanced coverage. PS3 is out better watch out. Cant make your fake bad claims. Anyway the Wii is a GameCube with a little bit faster processor to handle motion controls. If Sony tried to release a PS2 and PS3 game on their console you guys would sacrifice them. Like FFXII, if the version was the same graphics on both machines people would rail about it. If nintendo does it what a great thing. Grow up, i am not paying $250.00 for last gen technology. No DVD playing or CD playing for $250.00.... ugggg
omnus @ Nov 18th 2006 11:50AM
Can you all please just get Nintendo's cocks out of your asses and take the article for what it is; an opinion based on someone's ideas regarding the Wii. Geez, I can't stand you Nintendophiles, always up and arms whenever someone expresses a thought other than "Nintendo is God. Any 20 year old franchise you refry and feed to us again (and again and again...) we will gladly eat as though it were ." You all need to learn to take a deep breath, expand your minds a bit, take the article the same way we're supposed to take your bitching: however you please. But please, think about it before you post. Damn fanboys.
p.s. I know I'm new, so leme just say, I own a DS and PSP, with the DS being the system I play more. Just put this here in case someone calls me a PSP/PSP fanboy. I could care less about the systems; it's gaming I love. Period.
John Lucas @ Nov 18th 2006 7:49AM
Yawn.
Wii Dominates the 7th Gen Worldwide from Start to Finish.
This much is common knowledge. Writing's on the wall, etc. etc.
Today is the day.
On the dawn before gaming is changed forever.
I camp out for Wii at my Wal-Mart tonight for the Future of Gaming. And I don't camp for nothing.
Bring on the Wii!!!!
Wii Are The Nation...Of Domination!
Wii Are The Nation...Of Domination! (ringtone)
John Lucas
peter7898m @ Nov 18th 2006 7:54AM
Seriously the Nintendo fanbies on this thread flaming Vladimir Cole are idiots.
["IF"] he 'personally' does not like the nintendo console and publicly states his reasons, why should any of you be offended or care?
It is his choice to post what he wants, so stop crying about it and move on. Everyone needs to read both sides of an arguement to get the full view of the pros and cons of the topic, i want to see more posts by VC.
Pointing out possible weaknesses of any console is normal. I am going to buy a wii just cuz its cheaper and different, even though i am aware of what it lacks. I liked the GameCube's specs so il sure like the Wii.
saboola @ Nov 18th 2006 7:55AM
Nintendo Board Meeting - Nov 18 2006:
Reggie: I have bad news everyone. We have cancelled the Wii.
Audience: *gasp* but why?!?! It's gotten great press from Time magazine, mainstream news shows, practically everyone. This makes no sense.
Reggie: I know I know. It turns out we were wrong all along. You see, the all wise Vlad Cole on a little blog has shown us the light. Our Marketing, R&D, Technology departments, and our 20 years of game experience mean absolutely nothing in the presence of the all wise Vlad. Everyone else was wrong, the Wii will never work, im sorry it has to come to this.
End of Meeting
kite @ Nov 18th 2006 7:57AM
It's not the article that really bothers me, its the way it is written. And the fact that I just needed to mention that this blogger has lost my respect. Sorry, but someone who seems to be craving for blood, and is using articles to do so, loses credibility.
At least, that is my opinion. And everyone is entitled an opinion, no?
Zixaphir @ Nov 18th 2006 8:00AM
"Wii's Price Advantage won't last"...
Dude, by the time competitors drop prices, the Wii's price will follow suit.
The only real "valid" complaint there is the lack of customer loyalty. Then again, isn't the Wii's purpose to attract "NEW" Customers?
CheekyLee @ Nov 18th 2006 8:03AM
I apologise for the bluntness of my previous comment. That was simply what I said as soon as I saw the authors name.
Ok, knee-jerk reaction out of the way. Now that I bothered to read the post, and the article it links to, I have to point out some of the false logic :
"Additionally, sometimes using the motion sensitive controller is awkward to the player and doubly so to observers. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkachi 2 is a prime example of this, with punching and "Kamehameha wave" motions required to make your character fight. While this may be the thing YouTube 15-minute celebrities are made of, it's hard to imagine it catching on long-term with the prime 18 - 34 male demographic"
But, the 18-34 year old male demographic is NOT who Nintendo are after with the Wii. They are after my mum.
"Wii games certainly don't look bad; in fact, by current-gen standards they look quite decent. However, when compared to the top 360 and PS3 titles, especially on an HDTV, the Wii is blown out of the water. Games like Gears of War and Heavenly Sword absolutely pop and the Wii just doesn't have the CPU and GPU power to match that."
My mum will never see Gears of War on an HDTV.
"The point is that established support really does carry weight in console wars,"
The success of the PlayStation proves that statement wrong.
PLEASE, somebody, let this be Vladimirs last post on joystiq. The guy is incapable of providing any kind of subjective opinion. His crusade against this console is losing you readers.
Pixelbox @ Nov 18th 2006 8:10AM
I actually enjoy many of Vlad's posts, despite leaning Nintendo in any fanboyism I might have. But yeah, this article is a rehash of much of the DS criticism.
Vlad: spell-check is your friend.
George @ Nov 18th 2006 8:09AM
You nintendo fan boys just dont want to admit that NO ONE in the media is talking about the wii. I am sure we will not here the same stories we heard with wii that we did with ps3. I dont hear anyone locally talking about them wanting this system. You cant go by just nintendo fans or people online you have to listen to common people and the media. And i know analysts are not right all the time but they all are picking the wii to finish last. Now with all that said i have thought about picking a wii up anyway but only because i already have a 360 and the ps3 is no where to be found. If anything i may just end up waiting for a ps3 if i can afford it. The wii will sell about as good or slgihtly better than gamecube.