The Nintendo Wii Is Just a Fad and Cannot Maintain Their Current Momentum
By cdelascasas
@cdelascasas (12)
United States
November 2, 2007 9:12am CST
I'm well aware of Nintendo Wii's outselling of both the X-Box 360 and the PlayStation 3, and I understand that success in the past year has become synonymous with Nintendo Wii. However, as many critics have stated, I whole heartedly believe this to be a fad - at best.
Everyone knows about Wii Sports - its an inventive and creative way to help people get some blood pumping while they play their games. Heck, it's a lot of fun actually swinging my Wii mote and actually hitting a baseball or tennis ball. I like the way it can tell just how my wrist is moving and the bowling ball will be effected that way.
But after three weeks of die hard playing Wii Sports, I found that the same thing happened as does with most games: I got bored.
Here we are, over a year since the Wii has launched, and what kinds of titles have come out? In truth, nothing. The biggest excitements for the Wii are the Mii Faces, Metroid Prime, and Wii Sports.
Because of their fear to be seen as "not appealing to the casual gamer", Nintendo is letting one of the best potential systems on the market erode, and as long as this system tries to solely live on Wii Sports, it cannot effectively succeed in the long run.
Consider this, for example. On every console sale, a company loses money, it only makes it back up during game sales.
How then, can Wii Sports hope to pull Nintendo through, if it comes free with a console purchase?
3 responses
@Kecia08 (554)
• United States
3 Nov 07
As a Wii owner myself, I don't exactly agree with some parts of your article. I believe Wii's will continue to sale as good as they are now for at least the next couple of years...I know 4 different people who purchased one last week as a Christmas gift for their children, and it was only the end of October! Just imagine how many more will be sold in the next two months.
One of the factors that helps it sale (other than the fact that tons of kids want one!) is its ability to get the player up and moving. Too many kids are sitting in front of their TV's for hours on end, playing video games, which for many, leads to obesity. The Wii has linked exercise with video games, so these kids are getting a workout while doing what they love. I know it may sound weird, but I can see some health benefits to the playing a Wii...Granted, I don't play the Wii for more than an hour or two at a time, and neither will my kids, but at least they aren't just sitting on the couch all day with this system.
I also think there have been lots of good games out for the Wii, with over 20 more being release before Christmas. There were already approximately 20 different games to choose from right around the Wii's release here in the US. Maybe there aren't any that you like, other than Wii Sports, but I think it's an exaggeration to say that Nintendo relies solely on that game...
Just my 2 cents!
@cdelascasas (12)
• United States
5 Nov 07
Twenty games is hardly exemplary - especially when it's fumbled a sure seller such as Madden 08.
I understand what makes it saleable, but it has no long term appeal.
Until it starts pumping out games that are worthwhile - and stops fumbling games like the much anticipated but now revealed to be a Rail Shooter, Resident Evil - it cannot hope for long term success.
Only the short term its been enjoying.
@Stubbybassman (74)
• United States
15 Nov 07
I have to say, the whole casual gammer thing makes sence, good call dude, I agree with you 80%. Atleast we know Super smash bros brawl and Mario Kart wii is coming out, with online play will waste me hours and hours.
@LavenderPower (274)
• United States
3 Nov 07
I was planning on purchasing on ethis year for the kids. It's the same as any game. They get bored for awhile and then come back to it later. My kids are very active and would rather be outside playing the actual sport, so I am expecting the Wii to be the perfect gift. Great for the Gold Rainy days!
