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Exactly. And, moreover, the lesson from the DS is: It's not all about games.

The only "games" I play now, ever, are Electroplankton and Jam Sessions.

After using these, playing a normal game is pretty boring.

Or you could give up on the theorising and just read their financial statements. Nintendo's are here:

http://www.nintendo.com/corp/annual_report.jsp

Attach rate for the Wii is about 4.5 games/console at the moment.

Never heard of that. Sounds interesting. Any sources?

Even so, as I said, all of the things you've mentioned happened a long time ago, mostly during the NES and SNES era.

here and here.

The last one being fairly comprehensive. I personally don't see whats wrong with most of the suits but they have some parity with Lik Sang in my eyes.

Also the N64 was as much hubris as the PS3. They were one of the primary manufactures of game carts so they profited more from using the carts rather then CD's since they didn't press CD's. Even the mini-Rom employed in the GC. While PS3 goes bluray to help Sony's format and line Sony's pockets with extra licensing fees.

Much of the criticism of Sony and MS that works it's way into Console rants is also old news. Ninetendo is like a friend of mine. When she was young thin and attractive she was a total bitch. But in the last 10 years she's gotten fat, learned her lesson, and has become a genuinely good person. Nintendo was a bully, got smacked, learned their lesson. They've been good now. Give them 3 years and we may hear of Nintendo's root-kit equivalent.

Agreed, I don't know how the intro to the article can drop that statements when nintendo has this:

Zelda: http://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=uzm6DQbya7 _9uLUBz0Foxg1WFZfgV-en&

Mario: http://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=rOhwzYb_mQ CENHazWJ9C0aet-KIx3A7P&

Metroid: http://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=xsLZ8sftLA R_GunWLmDZeH72LA_Xxp1C

and for good measure:

Pokemon: http://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=lXtLHZS0Kb _sJy4T9vuBgUfKUibop045

et. al.

They seem to have a pretty solid foundation in sequels to classics

Agreed, I don't know how the intro to the article can drop that statements when nintendo has this:

Zelda: http://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=uzm6DQbya7 _9uLUBz0Foxg1WFZfgV-en&

Mario: http://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=rOhwzYb_mQ CENHazWJ9C0aet-KIx3A7P&

Metroid: http://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=xsLZ8sftLA R_GunWLmDZeH72LA_Xxp1C

and for good measure:

Pokemon: http://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=lXtLHZS0Kb _sJy4T9vuBgUfKUibop045

et. al.

They seem to have a pretty solid foundation in sequels to classics

Agreed, I don't know how the intro to the article can drop that statements when nintendo has this:

Zelda: http://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=uzm6DQbya7 _9uLUBz0Foxg1WFZfgV-en&

Mario: http://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=rOhwzYb_mQ CENHazWJ9C0aet-KIx3A7P&

Metroid: http://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=xsLZ8sftLA R_GunWLmDZeH72LA_Xxp1C

and for good measure:

Pokemon: http://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=lXtLHZS0Kb _sJy4T9vuBgUfKUibop045

et. al.

They seem to have a pretty solid foundation in sequels to classics

Agreed, I don't know how the intro to the article can drop that statements when nintendo has this:

Zelda: http://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=uzm6DQbya7 _9uLUBz0Foxg1WFZfgV-en&

Mario: http://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=rOhwzYb_mQ CENHazWJ9C0aet-KIx3A7P&

Metroid: http://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=xsLZ8sftLA R_GunWLmDZeH72LA_Xxp1C

and for good measure:

Pokemon: http://www.nintendo.com/gamemini?gameid=lXtLHZS0Kb _sJy4T9vuBgUfKUibop045

et. al.

They seem to have a pretty solid foundation in sequels to classics

Here ya go:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Accessory_zappe r.jpg
http://e3nin.nintendo.com/wii_accessories.html

It looks to me like holding it by gripping the forward stock would make the situation much worse. I assume you'll keep your forward thumb on top of the controller, which would make it quite easy to reach all of the buttons, but I'm not really sure how comfortable (or accurate) that will be. Still, I'm really excited about Metroid Prime 3.

Plus, you have the option of running around with a stupid looking gun when playing FPS on the Wii :-)

They did say that the Virtual Console would be "home to new games conceived by indie developers whose creativity is larger than their budgets."

They said it here (but the link doesn't work anymore. So this link is pointless):

http://wii.nintendo.com/hardware.html

Their official press release is available at their press site.
Again: Metroid Prime 3 IS SET for an "Aug. 20" release.

Metroid Prime 3 has been OFFICIALLY dated for August 20th.

http://press.nintendo.com/articles.jsp?id=12200

Microsoft doesn't just copy Apple anymore, do they?

"Virtual Console sales are down, apparently"

You mean everybody isn't running out and downloading Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle, spending their money on Symphony of the Night in XBLA instead? Shocking!

Give me more (A) good games that (B) I don't already have in another medium and I'll spend my money. I already own Ocarina of Time three times, and all three of those versions work with the Stone of Agony. How about adding some overlooked gems like the Ys series (where's Sega Master System support, anyway?). Better yet, you've already tantalized us with the idea of releasing games on the VC that have never been released outside Japan before, if you give me Mother I will buy it.

But Wonder Boy in Monster World doesn't tickle my fancy.

At the very least, why not include the videos you include in your website in the Shopping Channel, so I have a better idea of what I'd be throwing away $8 on?

Minigames are great as a free pack in game to show off what the system can do, but shes not going to pay for a minigame collection.

Have either of you ever played the GBA or DS Warioware games? Yes, it's a collection of 5-second minigames, but the whole is quite a bit more than the sum of its parts. While in general I would agree about not paying for a bunch of mini games (why I won't buy any Mario Party title, Fuzion Frenzy, etc), Warioware is a special case. Especially since it's also a great demo of what can be done with the Wiimote, from "normal" uses like "remote control" to really whacky uses like "the elephant". You can take a look through the manual, but it's really worth playing the game. If nothing else, consider renting it.

She was a big ssx fan on last gen systems and had high hopes for the wii version of that, but it only got mediocre reviews. Her dad is a golfer and liked toying around with wii sports golf, so I kept my eye on wii tiger woods but that didn't get reviewed all that well either.

If I may make a suggestion, you really ought to at least rent some of the Wii games you're interested in. I get the feeling that reviewers haven't quite grasped how to review Wii games yet (for example, Warioware has an average 82% rating over at GameRankings, but to me it's a much better game than 82% represents). Reviewers might start to "get it" in the coming months, but in the meantime you're really going to have to play the games yourself to make an informed opinion.

Unless Nintendo is ramping up for a big April Fools Prank, it's on their official press release website, found here: http://press.nintendo.com/articles.jsp?id=11783.

All I have to say is that Bowser is the cooler bad guy than Dr. Eggman/Robotnik.

Ironically, I feel the same way about the PS3. The Playstation controller is based on the SNES design , and in the PS1 era they had the analogs bolted on mid-life. It's a 10 year old design that is suited best for 2D games, not 3D. This is why I wasn't upset for the Wii Classic controller. It is a superior design for the retro titles that are pretty much 2D prior to the N64. For the N64 games, I use a wavebird.

There is a reason why Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sega put the analog in the primary position. For 3D games it offers superior control in a position that's comfortable. (IE: That's where it belongs.)

Official release date for a browser is June 4. It's going to be a version of Opera.
http://press.nintendo.com/articles.jsp?id=11634
http://www.opera.com/pressreleases/en/2006/02/15/

The challenge for computer geeks: finding a way to merge exercise with mostly-sedentary hobbies and jobs.

Sure, because there is no way the Wii would come with Extensive Parental Controls...Because, like everyone knows, Nintendo absolutely leads the field in games that have nothing but blood, guts and violence.

As a non-childless Slashdotter, speculating wildly about my obviously meaningless to you life experience as a parent, I find it perfectly easy to play the stuff my daughter plays, and watch the things my daughter watches, and to manage the parental controls accordingly, thereby making sure she won't encounter porn until she wants to encounter porn at least not where I can control it...And don't tell me kids are smarter than me at this particular activity; if there is a way to find porn, I'll have found it long before she will--finding porn is like a male geek superpower.

And for the record: "Porno" is so hilariously 1970's it really gives you a good idea of the level of technology these jokers are comfortable with.

http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/wii/en_na /settingsParentalControls.jsp

Now if I could only find a Wii LAN adapter

I for one welcome our Wii-enabled Wiimote-wielding Nunchuk-shaking Nintendo overlords and can't wait to see Spore on the Wii as well as the Nintendo DS.

Now, when do I get my Wiimote-enabled light saber game from the Star Wars franchise, so that I can make a YouTube video of my 1337 skilz?

Actually, Nintendo has added a statement on their support site saying that it is alright to use NiMh rechargeables in the wii remote: http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/wii/en_na /setupWiiRemote.jsp I bought a cheap duracell charger that included some AA's. It seems to work fine, but even when fully charged, the wii software will only show 3 bars of capacity rather than the 4 bars you get on alkalines. They seem to only last about 50%-75% as long as alkalines too, but I don't really find it to be a big deal. Your mileage may vary depending on what kind of batteries you go with though.

mistake of thinking that because no touch interface games exist that there won't be very many!

No touch interface games exist?

Go here for the US or here for the UK to get up to 4 free strap replacements.

You might say that's what it's for, but what did Nintendo say it was for? They currently say, "Wearing the wrist strap will help prevent the Wii Remote from flying across the room if you accidentally let go of it during game play." Of course, that's after all of the complaints of broken wrist straps. From the standpoint of legal liability, what's just as important is what they said in the operations manual that came with the Wii. Does anyone know? If the manual originally stated that the strap is there to prevent the remote from going flying across the room, then they're responsible for making a strap that really will prevent it from doing so.

Furthermore, from a legal standpoint, companies are held liable for what happens when their products are used in ways that the consumer (not just the company!) will commonly find reasonable, unless they specifically warned against such usage. Did the manual say, "Warning: wrist strap will not restrain remote under vigorous usage", or such?

The fact is, the Wii remote was intended to be manipulated in a more vigorous manner than is a camera, and it's possible Nintendo may be found legally liable.

Wii Remote Wrist Strap Replacement Information

Nintendo is offering to replace the original version of the wrist straps for the Wii Remote with a newer version. We have received some reports that when consumers swing the Wii Remote with the original version of the wrist-strap using excessive force and accidentally let go, the cord connecting the controller to the wrist strap can break, potentially causing the Wii Remote to strike bystanders or objects. Because Wii consoles shipped starting in early December already utilized the newer version of the strap, you will need to determine which version of the strap you have before ordering a replacement. To determine if you need the newer version of the strap, or to place an order for a replacement, click here.

It appears they even managed to use the picture from Nintendo's replacement program http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/straps.jsp on their http://www.classcounsel.com/. Are they arguing Nintendo's replacement isn't enough?

I think the fact that Nintendo already issued a recall and has been actively replacing the straps is enough to make this suit go away... you'd think the lawyers involved would've done some research before filing this(is it's taken on contingency that is).

Strap Replacement site

What the heck are you talking about?

Nintendo ALWAYS does massive beta test, PUBLIC beta tests, Real world usage beta test.

There were all KINDS of wonderful secretive "get the word out" Wii parties going on. (part of the Wii ambassador program)

Here I'll link a few:
http://gonintendo.com/?p=6254
http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/top/secret-wii-partie s-start-in-september-194866.php
http://forums.nintendo.com/nintendo/board/message? board.id=General&message.id=38275
http://picturethis.clubmom.com/picture_this/2006/0 9/picture_nintend.html

I got my Wii yesterday, and I was *shocked* that it doesn't include any way of connecting it to the net. WTF! You need to buy an external adapter to connect it the net. F**king ripoff Nintendo.


Obviously a troll, but I wanted to share this anyhow.

The Wii, at $280CDN has built in wireless. To get wireless for an xbox360? How about $130CDN. That's almost HALF the cost of a hole Wii console that comes with 1 Wiimote, 1 nunchuk, built in wireless AND A GAME!

Please, don't talk about the Wii as a ripoff troll.

* And for those of you who want to argue that the xbox360 has built in ethernet, and the wii doesn't. All I have to say to that is, at least they're charging a reasonable price to add it!

I received the email that Nintendo sent out yesterday regarding safety information. The points that were made were:

• Always use the wrist strap, even when sharing a controller
• Don't ever let go of the Wiimote, purosefully (yes, purposefully) or accidentally (dry your hands if necessary
• Allow plenty of room to motion in

What got me was the fact that people are apparently purposefully letting go of the Wiimotes. Nintendo cited the example of WiiSports bowling stating that only the B button, not the entire remote needs to be released.

Also, none of the games that I know of require a player to use their full arm strength to play a game. Again, using bowling as an example - it's not a matter of how fast you swing your arm, it's more dependant on timing. In other words, you don't need to be able to tear a phone book in half to chuck the ball any faster.

If people don't take these fairly simple principals into consideration, they really don't have anyone but themselves to blame, I think. Nintendo has taken every means necessary by publishing numerous pages of safety info in manuals and their website, and even displaying reminders before starting games.

But, props to them for taking the initiative. At least they seem to be easing these people by looking into the issue. Good customer service reputation.

From what I read on Iwata asks, the Gamecube version is a mirror image of the Wii version, so that the sword is held in the right hand for Wii. Other than that they are the same game.

First off, I love the Wii and I got really into it.
Wii Tennis actually helped me discover a bad motion I had in my backhand and I've been playing tennis since I was 8.
In response to the parent and a few other posts,

7. Wireless connection troubles...the only way I can get my Wii to connect consistently is to turn off WEP and WPA/WPA2. I have to make my WAP open (and I've tried two different access points/routers) for it to work consistently and reliably...again, that seems just wrong to me.

enable WEP, WAP, mac filtering, whatever you like on your AP or router, but make sure that you set the Wireless Channel to either Channel 11 or 1. They tell you this in the documentation and the website will help you troubleshoot any error codes you might have. http://www.nintendo.com/wii

1. ... None of us are very good at golf.

heh, yeah that happened to me too. Until I stood up and swung the remote as if it was a real live golf club. Most important is putting, you gotta square up and really get a pendulum action going with your arms. It takes a little practice but it works great once you get used to it. What you have to remember with the golf club is it takes both the speed of the swing and the length of the swing into account for the power of the swing.

How can you get a refurbished console when they haven't had any to refurbish?

When you sign up at http://my.nintendo.com/ they offer you a few different mailings. The really want the consumer at the core with the DS and Wii.

Nintendo's site lists Dance Factory as an upcoming title for the Wii.

http://wii.nintendo.com/software_index.jsp

Hopefully it is more than just a port of the poor PS2 title: http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3153434&did=1

Or, perhaps it's that when you are presented with a scenario to smash a tennis ball back down a court or roll a bowling ball down a lane, the motions are so intuitive and natural that a player's first instinct is to really swing the remote hard, or to tense up the muscles as though he were really holding a 16-pound bowling ball.

I found it took a day or two to really get used to making realistic but relaxed gestures in Wii Sports (I still have to try to remember it). I actually take two steps forward while bowling, just like my entire family did when we got together at Thanksgiving. Wii sports is responsive in a second nature sort of way. As a developer team interview shared, they knew they had a good idea going when Nintendo employees who were asked to test out the interface started "throwing" the tennis ball up with their free left hands while serving. (I hate when people share anecdotes but not the source--these were really fun to read.)

I've seen plenty of accessories at places like walmart and target. However, the component cables are only available online through nintendo. Wii Component Cables and it looks like they're back in stock.

Sony been leading for what 10 decades now

That would be Nintendo. Otherwise ... yeah, worst post ever.

"Of all the stores I've been to I've yet to see a Wii demo running."

Go to a GameStop or EB Games -- you give them your ID, and they'll give you a remote so you can play their Wii kiosk.

Or, alternately, go to one of these malls and try it there.

Am I missing something? Either you all have Flash, or http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/assets/language_s elect.jsp is not the page I want for customer service.

Here is the gamecube specs and the wii specs. Both IBM chips.

Apparently, the firmware update is rendering the online portion of the system busted for many people. Mine is one of the affected units.

See http://forums.nintendo.com/nintendo/board/message? board.id=internet&message.id=2729 for more.

I waited 12 hours in line for the system so I'm disappointed by this and the fact that there are no component cables to be found (gotta order them online, joy). But the control scheme doesn't suck which can't be changed and is why I bought the system. Overall, another new tech snafu but I'm not really surprised.

Set your wireless router to use Channel 1 or 11. That did it for me, and Ninty even states this tip in their support section, although they don't offer much of a technical reason why. I kept getting update timeouts when my WRT54GL (running latest dd-wrt) was on channel 6. Switched it to channel 1, and the update progress bar just zipped along like there wasn't a single issue.

http://wii.nintendo.com/games_list.html
Red Steel, Super Mario Galaxy looks cool and interesting
Legend of Zelda looks like a must buy for the system.
Old school games I will like to play for awhile especially old school Mario and some N64 ones.
Some or I should say the majority are really too childish, but I have hope in the Madden, Farcry and hopefully using the controller on one of their flight games.

Not really the strongest launch I thought Wii was gonna bigger and by that time the new batch of PS3's will be shipped with the new games and T.V. commercials for the PS3 being released.

The issue was that the Gamecube used a non-standard digital port for component cables and only sold them online (not at retail). So eventually they removed the 2nd port from the Gamecubes that were being manufactured (sometime in Late 2003) due to 'very few people buying the cables'. Despite this they still program their games to do 480p, so if you were fortunate enough to have an old enough Gamecube, and bout the cables online before they were discontinued (like me) you can still enjoy the new releases in progressive scan.

Even though the Wii isn't puishing HD, Nintendo is offering the Component cables (online only again! ARGH!) and their standard is both 480p and 16:9.

In 5 years unless some miracle happens you will indeed be using Vista to play your games or you'll not be playing games any longer.

Is that so?

I gave up on PC games before the XP switch, and others will do the same because of the Vista switch. PCs aren't the only game in town.