To date, the console hasn't had a million seller, while Wii has gained two (Wii Sports sold 1 million in Japan alone, Zelda: Twilight Princess broke a million worldwide)
Minor correction. The Wii version of Twilight Princess sold over 1 million copies in "North America". Worldwide is more, but I haven't heard them announce it hit 2 million yet. (Zelda like Final Fantasy is more popular in America than it is in Japan).
It's not like it's pushing graphics that are far superior to the Cube... the least it could do is push them at more than 640x480.
They do. 852x480. I understand the 'spirit' of your argument though, and there is no hardware deficiency that makes the Wii incapable of outputing at 720p. That was a management decision that locked it at 480i/480p. They did that to avoid the inevitable graphics comparison. Wii games could easily run in 720p if Nintendo wanted them to, but none will look like Gears of War.
The one that sticks out most to me is Super Mario Bros. 3, when that game is obviously based on Super Mario Bros. (1, of course) Similarly, Zork is based on the earlier Colossal Cave Adventure. Apparently part of the criteria is not just genre-defining but rather some sort of popularization of a genre. So, like any supposedly defining canon, this comes down to a matter of opinion on what is "important".
Right. It should also be noted that Super Mario Bros sold more copies than any other Mario game out there. (the benefit of being a pack in for something like 3-5 years) That game sold more, was more influential to the NES's adoption, and laid the ground work for all platformers to come after it. It did all this despite not having a 90 minute advertisement in the name of "The Wizard" to promote it.
I think the parent article has a very skewed opinion as to what was "important".
I've no interest in the Wii at all right now, but if they ever really get the lightgun functionality worked out...
The pointer works amazingly well. Some games have poor implementations of it, but using it in the Wii menu or Nintendo 1st party games it works great, so I wouldn't fault the hardware. I WANT some light gun games (Rayman RR had a great Arcade type Light gun game), and the 'Zapper shell' looks pimp. I'd be all aboard for that.
You're right that no "handicapping" based on the age of system is in order. But the ages are currently quite disproportionate, sixteen months is a lot more than three. If the Wii is behind now, it still has plenty of time to catch up before this generation's systems have matured.
Also of note, in that 3 month period they have published more VC titles than XBLA to date (something like 59 to 53). The issue currently isn't the lack of games, it's a lack of certain types. If you want card games on the Wii you are SOL. If you want 2D shooters, you are in heaven.
Personally, I'd rather play Super Mario world and Legend of Zelda than most of the games on Live Arcade. One of the reasons is that they're known quantities, whereas many of the Live ports have been very dubious in quality (anyone who made the mistake of getting Contra knows what I'm talking about here). Everything from Nintendo has been incredibly well emulated, with the added bonus of being able to have a "save state" that means you can pause the game, turn off the console and come back to play later. Man, I wish my NES and SNES had that years ago.
So while I'd come down on the side of the Wii in this debate, in the end it's totally personal preference on the games - just like it always is with this console debates.
Ironically I have the same gripe as the Parent column, but I agree with you. I have 12 VC titles now, and about 5 Live arcade games. In general I play Street Fighter II, or DKC or Mario64 more than the 'casual games' like Uno or Bejeweled. My issue though, is what about my parents? They are as Non-gamer as can be, but were entertained to no end with WiiSports, so much that I got them a Wii for Christmas. They still play it, and use the channels, but what VC games would you recommend to them? Where's UNO? Suduku? Bejeweled? Brain Age? Hell, even Tetris!
The funny thing is Nintendo is bringing in "casuals" into the market, but looking at their current software (both VC, and Retail) most of it is still targeting the hard core.
2) lot of parents *don't* know about the Wii's internet capabilities. Many of those that *are* aware, assume that the content is somehow filtered.
3) A lot of parents *don't* know about the Wii's child protection features, account controls, etc.
Ok, not to rag on you, but your post is written as if you don't own a Wii. So I would like to clarify a few points since I do. During the Setup of the Wii, it not only prompts you for internet connection settings, but it also asks you if you want to enable parental controls. If the parents set this up, it would be obvious.
The opera browser is free of charge, but there is a seperate Parental control setting that can inhibit access to the internet, or the store as a whole. Also if you have a secured access point you could just not give the kid the code to connect to it.
As far as "Many of those that *are* aware, assume that the content is somehow filtered.
Why would they assume that? Seriously? If they missed every screen in the set up reguarding your own parental controls, what would imply this access is filtered? Pre-Launch I could have assumed the Wii levitates, due to the pictures they circulated it. Would that have been reasonable?
The problem with comparing ports of the same game is the different architectures. Did the Devs take full use of the Cell Proc or did they simply recompile it for the Cell and not optimize it?
That is entirely irrelevant. It's how the games are ultimately presented. To the end user if Splinter Cell looks better on the 360 than the PS3 (or vice versa) then it doesn't matter how that happened, simply that it happened. I have had my share of Shitty PS2 ports, despite the hardware of my GameCube being technically superior in every way (but storage space). The hardware is capable of more, but if the dev don't use it then it's wasted.
The same cannot be stated as the same for the PS3 / 360 where neither hardware is superior to the other. Several developers stated it's a wash between the 2. The PS3 has more CPU (cores) and the 360 has more RAM, (and a faster read speed on the DVD). So you will get games that are geared to at least run on the 360's 3 cores, but also the PS3's 256 megs of RAM leveling out the playing field.
I know this is a really crazy idea, but if companies want to be successful, maybe they should focus more on making innovative games instead of following a formula for making profit.
Innovative games are for profit. They don't compete in the same arena as the other games, and come at the market sideways. If you want a WWII FPS, there are hundreds on the market and you have to put a lot of time, money and effort in differentiating yourself. You want a Dancing game? There are much fewer. You want a Guitar game? Even less.
These companies don't try to impress you with xyz above the competition, they create a new market where they set the rules.
There is lots of profit to be made when you set the rules.
When I downloaded the Opera browser I never had to input a PIN number. Sadly, that theory is dead.
No, it just means you didn't enable the (voluntary) parental controls. I don't have them on either. If you don't know how to turn them on, check the manual or just wait until Manhunt 2 gets a release date as Nintendo will go out of their way to inform all users how to set them.
Yup. Glad they found that out. I actually used the Wii for Porn at Launch when I realized the photo channel will play motion JPEG, and again when the Opera browser launched...
I predict that within a few years Nintendo will introduce an HD-capable Wii. I think it will be a smart move for Nintendo, but it will also mean anyone who currently owns a Wii and then gets the upgraded model will have likely spent $400-$500 on the two systems. Suddenly the pricing won't all that different from an Xbox360 or PS3.
Wha, huh? Are you saying there was no differnece in buying a PS1 and PS2 at launch (total $600) than buying a PS3? There is a massive difference between buying a console, then it's successor for x dollars than simply spending x for 1 console. Not everyone needs to buy the successor (or the original) to enjoy the vast library of games.
Also where did that actually come from? It seemed like a weird aside to your argument.
Actually, my Sony tube TV when turned off consumes 0 watt according to a Kill-a-watt. So either it's using to little that it's not registering or it's really completely off.
Little Scientific test. If it responds to your remote control to power on, then it isn't completely off.
I'm going to go out on a limb here, and guess that it may have something to do with the Wii using a wireless to stay connected (or whatever it does)? Maybe? Maybe not.
Though it uses a paltry amount of power anyway, (even in full use) I would be interested to know if the Wii does use less (or more) power by using the LAN adapter.
Odd summary... You point out the part that admits it's not nearly as interesting as usage stats... Wii: 18 Watts XBox 360: 185 Watts PS3: 193 Watts PC: 198 Watts
Yes, but PS3's are the most efficient overall since the ones sitting on store shelves consume NO POWER.
### Manhunt 2 is coming to the Wii, and hasn't been announced for the other systems yet.
Its also coming out for the PS2 and PSP, which makes it likely that the Wii is just a port.
Maybe this is just semantics, but if they are day and date releases it wouldn't be a port. It's simply a multi-console release. If Madden 08 comes out the same day for the 360 and PS3, neither would be called a port.
### Watching the Nintendo keynotes from the first announcement of the "Revolution", you'll see a huge emphasis by Nintendo on third parties.
Lots of talk with little action followed.
Of the 31 titles available in NA from from launch until 1-1-07 only 3 were from Nintendo, Including WiiSports.
In fact, there are four NES games that neither Nook nor Redd will sell.
Then you STEAL THEM! Anyway, I was joking. I have no idea how you would beat Animal Crossing. I figure it's kinda like Nintendogs (another game I don't own) where it really is a big sandbox game with no real point of closure. You just play to play.
I myself am waiting for Animal Crossing Thwii because I beat the GameCube version yesterday.
How do you "beat" Animal Crossing?
You build the biggest house possible, buy at least 1 of every item including all NES games, and owe nothing. At that point the only thing Tom Nook can sell you is time with his wife effectively making Tom your bitch for a change.
People who got a GB Advance had no idea Nintendo would release a version that not only was rechargeable but had a light in less than two years.
DS, late 2004. People had no idea that they would make a version with better brightness in early 2006.
So basically, people are getting screwed over because Nintendo releases a better version in less than 2 years, and they have no way to anticipate it.
Thank GOD I read this post. Otherwise I would have been completely off guard with no means of anticipating any further hardware revisions despite (as you said) they have a habit of releasing new hardware in less than 2 years. I wonder when the next one will hit?
Maybe they'll include HDMI output, like microsoft is doing for this year's revision of the X360.
That would actually make sence from Nintendo's 'Keep it simple' philosophy. A Single cable for video and sound as well as auto enable progressive scan (as I have yet to see a SDTV support HDMI).
Nintendo sells them direct from Nintendo.com. They work fine.
Ok, I've always wondered. Is the Wii Lan adapter recognized in Gamecube mode for Mario Kart or Phantasy Star Online?
If not I'm content with Wireless, but I've always wondered.
Slashdot Mirror
Minor correction. The Wii version of Twilight Princess sold over 1 million copies in "North America". Worldwide is more, but I haven't heard them announce it hit 2 million yet. (Zelda like Final Fantasy is more popular in America than it is in Japan).
They do. 852x480. I understand the 'spirit' of your argument though, and there is no hardware deficiency that makes the Wii incapable of outputing at 720p. That was a management decision that locked it at 480i/480p. They did that to avoid the inevitable graphics comparison. Wii games could easily run in 720p if Nintendo wanted them to, but none will look like Gears of War.
Fortunately, in some games (Gears of War in particular) you can mute specific people, but still hear the rest. I'll take that system any time.
Right. It should also be noted that Super Mario Bros sold more copies than any other Mario game out there. (the benefit of being a pack in for something like 3-5 years) That game sold more, was more influential to the NES's adoption, and laid the ground work for all platformers to come after it. It did all this despite not having a 90 minute advertisement in the name of "The Wizard" to promote it.
I think the parent article has a very skewed opinion as to what was "important".
The pointer works amazingly well. Some games have poor implementations of it, but using it in the Wii menu or Nintendo 1st party games it works great, so I wouldn't fault the hardware. I WANT some light gun games (Rayman RR had a great Arcade type Light gun game), and the 'Zapper shell' looks pimp. I'd be all aboard for that.
Also of note, in that 3 month period they have published more VC titles than XBLA to date (something like 59 to 53). The issue currently isn't the lack of games, it's a lack of certain types. If you want card games on the Wii you are SOL. If you want 2D shooters, you are in heaven.
So while I'd come down on the side of the Wii in this debate, in the end it's totally personal preference on the games - just like it always is with this console debates.
Ironically I have the same gripe as the Parent column, but I agree with you. I have 12 VC titles now, and about 5 Live arcade games. In general I play Street Fighter II, or DKC or Mario64 more than the 'casual games' like Uno or Bejeweled. My issue though, is what about my parents? They are as Non-gamer as can be, but were entertained to no end with WiiSports, so much that I got them a Wii for Christmas. They still play it, and use the channels, but what VC games would you recommend to them? Where's UNO? Suduku? Bejeweled? Brain Age? Hell, even Tetris!
The funny thing is Nintendo is bringing in "casuals" into the market, but looking at their current software (both VC, and Retail) most of it is still targeting the hard core.
3) A lot of parents *don't* know about the Wii's child protection features, account controls, etc.
Ok, not to rag on you, but your post is written as if you don't own a Wii. So I would like to clarify a few points since I do. During the Setup of the Wii, it not only prompts you for internet connection settings, but it also asks you if you want to enable parental controls. If the parents set this up, it would be obvious.
The opera browser is free of charge, but there is a seperate Parental control setting that can inhibit access to the internet, or the store as a whole. Also if you have a secured access point you could just not give the kid the code to connect to it.
As far as "Many of those that *are* aware, assume that the content is somehow filtered.
Why would they assume that? Seriously? If they missed every screen in the set up reguarding your own parental controls, what would imply this access is filtered? Pre-Launch I could have assumed the Wii levitates, due to the pictures they circulated it. Would that have been reasonable?
That is entirely irrelevant. It's how the games are ultimately presented. To the end user if Splinter Cell looks better on the 360 than the PS3 (or vice versa) then it doesn't matter how that happened, simply that it happened. I have had my share of Shitty PS2 ports, despite the hardware of my GameCube being technically superior in every way (but storage space). The hardware is capable of more, but if the dev don't use it then it's wasted.
The same cannot be stated as the same for the PS3 / 360 where neither hardware is superior to the other. Several developers stated it's a wash between the 2. The PS3 has more CPU (cores) and the 360 has more RAM, (and a faster read speed on the DVD). So you will get games that are geared to at least run on the 360's 3 cores, but also the PS3's 256 megs of RAM leveling out the playing field.
Innovative games are for profit. They don't compete in the same arena as the other games, and come at the market sideways. If you want a WWII FPS, there are hundreds on the market and you have to put a lot of time, money and effort in differentiating yourself. You want a Dancing game? There are much fewer. You want a Guitar game? Even less. These companies don't try to impress you with xyz above the competition, they create a new market where they set the rules.
There is lots of profit to be made when you set the rules.
The 360 doesn't have an Internet browser. You can watch movies, and TV, but it's all 'closed network' and MS approved.
No, it just means you didn't enable the (voluntary) parental controls. I don't have them on either. If you don't know how to turn them on, check the manual or just wait until Manhunt 2 gets a release date as Nintendo will go out of their way to inform all users how to set them.
Good times, Good times.
Wha, huh? Are you saying there was no differnece in buying a PS1 and PS2 at launch (total $600) than buying a PS3? There is a massive difference between buying a console, then it's successor for x dollars than simply spending x for 1 console. Not everyone needs to buy the successor (or the original) to enjoy the vast library of games.
Also where did that actually come from? It seemed like a weird aside to your argument.
Little Scientific test. If it responds to your remote control to power on, then it isn't completely off.
Though it uses a paltry amount of power anyway, (even in full use) I would be interested to know if the Wii does use less (or more) power by using the LAN adapter.
Yes, but PS3's are the most efficient overall since the ones sitting on store shelves consume NO POWER.
Its also coming out for the PS2 and PSP, which makes it likely that the Wii is just a port.
Maybe this is just semantics, but if they are day and date releases it wouldn't be a port. It's simply a multi-console release. If Madden 08 comes out the same day for the 360 and PS3, neither would be called a port.
### Watching the Nintendo keynotes from the first announcement of the "Revolution", you'll see a huge emphasis by Nintendo on third parties.
Lots of talk with little action followed.
Of the 31 titles available in NA from from launch until 1-1-07 only 3 were from Nintendo, Including WiiSports.
Then you STEAL THEM! Anyway, I was joking. I have no idea how you would beat Animal Crossing. I figure it's kinda like Nintendogs (another game I don't own) where it really is a big sandbox game with no real point of closure. You just play to play.
Wii through (first party) component looks great. Just FYI...
How do you "beat" Animal Crossing?
You build the biggest house possible, buy at least 1 of every item including all NES games, and owe nothing. At that point the only thing Tom Nook can sell you is time with his wife effectively making Tom your bitch for a change.
For that, I love her even more too. ;->
So basically, people are getting screwed over because Nintendo releases a better version in less than 2 years, and they have no way to anticipate it.
Thank GOD I read this post. Otherwise I would have been completely off guard with no means of anticipating any further hardware revisions despite (as you said) they have a habit of releasing new hardware in less than 2 years. I wonder when the next one will hit?
That would actually make sence from Nintendo's 'Keep it simple' philosophy. A Single cable for video and sound as well as auto enable progressive scan (as I have yet to see a SDTV support HDMI).
Ok, I've always wondered. Is the Wii Lan adapter recognized in Gamecube mode for Mario Kart or Phantasy Star Online? If not I'm content with Wireless, but I've always wondered.