Surprising? Oui!
Nintendo has finally announced the final name for its next-generation console. Click here to see the video. And here, without any further ado, is the press release in full, explaining this bold, courageous and some may claim misguided move:
And yes, ok. Wii as in also sounds like wee. Less than an hour after the official announcement was made, the fanboy fraternity is already ablaze with heated discussion – is this a bold, genius move? Has Nintendo outfoxed its competition again, by introducing a name (think weeeeeeeeee!! think fun!) that, as a clear statement of intent, basically reiterates its message to Sony and Microsoft which is: ‘You can keep your teraflops!’
Or, as the fanboys are protesting, does calling your new product after a yellow, fluid waste product secreted by the kidneys in mammals, discharged from the body through the urethra spell complete potential commercial suicide? Or, even worse, might people pronounce it ‘why?’
Speaking to SPOnG UK this afternoon, Nintendo's PR manager Robert Saunders noted, “We wanted something which was totally new, something that hadn’t been done before, something that reflected what Nintendo is all about – creativity, difference, surprise."
Well, it’s certainly surprising, we’ll give you that Nintendo.
Toilet jokes and concerns over pronunciation aside, the key question remains – will it work? We (Wii) hope it does. At the end of the day it really should be all about the games. But we live in an era where branding is king. If, for whatever reasons, consumers don’t take to the name, Nintendo could well be in Wii-ing into the wind, trying to claim that the name doesn’t really matter and it’s really all about Zelda, Donkey Kong, Metroid and Mario.
SPOnG remains, for now, on the fence. Undecided. And we are sure that it is going to take some time for the PR hoo-hah to die down and for the name to establish itself in the minds of both game fans and the casual, non-traditional gamers Nintendo is so keen to attract.
As far as its functionality is concerned, Wii does represent the most attractive new platform at this time and from a gaming stand point, this assertion is a simple fact.
Nintendo has finally announced the final name for its next-generation console. Click here to see the video. And here, without any further ado, is the press release in full, explaining this bold, courageous and some may claim misguided move:
Introducing … Wii.
As in “we.”
While the code-name “Revolution” expressed our direction, Wii represents the answer.
Wii will break down that wall that separates video game players from everybody else.
Wii will put people more in touch with their games … and each other. But you’re probably asking: What does the name mean?
Wii sounds like “we,” which emphasizes this console is for everyone.
Wii can easily be remembered by people around the world, no matter what language they speak. No confusion. No need to abbreviate. Just Wii.
Wii has a distinctive “ii” spelling that symbolizes both the unique controllers and the image of people gathering to play.
And Wii, as a name and a console, brings something revolutionary to the world of video games that sets it apart from the crowd.
So that’s Wii. But now Nintendo needs you.
Because, it’s really not about you or me.
It’s about Wii.
As in “we.”
While the code-name “Revolution” expressed our direction, Wii represents the answer.
Wii will break down that wall that separates video game players from everybody else.
Wii will put people more in touch with their games … and each other. But you’re probably asking: What does the name mean?
Wii sounds like “we,” which emphasizes this console is for everyone.
Wii can easily be remembered by people around the world, no matter what language they speak. No confusion. No need to abbreviate. Just Wii.
Wii has a distinctive “ii” spelling that symbolizes both the unique controllers and the image of people gathering to play.
And Wii, as a name and a console, brings something revolutionary to the world of video games that sets it apart from the crowd.
So that’s Wii. But now Nintendo needs you.
Because, it’s really not about you or me.
It’s about Wii.
And yes, ok. Wii as in also sounds like wee. Less than an hour after the official announcement was made, the fanboy fraternity is already ablaze with heated discussion – is this a bold, genius move? Has Nintendo outfoxed its competition again, by introducing a name (think weeeeeeeeee!! think fun!) that, as a clear statement of intent, basically reiterates its message to Sony and Microsoft which is: ‘You can keep your teraflops!’
Or, as the fanboys are protesting, does calling your new product after a yellow, fluid waste product secreted by the kidneys in mammals, discharged from the body through the urethra spell complete potential commercial suicide? Or, even worse, might people pronounce it ‘why?’
Speaking to SPOnG UK this afternoon, Nintendo's PR manager Robert Saunders noted, “We wanted something which was totally new, something that hadn’t been done before, something that reflected what Nintendo is all about – creativity, difference, surprise."
Well, it’s certainly surprising, we’ll give you that Nintendo.
Toilet jokes and concerns over pronunciation aside, the key question remains – will it work? We (Wii) hope it does. At the end of the day it really should be all about the games. But we live in an era where branding is king. If, for whatever reasons, consumers don’t take to the name, Nintendo could well be in Wii-ing into the wind, trying to claim that the name doesn’t really matter and it’s really all about Zelda, Donkey Kong, Metroid and Mario.
SPOnG remains, for now, on the fence. Undecided. And we are sure that it is going to take some time for the PR hoo-hah to die down and for the name to establish itself in the minds of both game fans and the casual, non-traditional gamers Nintendo is so keen to attract.
As far as its functionality is concerned, Wii does represent the most attractive new platform at this time and from a gaming stand point, this assertion is a simple fact.
Companies:
Nintendo
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Comments
Showing the 20 most recent comments. Read all 37.
realvictory 27 Apr 2006 20:50
18/37
Mark Fleet wrote:
So it's been 4 hours since I found out the new name. For the first half hour I felt a deep sadness and doubted the concept of revolution but after reflection I am convinced that it is a good brand name for a revolutionary nintendo games console. Here's why:
1. It's fun if you say "Weee!" enthusiastically. Espeially if you're young.
2. "Wii" is "Wifi" without the "f". Contextual and cool.
3. It's a new and usable name that is only 3 letters long. I wish I had thought of it.
4. "we" is a group word in english used by everyone when communicating with others. "Used to refer to people in general, including the speaker". Rarely is it used to describe urinating.
5. "oui" french for "yes". Positive.
6. "ii" is "good" in japanese. Positive again.
7. Pretend the title is actually very technical and more alpha-male by refering to it as the "Wireless Information Interface" as well as the obvious, down-a-slide, "Weee!". (this will only happen convincingly if eventually everyone actually has one of these at it is truly globally mass-market)
That'll do for now :)
1. It's fun if you say "Weee!" enthusiastically. Espeially if you're young.
2. "Wii" is "Wifi" without the "f". Contextual and cool.
3. It's a new and usable name that is only 3 letters long. I wish I had thought of it.
4. "we" is a group word in english used by everyone when communicating with others. "Used to refer to people in general, including the speaker". Rarely is it used to describe urinating.
5. "oui" french for "yes". Positive.
6. "ii" is "good" in japanese. Positive again.
7. Pretend the title is actually very technical and more alpha-male by refering to it as the "Wireless Information Interface" as well as the obvious, down-a-slide, "Weee!". (this will only happen convincingly if eventually everyone actually has one of these at it is truly globally mass-market)
That'll do for now :)
Ignoring the fact that it means "urine," everything else about it is good. I'm sure after all this fuss, they'll just call it Revolution over here.
realvictory 27 Apr 2006 20:57
19/37
Then again, again, the idea of calling a console a synonym with anything to do with going to the toilet is really growing on me.
If I worked for Nintendo, and they didn't unfortunately rely on all those childish whinging fanboys who don't want to be thought of as children, I would change the name to "Piss In Your Face," just to spite them.
If I worked for Nintendo, and they didn't unfortunately rely on all those childish whinging fanboys who don't want to be thought of as children, I would change the name to "Piss In Your Face," just to spite them.
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Dreadknux 27 Apr 2006 21:42
20/37
At least when you're out on a night on the tiles with the lads, if you say "I'm just off for a slash guys", your burly mates'll go:
"Don't you mean a Wii? LOL Wooooeeeeeyyyyy!"
If that doesn't make the console reach casual gamers that usually go to the pub and club and play on a game or two, then nothing will. Way to ace the competition, Nintendo. ;D
Seriously though, I might have to watch that short promo video another time, I didn't quite get the Apple branding ripoff/reference/homage.
"Don't you mean a Wii? LOL Wooooeeeeeyyyyy!"
If that doesn't make the console reach casual gamers that usually go to the pub and club and play on a game or two, then nothing will. Way to ace the competition, Nintendo. ;D
Seriously though, I might have to watch that short promo video another time, I didn't quite get the Apple branding ripoff/reference/homage.
SorelissLarethian 27 Apr 2006 21:48
21/37
OMG tell me it's just another inside spong joke :/
another "i have a friend who has a friend who does the gardening at nintendo" thing...
pllllllllzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
or i'm going to start wiiiping :/
they create a buzz about revolution they inspire the hope for a new era in gaming and then they come with one single blow and destroy everything...
wii.... :(
another "i have a friend who has a friend who does the gardening at nintendo" thing...
pllllllllzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
or i'm going to start wiiiping :/
they create a buzz about revolution they inspire the hope for a new era in gaming and then they come with one single blow and destroy everything...
wii.... :(
BustyKrusty 27 Apr 2006 22:32
22/37
There's nothing wrong with Wii except that it sounds more like Apple product than anything and so does their design. It may prove a good selling plan thanx to the ii. Dolphin and Revolution were best names ever and even GC sounds far better than Wii. Not only is it uncomfortably weird but it also has a strong childish and somewhat cheesy side to it. It doesn't matter though since I'm already bored of the whimsical Wii that don't mean s**t.
realvictory 27 Apr 2006 22:54
23/37
I keep trying to say it casually (in a sentence), to see if I've got used to it, but it always makes me laugh. They should have called it Dreamcast, that was the best name ever. Crud, that name's already been used.
Still, nothing beats being able to control your wee with a remote control. See, I've given up with trying to get used to it now, and I'm just going to blatently call it wee. Still sounds rather amazing. Still, better not be too complacent by the time I buy one, or I might buy a box of wee. I'm not even trying to be funny anymore, I really have given up.
I think that was what Nintendo mean by "wait and let the name sink in." (Let the wee sink in!) Oh, stop it!
Still, nothing beats being able to control your wee with a remote control. See, I've given up with trying to get used to it now, and I'm just going to blatently call it wee. Still sounds rather amazing. Still, better not be too complacent by the time I buy one, or I might buy a box of wee. I'm not even trying to be funny anymore, I really have given up.
I think that was what Nintendo mean by "wait and let the name sink in." (Let the wee sink in!) Oh, stop it!
crs117 28 Apr 2006 00:13
24/37
Okay if you want to try to do some kind of grass roots movement to encourage Nintendo to rename its new console please check out;
www.renamewii.com
This is very rudimentary right now, but as a huge nintendo fan and supporter (from the original nes days), I really would like to see if we cant get some steam behind this. If you have some web skills in php/mysql or web graphics (and i know many of us dorks have that) and want to help please email me at renamewii@renamewii.com with the subject "Want to Help".
We are about to start our busiest time of the year at work so i could use all the help i can get to make this site look clean and professional.
Otherwise if you have any good ideas and designs then email them renamewii@renamewii.com with "Logo Idea" as the subject line.
Please help get some steam behind this, by emailing as many folks you can, and posting this on as many forums as possible, since the new name is horrible.
Thanks
www.renamewii.com
This is very rudimentary right now, but as a huge nintendo fan and supporter (from the original nes days), I really would like to see if we cant get some steam behind this. If you have some web skills in php/mysql or web graphics (and i know many of us dorks have that) and want to help please email me at renamewii@renamewii.com with the subject "Want to Help".
We are about to start our busiest time of the year at work so i could use all the help i can get to make this site look clean and professional.
Otherwise if you have any good ideas and designs then email them renamewii@renamewii.com with "Logo Idea" as the subject line.
Please help get some steam behind this, by emailing as many folks you can, and posting this on as many forums as possible, since the new name is horrible.
Thanks
realvictory 28 Apr 2006 00:40
25/37
If you successfully get Nintendo to call it an even better word, also relating to toilet humour, such as "Pube," I'll buy you one myself.
By the way, as far as I see, you're simply becoming influenced by, therefore part of, Nintendo's whole marketing scheme here. If the name changes, it probably won't be because you started your own website dedicated to their new console, i.e. free publicity, because of the name they already chose.
By the way, as far as I see, you're simply becoming influenced by, therefore part of, Nintendo's whole marketing scheme here. If the name changes, it probably won't be because you started your own website dedicated to their new console, i.e. free publicity, because of the name they already chose.
Pistolman 28 Apr 2006 01:07
26/37
Wii, Wii, Wii, Wii, Wii...
A great name truly. Of course there are many that dont like it but i am curious, can they think of a better one?
-Revolution was out of the question. Too pompous,with political meanings and a generic word.
-RS? Rhymes with DS and it could get confused with it too. Simple and boring.
-Go? Mediocre but a little silly. It has no meaning except for "5" in japanese and the english verb "go".
-N5? My favourite choice prior to Wii. But now i see that is bland and unoriginal as ps3.
Wii, has so much meaning into it. See the logo and you get it. The twin iis are the controllers. That name defines what the "Revolution" was for.
Innovation, Originality, Interaction.
But on the other hand you can always stay with the piss jokes...
I am a Knight who say Wiiiiiii!!
A great name truly. Of course there are many that dont like it but i am curious, can they think of a better one?
-Revolution was out of the question. Too pompous,with political meanings and a generic word.
-RS? Rhymes with DS and it could get confused with it too. Simple and boring.
-Go? Mediocre but a little silly. It has no meaning except for "5" in japanese and the english verb "go".
-N5? My favourite choice prior to Wii. But now i see that is bland and unoriginal as ps3.
Wii, has so much meaning into it. See the logo and you get it. The twin iis are the controllers. That name defines what the "Revolution" was for.
Innovation, Originality, Interaction.
But on the other hand you can always stay with the piss jokes...
I am a Knight who say Wiiiiiii!!
soanso 28 Apr 2006 03:07
27/37
Hmm?
dunno. I can't think of a better name and I'm happy that they've not gone for something obvious or stuck numbers on it.
A real break from tradition. Not at all what computers or consoles are normally called.
But the name "Wii" to me looks like "Y" or"why" or a mis-spelt "wifi".
Wii does have a lot of connotations besides that too.Maybe it signals Nintendo wanting to work together more with everybody else, third party developers, indie delevopers and gamers. Maybe they'll actually make games that the fans demand now rather than make they game THEY want to make.
For example like when they were making Zelda for the GC and everybody expected and hoped it'd look like the demo video they showed at spaceworld and everybody saw the 1st pics of Wind Waker and either laughed or thought "what the hell are they doing?"
dunno. I can't think of a better name and I'm happy that they've not gone for something obvious or stuck numbers on it.
A real break from tradition. Not at all what computers or consoles are normally called.
But the name "Wii" to me looks like "Y" or"why" or a mis-spelt "wifi".
Wii does have a lot of connotations besides that too.Maybe it signals Nintendo wanting to work together more with everybody else, third party developers, indie delevopers and gamers. Maybe they'll actually make games that the fans demand now rather than make they game THEY want to make.
For example like when they were making Zelda for the GC and everybody expected and hoped it'd look like the demo video they showed at spaceworld and everybody saw the 1st pics of Wind Waker and either laughed or thought "what the hell are they doing?"
owarrak 28 Apr 2006 07:06
28/37
Tut Tut Tut, Spong slow off the mark once again.
questworld 28 Apr 2006 09:06
29/37
I had vague reaction to the Wii name when it first came out and I think I understand why now. It is because it looks more like a logo and works better as a logo without necessarily having anything to do with how it could be called. Kinda like seeing the omega symbol or pie (i.e. 3.14 etc.) only this time Wii looks like a "W" and two "i." I think that without realizing it, Nintendo basically created a logo and tried to shoehorn a name with it because it looked like a W and two i's. As a logo, as seen on the video, it make sense and works. It even reminds me of Pixar's intro. Wii has a lot of subtle insinuations as a logo and as a word, well, when pronounced it can be insinuating the words "we" as in "us," "wee" as in "small," and "wheee" as in "fun," all of which reflects something with the console. So I suppose it's good and makes sense overall but, much like the FHC, it take a while to get your head around it. Too bad many people can only think of it as pee but that just goes to show how childishly their mind works. Anyway, it is difficult to use Wii as a word but I suppose you can just refer it as the Revolution regardless when you ask for it. In fact let's just say Wii is the logo and Revolution is the name. Savvy?
ann0uk 28 Apr 2006 10:05
30/37
I am still going to call it Revolution, Wii sounds stupid and embarrassing for someone that owns the console.
It will always be Revolution for me.
It will always be Revolution for me.
config 28 Apr 2006 10:06
31/37
When you've got a three-year-old child, there is only one possible meaning to the word "wee"
I think it sucks, but then, when our mole revealed that "Xbox 360" was more than a fanboy dream, I hated that too.
I think it sucks, but then, when our mole revealed that "Xbox 360" was more than a fanboy dream, I hated that too.
realvictory 28 Apr 2006 10:09
32/37
If people call it the Revolution, even though it's called the Wii, it's going to really annoy me, because it sounds pretentious of them.
So what if it sounds like "wee?" The jokes aren't funny or original enough to last forever, and by E3, anyone making fun of the name is just going to look sad.
Although I thought about Winnie The Pooh, which is similar... then I realised how amazing it would be for a Pooh game on the Wii!
Anyway, once the jokes wear off, it will be fine, I think, as long as people stop being stupid about it.
So what if it sounds like "wee?" The jokes aren't funny or original enough to last forever, and by E3, anyone making fun of the name is just going to look sad.
Although I thought about Winnie The Pooh, which is similar... then I realised how amazing it would be for a Pooh game on the Wii!
Anyway, once the jokes wear off, it will be fine, I think, as long as people stop being stupid about it.
covmat 28 Apr 2006 12:48
33/37
I still need a wii.
jadnice 28 Apr 2006 13:38
34/37
What is wrong with you people...? Honestly does it matter what name they took the press... those who are hating would still find something to be pissed about. I for one watched the intro clip at Nintendo site, thought about it (They are definitely following Mac style and naming convention "IPOD" "NANO" for example both of which are very successful products. I am sure some did say the names for Apple portable player were stupid… once again look at the success and intuitive use) and it makes sense to me.
The bottom line is the games. It could have the best, must powerful name in the world but if the games aren't fun and immersive then who cares that name it has. Look at Xbox360 for example...I have friends and know other people that are taking back the 360 due to sub par games and hardware problems. Once again it’s the games and how you play them is really the important issue here and should be what we are looking forward to at E3.
The bottom line is the games. It could have the best, must powerful name in the world but if the games aren't fun and immersive then who cares that name it has. Look at Xbox360 for example...I have friends and know other people that are taking back the 360 due to sub par games and hardware problems. Once again it’s the games and how you play them is really the important issue here and should be what we are looking forward to at E3.
vault 13 30 Apr 2006 04:00
35/37
Wii, hey it's no Gizmondo so we should be happy about that. I think the explanation of Wii makes sense, but the fact that it needs to be explained is bad. Remember folks, the Japanese need to love it. If they don't, then Nintendo crumbles. And I remember the post saying that Revolution is hard to pronounce in Japanese. People may say the Japanese gaming market is dwindling and America and Europe is where it is at, but Japan is still going strong in my book.
sleepsmoker 30 Apr 2006 10:56
36/37
think nintendo are going to have a hard time with this wii business.
playstation is such a powerful brand at the moment, and it's everywhere, the playstation brand sells the console.
nintendo have to really push out the big guns on this
hope the console does well though, is the hardware real similar to the cube or something?
playstation is such a powerful brand at the moment, and it's everywhere, the playstation brand sells the console.
nintendo have to really push out the big guns on this
hope the console does well though, is the hardware real similar to the cube or something?
majin dboy 30 Apr 2006 12:20
37/37
well,my first post regarding wii.
i thot id leave it this long to gain a proper opinion,and not act from a knee jerk reaction. firstly wen i saw it i thot nintendo had made a huge mistake, and a lot of me still thinks they have.
but there are factors which make me think every thing will be okay.
i) its only a name,if it had been called the nintendo jizz bomb,it would still posess the same potential, functionality ways anyway.
ii) thers somepart of me that thinks Nintendo have made the best decision of marketing history, give of take a few,cough. i can just see a lot of people talking about this and remember kids, any publicity is good publicty. Cast your minds back to GDC 05,wen the revmote(can we still call it this or do we have to sound like jonathan ross prounceing remote???? wiimote)was unveiled,remember the shock?the horror?the fear? the sorrow?(completed MGS3 last nite for first time)i think nintendo will shock us again and again the internet will be ablaze.
iii)its nintendo for f**k sake.
I think when people get over the shock and nintendo continues to gain momentum with various announcements,wii will gain back any of those week fanboys who dissed it just because of its name change. Yes, REVOLUTION is a strong name for a console but Wii is the revolution.
i thot id leave it this long to gain a proper opinion,and not act from a knee jerk reaction. firstly wen i saw it i thot nintendo had made a huge mistake, and a lot of me still thinks they have.
but there are factors which make me think every thing will be okay.
i) its only a name,if it had been called the nintendo jizz bomb,it would still posess the same potential, functionality ways anyway.
ii) thers somepart of me that thinks Nintendo have made the best decision of marketing history, give of take a few,cough. i can just see a lot of people talking about this and remember kids, any publicity is good publicty. Cast your minds back to GDC 05,wen the revmote(can we still call it this or do we have to sound like jonathan ross prounceing remote???? wiimote)was unveiled,remember the shock?the horror?the fear? the sorrow?(completed MGS3 last nite for first time)i think nintendo will shock us again and again the internet will be ablaze.
iii)its nintendo for f**k sake.
I think when people get over the shock and nintendo continues to gain momentum with various announcements,wii will gain back any of those week fanboys who dissed it just because of its name change. Yes, REVOLUTION is a strong name for a console but Wii is the revolution.