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Wii on the production line  (Source: Seeking Alpha)
Wii production to increase again this summer to supply crazy demand

As unbelievable as it may sound, Nintendo Wii consoles are still selling out from stores even though the system launched nearly 18 months ago. In fact, according to comments made by Nintendo president Reggie Fils-Aime to Wired, the average Wii only sits idly on the store shelf for just an hour before it is purchased.

"We are passionately upset about the lack of product relative to demand," said Fils-Aime, also pointing out the interesting fact that North America is the only territory in which demand is outstripping supply. Apparently, Wiis are easily found on European and Japanese store shelves.

Of the 1.8 million Wiis that Nintendo is producing every month, 40 percent heads towards the Americas – and more are on their way. Nintendo is ramping up its production even further, hoping to output 2.4 million Wiis a month starting this summer.

Nintendo is making a handsome sum from its brisk sales of consoles, and has little reason to limit production. Nintendo posted its financials for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2008, revealing sales of more than 1.67 trillion yen, an increase of 73 percent over the prior year and operating profits of more than 487 billion yen, a year-over-year increase of 115.6 percent.

Nintendo shipped 18.61 million Wii console to the global market, bringing the worldwide total to 24.45 million since its debut in November 2006. For its upcoming fiscal year, Nintendo forecasts global shipments to hit 25 million.

Although the Wii figures are the best in the home console space, Nintendo also has a stranglehold on the portable market. Nintendo shipped 30.31 million DS systems worldwide, bringing the total worldwide shipment to 70.6 million. By March 31, 2009, Nintendo forecasts shipments of an additional 28 million Nintendo DS systems.

The games maker also released tie-ratios of systems to games. The Wii currently sits at 6.07 games per system, and the DS has 5.24 games per unit.

As for whether or not an extra 600,000 Wiis produced per month with allow the average unit to survive more than an hour of the store shelf remains to be seen.

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Brilliant...
By Locutus465 on 4/24/08, Rating: 0
RE: Brilliant...
By BansheeX on 4/24/2008 5:38:55 PM , Rating: 5
Does every Wii thread have to start with this congratulatory nonsense? Graphics and gameplay is not some kind of see-saw where a decline in one means an automatically greater result in the other. That's utter nonsense. Objectively speaking, third party titles for the wii have average scores that are lower than the 360 and PS3, but Nintendo titles rock as usual and would play exactly the same but look better with HD graphics. Nuff said.


RE: Brilliant...
By AlphaVirus on 4/24/2008 5:47:50 PM , Rating: 4
I usually dont agree with much of what you say BansheeX but I have to agree with this.
It seems like the Wii has turned several people in to drones that believe "It has less-than-HD graphics so it has excellent gameplay". As you mentioned the Nintendo titles are the only ones that truly sell for the Wii, as it does not have a very great 3rd party backing.

I will applaud the Wii for selling so well, its a great thing for the gaming community.


RE: Brilliant...
By daftrok on 4/24/08, Rating: 0
RE: Brilliant...
By ebakke on 4/24/2008 6:20:50 PM , Rating: 5
quote:
there are hardly any decent games on the Wii


What you deem to be decent, and what someone else deems to be decent may be completely different.

Also, many people use the console as an occasional source of fun where the average of 5-6 games/console is a more than acceptable ratio. A more avid gamer will want more frequent releases of big titles, but the casual gamer won't mind.


RE: Brilliant...
By Hiawa23 on 4/25/2008 9:04:40 AM , Rating: 2
From a business standpoint, I think Nintendo is brilliant, but I don't buy consoles based on how many they sell.

I own a Honda & a Mitsubishi & could care less how much both companies rake in. What's important to me is the service that the console provide, & the PS3 & 360 has delivered for me, meanwhile, there is nothing on the Cube, ur Wii that interests me, but again, it's great to see Nintendo back on top where they belong, I just can't see buying any games for the Wii, for myself, but my daughter loves it, so that's all that's important. The DS is also doing great, but I prefer the PSP to that.


RE: Brilliant...
By MrBlastman on 4/25/2008 9:37:34 AM , Rating: 3
I could play Warlords, River Raid, Star Raiders, Joust, Asteroids and more for HOURS AND HOURS on the 2600 and never get bored.

Anything I've ever tried to play in the next-gen systems might be fun for 10 or so minutes, but after that I get bored quickly.

Graphics don't make the game - gameplay does, and always will.

Without gameplay, all you have is a glorified screensaver that you have to keep pressing buttons to make it do anything. The Wii might not have graphics, but the games have plenty of gameplay. Yes, there are some weak ones (actually plenty of titles I'd never buy), but there is something for everyone I suppose - not just games for the hardcore crowd (which I do happen to be a part of).

I've had plenty of fun on the Wii so far and coupled with my PC, I see no point buying a PS 3 or a 360. The Wii is everything I need in a console. If I want graphics, I'll use my PC for everything else. Best of all, I am not forced to use a silly analog stick controller to aim in FPS games on both the Wii and PC.

It is time for the control scheme on consoles to evolve - nintendo just realized this early. Give people something they can use and enjoy first, make it pretty later. That is how games evolved in the first place, isn't it?


RE: Brilliant...
By inperfectdarkness on 4/25/2008 10:11:01 AM , Rating: 1
well said. i'm glad someone else out there recognizes the truth.

if i want FPS and online gaming...my PC doesn't charge me a "live" subscription fee.


RE: Brilliant...
By AlphaVirus on 4/25/2008 1:14:31 PM , Rating: 1
The 360 is actually free to play online, only certain games are resctricted to the paying crowd.

PS3 is completed free everything online.

Online gaming for the PC is not always free, WoW anyone?


RE: Brilliant...
By kensiko on 4/26/2008 8:58:47 AM , Rating: 2
Well me and thousands of people are playing WOW for free... Look on google.


RE: Brilliant...
By BansheeX on 4/25/2008 10:28:11 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
Anything I've ever tried to play in the next-gen systems might be fun for 10 or so minutes, but after that I get bored quickly.

Graphics don't make the game - gameplay does, and always will.


Well, gameplay is subjective. Some people do have the attention span of a gnat and won't go as far as space invaders. Personally, some of the most rewarding games I've played are the ones with the steepest learning curve.

But I think you're missing how graphical progress allows new forms of gameplay not before possible. Is Quake 3 gameplay possible on the Atari? No, it can't even do 3d. Is Quake 3 gameplay possible on the PS1? No, it isn't fast enough.

As physics get better, you will start to see new types of gameplay and take them for granted. One day you'll probably be able to break anything, dig anywhere to create foxholes, put the dirt in sacks to weigh something down. Puzzles won't be preset anymore. You'll be able to use anything around you as if it were real and not the illusory surface it is now. We've already seen some of this object manipulation in HL2 and it's quite gratifying.


RE: Brilliant...
By AlphaVirus on 4/25/2008 1:21:56 PM , Rating: 2
And you know whats funny BansheeX, the same people who complain PS3 and 360 are "only about graphics and no gameplay" are probably the same people who crazed over games such as BioShock, Fear, Crysis, and lots of other games for PC.

PC has delivered great gameplay and graphics over gaming history yet people seem to think great gameplay = poor graphics and that Wii is the holy grail of gaming. Why cant people notice that there are great games on all 3 consoles? But everyone has different tastes so not everyone has to agree with the Wii style of gameplay.


RE: Brilliant...
By afkrotch on 4/25/2008 12:59:00 PM , Rating: 1
quote:
I've had plenty of fun on the Wii so far and coupled with my PC, I see no point buying a PS 3 or a 360. The Wii is everything I need in a console. If I want graphics, I'll use my PC for everything else. Best of all, I am not forced to use a silly analog stick controller to aim in FPS games on both the Wii and PC.


Instead you are forced to use an analog stick controller and a remote control to play an FPS game. I'd much rather stick with analog sticks where it's only one block of plastic that the kids can lose and not multiple pieces and cables.

quote:
It is time for the control scheme on consoles to evolve - nintendo just realized this early. Give people something they can use and enjoy first, make it pretty later. That is how games evolved in the first place, isn't it?


Power glove? Super scope? The multitude of different controller schemes that Nintendo has come up with. Sry, they've all been pretty gimmicky.

As for gameplay, what exactly has changed, except for the controller scheme? Smash Bros on the Wii is no different than the last Smash Bros or the one before it. They just look different and used different controls. Just like all the other games on the Wii.

What requires a control scheme to evolve? Hardcore gamers are more than happy with what they have now. If they didn't, the 360 and PS3 wouldn't be doing so well. Majority of your best selling games are on what system? I can tell you, it doesn't start with a W and end in an I.


RE: Brilliant...
By The0ne on 4/25/2008 1:10:28 PM , Rating: 2
I have to agree with you too. I an Engineer and I know my techs but those savy grahpics, sound really doesn't compare to whether or not the game is fun to play. I hardly play my Wii but when I do their fun, and this is with Wii Sports! I recently went back to the PS2 and tried many many games and my attention span didn't last more than 20min for most of them.

This isn't to say I'm not impress by the new technologies. In fact I'm very happy that xbox and ps3 were release. However, trying most of the games for either (and yes I do have preferences so no FPS for me) it's kinda like meh...pretty game but not so much fun. I don't play FPS but that doesn't mean I don't know what's going on fyi.

Wii controls on the other hand is pretty impressive and innovative in my opinion. I wasn't so sure during press coverage but after trying them it's really nice. Granted it could use more responsiveness but if you're patient and don't overdo any motion than it's more than ok.

And lastly, I've been playing retro games for snes, genesis and PC. Games like Shining Force, SNES RPGs, and Heroes of Might and Magic 3 for PC. HOMM3 is 2D but what a great game with WoG mod. The random map generator is a blessing. I wouldn't be suprise if Wii's retro gaming solution takes off quicker soon :) There are other good current games that I've seen and can't stomach to play myself (i.e. fps makes me dizzy) like COD4 :) games has improved since the first release in which I've played. My nephews love the multiplayer.


RE: Brilliant...
By PAPutzback on 4/28/2008 9:30:50 AM , Rating: 2
Carnival games and Bowling have made the Wii worth it to me. It is more fun than sitting around playing Euchre for a few hours with friends. Something the PC gamers are losing.


RE: Brilliant...
By inighthawki on 4/24/2008 6:23:52 PM , Rating: 2
I can tell you're not a big fan of Nintendo games. The games you listed in your post are some of my all-time favorite games, and in my opinion are FAR better than the junky games for 360 and ps3. (Not to mention u spelled Mario Kart wrong...)


RE: Brilliant...
By Hiawa23 on 4/25/2008 9:19:19 AM , Rating: 2
I own every Nintendo console since the NEs, so I am a big Nintendo fan, just not a fan of the shakinging controller, Gamecube technology. Nintendo should be making money hand over fist. IF Sony & MS removed all that separates their consoles from the Wii, I am sure they would make more money too. Nintendo should make money on the Wii, as they have a great model, re-release you previous console, add a shaking controller, make is mass friendly so everyone buys into it & wallah. I have nothing against Nintendo, as I have been a fan since forever, but the Wii doesn't impress me at all, & I can't even play & enjoy the Nintendo games with that controller, & I don't know about most of you but I expect consoles to improve in terms of technology, but it's good to see Nintendo back on top, although who comes in 1st 2nd 3rd matters not to me. who delivers the games & services I like is what matters most to me.


RE: Brilliant...
By kellehair on 4/25/2008 12:24:49 PM , Rating: 2
Calling the Wiimote a "shaking controller" is pure ignorance. One of the main benefits of it is its pointing abilities. Playing an FPS on Wii is much more accurate than doing to so with 2 sticks on the 360 or PS3. It's also more immersive, at least from a control standpoint. All systems have their advantages and disadvantages but to dismiss the Wii as a glorified Gamecube is ignorant, ignorant, ignorant.


RE: Brilliant...
By ChronoReverse on 4/24/2008 6:24:52 PM , Rating: 5
You're right about it not cutting it for a 5-6 span. It does, however cut it for a 18 month span.


RE: Brilliant...
By Alexstarfire on 4/24/2008 6:28:34 PM , Rating: 2
You left out quite a few games that I would put on that list, namely COD3 and Trauma Center. BTW, it's spelled Kart, not Cart.

You might include VC titles as well, but I can certainly understand why you wouldn't considering they are actually Wii games.


RE: Brilliant...
By nolisi on 4/24/2008 6:41:06 PM , Rating: 5
quote:
This is bad for the community because now all they can do is throw ports from other games or take games from the actual current generation (PS3 and 360) and dial down the graphics, put in some waving controls and stick a Wii logo on it.


The problem you have has nothing to do with Nintendo or Wii and has everything to do with the game developers.

It is the developers who make one game, then try to port it to everything under the sun. When you look at the state of the market, most of the games are made from a scant few engines to begin with, then franchises take those engines and create spinoff games with the same relative gameplay, just a different story.

On top of that, you've got two consoles (360 and PS3) that are practically the same with the only differences being the graphics processor, and maybe the HD content player (but really, it's the same basic thing) with all the rest of the differences being purely cosmetic.

Nintendo actually offers something different, instead of just doing the exact same thing MS and Sony are doing.

The truth is, it would have been stupid for Nintendo to try to compete with Sony and MS- because the the competition is mostly one of exclusive franchises and marketing between the 360 and the PS3. Then you would have 3 products on the market that are basically the same.

Nintendo actually brings something different to the table, it works extremely well (and the sales reflect it). Nintendo was smart not to turn this into an "I can do HD content better than you can" marketing race, because that's all MS and Sony have to offer. The true gaming experiences consists of both graphical immersion as well as gameplay immersion. With this round, Nintendo is saying "I can do the overall gaming experience better than you can".

And you know what, they may not have the most games out, but their games are certainly superior and they differentiate themselves in the gaming market place.

If more third party developers approached gaming this way, instead of just trying to port the same game over and over again, you'd see a gaming software landscape that looks more like the gaming hardware landscape that Nintendo created.

Sony and MS didn't do anything new in terms of hardware- they simply just ported over the same graphics war that was on the PC side of gaming.


RE: Brilliant...
By BansheeX on 4/25/2008 9:58:37 AM , Rating: 2
Even if you grant all of that, you still can't help but feel slighted by the $250 price tag if you're a traditional gamer who owned a gamecube. With as much money Nintendo is making on each system, they could have easily made the graphical update more substantial to justify the new system cost. That is the MAIN argument I have against the Wii, but it's hard for people to understand because there's so much demand for it regardless that it would seem stupid to drop the price. I bought the initial version of the GBA, too, before they released an updated version that sold like hotcakes. So basically I just gave up on Nintendo systems because despite their cheapness and revisionism, people are standing in line ready to pay their price, effectively making it absurdly high for me to perform an upgrade that I shouldn't have had to make.


RE: Brilliant...
By The0ne on 4/25/2008 1:17:52 PM , Rating: 2
Nintendo is making money now but when they were designing the Wii they weren't making that much money. You're asking for something that wasn't entirely possible until now. And you want Nintendo to change the Wii now even though it is selling so well? I don't think thats going to happen anytime soon. So I'm not sure what your argument really means other than you want Wii to be like xbox and ps3.

The GBA is a different issue. Nintendo release minor changes, except the backlight, to rake in MORE money from the continuing growth. Look at DS, same effect. So yes, you are right in that respect but it's a good business decision if you ask me.


RE: Brilliant...
By Alexstarfire on 4/24/2008 6:31:13 PM , Rating: 2
I even have to agree with that. One thing that can be said though, is that games that aren't graphically demanding have to make up for it somehow. While it's not a direct indication of gameplay, I'd say that mass produced games that don't have the "uber" graphics are more likely to have great gameplay than those that focus on "uber" graphics.


RE: Brilliant...
By G2cool on 4/25/2008 9:09:33 AM , Rating: 2
I think perhaps Sony and Microsoft are also turning people into HD drones. These sales figures are from 2007 and this report http://www.nielsen.com/media/2007/pr_071030a.html is from late 2007 showing 13.7% of US households being HD capable. It sounds to me like HD doesn't really matter, yet. I do agree that 3rd party support for Nintendo is abismal at best. Gamestop's current list of best sellers for the Wii include Nintendo titles and hardware.


RE: Brilliant...
By Locutus465 on 4/24/08, Rating: 0
RE: Brilliant...
By cmdrdredd on 4/24/2008 5:54:11 PM , Rating: 3
Every article I read about the Wii reads like they don't actually play the games. If they did, I'm sure they would realize that the handful of games on the Wii have constantly been outsold by the games on other systems. Nintendo makes money because the only games that are worth buying for the Wii are made by nintendo.


RE: Brilliant...
By Netscorer on 4/24/2008 6:10:19 PM , Rating: 2
C'mon. If you have Wii you know that's not true. Both Sega and especially Capcom have been big Wii supporters and released tons of good to great games for Wii. Granted, most of the great ones are remakes, but they are good remakes, actually making Wii remote work as it was intended to do.

Funny thing is, that Wii is nothing more then a rebadged GameCube and we all know what a disaster it was for Nintendo. And besides those cute and mindless mini-game collections, the games for Wi are pretty much the same games that GameCube had. Go figure...

As for the HD vs non-HD games, what most folks forget is that HD TVs and Surround speaker setups are still in minority for most of US and Europe. Just look at PS2 sales figures for a confirmation that people do not want to pay premium for something they are not going to use anyway.


RE: Brilliant...
By AlphaVirus on 4/24/2008 6:04:18 PM , Rating: 2
The main problem with your reply is this, nowhere in BansheeX's post did he mention a positive side specifically for PS3. He did however mention something for 360 and PS3, so it kind of sounds like you are being anti-PS3 espcially since that is the only system you do not own.

I am coming to the conclusion that the Wii is so "simple" for guests because it only requires 1 hand for most games. This 1 handed gaming causes people that are not coordinated enough to use both hands to rejoice. Thats my conclusion and I'm sticking to it, forget the whole "gameplay is great" story. Its just simple!


RE: Brilliant...
By Goatjoe on 4/24/2008 10:38:01 PM , Rating: 3
quote:
I am coming to the conclusion that the Wii is so "simple" for guests because it only requires 1 hand for most games. This 1 handed gaming causes people that are not coordinated enough to use both hands to rejoice. Thats my conclusion and I'm sticking to it, forget the whole "gameplay is great" story. Its just simple!


I like it beacuse I can play most Wii games, and still have a hand free to hold my beer!!! No more game stoppages for that swig o' drink!!

(Although, the number of gas-station runs, bathroom breaks, and fridge runs has gone up ten-fold!!)


RE: Brilliant...
By Locutus465 on 4/25/2008 12:47:35 AM , Rating: 2
Ummm... Well I don't think I actually was hinting any sort of positive side effect for the PS3... Banshee was just straight up unable to admit anything positive about the wii and it shows in his posting history and attitude regarding the console...

As far as me being anti PS3, did I not specifically state that I"m almost certainly going to buy a PS3 some time in the future? Seriously now, in less than a year I've bought a wii, x-box 360, 50" HDTV, brand new audio receiver, 90 high def movie titles and one MAJOR upgrade for my PC... Can you see why I'm PS3 less at the moment? Money is tight my friend, it's just not the time for me to buy one more game console.

As far as the Wii being simple, well yes your right but if you think that's the reason why it's a party system then you're way off. It's a party system because nintendo (in particular) has done a very good job not only making games that are easy to learn but fun as hell and very condusive to multiplayer senario's. This is some thing that the Wii has over all other next gen consoles including the 360. Add to this that rather than sitting down on your butt the whole time you're playing you're actually up on your feet being active it adds a new demention of fun for all.

I love the 360, I very much appriciate the power of the PS3 and would love to try out the new GOW whenever I can afford this system... But nintendo has done a whole bunch right this time around, they 100% desever their success and yes, they're the best social system.


RE: Brilliant...
By AlphaVirus on 4/25/2008 1:10:29 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
in less than a year I've bought a wii, x-box 360, 50" HDTV, brand new audio receiver, 90 high def movie titles and one MAJOR upgrade for my PC...

quote:
Money is tight

Those two quotes together kind of went right over my head. 90 HD-movies? The average cost being $25 that is well over $2,000...so how can you not afford a $400 PS3? I dont even have to start on everything else you listed because the HD movies cost more than the rest.

quote:
Add to this that rather than sitting down on your butt the whole time you're playing you're actually up on your feet being active

Thats actually the gimick, every commercial shows a bunch of people jumping around as if thats for every game. How many games do you own that require you to jump around like a fool?

Smash Brothers being one of the top sellers does not require you to move anything except your fingers. Metroid requires nothing but a few hand nudges. Hell, even Sports can be played sitting down with a couple of hand jesters. Tennis is a joke, you dont even swing to play and your character barely moves an inch.

My favorite game for the Wii is the WarioWare, which actually involves several crazy aspects that anyone can enjoy. The only problem is that over the course of 30min the fun dies down and people dont want to stand and act crazy, they just want to watch others play. The fun dies quick.


RE: Brilliant...
By Locutus465 on 4/25/2008 1:43:08 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
Those two quotes together kind of went right over my head. 90 HD-movies? The average cost being $25 that is well over $2,000...so how can you not afford a $400 PS3? I dont even have to start on everything else you listed because the HD movies cost more than the rest.


Did you consider that perhaps I put the money in to movies and computer upgrades rather than a PS3? Considering I already have 2 game consoles an very nice gaming PC a 3rd console just isn't a priority right now. Honestly if it wasn't for Halo 3 might also not have a 360, that game is a big reason why I have the console. Again, I don't have anything against the PS3 and it's actually on the list of things to get. It's just not a priority item because I already have a wide range of gaming options, and thanks to my 360 I'm not going to have a whole lot of use for it's home theater functions.

quote:
Thats actually the gimick, every commercial shows a bunch of people jumping around as if thats for every game. How many games do you own that require you to jump around like a fool?


If jumping around is a gimmik then it's a very effective one, because that's what always seems to happen with the Wii. At least when plaing wii games, people tend to sit more for NES games for obvious reasons.

Your right about smash brothers, and interestingly enough while the game is generally popular in my group of friends Smash brothers is actually one Wii game that on one liked... Once we realized you pretty much play it like a regular nintendo game the fun factor was pretty much killed. Of course I'm sure our experience with smash brothers is unique as the game seems to be generally popular.

quote:
My favorite game for the Wii is the WarioWare, which actually involves several crazy aspects that anyone can enjoy. The only problem is that over the course of 30min the fun dies down and people dont want to stand and act crazy, they just want to watch others play. The fun dies quick.


What generally happens in my parties is we rotate a lot. There's a lot of sports, a lot of Rayman (Ubisoft has also been wonderful for the Wii) and a lot of Mario Party. These games all allow for people to rest up a bit and take a break from the system.


RE: Brilliant...
By bgm063 on 4/24/2008 5:57:12 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
Does every Wii thread have to start with this congratulatory nonsense?


Considering one console used to be very expensive, another one having hardware problems, and Nintendo has been in the positive financially since releasing the Wii, I don't see a problem especially seeing how the Gamecube's luck panned out.


RE: Brilliant...
By Reclaimer77 on 4/24/2008 6:44:50 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
Graphics and gameplay is not some kind of see-saw where a decline in one means an automatically greater result in the other. That's utter nonsense.


Sadly, for a while now, we have been flooded with an endless avalanche of entirely unforgettable game titles because they had nothing to hang their hat on other than eye candy graphics.

Sure, great game play with great graphics can go hand in hand. Too bad for us that hasn't been the trend.

I'm not saying the Wii is a the greatest thing since sliced bread. But after a hard day of work, theres nothing like firing up Godfather: Blackhand, grabbing some random lady off the street, and choking her to death with my bare hands. Literally. Maybe a right cross or two in there for good measure. Ahhhh, now thats entertainment.


RE: Brilliant...
By nolisi on 4/24/2008 6:52:23 PM , Rating: 2
I've been waiting for someone besides myself to bring in the Godfather gaming experience on Wii.

I've beat that game straight through three separate times just because of the control scheme. I can't say that about GTA on any version of the playstation.


RE: Brilliant...
By jlips6 on 4/24/2008 10:36:40 PM , Rating: 2
very true. Many titles for the wii have completely HORRIBLE gameplay due to the difficulty of making games that are not gimmicky. However, those few titles that overcome this obstacles are promoted to the point where some people actually believe that all games for the wii are genius and amazingly fun. For those titles that are good, they deserve excellent praise, as does any game that provides the user with a good experience. But I don't think that the wii has very many playable games at all.


RE: Brilliant...
By Alexstarfire on 4/24/2008 11:13:23 PM , Rating: 2
Actually, it should be fairly easy to make them non-gimmicky. It's just that for some reason they tend to use the motion sensing capabilities of the Wii when it's completely unnecessary. That's fine if you want to add that style as an option, but it shouldn't be mandatory to have crappy controls just because. *cough* *hack* SSX and Tony Hawk *hack* *cough*


RE: Brilliant...
By YoshoMasaki on 4/25/2008 1:46:28 AM , Rating: 1
Graphics and gameplay absolutely are inversely proportional, inasmuch as development team size, budget, and time are constraints. If you have infinite human and capital resources, you can always make a beautiful game that plays great too. But anyone with any kind of game development experience will tell you that it is not at all fun and games trying to beat corporate's deadlines, tweak graphics engines, fix bugs etc. and still have the time to play the game 1000 times through to get the feedback necessary to make gameplay changes.

The gameplay development phase is by far the most costly in terms of time and personnel, and the financiers usually see little benefit in holding titles from release that look good in screenshots. The most compelling reason that Nintendo 1st party titles do so well is that the company gives its internal teams 3-7 year development cycles and tons of resources to "make the genius flow." Without that kind of whimsical (un-business oriented?) philosophy, gameplay and graphics will forever combat one another.


RE: Brilliant...
By BansheeX on 4/25/2008 2:02:35 PM , Rating: 2
I would contend that your are missing all kinds of variables in making that assumption. One is the concept. If the concept doesn't have the potential to be great fun, then it doesn't matter who is working on it or how long. And it is difficult to gauge the result of a concept before you develop. Second is the skill of the people working on it. If you have the concept, but don't have the skill, you will fail to create a great game regardless of how much time you spend on it. Third of all, gameplay and graphics, believe it or not, are related to one another. Graphical advancements allow new kinds of gameplay to be created without removing prior possibilities. Case in point, you can't make Quake3 for the NES, but Quake3 and all NES games could be created on today's hardware.


RE: Brilliant...
By YoshoMasaki on 4/25/08, Rating: 0
RE: Brilliant...
By 306maxi on 4/25/2008 3:44:25 AM , Rating: 2
What he means is that rather than focus on graphics they focused on getting the playability just right.

He/she wasn't saying that good graphics mean bad gameplay at all. Just that Nintendo accepted the Wii wouldn't be able to take the other two on with regards to graphics so they decided to concentrate on gameplay and the controllers and came up with a winner. I hope that's a lesson to Sony and Microsoft that you can have all the processing power in the world built into your system but if the games aren't fun to play you won't be as successful as you could be.

I'll still play 4 player splitscreen on the N64 when the chance arises and so will a lot of other people. I think that says a lot about how important gameplay is for people.


RE: Brilliant...
By inperfectdarkness on 4/25/2008 9:03:18 AM , Rating: 2
let the down-rating commence:

bansheeX fancies himself to be kryptonite to the wii. he is the standards barrer of an entire collective of opinions about the wii/nintendo that carries 2 basic precepts:

1. the wii is ruining gaming for the die-hard "gamers."

2. wii proponents "hate" great graphics.

nope, according to him and his cronies; everyone either drives a bentley--or walks. there's no room for a budget sedan without bells and whistles. according to him, the mx-5 (miata) should never have been created. there is somehow absolutely no market for a simple, fun, enjoyable driving experience that's quite inexpensive compared to the alternatives.

how about...you go play your games on your system of choice; and i'll go play my games on my system of choice.

remember, kiddies; just because jack thompson doesn't "get" or "understand" GTA...doesn't mean it's not a viable, fun, and good game. now insert "ps3/xbox360 fanboi" and "wii" and "system" into the previous sentence.


RE: Brilliant...
By krwhite on 4/25/2008 5:09:09 PM , Rating: 2
Why would I want a Xbox, a dumbed down PC, when I can get a unique console experience for cheaper? Wii wins.


RE: Brilliant...
By Locutus465 on 4/25/2008 5:36:08 PM , Rating: 2
Except the x-box (360) is about as much a dumbed down PC as the PS3 and Wii are...


RE: Brilliant...
By Chaser on 4/24/2008 6:10:56 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
Dedicate your resources to ensuring good game play rather than just graphics increases.
I believe the contention is the supposition of "just graphic increases".

Personally I prefer my games to have BOTH. And dedication to resources or not compared to the competition the Wii is incapable of providing both.


RE: Brilliant...
By nolisi on 4/24/2008 6:49:40 PM , Rating: 3
Finally- a reasonable comment.

I completely agree.


RE: Brilliant...
By Bonesdad on 4/24/2008 10:15:08 PM , Rating: 2
Great gameplay will always outshine great graphics. If the graphics are only mediocre, but the gameplay is great, the game will likely succeed. If the graphics are amazingly eyepopping, but the gameplay is rank, the game will fail.


RE: Brilliant...
By michal1980 on 4/25/2008 8:12:25 AM , Rating: 1
But what happens when you have Crappy graphics AND Crappy game play?

Wii people are missing the bigger point.

The ps3 & xbox 360, can have both Graphics & Gameplay.

The Wii will NEVER have the graphics.

I agree the wii is in a different market, and good for them.
But its nethier better nor worse then the other systems. Its just different.


Once Upon A Time
By Screwuhippie on 4/24/2008 6:23:53 PM , Rating: 2
Once upon a time there lived a man and a woman ... and together they had 4 lovely children. Their oldest son PC was very versitle, he loved to always progress himself through constant personal improvements and was greatly enjoyed by many friends; he was able to hang out with all the social groups and everyone enjoyed him. His next brother was named Wii; Wii was a social butterfly and got along great whenever a party atmosphere was around but really didn't work to hard on perfecting himself, however his friendlyness was loved by all and he was very popular. Then came the twins, XBOX and PS3; they were both perfectionists and ultimately focused their talents on everything high end and awesome. Their friends tended to be interested in the coolest things out there.

long story short, all of the family was loved and Mom and Dad were pround of their kids, even though different kids were loved by different people but overall all of them got along with everyone.

Moral of the story ... PC, Wii, XBOX and PS3 all fit into their area and have lots of friends ... none of them are better or worser overall and make the family grow and excel all the time!

The End




RE: Once Upon A Time
By Choppedliver on 4/24/2008 8:51:02 PM , Rating: 2
Watching these arguments in the forums reminds me of the special olympics... no matter who wins, you are still retarded .
-Great game play is not exclusive to the WII.
-High Def graphics and great game play are not mutually exclusive.
-High def graphics and inexpensive console, arguably, are. Especially when they were designing the WII some years ago.

People like the WII because it gives them the most FUN FOR THE BUCK.


RE: Once Upon A Time
By Dribble on 4/25/2008 4:33:53 AM , Rating: 2
Actually PS2 gives the most fun for the buck. Tons of games, lots of variety, same graphics as Wii, all available dirt cheap off ebay.
People like the Wii cause it's trendy like an ipod, and they played Wii sports at a friends one night and had a good laugh so bought one.


Hm...
By Hieyeck on 4/25/2008 9:51:17 AM , Rating: 2
Someone needs to visit Toronto... Just walking around the Eaton Center, there are half a dozen stores saying "Wii in stock!" (and yes, I checked, they actually do have Wiis). Perhaps, it should be changed to '...that America is the only territory...'




RE: Hm...
By Hoser McMoose on 4/26/2008 7:07:55 AM , Rating: 2
Care to ship a few up the road a little ways here to Waterloo? I have NEVER seen a single Wii in stock here since they were released, and I've looked many times in many stores. I've seen a few stores saying they were getting some into stock and you could pre-order them, but never just a box sitting on a shelf.

Futureshop and Bestbuy on-line stores are also consistently sold out.


RE: Hm...
By kensiko on 4/26/2008 9:01:19 AM , Rating: 2
Well look on ebay, actually there are 1293 available.


Nintendo's Agenda
By unbaisedgamer on 4/25/2008 9:28:22 AM , Rating: 3
I think its very sad to see what Nintendo is now doing to the gaming industry.

Personally I own a Wii. Playing it for the first time was an absolute blast. It was quite refreshing to see some seriously different gameplay. But it is definately a short lived euphoria. I've disconnected it and I'm planning on selling it and my 3 games on E-bay.

This whole debate between graphics and gameplay is honestly a fallacy. A new controller scheme does not make better gameplay. Mass Effect and CoD4 have much better gameplay than many Wii games and far better graphics to boot.

Games are a form of Visual Entertainment . I can walk outside and get physical activity. I can go play tennis instead of playing Wii tennis. I can go bowling.

As visual entertainment they must be visually pleasing. The xbox and the playstation are not just better graphics. They offer better EXPERIENCES . They bring gameplay, graphics, great audio and voice overs, physics, and great online components all in one package.

A game is the sum of its parts, not the greatness of a peice. The most realistic looking game ever can suck just as a game that plays flawlessly could fail completely if the rest of components were terrible.

I owned a gamecube too and was looking forward to Nintendo going the way of Sega. But alas, their pop culture hit has sold a lot and they'll likely continue on releasing consoles.

I think though that people are confused about this console generation. It is NOT the Wii vs Xbox vs PS3.

Each consoles has really chosen a specific demographic.

The Wii is targetting casual or non-gamers. They also target the low budget population and Nintendo fans.

The Xbox targets hardcore gamers and people who love multiplayer. This is more of a pure gaming machine.

The PS3 targets multimedia enthusiasts as well as gamers. Blu-ray is a huge selling point and the PS3 fans love it. It also offers a very solid gaming experience and free, although not robust, online experience.

So people who shout about the system sales and etc really are missing the point and are most likely fanboys. Each console has its pros and cons. Pick what is right for you and be happy. No need to bash another console or belittle its consumers.




RE: Nintendo's Agenda
By inperfectdarkness on 4/25/2008 10:08:21 AM , Rating: 2
no. bashing is the chorus coming from wii haters.

these are the fanbois who all desire for nintendo to drop out of consoles--so that they can finally play their games on sony or microsoft systems.

justify to me why sony or microsoft deserve to stay in the console arena--rather than nintendo.

neither the ps3 or 360 has propritary 1st party games which come close to approaching the level of finish and flawlessness that nintendo puts into its games. neither sony or microsoft has brought anything "new" to console gaming that nintendo didn't do first.

in only 7 years, microsoft has completely brainwashed gamers into believing they belong in the market. they don't. keep them making games--and attempting to fix vista. we don't need their system. we don't need their hype. we don't need the redundancy. if they simply bowed-out, and sold their "live" to sony--the world would be much better off.

the only people whining that nintendo needs to be "software only" are the people who don't want to shell out the $$$ to play nintendo's games on nintendo's system. you get no sympathy from me. buy a wii next time; and play your FPS on a PC.

wishing for nintnedo to remain a software company in order to play their games on ps3/360 is like upholstering the interior of a kia rio with cashmere.


HD and Wii
By Wererat on 4/25/2008 12:25:25 PM , Rating: 2
Wii sells not only because of its unique characteristics but because:

* It doesn't require a HDTV *

Now obviously X360 and PS3 will connect to a SDTV, but their potential is nearly lost. Obviously I can play Bioshock on X360 and not on Xbox; but if I play Morrowind on Xbox vs. Oblivion on X360 on SDTV, 'meh' is a perfectly appropriate description of the resulting comparison. Replace SDTV with HDTV and 'wow' replaces 'meh'.

It isn't 'graphics vs. gameplay' ... Bioshock, Gran Turismo, Portal, Oblivion, and other games have plenty of good gameplay. The bottom line IMO is that the price tag for X360 and PS3 essentially requires another $400+ investment. Anyone with a TV at all can enjoy Wii out of the box. The graphics advantage of X360 and PS3 is also a sales disadvantage.




RE: HD and Wii
By Chaser on 4/25/2008 5:33:02 PM , Rating: 2
I don't think I have ever read a more flawed and baseless conclusion in quite some time.

I guess I'll have to repeat this forever. Wiis are cheaper. Wiis don't do or have the capabilities of a 360 or PS3. Nor do 360s or PS3s need to sell as much as the Wii to validate their success.

This idea that a graphics advantage is a sales disadvantage? I suppose I could commit the same falacy and claim that the Wii's graphic disadvantage is also a sales disadvantage to some in the market for a console.

Or I could claim a hand held calculator with a game is outselling the PS3 or 360? Oh my!


Too Bad
By BMFPitt on 4/25/2008 8:37:52 AM , Rating: 2
I wish I had more than $1000 to throw into NTDOY last May. And I wish I wouldn't have waited so long...




Still looking for one...
By klstay on 4/25/2008 9:34:37 AM , Rating: 2
...but not very hard.

I have a 360, PS3, DS and play PC games as well. If I could find a Wii I would buy one, but I am not willing to put forth a huge effort on the search. This ramp up in production will allow folks like me who want one, but not badly, to buy as well. I would guess it is going to be another very profitable summer for Nintendo.




"Let's face it, we're not changing the world. We're building a product that helps people buy more crap - and watch porn." -- Seagate CEO Bill Watkins









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