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Denver, 10:51 AM
Fri Dec 4
51 posts in the last 24 hours
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Brian Crecente
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Original material is licensed under a Creative Commons License permitting non-commercial sharing with attribution.
09/19/09
Hey guess what guys. It doesn't matter what you think. The public have spoken. They think the Wii is brilliant.
09/20/09
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09/20/09
[kotaku.com]
09/20/09
Not too bad at all for a console that is designed for players who aren't nearly as dedicated players. Very impressive, even.
09/20/09
Wii has half the active userbase of all other consoles, this is not favourable at all. Both 360 and PS3 are designed to be multimedia centers rather than just consoles, both are also aimed at the casual crowd. Wii, on the other hand, is only good for playing games.
And no one bothers to.
Either way, since it's been demonstrated that people don't bother actually playing their Wii all that much - by how much, whatever - saying they think it's "brilliant" holds approximately as much water as surface of Saharah.
Frankly, no one in their right might could think that a re-packaged gamecube with maybe one or two good games is "brilliant" as a console. Even accounting for general stupidity factor.
09/19/09
09/19/09
Being reasonable and liking the Wii just isn't allowed around here.
Go back to your happy little well-adjusted real life and loving family, we don't like your kind on the intertubes.
kthanxbai
PS - humor aside, I actually think the Wii sucks, but that is based purely on the fact that I thought that the controls sucked compared to what they could have been. There wasn't a game I played that I felt they made better. I have not used the Wii++ though.
09/19/09
..and the fact that nothing's coming out that would interest me save for Metroid: Other M, but it's too little too late at this point.
Though I do admit that my dislike for the console is very personal, and by no means do I think people enjoying the Wii are morons unlike a lot of 360/PS3 owners. I just don't think the Wii is right for me is all.
09/19/09
I don't know why people hate on it so hard. I know that a lot of people think that Nintendo has left them behind, but the thing is, they're doing the same thing they always have. If it didn't work for you the last few generations, why the holy hell would you think it'd work for you now?
It just seems silly to hate on a system one way or the other. Either its for you and you pick one up, or it's not and you don't. Bitching about it on the internet doesn't make much sense when you get right down to brass tacks. But then, when have gamers ever been rational creatures?
09/19/09
there, I said it.
09/19/09
09/19/09
@thejakeman has died of dysentry: Why? Because you agree with it?
Oh snap, I should be ASHAMED for not liking a system! ASHAMED!
09/19/09
This price drop will do the Wii great, especially with the Christmas season coming up. The Wii isn't purely about hardcore blood and gore gaming. It has always been Nintendo's specialty to produce a gaming environment which is friendly to all ages. Hence why upstarts have been able to claim their gaming roots to reach back to when they could barely communicate let alone make commentary on control schemes. ^.~
Yes, the mechanics are a bit gimmicky, but last I checked, that had been accepted and embraced years ago. Hell, the other consoles are trying to branch into the Wii dominated art in attempts to break into their market. Those gimmicks and the market it attracts are what keep this industry going. The WiiPlus definitely has enhanced things. Although, there are quite a few games that just wouldn't be the same with different controls, like one of my personal favourites, Wario Ware.
Oh, and from what I have heard from customers, Ghostbusters on the Wii (controls wise, not gameplay/story) trumps the other versions.
09/20/09
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09/19/09
(What? I'm po'! I'm still waiting for the PS2 to drop more in price. I only have a 360 because fate smiled broadly in my direction that day.)
09/19/09
09/19/09
(I say that now, but my resolve is... wiik.)
09/19/09
Wii = too expensive for the little bit your getting.
You can get an X360 or a PS3 for a 100 more and be setup with a far superior experience.
Sure the wii has a handful of decent games, but its like owning a popular gamecube. You'll buy it for a few titles, beat them once and never look back. I say 175 or even 150.
09/19/09
You should have seen me when I first got my 360, and I didn't have a library built up yet... I only had Dead Rising, and I played that sucker like it was going to self-destruct if the disc ever stopped spinning. Considering that I found the game to be a disappointment after I left the opening plaza, I'd say I could fare pretty well with a handful of Wii titles.
Of course, this is all moot, since I don't have 200 bucks to spend on a Wii in the first place. :P
09/19/09
09/19/09
I've found the sweet spot where I can live beyond my means without losing everything. I mean, if you visited my apartment, you'd have no idea that I was straddling poverty level unless I mentioned it. The only signs are my off-brand clothes, my lack of a gaming backlog, and the fact that I never shook the mannerisms I gained from being homeless. (Defensive/fast eating, keeping my valuables close to me while I sleep, etc.)
09/19/09
09/19/09
Nice logic you got there.
09/19/09
09/19/09
Oh, and Nintendo is not even going to BE at TGS. While the company can certainly capitalize on thousands of thousands of eyeballs that will be tuned into media outlets, Nintendo has no real necessity to showcase titles or make "big" announcements unlike many TGS attendees.
09/19/09
My argument is invalid.
Point and laugh.
09/19/09
09/19/09
09/19/09
In the US, at least, Wii Sports was always bundled with the system, so it's not too surprising that they stuck with it. What would have been an even better move would have been to include the Wii Motion Plus and Wii Sports Resort instead. Maybe they'll release a $250 bundle like that later on.
09/19/09
09/19/09
They could have raped this holiday with a 100 dollar Wii. I mean, the parts inside are at least 7-9 years old (gamecube-esque) so it's not like they'd be at a loss.
09/19/09
1. Dragon Quest Swords
2. Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn
3. Tales of Symphonia
Those were three reasons I got my Wii long ago.
09/19/09
I'm just saying if they lowered it any more it would have probably done a lot better. I thought the Wii was 200 dollars already, until just recently :P.
09/19/09
It was almost surreal, the possibilities seemed limitless.
It almost seems like it's not reaching its full capabilities.
I just wish that it had a little less shovelware. (though my Wii is far from gathering dust, I spend all my time with Brawl and City Folk) Just saying...little less shovelware would be a good thing.
Of course, that in mind, we'll probably start getting less shovelware when people stop buying it.
09/19/09
Agree, would have been great if it was down to maybe "$120"? but I think Nintendo would have choked on their bread before that happened.
Hopefully we get a ton of bundle deals, that's usually a good way of selling systems.
09/19/09
Though the Nintendo Wii has been one of the most successful next gen systems world wide. It's hard telling Nintendo to change their ways when we keep buying it, hopefully they can look pass that and give us more third party.
Like Final Fantasy. And no, FF Chronicles (the first one at least) made me make the fastest purchase/return in my gaming life.
09/19/09
It's like trying to hide the Incredible Hulk behind a tiny piece of shrubbery.
09/19/09
It would be in their best interest to limit the exposure of this price drop to as little amount of people as possible. That way, even if only for another week, they can sell the Wii at the $250 price point.
If everyone new this deal was official then who in their right mind would purchase a Wii before the price drop? That's an extra $50/Wii that Nintendo will earn as opposed to the world waiting a week and Nintendo loosing an entire weeks sales.
Not everyone actually searches around for sales prices before shopping, even in these hard times. It's those types of shoppers Nintendo wants to keep for another week at least.
But that's just my reasoning for their denial.
09/19/09
08/18/09
08/18/09
Sony will never learn.
08/18/09
I like the idea to see bite size games coming out, though 1 mb does seam a little snug. Perhaps they should bump that to ~50mb similar to the original Xbox arcade limits.
08/18/09
08/18/09
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08/18/09
1) 300 dollar PS3
2) 250 dollar Wii which has teh awesomez Wii Fits!
3) 200 Xbox 360
Seriously, bang-for-buck means nothing to these people. All they're looking for is the cheapest answer to a problem. Right now, the 360 and Wii have that category locked tight.
I wish you all the luck in the world, Sony.
08/18/09
Now the console will be much easily available to those with a smaller budget through the form of a cheaper-to-produce PS3 Slim which, I remind you, is not the first time Sony has done this.
The PS1 and PS2 both got slimmer models, which allowed it in cheaper models, maximizing profit per unit.
I should also remind Mr.Gyaruson that the PS3 was gaining on the 360 before the Arcade was launched, which was Microsoft's cheaper alternative. And as you state, people rushed to buy it.
We'll just have to see what a cheaper PS3 does.
08/18/09
No need to throw back-handed facts at me, Mr. Odin, as I am well-aware of Sony's history with their products. Every gaming device Sony has ever made has received the Slimline treatment, PSP included, so this wasn't a shock to me or an act of desperation. It just seems that the 300 dollar price point won't do much to garner extra sales, not now anyways. People still have no money, and say what you want about the economy not affecting you but it does affect some people. Parents, families, people trying to stay afloat like most of America - and the world - right now.
The PS3 was indeed gaining on the 360 before the Arcade was launched and MS answered quickly and swiftly. It just seems to me, Mr. Odin, that Sony is a little late to the game with a cheaper alternative of a system. Granted they weren't gonna lower the cost until they could make a lower-cost system, but it seems that their over-investment in technology has cost them in moving actual units - as evidenced by the surge in 360 Arcade and Wii sales.
Like I said, the Slimline and lower price point was inevitable, but I think that doing so a year ago may have had a greater impact than this may potentially have. I'm not calling it a failure already, but I am saying that they've got their work cut out for them. Looking forward to seeing what happens..... Mr. Odin.
08/18/09
I'm not trying to tell you how to do your job, of course, but the responsibility isn't always placed strictly on the customer. The associate has a responsibility as well to inform the customer what it is they exactly need.
Ask questions. Who is it for? What type of games do they like? What features are they looking for in a system? Do they know if they buy system X, they are going to need accessories X, Y, and Z?
Regardless, I do agree with you about price point. I made a comment earlier today about how sad it is most people look at price first, instead of making wise buying decisions. Sadly, that's the state our country is in right now. It can't be helped.
Still, looking at what you now get in a PS3, it's the best value out of all the systems. Even if the Elite drops in price to $300, it still won't have the wi-fi or blu-ray player like PS3 has. It still comes down to what the customer needs/wants though.
Personally I think this shit is gonna fly off the shelf.
08/18/09
Teehee.
Psshkkkeeeeheheheeeee...
Gahahahahahhahahahahaaaaaaaaa
Yeah, to people who want a gimped console at least. There's a ton of content that needs HD on 360 (and then, it's MORE expensive at a later date), and PS3 is squarely even with 360 in price now, as far as models that don't suck go.
Not to mention, new model. 360 hasn't gotten one yet, and needs one DESPERATELY. I'm willing to bet a number of people are in my boat with "bad 360 experiences, waiting on a new model"
Also, in Europe, Microsoft just RAISED the price in time for this announcement. I'm sure there's some facepalming going on there now.
08/18/09
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08/18/09
08/18/09
I would never try to talk someone out of a purchase I thought they could benefit from, but you're right that most people will see a $200 360 and a $250 Wii and the $300 PS3 will look that much less-appealing. I think the system will sell well early on, but I don't think it will last beyond a few months.
Again, prove me wrong Sony. Please.
08/19/09
I'm not saying anything about the PS3 Slim here, just generally speaking. Soccer moms just know that their kid wants Mario for the Nintendo Xbox, and that's all there is to it.
08/19/09
The fact that I just went to Amazon and found 30 Blu Ray players for cheaper than 300 bucks says something about your theory.
08/19/09
Thank you for your amazing contribution to this discussion.
08/19/09
Summer of 2009 says WTF?
08/19/09
A salesman should ask all of those questions, and has all of those qualities above, and can get the customer what they want.
A good salesman does all of the above, and sells products to customers they didn't even know they needed, wanted, or knew existed. When you sell a product by telling a customer they are buying it, instead of asking. Sadly, this is a delicate balance; playing with a customers trust, and straight-out manipulation. It can be fun, but dirty at the same time.
For every customer that doesn't even want to look at a salesman, let alone talk to them, there is a customer that will be complete putty in your hands. They want to be sold, they want to be convinced.
08/19/09
08/19/09
This isn't a discussion about each systems graphical capabilities. Not in the least. This is about each companies ability to move units, and I personally don't think the $300 price point is going to do much against a $200 & $250 price point.
08/18/09
A more poignant phrase has never been spoken, Crecente.
I've got lots of love for Sony. But they just can't seem to stir up the excitement they used to.
299 just seems like too much money for something with potentially less features.
08/18/09
"Same features and function. 120 gb drive 33 percent smaller, 36 percent lighter"
Explain the potentially less? Also the merits of the current PS3 aside how is it too much money when it's the same price as the current version of the PS3 (with the price drop) AND it's a more refined piece of hardware?
08/18/09
Tomorrow, Microsoft will respond by making an even cheaper 360-model.
This time they cut away the ability to play games, but Ballmer is sure that it will still appeal to the casual audience.
08/18/09
08/18/09
Anyway, I'm just glad to see that the slim isn't gimped.
Sony will always be my first love, I spent too many years working with them to not love them.
My concerns are simply that they'll never be as successful as they once were.
08/18/09
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08/18/09
What is it with Final Fantasy fans? They are never content with anything. FF13 ain't even out yet, and they want info on the next one. When FF13 comes out, they'll want info on FF15 or whatever the crap it is. Why is this fanbase almost the hardest to please?
08/18/09
08/18/09
and if you dont believe me, why not go check out the final fantasy 14 site? i mean afterall, you seem to know so much about fans and why they talk about certain things. i CERTAINLY wouldnt say anything if i didnt have a source to prove it.