Nintendo’s Wii seeks to change the face of video games
“What is a video game'” Ask this question to any random person on the street and you’ll get a variety of answers referencing a specific stereotype: “Video games are toys,” “A waste of time,” or, “A way for adolescent males to pretend to shoot lots and lots of fake bad guys.”
Gamers are assaulted with these accusations of immaturity day in and day out. But as much as they try to defend themselves, the stereotype is mostly true, and the demographic to which video games are advertised is extremely narrow. Some companies, namely Sony and Microsoft, have been able to recognize and market to these individuals, making enormous gains in the process. Other companies, such as Nintendo, pigeonholed as a maker of “kiddie” games, have fallen behind. With the release of the Xbox 360 last year, and Playstation 3 right around the corner, this trend didn’t seem to change. Unwilling to go the way of the Sega Dreamcast and be forever phased out of hardware production, Nintendo has decided to alter the fundamental nature of the video game market with their newest home console, the Wii.
Everything about the Nintendo Wii is innovative and original, and it all starts with one big change: the controller. How many times have you tried to pick up a game controller at Wal-Mart or Best Buy and been unable to decipher which button does what' Many games these days have devolved into a confusing and frustrating process of trial and error that simply doesn’t connect with a more mainstream audience.
In an attempt to make its system accessible to absolutely anyone, Nintendo has forgone adding new buttons or joysticks and has instead reduced their controller to a one-handed device resembling a TV remote control. Even more interesting is that the entire process is driven by direct motion; no longer will you have to mash your thumbs against unwieldy plastic to get your on-screen character to move left. Simply move your hand in the direction you want to go while holding onto the Wii controller, and your character will do the same.
Even the name, Wii (pronounced “we”), simple and mysterious, seeks to buck the trend of multiple syllables and techno-babble. At the very least, Nintendo has guaranteed that no parent will walk into stores this holiday season asking for an “X-Station 2, please.”
Nintendo’s groundbreaking efforts continue into the realm of appearance, declaring an all-out attack on the perception that video games are “toys.” The Wii is styled in glossy white and bears an uncanny resemblance to Apple’s sexy product lineup. Add the fact that the Wii is compact, no larger than three DVD cases placed side-by-side, and you’ve got a device aching to become a cultural phenomenon.
When one looks at the Wii in a broader historical context, its imminent release becomes even more significant – the same company that jump-started the home console market in 1985 is back to do it again. And with motion-sensing technology, a sleek new look and an incredible lineup of games, Nintendo has a fighting chance to transform the entire gaming paradigm.
Although the Wii won’t hit store shelves until November 19th, Gamestop and Electronics Boutique began taking preorders last week. Console launches are notorious for their shortages, and the best way to ensure your spot in the revolution this winter might be to reserve your Wii now before Nintendo’s marketing efforts kick into high gear.
Ultimately, despite all the inventive promises full of literal glitz and glamour, the Wii’s objective is straightforward; Nintendo is hoping the next time you ask a stranger what they think about video games, the answer will be simple: “They’re fun.”
