Confusing internet comments - "How many Wiis they sell doesn't determine how good the console is."

I'm confused. I keep seeing similar comments on the internets in response to the Wii surpassing the 360 in sales. Are people spending $250 on a console they think is bad?

No, of course not. People are buying the Wii because they think it is a good system. Now, if you think that it is not a good system, then you are in the minority. People speak louder with their wallets than with their words.

Sounds like anti-Nintendo fanboys ... [read more]

Sorry, but Sony's warranty record is worse than Microsoft's

Actually, Sony is just as bad, if not worse than Microsoft in video game machine quality. I worked as a Gamestop manager for many years, so I've seen the quality of product put out by all companies.

First there was the original Playstation. The first generation PS machine explicitly said in the manual not to play it for more then 30 minutes at a time or it may overheat. Then about 2 years after the launch, the original models ... [read more]

Third party support wanted, but not necessary

Wii should have third-party support, but it sure doesn't “need” it to last. Granted, the N64 and Gamecube ended up third in their respective generations, but a third place position that made tons of profit is much better than landing in the red and giving up(Sega). Nintendo is making money on every console sold, while Sony continues to lose money on system sales. Nintendo is so incredibly financially sound and has so many game development resources ... [read more]

Finally, a hardware upgrade

It's about time Sony did something to help their not so hot PSP system gain some more traction. The big thing I would look for in a hardware refresh is internal flash memory. And maybe a second analog stick would be nice.

I'm hoping internal flash memory is a no brainer for Sony, because they haven't been using their brain lately. Even if they had to add it for an initial loss, they would quickly recoup their money by ... [read more]

Excellent points

As far as I'm concerned (as a gamer), video games are definitely art. People who are not in the industry of paintings or sculptures cannot deem what is art in that field, so the same goes for gaming. Since video games are relatively new, it may take a while for many people to see that games are an art form.

Countering the Gamepro Anti Elite Article

Since Gamepro is against anything that is not made by Sony, I shouldn't be surprised, but some of their arguments were downright absurd. I do agree that it doesn't have everything it should, but its still a nice setup.

I will go though each one of their points and look at the flaws in logic:

1. Three 360s is one too many.

I believe choice is better and I ... [read more]

Hopefully it will rock

Although the name sounds like it's going to be bad, I'm hoping Sega can pull it off (especially with Nintendo working closely with them). This game could actually end up being quite good, if done correctly.

Nintendo have been saying that they are looking at interesting ways to use the Wiimote for this game, and they have some pretty neat ideas. Nintendo wants varied events, that use the controller in different ways, so ... [read more]

Wii drought during Q2?

Don't be so sure. Remember Nintendo is under a strict information embargo due to the pending stock trade. Almost all of the upcoming games they talked about, we already knew were coming. Miyamoto was able to let a snippet fly about a Mii voting channel, but I'm sure Nintendo has much more up their sleeve.

The stock trade in Japan has heavy implications for the Nintendo corporation, so they cannot divulge new information that would ... [read more]

Reviewers say it is actually a good Sonic game

Not an awesome game by any means, but definitely a step in the right direction for Team Sonic. Compared to their last few titles, this one hits gold.

The reviewers seem to complain about level difficulty and some level design decisions, but I think the normal, non-critical gamer will find this game to be one of the best on the Wii. Sega added many separate missions on the same levels, but some can be very difficult. Also, you can ... [read more]

New Wii channel for downloadable originals

GDC is all about what is good for developers, but it usually translates into good things for gamers as well. Miyamoto will be making a presentation and you know when Nintendo sends out the big guns, they have a big announcement to make. Announcing a new channel for downloadable original titles for the Wii would be perfect for the Game Developers Conference.

Recent interviews with Hudson and comments from the IGN staff lead me to ... [read more]

The reason why it didn't have voice-overs, or orchestrated sound

The Gamecube disc did not have enough capacity to hold voice-overs or orchestrated sound. Even the Wii version is essentially the Gamecube game with different controls.

When TP was being created, they had to work within the size limitations of the Gamecube disc. The decision to exclude voice-overs and orchestrated sound had to be made early on, so even when the game was being ported to the Wii, they would have to radically change the game to include the extra features, and getting ... [read more]

Once publishers figure out how to make great Wii games, watch out

The DS had a less than stellar line-up at launch, and was gobbled up by loyal Nintendo fans. But once 3rd party publishers, and even Nintendo themselves figured out how to really use the system's functionality, sales went through the roof. If you think the Wii is cool now, just wait for the titles that come out during holiday 2007.

The DS had a learning curve for developers because Nintendo changed the dynamic of the controls and added another screen. It took game-makers a while to ... [read more]

Probably

The rumor that surfaced a month before the Wii launch that they could make 9-10 million consoles by the end of the year may not be far off. Economics 101: Scarcity = Hype. Nintendo is letting the system sell-out, but shipping more so customers can still get one if they look hard enough.

During the holidays, the general population thinks that if an item is selling-out, it's the hotness for the year. Nintendo knows this and is sending more units after it sells-out. It's a delicate ... [read more]

Why the Wii will win over hearts of moms

When I was a teenager and I bought a new system (SNES, PS1, N64) my mother always asked why I needed a new system when I already had one. The best reason I could come up with was 'the graphics are better'. My mom shrugged it off, not understanding. But now, with the Wii, we can show her that this system is different.

Our mom's didn't understand. Graphics were the defining factor with new systems for the past 20+ years. They could never understand the need for better visuals or more ... [read more]

Mega Wii displays at Best Buy will be great for sales

One of the main details that holds back many products is poor retail support. If a product gets a huge display and support from a major retail company, that translates into huge sales.

The positive response from the retail community will be a huge boost for the Wii this holiday season. The more exposure the Wii gets, the more sales and the larger the install base. This will work in a cycle of better retail support because of more sales, and more sales because of bigger support.
[read more]

Sonic is actually good

I had my doubts about Sonic on rails, but it seems from this hands-on impression that it may be just what Sega needs to rejuvinate the franchise.

Andrew, of Joystiq, got a private showing of Sonic and the Secret Rings and he said that it is even better than the next-gen PS3 and 360 versions that were also shown at Digital Life.

The game seems to return to its roots of fast-paced game play without the adventure style exploration. Sonic has always been about fast paced ... [read more]

If the best graphics mattered, PS2 would have lost

All the people complaining that the Wii won't be able to match graphical wits with PS3 and Xbox360 need a history lesson. Graphics never have, and never will determine how well a console will do. It's all about the games and how much fun you have playing them.

If graphics mattered, the PS2 would have gone downhill as soon as the Xbox and Gamecube came out, because they had superior graphics technologies. However, people purchased the PS2 because it had the games they wanted to ... [read more]

Exciting Launch

November 19 seems like too far away and not a good choice for a launch date (2 days AFTER PS3), but in after taking the time to let the information settle in, it's probably a good choice. Nintendo is now able to make sure all their launch games and 'channels' are in excellent working order before it is released to the public.
Zelda had a recent change of controls, from the 'A' button for a sword swing, to actual wiimote swinging control. This is Nintendo's crown jewel of the launch, ... [read more]