Nintendo's Revolution is Now Wii
Techtree News Staff, Apr 28, 2006 1429 hrs IST
Nintendo has changed the name of its next-generation game console from the codename "Revol-ution" to the official launch name of "Wii".
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Nintendo has changed the name of its next-generation game console from the codename "Revolution" to the official launch name of "Wii".
Pronounced as 'we', Wii replaces what had always been a working title for Nintendo's new system that is slated to go head-to-head with Microsoft's new Xbox 360 console as also with Sony's forthcoming PlayStation 3.
The new console name is part of a broader strategy by Nintendo to introduce video games to a larger audience.
While the new consoles from Microsoft and Sony boast more power and high-definition graphics, Nintendo's goal is to roll-out a machine that appeals to a broader audience than just young men who typi-cally make up the traditional console gaming market.
As it prepares to enter the next generation, Nintendo has taken a different stance than many of its competitors. Rather than focusing on visual and technical upgrades, the company has revamped how players control games, in an effort to reach beyond the traditional gaming audience.
In an announcement, Nintendo said that while the codename Revolution expressed its direction, Wii represents the answer. People around the world can easily remember Wii, no matter what language they speak.
The Wii will feature wireless joysticks, similar to a TV remote control, and will utilize motion-detection sensors that allow players to control the game by wielding the sensor like a sword, or waving it like a conductor's baton, or still swinging it like a baseball bat.
Nintendo further stated that the two i's are meant to symbolize both the shape of the controllers and the image of people gathering to play. And Wii, as a name and a console, brings something revol-utionary to the world of video games that sets it apart from the crowd.
Meanwhile, Wii is seen as the successor to Nintendo's GameCube console, whose price and date-of-launch have not yet been set.
USER COMMENTS
The name Wii i think is fine but nintendo revolution is wat i prefer most
by ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;, ;;, on Jan 01, 2008 06:18 AM, Report abuse
by varun, bangaloro, on Aug 31, 2007 12:46 PM, Report abuse Reply
Seen the demo...... Cool...... I wonder how Wii play Football...!!!! wrap the controls on our foot????? Anyways ...... looking forward to get a hands on.
by Wii, Somewhere, on Oct 11, 2006 02:20 PM, Report abuse Reply
Wow for some one with a name like smarttaco you shure stupid , a name change is no reason to miss out on a awsome system like the wii I mean come on people grow up or shutup
by psycho, hell, on Jul 20, 2006 10:14 AM, Report abuse Reply
wii is stupid and not super serial "south park" but what is totaly serial and i think every one would by the system if nintendo added a "ener" to the name "wii" so then it would be bababababababababbabababababababababababababababbabababababba wiiener
by im gonna rape u, from 8am to 9pm, on Apr 29, 2006 12:48 AM, Report abuse Reply
by im want u in me, 8am to 9pm, on Apr 29, 2006 12:50 AM, Report abuse
wtf kinda name is "im gonna rape u"? go take your medicine or somthing
by Bob, Varnigge, on Jun 12, 2006 05:15 AM, Report abuse
NINTENDO MADE US TO ALL WAIT FOR THE ZELDA: TP GAME THAT WAS SUPPOSE TO BE THE BEST GAMECUBE GAME OUT THERE BUT NO NOOOOOOO THEY HAD TO MAKE IT A WII WII LAUNCH TITLE. SO WAT IF ITS ALSO FOR THE GAMECUBE. EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT THE WII VERSION OF ZELDA: TP WILL BE MAKIN MUCH MORE SALES THAN THE GAMECUBE VERSION. WAT THE HELL, DOESN"T NINTENDO WANT US TO BUY THE GAME FOR GAMECUBE? WHY COULDNT THEY MAKE ANOTHER GAME FOR WII WHICH WAS PART OF THE ZELDA SERIES. WOW THEY JUST BROUGHT A GAME THAT WAS FOR GAMECUBE TO THE WII. I"M NOT SO HAPPY ABOUT THIS. BUT THE FEATURES ON WII IS REALLI GOOD HOWEVER. FOR SOME REASON, IN THE FUTURE, the wii is gonna be a laughin stock in the video game business. I CAN PPL NOW CALLIN IT WII WII, WII WII, WII WII, WTH IS UP WID THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by Zeldafighter15, Elmont, on May 26, 2006 09:41 PM, Report abuse Reply
dudes and chiks here is some clarification wii was codenamed revolution because it would revolutionize gaming with the controller and wii is pronounced as we that means this console is for the whole family and for anybody from any country and they write wii(we) as wii because of its controller that looks like a ii.
by gizmo dude, gizmoland, on May 25, 2006 03:03 PM, Report abuse Reply
one thing more which one is the best PS2 or Xbox or.....etc...just suggest me & tell me the rates also for awareness in market.
by Manoj Rathour, India(Maharashtra-Mumbai), on May 18, 2006 10:19 PM, Report abuse Reply
Wii sounds weird at first but i bet soon people will get used to it. And its very easy on the tongue.
by Pete, Adelaide, on Apr 28, 2006 07:20 PM, Report abuse Reply
Uh, that didn't sound right. "Tongue your Wii"? WTF?!!
by Deadlus, Brooklyn, on May 18, 2006 08:42 AM, Report abuse
by jovi, new york, on May 14, 2006 12:00 AM, Report abuse Reply
I must say this. The Wii has one decent game...and thats Red Steel. Besides that....Wii is doomed.Also, Wii is a stupid name. Revolution sounded good, Wii sounds crap. PS3 has a similar innovative control system to Wii...but..*gasps* uses it better! ( take a look at Warhawk for proof). Nintendo have just put the Rigormortis lock on Wii Wii's casket. Let them burn!!!!!!!
by Steven, Carnegie, on May 11, 2006 10:18 PM, Report abuse Reply
I think anything that NINTENDO makes is fine. And the Name Wii is kinda cool so shut up and except the fact they wont be changing the name anytime soon
by Zoheb, Bangalore (tmeporarily I rlly frm CA,USA, on May 10, 2006 09:00 PM, Report abuse Reply
Don't play with your wii-wii in public
by Zack, Not telling, on May 07, 2006 09:58 PM, Report abuse Reply
hurry the hell up and get the price set and not to expensive like th x-box 360 or the ps3
by gamepro, weatherford,oklahoma, on May 05, 2006 08:57 PM, Report abuse Reply
Can you please tell Nintendo that they have officially TANKED the Revolution before it even launched. Please send my disregards.
by Camden, Dallas, on Apr 28, 2006 08:34 PM, Report abuse Reply
fool. its people like u that are going to make it easier for me to get one on launch day, and its people like u who will be whining once they are all sold out.
by bigboy, guru of, parma, on May 01, 2006 07:09 AM, Report abuse
Amen brother all hail NINTENDO REVOLUTION!!
by Dementor_Freak, Winnipeg, on May 02, 2006 09:27 AM, Report abuse
I think the people at nintendo are geniuses! Alot of people hate the name but once everyone gets to experience the actual console & it's controller, the name wont matter. For instance when platinum selling Boy Group B2K came out, i thought there name was the dumbest name Ive ever heard! i thought it sounded like a Burger king Burger! but after i saw them in person and heard there music the name grew on me. Then i would just say the name in conversation without even thinking about how it sounded!(and may i add that they were very succesful!). Wii is gonna go in the history books for changing the gaming industry for the better! Wii is gettin alot more attention than the XBOX 360 & the PS3 put together! Nintendo know what they are doin & i have full faith in there plan. Originalty/innovation is what the gaming industry needs! games are getting very boring these days. Too much of the same old s***! Nintendo is the Future!
by Realness, Birmingham, on May 05, 2006 07:08 PM, Report abuse
I think it's an awesome name. It conjures up exactly the right image: A bunch of techno-wiinies sitting around playing with their wii wii's.
by John R, Washington DC, on Apr 28, 2006 07:24 PM, Report abuse Reply
thats not the point, the name makes the system sound childish. No one over the age of 12 will buy it unless they are a member of the large yet exclusive nintendo fan base like I am. But I have to say, the name reeks of failure. Its a disgrace to the fine company that could be nintendo. At least they have the best software and online play. Live is crap.
by VFD, lawrence, on May 04, 2006 11:53 PM, Report abuse
by VFD, lawrence, on May 04, 2006 11:50 PM, Report abuse Reply
if n e one knows when or have an idea when or how much the wii will cost please tell me
by rosy, oklahoma city, on May 02, 2006 11:35 PM, Report abuse Reply
I was in panama for 3 months in 1998. The NES, yes NES, was still sold new in malls and Super Mario Brothers 3 was a hot cartridge. Since it has been 8 years since I have been to Panama, I expect that the country has adopted the Super Nintendo and is anticipating the launch of the N64 (jj). I bring this up to show that not every gamer, and especially gamers in non-G7(8) countries, has 600 U.S. dollars to spend on an unnecessary luxury. This is the driving force behind the Wii. I am sure the PS3 and Xbox 360 will be common devices in the U.S., Japan, E.U. and Canada, as will the Wii. These countries have more sophisticated gamers and need more powerful gaming systems. However, the Wii will be a much more desirable device for the other 5 billion people around the world who have less disposable income and haven?t grown up using terms like RPG, RTS, and FPS. It is not always about the G7(8).
by van, macomb, il, on May 02, 2006 06:43 PM, Report abuse Reply
The name Wii has really grown on me now. Maybe it's because so many silly little people hate it so much. Besides, if Nintendo's latest console is the big hit it is expected to be, it will be even more impressive with a name like that.
by Phil Gibson, Jarrow (Newcastle-ish), on Apr 28, 2006 04:18 PM, Report abuse Reply
YOU ARE CRAZY! nintendo revolution is much better. wii is crap, who the hell came up with that> "hey lets play online with our wii's" hahahahaha
by Dementor_Freak, Winnipeg, on May 02, 2006 09:25 AM, Report abuse
I can't wait for this system to come out, and its coming out durring Thanksgiving so i'm so happy.
by dustinmp9, Las Vegas, on May 01, 2006 11:48 PM, Report abuse Reply
your all stupid i dont like the name but thats not stoping me from buying the console ive grown to like the name no you all should too... and im an idiot im admiting it!! unlike other people in comments
by hoodz, idonno, on May 01, 2006 08:31 AM, Report abuse Reply
Wii sounds great, its frest, creative, and unique. There is way to many revolution out there right now, like the Lancer, the matrix movie, and some other stuff. We don't need anymore revolution names, its over used. I like Wii better
by dragonelee, toronto, on May 01, 2006 06:42 AM, Report abuse Reply
Everyone who's read and commented on this article are probably the in the typical 'young men' bracket, which, I don't know if you noticed.. is not who this name was chosen for. In fact, quite the opposite. This name isn't meant to appeal to you guys - you're going to buy Wii anyway, because you know Nintendo are quality - it's meant to appeal to everyone else. Having said that, I'm not a guy, and I think the name is stupid too. But maybe it's not targeted at me anyway. I'm a PlayStation girl.
by Karen, Grantham, on Apr 28, 2006 05:32 PM, Report abuse Reply
by anonymous, where it smells funny, on Apr 30, 2006 08:40 AM, Report abuse
Yes, girls play video games, "anonymous", from, "where it smells funny". Are you, perhaps the cause of the smell?
by Jesse, Canada, on May 01, 2006 05:31 AM, Report abuse
I really don't care what the name is,I think if they stick with the name (wii) then thats fine.So what if it sounds like its from the eighties.People are saying that like its a bad thing.The only concern I have is the controllers.Because if I go out and buy a two or four hundred dollar piece of console I wanna beable to use the controller wiith ease.Doesn't anybody relize that history repeats its self "DUH"
by Ryan, Thurmont, on Apr 28, 2006 06:57 PM, Report abuse Reply
Wii is a great name for a game console. Thank goodness I don't have to shorthand anymore (e.g GCN). Remember they're not competing with Sony and MS anymore. They are a successful niche. Being niche is cool. You no longer need to compete. Just do your own thing and you'll make more money. Blue Ocean is the trend now with companies to survive the economy. I don't care. I'm buying this Nintendo Wii product.
by Dobutsu no Mori, NY, NY, on May 01, 2006 03:07 AM, Report abuse
I don't mind the name for one reason which apparently is being proven even here: it'll serve to screen buyers for a minimum level of intelligence and acceptance so that any online community based on it won't be composed of the same idiots found in most other areas.
by Nic, Montreal, on May 01, 2006 02:33 AM, Report abuse Reply
well i was gonna buy a revolution, but im not buying a wii, i really hope they retract the name
by smartalco, somewhere, on Apr 28, 2006 06:37 PM, Report abuse Reply
And how on earth does the name of a console affect your decision wether or not to buy it? Its the same console all thats changed is its name. Bah the names stupid Ill admit but Ill get the console still.
by Matt, Palmerston North, on Apr 30, 2006 09:40 AM, Report abuse
Wow and we thought it could not get worse, the name is as bad as the concept of the controller!
by Jovaec, Roswell, on Apr 30, 2006 09:36 AM, Report abuse Reply
I think the name Wii is actually not too bad once you really get used to it. Revolution might actually be a bad choice, since it sounds kind of cliche from a technological perspective.
by HHHHHHH, Toronto, on Apr 30, 2006 07:02 AM, Report abuse Reply
i like rev or revolution sounds proggressive and new,karl.
by karl brown, leicestershire, on Apr 30, 2006 06:57 AM, Report abuse Reply
I think the idea was to have a globally appealing name. Key here is "globally". "Revolution" only means something to english speakers, and they are not a majority, whatever you think. Aside from this, Wii does seem an odd choice, but I guess they prefer a single name/brand than selling the console under different names on different continents.
by Razvan, Geneva, on Apr 28, 2006 04:39 PM, Report abuse Reply
I wasn't really going for a revolution but I am definitely going for a wii. I want one in every room of my house and I really need to have a wii in my bathroom.
by Wiilly B Coyote, Wiisconsin, on Apr 30, 2006 01:42 AM, Report abuse
whii not niintendo use a name liike "famicom(or nes) 4" or somethiing easiier to relate wiith them?
by Carlos, Mexicali, on Apr 29, 2006 08:38 PM, Report abuse Reply
I am just going to call it... "The console formerly known as revolution."
by Wii The People, Faxanadu, on Apr 29, 2006 07:03 PM, Report abuse Reply
A name only R. Kelly could love
by captainmorgan, columbia, on Apr 29, 2006 07:14 AM, Report abuse Reply
My Nintendo DS last only 32 days and Nintendo Australia convenently said it is my fault. Never again Nintendo.
by Stephanie, Perth Australia, on Apr 29, 2006 06:30 AM, Report abuse Reply
Excuse me but isn't Wii very similar to WWII (I'd personally try to avoid this connection as a Japanese company)
by word_associator, new york, on Apr 29, 2006 01:47 AM, Report abuse Reply
Very very true Wii looks like World War II, a contrast between both words. Maybe Nintendo will change their name either way I don't think this will prevent buyers from buying it. However Nintendo isn't doing very good in sales accept for their game boy I hope their next console does some good in the markets next year in the fiscal period but it depends on how appealing it is. The name, however wierd doesn't matter as long as the console itself attracts people but I think this will be a role in how good they made this system. This really is scary because Dreamcast died out and Nintendo might be on the way if it doesn't make a quick shift in the way their marketing.
by John, Richmond, on Apr 29, 2006 03:06 AM, Report abuse
3 Words: Wireless internet interaction
by RyanGamer, Calgary, on Apr 29, 2006 03:00 AM, Report abuse Reply
Wii, what kind of name is that? Going to sound funny when nintendo fans will now be saying "Hey man I'm getting a Wii." I think they are smoking something dunno but the name "Revolution" was far better.
by Jigga, wichita, on Apr 28, 2006 03:28 PM, Report abuse Reply
ohh get a life its called wii so what what about other stupid names like yahoo did anyone moan at that now its commen use so shut up bashers its a name i bet people like you buy an ipod because its cool instead of another product which is cheaper and better than ipod just because it doesnt have iPOD on it.
by Darr, cambourne, on Apr 28, 2006 04:40 PM, Report abuse
You get a life Darr, Jigga was just implying the name sounds funny, please don't compare anything else with Nintendo's name, nothing compares to "Wii," I don't know anything on the market accept chinese food name such a name like that is wierd in context. In the market and "opening a sale business" your suppose to appeal to people such as making a name that makes gammers be like wow, this is something cool, "Wii" is not an appealing title and maybe if you took marketing class or any ethics of marketing you would realize a "Title" appeals more to the audience then names of wierdness that aren't in the status quo of attracting customers.. BTW don't compare yahoo again, yahoo isn't named "Yii".
by John, Richmond, on Apr 29, 2006 02:58 AM, Report abuse
The name now sounds gay. Revolution is a much better name than Wii any day. The new name has now put me off from buying the new console
by G man, Lisburn, on Apr 28, 2006 02:54 PM, Report abuse Reply
by Marc, London, on Apr 28, 2006 03:16 PM, Report abuse
What does a name matter? Openmindness is the key to everything in this "modern" day and age. The fact that you think the name Wii is "gay" and that "Revolution is a much better name" makes me think that you probably also drink Mountain Dew because it is so EXTREME.
by Anonymous, Columbus, OH, on Apr 28, 2006 04:34 PM, Report abuse
by Paul, New York, on Apr 29, 2006 01:43 AM, Report abuse
Who would not buy a new console because of the name? A moron.
by Usagi, Canton, on Apr 29, 2006 02:40 AM, Report abuse
Nintendud does it again. Yeesh. I thought Vista was bad name for an operating system, but Wii? How much did they spend on this? Think of how much monery these two companies invested in "developing" these names. How many childrens lives could they have saved instead of throwing the money away on garbage research that yields names like Vista and Wii. Now that is offensive.
by captainmorgan, columbia, on Apr 29, 2006 02:31 AM, Report abuse Reply
"A rose by any other name wouls smell as sweet" -William Shakespeare
by Dara, New York, on Apr 29, 2006 01:47 AM, Report abuse Reply
I hate the Wii name but this won't stop me from getting the REVOLUTION. Viva REVOLUTION. Simply call it REVO and not Wii.
by Jazzy Jeff, Manchester, on Apr 29, 2006 01:26 AM, Report abuse Reply
Talking about this with collegues it has become apparent to me how branded people are, as most talk about Nintendo's announcement in relation to Sony and Microsoft's positions. I admit, I am a bit dubious about the name, but I thought the one handed controller looked a bit dodgy when it was unveiled and now I have really come around to it. Also, I thought XBOX was a bit of a iffy name when I initally heard it and I warmed to that, and Dreamcast - which I thought was a paticularly good name - fell on its face, so the name is hardly going to be a mark of its success. At the end of the day its going to be about what games are on offer and how much fun they are, and since there is only a few photos of red steel it is impossible to say which system is going to be 'better'. Atari 2600 all the way.
by markreel, belfast, on Apr 28, 2006 04:27 PM, Report abuse Reply
You're all stupid for not wanting to buy the system now because of a name change. God dammit, the name of the console means virtually nothing. It's still going to play the same high quality games it would have if it was still called Revolution. I know you all can't wait to play Zelda, regardless of what the system is called, and who could resist online multiplayer Super Smash Bros?
by I hate you all, Detroit, on Apr 29, 2006 01:05 AM, Report abuse
Nintendo's will be the best system, but I don't want to call it the Wii. I can't go to the bathroom without thinking about it. !!!
by Anonymous, Provo, on Apr 29, 2006 01:13 AM, Report abuse
lol or if you say "i'm playing with my wii" to your friend
by Anonymous, Columbus, OH, on Apr 28, 2006 04:44 PM, Report abuse Reply
you are my new hero that was fookin awsume (i cant spell)
by im gonna rape y, breakfast time to dinner, on Apr 29, 2006 12:35 AM, Report abuse
the name wii is thge biggest crapiest thing i was hoping that if they were to change the name it would be called nintendo 64 the new and improved cooliest video gamer systahem in da wurl but no insted... WII
by God sucker, NY, on Apr 29, 2006 12:28 AM, Report abuse Reply
I'm buying the new nintendo system regardless but the name does mean a lot to me.....I can't take the name wii seriously.....you people try to relate it to the name Xbox and your reaction to the new control style for revolution but seriously, in the end, admit it hardcore fans......it sounds stupid.....I don't care what Wii symbolizes, to me it stands for falure.....I've been Nintendo faithful for years......for once I get a chance to be excited about a system with innovative plan then bam!!.....Now it's called Wii......that has killed all that excitement I had built up for the system even if I'm getting the system regardless.....I was looking for a Revolution......now we have a Wii.....
by AMT, Somewhere in America, on Apr 28, 2006 11:48 PM, Report abuse Reply
WTF r they thinking!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by Dont_Blink, Des Moines, on Apr 28, 2006 10:48 PM, Report abuse Reply
What kind of name is Wii... i mean god. Revolution is a name that sounds like its going somewhere modern. Wii kind of sounds like it's some old technology thing from the eighties. I never really liked Nintendo anyway but this is really bad. Good luck going "head to head" with xbox 360 or ps3. You'll probably have a hard time going up against ps2 or xbox. haha
by someone, somewhere, on Apr 28, 2006 04:02 PM, Report abuse Reply
i agree. Wii firstly sounds more like WHY and WTF is a name like that. tell ure friends lets go and play some wii. it just not right.
by do u care?, not Wii, on Apr 28, 2006 05:58 PM, Report abuse
Ps2 or xbox. I am sorry but does playstation have a ps3 yet? No. xbox 360 is a microsoft prouct and will break eventually just like their drives in tghe xbox. nintendo makes systems that last not like sony or microsoft. I am not found of the name either but it still should be good.
by NIN, blacksburg, on Apr 28, 2006 10:33 PM, Report abuse
I think going to a Wal-mart and asking for a nintendo Wii will be kind of wierd I think most people will still call it Revolution.
by Francisco, Tucson, on Apr 28, 2006 10:30 PM, Report abuse Reply
by Anonymous, bye, on Apr 28, 2006 09:09 PM, Report abuse Reply
Im getting a Wii, because I am still going to be a loyal fan, even if they change the name to Nintendo Gayfuel or something stupid like that. Nintendo Wii will dominate!
by Kevin, La Puente, on Apr 28, 2006 07:44 PM, Report abuse Reply
Wii?! I thought that such unusual and frankly absurd sounding names had been left behind in the eighties. Couldn't they come up with something better? Their codename 'Revolution' sounded better as was the case in 'Gamecube' and 'DS'.
by Patrick Dent, Cardiff, on Apr 28, 2006 03:03 PM, Report abuse Reply
it will wii on everything despite it's name and you all will take it for granted in a while. Mark my words - Everyone will want a Wee at some point.
by Ratty, Sheffield, on Apr 28, 2006 03:54 PM, Report abuse
Yes, because you were up to date with technology in the eighties.
by Jenny, Cardiff, on Apr 28, 2006 05:30 PM, Report abuse
The codename for the Nintendo DS was "Nintendo DS." The codename for the Gamecube was "Dolphin." Your reference doesn't make sense.
by Greg of Canada, Canada City, Canada, on Apr 28, 2006 07:28 PM, Report abuse
"I'm gonna get 2 Wii's...so I guess I have a Wii Wii"
by Dooobah!, Tallahassee, on Apr 28, 2006 06:43 PM, Report abuse Reply
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Yeah, the name's funny. Yeah, the idiots will make fun. Yeah, the majority of the people with half an ounce of smarts will insult those idiots. So the name sounds funny. Morons making fun of it won't make the company change the name, so there's no real point of making fun of it than making yourself sound stupid. I don't know anyone who would want to do that.
by Jesse, Canada, on May 01, 2006 05:29 AM, Report abuse Reply