Wii Don’t Hate Wii. Do Wii?

As everybody on earth knows in what has to be the fastest spreading news ever to spread in the history of the earth, Nintendo has announced that the name of the here-to-fore called revolution is to be: Wii (pronounced “we”). And everyone seems to hate it. Of all of the editorials I’ve seen on game sites most say Wii is a bad idea while others say it’s stupid. Of comments on stories about the name change 90% of them are negative (not a formal %–an estimation). Ever since I first saw the Wii controller I’ve believed Nintendo has a big winner on their hands, and the more I read about people’s experience with the controller the better I think they’re going to do. The insane amount of publicity that this name change has generated is also a bit of a coup for Nintendo–yeah, it’s mostly people saying that Nintendo has gone nuts, but it’s publicity none the less. Additionally, I like the name.

Along with the name change Nintendo published the following in their site:

Introducing … Wii.
As in “we.”
While the code-name “Revolution” expressed our direction, Wii represents the answer.
Wii will break down that wall that separates video game players from everybody else.
Wii will put people more in touch with their games … and each other. But you’re probably asking: What does the name mean?
Wii sounds like “we,” which emphasizes this console is for everyone.
Wii can easily be remembered by people around the world, no matter what language they speak. No confusion. No need to abbreviate. Just Wii.
Wii has a distinctive “ii” spelling that symbolizes both the unique controllers and the image of people gathering to play.
And Wii, as a name and console, brings something revolutionary to the world of video games that sets it apart from the crowd.
So that’s Wii. But now Nintendo needs you.
Because, it’s really not about you or me.
It’s about Wii.
And together, Wii will change everything.

That’s what Nintendo had to say and I buy it. I think Wii will change everything. I also think its going to outsell the 360 within a year and PS3 will have trouble keeping up with it (even in America). I don’t expect Nintendo’s initial sales burst to maintain a market lead because I expect MS and Sony to adapt and catch up pretty effectively (the 360’s announcement about a depth sensitive camera for mo-cap is already a concession to Nintendo).

So welcome to the next great console (the last one was the DS (get brain age if you haven’t)) it’s name is Wii and it’s going to be more fun than wii’ve had playing video games in a very long time.