Nintendo Revolution.
The name was strong. It had purpose. It made a bold statement. It gave the distinct impression Nintendo was building up for something so incredible the likes of it had never been seen before.
The Revolution would take the gaming world by storm. The Revolution would be the kind of console that would make gamers’ heads spin in delight. The Revolution would be, well, revolutionary.
Revolution was the kind of name that could compete with the likes of the Xbox 360. The PS3. It had a ring to it. People identified with it.
But, alas, we have the Nintendo Wii. It’s cute. It’s cuddly. It attempts to create a sense of solidarity, breaking down the barriers between gamers and even non-gamers the world over. I’m hearing “shiny happy gamers holding hands” in my head and I can’t seem to make it stop.
The Nintendo Wii! Why?
Not too long ago, I talked up the virtues of the then-called Revolution to a co-worker of mine who was considering going next-gen sometime soon. He has two young boys, and from what I’ve read, the Revolution sounded like a good fit.
His response: “That’s going to be a console for girls!”
My glare, being a “girl” and a serious gamer, could have melted steel.
He explained the system looked to him like it was going to be made for “everyone,” not really designed for hard-core gamers into serious action.
I defended the virtues of the “bold Revolution.” I mentioned the expected cost savings, the developers’ interest in the console, which of course is always a good thing, and some of the planned titles. I was convinced he was wrong.
Now this from Nintendo itself: “Wii will break down that wall that separates video gamers from everybody else. Wii will put people more in touch with their games … and each other.”
I still think the console sounds like it has a lot of merit. Nintendo doesn’t generally disappoint, even if it doesn’t always appeal to the “hard-core gamer.” But I’m finding myself wondering if the name alone will be enough to scare potential buyers off. Wii just sounds weak.
Kind of leaves me wishing for the Go name that was speculated about earlier this year.
Related:
Nintendo Revolution Name Revealed
Nintendo Revolution ‘Enthralls’ Developers
Nintendo Revolution Launch Report
Revolution Games Will Be More Affordable
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