Team Fremont.com-The Royal Wii Review

The Royal Wii

So the revolution has started. The first stage of the revolution always had to be dropping the codename; a revolution always has to be about change and the name needs to show that. Nintendo have shown over the last few months how they have truly changed as a company and how they are embracing a new direction and a new way of thinking. Much of what they have done with the console formerly known as Revolution has caused a total WTF reaction from the press and gamers alike and renaming the console was no different. Remember when Iwata took the stage and held up the controller for the first time... how many of us thought the company was going crazy? How many people out there thought that the controller would be a killing blow for Nintendo? Nintendo knew then that they had to release things like the controller in stages to allow us to take the pieces of the puzzle, warm to the idea and then eventually embrace the possibilities.

Nintendo Revolution from now on will be known as Wii (pronounced "whee" or "we"). The reaction from the gaming press and community forums has been one of confusion, hilarity, hate and denial. I think this has achieved exactly what Nintendo wanted by getting the name talked about in as many outlets as possible. They often say that bad publicity is the most effective and Wii is fast becoming a good example of this. So what does Wii mean? In Nintendo's own words:

Introducing... Wii.
As in "we."
While the code-name Revolution expressed our direction, Wii represents the answer. Wii will break down that wall that seperates videogame 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 the 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 playing it. And Wii, as a name and a console, brings something revolutionary to the world of videogames 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.

So there's a heavy emphasis on the idea of community and a sense that together we will start the revolution. They are talking globally and in the plural with this name which is a good thing and I'm sure that everyone would agree that the name itself is simple and effective. The problem stems from the fact that essentially the name conjures up ideas centred around Urine in the English speaking nations of the world. There are a lot of people who can't get their head around the fact that the name sounds like wee (piss) and who will feel very embarrassed to ask their local Gamestop employee "do you have any Wii in stock". My personal take on the name at this point is that I really like the logo and the idea behind it but really don't like the sound of the name. Sure it's short and catchy, looks nice enough but just doesn't sound that great when speaking about it. That said, to me it is infinitely better than Xbox 360...

Ultimately, Nintendo have made a very bold move indeed by choosing this name as the final identity for the console. They've caused a huge reaction from the gaming community and only time will tell as to whether people will accept and come to like the name. Nintendo stand the chance of creating a brand that becomes as integral to gaming as PlayStation has been over the last 10 years or risk being laughed out of the market by the Western World. Either way, they'll have created a whirlwind of buzz surrounding their E3 press conference due to take place in the Kodak Theatre next month and gave us another vital look into the new direction of the company.

On a final note you can't say PSP without saying Pee twice...

Article By: Philthy