Why Nintendo?

[Tigerblade]

Serious question.

I've always wondered why the American gaming market loves Nintendo. Bar the N64 (which was poor bar KI Gold and yes I did own Mario64....boring) they have always been behind in tech and always looked at, how can I say......gimmicks, to sell a machine.

I mean who in their right mind would purchase a NES over a Megadrive/Genesis? That's the sort of thing I just plain don't get, but it all seems to be starting again over Wii. Please don't give me crap about 'innovation'......I've been able to pick up a tennis racket/boxing gloves for a number of years now and do these things.

Do Nintendo now expect they have to fill the niche market and heavily rely on on these gimmicks to get a decent market share?

Totally serious thread and I'd like to hear why ppl like the fallen giant so much. For what it's worth I know 0 amount of ppl that are buying the machine, yet the same ppl are lapping up 360/wanting PS3.

 

[Worminater]

Serious question.
I mean who in their right mind would purchase a NES over a Megadrive/Genesis? That's the sort of thing I just plain don't get, but it all seems to be starting again over Wii.

it was genesis vs SNES not NES for majority of the life spans; and a game on SNES vs the same game on Genesis the SNES version always rated a little bit higher from same magazien (i had gamepro back then)

and i want a wii but not a 360/ps3. maybe i'm wierd

 

[Rash]

I thought the megadrive got released (1988) nearly 2 years b4 the snes (1990?) and people were still buying the nes years after.

 

[Tigerblade]

Rash is right, the Megadrive debutted quite awhile before the SNES. To say it was Sega's answer to 2 Nintendo consoles showed it's strength.

Problem with the MD was the poor sound chip and it's lack of Mode7 type effect, altho it seemed to do quite well with Gunstar Heroes....

That's not point tho, the point is the Megadrive was the direct competitor to the NES for a while and a far superior machine with a very good game line up. Just find it odd that's all, hence the question.

 

[nullzero]

Its the games that make the console... Gameplay is everything... graphics come in second. This is why the Wii is hitting it off big... While the sony fan boys can wait for the poorly implemented rushed console with pretty eye candy and nothing more.

 

[Tigerblade]

Its the games that make the console... Gameplay is everything... graphics come in second. This is why the Wii is hitting it off big... While the sony fan boys can wait for the poorly implemented rushed console with pretty eye candy and nothing more.

Launch games perhaps for current gen. However that cannot be said of older gens. The Megadrive had a stellar games catologue, yet this didn't effect sales. So how can that be used as a reason? I just don't understand why the American games market loves all things Nintendo when alot of the time they are always second (if not worst) best.

Referring back to competing consoles, these are release dates : MD Jap : 1988, US : 1989, EU : 1990. SNES Jap : 1990, US : 1991, EU : 1992. So that's a full 2 years of direct comparison with NES which is quite a large amount of time in the games industry. And of course looking at those dates the Jap release of the SNES co-incided with the EU relesae of the MD but importing was rarely done back then.

 

[Least]

Serious question.

I've always wondered why the American gaming market loves Nintendo. Bar the N64 (which was poor bar KI Gold and yes I did own Mario64....boring) they have always been behind in tech and always looked at, how can I say......gimmicks, to sell a machine.

flame on!

I mean who in their right mind would purchase a NES over a Megadrive/Genesis?

people who wanted a well established system that already had a large library of games to play.

That's the sort of thing I just plain don't get, but it all seems to be starting again over Wii. Please don't give me crap about 'innovation'......I've been able to pick up a tennis racket/boxing gloves for a number of years now and do these things.

Ok, so motion sensing controller isn't innovative because you list a few things feature in wii sports and consider that the pinnacle of the capabilities of the Wii controller?

Do Nintendo now expect they have to fill the niche market and heavily rely on on these gimmicks to get a decent market share?

What gimmicks were present in the Nintendo 64, SNES, or NES? While there were some gimmicks, they had nothing to do with the base system.

Totally serious thread and I'd like to hear why ppl like the fallen giant so much. For what it's worth I know 0 amount of ppl that are buying the machine, yet the same ppl are lapping up 360/wanting PS3.

As it turns out, the genesis in the United States had a larger market share than the NES/SNES for a very long time . In the UK, the megadrive maintained dominance over the SNES throughout its lifespan. Also to consider, the genesis and NES were not reasonably direct competitors - the SNES and the Genesis were. While the genesis was a faster system, developers were developing for Nintendo and were making quality titles. That isn't to say the genesis didn't have excellent titles, it was simply that they were used to developing for Nintendo.

I fail to see how the motion sensing is a gimmick. It is featured in two of three next gen consoles. If anything, the ps3's motion sensing is a gimmick. I can't tell you why your friends want it. I have mine and I love it.

It all is a matter of what you want.

EDIT:

I just don't understand why the American games market loves all things Nintendo when alot of the time they are always second (if not worst) best.

It's rather apparent they don't. Nintendo has not for a while lead the market with its console.

 

[Tigerblade]

EDITED

How can you not call machines out at the same time direct competitors? Hasn't stopped 360 !!!!!!s comparing their consoles to the PS2, so why would it be any different back then

As regards motion sensing...please. Only geeks and nerds love that, the rest of us actually get fresh air. A games console isn't for getting exercise with and IMO it's rather sad to see a company with the stature of Nintendo stoop to such lows to get sales.

 

[Least]

EDITED

How can you not call machines out at the same time direct competitors? Hasn't stopped 360 !!!!!!s comparing their consoles to the PS2, so why would it be any different back then

Look up when the Nintendo came out in the United States. Then refer to the launch date of the Genesis. There is a rather large difference as you have pointed out.

As for the comparisons.... I'm not sure how what you're saying supports your argument at all.

As regards motion sensing...please. Only geeks and nerds love that, the rest of us actually get fresh air. A games console isn't for getting exercise with and IMO it's rather sad to see a company with the stature of Nintendo stoop to such lows to get sales.

It is quite apparent you are unwilling to try anything that is vaguely offset of what you consider to be a console. I'd like to point out that the NES revitalized the gaming market and innovated a lot of things accepted as standards today.

 

[nullzero]

Nintendo's trademarked games and characters add to the gameplay... Something sony doesnt have. Mario series... Zelda, Metroid, Bomberman, Starfox... the list goes on. Even though im 22 I still love playing mario, zelda, and games liks smash bros. The Wii has more gameplay and character right from the start and something that sets it apart from the other consoles.

 

[Torn]

Your also failing to realize that the motion sensitivity is helping to bring in non-traditional gamers. Exactly what lows are you talking about? A "gimmick" that works?

 

[Least]

Your also failing to realize that the motion sensitivity is helping to bring in non-traditional gamers. Exactly what lows are you talking about? A "gimmick" that works?

A gimmick that, as it turns out, is really quite enjoyable. It really does help bring in a more casual crowd - does anyone remember their parents playing a game and jerking the controller around as if it would do something? Well, now it will.

I wouldn't call this a gimmick or a 'low' to grab sales. if it grabs sales, it is because people are interested in it and want to play it. This is the general consensus I've heard of.

In any case, it doesn't look like you are taking this "serious question" very seriously.

 

[Torn]

A gimmick that, as it turns out, is really quite enjoyable. It really does help bring in a more casual crowd - does anyone remember their parents playing a game and jerking the controller around as if it would do something? Well, now it will.

I wouldn't call this a gimmick or a 'low' to grab sales. if it grabs sales, it is because people are interested in it and want to play it. This is the general consensus I've heard of.

In any case, it doesn't look like you are taking this "serious question" very seriously.

Hell, *I* used to jerk around when I first got an NES! Reflexive movement is no longer useless! YAY!

 

[[T5K]thrasher]

Your also failing to realize that the motion sensitivity is helping to bring in non-traditional gamers. Exactly what lows are you talking about? A "gimmick" that works?

Very true, I just introduced my folks (45-46 age range) to the wii tonight, neither of them have ever lifted a game pad in there lives yet each was having a blast playing tennis and bowling in there PJ's.

Off topic.. the OP seems like pure flame bait.

 

[Tigerblade]

Look up when the Nintendo came out in the United States. Then refer to the launch date of the Genesis. There is a rather large difference as you have pointed out..

Yes but what you aren't undertsanding is that they were the respective current console in that market place. To say they weren't competitors even with the obvious technological differences is stupid. PS2 is still the competitor to the 360 here yet one totally over powers the other. Same with DS and PSP, hardware wise they are light years apart but are still competitors so you point is invalid. I'll also add that that is merely an example, I'm not coming out to argue about 20 year old consoles Perhaps re-reading the original post without getting your hackles up would be good advise to any reader that assumes I'm trying to start an arguement......

As for the comparisons.... I'm not sure how what you're saying supports your argument at all.

Like everyone else on here your not answering my original question or you simply just don't get it. It isn't an arguement....it is a question. First line really gives it away

It is quite apparent you are unwilling to try anything that is vaguely offset of what you consider to be a console. I'd like to point out that the NES revitalized the gaming market and innovated a lot of things accepted as standards today.

The whole point of this thread is the amount of pant spurting on this forum about a new N console, a new N console that IMO, yes I am allowed to have one I read somewhere, is a gimmick/party machine.

I'll try Wii, but probably when I'm drunk and at a party, in the consoles natural place.......not on my own 'exercising'. I have never posted anywhere that I hate Nintendo/never buy Nintendo/won't try Wii, so why thread crap and state this as gospel? I've asked a question. Simple as.

As to the NES revitalising the games market.....perhaps in the states it did, which will probably answer the original question of why Americans are in love with Nintendo I guess. But clinging onto an older system when there is newer and better with the games catalogue to boot is kinda dumb.

I'll re-iterate for the touchy ppl that really don't get the thread.....The whole topic is just one of those things I've always wondered and it has puzzled me. Just this whole Wii excitement, for what is merely not much more than a tweaked 'cube with gimmicks in all honestly, has reminded me of. That is all

On a side note, when is it that whenever someone comes out and asks a question/starts a debate, the touchy among us get confused and cry flamebait Tis a wierd phenomenon.

 

[Least]

I'll re-iterate for the touchy ppl that really don't get the thread.....The whole topic is just one of those things I've always wondered and it has puzzled me. Just this whole Wii excitement, for what is merely not much more than a tweaked 'cube with gimmicks in all honestly, has reminded me of. That is all

On a side note, when is it that whenever someone comes out and asks a question/starts a debate, the touchy among us get confused and cry flamebait Tis a wierd phenomenon.

The very nature of your question asserts that one must accept that it is simply a gimmick in order for it to be answered.. It's sort of like asking the question, "why are apples so much more awesome than oranges?" It is essentially placing someone under obligation to accept that apples are better than oranges before they can even answer your question.

...Do you not understand this?
"
Do Nintendo now expect they have to fill the niche market and heavily rely on on these gimmicks to get a decent market share? " is not a question someone can answer appropriately, as it is inappropriately worded.

 

[arr4ws]

to OP

asking a legitimate question shouldnt include flaming or wrong fact, you totally showed us your side in your question by adding details like ''gimmick'' , ''who in their right mind'' and ''fallen giant''.

How can you not know that the genesis /megadrive was competing vs the Snes for the majority of its lifespan ? have you been living in a cave?

so i wont answer you , since your question is directed toward YOUR opinions... your not looking to get fact , or just build an idea , you just want to see a flamewar start

 

[BladeX]

Maybe Nintendo is targetting the < 24 and > 35 demograph? It is obvious as the other person mentioned, look at their marketshare and you see they are not the leader when it comes to console systems.

Personally myself and the gamers I know all think the Wii looks idiotic and a system targetted at "kids". Looking at the Wii display at BB just reaffirmed that belief as well.

Many people will buy the system simply because they want to keep playing the Mario / Zelda games though.

 

[MRi6000]

every company has their lil "gimmiks". Look at MS with xbox live accessories (i.e. Headsets, Web Cams, etc..). I see have a wireless "motion sensor" controller far from being a gimmik. Its fun, its built for a purpose, and it serves its purpose. Being the huge DDR fan I am, I would certainly look at a dance pad as being more of a "gimmik" than this controller that is used for all its titles. The guitar controller for Guitar Hero is a gimmik to sell their games.

As for the war between Nintendo/Sega/Sony/MS, it all just comes down to gameplay for me man. I have had em all (all expect the 3do/jaguar) and still to this day I enjoy my Nintendo products more than my other systems/games. As far as the DS goes, wow, gameplay is just excellent IMO and far outweighs the specs for the PSP (IMO, dont take this to heart).

edit: as far as your question.. I have no direct response b/c its simply a question looking for an opinion. if you want to compare, then why didn't NEC Turbografx-16 do so well in the US? But it was a hit in Japan!

Nintendo may not be leading the gamers market, but they must have been doing something right to survive all these years...

 

[Shinryu]

The reason I bought a nintendo system was because I had hope in a sense, games like Zelda and Mario where so good in the past that I bought the console hoping games in general would be like that. The Wii would be the same thing with me when I get it, its just a shame that the only good games on nintendo systems are made by nintendo, or a very close relation to nintendo.

And yes the games are very child like, but not everyone wants to be serious sam 24 hours of every day, some people need to chill out, and use there imagination a little.

 

[Rash]

I think Tigerblade has a valid point

Nintendo isnt the market leader overall so if you majority of Americans say its the best why isnt it world market leader?

 

[Tigerblade]

edit: as far as your question.. I have no direct response b/c its simply a question looking for an opinion. if you want to compare, then why didn't NEC Turbografx-16 do so well in the US? But it was a hit in Japan!

True but historically Nintendo has relied heavily on the US market, without which would most likely gone the way of Sega hardware wise.

I have no ill intention toward the DS, so nothing is taken to heart, but this is another machine that IMO is gimmicky and has no games of interest bar one and that doesn't really lend any of it's gimmicks to it really, just a straight forward platformer. What is revealing is the last console that Nintendo did try to take the big boys on at their own game flopped massively, probably another reason to 'branch out' so to speak.

To the rest, assume what you will. Doesn't bother me, but if you wanna join a debate rather than bleat 'flamebait' then your welcome.

I still maintain that it's a party machine, and flailing you arms around IS a gimmick. Ppl will agree and obviously disagree, but that is by the by, however I guess the American love affair with Nintendo will continue and that is what will help them get thru this round.

 

[Tigerblade]

its just a shame that the only good games on nintendo systems are made by nintendo, or a very close relation to nintendo..

And therin lies Nintendo's problem.

 

[RedDawn]

Serious question.

I've always wondered why the American gaming market loves Nintendo. Bar the N64 (which was poor bar KI Gold and yes I did own Mario64....boring) they have always been behind in tech and always looked at, how can I say......gimmicks, to sell a machine.

What you call gimmicks lots of others call innovation. I could call putting a media player into a system a gimmick but most likely I would refer to this as a feature as would most other people. I'm not sure why you feel that peopel have always been behind Nintendo. The DS has dominated the hand held market yes, but that is because again it is very well established and people know it. The 64 and GC didn't do that well here in the states, granted they didn't tank, however they were far from gigantic successes.

I mean who in their right mind would purchase a NES over a Megadrive/Genesis? That's the sort of thing I just plain don't get, but it all seems to be starting again over Wii. Please don't give me crap about 'innovation'......I've been able to pick up a tennis racket/boxing gloves for a number of years now and do these things.

The NES was out way longer than the Genesis, and better established, that is why people bought it. They new the name, they played it at their buddies house, they wanted it, plain and simple. Then the Genesis started selling, and it did very well. Then the SNES came out and by the end it surpased the Genesis.

Do Nintendo now expect they have to fill the niche market and heavily rely on on these gimmicks to get a decent market share?

Nintendo saw what their competitors were doing, and instead of directly competing with graphics and raw power, they decided to shake things up a little bit. They are taking a huge risk with the Wii. Wether you like it or not it is different, the controller is out there in a way that a lot of people haven't seen before. It will be very interesting to see how it all works out in the end.

 

[Tigerblade]

Nintendo saw what their competitors were doing, and instead of directly competing with graphics and raw power, they decided to shake things up a little bit. They are taking a huge risk with the Wii. Wether you like it or not it is different, the controller is out there in a way that a lot of people haven't seen before. It will be very interesting to see how it all works out in the end.

I agree with the majority you put there, however why do ppl think I'm dead set against the Wii? Because I think it is gimmicky doesn't automatically mean I won't enjoy the odd session on one. Is that so hard for you guys to understand? I feel you all see 'gimmick' and then that's it, hackles up, and flame mode

Another point I keep reading is Nintendo's amazing/awesome/insert superlative here games and that isn't a universal feeling. There are, beleive it or not, ppl that do not like these 'innotive' (not the term I'd use) titles on their machines.

You all need to let the insecurities go, I'm not slaying the console, just giving my opinion and asking why the US loves the big N.

It has been answered by ppl that are not so insecure as to resort to crying flame bait, so I guess the thread has run it's life.

Everyone who has bought whatever console....enjoy

 

[cb9fl]

I don't think your statement "American gaming market loves Nintendo" is correct.

Take a look at Gamecube sales compared to XBOX and PS2 sales. The PS2 takes a giant dump on both the XBOX and the Gamecube while the XBOX beats the Gamecube by a few million.

 

[RedDawn]

I said weather you like it or not, I didn't say that you didn't like it. I fail to see where I flammed you anywhere in my post.

On a side note, I don't feel that the US loves Nintendo, yes people are going crazy over the Wii and DS, but as I said before the 64 and GC were trounced by the competition.

 

[Tigerblade]

I said weather you like it or not, I didn't say that you didn't like it. I fail to see where I flammed you anywhere in my post.

Not aimed at yourself, just the closed minded numbskulls that can't debate and come up with the same line because someone doesn't see eye to eye with them on their console of choice. And no that isn't aimed at you lol, you had reasoning in your post.

I guess consoles have bigger !!!!!!s than gfx cards, but that would open up an entirely new can of worms and probably best avoided.

 

[NulloModo]

My first console was a NES, my second a Sega Genesis, then I got the SegaCD attachment, and after that a Playstation, then a PS2, then a 360, and I plan on picking up a PS3. I also got a Gamecube somewhere in there (for $10 how could I refuse),

Nintendo has always marketed towards the kids, and I can't recall any Nintendo exclusive that was a must have. I think that the Wii has a certain appeal, and I might think of picking one up down the road, but when you consider the games that people always rave about (FFVII, FFX, Gran Turismo, Halo, Halo 2, Sonic, MGS, etc) very few Nintendo had.

 

[Tigerblade]

I don't think your statement "American gaming market loves Nintendo" is correct.

Take a look at Gamecube sales compared to XBOX and PS2 sales. The PS2 takes a giant dump on both the XBOX and the Gamecube while the XBOX beats the Gamecube by a few million.

Thats because the N64/'cube were poor machines when compared to their rivals and as I've already posted probably the reason Nintendo stopped in that particular vein and started in the *cough* innovative *cough* one

I was originally pointing out MD vs NES, which WERE competitors whether ppl like it or not. And whilst I'm back to this point, for the ppl that can't read and seem to think I didn't call the SNES the MD's rival either, I shall refresh :

Rash is right, the Megadrive debutted quite awhile before the SNES. To say it was Sega's answer to 2 Nintendo consoles showed it's strength.

I do wish ppl would read sometimes

 

[Tigerblade]

then I got the SegaCD attachment,

Them were the days! Grainy small windowed FMV

Wonder how it would have turned out if Nintendo hadn't f*cked Sony off with the SNES CD attatchment and the Playstation never came about? I'd wager the latest Nintendo console would be entirely different to as it is now.......

Ironic really

 

[Slartibartfast]

Tigerblade: you can't seem to understand why people are irritated with you in this thread, but the word "gimmick" effectively means "stupid, empty idea." That word has been used to attack the DS and the Wii since the beginning, so despite what you may or may not mean it has a very negative connotation. As such, you are effectively saying, "ok I'm not trying to start an argument, but why do you people like this stupid crap?"

I'll leave this thread open for the moment, as it has the potential to be interesting, but I'm going to be watching it closely.

Also, does anybody else find it funny that according to the op's sig, he owns a gamecube?

 

[dantestd]

I can tell you why I do:

I am 21 right now. My first system was a family nes that was bought in either 88-89, first game super mario brothers. I was 4 at the time, didn't understand anything obviously. But then there was duck hunt, and despite not being able to hit shit I loved it.

Then fast forward 3-4 years, master blaster, metroid, megaman, zelda, bomberman, so and so forth; it became more fun as the years went by. I didn't get around to getting a SNES but I always wanted one since most of my friends had one. Mario with Yoshi is still one of my favorite games only because I never played it all the way through (though with roms this has somewhat changed).

N64 same thing, mario came out and I just had to play it. Call it a gimmick but I like going back to the franchises when there are new things about that Nintendo throws in each time around. I grew up on it and its hard for me to ditch it for something like halo, then again my girlfriends 15 year old brother thats all he does halo this and halo that with his friend.

The xbox is the new generations nes in my opinion, they have theirs' and most of us 20 year olds have ours. (not to say we can't play 6th or 7th gen consoles for a change of pace )

For whatever reasons I just keep coming back to playing nes cartridges and enjoying them more then my ps2 that hasn't been played in over a year. Oh also recently played Cyber Speedway on SegaCD that was my favorite game of all time for that console.

 

[Tigerblade]

Also, does anybody else find it funny that according to the op's sig, he owns a gamecube?

That needs to be updated It's now in a black bag in the attic! Only bought it for Virtua Striker 3 (which was shit and not a patch on VS2 on Dreamcast), and the Resident Evil series (which were awesome on the 'cube and a 42" plasma)

If mods can't read tho I have no hope for anyone else. I'm sick of saying I don't hate Nintendo but obviously you all read what you wanna read

Tigerblade: you can't seem to understand why people are irritated with you in this thread, but the word "gimmick" effectively means "stupid, empty idea."

Also wrong;

gim·mick (g&#301;m'&#301;k)
n.

A device employed to cheat, deceive, or trick, especially a mechanism for the secret and dishonest control of gambling apparatus.
An innovative or unusual mechanical contrivance; a gadget.

An innovative stratagem or scheme employed especially to promote a project: an advertising gimmick.
A significant feature that is obscured, misrepresented, or not readily evident; a catch.
A small object whose name does not come readily to mind.
tr.v., -micked, -mick·ing, -micks.
To add gimmicks to; clutter with gadgets or attention-getting details. Often used with up.
To change or affect by means of a gimmick.

I'll continue shall I? ;

A gimmick is a unique or quirky special feature that makes something "stand out" from its contemporaries. However, the special feature is typically thought to be of little relevance or use. Thus, a gimmick is a special feature for the sake of having a special feature.

In marketing, product gimmicks are sometimes considered mere novelties, and not really that relevant to the product's functioning, sometimes even earning negative connotations. However, some seemingly trivial gimmicks of the past have evolved into useful, permanent features. According to the OED, the word is first attested in 1926, defined in the Wise-Crack Dictionary by Main and Grant as "a device used for making a fair game crooked". Finding a successful gimmick for an otherwise mundane product is often an important part of the marketing process. For example, toothbrushes are often given various gimmicks, such as bright colors, easy-grip handles, or color-changing bristles so they appear more exciting to consumers. This is often done when trying to appeal to children, who often get more excited about the gimmick than the product.

That last 2 paragraphs ring true with both Wii and DS. No denying, it just is.

 

[CodeX]

To the OP: If everyone was like you and considered every innovation a gimmick nothing would ever change. I thank god that nintendo is still around to push the bar higher, to set precedents that no other company would take the risk to set. I fail to see how the wii controller is a gimmick, it makes games more immersive, I own one and have played it for 10+ hours and it really does create a whole new gaming experience. I don't know about everyone else but if I am still using controllers to play games in 2010 I am going to be seriously pissed. Where is virtual reality? Let me tell you we are lot closer to it thanks to Nintendo, what has Sony or Microsoft done to redefine gaming? nothing. Thank god for Nintendo.

 

[Rash]

Since the Majority of the [H] Forum members are American and Love Nintendo, Why the Heck should the rest of the world listen to them, its obvoius from overall sales figures that Sony is No1 and still maturing in the console market, MS is still a Baby and Gonna finish the other 2 off eventually. Nintendo is the eldest and has had the most experience in Consoles why arent they No1, Sony and Microsoft are doing something right as they have both chiped away at Nintendos Market share. PSP (you cant deny this) has chipped away successfully (probably not as much as they had hoped but still a success) at the Handheld Market. If you really get your thinking cap on how easy would it be for MS and Sony to add a Wimote Substitute to there consoles? (call it copying/cheating as you all seem to do) But if this does happen then all Nintendo has left are there exclusive Character games. If i were Nintendo id enjoy while they can. I take my hat off to Nintendo as they do all the hard work inventing the extra facilities/gimmicks to entice people to try them out. In My Honest "UK" Opinion i see Nintendo struggling after this gen in the home console market, i think Sony will last a little longer but MS Will Kill everything else eventually as i feel there new " Get the Next gen Console out first strategy is working as its in the Majoritys Blood that we like new things Quick. Embrace all the new consoles whilst there still is competition cos eventually there is gonna be only one winner and it certainly isnt going to bethe end user.
My Summary is " The Americans Like the Companies that Introduce something new first that sticks to the machines original boundaries ie "Nintendo and its all about the gameplay""

But then i find that Strange aswell because i believe we live in a world where we like gadgets to do as much as possible like mobile phones now have streaming video, emails, internet, music, games. or ipods play videos/photos. these companies add features other than its original concept yet they arent slammed by you lot. Sony adds HD Movie playback to a console and is battered by you lot.
One things for sure Nintendo arent the only ones innovative about Gaming so please come down to earth!

 

[BarneyGumble]

I think the difference between the Wii and its competition is the gameplay to price ratio. I am definitely more excited about a lower cost console that i can play on my 480p TV than a more expensive console that i can play on my 480p TV because I don't have a higher definition TV so what's the point of spending three times the price on a console to play games which i would probably rather play on my computer which i already own. Wii is fun, affordable and appeals to a much wider audience than the other consoles. So...quit whining and just play your fucking games.

 

[Tigerblade]

To the OP: If everyone was like you and considered every innovation a gimmick nothing would ever change.

And that is again where you assumption is wrong. Have I called EVERY innovation a gimmick? No I don't think I have. HD tv, broadband, 3G video calling. All innovations, none gimmicks. Just because I think Nintendo's latest and greatest is then this is taken as everything?

This is the reasoning behind the entire thread.

 

[Slartibartfast]

Also wrong;

gim·mick (g&#301;m'&#301;k)
n.

A device employed to cheat, deceive, or trick, especially a mechanism for the secret and dishonest control of gambling apparatus.
An innovative or unusual mechanical contrivance; a gadget.
...

Ok first of all, you can't say I'm "wrong" about a word's connotation.

Secondly, I'm curious as to which of the definitions you listed you would apply to the Wii.

 

[Tigerblade]

Ok first of all, you can't say I'm "wrong" about a word's connotation.

Secondly, I'm curious as to which of the definitions you listed you would apply to the Wii.

I've added to it. Hope that makes more sense to you

All IMO of course, I assume that is still allowed in the free world?