Why Is The Wii Such A Runaway Success?
Did it ever occur to you? With half the processing power and not even near the graphics quality of the two HD-powerhouses, Xbox 360 and PS3, how did the Wii become such a tremendous success? It isn’t exactly next-generation or output high-definition graphics nor does it (yet) have online multiplayer support. So why does it keep outselling the PS3 and Xbox 360?
It’s previous console, the GameCube was not exactly a success. Now, what did Nintendo do right which saved it from the brink of extinction? The answer is, quite simple – while Sony and Microsoft are battling in a saturated market (the hardcore gamers) – the Wii has targeted a very large (and different) audience – causal casual players.
The number of causal casual players exceed the hardcore group by a mile. These aren’t the type of guys or gals that will nag about the graphics, sound or gameplay. The raging battle between Sony’s PS3 and Microsoft’s Xbox 360 doesn’t matter to them. What they want is simple, fun and easy to pick-up-and-play type of games. And that’s what Nintendo has offered.
Nintendo has played their cards right this time. By tapping into such a huge market with a relatively inexpensive console is the key to their success. And add their long-standing Mario franchise to the Wii Remote and Nunchuck controller, and you have a formula for success.
Indeed, Microsoft (and Sony too) has realised the potential of casual gamers. I would say that Xbox Live Arcade and the Xbox 360 Arcade is a step forward in the right direction. Many third party game developers are also shifting their attention to make causal casual games.
The causal casual games market is yet untapped and makes more sense from the developer’s point of view. Next-generation games require a ton of investment and time to produce. While anyone with a few basic skills and effort can make a Xbox Arcade game in weeks.
That is not to say that we hardocre gamers are a minority. I can safely say that we are major segment. But it seems that casual gamers are a more profitable lot – and Nintendo’s Wii prove that point.
Oct 29th, 2007 at 11:03 am
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Oct 29th, 2007 at 11:50 am
[…] Check it out! While looking through the blogosphere we stumbled on an interesting post today.Here’s a quick excerpt of extinction? The answer is, quite simple – while Sony and Microsoft are battling in a saturated market… and Microsoft s Xbox 360 doesn t matter to them. What they want is simple, fun and easy to pick-up… controller, and you have a formula for success. Indeed, Microsoft (and Sony too) has realised […]
Oct 29th, 2007 at 6:54 pm
I think what Nintendo is showing us is that everyone has the potential to be a gamer. It just appears that a very large group of gamers was not being served by the current gaming model of high end graphics and deep epic gameplay on expensive and elaborate systems. Since the 360 is selling at about the same rate as the original xbox, it would seem that this different strategy on the part of Nintendo hasn’t hurt MS. As for the PS3, I think that any problems its having are brought on by their own choices. That being said, Nintendos strategy seems to be a win-win for Nintendo as well as underserved gamers.
Oct 30th, 2007 at 2:17 am
Why is the Wii a runaway success?? Simplicity itself..it’s a GAME machine. Not a mutimedia set top that plays DVDs or Blurays and makes toast for you too. It just plays games that for the most part are simple to play and just as easy to discard. Its got an inovative controller that forces gamemakers to use it. Hell they probably love doing games on the Wii cause its got to be cheaper to make them for Nintendo than PS3 & Xbox. It’s CHEAP to the average consumer. Never underestimate the power of the The almighty buck. Its not hardcore gamers that rule the market folks..its the The soccer moms of the world. Thats why The Wii will continue to sell like hotcakes and continue to be #1. Price. Nintendo had the balls to put out a “weird” system & it paid off. People forget Nintendo tries to bring out things their ways. Remember the 64?? Crazy ass controller..catridges..anolog stick..rumblepak. Sony & Microsoft need to start innovating ..mix it up..With high end PCs being able to hook up to my HDTV their consoles who’s sole motto is better graphics..just doesn’t wash anymore. New Games..New game types..thats what people are looking for..hell thats what hardcore gamers looking for. As a side note I’m a proud owner of a PS3, Xbox360 & The Wii. But while their are plenty of people who have all the systems, there are WAY WAY more who just choose one. I keep hearing people say “The Wii is a fad ..wii is a fad..”they said the same thing about the Ipod..the DS. Those things are here to stay.. as is the Wii.
Nov 27th, 2007 at 9:58 am
wwe wrestling game…
Man i love reading your blog, interesting posts !…
Jun 14th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Looks pretty good!
Jun 23rd, 2008 at 8:03 am
[…] has seen it. Everyone knows that’s where the money lies. Microsoft is sure going to target a slice of Nintendo’s market with their 720. We are going […]
Nov 30th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
i bought a ps2 a few months ago and i bought a gamecube 5 years ago.i am an amithure gamer.i cant finish easy games like God Of War.i dont have a ps3 but i know ps3 will win the console fight beacause its graphics has won my heart and my favourite game is dragon ball z budokai tenkaichi 3.
Dec 2nd, 2009 at 12:23 pm
@ Abdulla
For all intents and purposes, God of War isn’t easy. 😀
Aug 17th, 2010 at 7:25 am
yeah that’s a pretty nice trick played by nintendo.nintendo’s innovation is appealing to me as well. but u know the wii consequently has tons of stupid titles like hannah montana, high school musical and other garbage disney tv show based games.