Wii Fit already sold out in the US - PS3, Xbox 360 can’t compete
By Dave Parrack
Wii Fit has now been out for about a week in the States, and already many stores and online retailers are reportedly sold out of all stock and waiting for more from Nintendo. So, what exactly is the appeal? And how can the PS3 and Xbox 360 compete with a machine which has become more of a lifestyle device than a mere games console.
The Nintendo Wii has been derided in many quarters as not a true contender in the next generation console war. “It’s not a real console, it’s a toy!” and “My Dreamcast is more powerful!” are just two such examples. But so what when the Wii is the machine capable of getting more people in to gaming than any console ever before?
Wii Fit is a brilliant example of this. It’s already been a huge hit in Asia and Europe, and is now repeating that phenomenal success in the US. According to Tom’s Games, most retailers, both online and off are now out of stock, just a week after the game went on sale. That’s a pretty shocking result for what is essentially a game that makes you exercise, something which many of us try to avoid at all costs.
While the PS3 and Xbox 360 fanboys fight over which shooter is best, what exclusive games are heading for their particular console, or who has the best version of Grand Theft Auto 4, the Wii is beating both consoles hands down in terms of sales month on month, and with releases such as Wii Fit, that shows no sign of abating.
I think it’s time to accept that gaming, both as a hobby and as an industry is changing. It’s becoming more casual, more mainstream and more open to groups usually not seen as gamers. Graphics may still have the ability to wow people, but the Wii proves that it’s not the be all and end all.
Wii Fit and Wii Sports have succeeded like no other games ever released because they are inclusive and open to all, and you don’t need to read a huge manual or have a degree in games controllers to play them. You literally just pick the Wii Remote up, or stand on the Balance Board and away you go. Which means that everyone, from your six-year-old niece to your 80-year-old gran want to have a go.
The Wii, like it or loathe it, will change the gaming landscape for ever. Sony and Microsoft will want a piece of that market, and won’t be happy to let Nintendo continue dominating the casual space.
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Stumble It!
Tips N4G
May 26th, 2008
I wish someone would sue Nintendo, like Immersion did Sony and Microsoft, so that the Nintendo Wii cannot be produced anymore! There’s no way in HELL that the Wii should be leading Sony! No possible fucken human chance!
Please! Somebody find a patent infrigement and halt the sales of Nintendo Wii permanently! Bring Dreamcast back or Atari! Do something!!!! I CANNOT STAND THIS SHIT!!!! FUCK!!!!!!!!
May 26th, 2008
Agreed, Wii Fit and Wii will dominate sales, but realizing this will there be an impact beyond the gaming industry?
May 26th, 2008
@The Future of Sega
eat sh|t fanboy! you cannot stop Nintendomination!
It is KICKING your favourite console BS3! and tearing it a new one!
The KING of video games is back!
May 26th, 2008
Nice article but I take issue with one point, and I quote: “…the Wii is the machine capable of getting more people in to gaming than any console ever before.”
I posit that none of the people freaking out over Wii Fit are gamers, nor will they ever be. Wii Fit is not a game. Using it does not qualify as “gaming.” Because Nintendo chooses to focus on gimmicks and non-games, the Wii is actually the console that is keeping people AWAY from gaming more than any other console ever before.
And before anyone points fingers, I just typed this fresh from a Mario Kart Wii gaming session. Mario Kart Wii is actually a perfect example of why the Wii is horrible: great, awesome and fun game… that looks like a Gamecube game… and everyone plays it with Gamecube controllers. And this is what Nintendo is releasing for the “hardcore” among us. It kinda makes me queasy.
-Arvis
May 27th, 2008
so true arvis, so true.
May 27th, 2008
I want some more simple games… like ICO… or Shadow of Collosus… some fun platformers with decent graphics and fun story and good gameplay…
BRING BACK SLY COOPER SONY YOU ASSHOLE!!!
Sly 3 was sooo much fun :’)
DAVE PARRACK!
May 27th, 2008
it’s hilarious watching the noobs call the wii a “gimmick”.. they’re too young to remember when people called 3d gaming a “gimmick” or console online gaming a “gimmick”…. ninty obviously knows something the fanboys do not; good business and innovation…
i guess they just know more than the uber-millions buying and loving the wii… lmao.
May 27th, 2008
did someone either here or on another site ask if nintendo was being fined or something? because here it is
http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/news/news.phtml/14804/15828/Nintendo-fighting-price-fixing-fine.phtml
May 27th, 2008
Kevin
I thought you were madly in love with the 360.
Since when did your love-affair with the wii begin?
Oh..I think I know…..cuz you realise that the 360 sux and there’s nothing even u can say to defend its “honour”
May 27th, 2008
Well I don’t understand it but the Wii is not a next gen console. I think it is in a class all be it self. Real games look to 360 and then there is the PS3 in dead last. Since Nintendo was the console I grew up on I can olny applaud then at this point because they have managed to tap into a whole new market that is beyond what we the market clisifies as core gamers and tapped into casual gamers. Punk ass easy, lacking graphics games. about as casual as the games that come installed on a PC.
May 27th, 2008
hamburger, it’s possible to like the good things about all the consoles out, and dislike what is bad about them, and kevin is showing the potential to be open minded, so I think it’s a step in the right direction.
Arvis, not sure, but the hardcore like me will buy a Wii for the fact that it has the ability to play 6 or more classic console’s games in one (and before you start, GameTap just isn’t as fun for the same games- if it has them, though a good move and option for PC’s).
Also, there are more non-gamers out there than gamers, so they haven’t been spoiled with the latest HD games and graphics like we have, nor do they necessarily care… the Wii just found it’s niche in gaming, and it is different than the 360 or PS3.
Do I still want to play new Zelda and Mario games with only slightly better than GameCube graphics? Sure, but I don’t see them or Wii Fit justifying another console purchase this year. Maybe next.
May 27th, 2008
hamburger - you’re almost correct. Actually i love ALL gaming consoles. which is why i hate the ps3. not a gaming console..per Ken Kuturagi/Sony.
May 27th, 2008
Yeah he did say that didn’t he.
May 27th, 2008
Wow, the PS3 being a Non-Gaming machine, it sure does a pretty good job of giving a similar if not better gaming experience than the beloved 360…….your comments sorta make the 360 look crappy when you like spruking the ps3 as a non gaming console..hahaha
Whateva man, I will enjoy my next gen HD gaming and HD movies on my non-gaming console. Your free to think what you want.
If the PS3 is coming “dead last” (in your opinion) at least it wasn’t released 1 year earlier than it should have and unleashed a “up to” 33% hardware failure rate on it’s user base for the only reason of getting early foothold in the industry.
enjoy Kevin and CAD.
May 28th, 2008
Kevin,
I started gaming on the NES and I can tell you nobody in their right mind called 3D gaming or online gaming a gimmick. They called it what it was: “progress.” Changing the controller and NOTHING else is not progress. It’s crap. A gimmick. And the Nintendo Wii will always be the worst video game console ever made, to me. And I would feel that way even if NOBODY was buying it. It sucks. The only thing it’s good for is to act as a hub for downloading classic games, and even those are WAY overpriced.
-Arvis
May 28th, 2008
arvis - i started in the late 70’s as well and it was NINTENDO that called sony’s forray into 3d gaming a “gimmick”. sorry you dont’ remember that, but given your lack of insight into this industry, i’m not suprised.
it’s not just a change of controller, but the addition of motion sensing.
the fact that tens of MILLIONS of gamers LOVE the wii and YOU don’t should tell you something about your “opinion”. you seem to be in the vast, vast minority.
maybe they’re just real gamers… you know…those who love gaming…
spidey - sorry, but the ps3 is lacking compared to the 360’s gameplay. the ps3’s online features are very weak compared to xbl and ps3 games don’t quite look up to par with 360 games in most instances. pretty lame for a $600 console.
i hope you’re not planning on playing gta in “real hd” on the ps3… it’s not. again…lame for $600 while the 360 does it at $299 (core).
it’s funny you guys ignore the fact that there was supposed to be 120 million gamers just WAITING for the ps3 to launch. where did they go? meanwhile, the 360, with only a fraction of the time on the market as the ps franchise, it kicking the CRAP out of the ps3.
spin it anyway you want, but it shuoldn’t be happening…
May 28th, 2008
i think the haters tend to forget that the console industry is sustained by the casual gamer market. the hardcore market is simply too small. This is underscored by the fact that the vast majority of ps2 were sold under $200.
love em or hate em, but ninty did not forget who actually steers this industry…
..and it’s not you self proclaimed “hardcore” gamers.
May 28th, 2008
Kevin,
Look at my post. I said nobody “in their right mind.” And Nintendo was not in their right mind IF they ever claimed that. And considering that the N64 came out at pretty much the same time as the PS1, I’d say they thought pretty highly of 3d gaming.
And the 360 is so far from kicking the crap out of the PS3 it’s hilarious.
Also, cite your sources or don’t post.
-Arvis
May 29th, 2008
“One Eyed” Kev in Baaaack how I missed his diatribe of useful information and informative knowledge.
May 29th, 2008
arvis - i’m tired of “citing my sources” the dance is getting old.
1. i give you a fact
2. you demand a link
3. you ignore the link
4. i find another link
5. you disappear.
6. you make another post about an industry have no idea about.
7. rinse and repeat.
spidey - yes… your wife also loves my one-eyed Kev.
May 29th, 2008
Wow, that was really clever kevin, excellent spin on that joke, throw us another!
May 29th, 2008
@ Fearless…….Go fuck yourself asshole! -sigh- pshh…..Nintendo Weener heads. They’re fucking annoying…..Uh, but anyways back to my point.
I just can’t believe how a little toy can’t outsell a damn Blue Ray player machine capable of outputting 1080i (pixels or whatever that means, im not the wise guy here)!??????
IT MAKES NO F****N SENSE! PS3 waited a year after the 360 but yet the 360 is STILL, for Christ’s sakes, making more sales and better games than PS3!
Can you say Grand Theft Auto 4???? I was SOOOOO pissed when I read the sales report. The 360 version had a 57 percent lead over the PS3!!!! Jesus!
And another thing, I’ll admit the gameplay ONLY on Gears of War is sweet but the cut scenes suck hog mog! Those guys look juiced up on steriods or something! Anyways……
If PS3 doesn’t take the lead by the end of this year, and if Metal Gear Solid 4 doesn’t get a PERFECT SCORE and overthrow Grand Theft Auto 4, if in game XMB doesn’t arrive, if a silver color dual shock 3 doesn’t hit stock, and if a miracle doesn’t happen to save PS3’s ass and fix all of this crap, I’M DONE!
I can’t take it anymore! This is absolute crap. And whatever happen to that damn boomerang controller!??? Eh? I always wanted to lay my hands upon that. I always wanted to purchase a SILVER PS3! I always wanted to own a console that annihilated the fucken competition!….erm Microsoft 360…erm…..Nintendo Wii…erm erm.
Is there a way how I can sue Sony for FALSE ADVERTISEMENT, MENTAL ANGUISH, selling a bullshitty console because NO video game console should EVER FALL BEHIND THE SALES OF NINTENDO WII, EVERRRRR!!!!
Hey Microsoft and Sony, just team up and outsell the Wii please! I beg you, please halt the sales of the Nintendo Wii! THERE IS NO WAAAAAY IN HELLLLLL THAT THAT SYSTEM SHOULD BE OUTSELLING ANYONE!!!……Let alone, anything!
……sigh…..i need a beer…BURP!
May 29th, 2008
Thats not what your boyfriend told us Kev?
May 30th, 2008
Kev’s boyfriend is a great kisser. Just saying…
May 30th, 2008
Well at least he shares I suppose ??
May 30th, 2008
Actually, Kevin and Winner are both hot girls.
MEGA PLOT TWIST!!!
….
Is it 5:00 yet?
-Arvis
May 30th, 2008
Wii Fit is gay. It’s a piece of shit. And the Nintendo Wii is gay too. They both suck. PS3 FOREVER!!!!!!!!!
May 30th, 2008
Anybody who likes or owns a Nintendo Wii is obviously not a true gamer. You guys are living in the 19th Century……..Join the future by purchasing a PS3, which is truly a futuristic experience!
June 2nd, 2008
@Future LOL you sound like your ready to kill yourself over a stupid video game consol.
Sue? You must be American.
You need to get out and get a girlfriend (or Boyfriend) and a life.
June 2nd, 2008
@The Future of Sega
oh i didnt see your response haha .. anyway your such a moron! no body wants a ps3 its delaystation 3.. or a BS3.
Bluray? who cares about bluray! its teh gay!
the Wii is totally destroying your BS3 like I said eat it up! fucker! and accept defeat! Grandma > you!
June 7th, 2008
Wii continues the constant in the games industry that the most powerful hardware of any hardware generation isn’t necessarily the most successful.
Sega Master system… more powerful than NES.. NES won bigtime.
SNES was less poweful than the 3DO, CDI, Jaguar, 32x, and other “next gen systems” of the early to mid 90’s.. SNES won
Original black and green Game Boy totally dominated the handheld business while Atari Lynx, GameGear, and Turbo Xpress all floundered.
N64 and Dreamcast were more powerful graphically than PS1. PSWon.
PS2 was less powerful than original Xbox. PS2 won
Hardware “power” does not mean success. Look up the Screw Attack video about this.. it illustrates this perfectly.
Nintendo has done a great job of bouncing back with verve after being virtually ignored in everything but the handheld games dept. While sometimes they screw up (Virtual Boy and the E reader, N64 carts instead of CDs), their innovations end up changing the entire games industry (things like the NES, the GameBoy, Super Mario 64, the Analog stick, Rumble Pack, and now the Wii). Plus, they have a stock repertory of first party characters and franchises built since 1981 that are a license to print money.
June 10th, 2008
The Wii doesn’t really compete with the Xbox 360 and the PS3. It fits into another part of the market, if you want to play graphically intensive games, as well as most of the shooter and adult style games you go with the 360 and PS3. The novelty factor and more cartoon style games interesting you makes you more inclined towards the Wii.
I’ve seen many people with a PS3 and Wii/ 360 and Wii. Since the Wii isn’t all that expensive it makes a pretty good secondary unit.
June 12th, 2008
@The Future of Sega
Anyway whinny lil bitches like this guy is what makes ps3 worse than it is.. all they do is whine and complain.. wah wah wah.. my favourite console is losing.. wah wah.. stupid moron.
Truth hurts doesn’t it?
June 19th, 2008
Screw wii fit and nintendo. They hold back product in order to falsify quarterly numbers and screw their fans in the end. Try to find a wii fit until the end of each quarter!! You can’t even though they have warehouses full of them. They should be sued for deceptive trade practices. I had stock in the company and I sold it because they are scum.