CNET: Unethical to recommend any console but the Nintendo Wii
With the release of Wii Fit, is it true that the Wii has now proved itself to be the only choice for gamers to make when deciding what games console to buy?
Yesterday I wrote an article about how Wii Fit has sold out in the US after just a week of being available. And went on to explain how I feel this, and the other winning strategies that Nintendo has employed this generation means that not only will the Wii win this round of the console war, it’s success will change the gaming environment for ever.
Obviously some have seen fit to disagree and continue to criticise Nintendo for it’s low-tech approach to gaming. But the evidence is stacking up that the console, and particularly the release of the innovative Wii Fit is being seen as a sign that gaming really is changing, and going the Nintendo way.
The latest proof is an article by CNET Asia which is unambiguously positive about the game and then goes on to claim that in light of it’s release and subsequent success, the Wii is now the only choice for a next gen console.
The article waxes lyrical about the game, calling the Balance Board amazing, and claiming that after using the device, muscles ache just as if you’d taken part in real exercise. But then comes the bold claim, which is likely to make PS3 and Xbox 360 owners laugh out loud:
“After this Wii Fit, it would be unethical and lying to recommend any other console other than the Wii to anybody asking for a console for his family.”
So is that true? Is the Wii the only choice of games console for a family? Certainly teenagers and fathers would also love to own a PS3 or Xbox 360 for the more serious side of gaming, and gems such as Grand Theft Auto 4 or Halo 3, but in terms of a living room presence to allow the whole family to play, and spend quality time together, it really is hard to look any further than the Wii.
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36 Responses to “CNET: Unethical to recommend any console but the Nintendo Wii”
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May 27th, 2008
Nice blog post, I wonder if the blogger owns any other consoles?
May 27th, 2008
i wonder if the blogger knows cnet is not cnet; asia…
May 27th, 2008
CNET Asia is still a part of CNET.
May 27th, 2008
“seen as a sign that gaming really is changing, and going the Nintendo way.”
I hope so, and I hope it takes all the movie tie in games, the cashcow games, and shovelware with it.
- Yes I own a wii, but the more ‘main stream’ gaming gets, the more tame and lame its going to get. Look at Hollywood.
May 27th, 2008
davep – the title would be accurate if it read cnet: asia. then again, accuracy doesn’t seem to be a paramount consideration around here, anyway…
May 27th, 2008
yes DAVE PARRACK!!!
every single article should be named “360 lcols PS3 squarely in its fluffy bawls over and over again” whether its an article about Wii or the Iraq war… because thats the American thing to do xD
May 27th, 2008
yes DAVE PARRACK!!!
every single article should be named “360 kicks PS3 squarely in its fluffy bawls over and over again” whether its an article about Wii or the Iraq war… because thats the American thing to do xD
May 27th, 2008
Kevin, as I said, CNET Asia is still a part of CNET so the title is accurate. As for accuracy, we do try to keep everything as accurate as possible but obviously some mistakes will get through, usually by me. However the nature of the site is more opinions and invoking debate rather than dull news reporting.
May 27th, 2008
kevin, I was talking about the blogger who made the blog post on CNet Asia, not DaveP. I do agree though, the title could be misleading the reader to think it was a news piece by CNet Asia, not a blog post.
As Dave says, though, mistakes happen, and you can never be perfect or please all. Overall, I think he wrote a pretty good piece, and the point made by the blogger reported on is interesting, if a little close minded.
I would have to agree, though, if I were a family man who had little kiddies (12 or younger) with Dad and Mom visiting on a regular basis and didn’t know a thing about videogames (and didn’t want to really play them just for myself but as a family), Wii would be a good rounded choice for everybody to enjoy and get some physical/entertainment benefit from a console.
May 27th, 2008
‘Party time with the family’ would be the only time I would place the Wii in front of my telly.
Wii Fit should never be seen as a substitute for real exercise. Unless the person in question cannot get to the gym, park, tennis court, etc, for a valid reason. ‘Fridge…too far.’ is not one of them.
It’s not for my family – my family is brought up on GTA so they can become fully trained prostitute killers, J Thomspon says it’s good at that.
May 27th, 2008
My reading of this blog post, was that DAVE PARRACK was trying to give a debate/discussion base for us to discuss, not spruk “FACT”.
So stop sooking about the blog author and consider discussing the points raised as it was intended. Sheesh.
I think I have said it in another thread, but here goes again…
My family does own a wii and the PS3. I only ever use the wii for drunken party games and for the kiddies (not mixed together obviously). Other than that, I don’t touch it and play the ps3 most of the time. I do not consider it to be apart of the “next gen” series and see it purely as a “extra” gaming device to the ps3 (or 360 for that matter) this being my “opinion”.
Gaming of tomorrow is drvien by the kids of today and I hope that tomorrows gaming is not headed to a “wii culture” because it will be a sad day indeed and will probably see me leave gaming after all this time. I don’t think that ps3 or 360 style gaming will be killed off, but I would hate to see gaming being totally influenced and going down the path of wii style “gimmick” gaming.
May 27th, 2008
I agree 100% with Spidey.
Wii has found it’s niche, which is the gamer that likes waving at the television screen with a clumbsy controller. Kids love it because it doesn’t require precise button presses etc, and drunks love it because well, drunks like everything. I know, I am one.
That being said and done, there are only 2 next gen consoles out there, the 360 and PS3. Both have powerful processing power and both display in HD (HD being a very big definition for ‘next gen’ in my assumption). To say that the Wii is next gen is a little far fetched.
May 28th, 2008
roger that.
May 28th, 2008
Wii is NewGen! NOT next gen!
every time my computer gets updated gfx and more memory it becomes next gen! just like the ps3 and 360!
May 28th, 2008
This just in: Arvis has interviewed himself and is quoted as saying “It would be short-sighted and ignorant to exclusively recommend one ‘gaming’ console to all people regardless of their preferences.”
In other words, this guy from CNET Asia is a total freaking MORON.
-Arvis
May 28th, 2008
davep- my mistake. your mission statement (about GAMERBLORGE.COM) says your devoted to honesty, so i just understood it to include integrity and facts (as honesty is prone to do). but alas, you’ve proved me wrong.
May 28th, 2008
hahaha…when Wii matches units sold versus it’s REAL competition (PS2, >not< PS3 or X360), then we’ll talk.
May 28th, 2008
kevin, it is an op ed piece that has more questions than answers, not a fact-based article that is stating this and that. Like Spidey said, we shouldn’t be concentrated on whether or not the author of the blog is actually a reporter for CNet or just some blogger.
I believe the piece was meant to stimulate thought on why the Wii can be a better choice for families for some.
That said, I believe it is because software including Wii Fit/Sports on it has no current competitors (control/multiplayer/no blood/family appeal wise, not graphics wise) on other consoles, let alone it’s priced lower and has at least six of the older different console’s gameplay available through VC.
May 28th, 2008
Kevin, is there anything in this article that isn’t honest? As Carl says, it’s an op ed asking more questions than anything. As Spidey said, this site and this article are both written to stimulate debate.
May 28th, 2008
got it. it’s a flamebait site set up to generate hits.
good thinking. post b.s.. that way people post to correct and the site gets the credit for the hit.
wow… you guys really are a lot like sony…
May 28th, 2008
yeah davep…the TITLE.. it should read CNET:ASIA. Not CNET.
why stop there… why list cnet’s parent companies too as the source of the quote….? *rolls eyes*.
it’s like saying the McDonalds in Rome says “our customers don’t like chicken mcnuggets”… but the article lists MCDONALDS SAYS THEIR CUSTOMERS DONT’ LIKE CHICKEN MCNUGGETS. when in reality, the customer base in Rome, Italy is NOT the same as in America. (with the lucky italians getting to enjoy a beer with their big macs).
the title of this piece makes it sound like CNET as an entity has issued a statement about the wii, when in fact, they haven’t. only one small segment of their organization.
like i said, i don’t expect you to understand or agree as this site is not big on facts, truth, or integrity.
May 28th, 2008
now THIS is from CNET;
Try not to cry, ps3 fans…
http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9953746-1.html
since gamespot did the comparison, with the 360’s graphics decidedly better than the ps3’s then i guess (since gs is part of cnet) you can post an article saying CNET SAYS THE 360 HAS BETTER GRAPHICS THAN THE PS3.
i can’t wait to read it tomorrow.
May 28th, 2008
Anyone that gets sore and thinks they are getting a workout from the Wii is a fat, out of shape cunt. This thing is a video game machine, it gives anyone with a reasonable level of fitness zero exercise. Now, if you dig the Wii, great, it’s a fun system but for exercise? Please.
And Poor kevin, your link states that they are essentially the same graphically so I’ll look at what I get that you don’t, blu ray playback, wifi, wireless controllers, bluetooth. Hey, look at that, the PS3 offers much more for the money.
May 28th, 2008
Kevin, I just have one question for you then. If you hate the site so much, why do you stay, and read, and comment so much?
Don’t get me wrong, I value regular readers such as yourself highly, it makes the place a community, but most people stay because they like the articles, and the opportunity they provide for debate. You on the other hand seem to stay to slag the site off.
May 29th, 2008
Kevin you last post has noting to do with the thread whatso ever. It looks like yet again you have taken another opportunity to have yet another futile swipe at the PS3 and lorde you wonderful 360….
WE DONT F^*%$*G CARE……..
Most users here have a preference (or not) and have an opinion about “graphic performance” on each of the systems. No matter how much you post these supposed “credible” sources, it isn’t going to “convert” people to become mindless 360 drones like yourself.
I’m happy and SECURE with the systems I use…..how bout you. Doesn’t look like it.
Discuss what the thread is about or beat it
May 29th, 2008
davep – you guys actually have some valuable information to read between the ridiculous fanboy stance you guys take.
i “slag” sites that don’t post accurate information (read: lies) while calling their articles “news” while honoring a mission statement committed to “honesty”.
hope that clears it up for you.
so, where is my CNET SAID THE 360 HAS BETTER GRAPHICS THAN THE PS3 article from gamespot?
if it’s good enough for cnet: asia, it’s good enough for gamespot.
the fact you have prepubescent ps3 fanboys defending you and this site should tell you just how far off the mark you guys are.
get it together.
spidey – it’s funny you claim you don’t care about graphics when you ps3 zealouts have screamed for a year about how “the cell” would trump the graphics of the 360.
i love watching you clowns backpeddle.
May 29th, 2008
davep- ya know..maybe you’re right. this place used to have some insightful, fact filled, debates. Now it’s just turned into a bunch of whining ps3 suckers who are pissed off about being ripped off.
i’ll take a peek from time to time, but i think it’s safe to say this site can be added to the list of Sony Defense Force-type of b.s. fanboy sites.
have fun with dwh, spidey, and ivan. A real reason to NOT buy the ps3 if i ever saw one.
good luck.
May 29th, 2008
hmm funny that kevin – if this site is such a Sony stronghold as you believe it to be, why did I just read an article saying the PS3 is flat lining in sales? I’m quite new to this site, but I like it, because it provides a place for debate and discussion. And looking through the articles, I have never once saw anything that makes the site look biased. Many times, its the article they are reporting on that makes things look biased, but they are reporting on it because it causes discussions or in your case, mass insults and fanboyish squeals.
)
Fact is, and its one that you just can’t seem to grasp, people have different preferences. I know you do, you worship the Xbox as if its a god. But everyone else, regardless of who they prefer always seems to put their opinions across in a fair and non-threatning way, you however don’t. Every single post you make is extremely poisonous and you always seem to insert some PS3 bashing in there somewhere. If you prefer the xbox thats fine, but your just a fanboy who needs to calm down and grow a pair.
And if this is truly the end of the almighty kevin on the posts, goodbye to ya matey, have fun with other xbox fanboys somewhere else (may i suggest Xboxer – you’d love it
May 29th, 2008
robb – that’s becuase the ps3 IS flatlining in sales. well, in america anyway….
the fact you just claimed people like dwh and ivan are “fair” in their posts, just erased the last shred of cred you had.
nice job…matey….
May 29th, 2008
thats because well.. they are. fair might not mean that everyone agrees with your point of view. Regardless of whether they are rabid fanboys or not (not saying they are) atleast they dont constantly rip everything of the opposing system, or worse, other people on the site. Thats the difference.
And yeh, the PS3’s sales might not be what they should be (in America anyway, everywhere else they are good) but it doesn’t mean they are ‘flatlining’. Its already been said there are improvements in sales, and I reckon its trend that will continue to grow.
May 29th, 2008
but then again – no one is allowed to speculate or ‘reckon’ on this site are they?
May 29th, 2008
No way, if you are going to ’speculate’, you need cold hard facts to back it up, that’s what I read on one of the other pages.
May 29th, 2008
BOL @ Ivan_PSP being fair. That dude is whacked.
May 30th, 2008
winner agreed…lol
Kevin, since when have I ever said that “cell” would beat the pants of the graphics on the 360 ??, I haven’t, because I dont care if it does or deosn’t. Backpeddling….you really do live in your own world don’t you…I haven’t seen any “backpeddling” so enjoy watching all you want, because it’s all in your head.
You seem to hack on us saying we are “ps3 fanboys” blah blah, which is funny because “MOST” of us will offer good points about all the systems and the bad points. you just seem to filter out those comments and focus soley on the bad points and say the “good points” we bring up never happen. YOU my friend are the one that has nothing good to say except for your beloved 360 and not only that, but in a thread with nothing to do with the 360 or ps3, you will still find a way of bringing up how “superior” the almighty 360 is – you are the biggest fanboy on this site man, by a looong shot
For someone that is supposedly a “mature age” person, you sure act like a juvenile.
May 30th, 2008
spidey – not you, personally. but every teenage fanboy who believes in sony touted the ps3 has “will have the best graphics because the cell does a bazillion googleflops a millisecond” type of b.s.
heck even sony NEVER touted bluray as an advantage to gaming graphics, yet somehow the line was drawn between the two.
i simply have nothing good to say about the ps3 because there isn’t much nice to say about it; noone asked to be charged for a movie player that most don’t want.
May 30th, 2008
Yep your right, BD has nothing to do with graphic performance. It is however a far better storage medium and will help ensure a 10 year life span as they have predicted.
And if not….It will still make a mighty fine HD movie player
As a side note, another reason why I got the PS3 was because the missus was wowed by the “in store” BD movie display. She gave me the thumbs up to the get it because of that and I got the games machine…..best of both worlds.
And yes….It was the missus who gave me “permission” to get it…. sigh