Friday, May 12, 2006

Wii for the win

If the length of lines waiting to play new consoles at E3 is any indication, people are much more interested in Nintendo's Wii console than Sony's PS3. While PS3 screams incremental advancement and a total lack of creative thought, Wii wins on all counts. Brute-force powerful hardware cannot overpower risk-taking originality.

The only console of this next generation that I will have no hesitation pre-ordering and/or waiting in line for is Nintendo's Wii. There will be great games and a new way to interface with those games, plus I just want to see what it can do. I have a feeling I know exactly what PS3 will be able to do -- play hi-def versions of the games I played on PS2 and Xbox. X360 is much the same story as PS3, but at least it has a robust online component and the fact that Microsoft appears to have going for it the fact that it listened to consumers and has given us what we want in a gaming machine.

The only way I'm going to shell out $600 for PS3 is if Blu-Ray becomes the hi-def DVD standard and I ever own a HDTV. Even my obsession with the Metal Gear Solid series (amazing 15 minute E3 trailer here [large] and here [small]) will not compel me to purchase the infernal machine before its time.

I'm thinking 2008.

Related post: PS3 launch disappointment

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I agree that the PS3 will be a bit of a disappointment; in price, features and functionality. I've said it before (and it's coming true); when the PS3 is found to be less stellar that promised and people see the the cost difference between it and the 360 is to great to justify it...they'll drop the PS3.

However, I think the long lines for the Wii was just to confirm how goofy and cumbersome it'll be to play games with gestures. I personally think it'll severely cut their cross platform titles due to the strange controller configuration. Time will tell.

simply not edible said...

If you've seen the Smash Bros. Trailer, I think you'd agree with me that there is a very high possibility of Metal Gear making the Wii anyways.

And I've also read someplace that, for the price of one PS3 (hardware only), getting 4 DS's and some games will probably get you (and three friends) more fun.

Kevin said...

mcwilliams: from what I've read about Wii and the new controller, it may appear cumbersome because it's so different, but once you use it it will be very intuitive and easy. I'm looking forward to it.

simply not edible: it would be cool if MGS4 came to Wii, but that game may be one where the hardware power of PS3 may actually be necessary.

I like the idea of 4 DSes and some games instead of a PS3 -- great trade-off if you ask me.

Anonymous said...

I was wondering when you were going to comment on this, Brotha K. I've been out of the gaming loop for a good two years now. I can honestly say that I'm very excited and am going to hold out for the Wii. I know they will deliver the fun and creative gaming I've come to expect from Nintendo. Plus, I can't wait to flail my arms with that controller in a precarious and haphazard fashion while screaming gleefully "Look at MEEEEEE, I'm playing with my WIIIIII!!!!"

Kevin said...

Fret not, dear eric. I will certainly have both, it's just a question of when. Expenses will be tight for the next few months, but they will be mine.

Oh yes, they will be mine.

Unknown said...

OOOH my turn. i disagree with you mr. mcwilliams. i don't think the Wii controller will be cumbersome at all. In fact think once you get the hang of it you'll find the experience to be very satisfying. I'm hoping I get the chance to try it out on that game. I've read the story line and I think it's going to be a lot of fun to play.

It may be a pain in the butt to learn outright and ever more painfull to master, but I know it's going to be worth it to buy.

My wrist is shot from so much gaming and typing. If this controller works out it's going to be perfect for me. That and I may get to work on my wobbly arms! LOL

I was really looking foward to the PS3, but that price is rediculous. I can get a new computer for that! I'm also really hoping that this blueray thing burns out. I'm not willing to give up on my cd's just yet and I'm not interested in mini cd's either. BUT isn't the PS3 going to be backwards compatible with all playstation games? I can't remember.

*sigh* Still pining for my 360... one day my pretty's... one day soon. :)