Game Console Report Card -- Fall 2007 edition (page 3 of 6)
- August 14, 2007 14:55 PM PST
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Wii
- Games: B-
- Price: A-
- Online Play: D
- Graphics: C+
- Innovation: A-
- Hardware Design: B+
- Extras: B-
- Overall: B+
Comments: Of all the new-gen consoles, Wii has surpassed our expectations the most. The system's once-doubted, now (mostly) proven Wii Remote controller has been a key advantage in spreading interest to non-gamers. Its Price grade is strong given the machine's friendly $250 sale point and cheaper game prices...though the investment skyrockets once additional Wii Remote and Nunchuck costs are factored in. The Wii's focus on simple, easy-to-play games has appealed to gamers of all types, and its backward compatibility features (both with the GameCube and the online Virtual Console) are admirable. Media functionality, as expected, is virtually nonexistent; even simple DVD playback is missing. Online play is another sore sport, with virtually no games -- essentially only Mario Strikers: Charged and Pokemon Battle Revolution -- even supporting it. Why include Wi-Fi on a console and barely support its online gameplay? Only Nintendo knows.
But as popular as the Wii is, we are concerned with its ability to endure for more than a few years in the hyper-competitive gaming market. The games are highly accessible at parties, but many titles are brief and unsatisfying or gimmicky; many others are just plain bad. The system's graphics are another point of unease. Nintendo bet right that many gamers don't care about high-definition graphics, but that fact will change in coming years. For the moment, though, Nintendo is riding high. The Wii is sleek and attractive, the motion sensing works reasonably well, and it features several excellent exclusive games. All in all, the Wii has enjoyed a landmark year.
Overall, the Wii is a delightful console. It's well-made, easy to use, and a hit at parties. But its shortcomings are many, and include extremely limited online play and a glut of fair-to-terrible games. If Nintendo can lock down a slick online service and keep quality control a top consideration, the Wii will likely win out.
