Confirmed: Revolution now called Wii
by David Hinkle 
{ Apr 27th 2006 at 12:43PM }
I guess Revolution wasn't a good enough name for Nintendo, so they
decided to go with the name Wii (pronounced 'we') for their next generation console. I have to say that, honestly, I'm
a bit disappointed. I liked the name Revolution as it really described what the system and company's goals were for
changing the industry. Nintendo had this to say in regards to the name change:
"Introducing ... Wii. As in "we." While the code-name "Revolution" expressed our direction, Wii represents the answer. Wii will break down that wall that separates video game players from everybody else. Wii will put people more in touch with their games ... and each other. But you're probably asking: What does the name mean?"
"Wii sounds like 'we,' which emphasizes this console is for everyone. Wii can easily be remembered by people around the world, no matter what language they speak. No confusion. No need to abbreviate. Just Wii."
"Wii has a distinctive "ii" spelling that symbolizes both the unique controllers and the image of people gathering to play. And Wii, as a name and a console, brings something revolutionary to the world of video games that sets it apart from the crowd."
"So that's Wii. But now Nintendo needs you. Because, it's really not about you or me. It's about Wii. And together, Wii will change everything."
The line "Wii has a distinctive "ii" spelling that symbolizes both the unique controllers" raises an eyebrow on this blogger's face. Maybe the rumors of the system being bundled with two remotes isn't such a far-fetched idea after all?
What say you all?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Bryan @ Apr 27th 2006 12:58PM
STUPID NAME. I will feel like an idiot at the store. Revolution was better. GO was awesome. awwww crap.
I still want one.
Dark Morford @ Apr 27th 2006 1:03PM
I liked "Revolution" better, personally, but I guess there isn't really anything wii can do about it.
Tom @ Apr 27th 2006 1:03PM
Wee. The Nintendo Wee. That is what they have named their console. THE NINTENDO WEE.
This is a really fucking stupid move. I mean JESUS. I believed Nintendo when they were saying they were going to have a better marketing campaign to reach people, but no more! Try selling a console in the UK with the name 'wee'. I'll buy one, I'll evangelise it, I'll love every moment of the experience, but I swear to GOD I am never calling it the 'wee'. Oh yeah, I'm just off to play with my wee. Brilliant.
Dan @ Apr 27th 2006 1:05PM
I mean, come on!
"Hey guys. Come over and play Wii (we) with me."
That sounds dumb.
"What are you doin'?" "Just playin' Wii (we)."
Are they serious? That person needs to be FIRED who came up with that name, the person who OKAY'D it needs to be FIRED. In this day and age of looks are everything, this is one that will hinder. Sorry to say. I'll get I'll just say, "Playing Nintendo."
Wii is ickii.
Caveman @ Apr 27th 2006 1:06PM
Lol.. you guys registered wiifanboy already. I was about to f*ck you up! :)
Daniel @ Apr 27th 2006 1:07PM
I'm extremely excited about it (wish they'd kept Revolution) but I'm more excited about the console itself than what the name is.
At first brush, I was like "What? How the hell do you mis-spell 'WiFi'?". :D
Ravage @ Apr 27th 2006 1:07PM
"I guess there isn't really anything wii can do about it."
Puns like that are exactly the reason this name change is stupid. No offense meant to Dark Morford... but this type of wordplay is going to happen ALL THE TIME now.
Liked "Revolution". Could have accepted "Go". "Wii" is just plain.... ugh.
Joseph @ Apr 27th 2006 1:07PM
Does this mean that RevolutionFanboy is gonna have to change its name to Wii Fanboy?
unreal mccoy @ Apr 27th 2006 1:09PM
I like it. Its a serious name for a serious console. Very sony-ish (Wega, Vaio) and kind of reminds me of Intel's ViiV
Dark Morford @ Apr 27th 2006 1:09PM
"The line 'Wii has a distinctive "ii" spelling that symbolizes both the unique controllers' raises an eyebrow on this blogger's face. Maybe the rumors of the system being bundled with two remotes isn't such a far-fetched idea after all?"
Nope. If you read the rest of the sentence, "Wii has a distinctive 'ii' spelling that symbolizes both the unique controllers and the image of people gathering to play," it lists two things that the "ii" represents. If the phrase had been "symbolizes both of the unique controllers," there might be something to speculate about.
will @ Apr 27th 2006 1:09PM
is this a joke?
chazz06 @ Apr 27th 2006 1:12PM
I guess it could be worse...but not much worse. It doesn't really matter, we can always call it the revolution or just nintendo. No need to specify.
Gaye Mann @ Apr 27th 2006 1:12PM
Come on guys. No need to take the piss.
nougatmachine @ Apr 27th 2006 1:17PM
I thought the world had learned from Windows ME that you should never name your product after a pronoun.
muhahaha @ Apr 27th 2006 1:19PM
how about "wise" as in w + i's?
Danj3ris @ Apr 27th 2006 1:22PM
My perception:
Nintendo just named their revolutionary system, the one that would change gaming forever, the Wii.
This is quite ironic. The system that will have the biggest bang, has the smallest wang-Pardon, Name.
I cant wait for the Wii to lead the console sales competition. This goes to show that its not the size that counts, but how you use it. Big things come in small packages.
I'm telling you, that when I get my hands on my Wii, Ima PIMP THAT SHIT. Touching is good baby! Helllls YEA.
The Frozen One @ Apr 27th 2006 1:23PM
For all our US friends out there, "Wee" means "piss" in British English slang.
Oh deary me.
mharmann @ Apr 27th 2006 1:24PM
No. No. No. Ninty must have felt like joking.
We don't need to bear this wee (sorry, couldn't resist). Not if we start writing to Ninty just now WTF they were thinking.
Imagine... "Super Mario Wii"... "Mario Kart Wii"... "Pikmin Wii"... *urgh* What comes next? Are they going to rename Nintendo to "Puh Inc." or something?
Sean @ Apr 27th 2006 1:24PM
So much for there not being an "I" in "We".
At least they can't screw up the saying...There's no "I" in "TEAM".
...or can they?
Moogle @ Apr 27th 2006 1:33PM
At the press conference, Regie took off his shoe and banged it on the pedistal, screaming "Wii will bury you!"
Rob @ Apr 27th 2006 1:38PM
At first glance I thought this was ridiculous. Then, thought I, "I'm one who thought that 'iPod' made no sense when Apple announced it."
Yeah, I hear those of you who think it sounds ridiculous. Particularly funny was the "I'm going to go play with my Wii" comment. It sounds awkward. But I can see myself getting over it.
I love, love, *love* the description and the simplistic approach to the new Nintendo Wii splash page. It reminds me of the first time I was exposed to Apple's "Think Different" campaign. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Think_Different
Nintendo mimics Apple yet again. I'm all for the change, though Revolution could have carried the product. Oh well, here we are. "It is what it is," as they say.
Warren G. @ Apr 27th 2006 1:38PM
I worry that Nintendo is trying to get too clever for itself here, but maybe part of the strategy is in fact making the name so awkward that kids DO have to say "I'm playing Nintendo." Time to make video games synonymous with the Big N again!
Fortyseven @ Apr 27th 2006 1:39PM
"Wee" means that in US English too. :P
Martin @ Apr 27th 2006 1:40PM
I really really don't like this name. When you see Wii, do you seriously think 'we'.
As much as I hate it, I think this could be good for Nintendo. The console will be known as 'Nintendo' like it was back in the day ("Hey, you wanna go play Nintendo").
I think they are trying to rely on the Nintendo brand over their opposition names(Nintendo vs Playstation vs Xbox). This is probably to get the attention of older gamers aswell as newer gamers.
moofree @ Apr 27th 2006 1:42PM
I'll pronounce it "double-u double-i"
jodyanthony @ Apr 27th 2006 1:48PM
I like the name.
Drew20 @ Apr 27th 2006 1:59PM
To #17.
"Wee" means "piss" in American English too. :)
I've gone through all the stages of denial already and have come to accept the name. Yep, a little disappointed but ultimately not that bad. I get why they came up with the name but I'd like to see a list of the names they passed over for this one.
-Drew
SuicideNinja @ Apr 27th 2006 2:00PM
I'd have to concur. I do not like that name...it sounds too silly.
Jackal @ Apr 27th 2006 2:04PM
(Nintendo Branding Meeting circa January 2006)Actual Notes:
Exec #1: Wii? C'mon was Doo taken? Since you move the controller Doo would have been good.
Exec #2: Doo also means crap in some circles. Wii is inclusive like "Wii are the World".
Exec #1: Okay we will use Wii. Good thing Wii does not have a double meaning.
Pwortlandbwoy2 @ Apr 27th 2006 2:07PM
Are you mothaf#@* kidding me.. all this wait for "Wii"? Has anyone posted a "wii think the name sucks" petition yet?
someguy @ Apr 27th 2006 2:09PM
All I can say is "Wii will, wii will, Rock you!!!"
Hoffer @ Apr 27th 2006 2:09PM
Stupid name, but I'll still buy one.
Matt S @ Apr 27th 2006 2:12PM
Holy crap. What? Nintendo We? I can imagine customers coming into my branch of Gamestation saying "I need a Wee for my son". POOR. Granted its a very simple name, but not one that translates well in all languages. When we come to tell people that its been renamed 'Wii', they will al laugh and I will not wonder why. Stupid, STUPID name. Change it back Nintendo, before I buy a PS3 and break your face.
Meph @ Apr 27th 2006 2:13PM
Wii? I mean HONESTLY.... is there ANYBODY over at that company that speaks English and knows what this means on the American market? The Wii?! Seriously, what worse possible names are there? I'd rather have my system called the Diarrhea Box cause that name is hysterical and how can you possibly make fun of a name that degrades itself already? The Wii? Can we get a petition going or start throwing beer bottles and Virtual Boys at Nintendo headquarters?
Erick G. @ Apr 27th 2006 2:19PM
Wii... crap. Why did you have to do this, Nintendo? Wii just sucks. RS would've been a lot better.
Anti-Nintendo guys will finally be able to make anti-Nintendo poems that rhyme with "pee".
Oh yeah, people don't make poems nowadays.
haegen @ Apr 27th 2006 2:21PM
"Wee" means that in US English too. :P"
not only that, but it's childish slang for it.
i think the name looks neat written down, but sounds stupid to say. it also doesn't look like 'Wee' to me, it looks like 'Wy'.
besides, maybe i just got used to saying 'the rev' but i think it has a much more forcefull ring to it. 'Wii' seems wimpy.
someguy @ Apr 27th 2006 2:23PM
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/revo
I say do you want a revolution??
Sam Goldman @ Apr 27th 2006 2:28PM
Did they actually pay someone to come up with that? Man, that must be the best job in the world.
Seriously, though, this name is unconscionably stupid.
Sam @ Apr 27th 2006 2:31PM
*bangs head on table repeatedly*
Ben @ Apr 27th 2006 2:33PM
"For all our US friends out there, "Wee" means "piss" in British English slang."
So, to the british, it's the same as if it were named the "Nintendo Piss." lol...
I think Nintendo is copying Apple... Too much! It just reminds me of Apple. This white, simple controller design. Supposed to be revolutionary. Supposed to be different. It just seems like an iPod tactic.
As for the name,[wii] it just means that the only people that will want a "wii" is little kids who have nintendo bedsheets. It will never show up on MTV like the 360 did and everyone will think of the "Wii" as a little kids toy.. Sort of like the game cube. I think that this is the beginning of a horrible system.
So when is wiifanboy.com going to be up?
jaen@comcast.net @ Apr 27th 2006 2:34PM
bummer
Brad Root @ Apr 27th 2006 2:36PM
Well so much for this domain name! What a waste.
SirQuady @ Apr 27th 2006 2:39PM
I'm dissapointed, but i have to point out:
Just think about the names of the other systems out there...do they actually make any sense? Xbox 360?
I quote Sarge of Red vs Blue: "What happened to Xbox's 2 through 359?"
Think back, too... Sega Master System? Really, it seems to me that the only systems that have had understandable names are the Nintendo Entertainment System and the Nintendo 64 (64 bit processor!).
Yeah, so, it's not the best...but does it really matter? name doesn't matter compared to the actual system!
Darth Pelican @ Apr 27th 2006 2:41PM
I could see myself saying I'm gonna go drown myself in my revolution or even go. But saying I'm gonna go drown myself in my wii? I can't do it
Ray @ Apr 27th 2006 2:41PM
I think everyone liked Revolution better, though the new name doesn't bother me. It's better than 360 (What nonsense is that?) and I like how it's spelled "Wii" though I agree, hard to go into a store for the Nintendo Wii. But the way it's spelled, the logo ... sounds, dare I say, hip? Maybe like the Vaio, it's just sleek looking. Doesn't sound gamey at all. Maybe that was the plan all along. They do want non-gamers, something a "Game Cube" couldn't do. Sounds too childish. This is ... well, grown up. I still like Revolution better, and I wonder if I'll hang onto that name for a long time or move one. But I do like the whole campaign so far. "We" will tear down walls. Pretty cool.
Though when I first read the name, I thought it was pronounced "Why"
Captain_Casey @ Apr 27th 2006 2:46PM
When I first saw this I thought, "Holy Crap Batman, how did they come up with such a stupid name." But, after reading revolution.nintendo.com page it is getting better, but it is still absolutly retarded. When I hear Wii, I think of a little kids telling his parents he has to go "take a wee." I doubt that Nintendo will change the name cause some people don't like the name, so we are just have to go deal with it. I plan on still calling it the Revolution, or anything, but Wii.
jake! @ Apr 27th 2006 2:46PM
wow, Nintendo just lost a ton of money. If people couldn't deciede to get one or not, they definetly won't be now. What a retarted name......They should have went with PEE
stapleboy @ Apr 27th 2006 2:56PM
Maybe this is one of the upcoming secrets Nintendo has been talking about... they release a completely idiotic "official" name only to show up at E3 with Revolution everything, laugh, and say "We had you guys going, didn't we!"
Otherwise, a whole bunch of marketing people should be looking for new jobs. I mean, come on, it looks dumb in print and sounds dumber spoken.
Anticrawl @ Apr 27th 2006 3:02PM
"Wii has a distinctive "ii" spelling that symbolizes both the unique controllers and the image of people gathering to play."
I imagine some English major already commented on this but if they were referring to two controllers they would have used each of and not both. They simply ment controller and image. They wouldn't have made a mistake like that. Every word those reps say is carefully chosen.
On another note, I think the name "Wii" is pretty "Wiik". I love Nintendo but since when do you have to have some sort of philisophical reasoning behind your consoles name?
Anticrawl
Andreas @ Apr 27th 2006 3:03PM
I think Wii is not pronounced "we". It's pronounced "Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii", or "Weeeeeeeeeheheeee". I think it's a splendid name. Who ever says "I'm going to play with my ps2" anyway? You probably just say "I'm going to play 'insert game title here' ", so that's just strange to point out. If the "Wii" will be in a sentence it'll more likely be something like: "Play Wii?", "Ok."
... Wii will also be the sound of me opening up the Wii box for the first time.