More people browse the net on PS3 than Wii
by David Hinkle 
{ Jan 2nd 2009 at 3:31PM }
Of course, one must take into account the fact that the Wii's web browser is no longer free. For a large part of the console's first year on the market it was, so that likely has a lot to do with how many folks are using their console to surf the web. The PS3's browser has always been absolutely free.
How many of you use your Wii to cruise the seedy backstreets of this intertron we all know and love?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
misfit410 @ Jan 2nd 2009 3:39PM
You spent $600 on a Blu-Ray player with no good games and outrageously priced movies, what else are you going to do with it?
AltCtrlPwn @ Jan 2nd 2009 4:34PM
Still using the no good games excuse for the PS3? Hahaha, you're obviously nothing more than a troll.
All I need to do now is play through Metroid Prime 3 and then put my Wii up for sale. None of its games have much replay value, especially since online play either blows or is nonexistent on most Wii titles.
Drahken @ Jan 2nd 2009 4:41PM
Wait wait wait. The guy with the anti-Nintendo post on a site called WiiFANBOY is calling the Nintendo fanboy a troll? Did I watch too much of Scifi's Twilight Zone marathon yesterday and step through some sort of doorway into topsy-turvy world? Is black now white? Is up now down? It's mass hysteria! Cats and dogs, living together! Lions and lambs in peace! Jews and Muslims! Yankees and Red Sox! Jerry and Newman! The end is is nigh!
Or maybe everything is the same, and it's just you that's the troll.
ProfWho @ Jan 2nd 2009 4:50PM
AltCtrlPwn,
Really, you are going to call someone a troll? Did you read your post?
Roto13 @ Jan 2nd 2009 5:35PM
They're both fanboy idiots. My Wii and PS3 get along fine.
Nathan-DTS @ Jan 5th 2009 12:52PM
1. The PS3 has GREAT games
2. No Wii fanboy can say "you have no good games" because the truth
of the matter is, the Wii has no good games.
3. Controller wins over Wiimote any day
(Mouse > Controller > Motion controlled shit)
4. The children and elderly can't connect to Wii shop to pay for the
Internet channel.
I have a Wii. I have about 7 games for it
(WarioWare, Twighlight Princess, Brawl, Mario Galaxy, Deca Sports, No More Heroes and Wii Sports) and they all fail to impress.
I have a PS3 and have about 20+ games for it. They are all value for money (with the exception of CoD 4).
Drahken @ Jan 7th 2009 2:22AM
Really? I wasn't even aware that there WERE twenty games for the PS3.
ProfWho @ Jan 2nd 2009 3:39PM
If they would release a proper update to the browser I would use it more.
R @ Jan 2nd 2009 3:42PM
Free>Paying
(though I bought my Wii in spring 07 so I never had to pay)
Also helps that PS3 has probably also updated flash.
Edge @ Jan 2nd 2009 3:51PM
"superior method of browsing"
Wow. There is undeserved sense of superiority... and then there's THIS.
Say it with me, one more time...
No control method is any better than any other unless it has better software to back it up. End of discussion, you ... edited for unnecessary anger and vulgarity.
David Hinkle @ Jan 2nd 2009 4:03PM
I meant that the Wiimote acts more like a mouse than using the analog sticks on a controller. Seems clear which is superior to me.
Ferco @ Jan 2nd 2009 4:34PM
"You smug dipshits"? That's a bit harsh for an opinion on a site called Nintendo Wii Fanboy...
AceRadd @ Jan 2nd 2009 4:36PM
Yeah, it's more like a mouse, but it's also bloody hard to keep your hand steady when you're pressing hyperlinks with the Wiimote. Hardly "superior".
Not to say trying to nudge an analogue stick over a link's any easier, but at least with the PS3 you can use the D-Pad to snap to links (I vaguely remember the Wii doing something similar with its D-Pad, but it's been that long since I used the internet channel, I can't remember. But then that just puts it on the same level as the PS3).
Not sure why there had to be any flame bait dropped in the article.
John @ Jan 2nd 2009 5:35PM
Dave, controls on the PS3 controller aren't that bad, but even if you ascertain they are, you do realize that any bluetooth mouse can be used with the PS3?
I like the quick zoom controls with the Wii, but clicking on a link is a drag sometimes.
Anyway, I think web browsing on any console is a horrible experience. Generally much, much slower and certainly not as sharp/detailed when compared to browsing on a computer.
Dave @ Jan 2nd 2009 4:06PM
I'd use the Wii browser if it supported Flash 9 and let me watch full-screen video. Wake me if Nintendo ever bothers to add that feature.
Dobbybabee @ Jan 2nd 2009 4:50PM
I don't know about all sites, but you can watch youtube fullscreen.
Dummy00001 @ Jan 2nd 2009 6:45PM
+1.
Also I wish YouTube supported Wii better: one always has to scroll a bit to see full video.
Randy @ Jan 2nd 2009 8:46PM
Agreed. Nintendo needs to update that browser NOW. As it is, I can't surf Hulu on the Wii browser. :-(
il_duce620 @ Jan 3rd 2009 12:15AM
That's my gripe, for shizzle...then again, I can't watch Lost on ABC.com because it doesn't have the right Flash version on the PS3, either...which is completely annoying...
schuyler @ Jan 2nd 2009 4:10PM
ive got both browsers but i like the ps3 one better and i end up using it more in my opinion it has better controls with the extra buttons to preform the tasks that are on screen on the wii browser and the support for a mouse and keyboard make it better in my mind but both of them seem silly in comparison to a computer
steve @ Jan 2nd 2009 4:12PM
#4
Youre dumb. You havent even used it. It really is nice. I've used the thing every now and then.I just rather have my usual computer programs when going around the web, thats why I use pc mainly.
I've used the Wii one more though because of flash games.
#2
They updated it a while ago. Dont know if you know.
#1
Its 400 now. Theres even a way to get it for 250. Those ridiculous priced movies are in HD. And really if you dont like any of the games for it then I dont know why you would even pick up a controller.
ProfWho @ Jan 2nd 2009 4:27PM
I should have clarified. I mean when they actually update it so that it can support Flash 9
Tristan @ Jan 2nd 2009 4:11PM
I used the Wii Browser to watch YouTube and to use the Orb network thing to stream files from my PC to it but that became heavily outweighed when pitted against the PSP-PS3 remote play.
I use the Ps3 browser more because of its better resolution display and swifter load times than Opera, it feels.
Even if it is 0.04% considering the massive numbers of Wiis than that is a lot. Should be much as likely for in the Nintendo Channel those links take you to the opera broswer, right?
Carl @ Jan 2nd 2009 4:18PM
I quit using it when it became clear that the Wiiware service was going to dominate my memory...
Meh... I'd rather play games rather than zooming in and out on a webpage while I'm on the couch...
Arex @ Jan 2nd 2009 4:24PM
I own both and the Wii is by far the easier browsing experience. I also find it to be a lot faster than browsing on the PS3 in terms of load times. No idea why load times are so slow on the PS3.
Unfortunately, the Wii browser's significantly lower resolution and lack of up to date Flash support means I now do most of my couch-based web browsing with the vastly inferior (for web browsing) PS3 controller.
Danny @ Jan 2nd 2009 4:32PM
Not only do some people know how to hold on to a controller when playing tetris, many people don't know how to connect their wiis to the Internet. I know people who cant figure it out, it is rather funny. Meanwhile I spend hours online in medal of honor heroes 2.
Peter S @ Jan 2nd 2009 5:21PM
Looking forward to an updated Flash Player myself. It's pretty lame right now that a lot of sites I'd like to use just won't work because of the version of Flash. Admittedly, I'd probably use it the most for streaming video of some sort, but I tend to skip it for the most part because the Flash player is old. Wasn't there a rumor going around that the browser will be updated this year?
Covarr @ Jan 2nd 2009 5:33PM
I hooked up a USB mouse and keyboard to my PS3, and use it on my HDTV. I tell ya, being able to have text small but readable makes a HUGE difference; at the Wii's max resolution of 480p, it's gotta be pretty zoomed it to be readable.
What I find interesting is that the console that needs hacked to run homebrew software has better homebrew than the console that has native Linux support.
duke_87 @ Jan 2nd 2009 5:36PM
Meh, I don't use either. When I want to browse the Internet, I do it on my laptop.
Forced to choose between the Wii and PS3 (I have both), I much prefer the Wii for the pointer functionality. Seriously, who can't hold it steady enough to click a link?
KaBob799 @ Jan 2nd 2009 6:17PM
Heh maybe we are hearing from all those 80 year olds who are supposably using the Wii =p
Roto13 @ Jan 2nd 2009 5:38PM
If you absolutely have to surf the internet on a video game console, it's easier with the Wii browser.
But odds are if you have an internet connection, you have a computer, making console browsers pretty redundant.
Alex @ Jan 2nd 2009 5:41PM
I don't have a PS3, but I've heard its browser is pretty horrible... I personally don't use the Wii browser at all, it was nice at first, but I prefer a computer. And yes, I got the browser for free.
time @ Jan 2nd 2009 5:41PM
If I am in my house, I am using my PC to browse the internet. Console browsers are a waste of time.
Mr Khan @ Jan 2nd 2009 5:50PM
Is the browser a native feature on the PS3? That might make the difference. The bulk of Wiis sold to date were probably sold after the software became something you had to pay for
Roto13 @ Jan 2nd 2009 6:01PM
That's probably exactly what it is. The PS3 browser does come standard.
m-p{3} @ Jan 2nd 2009 6:16PM
First, the PS3 browser is free.
Second, Nintendo please update the damned flash plugin!
KaBob799 @ Jan 2nd 2009 6:18PM
I'm guessing a lot of casual gamers don't even know that the Wii Internet Channel exists.
Dani @ Jan 2nd 2009 6:19PM
I only used to use it to watch BBC iPlayer on my TV, but since our cable has been fixed, I dont bother anymore.
To be honest, whats the point in using a slow, difficult to manipulate browser to surf the web (and here, I am including any console browser, because, lets face it the wii remote is damn difficult to keep straight and the PS3 controller isnt the fastest way to move about the page. And lets not get started on keyboards) when its just as easy to stick on of the many laptops on?
Josh @ Jan 2nd 2009 6:46PM
1920 x 1080 vs. 640 x 480 (and not even that, really).
I think the reason is obvious.
Bill @ Jan 2nd 2009 7:10PM
Agree. Browsing at 480p, regardless of how cool the controller or software is just doesn't cut it... Luckily, my TV is also connected to a Windows Media Center box, so I just pull up Firefox...
--Bill
CaptainBoosh @ Jan 2nd 2009 9:33PM
I use the Wii browser quite a lot. Only because of convenience. While playing World of Goo, I got stuck and really couldn't figure out what to do (I know, I'm a monster). So I hopped over to the browser and fired up Gamefaqs, got my answer, and went back to playing. Easy as pie and quick. I don't leave my PC on 24/7, so it's not worth the hassle to turn it on for stuff like that.
Plus I Youtube it after gaming sessions. Like listining to the Mega Man 9 Medley while getting ready for work etc.
Not to mention I check the Fanboy/Joystiq/Kotaku sites when I finish gaming sincethe Wii is already on.
Metayoshi @ Jan 3rd 2009 6:05AM
Wow... I'd personally never go through Gamefaqs with the Wii Browser. No Control+F is a BIG flaw since you'll have to search though hordes of text to get to the part you need help on. Then again, a World of Goo FAQ is going to be much simpler to search through than an RPG FAQ, which is what I usually look through for those ridiculous ultimate weapon side quests... And item locations don't usually appear until the end of a FAQ, plus assuming the length of an RPG is a good 30 hours, give or take a few... Yeah... I'd rather have my Control+F.
Pikatroid @ Jan 4th 2009 1:00AM
I use the PS3 browser more, sadly. It's just faster! That's the only reason!
Garst @ Jan 2nd 2009 11:45PM
Those numbers aren't reliable! It's even less than 500th of a percent difference. I'm don't really feel like arguing that point though. I'm just saying with numbers that small, you can't really say they're accurate. Especially what they're trying to measure.
AltCtrlPwn @ Jan 3rd 2009 2:42AM
"Wait wait wait. The guy with the anti-Nintendo post . . ."
First of all, how's that anti-Nintendo?
I've got nothing against Nintendo -- I grew up on SNES/N64/GBC, and I've still got all of those along with a Gamecube and Wii.
Second, can you actually name any good Wii titles that have great online play?
Super Mario Galaxy, No More Heroes, Twilight Princess, SSBB, Super Mario Strikers, Guitar Hero 3, Mario Kart Wii etc. . . . were all fun while they lasted, but after a single playthrough I got rid of half of those titles. The only game I considered playing through a second time was SMG, and only because I wanted to use Luigi.
I was suprised that MKW's online was almost completely lag-free and setting up races was quick and simple, but being first place and being bombarded with Blue Shells when you're doing great isn't my idea of fun, either.
Metayoshi @ Jan 3rd 2009 5:52AM
The Wii's control scheme may be better to use with an internet browser, but the PS3's browser is still superior in my opinion. Like a few said above me, the PS3 browser actually has an updated version of flash, while the Wii is still using version 7, if memory serves me correctly. Also, like someone else said, the PS3 browser can be viewed in a MUCH higher resolution than the Wii Browser, though it's not too bad with the zoom in feature.
The PS3 browser just feels more responsive than the Wii browser, in my opinion.
Ultima_Thule @ Jan 3rd 2009 11:11AM
I've got both. I find the Wii browser a lot more sluggish than the PS3 one. I also find it more difficult to use, but then again, I've only had the Wii since xmas day, while I've had a full year to get used to the PS3 version. The higher resolution of the PS3 browser, plus it's newer version of flash and mouse+keyboard support tips the balance in favour of the PS3 browser for me.
I also think it's a bit of a cheek of Nintendo to initially give Opera away for free, but charge other Wii users for it down the line.
Adrian @ Jan 3rd 2009 11:22AM
I used the Wii's Opera browser for awhile. And it DOES come in handy if you're staying in a hotel that has Wi-Fi and you need to check your email/myspace, etc...
But, I have a pretty nice PC & have long since removed the browser from my Wii because of the obvious shortage of space for games. In my opinion, Anyone who owns a PC surely has no use for a browser on their game console. Same thing with the News & Forecast channels. Does anybody know anyone who bought their Wii for the weather and news features? I doubt it...
Jeffyg3 @ Jan 3rd 2009 1:03PM
You have a PS3 and a Wii and you're playing on an HDTV. Which console are you going to browse with? Wii with only a cruddy resolution output of 720x480 or a PS3 that can go up to 1920×1080 resolution?
I'm in the same situation, why the hell would I browse the internet on my HDTV with a Wii? It's worthless.
Eric @ Jan 4th 2009 7:06PM
If I had to choose between Wii and PlayStation 3, I'd certainly use the PlayStation browser more.
The main reason is that the Internet hasn't been 864x480 in many years. Most sites I see recommend 1024x768, at least, which gives the PlayStation an edge, assuming both are on widescreen HD screens.
Fortunately, I don't have to choose, because my computer is a DVI cable away from my TV.