Wii, Creating Internet Buzz

What's the buzz on the Internet all about these days? According to a market research firm called BrandIntel, it's Wii! BrandIntel found that between Nov. 17th and Dec 21st Wii was mentioned on the Internet about 10% more than PS3 or Xbox360.

At GizmoCafe.com we've seen a lot of hardcore fans of Wii promoting enthusiasm for their favorite console. But game console fanaticism is also just a fact of life. Any perceived criticism of one of the big three and you'll face instant retribution from a fan who doesn't care what you said, just that you might have said something bad about his favorite toy. Wii fans are no exception. Wii's ubiquitous fanbase is probably due to established franchises like Zelda who get a new episode this time around.

Nintendo's unique controller dubbed Wii-Mote has become a fascinating story. Nintendo took a risk and thus far it's paid off. Risk taking underdog's winning the day is what legends are made from.

Add to Nintendo's already compelling story - complaints of injuries, Wii lawsuits and damage to TVs. Wii makes for some lively copy when you write tech news. It's not a surprise Nintendo's new game console is the hottest topic on the Internet right now. But months ago, who would have guessed Wii would not only be out buzzing but also outselling PS3 and Xbox360 during the Christmas season of '06?

See our video preview of Wii

Read the Complete Wii Review by Brando

6 comments
Posted by Al Gore on January 1,2007 at 4:23 PM
I was saying from the beginning that Wii will outsell PS3 and XBX360 et all. I knew it was going to happen all along. Certain key performance indicators seemed to suggest a winfall for Nintendo in the Wii.

But nobody listened to me, jeez!

Now if only they'll listen to me about this global warming stuff.
Posted by Paul on January 1,2007 at 3:38 AM
When the Nintendo people introduced the controller, they talked about how most family members are actively aversive to even touching the usual game controller, I thought, "That's me, for sure," and I thought they may have something here.
Posted by SmartConsumer on December 31,2006 at 1:24 PM
Jimbo,

If that were true, then current gamers would be the only people chosing the wii. As it is- I know 14 people in my circle of friends who have bought a wii this year...8 of which have never owned a system in their life. They tried it out at my house on launch day, picked up their own (one bough 6 Wiis from NOA HQ's store) took them home to the fam for the holidays...

Its the controller and the fun they are having which is selling the systems..Dreamcast and Cube were cheaper than Xbox and PS2 for the majority of the last five years, and neither sold very well.

Innovation talks, money is just a persuasive argument on the side.
Posted by Jimbo on December 30,2006 at 9:15 AM
Hey SmartConsumer, I remember thinking Wii would probably end up outselling the other guys too, just because they're the cheaper one.

Money talks
Posted by SmartConsumer on December 29,2006 at 9:13 PM
"But months ago, who would have guessed Wii would not only be out buzzing but also outselling PS3 and Xbox360 during the Christmas season of '06?"

I guessed it...I bought stock in the company once I saw the new controller last year...yay for me :)
Posted by wiiman on December 29,2006 at 3:50 PM
wii > 360 > ps2 > ps3