Cutline Speaks

Wii know what’s up

posted by The Cutline Team on January 18, 2008

At Cutline, when we say we like to have fun, we deliver.  So when everyone was out scooping up last year’s hottest holiday toy, the Wii, we were right there with them. Nintendo has managed to turn what were once thought of as esoteric objects of geek obsession into integral parts of global popular culture. Suddenly, everyone from hardcore to casual gamers, and seniors to royalty, are strapping on Wiimotes and enjoying themselves.

So what gives? Video games have been gradually making their way out of geeks’ bedrooms. But now they’re moving into retirement communities and Buckingham Palace? Perhaps consumers were initially attracted to Wii’s comparatively low price, listed more than $100 cheaper than Playstation 3 and Xbox 360, or maybe Wii’s software titles capitalized on gamers’ familiarity with Nintendo’s established franchises, such as Super Mario or Super Smash Bros. Or maybe it’s just simply… the Wii’s simplicity.  Still, even if these scenarios are true, it does not explain the unprecedented breadth of Wii’s popularity.

I congratulate Nintendo on discovering novel ways to bring people together. There really is something fascinating about watching people’s behavior while shooting imaginary arrows or rolling invisible bowling balls.  But even mere intrigue does not explain this.

If you come to our office, we’ll let you try it out, but don’t expect us to go easy on you.  We have a bit of a competitive streak. 

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