Today Nintendo has published a press release confirming they have now sold 30 million Wii units in the US alone, making it the fastest console to reach that milestone in the history of gaming.
The original Wii was launched back in 2006 and has beaten the next best-selling console to the 30 million mark by 15 months.
The Success of the Wii Console
The Wii’s success can be attributed to its innovative motion-sensing technology, which revolutionized the way people interact with video games. Unlike traditional gaming consoles that relied on button-based controllers, the Wii introduced the Wii Remote, a device that could detect motion and orientation. This allowed for a more immersive and physically engaging gaming experience, appealing to a broader audience, including families and older adults who might not have been traditional gamers.
Additionally, the Wii’s library of games played a significant role in its success. Titles like “Wii Sports,” “Mario Kart Wii,” and “The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess” became instant classics, drawing in millions of players worldwide. The console also offered a variety of fitness games, such as “Wii Fit,” which further broadened its appeal by promoting physical activity.
Speculations About the Wii 2
Fuelling the rumor that a new Wii 2 can be expected sometime in 2011, complete with HD support and a Blu-ray player.
As Nintendo is the only current games console manufacturer not to be providing HD, the rumor does make some sense. High-definition graphics have become a standard expectation among gamers, and the lack of HD support has been a notable gap in the Wii’s feature set. Upgrading to HD would allow Nintendo to compete more directly with other consoles like the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, which already offer high-definition gaming experiences.
However, as for the Blu-ray player, this may be a step too far due to costs and market considerations. Blu-ray technology, while offering high storage capacity and high-definition video playback, would add significant cost to the console. Moreover, with the increasing popularity of digital downloads and streaming services, the necessity of a physical media player is diminishing. Many gamers are now opting to download their games directly from online stores, reducing the need for physical discs.
Another aspect to consider is Nintendo’s historical focus on affordability and accessibility. Adding a Blu-ray player could potentially increase the price of the console, which might deter some of its target audience. Nintendo has always aimed to make gaming accessible to everyone, and a significant price hike could undermine this goal.
Despite these considerations, the anticipation for a new Wii console is palpable. Fans are eager to see what innovations Nintendo will bring to the table next. The company’s track record of creativity and innovation in gaming hardware suggests that whatever comes next will likely be groundbreaking in its own right.
We’ll keep you posted.
Via Slashgear
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