The Big Ideas Behind the Wii

[Jessterw]

http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/nov2006/tc20061116_750580.htm

[b]Miyamoto:/b] Originally, I wanted a machine that would cost $100. My idea was to spend nothing on the console technology so all the money could be spent on improving the interface and software... To answer your questions, yes, we set out to design a console that would sell for less than 25,000 yen ($211). It was a tall hurdle. But unless you start off with a target, you can't control costs and you'll inevitably lose money. Also, we thought a low-cost console would make moms happy....

Rather than just picking new technology, we thought seriously about what a game console should be. [CEO Satoru] Iwata wanted a console that would play every Nintendo game ever made. Moms would hate it if they had to have several consoles lying around.

Nintendo's developers and designers truly put a lot of thought into the Wii and obviously not just towards what gamers want in a system.

[Sasq]

This is the crux of what I have discussed with many people

Miyamoto: We had to compromise on graphics and give up on a powerful chip. Many of our employees initially wanted high-definition graphics. But they agreed with us that graphics wouldn't matter if the games weren't fun to play.

[schmosef]

bring 'em.

so far... red steel sux. and zelda is only "good".

[Jessterw]

Yeah, apparently Zelda is only "good" even compared to GC games, though I've read and heard that it is redeemed by the gameplay to a certain extent.

I think it will take some time for the developers to exploit the new remote and nunchuck controllers to their fullest and integrate them into per game experiences that make sense.

[Gurm]

I think that people are still expecting KILLER GRAPHICS DOOD!

When in reality most of us are perfectly happy with the current graphics level. Many of us still own a regular ol' TV, and are ok with PS2/GameCube/XBox caliber graphics... if only the games were good!

[Jessterw]

Oh no doubt, I love great graphics as much as the next guy (or gal), but there's something infinitely satisfying about a few rounds of four player Mario Kart

[Gurm]

Oh no doubt, I love great graphics as much as the next guy (or gal), but there's something infinitely satisfying about a few rounds of four player Mario Kart

Exactly!

[Sasq]

speaking of mario cart, i had friends over last night - none of them had every played Mario Kart.

5 mins in, and they were hooked, I was planning on a little Kart and then maybe a vid, 6 hours of kart later...

[TransformX]

I think that people are still expecting KILLER GRAPHICS DOOD!

When in reality most of us are perfectly happy with the current graphics level. Many of us still own a regular ol' TV, and are ok with PS2/GameCube/XBox caliber graphics... if only the games were good!

Quite true. My wife still loves SoulCalibur on the Dreamcat, she prefers it over SC2 and probably even over SC3 on the PS2.