While last week some called the popularity of the Wii a bubble that was on the verge of bursting, retailers are admitting that supply may, for the second year in a row, fail to keep up with consumer demand.
So what’s going on here? There seems to be an odd disconnect between consumers and developers. Consumers still want the Wii, clearly, but third-party developers may be getting tired of the Wii’s uniquely challenging development environment. And their reward? Slumping software sales. So what do consumers want to Wii for?
I’m not sure, but I’m guessing it’s part curiosity, part faith — faith that Nintendo will continue to deliver software that is as fun as Wii Sports, as high-quality as Legend of Zelda.
5 comments so far
1:05 PM PT
Curiosity and faith are part, sure. But the sports games it ships with are almost enough fun for most people. Plus with the increased appeal across a broader demographic, this isn’t a surprise at all. For $250, it’s actually a no-brainer.
Plus most people don’t know, or really care about the 3rd party issues.
1:36 PM PT
As a thirty-something dad with a couple of pre-teen daughters, the Wii (i’ve hidden in my closet for Christmas) will be our first gaming console. I doubt we will purchase more than 3 games in 2008 - as we represent a broad “beginner” demographic that are not the dedicated gamers you find on XBox and PS3.
2:47 PM PT
It doesn’t seem like much of a leap of faith to me. Historically, games have improved as the console ages. Isn’t it usually around year 3 when games really hit their stride?
3:29 PM PT
[...] A Nintendo Wii, if I could find one [...]
5:14 PM PT
As high-quality as Legend of Zelda? It was a Gamecube game that happens to works with the Wii-remote. What makes you think Nintendo can not top that. Just think how well the controls will work with a new Pikmin or Animal Crossing. For people who can not wait that long there is Battalion Wars II or Mario Galaxy of course.
Third parties… So far I only seen a few unique titles. Most games out there are quick ps2 or psp ports. I don’t feel that a lot of them earn a reward at this point.
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