How Nintendo is Creating Distinction Between the Wii and the Wii U

In the past, Nintendo has had trouble making their consoles unique, especially because the consoles share similar names and looks to the previous generation. One way Nintendo is trying to combat this problem with the Wii U is by the using something as simple as the console position.

[Dr_Salvitor]

This hole Wii Wii U supposed confusion thing is just stupid.

Xbox -> Xbox360

PlayStation -> PlayStation 2 -> PlayStation 3

Wii -> Wii U

How hard could it possibly be to understand; They clearly stated its a new console when they announce it. I saw some supposed video game sites such as G4 ( first offender off the top of my head) pretending they did not know it was a new console when it was announced just to troll and create confusion.

[ZoyosJD]

The point is that the average consumer base for Nintendo doesn't know. In fact Some people I know initially thought it was just a new controller, particularly after the first E3 showing.

[PopRocks359]

Doesn't that sort of thing happen all the time though? I knew people six years ago who thought the 360 was just another Xbox with a new shape, and Xbox 'slim' if you will.

If a person is shown a Wii U and they simply ask the question "What is it?", they will be told "it's a new Nintendo console."

Consumers are not that stupid. Some may be uninformed, but not stupid.

[ZoyosJD]

@poprocks
It may be common (part of my inital point anyways), but consumers should at least know it's a new console.

I have shown people the console and had them say hey "I've got one of those Wii things."

Seeing games that only look like Nintendoland or something else that is played on other game systems doesn't help differentiate itself.

The controller does, but then again it could be just a new controller.

[shutUpAndTakeMyMoney]

Xbox(core gaming) ) -> Xbox360(core gaming at first)
PlayStation(hardcore) -> PlayStation 2(core gaming) -> PlayStation 3(core gaming)
Wii(casual) -> Wii U(core gaming ?)

Do you really want wiiU to be like wii? Really?

[linkratos]

Claiming PS1 was for core gaming is very revisionist history. And it's not about core vs casual, it's about brand recognition. Wii has huge consumer mindshare right now.

[ninjabake]

Cut it out with that. You can play videogames of all genres and styles across all platforms. "Hardcore gaming" is a term a bunch of entitled nerds came up with and has no true definition. If you play videogames your a gamer. I don't care how much or how little you play them or what system/computer you play it on.

[Venoxn4g]

you are talking nonsence.. PS1 & PS2 had games for both, casuals and core.. its only this gen, when people started this pointless sorting.. and yes, I want WII U a lot, because I enjoy good Core and some casual games too

[1upgamer99]

Uhhh, LOL this is a stupid article. In the past consoles "looked similar" really? Yeah I can see how I would confuse a NES From a N64, Or perhaps the Gamecube for a Super Nes. This guy Does say "looked" similar. Now as for Wii and Wii U they do look very similar, but that is the first time I have seen Nintendo do that in 22 years give or take.

[IWentBrokeForGaming]

if it weren't for the controller and seeing the games running on it... I wouldn't have done a double take to notice it weren't just a Wii!

[hard joe]

adding tablet with buttons controller and step up to hd?

[scotchmouth]

Buttons controller

[josephayal]

Same console, same games with better graphics

[MySwordIsHeavenly]

It doesn't matter... People are going to buy it anyway. Ignorance is a huge factor in consumerism...not to mention politics. ;)

[Zok]

Anyone think this trend of similar console names will keep going, even after this generation of consoles?

[Kos-Mos]

"In the past, Nintendo has had trouble making their consoles unique"
I stopped reading.

[Schawk]

I know what im getting WII u BABY O yea 1080p COD
wii u is powerfull i cant wait to get it , please hurry up 30th November
Nintendo finally has the most powerfull console again displaying so called HARDCORE games in 1080p , my body is ready

[Benjamminkno]

Ok, vertical and horizontal position is the only way Nintendo is making a distinction between the two.... got it.