In a surprise announcement this morning, Nintendo revealed the new name of its forthcoming game system: Wii. "As in 'we'," the official statement adds. For the official announcement visit the Revolution...err...Wii Web site.

After a brief Flash introduction, the site explains Nintendo's move. "While the code-name 'Revolution' expressed our direction, Wii represents the answer. Wii will break down that wall that separates game players from everybody else. Wii will put people more in touch with their games … and each other."

The site goes on to say that Wii should be easy to remember for people around the world, no matter their language, and that it will avoid abbreviation. As for the unusual spelling with the lower-case letter "i" doubled up is intended to represent "both the unique controllers and the image of people gathering to play."

"So that's Wii. But now Nintendo needs you.
Because, it's really not about you or me.
It's about Wii.
And together, Wii will change everything."

GameSpot will have more on this story as it develops. However, it may be worth noting that "ii" means "good" in Japanese.

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6148462.html

http://revolution.nintendo.com/

I myself was quiet shocked at the news. I thought Revolution would be a good name for it. Although my initial reaction was somewhere along the lines of "OMG!! Noo! They jsut screwed themselves", I actually, in the short amount of time, have gotten used to it. I mean, Nintendo has a good concept and has a good thing going for it. Now if only people are just willing to give it a try. This new generation isn't about better graphics, it's about uniting everyone through gaming IMO. Xbox had success with it after their experiment with Xbox Live showed how people like to communicate through gaming. They seem to jsut be redoing it IMO, but Nintendo seems to know what they should od while Xbox is just adding things here and there and calling it Next Gen. PS3 won't work...it's jsut too expensive and nothing really innovative IMO...

Games = fun
Innovation = fun
Nintendo = fun

People might not like it now, but they will warm up to it.

Problem is, it's going to be wierd asking for the Nintendo Wii when you go to the store to buy it. I think alot of people are still going to call it the Revolution in the years to come.

Lol, no difference to me. I wouldn't touch one anyways. I'm awaiting the PS3 :)

I think they should of just kept it as the "Revolution" instead of "Wii". We sounds so "weak", and it sounds like "weak". Tis a lame name in my opinion.

That's really sad..."wii" doesn't strike me like "Revolution" does. I've only heard it as the Nintedo Revolution for so long, but I think people are still going to call it Revolution regardless. What's funny is that I heard it was going to be another name/names as well. But those names have been proven false. Did they think it was a long name "Nintedo Revolution"? "NR" could have been easier. For example, doesn't anyone say Playstation or Playstation 2?...it's just only PS2/PS1/PS/PS3.

They should have just stuck with the name "revolution" .. just because that's what it's been called since the idea.. I can't wait for it. Yeah, I'm a Nintendo fan-girl.. and well, I know I sure as hell won't be able to afford the PS3 when it comes out.. or.. probably.. ever. I'm behind the times in my collection. I'm still playing Turbo-Grafix and Dreamcast.. heh. I only play PS2 at other people's houses... just because if I own one.. no one will ever see me.. ever.

andricon-girl

They should have just stuck with the name "revolution" .. just because that's what it's been called since the idea.. I can't wait for it. Yeah, I'm a Nintendo fan-girl.. and well, I know I sure as hell won't be able to afford the PS3 when it comes out.. or.. probably.. ever. I'm behind the times in my collection. I'm still playing Turbo-Grafix and Dreamcast.. heh. I only play PS2 at other people's houses... just because if I own one.. no one will ever see me.. ever.

Yeah I could care less about what it's called. I can't wait to try it out though. Seems like it'll be A LOT of fun.
I still play dreamcast as well.

When you think of it, at least it's creative and original. -shrug-

Exactly.

Big points on Originality.

Xbox....hm...lets add a 360 on the end of it!

Playstation...since it's the second...lets put a 2 on it...then a 3 on the third!

When I first heard the name I just laughed. In the end though, I doubt what they call it will matter too much. I think most gamers will buy what they are going to buy based on the games and not what the system itself is called.

I love the name, Wii - it is creative and exciting and it definitely fits. I thought 'revolution' was a little lame and boring. this announcement made me way more excited for it!!

I wish I could agree with you bandikoot, but unfortunately, I can't. First off, it's the most ridiculous name ever. PERIOD. Secondly, the name WILL matter, because most people won't want to be caught dead asking a store clerk about the Nintendo "Wii". I am one of these people, and I readily admit this. It's unfortunate that the name of the system will overshadow the games themselves, but that's exactly how I see it happening. Now, feel free to make some "Wii" jokes while I go barf, and then proceed to burn all of my Nintendo stuff, which is considerable because I have every single Nintendo console and portable ever made. What a freaking joke this is. Bring on the PS3!!!

Wiiiiiii

Wii will rock you!

...

there have been worse names (xbox, come on lol)

Wii is better than Xbox 360 (why 360) or Playstation 3 (real original...)

But Wii is also funny as hell. Anyways I'm going to go take a wii. =)

Well the system is not scheduled to be released for another 8 months or more, I would not be surprised if they they change the name again.

I had to laugh... a lot at the new name. Lately I am disappointed for there games. Yes innovative, but they fall short in everywhere else compared to the big hitters. Gamecube had a lot of games I didn't like with the exception of RE4. As for the name, I don't honestly see any advantage in this? I hope it pays off for them. Sounds a bit more homely tho.