Can brains top brawn forever: Will the Wii appeal last?

Do you guys think the non gamers (casuals) that are buying the Wii now will lose interest in a while or will the brains from Nintendo and their creative console continue to top the sheer power of the PS3 and 360?

 

[QUOTE="Gamesaustra"]

A new LA Times report sees analysts debating whether the strong start the Wii is enjoying can be carried on in the long term.

Gartner's Van Baker questions whether the Wii has enough in the tank to keep casuals hooked for a long time: "Its appeal is primarily to casual gamers, and there's a serious question about how long casuals gamers will stay engaged with the platform...It wouldn't be surprising to see them lose interest aftera relatively short amount of time."

Mike Worhaus seems to disagree stating "We don't see it fading".

the-very-best

What do you guys think?

I love the wii, and so do millions of other people.

But reality is that it doesn't have a long shelf life.  It's only for a few years, sooner or later the gap between the Wii and the 360 and ps3 will be so large that Nintendo will have to make a more powerful console with the motion controls.

It seems to me that the Wii it self is a beta and Nintendo wanted to release a product with a new way to play the game for cheap and see how it would do, they wouldn't spend tons of money on a new powerful system and have it being a disaster because of the controls.

So the way I see it is that Nintendo will be releasing a new system in the next couple of years, but with better hardware, same motion control and with a higher price tag.  

[QUOTE="eastside49er"]

I know a few people who wish they had never got a Wii mainly because of the gaming selection. They would rather have a 360, but the price is just a bit too steep. Rest assured, once the price drops, they will probably turn in their Wiis for 360s. They are true gamers, not the ignorant casual/non-gamer who eats up Wiis like it is gods gift, so it is no surprise to me that they are disappointed. Like me, they bought a Wii to get their Nintendo fix, much like they got a GCN. Nothing more. Nothing less. Problem is, they can't even get that because of the horrid selection of games and when looking at the 360 lineup, it peaks their interests more and more with every blockbuster announcement. I'd say the tide will turn once MS drops the 360's premium and Elite prices $100. I know many people who are just waiting for that first price drop to get a 360 and on top of that they want to play Gears of War, they want to play Halo 3, they want to play GTA IV, etc, etc.

GunSmith1_basic

And they will still get a 360 because they have been wanting a 360 from the get go. You would be amazed at how many people want a 360, but balk at it, just like they balk at getting a PS3. Same reason. The price, although most would agree that the PS3 lineup is complete trash as well when compared to the 360 lineup. A price drop will do the 360 wonders, especially when you throw in the games already out and soon to be out for the system.

[QUOTE="the-very-best"]

Do you guys think the non gamers (casuals) that are buying the Wii now will lose interest in a while or will the brains from Nintendo and their creative console continue to top the sheer power of the PS3 and 360?

 

[QUOTE="Gamesaustra"]

A new LA Times report sees analysts debating whether the strong start the Wii is enjoying can be carried on in the long term.

Gartner's Van Baker questions whether the Wii has enough in the tank to keep casuals hooked for a long time: "Its appeal is primarily to casual gamers, and there's a serious question about how long casuals gamers will stay engaged with the platform...It wouldn't be surprising to see them lose interest aftera relatively short amount of time."

Mike Worhaus seems to disagree stating "We don't see it fading".

KAS3Y_JAM3Z

What do you guys think?

I love the wii, and so do millions of other people.

But reality is that it doesn't have a long shelf life.  It's only for a few years, sooner or later the gap between the Wii and the 360 and ps3 will be so large that Nintendo will have to make a more powerful console with the motion controls.

It seems to me that the Wii it self is a beta and Nintendo wanted to release a product with a new way to play the game for cheap and see how it would do, they wouldn't spend tons of money on a new powerful system and have it being a disaster because of the controls.

So the way I see it is that Nintendo will be releasing a new system in the next couple of years, but with better hardware, same motion control and with a higher price tag.  

That could be the case, but I believe it will be more than just a few years.

[QUOTE="KAS3Y_JAM3Z"][QUOTE="the-very-best"]

Do you guys think the non gamers (casuals) that are buying the Wii now will lose interest in a while or will the brains from Nintendo and their creative console continue to top the sheer power of the PS3 and 360?

 

[QUOTE="Gamesaustra"]

A new LA Times report sees analysts debating whether the strong start the Wii is enjoying can be carried on in the long term.

Gartner's Van Baker questions whether the Wii has enough in the tank to keep casuals hooked for a long time: "Its appeal is primarily to casual gamers, and there's a serious question about how long casuals gamers will stay engaged with the platform...It wouldn't be surprising to see them lose interest aftera relatively short amount of time."

Mike Worhaus seems to disagree stating "We don't see it fading".

eastside49er

What do you guys think?

I love the wii, and so do millions of other people.

But reality is that it doesn't have a long shelf life. It's only for a few years, sooner or later the gap between the Wii and the 360 and ps3 will be so large that Nintendo will have to make a more powerful console with the motion controls.

It seems to me that the Wii it self is a beta and Nintendo wanted to release a product with a new way to play the game for cheap and see how it would do, they wouldn't spend tons of money on a new powerful system and have it being a disaster because of the controls.

So the way I see it is that Nintendo will be releasing a new system in the next couple of years, but with better hardware, same motion control and with a higher price tag.

That could be the case, but I believe it will be more than just a few years.

Maybe so, time will tell.

But my theory, in my opinion, seems that it could be true. I think it has maybe, 2 1/2 or 3 years when it hits it's 1 year birthday later this year.

Time will tell. 

[QUOTE="KAS3Y_JAM3Z"][QUOTE="the-very-best"]

Do you guys think the non gamers (casuals) that are buying the Wii now will lose interest in a while or will the brains from Nintendo and their creative console continue to top the sheer power of the PS3 and 360?

[QUOTE="Gamesaustra"]

A new LA Times report sees analysts debating whether the strong start the Wii is enjoying can be carried on in the long term.

Gartner's Van Baker questions whether the Wii has enough in the tank to keep casuals hooked for a long time: "Its appeal is primarily to casual gamers, and there's a serious question about how long casuals gamers will stay engaged with the platform...It wouldn't be surprising to see them lose interest aftera relatively short amount of time."

Mike Worhaus seems to disagree stating "We don't see it fading".

eastside49er

What do you guys think?

I love the wii, and so do millions of other people.

But reality is that it doesn't have a long shelf life. It's only for a few years, sooner or later the gap between the Wii and the 360 and ps3 will be so large that Nintendo will have to make a more powerful console with the motion controls.

It seems to me that the Wii it self is a beta and Nintendo wanted to release a product with a new way to play the game for cheap and see how it would do, they wouldn't spend tons of money on a new powerful system and have it being a disaster because of the controls.

So the way I see it is that Nintendo will be releasing a new system in the next couple of years, but with better hardware, same motion control and with a higher price tag.

That could be the case, but I believe it will be more than just a few years.

I guess Wii's going to have to outsell everybody for the rest of the generation before people accept the fact that it's not a fad.

But then I don't expect fanboys to ever admit it. 

[QUOTE="eastside49er"][QUOTE="KAS3Y_JAM3Z"][QUOTE="the-very-best"]

Do you guys think the non gamers (casuals) that are buying the Wii now will lose interest in a while or will the brains from Nintendo and their creative console continue to top the sheer power of the PS3 and 360?

 

[QUOTE="Gamesaustra"]

A new LA Times report sees analysts debating whether the strong start the Wii is enjoying can be carried on in the long term.

Gartner's Van Baker questions whether the Wii has enough in the tank to keep casuals hooked for a long time: "Its appeal is primarily to casual gamers, and there's a serious question about how long casuals gamers will stay engaged with the platform...It wouldn't be surprising to see them lose interest aftera relatively short amount of time."

Mike Worhaus seems to disagree stating "We don't see it fading".

Zhengi

What do you guys think?

I love the wii, and so do millions of other people.

But reality is that it doesn't have a long shelf life. It's only for a few years, sooner or later the gap between the Wii and the 360 and ps3 will be so large that Nintendo will have to make a more powerful console with the motion controls.

It seems to me that the Wii it self is a beta and Nintendo wanted to release a product with a new way to play the game for cheap and see how it would do, they wouldn't spend tons of money on a new powerful system and have it being a disaster because of the controls.

So the way I see it is that Nintendo will be releasing a new system in the next couple of years, but with better hardware, same motion control and with a higher price tag.

That could be the case, but I believe it will be more than just a few years.

Okay buddy, how about you read my whole post before you think I'm bashing the Wii, sound good? K, good. I love the wii, I think it is an amazing console that is amazingly fun. I have played Wii Sports for hours and have made countless Mii Hitlers and Mii Jesus's.

But there is a graphics gap between the wii and the 360 and the ps3, that is an obvious fact. That doesn't mean the wii is worse by ANY means but a lot of people will want to buy the stronger console and Nintendo will eventually have to make a new one with better hardware if they want to compete with sony's supposed "10 year ps3.

And the ps2 has always sold well, it's amazingly cheap and has a great library of games. But I'm talking about the 3 next gen consoles here.  

okay buddy, how about you actually read my whole post before you go assuming things, sound good? good. I love the wii. Im not saying anything bad against it. But you can't deny that there is a huge difference between the wii and the 360 and ps3.

the ps2 has always sold well, it's amazingly cheap right now, and it has an amazing library of games, but it isn't a next gen console, and that's what im talking about right now. I'm talking about the next generation console war.

KAS3Y_JAM3Z

[QUOTE="KAS3Y_JAM3Z"]

 

 

okay buddy, how about you actually read my whole post before you go assuming things, sound good? good. I love the wii. Im not saying anything bad against it. But you can't deny that there is a huge difference between the wii and the 360 and ps3.

 

the ps2 has always sold well, it's amazingly cheap right now, and it has an amazing library of games, but it isn't a next gen console, and that's what im talking about right now. I'm talking about the next generation console war.

 

Zhengi

omgggg, read my other post instead. you are arguing for no reason, if anything I think the same things you do. It's like you have a bad grudge or something, jeeeeez.

[QUOTE="Zhengi"][QUOTE="KAS3Y_JAM3Z"]

 

 

okay buddy, how about you actually read my whole post before you go assuming things, sound good? good. I love the wii. Im not saying anything bad against it. But you can't deny that there is a huge difference between the wii and the 360 and ps3.

 

the ps2 has always sold well, it's amazingly cheap right now, and it has an amazing library of games, but it isn't a next gen console, and that's what im talking about right now. I'm talking about the next generation console war.

 

KAS3Y_JAM3Z

omgggg, read my other post instead. you are arguing for no reason, if anything I think the same things you do. It's like you have a bad grudge or something, jeeeeez.

Yes they do seem to be on the defensive for no reason.

As far as that whole argument about where devs should make their games, well that is obvious. The 360. It has a proven track record and I believe already has 17 or 18 games that have sold over 1 million copies, with a few more nearing that number. That number will be up in the high 20s by the time this year is over with and will no doubt be the king of software sales through out this gen. The 5+ game attach rate is baffling especially when you consider that the 360 is already nearly 12 million shipped to retail.

In a year, the Wii will be forgetten and the PLAYSTATION 3 will have taken it's place. Once developers get a hold of the true power of CELL and RSX, it will convert the ENTIRE gaming industry to Sony's favor. Think about it, it's just a matter of time before games like MGS4, GTA4, DMC4, Socom:Confrontation, GRAW2 (CONFIRMED better than 360 version), Haze, Ratchet and Clank, God of War 3, GT5, FFXIII, FFXIII VS, Heavenly Sword, Ninja Gaiden: Sigma, Warhawk, Lair, Singstar, Wipeout, White Knight Story, UNCHARTED, Killzone 2, Little Big Planet, Tekken 6, Hot Shots Golf, Jak & Daxter, Getaway, Rockband, Folklore, Eye of Judgement and MANY MANY more games come out and kill off what's left of the Wii buzz. Only with Cell can developers really deliever a truly next gen experience with advanced AI, PHYSICS such as cloth mesh physics, hair physics, and environment physics, TEXTURES and graphics, sound that is ALL next gen. Nothing will be comparable, NOTHING.SergeantSnitch

Stop spamming threads with the same basic post time after time.  You are not adding anything to the discussion and are deliberately trying to irritate.

Be warned you have been noticed. 

[QUOTE="Zhengi"][QUOTE="KAS3Y_JAM3Z"]

okay buddy, how about you actually read my whole post before you go assuming things, sound good? good. I love the wii. Im not saying anything bad against it. But you can't deny that there is a huge difference between the wii and the 360 and ps3.

the ps2 has always sold well, it's amazingly cheap right now, and it has an amazing library of games, but it isn't a next gen console, and that's what im talking about right now. I'm talking about the next generation console war.

KAS3Y_JAM3Z

omgggg, read my other post instead. you are arguing for no reason, if anything I think the same things you do. It's like you have a bad grudge or something, jeeeeez.

DS and Wii are aimed at the same consumers. I see no reason why if the DS can mantain a strong casual player base the Wii can not.cakeorrdeath

Wii has much stronger competition. That's the main reason why Wii may not be able to maintain the same kind of casual userbase as the DS.

Yes they do seem to be on the defensive for no reason.

As far as that whole argument about where devs should make their games, well that is obvious. The 360. It has a proven track record and I believe already has 17 or 18 games that have sold over 1 million copies, with a few more nearing that number. That number will be up in the high 20s by the time this year is over with and will no doubt be the king of software sales through out this gen. The 5+ game attach rate is baffling especially when you consider that the 360 is already nearly 12 million shipped to retail.

eastside49er

The games I saw in the bin's where Far Cry and Rampage there were 2 other one's but I can't remember what they where.

[QUOTE="cakeorrdeath"]DS and Wii are aimed at the same consumers. I see no reason why if the DS can mantain a strong casual player base the Wii can not.the-very-best

Wii has much stronger competition. That's the main reason why Wii may not be able to maintain the same kind of casual userbase as the DS.

If it sells half as well it will be a huge successs.

But I don't really agree that the Wii has any stronger opposition in the new gamer market than the DS. Neither the PS3* or 360 is trying to get at that market at all. The DS does illustrate that new gamers can keep a prolonged interest in a system.

*(maybe the PS3 a little with games like singstar but not untill it is much much much cheaper) 

I also think both the 360 and PS3 are significantly getting away from the major importance of what it means to be a "video game console." The ability to sit down, pick up a controller, turn on the system and play a fun game.foxhound_fox

To be making a statement like that, you obviously have never played either. I have more games for my 360 than my PS3 and Wii combined. Hell I have more XBLA games than I have for my Wii and PS3 combined. I can pickup and play fun games on my 360 with ease. Not so much on my PS3 because lets be honest. If you have a 360, then the PS3's lineup is pretty crappy at this point in time. Then again, the same could be said for the Wii.

In a year, the Wii will be forgetten and the PLAYSTATION 3 will have taken it's place.  Once developers get a hold of the true power of CELL and RSX, it will convert the ENTIRE gaming industry to Sony's favor.  Think about it, it's just a matter of time before games like MGS4, GTA4, DMC4, Socom:Confrontation, GRAW2 (CONFIRMED better than 360 version), Haze, Ratchet and Clank, God of War 3, GT5, FFXIII, FFXIII VS, Heavenly Sword, Ninja Gaiden: Sigma, Warhawk, Lair, Singstar, Wipeout, White Knight Story, UNCHARTED, Killzone 2, Little Big Planet, Tekken 6, Hot Shots Golf, Jak & Daxter, Getaway, Rockband, Folklore, Eye of Judgement and MANY MANY more games come out and kill off what's left of the Wii buzz.  Only with Cell can developers really deliever a truly next gen experience with advanced AI, PHYSICS such as cloth mesh physics, hair physics, and environment physics, TEXTURES and graphics, sound that is ALL next gen.  Nothing will be comparable, NOTHING.SergeantSnitch

[QUOTE="SergeantSnitch"]In a year, the Wii will be forgetten and the PLAYSTATION 3 will have taken it's place. Once developers get a hold of the true power of CELL and RSX, it will convert the ENTIRE gaming industry to Sony's favor. Think about it, it's just a matter of time before games like MGS4, GTA4, DMC4, Socom:Confrontation, GRAW2 (CONFIRMED better than 360 version), Haze, Ratchet and Clank, God of War 3, GT5, FFXIII, FFXIII VS, Heavenly Sword, Ninja Gaiden: Sigma, Warhawk, Lair, Singstar, Wipeout, White Knight Story, UNCHARTED, Killzone 2, Little Big Planet, Tekken 6, Hot Shots Golf, Jak & Daxter, Getaway, Rockband, Folklore, Eye of Judgement and MANY MANY more games come out and kill off what's left of the Wii buzz. Only with Cell can developers really deliever a truly next gen experience with advanced AI, PHYSICS such as cloth mesh physics, hair physics, and environment physics, TEXTURES and graphics, sound that is ALL next gen. Nothing will be comparable, NOTHING.laughingman42

If it sells half as well it will be a huge successs.

cakeorrdeath

Agreed.

But I don't really agree that the Wii has any stronger opposition in the new gamer market than the DS. Neither the PS3* or 360 is trying to get at that market at all. The DS does illustrate that new gamers can keep a prolonged interest in a system.

*(maybe the PS3 a little with games like singstar but not untill it is much much much cheaper)

cakeorrdeath

But the DS wasn't going just after the non gamer market, it has plenty of hardcore games, and plenty of continuations to series that made the GBA so successful (FF, Advance Wars, Mario, Yoshi's Island, Kirby and most importantly, Pokemon). Nintendogs and Brain Training definitely reeled in plenty of non gamers but I'm sure there are plenty of hardcore gamers buying the system too.

Wii is focusing primarily on non gamers. Wiisports, Wiiplay, Wii health pack, Big Brain Academy, Wii music, Wii sports 2, etc, all from the get go. On the other hand DS started with SM64.

Wii will lose its casual and hardcore gamer market next year when PS3 has games like GT5, MGSIV, FFXIII, GTAIV...and I'm guessing a much cheaper price (Christmas). But Wii has control over the non gamer market. Will the non gamer (Nintendogs/Wiisports etc) appeal last?

But the DS wasn't going just after the non gamer market, it has plenty of hardcore games, and plenty of continuations to series that made the GBA so successful (FF, Advance Wars, Mario, Yoshi's Island, Kirby and most importantly, Pokemon). Nintendogs and Brain Training definitely reeled in plenty of non gamers but I'm sure there are plenty of hardcore gamers buying the system too.

Wii is focusing primarily on non gamers. Wiisports, Wiiplay, Wii health pack, Big Brain Academy, Wii music, Wii sports 2, etc, all from the get go. On the other hand DS started with SM64.

Wii will lose its casual and hardcore gamer market next year when PS3 has games like GT5, MGSIV, FFXIII, GTAIV...and I'm guessing a much cheaper price (Christmas). But Wii has control over the non gamer market. Will the non gamer (Nintendogs/Wiisports etc) appeal last?

 

the-very-best

The Wii isn't just going after the non gamer market either. But the premise of this thread  was that "there's a serious question about how long casuals gamers will stay engaged with the platform". My argument is that the DS shows that casuals (the Brainage kind not the GTA kind) can keep a prolonged interest in a platfrom. So yes I think the non gamer appeal will last.

Will there be a contingent of the Madden/Pro Evo/GTA crowd that lose interest in the Wii once the other systems come down in price? Probably. Though are they buying a Wii at the moment anyway?

Hardcore gamers will probably increase over time once the Metroid, Smash Bros and Mario games hit. Zelda is the only big hitter for the hardcore on the Wii currently and that could be bought on the Gamecube. 

[QUOTE="laughingman42"][QUOTE="SergeantSnitch"]In a year, the Wii will be forgetten and the PLAYSTATION 3 will have taken it's place. Once developers get a hold of the true power of CELL and RSX, it will convert the ENTIRE gaming industry to Sony's favor. Think about it, it's just a matter of time before games like MGS4, GTA4, DMC4, Socom:Confrontation, GRAW2 (CONFIRMED better than 360 version), Haze, Ratchet and Clank, God of War 3, GT5, FFXIII, FFXIII VS, Heavenly Sword, Ninja Gaiden: Sigma, Warhawk, Lair, Singstar, Wipeout, White Knight Story, UNCHARTED, Killzone 2, Little Big Planet, Tekken 6, Hot Shots Golf, Jak & Daxter, Getaway, Rockband, Folklore, Eye of Judgement and MANY MANY more games come out and kill off what's left of the Wii buzz. Only with Cell can developers really deliever a truly next gen experience with advanced AI, PHYSICS such as cloth mesh physics, hair physics, and environment physics, TEXTURES and graphics, sound that is ALL next gen. Nothing will be comparable, NOTHING.SergeantSnitch

I'm sorry, did you just say the PS2 was more powerful than the GC? 

[QUOTE="SergeantSnitch"][QUOTE="laughingman42"][QUOTE="SergeantSnitch"]In a year, the Wii will be forgetten and the PLAYSTATION 3 will have taken it's place. Once developers get a hold of the true power of CELL and RSX, it will convert the ENTIRE gaming industry to Sony's favor. Think about it, it's just a matter of time before games like MGS4, GTA4, DMC4, Socom:Confrontation, GRAW2 (CONFIRMED better than 360 version), Haze, Ratchet and Clank, God of War 3, GT5, FFXIII, FFXIII VS, Heavenly Sword, Ninja Gaiden: Sigma, Warhawk, Lair, Singstar, Wipeout, White Knight Story, UNCHARTED, Killzone 2, Little Big Planet, Tekken 6, Hot Shots Golf, Jak & Daxter, Getaway, Rockband, Folklore, Eye of Judgement and MANY MANY more games come out and kill off what's left of the Wii buzz. Only with Cell can developers really deliever a truly next gen experience with advanced AI, PHYSICS such as cloth mesh physics, hair physics, and environment physics, TEXTURES and graphics, sound that is ALL next gen. Nothing will be comparable, NOTHING.Davis092

I'm sorry, did you just say the PS2 was more powerful than the GC?

The Wii isn't just going after the non gamer market either. But the premise of this thread was that "there's a serious question about how long casuals gamers will stay engaged with the platform". My argument is that the DS shows that casuals (the Brainage kind not the GTA kind) can keep a prolonged interest in a platfrom. So yes I think the non gamer appeal will last.

Will there be a contingent of the Madden/Pro Evo/GTA crowd that lose interest in the Wii once the other systems come down in price? Probably. Though are they buying a Wii at the moment anyway?

Hardcore gamers will probably increase over time once the Metroid, Smash Bros and Mario games hit. Zelda is the only big hitter for the hardcore on the Wii currently and that could be bought on the Gamecube.

cakeorrdeath

Can't argue with that.

I agree non gamers are solely going to remain on the Wii this gen. I mean, I know PS3 has Singstar, Eyetoy and what not, but the console is way more expensive than the Wii, and I don't think people will spend that much money when Wii has so many more titles of the same nature.

I wonder how big the nWiisports/Nintendogs casual market is, because whatever the number is, that would be the amount of consoles the Wii will sell this gen.

That's of course taking into account that non gamers don't go to Sony for things like Singtar, Eyetoy, Home etc...but I really doubt Sony will announce a $200 price drop any time soon. 

[QUOTE="Davis092"]

[QUOTE="SergeantSnitch"][QUOTE="laughingman42"][QUOTE="SergeantSnitch"]In a year, the Wii will be forgetten and the PLAYSTATION 3 will have taken it's place. Once developers get a hold of the true power of CELL and RSX, it will convert the ENTIRE gaming industry to Sony's favor. Think about it, it's just a matter of time before games like MGS4, GTA4, DMC4, Socom:Confrontation, GRAW2 (CONFIRMED better than 360 version), Haze, Ratchet and Clank, God of War 3, GT5, FFXIII, FFXIII VS, Heavenly Sword, Ninja Gaiden: Sigma, Warhawk, Lair, Singstar, Wipeout, White Knight Story, UNCHARTED, Killzone 2, Little Big Planet, Tekken 6, Hot Shots Golf, Jak & Daxter, Getaway, Rockband, Folklore, Eye of Judgement and MANY MANY more games come out and kill off what's left of the Wii buzz. Only with Cell can developers really deliever a truly next gen experience with advanced AI, PHYSICS such as cloth mesh physics, hair physics, and environment physics, TEXTURES and graphics, sound that is ALL next gen. Nothing will be comparable, NOTHING.SergeantSnitch

I'm sorry, did you just say the PS2 was more powerful than the GC?

GC had the power, it didn't have the games to show it.

The PS2 did have those games because it had the mass 3rd party support so that devs can easily work magic on it's hardware. If the GC had the same amount of support as the PS2 you would see the GC come ontop.

well the casuals who have no brains are opting for the wii so maybe yes it can......

j/k/:)

[QUOTE="cakeorrdeath"]

The Wii isn't just going after the non gamer market either. But the premise of this thread was that "there's a serious question about how long casuals gamers will stay engaged with the platform". My argument is that the DS shows that casuals (the Brainage kind not the GTA kind) can keep a prolonged interest in a platfrom. So yes I think the non gamer appeal will last.

Will there be a contingent of the Madden/Pro Evo/GTA crowd that lose interest in the Wii once the other systems come down in price? Probably. Though are they buying a Wii at the moment anyway?

Hardcore gamers will probably increase over time once the Metroid, Smash Bros and Mario games hit. Zelda is the only big hitter for the hardcore on the Wii currently and that could be bought on the Gamecube.

the-very-best

Can't argue with that.

I agree non gamers are solely going to remain on the Wii this gen. I mean, I know PS3 has Singstar, Eyetoy and what not, but the console is way more expensive than the Wii, and I don't think people will spend that much money when Wii has so many more titles of the same nature.

I wonder how big the nWiisports/Nintendogs casual market is, because whatever the number is, that would be the amount of consoles the Wii will sell this gen.

That's of course taking into account that non gamers don't go to Sony for things like Singtar, Eyetoy, Home etc...but I really doubt Sony will announce a $200 price drop any time soon.

PS3 would need a lot more than a $200 price drop to start appealing to that market.

Wii certainly wont see just new gamers, there will definately be the large loyal nintendo core fanbase and I suspect some influx of PS2 fans.

There is the kids market as well. Perviously dominated by Playstation, which again that $600 price tag puts the brakes on. That has to go somewhere and I don't think it is heading to 360.

The Wii offers a major difference in gameplay from the 360 and PS3. This difference alone secures an appeal that will last at least one generation because there is a clear distinct market for it.

Seeing as how well the the DS is doing in appealing to the mass market, the Wii will most likely follow the same path.

Then there is another key difference, price. It's already known that the Wii is overpriced in terms of the hardware when compared to PS3/360; but in terms of the global consumer market, it isn't. This big difference in price allows a lot of room for price drops if ever demand drops below expectations.

PS3 would need a lot more than a $200 price drop to start appealing to that market.

Wii certainly wont see just new gamers, there will definately be the large loyal nintendo core fanbase and I suspect some influx of PS2 fans.

There is the kids market as well. Perviously dominated by Playstation, which again that $600 price tag puts the brakes on. That has to go somewhere and I don't think it is heading to 360.

cakeorrdeath

Why would there be an influx of PS2 fans going to Wii?

Kids market has always been Nintendo's I thought. I mean, Sony has some kid friendly games for their systems but nothing sold as well as Mario games, and that was with the low GC userbase.

PS3 needs to be about $400 with GT5, FFXIII, MGSIV, GTAIV available for PS2 casual/hardcore gamers to make the transfer, and most of that will happen next year I think.

Why would there be an influx of PS2 fans going to Wii?

Kids market has always been Nintendo's I thought. I mean, Sony has some kid friendly games for their systems but nothing sold as well as Mario games, and that was with the low GC userbase.

the-very-best

The % of kids on the gamecube was high but in sheer numbers the PS2 won hands down. Mario sells well because everybody buys it. Not just kids, I mean who bought a gamecube and didn't buy Mario? The mind boggles.

I think the increased library of the Wii (from the gamcube) will attract people over from PS2. I know it isn't there yet but development resources will and have moved in that direction in light of recent sales. 

THQs licensed kids games sold so much more on PS2 than GC 

The % of kids on the gamecube was high but in sheer numbers the PS2 won hands down. Mario sells well because everybody buys it. Not just kids, I mean who bought a gamecube and didn't buy Mario? The mind boggles.

I think the increased library of the Wii (from the gamcube) will attract people over from PS2. I know it isn't there yet but development resources will and have moved in that direction in light of recent sales.

THQs licensed kids games sold so much more on PS2 than GC

cakeorrdeath

There's bound to be some PS2 fans that will make the transfer to Wii. I think it will be the ones who enjoyed games like Singstar and Buzz, because I really doubt those kind of casuals think a console is worth $600.

I don't think the GTA/Burnout/GT casuals and hardcore gamers will transfer when PS2 still has some decent titles out and upcoming, and since PS3 has most continuations to major series of the PS2.

If, in the case that non gamer appeal doesn't last for the Wii... I don't know whether or not those casuals would buy another console. I mean, they're casuals for a reason right? If the casual appeal wore off I suppose their second console choice would be the PS3 since I don't think 360 has many non gamer titles like Wiisports.

And as for the kids market...how do we know they're going to go to Wii? There's plenty of new PS2 movie games coming. (I agree it's more likely they'll go to Wii)