Cubed-3's Wii Interview with Nintendo UK's Rob Saunders

Filed in archive Interviews on April 28, 2006

Cubed-3's Adam Riley & Mike Mason got the opportunity to interview Nintendo UK's Rob Saunders about the new Wii name and logo. It's a great read so check it out below:

Cubed³: First of all, just to confirm to our readers - is this definitely the final name for the codename Revolution? Will it be used across all territories? And is it the 'Nintendo Wii' or just 'Wii'?

Rob Saunders: Yes - 'Wii' - pronounced as in the English 'we' is the final global name for Nintendo's next home console formally known as Revolution. We have always stated that "Revolution" was simply a code name. "Revolution" certainly indicates the disruptive nature of the system, but Wii does the same thing while representing its all-inclusiveness. It is a different kind of name for a different kind of system.

C3: How did the new name 'Wii' come about and what does it represent for Nintendo's future vision? Will it be able to successfully distance itself from the war-field that the PlayStation 3 and XBOX 360 will be busy fighting in?

RS: The name Wii works on several levels:

- "Wii" sounds like the word "we," which references the all-inclusive nature of a system that anyone can enjoy together.

- Wii is a simple term that can be easily remembered by people around the world, no matter what language they speak.

- Graphically, the distinctive "ii" spelling symbolises both the two unique controllers and the human form (i.e., heads and bodies).

- We wanted a short name that would not need to be abbreviated, so that anyone could instantly understand it and there was no need for a nickname.

- An unusual name sets us apart from the crowd, just as our distinctive machine is completely different from what our competitors are offering.

- The names of our competitors indicate a beefed-up version of what they already offer. The name Wii demonstrates that the system is something totally new to the world of gaming.


C3: What other names were under consideration before choosing Wii? And how long has the name been under discussion for within the company?

RS: We are not sharing specifics about what other potential names were under consideration. The name has been final for a while now, however we wanted to wait until closer to E3 to make the announcement. We believe it is important to play the games and experience the controller to truly appreciate the name.

C3: Many fans had warmed to the idea of the 'Nintendo Revolution' with many believing that 'Nintendo RS' would be a suitable final name and currently disliking the name 'Wii'. What is your response to them?

RS: We believe we have found a very strong name for a very innovative system. And while we agree it may take a little time for the name to be fully accepted, we believe once you pick up the controller and play your first game, the name will make perfect sense. Any possible negative connotations will be quickly forgotten.

We understand that at first the name might sound odd, but that's because it's so very different from what anyone else is doing. We're confident that once people experience the system, it will quickly become a part of the lexicon, like Google, Amazon, Virgin, etc.

C3: Is there any concern that the name will affect sales dramatically because of the connotations that people may associate with it, particularly in the UK?

RS: We wanted a very short and easy-to-remember name that would be understood by people around the world while describing the concept of the system. Also, we took a bold step and chose a very unusual name for a game machine to communicate that it will provide people with an unprecedented entertainment experience, totally different from any experience offered by existing game machines. We believe we have found a very strong name for a very innovative system. And while we agree it may take a little time for the name to be fully accepted, we believe once you pick up the controller and play your first game, the name will make perfect sense. Any possible negative connotations will be quickly forgotten.

C3: Nintendo has changed its systems' names at the last minute before, as was mainly evident with the change from Ultra 64 to Nintendo 64. With the reaction to the name being hugely negative so far across many forums, would there be any consideration about changing the name again before or at E3?

RS: Wii is the final name.

C3: Speculation is rife as of now, with some thinking the name change is merely a marketing ploy to gain mass coverage before a name change or retraction at E3. How would you respond to this?

RS: As I've said previously, Wii is the final name. We wanted a very short and easy-to-remember name that would be understood by people around the world while describing the concept of the system.

C3: The logo is definitely eye-catching, as shown in the small promotional video that was released. Can you please explain some of the thought behind this video?

RS: The short movie really illustrates the concept and thinking behind the name and helps people understand why we have chosen the name for example - graphically, the distinctive "ii" spelling symbolises both the two unique controllers and the human form (i.e., heads and bodies).

C3: How do you believe the Wii will be able to 'break down the wall that separates video game players from everybody else'?

RS: Because the experience is not simply a linear technological progression, it's difficult to explain in words. However, once you pick up and play with the controller, you will believe in it. But the success of Nintendo DS is a good guide. Its new user inputs changed how people interact with their hand-held games, and Wii will do the same with home console games. DS brought new kinds of players, including women and seniors, to video games, and Wii will become an entertainment device that everyone in your family wants to try.

C3: Have the marketing opportunities been finalised yet and what angle is Nintendo going to take in this area?

RS: We're not disclosing any details at this stage.

C3: Does this mean that we are likely to see games like 'Super Mario Wii', 'Donkey Kong Wii' or even 'Wii Love WarioWare!' in the future, just as we have had 'Super Mario World', 'Wave Race 64' and 'Tetris DS'?

RS: We haven't announced any final names of games for Wii at this stage.

C3: Has the secret of the system's final name been released to give some breathing space before the real secret(s) are revealed at E3? And what are your thoughts on the news of force-feedback / rumble / motion sensing features that are currently rumoured to be included in the 'nun-chuck' controller?

RS: We want people to be familiar and comfortable with the name as they head into the show. At E3 we want people to really focus on the actual hands-on demos of the system that offer unprecedented game-play experiences.

C3: How different is Nintendo's approach going to be with the Wii when it comes to bringing the world together? Will we see more of the same tactics that have been used with the Nintendo DS so far?

RS: As we've already announced, Wii will be Wi-Fi enabled in the same way Nintendo DS is Wi-Fi enabled. That's all we're announcing at the moment.

C3: Could you please put our readers' minds at rest? Some believe that the technique required to use the Freehand controller will cause much wrist-ache. Can you maybe explain how this is not the case?

RS: Having played Wii myself I can say it is one of the most intuitive, unique and fun systems I have ever experienced and you don't have to use big movements to play the games so it won't cause your wrist to ache.

C3: Can we expect the Wii to hit Europe at the end of November, as is being speculated by some websites?

RS: Everything on the internet and in print to date is pure speculation as we have not announced any specific launch details. I can confirm however that we are committed to a 2006 launch.

C3: Do you have anything to say to whet our appetites before E3?

RS: At E3 we will unveil the exciting and completely new interactive entertainment experiences Wii will create and let people have hands-on experiences for the first time ever. Because it's so different, it's difficult to explain in words. However, once you pick up and play with the controller, you will believe in it. The success of Nintendo DS is a good guide. By introducing the touch screen it changed how people interact with their hand-held games, and Wii will do the same with home console games. DS brought new kinds of players, including women and seniors, to video games, and Wii will become an entertainment device that everyone wants to try.