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In this console generation, the early years of the Nintendo Wii has shown what looks to be a phenomenal success. Despite being branded by many as a toy for kids with a lack of first class games, sales going into 2009 were as high as ever, as the Wii stamps its authority into the gaming world. As Sony and Microsoft continue to battle against each other in the PS3 vs Xbox war, Nintendo has gradually been sneaking up on the flanks and created a winning product.

When it comes to gaming quality, it is true that the Nintendo Wii cannot compete with the might of the Xbox and PS3 but this is not what the Wii is about. The biggest reason for its success is the motion-sensing capabilities which have revolutionised the industry. Nintendo have created something that offers people of all ages a new way of interacting with characters and objects that has never been seen before now. While they solely dominate this market there is no reason why the Wii won't be successful.

From a business perspective, a huge reason for the Wii success is the fact that it was almost completely ignored by Sony and Microsoft. In an interview with The Guardian newspaper, Peter Moore, the former head of Xbox categorically stated that they wholly fixated on Sony when developing their own product.

"Xbox had launched but it was an aggressive black box for shooters, and how do we evolve that, how do we build the next Xbox, how do we get after Sony? Interestingly, we were just completely fixated on Sony Nintendo didn't even come into the conversation." (Peter Moore)

With a recent spate of less sophisticated games however, aimed more towards children, it would appear that Microsoft have started to see Nintendo as a real competitor. Recent advertisements are not only undercutting the Sony prices but also those of Nintendo. The Wii developers will need to recognise this risk if they are to continue their success.

Another factor in the success of Nintendo Wii is that it has come to market at a time where we are all worried about childhood obesity and kids not having enough exercise. With the countless activities offered by the Wii, there is now a simple and fun indoor solution. Not only can your children learn and have a good time but they can also keep in shape. This extra dimension definitely gives Nintendo an edge in the family market over the couch potato Xbox and PS3 players.

Furthermore, the lack of processing has meant that Nintendo have only been able to produce very simple and inoffensive games. The graphic capabilities do not allow for outrageous special effects and detailed gameplay. How is this a good thing? Wii games are not violent (apart from a few which have been specifically designed for a small adult market) and don't involve complicated providing parents with a safe console option for their children.

Apart from all else, the Wii is cheaper than other consoles on the market and putting that alongside its uniqueness, the value for money is second to none. In the UK market especially which is currently going through a recession, the Wii has shown ever increasing sales, selling over three million in 2008 alone.

Will the Nintendo Wii be a success in the long run? Whilst Microsoft and Sony fail to offer the simplicity and unsophisticated gameplay of the Wii then there is no reason that it shouldn't be. Sales in Europe are still on the up and the gaming industry is as strong as ever. As long as Nintendo keep on their toes, the Wii will succeed.

Learn more about this author, Marc Steel.
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