Rumor: Nintendo considering name change for Wii U
January 26th, 2012 Posted in Posted by Valay, Rumors, Wii URumors about the Wii U have been in full force these past few weeks, and we’re still months away from E3.
CVG is reporting today that Nintendo is considering changing the console’s name. The site states that “serious discussions are ongoing at the highest level in the US and Japan as to whether the firm should cut its losses and give the console a different name.”
There was quite a bit of uncertainty last year when Nintendo first revealed Wii U. Some were under the impression that Nintendo was simply creating a new controller for their current home system and weren’t planning on launching a new piece of hardware.
Likewise, there has been confusion about the 3DS. The company has been placing red box stickers on game boxes to show that the software is for a new handheld and isn’t compatible with the DS. A tagline has also been added to TV spots: “This is not DS. This is Nintendo 3DS.”
Perhaps Nintendo will be looking to avoid another round of confusion with Wii U. The name is obviously extremely similar to Wii, and the two consoles maintain similar appearances.
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11 Responses to “Rumor: Nintendo considering name change for Wii U”
By invader_quirk on Jan 26, 2012
DO IT, NINTENDO. You’d be fools not to.
By SkinnyMiz on Jan 26, 2012
Good, I never liked the name, only got used to it
By Mizuy on Jan 26, 2012
They should just name it Wii2 for the dumb people.
By Hyawatta on Jan 26, 2012
Wii U’s Name Really Works
I just recently met up with a cousin that I don’t get to see very often. His youngest kid has a DS Lite, middle child a DSi, and oldest has a 3DS. While we were adding each other to our Friends Lists, without having to type in the codes, we talked about the Wii U.
He was considering getting a 360 for the Kennect, but he had no idea that the Wii U was coming out at all, let alone this year! He noticeably preferred to get the Nintendo system instead, but then he started wondering if he should still get the 360 because he wanted to play games for himself too, not just for his kids.
This is where the Wii U’s name really came in handy in explaining to him why it would be fine to purchase the Wii U instead of the 360. I let him know that the Wii was named to show that its games were for everyone, but the Wii U’s name shows that it is also intended for you. He immediately understood as I spoke these words, his eyes kindof lit up. Now, we are both looking forward to playing our new systems online together. We just need the third parties to deliver on this and bring their multiplatform games to the Wii U.
By Hejiru on Jan 26, 2012
I can understand why they’d want to keep the Wii name. Considering Wii’s high sales and fame, attaching the Wii brand to it would boost sales. But at the same time calling it “Wii U” might lead people to believe it’s just an expansion for the Wii. A lot of consumers aren’t gamers, and don’t keep up with game stuff. I’m sure one of the reasons 3DS struggled at launch was because non-gamers assumed it was just a regular DS with a 3D feature, not a whole new platform.
If they want to keep the Wii name without misleading people, they could just call it the Wii 2.
By ThomasN on Jan 26, 2012
There is a great possibility that people will confuse the Wii U with the Wii and it may affect Wii U sales. There is still time for Nintendo to change the name before the Wii U’s release this year.
By Captain N on Jan 26, 2012
I personally never liked the Wii-U name but I understood they wanted to keep the brand name out there. But also it will be confusing to many customers who may think its an add on the the Wii etc. Honestly Super Wii / Wii HD / Wii 2 etc would all be better names to use to show consumers its something new. And they should deffinetly not launch the Wii-U in white as it looks to much like the original and will confuse everyone. Make Black the launch color and re-introduce white at a later time.
By pie on Jan 26, 2012
they definitely need to change the name, the 3DS was terrible name, my friends a hardcore gamer and he thought the 3DS was just another DS, and the only difference was the 3D effect
By nekoknight on Jan 26, 2012
This is something I feel strongly about.
Please Nintendo, please DON’T change it!
Wii U is a PERFECT name.
It’s a name that defines what the system IS.
I don’t think the whole “mass confusion” argument has much ground.
I remember some people thought that the original DS was just an enhanced version of the GBA, and just look at how successful the system was and still is! I’ve already told my friends and family about Wii U and they understand what it is.
So yes, I am undoubtedly for Wii U!
By invader_quirk on Jan 28, 2012
The concept of a more powerful Wii is not confusing at all. “Wii U” doesn’t inherently convey what it is. You still have to explain it. The reason people “get it” when told about it is that it’s a really simple concept: it’s similar to the Wii, but they’ll be focusing on hardcore gaming as well.
“Wii U” sounds like a hick celebrating.
By Windstar on Jan 28, 2012
I agree. Never did see the big stink about the name. I think they should just leave it. It makes sense. Wii2 is just so uncreative. Though it would make things easier for old people.