Wii demo units to be manned

Wii News | At least in the US...

Ever since the Wii (nee Revolution) controller was first shown at the 2005 Tokyo game show, the question of how to demonstrate the wireless motion sensing device has been around. Most demonstrations to the press so far have been prototype wired versions, and while the potential has been clear, most people have found the wires at least annoying, and at most detrimental to the experience since it gets in the way of the free motion. Yet for in-store demonstration purposes, wireless could be risky, since the freedom may be abused by those after a five finger discount.

US site IGN posed the question to Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications George Harrison (not the Beatle). Harrison gave a definitive answer, and it seems Nintendo are going the expensive route “Wireless controllers will be used and we are asking retailers to have staff available to help consumers have a successful first experience with Wii”. He also said “We have spent considerable time designing in-store displays that will best showcase the Wii console's unique games and provide an entertaining experience for players while still fitting well into a retail environment”
Harrison also described the variety of in store demo displays that will be provided to retailers: “We are providing interactive experiences to a number of different retailers where consumers can experience Wii. Retailers will either receive a pre-built, self-contained interactive, including a TV, game console and controllers, while others will receive the game console and controllers and will set up an interactive Wii experience using their own TV.”

Gamecube display units were quite similar the world over, so it seems likely we'll have a similar system in PAL territories. We'll keep you informed of any new info on the topic!

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14 Comments

Ellegarden

5 years ago

I dont see why, but then again I've seen the DS, Xbox 360 and they're pretty trashed.

Karai Pantsu

5 years ago

The why of it is all in the article... it's because having a wired controller would make using it a clumsy experience, which wouldn't show off the console well to prospective customers - but having a wireless controller with no supervision would more than likely lead to all the controllers being pinched within the first day.

This sounds like it'll be pretty large annoyance for retailers, having to re-allocate staff or bring new people in just to monitor people playing the display units.

Infested Jibbs

5 years ago

Expensive much?

ugh the boot

5 years ago

Omg anothher stupid decision by Nintendo! What is wrong with them? Lol....as if they're gonna have people there the whole time watching you play a demo/game?! Also as if you want someone breathing down your neck as you try and experience the Wii for the first time! And as if people aren't gonna steal the Wiimotes when these 'allocated' staff member's are temporarily distracted/busy with other customers!

I just don't see this working!

troublemaker

5 years ago

Karai Pantsu wrote

This sounds like it'll be pretty large annoyance for retailers, having to re-allocate staff or bring new people in just to monitor people playing the display units.

I can't see any retailers willing to pay staff to man demo units.

I reckon that Nintendo will just have a few displays in shopping centres for a few weeks and that will be it.

realitybites

5 years ago

Its a tough ask I suppose. You can just imagine the poor old sales assistant getting asked a 100 times a day.

Maybe the old show cases they used to have rolling around shopping malls is the best way to show off this technology.

Jim Dash

5 years ago

So now all you have to do is take out the demo man and cut the cord to get that Wiimote.

Sweet..

Sin Ogaris

5 years ago

I have a feeling there's no cord, hence the staff supervising. It would make more sense if the controllers were under the counter and when asked they are brought out. Then the watchful eye can make sure nothing happens, the controller goes back under the counter once playtime is over and Bob's your father's brother (or father's father in my case, but that's irrelevant).

Dare

5 years ago

^ i can see that being the more prefered way of it

I even recall Xbox 360 controllers being located behind the counter at my local EB (awhile ago), and they would take them out and play games on the screen hanging from the ceiling (while the store was pretty much empty), to show people in the know and who asked about it (if i remember correctly)

So we can expect Wii units in stores then?

That's a smart decision from Nintendo Aus (if thats so), and we all know how often they come along

Joseph

5 years ago

Sounds fair to me, we get to play the games with freedom of wireless. Most people probably would put it behind the counter.

Zarnoss

5 years ago

They should just have the wii inside an electrified cage surrounded by imported gangstas from compton with uzis.
Problem solved.

Honestly though it sounds like a good idea having manned units,there is nothing worse than trying out a game that is tethered to a rubbery clamp at my knee height for young uns.

Echo

5 years ago

Having the Wii on a cord kind of defeats the whole purpose of the wii, i think. Without freedom of movement it wouldnt be as good, but i dont hink there are many other alternatives availible

Frozencry

5 years ago

Xcs:sIVE wrote

I like your ideas. I'm also thinking machine gun turrets and booby traps.

The way I see things to work, is just like at my local Games Wizards store for the 360: Ask them for the controller and you play in front of them, assuming there's a TV there. It's worked for them and their controller is fine.

5 years ago

Ah...so there IS a little man inside the machine! I alway knew that's how AI works - Elves!

In that case I'd best forgive my sister for lifting the lid on my Gamecube and sticking in a few dozen jelly beans. The little Grumpkin man must have been starving after all those Mario Kart races.

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