Anyways you always here about oh PS3 is going to be huge in 2008, or games are with 360 and PS3. Well they do have some good lineups, but that doesn’t mean Wii is following short in any of those categories. In this article you’ll find out about everything to look forward in 2008 from Wii, whether it be games, new channels, and the most important right now, just more units. First a recap of 2007:
Clearly the winner of 2007 was Wii. Wii has shipped more than 13 million units by the end of September 2007, and has sold almost 17 million with 2 weeks left to go in the year, easily putting it past its closest competition.
In a year of records, Wii and its games have broke many of them. Wii became the fastest selling console in UK history, while also passing up the 360 in the region in half the time on the market. Wii has also set numerous records in Australia, which were previously set by the 360 in speed. Wii also became the fastest console to sell 5 million units in America. It did it in 1 year exactly beating the old record of 14 months by the PS2. Finally Wii became the fastest selling worldwide console in history, crushing anything in its way, despite having to do it with limited supply comparatively to demand. Wii has also passed up GC sales in Japan, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Australia, and Europe/Other as a whole. And ultimately over the entire year worldwide Wii has outsold its competition at a 2:1 on average.
Other than being the sales giant of 2007, it was also a huge software giant. In its first full year it has had 14 games go platinum, including Wii Sports, Wii Play, Zelda: TP, and Super Mario Galaxy. And it’s not just Nintendo enjoying the success as 3rd parties have 5 of those 14 platinum titles which include Guitar Hero III, Rayman Raving Rabbids, Red Steel, RE4: Wii Edition, and Mario and Sonic at the Olympics(published by Sega by the way). It is clear that Wii is beginning to be more like the SNES, which shows success of 3rd parties and Nintendo’s own titles.
But other than sales Wii games have also put the quality bars to new heights. Super Mario Galaxy has become the 2nd most critically acclaimed video game in history, just barely being beat out by #1, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Zelda: TP also go over 94% critical rating putting it amongst the top. And most impressive is that Nintendo themselves have had the 3 most critically acclaimed games for the last 3 generations which include Zelda: OOT, Metroid Prime, and now Super Mario Galaxy(if it holds). Nintendo is not only a sales giant, but top of the line when it comes to quality.
Now with 2007 at ends, Wii and Ninendo are in a good posistion for 2008. They go in with demand higher than that of the Ipod and with a large section of quality software. Not to mention they have numerous amounts of upcoming software that is sure to boost them even higher. But first lets look at availability.
Wii throughout 2007 was sold out. It is the only system in history to ever be sold out for more than a year’s times, which some might blame on Nintendo, but remember it is also the fastest selling system. Meaning Wii is just in an unprecedented demand. Going into 2008, Wii is currently being produced at 1.8 million Wiis a month. Nintendo is almost sure to boost that up to 2 million units a month by March, and by Summer 2008, Wii could be up to 2.5 million a month. Hopefully by Summer of 2008, Wii supply will be able to outstrip demand, like the DS does.
The major question for Wii going into 2008, is can sales keep up. Well first let’s remember what I jsut said. By Summer this is when they’ll be able to hopefully outstrip the demand. So for 5 months they’ll be shipping 2-2.5 million a month. Meaning by June, they will have shipped another 10-12.5 million more which will put their worldwide shipment total to 30-32.5 million. And then easy crusing for there, as retailers will be willing to take them as they’ve been in such high demand. Meaning it is almost physically impossible, given the current situations, for Wii to have a bad 2008, and by the end of the year, Wii could have as much as 40-45 million units shipped. It’ll be up to Sony and MS to keep up, as Nintendo is turning this race into a sprint, and if they haven’t played enough Wii Fit then they’ll fall drastically behind.
Now moving away from teh sales side, what about new features for Wii, such as channels and system upgrades. Well definetly Wii will get a huge upgrade come March-April, when the Wiiware channel is released. This introduction will complete the Wii downloadable games area which will fully match it with the competition, which before this has kept up very well despite it not being as complete. Other channels that’ll release is Everybody’s Nintenod channel, which is a channel that lets you watch trailers for upcoming Wii and DS games, and also download DS demos which will transfer to your DS.
Will there be any surprise channels? Of course there are a lot more channels to come. I think it’s alright to bet on that there will be a community like channel, that basically runs like a forum like this. There also will be a VOIP channel, that will be introduced along with a Wii headset. Yes there will be a Wii headset coming, as Reggie has basically confirmed it to be coming. Which online game will it come with first? Probably Mario Kart. Maybe as early as Brawl though.
Other updates will include some more revamping of current features, especially the online ones. I don’t think Nintneod will get rid of friend codes, but they might make your Wii console code the only one for future Nintendo games. But do remember that Wii online is a free and open market, meaning devs have no limits to what setup they want.
Finally before we hit up games, what else might come. I think you’ll definet see more channels, more firmware updates, a more definite use of WiiConnect24, a more “capable online, and of course a vast host of new peripheals. I think Nintendo is ready to enter the world of MMO’s and might do it with one of their existing franchises such as Animal Crossing or Pokemon. Nintenod will probably bundle one of those games with a keyboard as well that’ll either be made by them or a 3rd party.
Now finally the Games of 2008. First let’s talk about 3rd parties. 3rd party games in 2007 were somewhat, abysmal. They were either badly worked ports, or lesser versions of multiplatform games. If there was an exclusive, it was most likely a crappy budget game or a great game that just wasn’t marketed well enough showing no care. It’s very easy to say, that Wii for 3rd parties in 2007 was the cash in system. Due to low development costs and short development times, they could make a game for less than $1 million, ship 300,000, and make an easy profit. Some even less. But for the 3rd parties that did make strong attempts such as Ubisoft and Capcom, they were gracefully rewarded.
Going into 2008, it’s time for 3rd parties to step up. 3rd party games have been and will sell on Wii, even despite them not being that good. Imagine if they make a good game or port, such as RE4: Wii Edition and GHIII. There is a lot of money to be made and a lot of innovation to be done. Some 3rd parties are recognizing this and already planning for a huge 2008 on Wii.
Now Nintendo has naturally have huge success on their own platform. For 2008 they once again have the huge games and their success will be no different.
So what games are there to look forware too. A lot. Check them all out here:
Nitrobike Ubisoft
January 8, 2008
Exclusive
Wi-Fi Enabled
If your a fan of fast paced dirt-bike racing and of course liked Excitebike on the N64, then your in for a treat. Early in 2008, the guys behind Excitebike have a whole new game called Nitrobike. It features fast paced racing, tricks, and of course 6 player online. Wii has lacked in racers, yet this online racer is sure enough to please all, and be a nice “sequel” to Excite Truck.
Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity Sega
January 8, 2008
Also on PS2
Wi-Fi Enabled
The first Sonic Riders wasn’t a bad attempt, but ultimately could have been better. Now with added wiimote controls, a host of new options, and course fast paced fun this series takes a revival on the Wii.
Endless Ocean Nintendo
January 21, 2008
Exclusive
Wi-Fi Enabled
This ocean diving game shows vast oceans, numerous amounts of sea lifes, breathtaking areas, and discovery at its finest. Scubadiving has never been more fun, and with online, you can share the moment with friends.
Rygar: The Battle of Argus Tecmo
January 21, 2008
Exclusive
Single Player
This wiimake of a PS2 game is shaping up to be one of the better wiimakes. As IGN describes:
Grab your Diskarmor and swing into action on the Nintendo Wii as the legendary warrior, Rygar! Immerse yourself in Greco-Roman mythology as you journey through the sundered Island of Argus. Intuitive use of the Wii remote allows you to deftly and effectively control the use of the powerful Diskarmor to destroy enemies and maneuver on, around, over, and under obstacles to save Princess Harmonia!
And with a discount price, it’ll be one of the good titles to pick up and add to your collection this January.
No More Heroes Marvelous Interactive
February 5, 2008
Exclusive
Single Player
This bloody action title, No More Heroes, features a character called Travis Touchdown. After winning a beam katana in a competition, he becomes a proffesional hitman where he now seeks to be #1 at his proffesion. Follow Travis as you seek to achieve this goal, in Suda’s bloodiest game yet.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl Nintendo
February 10, 2008
Exclusive
Wi-Fi Enabled
Gaming’s biggest brawler is back: and with a host of new characters. Nintenod’s ultimate fighter returns with vast updates, loads of new fighters, and the much wanted online mode. The replay value in this game is endless, and the countless amount of features will never allow you to take this out of your system. One of Wii’s biggest games of the year comes to you early. Don’t get caught without a Brawl.
Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors Square Enix
February 26, 2008
Exclusive
Single Player
Square Enix’s first Wii game finally comes ashore. This on rails adventure game takes you through the DQ universe in style. Already selling well and getting good reviews in Japan, this DQ games is one to not miss out on.
Boom Blox Electronic Arts
March 2008
Exclusive
Single Player
One of Spielberg’s game, this Wii exclusive features an innovative play style that could be as addictive as Tetris.
Obscure: The Aftermath Playlogic
March 2008
Also on PS2, PC
Multiplayer
Already beaten the Resident Evil games. Well Obscure: The Aftermath will hold you over as this survival horror packs a punch, while also saving some time for humerous moments. The co-op will be the calling point of this game, as why go alone when you can go with a friend.
Worms: A Space Oddity THQ
March 2008
Exclusive
Wi-fi Enabled
Worms are back and in a big way. Enjoy worms in either single player or online, as you battle it out against 3 other people. Classic worms play style is back and it has never been better.
Mario Kart Wii Nintendo
Spring 2008
Exclusive
Wi-fi Enabled
The second best selling racer of all time, is reving up its engines for Wii. In this kart racing game, Mario and the gang are back with a host of new options including motorcycles and online mode for up to 12 people. Not having this title is accepting last place before the race starts.
House of Dead 2 and 3 Return Sega
Q2 2008
Exclusive
Multiplayer
Can’t get enough of Wii light gun shooters? Well the ultimate arcade shooter, House of Dead, is coming to the Wii. And at a budget price, light gun shooter fans couldn’t be happy. It’s 2 games in 1, for the price of not even a full priced game. Do I even need to explain further. Shoot down the zombies.
Monster Lab Eidos
Q2 2008
Exclusive
Wi-Fi Enabled
Described as Pokemon meets Tim Burton, this game allows you to be a scientist and create monsters and battle them out. The game also supports online, which will keep your freaky creatures battling for a long time coming.
Mushroom Men Gamecock
Q2 2008
Exclusive, also on DS
Single Player
One of Gamecock’s new IP’s, this strange story puts you as a mushroom: that’s alive. After a strange comet hits the mushroom species start to come alive. Soon they start form clans which leads ineveitably to war. This creative game not only adds an innovative fun in gaming but puts a few issues in perspective. Truly the Mushroom Kingdom is in peril.
Okami Capcom
Q2 2008
Exclusive(port of a PS2 game)
Single Player
Easily one of the greatest games of the last generation, Okami gets a wiimake. And with the crafty gameplay of the original, the wiimote controls will only benefit it. And like with RE4, this will be the definite version. If you have yet to play one of the greatest games of our time, then do it. Or if simply looking to play it in a new way, the budget price of the game will allow you to do it. Experience one of the greatest games ever played, the best graphical achievement in gaming, and do it all on the console it was meant to be on.
Sambo de Amigo Wii Sega
Q2 2008
Exclusive
Single Player
The maraca playing monkeys are back. Sega’s cult music hit, which opened the doorways for games like Guitar Hero, has another game coming which will use the wiimote in innovative ways. Have fun playing along to this game.
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Lucasarts
Q2 2008
Also on PS2, DS, PS3, and 360
Multiplayer
It’s been a long time coming where Wii fans can finally celebrate, as you will be swinging that wiimote as a lightsaber like you’ve always dreamed. Lucasarts brings their newest Star Wars game which features you as a dark apprentice of Darth Vader. The game brings insight to things in the trilogy, which was all guided by George Lucas himself. This is the Wii game we’ve all been waiting for. Finally gaming brings a fantasy to reality.
Civilization Revolution 2k Games
Fall 2008
Also on DS, PS3, and 360
Wi-Fi Enabled
The highly acclaimed Civilization series makes it way to the Wii. This marks one of the first stragey games to hit the Wii, and one can only imagine what innovation can go on there. And with online in the game, this is a must buy for all Wii gamers.
Red Steel 2 Ubisoft
Winter 2008
Exclusive
Wi-Fi Enabled
The original Red Steel stormed the Wii and topping a million sold easily. Although the game had flaws it was still a solid experience. Now Ubisoft is out to correct its flaws and more importantly add the much needed online sector. This sequel promises to give a true new experience and capitalize on the gold that is Wii FPS.
Alone in the Dark Atari
TBA 2008
Also on PS2, PS3, 360, PSP, PC, and DS
Single Player
Atari’s cult survival horror series makes it way to the Wii promising immersive Wii controls in this already immersive game. The game works like episodes, which last 30-40 minutes as you try and survive the horror that is Central Park. The RE fans are abundant on Wii, so time to make room for another great survival horror series.
Animal Crossing Wii Nintendo
TBA 2008
Exclusive
Wi-Fi Enabled
The now collosal series that is Animal Crossing makes its way to Wii. With Nintendo promising huge online features for the game, this easily could be the defining moment of Nintendo online. Although this game has not been announced to come out in 2008, all signs are pointing at that it will.
de Blob THQ
TBA 2008
Exclusive: also on DS
Single Player
It was first a student made game. Now getting the full developer treatment this interestingly cool game is making a spot on Wii. Your trying to eliminate an alien race who has taken over and banned color. Use your color making abilities to vanquish evil. A cliche story with a cool concept. Could it get better?
Disaster: Day of Crisis Nintendo
TBA 2008
Exclusive
Single Player
Monolith Soft’s new IP goes to show that Nintendo is not all about titles for everyone. This game pits you as Ray who is in a city where numerous natural disasters are occuring. In this terror a rogue special forces units seizes a nuclear weapon. Now you must survive nature and stop the “terrorists”.
Spore EA
TBA 2008
Also on PC and DS
Will Wright’s creative new game pits you as a god figure that controls life. You guide and create your creatures as you try to keep them alive. Easily the most innovative game of next year, who else but Will Wright to be making it.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers Square Enix
TBA 2008
Exclusive
Single Player
The next edition in the FFCC series that follows right after the GC edition. It’s a Square FF game. What more could you ask for.
Nothing makes me happier to be able to put this up as an exclusive. Capcom brings it’s large pokemon-esque game to the Wii and in a big way. In this epic adventure you hunt creatures and among other things. Important to note that this may only release in Japan for 2008.
Fatal Frame IV Tecmo
TBA 2008
Exclusive
Single Player
Tecmo’s huge surivial horror series puts its next edition out on the Wii exclusively. The game features a special camera that can see ghosts. Easily one of the scariest games out there, this is a huge game that Wii gamers won’t want to miss.
Tales of Symphonia 2 Namco
TBA 2008
Exclusive
Namco’s RPG returns on the Wii continuing the storyline and adding more characters. Fans of the series will be really happy. Not to mention adds an RPG to the much needed collection of RPG’s for Wii.
Wii Fit Nintendo
TBA 2008
Exclusive
Single Player
The Wii series is continued. This time weight loss being the main attraction. But don’t be fooled, its a true game at heart with addictive games that like Wii Play and Wii Sports, will get you hooked from the beginning
Wii Music Nintendo
TBA 2008
Exclusive
A new edition in the Wii series, takes a musical turn. Use the wiimote to control a variety of instruments and make sweet music.
Other Mentions
Wii Chess
Blast Works: Build, Fuse, and Destroy
Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law
Samurai Warriors Katana
Bully: Scholarship Edition
Harvest Moon Heroes
Brothers in Arms: Road to Hill 30
Baroque
Destroy All Humans! Big Willy Unleashed
Ninja Reflex
SEGA Superstars Tennis
Major League Baseball 2K8
Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2008
Ghostbusters: The Video Game
Opoona
James Bond 007 Game
Rock Band(rumored but pretty much confirmed)
We Love Golf
Super Mario Stadium Baseball
Chocobo’s Mysterious Dungeon: The Labyrinth of Forgotten Time
King Story
Pikmin 3(hopefully)
Wii has an apsolute collosal lineup for 2008. Filled with huge exclusives from both 3rd parties and Nintendo. Not to mention all the titles that have yet to be announced. Despite Galaxy and Metroid already released and Brawl at the early part of the year, Wii doesn’t suffer a bit in 2008, and may easily have the best gaming lineup for the year. Filled with games ranging all genres, for all ages, and all types, and of course good 3rd party support, Wii gamers will continue checking their wallets for more money to pay for it all.
--- It’s not about money. It’s about sending a message. Everything burns.
NEREVAR117 wrote:
Games still look like they were programmed by 6 year olds...
Sorry, but thats just pathetic.
Blame the developers.
Not to mention is that all you have to say in here. Seriously if you haven’t noticed there is a hell of a lot of propoganda haha. Stick with that or make the anti thread haha.
--- It’s not about money. It’s about sending a message. Everything burns.
Yea its not like I went out and tried to find the best hi-res pic to make sure the game looked as best as possible. I only included images so that if people could have a visual representation of the gameplay. And it makes the entire post look a little better.
--- It’s not about money. It’s about sending a message. Everything burns.
The scuba diving game would of been sooooo much better on the ps3 or 360, why would they put a game that could have alot of potential graphics wise on the wii only?
anti-moviecodec. wrote:
The scuba diving game would of been sooooo much better on the ps3 or 360, why would they put a game that could have alot of potential graphics wise on the wii only?
Why wouldn’t they? Everyone buys a Wii.
Developer: “Let’s put it on the most popular console so it’ll sell more!"
anti-moviecodec. wrote:
The scuba diving game would of been sooooo much better on the ps3 or 360, why would they put a game that could have alot of potential graphics wise on the wii only?
It’s a first party title. It couldn’t have gone on anything but Wii.
--- It’s not about money. It’s about sending a message. Everything burns.
i just want these 10, maybe ill get some others, but probibly not, any other games i get next year will be hand held games, except when i get a 360
Smash Bros. Brawl
Okami
No More Heroes
Mario Kart Wii
Animal Crossing Wii
Tales of Symphonia 2
Final Fantasy Crystal Cronicals: Crystal Bearers
Wii Fit
Rock Band
Chocobo’s Mysterious Dungeon: The Labyrinth of Forgotten Time
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Games
» The Next Year: Wii in 2008
First 
but I’ll give you all my kudos, u deserve them 
