While the code-name ‘Revolution’ expressed our direction, Wii represents the answer. Wii will break down that wall that separates video game players from everybody else. Wii will put people more in touch with their games… and each other. But you’re probably asking: What does the name mean? Wii sounds like ‘we’, which emphasises this console is for everyone. Wii can easily be remembered by people around the world, no matter what language they speak. No confusion. No need to abbreviate. Just Wii.

Am I the only one who remembers the outrage and ridicule that burst forth from just about anyone who was following the then-code-named Revolution? Remember the cries of Nintendo’s downfall and proclamations that they’d finally dug themselves a nice, stupid sounding grave? Remember the air of triumph that surrounded the Sony and Microsoft camp? Remember the sheer disbelief upon the invoking of the word?

How things have changed in just over a year! The vision that Nintendo had for their console has come to fruition. Most of my friends who’d gotten a Wii aren’t gamers, but have one in their possession because their parents were intrigued by the thing. Think about this for a second. These aren’t the parents that we’d envisioned when we were kids, who’d actually want consoles. No, back in those days, the adults that we imagined would be ourselves. But this same generation that was vehemently opposed to the merits of video games during our youth are now embracing this little white box that Nintendo has crafted.

I really can’t express my excitement at what Nintendo has done in the past few years. They’ve always been criticized for not following the lead of Sony, especially during the N64 and early Gamecube days. But now, look at where rehashing the same tired formula has gotten Sony. Not only has Nintendo revolutionised gaming with new control systems, but they’ve managed to make their vision of making gaming for everyone more real.

In Nintendo’s world, gaming isn’t something that’s only for those who reduce games to raw numbers. People who enjoy memorizing tech specs or gushing about polygon counts or compulsively min-maxing aren’t Nintendo’s target. Nintendo’s target is everyone. Nintendo’s made their consoles so that it’s easy for the social aspect of gaming to take place.

Where’s the proof for this? Well, it’s in the fact that you can’t seem to find them anywhere. I can walk into Futureshop, and there’ll be a mountain of PS3s and a display case full of PSPs. Nintendo’s only mistake with regards to their consoles is the fact that they don’t have enough factories churning these things out.

We’re past the point where the Wii is just Nintendo’s stupid idea. It’s a very real idea. No one giggles at the name anymore because the idea and vision behind Nintendo’s name is very potent. It’s managed to overcome the initial weakness in it’s name and has delivered on it’s promise to revolutionize gaming and make gaming about bringing people together.

Wii has a distinctive ‘ii’ spelling that symbolises both the unique controllers and the image of people gathering to play. And Wii, as a name and a console, brings something revolutionary to the world of video games that sets it apart from the crowd. So that’s Wii.

But now Nintendo needs you. Because, it’s not really about you or me. It’s about Wii. And together, Wii will change everything.