Twelve midnight finally approached, and management (clad in promotional “Wii Play” T-shirts) opened the doors to announce that they would be bringing customers in, fifteen at a time, to purchase the new Nintendo Wii. There were 90 consoles available, but only 35 copies of each gamer were available. Nearly everyone in line was hoping for a copy of Zelda: Twilight Princess, but only 1/3rd of them would be able to obtain a copy.
The first customers emerged from the electronics department, their consoles tucked into tan plastic bags. You would think that they would be ecstatic beyond belief, but many hurried to their cars, with an almost paranoid look about them. They may have heard all the horror stories of the Playstation 3 robberies and didn’t want to be the next victims.
Several parents (especially fathers) stood in line with their sons, and one accepted an interview after exiting the store triumphantly.
When asked to comment on his purchase, Tim (and his son Trey) responded “I feel great, although slightly sleepy from being up at 4:00am.” I asked if this toy was really for him or his son.. “My son, really. I’m just happy to get out. We both really like video games.”
Overall, the launch of the Nintendo Wii was a major success. There were plenty of consoles available around the city, even for those that weren’t able to snag one at a midnight party. Nearly everyone in line couldn’t wait to play it, in contrast to the PS3 squatters who nearly all intended to sell theirs. The Nintendo fanboys are dedicated to Nintendo because they treat the gamers right: they offer great games with mass appeal, they have innovated a truly revolutionary way of gaming, and made sure they get it into the hands of the gamers. The Nintendo Wii is offered at a price that nearly everyone can afford ($250, including a game), and no production issues translates into a Wii for everyone that wants one this holiday season.
Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
