The Nintendo Video Game Revolution Goes "Wii"

Ever since the Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox series' of video game systems overtook Nintendo consoles as the kings of gaming, Nintendo has been itching for a chance at payback - but so far has failed miserably with near-duds like the Nintendo 64 and the Gamecube.

Now Mario and his cohorts are having their coming-out party for the Revolution... which Nintendo will brand under the oddest name in the company's history. And I mean odd.

How odd, you ask? Picture this: Take a common english word, in this case, the word "we" (as in several people) and switch the "e" in "we" for another english vowel, in this case the letter "i." Now duplicate that "i" to emphasize togethernes - and thus the percieved approchability of the Revolution concept, pronounce it as if you kept the "e" - and et volia! You have the "Wii" - the most creative name I can think of since Apple Computer introduced the iPod.

The downside? Those who preferred the code name "Revolution" are already kicking themselves over Nintendo's decision to use such an oddball name as its official line for the console, which only modestly increases graphics power over the Gamecube in favor of an equally creative, highly motion-sensitive control mechanism that aims to literally make you feel like your in the game itself - a fact that has caught the video game development community by storm from Sega to Capcom and beyond.

So whether you love it or hate it, Nintendo's seemingly-final branding for its motion-controlled Revolution console project is a clear attempt to emphasize the game system's promise of never-before realized ease of use - no matter what the name haters have to say. But you can't blame Nintendo for the bad press over this name game - after all, it is a little odd on the cheesy side. Then agtain, nobody expected weird brands like Google, Cold Stone Creamery, and even the Xbox and iPod to gain such loyal followings, either. So if what worked for those oddball brands holds true, the Wii - and its unique gameplay machanisms - may just get Nintendo the revenge it deserves against Sony and the Vole.

Then we'll see who gets the last laugh.