The answer is almost inevitable when you ask someone why they bought the Wii: "for the multiplayer," or something to that effect. They sure as hell didn't buy the thing for the software . Therefore, the Wii is always hyped as being the choice for social gaming gatherings of any kind, especially family-oriented.
…why? Just because everyone can wave an electronic wand around? Should we completely ignore the multimedia capabilities of the PlayStation 3? Here's just one example (and yes, I'm well aware that its entirely anecdotal): I just got back from a fairly large Memorial Day party that quite literally ran all weekend – ranging from languorous lapses to staccato bursts – and with a PS3 on the premises, the entertainment really didn't end from a video perspective. Not only could everyone sit and play any number of games, ranging from Guitar Hero to Killzone 2 , but they could also peruse the PlayStation Store. Hell, the girls were downloading TV episodes and renting movies while the guys had several Blu-Ray flicks that, obviously, aren't exactly playable on the Wii. And oh yeah, there were games that included motion sensing, too – Rag Doll Kung-Fu , anyone? – so what exactly were we missing by not having the Wii?
As much as I applaud Nintendo for producing an electronics item that really caters to the non -gamers worldwide, this whole fallacy that the PS3 (and the Xbox 360) aren't as "good" for social gatherings and parties has to die. With the multimedia options on the two true next-gen systems, it's a no-brainer. People were uploading pics, setting playlists, downloading new demos, hopping on the still FREE Network, and in general, doing whatever they wanted. The PS3 wore many hats this past weekend, and besides some intricate wand-waving, it did everything the Wii could do plus a whole lot more. As I was driving home, I figured Nintendo should probably clarify that the Wii is best for social groups of a younger age demographic, while adults who party may be more inclined to give something like the PS3 or the 360 a chance. At this point, there's very little the PS3 can't do, and the capabilities will only increase in number and quality over time.
I watched one girl spend a solid hour decorating a space in Home. That just doesn't happen on the Wii. I'm sorry, but as time goes on, I'm finding more and more reasons to discount the Wii in my brain. So sue me. As I always say, I just calls 'em as I sees 'em. And yes peeps, I am back , and with E3 coming up, we're gonna go off the chain at PSXE and give you everything you desire. I suppose that may include my gaming and even non-gaming related rants, too! You know, if y'all want 'em… 😉
My little girl asked for a wii, so I tried to put off buying one for a while, and well… it paid off. She played a wii at school and at a friends house. When I asked her recently if she wanted a wii for her birthday, she said no. She wanted a psp, because the initial fad for her had worn off and she seen the wii for what it really is….. a gimmick.
I believe if people were to have tried the wii for a while before buying, some would have passed on it. The PS3 does, in my opinion, have so much more to offer to a social gathering.
Bring on the rants.
Last edited by tes37 on 5/26/2009 12:02:23 AM
Ben has been Unleashed:D The wii is starting to to lose it's polish thought and with the PS3's new motion controls(all but confirmed)the wii will have to take the back seat.As for the PS3 being a party machine well it's definitely the life of my parties.
Same here. The PS3 rules at my parties.
Rock Band and Littlebig Planet, Singstar and Buzz, COD 4 and Motorstorm Pacific Rift, always big at parties
especally lbp 😛
Well Ben I don't know if you have played it but when I have a lot of people over we almost always end up playing Buzz quiz tv. Its just really fun and its always nice when you hold bragging rights. The three games we usually end up playing are Buzz, Rock Band, and a shooter of some sort. I agree completely that the PS3 has an edge over the wii.
Exactly what I was gonna say. Whenever I have people over, I know the Buzz and Rock Band are eventually going to come out. Someone inevitably has a vendetta because they got beat last time at Buzz, or completely sucked last time around at Rock Band. Rock Band is perfect for after a night out with friends when everything is closed, but we all still have tons of energy. It's turned my house into the default after-party spot.
Welcome back Ben!
E3 will be freaking awesome
PS: I have a Wii, and I'll say this, the games which don't try to be gimmicky or "multiplayer" friendly are the best titles for it. Zelda, Tales of Symphonia 2, Mario Galaxy, etc.
Overall though the Wii doesn't offer anything new. The price…..
That's the only difference really. The Wiimote isn't being taken to new heights at all…..
I like the Wii though, the Virtual console games are awesome. And like I said it has some good games. Just nothing to look forward to anymore, sadly.
II have all 3 systems and when everybody is over house they play the 360 nobody touches the wii. Im the only one who plays the ps3, dont know why its that way but its just the way it is at my house.
My roommates and their friends cry for singstar and buzz, they tried lips and said it feels fake but Sony needs some linkin park in singstar,it seems that is all that's lacking.
Totally agree. Lips is missing the fun factor and approachable friendliness that surrounds singstar games.
When people think console Karaoke, they think Singstar, not Lips. The Singstore is the greatest unknown gem to most casual gamers.
Working at EB Games, most people go with a PS3 when I tell them about Singstar's Singstore, the Blu-Ray player and the easy to update hard drive. I also compare the 2009 game lineup to 360, and they are immediately sold on the PS3.
I recently had an opportunity to try my hand at the Wii a couple of days ago at a friends house. I played Mortal Kombat Armageddon and the remote control scheme sucked. I can see why people are gettin Wii injuries. It is just too awkward and stressful on the wrists.
To add to the controls, I felt like I wasn't gettin a next gen experience. The visuals weren't all to write about. Im not a graphics whore but c'mon we do expect progress.
I use my PS3 alot when im getting wasted. We watch funny ass movies, listen to muzicc, watch funny ass clips on the net, lil porn and kill each other online or fighting games!!! IT really is the all in one machine worth every pennie!
Finally i took my time to register an user on this fantastic site!
I got a wii about one and a half year ago.. my GF bought one for me… but i traded it in for a PS3… and ooh boy i dont regret that!
Greetings from denmark! 🙂
Welcome. And Denmark…cool. We're reachin' all sorts of countries on this fancy I-Net. 😉
lets be honest people the only good thing about the Wii is party games, which it excells at pointless little games, better than the PS3 does.
Has anyone else noticed the distinct difference in the quality of PS3 party games compared to Wii party games?
…. I thought so.
Welcome to the party, Ghidora.
thanks 🙂
I have a ps3 and a wii, and when people come over we always end up on the ps3. We never play the wii. We end up goin on fifa, resisance and sadly wwe, it just gets quite addictive beating each other up. theres loads of offline multiplayer offline games on ps3 so whether i'm playing by myself or when people come round its always the ps3.
What multiplayer offline games would you suggest for the ps3? at the moment i really only know about nhl 09, which is AWESOME
Sadly WWE?!?!? Dude that is ONE awesome game to play with your friends!
When I'm with my friends we always end up playing Smash Bros (we tried Rad Doll, but playing it only made us want to throw on Smash Bros. even more).
We also play Mario Strikers, TimeSplitters for the GameCube and Day of Wreckoning. We hardly touch the PS3 or 360.
PS-Wii60
Thank, thank you 😉
I wanna buy singstar….Karaoke is a blast when you have friends and booze. Is it any good? Does anyone have it?
i love my singstar 😛
Didnt think much of it at first, but its really enjoyable with groups and the ps eye adds to the mayhem
I have it. Always fun at parties!!! But Rock Band is much more popular.
Get into the Singstore. Best thing for creating your own Karaoke parties!!! Plus, the PS3 singstar update from a few months back allows backwards compatability with PS2 singstar games.
Go check it out!!!!
Welcome Ghidora.
I wouldnt call the PS3 a party machine like the WII i would say the PS3 is more of an all rounder….its good when your at home and you just wanna kill some Helghast or Sneak past some soliders in Metal Gear Solid…and its great to play when theres a party goin on..singing away on Singstar…or getting invold with Buzz…and then with your friends over…the list goes on…show off your skills on FIFA(what most people i kno play when there mates come over in UK)…and many more…i think PS3 is better…fun wise then the Wii…only ting Wii has on PS3 is…for about two hours…everyone is getting a hard on over the motion controls…then…it gets boring..and people end up going hospital because they get hit with the controler lol
thanks again 🙂
No you can clearly see the ps3 is the party machine, the 360 has its ups, but you have to have a account and it has to be paid for…as for the ps3 i can have buddies that dont even have a ps3 over let them sign into there accounts and play some games on my console…pick up go somewhere else and well if they got internet too then they he can clearly finish his trophy work…sooner or later hes going to get one but the point is he doesnt and if it was xbox he'd be paying for somthing he does…twice a month??
i have nothing against xbox, but the ps3 is far better…xbox is good for like full time…school, work, and xbox while the ps3 can be school, work, bang your wife, go for lunch, take your kids to the park, ps3 (kz2 pwning noobs) 😀
who agrees?? a family man who can be number 1 in every game of kz2…ownage right??
and to leave off where i was at cause i left my Wii point out…but the wii is kinda dead, chyea everyone talks about smash bros, but take that away and what you got?? nothing its a widud lol
the wii for one i have to say has bad graphix and people like me who see good graphix and then see a bad looking game we wanna run in the corner and slit our throats…ive been playing games since i was 4 i was playing the orginal MGS when i was 11 and if i played mgs now after mgs4 id end up quiting…i even have mercs 2 on ps3…i saw it on ps2 and wanted to blow blow up the disc…the wii in my perspective is dead
if you have ps3 for party you got… just about everything for party mode…you got your hardcore gamers, your guys why just play somtimes, and you got soft gamers too…
The only thing about the ps3 that discourages soft core gamers is the hefty price tag, but lets all keep our fingers crossed for sony to take care of that at E3…
I think wii its a great machine and it has some games that can run on the PS3 and the 360 very well but they are only on Wii im a PS3 fanatic but we have to accept that are ppl who like wii games in the same way we like killzone 2 and MGS 4 and the wii have a different taste that the PS3 and 360 and the ppl o who play wii like that special taste they are not searching for HOME, Downloads, Blu-Ray etc… They are searching for fun and the wii for them its fun…
Very true.
Families and non-gamers like the Wii's easy to approach gameplay. Look at the success of Wii Sports!!
Gamers and young adults like a challenge and fantasies that give them the feeling of being a hero. That is why they play shooters and RPGs on 360 and PS3.
Wii = Family entertainment for non-gamers
PS3/360 = Challenge and entertainment for real gamers
To say the Wii isn't for gamers is elitist bull. I've been gaming for 20 years and the Wii offers some great games you can't find on the other consoles. I prefer the Ps3 for sure but the wii still has plenty of games to keep me playing it. It's fine if you don't like it but to call others non-gamers for enjoying it is ignorant.
I have a friend who is SHY to play his wii……
It's natural, he feels too old for it and still wants a manly machine like the ps3.
IMO, playing bowling gets old pretty fast!… ^^
Thats what most ppl seem to use it for!
yet another instance where the PS3 problem is more obvious – lack of proper product promotion and advertising. Sony invested so much in the PS3 it surprises me they didn't hit the market properly. I have had mine since launch and the whole family loves it. You can't go wrong with the PS3!
Sadly, as you said, Sony poured its money into the PS3 machine, some first party developers, leaving hardly anything for marketing.
A sad truth we must accept, Sony has very little money to spend on advertising compared to Micro$oft, and I am 100% correct when I say that this is because Micro$oft built a cheap crappy console that breaks down easily while Sony poured their heart, soul and a lot of cash into the machine itself, leaving it up to gamers and users of their machine to spread the word.
Give it time, once the word has spread far and long enough, Sony will reign supreme once more. Look at the number of developers flocking to blu ray now!!!
It was the same on PS2 how could it go all wrong? seriously the fun anyone? ads need to come back for PS3
i got a PS3 on release in europe & my friend got a WII,four of us enjoyed playing the golf & bowling on wii sports and my friend left the wii at my place as he was in collage a few hundred miles away,a week later i rang him up and asked him to'collect this fuc*ing thing its a waste of space.'
I haven't played the WII since!!
Last edited by Lord carlos on 5/26/2009 6:32:44 AM
Welcome back Ben!
We almost did not make it without you… There was almost a mutiny, angry words were thrown here and there and tempers ran high.
I guess we are so addicted to your articles that going cold turkey for a week was kind of hard on us 🙂
I agree 100% with the article. My new years bash was centered around my PS3, and many of may friend don't even game, not yet anyways (smile that evil smile).
We watch some funny videos on UTube, played some Pain (the girls kind of liked it WTF?!), watched some Russel Peters on DVD, and listened to my music streaming straight from my server.
Two of them already bought one and I'm sure more will follow. I will start to look at more games that cam be played in groups. Wish I had Little Big Planet at the time 🙁
so true, my PS3 with Rock Band and Littlebig Planet stole the New Years Party at my mates place. turned out to be an awesome party that many remember. The Wii was hardly touched.
Sadly, most of my friends have 360s and I'm the only one with a PS3. But whenever theres a party, the PS3 is ALWAYS on show.
Thanks to Buzz, Singstar, Rock Band, Guitar Hero,Littlebig Planet, Motorstorm Pacific Rift and COD 4, the PS3 truly is the real party machine.
Lets not forget the updatable HDD. Replaced my 40 GB with a 320 GB HDD, I placed all my videos and TV shows, even some movies, on the hard drive. Now it is considered a must at parties!!
Sadly tho, COD 4 on 360 and Halo 3 4 player split screen and online play usually beat out what my PS3 can offer. My friends still need to grow up and accept Halo 3 as the generic everyday video game shooter for wannabes that older gamers and some others see it as. The number of loud annoying teens whose voices are yet to break frustrates most of us into boredom, particualrly me.
Who here agrees with me????
Is Halo 3 an average shooter that grows boring after half an hour of play, or is it just me?
Does the repetitive shoot, die, spawn, shoot, die, spawn chain of things bore anyone else after half an hour? Why is it popular!?!?!?! It really is beyond me what these millions of teens see in it.
Actually, if it weren't for the Griffball challenges, I might never have played it again. A Nice mix to spice up Halo a bit.
Does anyone else here have a suggestion as to why a generic shooter like Halo is popular? How can people play it for hours on end!?!?! Its so boring!!! Good for half an hour, but it eventually gets repetitive!!!! I wish I could get my friends hooked onto Killzone capture the flag, or motorstorm elimination, or rock band duels. Much more fun and varied.
Its a shame, every single one of my friends like the PS3, most want a PS3, but at 699 bucks (Australia) compared to 360 being 399 (again, this is in Australia), my friends are often forced to go the cheaper alternative AND to play each other on Live, leaving me with a near empty friends list on my PS Network. 🙁
Anyway, straying off topic, yes, the PS3 beats the Wii in terms of great party games. Hands down.
One friend brought his Wii to the party, along with his PS3, we played Mario Kart for 10 minutes but got sick of the motion controls, and had no idea what was happening in super smash brothers. Ended up playing Rock Band for an hour, followed by an hour of COD. Then watched a tv show stored on the HDD. The PS3 easily won the console of choice for parties. Now the Wii rarely makes an appearance.
Sorry Nintendo, it was a nice toy at first, but the shine is wearing off. Shame you didn't think long term strategy like Sony and its PS3. Strongest game lineup yet!!!
Halo, in my friends' opinions, is more fun because a) the Master Chief can jump and b) he doesn't die with 2 bullets from a rifle. The game really is well done with a heavy emphasis on multiplayer, so the maps are fun. And they have vehicles.
My friends, at least, hate CoD4 because they die so quickly. Killzone 2 isn't even an option because it has no offline multiplayer. Resistance 2 has the same problem. For whatever reason, the best PS3 shooters only support 1 or 2 people, and not 4. (Another reason why Halo is the game of choice)
The Wii is a good number 2 system for those Nintendo games but it doesn't hold a candle to my PS3 when it comes to how many things it can do. Even though being Canadian disallows me to buy films and T.V. shows online (due to Draconian CRTC laws), there's still much you can do with it: play video games, watch DVDs and Blu-Ray, surf the 'Net, hang out on PSN Home, download demos and videos and listen to music. It's a much better party console.
I have all 3 systems, and the Wii gets played only when kids come over. Although, I did have lots of fun with it when Mario Party 8 came out. Wish the PS3 had something like that! =)
Other than that, the Wii and x360 don't get much play. I have them both hooked up to the same TV in another room, whereas the PS3 sits in the main living room with the new Plasma. lol
Although a lot of the stuff mentioned is only 1 player, I agree. People just line up to buy Wiis because everyone else has one (and they're cheaper).
These poll results come from Net-Asia, a Tokyo-based market researcher. The survey involved men and women aged 10-40 that own game consoles/play games.
28% own a Wii, on average aged 32
4.3% own a PS3, average age 26
5.6% own both
77% of PS3 owners play alone
78% of Wii owners play with family
PS3 owners mostly play action games
Wii owners mostly play RPGs
81% of PS3 owners purchased the system for the games
52% of Wii owners purchased the system for the games
66% of PS3 owners purchased the system for graphics
37% of Wii owners purchased the system as a health tool
(figures from Japan)
Wii owners average aged 32
PS3 owners average age 26
Strangely enough in the western markets, the average age of a Wii owner is about 15 years younger than the average age of a PS3 owner. Interesting how things are different.
81% of PS3 owners purchased the system for the games
52% of Wii owners purchased the system for the games
So, only half of Wii owners bought if for the games? Interesting, it's not a games console, it's a lifestyle item – aka GADGET.
66% of PS3 owners purchased the system for graphics
So two thirds of PS3 owners wanted HD games then.
37% of Wii owners purchased the system as a health tool
This just blows me away, the stupidity of people knows no bounds. A games console, even a Wii, is no substitute for real physical activity, no matter how much body jerking the game induces, it's not a bloody work out. Good grief, more than a third of Wii buyers thought they were buying exercise equipment. Well I guess that jives with half of the Wii buyers not wanting the thing for games.
And people still call the Wii a games console?