Nintendo's Wii console has decided to break all kinds of things following its U.S. launch last weekend. The console was reported as being the fastest selling pre-order item in the history of Amazon.co.uk, beating competition such as Harry Potter and Coldplay. At the same time the first issues have been reported with a small number of Wii consoles freezing up bricking during the download of a Nintendo update.
The U.K. Amazon triumph comes to confirm Nintendo's marketing and PR victory over its rival console manufacturers, a victory built upon a humorous approach and the innovatrive track record of the DS. This victory however, will remain hollow if the hardware itself fails to convince the public; a better idea of how this console war may go will come from the holiday season sales, as consumers will have had a chance to read about or even try out the new consoles.
The issues raised by the consoles that bricked during the WiiConnect24 update have been dealt with in a very positive manner by Nintendo. The company immediately acknowledged the problem and announced that it plans to replace consoles within 3-4 working days while it could take up to 10 days if users wish to retrieve data from their console.
Considering Wii is a console that is slowly unraveling its many talents -- bluetooth functionality, cable modifications and bowling easter eggs -- we expect Nintendo to quickly iron out these first creases that are beginning to appear; after all its future as an innovator may rely on it.
