E3: Fils-Aime Challenges 'False Assumptions' On Wii Momentum

Nintendo enters E3 on somewhat of a defensive: for months, analysts have suggested that Wii is losing momentum, just as its higher-powered console rivals unveil competitive motion controls of their own. But at the company's E3 press conference, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime suggested such assumptions are misled. "Wii owners actually play their system more often than other console owners," he said. "At the same time, according to [research firm] Ipsos, nearly as many people intend to buy a Wii in the next six months as the other two home platforms combined," Fils-Aime added. Among the "false assumptions" about Wii, the president continued, is the idea that Wii owners simply buy their console for a few sport or party games of which they quickly tire. "This simply isn't the case," he said. "The reason is the popularity of intermediate, or 'bridge' games, that usher new players toward the world of gaming," Fils-Aime continued, citing titles like Mario Kart Wii and New Super Mario Bros. Wii as prime examples. And as for those titles, New Super Mario Bros. Wii has sold over 14 million copies, while Mario Kart Wii has sold over 22 million copies. Users have made over 147 million Mii characters to date, and Fils-Aime says users will enjoy getting to use them in the upcoming Wii Party, which launches this holiday.