Wii warriors fill streets of Manhattan

  • By Tim Surette, Brendan Sinclair, GameSpot
  • Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:31 pm PT

Anticipation for launch nears apex as hundreds gather outside Times Square Toys "R" Us, nearby Nintendo World Store.

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Tim Surette talks to those first in line at the Nintendo World Store, just hours before the launch.

NEW YORK--Yesterday, when the gaming world was still reeling in the wake of the PlayStation 3 launch, the Times Square Toys "R" Us, official site of the Nintendo Wii's 12:01 a.m. Sunday launch, had yet to see a single soul lined up for it. At the nearby Nintendo World Store in Rockefeller Plaza, the scene wasn't much bigger, with a mere handful of faithful fans camped out for the system.

What a difference a day makes. Saturday afternoon, hundreds of people had lined up at the two stores to be among the first in the world to buy a Wii at retail. While the gaming giant is releasing its next-gen system tomorrow in the US, gamers in its home country will have to wait until the December 2 Japanese launch to get their hands on it.

All lined up and no where to go: the Wii line outside Toy "R" Us.

While both stores had respectable lines of people forming, the difference between these crowds and those attending the PS3 launch was like night and day. The Toys "R" Us crowd existed in an orderly line snaking along the block, rather than the massed clump of those waiting for the PS3. Early on, a member of the line had started a sign-up sheet to keep the order straight, and the line itself was self-policing, for the most part.

And while the 50 or so campers outside of the Nintendo World store weren't terribly organized, they seemed much more at ease and laid back than the PS3 crowd, with its own distinct kind of buddy-buddy camaraderie.

Those waiting for a Wii were far mellower than those who picked up a PS3 on Friday.

"It's cool waiting here at Nintendo World," said Joe Lopez, who arrived at the store around noon on Friday. "If I get bored, my buddies will just hold my place in line while I go inside and play the Wii [on one of the store's demo kiosks]."

One observer noted that the crowds waiting for the Wii were decidedly "less gangsta" than those who camped out for the PS3.

The scene was still hectic at Toys "R" Us, where the hustle and bustle of everyday foot traffic in the heart of the Big Apple is only amplified by having to share the sidewalks with a crowd of gamers. Many passersby expressed an interest in the line, although the most common question they asked of those waiting seemed to be, "Is this the line for the PS3?"

One gamer expresses his willingness to talk to reporters.

Those sorts of questions likely became less frequent this afternoon after the store hung giant banners advertising the Wii along its exterior and began promoting the official launch events on a huge LCD screen outside the store. About a dozen police officers arrived on the scene as well, closing down 44th Street to set up a stage for this evening's launch festivities.

Inside Toys "R" Us, Nintendo had finally set up Wii demo kiosks. Wii Sports, Rayman, Zelda, and Excite Truck were all available for play, and a Nintendo representative was on hand to help walk gamers through the system. An interactive monitor with Mario was also there, with a man, through a webcam, voicing the iconic plumber and chatting up passersby.

It's all smiles as those in the Times Square line wait it out until midnight tonight.

While most of the commotion for the Wii so far seems to be coming from the core gamer crowd that Nintendo has always courted, it appeared that Nintendo's strategy of bringing in the nongaming crowd with an intuitive and inexpensive console is working, at least for one family. Just after checking out the Wii in the Nintendo World store, a family of tourists expressed their interest in the machine.

"How much is it," asked one child's mother, to which the father replied "$249." Surprised, she merely noted, "$249? That's not expensive at all!"

Check back later tonight for more GameSpot coverage of the Wii launch.

246 Comments

  • Brock_UK

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:38 pm PT

    Jolly Good!

  • LordFalcon07

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:38 pm PT

    "$249? That's not expensive at all!" - Miyamoto wins again

  • OmegaBob

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:40 pm PT

    OMG! I cant wait!

    Let the Wii-volution begin!

  • Pumper

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:41 pm PT

    Nice - I'm a 5 minute ride from Times Square, but I'm wondering, once Toys R US opens at midnight, do they stay open on through Sunday evening or do they shut down like 3 or 4 in the morning and reopen at normal hours Sunday (after launch?) I was thinking of running by at 7:AM since there are suppose to be 5,000 units.

  • spider5000_1

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:41 pm PT

    I got screwed over with the DS when DS lite came out so im gunna wait a few months and see what comes up

  • slickvic1990

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:41 pm PT

    see, nintendos plan is working. they are bringing in the home crowd

  • slickvic1990

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:42 pm PT

    see, nintendos plan is working. they are bringing in the home crowd

  • M_Scar

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:43 pm PT

    It's working!

  • jyoukhana

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:47 pm PT

    lucky Americans already have it. I have to wait till Dec 7th.

  • theage

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:47 pm PT

    I will be joining the crowd in the next hour at the nintendo world store!
    Me want the Wii!!!!!!! (And zelda too!!!!)

  • buu96322

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:48 pm PT

    One observer noted that the crowds waiting for the Wii were decidedly "less gangsta" than those who camped out for the PS3. - That made me lol IRL! Yea, The best consle is the one that dosen't get you shot.

  • Dace67

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:48 pm PT

    "$249? That's not expensive at all!" When comparing to the PS3, that seems like the understatement of the year.

  • wafflehead

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:49 pm PT

    Go Wii!

  • twilight_link9

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:49 pm PT

    THE REVOLUTION HAS BEGUN!

  • Andy639_basic

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:51 pm PT

    Decidedly less gangsta? Behold, the power of Nerd.

  • visionary

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:51 pm PT

    Less Gangsta lol

  • jaymaster007

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:52 pm PT

    Wii for life! Screw sony straight in the bosom!

  • GRAND_OUTCAST

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:52 pm PT

    249$ is not expensive at all?! Damn americans! You're too rich! That's cheap for a news console but that's still expensive for the masses...
    Gamers bless the Wii and Nintendo! Can't wait til december the 8th! (Europe launch)

  • clownofpoetry

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:53 pm PT

    A long snakey line huh? That's what to expect from the Wii. After all they know they are going to get one, so why be disorganized about it. There's enough Wii to go around. I can't wait until my EBGames opens at noon tomorrow. I'm going to be there at 8. Also, the Wii's plans are working, indeed they'll get the mass market for everyone to play, not just the hardcore crowd. We expect great things from you Nintendo, and we know you won't let us down!

  • Destman

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:53 pm PT

    spider5000_1, there won't be a Wii Lite. It is already the smallest and lightest of the current gen. There will most likely be multiple color versions of the Wii availible in the future, but other then different colors they have no reason to make a Wii Lite.

    Nintendo only make Lite versions of their handheld systems, since in that market they have to be able to fit into someone's pocket or small storage areas.

  • HyruleanLink

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:54 pm PT

    Nintendo is working their magic!

  • FarCry194

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:54 pm PT

    I already ordered my Wii at circuit city.com so I will get it in my warm comfortable home.

  • Pumper

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:54 pm PT

    Less Gangta audience = less crime spree games = innovation. Wii will finally bring back true gaming. I'd much rather be having a blast with four player Rayman then running over prostitues and pimping up my character with "bling".

  • rodri1691

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:56 pm PT

    MAN!!!! you are so lucky by living in the USA!!!!! I live in Honduras, and in here there are a lot of people anxious about the Wii. You are so lucky because you are going to get it the first day..... jajajajaja!!! but if i waited more than a year for nintendo's revolutionary system i can wait 2 weeks more for it (i'm going to order it by amazon jeje!). But am excited about having it anyways. Yeah!!! you're right nintendo's plan its workin'!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • madribub

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:57 pm PT

    "These Toys "R" Us crowd existed in an orderly line snaking along the block, rather than the massed clump of those waiting for the PS3."

    "One observer noted that the crowds waiting for the Wii were decidedly "less gangsta" than those who camped out for the PS3."

    Wii-the civilized machine for the sophisticated gamer.

  • Zor

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:58 pm PT

    "One observer noted that the crowds waiting for the Wii were decidedly "less gangsta" than those who camped out for the PS3." LOL, ah, and here i thought that was just a bad sterotype. But yeah, its nice to know that the people in line are very nice, and actually policing themselves.

  • Cloud987

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:59 pm PT

    Great stuff..Definitely gonna get Zelda and Rayman with my Wii..Is any1 else smelling Xbots from Gamestop tho? They gave Gears of War a higher score than Zelda?
    Gave Perfect Dark a higher score than Resistance?
    And even though Gears of War's story is utter crap and campaign is one of the shortest in action games-it got highest honors??

    Hmmm...Every other site I've been to has Zelda as 9.5 and 10 and Resistance as 9.0 even...I smell fanboyism!!!

  • sacatash

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 4:59 pm PT

    Watch and learn Microsoft and Sony! This is how you EXPAND the market: if you got the children 'hooked' with your product, what better way to continue them being loyal to you if you can 'convert' also their source of allowance! You are not only gaining ONE member of each household but you are actually gaining the whole household. Multiply that to Wii controllers, and you have an insant NAME brand product.

  • Talim2707

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 5:02 pm PT

    Well thats good. At least no ones going shot over a wii.

  • olthof

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 5:05 pm PT

    Go Nintendo, Go Nintendo!

  • turuk

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 5:06 pm PT

    Nintendo is finally doing things the right way!!!!, this is awesome specially for us fanboys (yes I dont mind admiting it) who have been putting up with some nintendo bs since the n64 era, but also with some lovely things too. Good times for us, not so good times for Sony fans right now. Lets enjoy it!!!!

    PS: I think Jeff will learn to like the Wii, lets just give him time and games.

  • ruttness

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 5:10 pm PT

    Nintendo owns all. Sony can shove it. (and don't shoot me cause i said that)

  • Imallvol7

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 5:10 pm PT

    Wanna know why its so orderly? they are not worried about getting it. This is PS3 weekend.

  • vaejas

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 5:12 pm PT

    Heh, moms rock.

  • Flamephoenix992

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 5:15 pm PT

    Im impressed, there are a a lot people without kids in the line.

  • mikhailk5

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 5:16 pm PT

    The Nintendo WII rock i am getting mine tommorow!!!!!

  • REVOLUTIONfreak

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 5:17 pm PT

    Hopefully Wii will be a success!

  • pp222

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 5:19 pm PT

    What an awesome launch. This is how a launch should be. A cheap system with no shortages and friendly and organized lines with happy people. Not a horrible launch with an abysmal number of units and unorganized lines with "Gangstas" and people shooting and stealing systems.

  • Relys

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 5:19 pm PT

    "$249." Surprised, she merely noted, "$249? That's not expensive at all!"

    My moms version

    "$249." Surprised, she shockingly noted, "$249? That's daylight robery!"

    Ya she dosent understand... I do think it is a little over priced but still worth getting!

  • Outlawlaw

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 5:21 pm PT

    GRAND_OUTCAST
    249$ is not expensive at all?! Damn americans! You're too rich! To be fair, the article did say it was a tourist family (possibly from canada?)

    Anyway, pretty excited about this launch, I watched the ps3 launch (can we say let-down?) and I'm looking forward to watching Reggie get up there and deliver an absolute gem.

  • sadam1688

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 5:21 pm PT

    i still think 250 is still two high of a price for a wii

  • Pumper

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 5:21 pm PT

    I asked this earlier, but does anyone know from experience if these midnight launches stay open through the next day or do they close in the wee hours and reopen for normal operation at 11:AM ?

  • Kakua_Omari

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 5:22 pm PT

    Man, nintendo fans are way more chill at launch then sony fans, sony fans get down right rabbid.

  • beardedd123

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 5:24 pm PT

    dude what in walmart by my house they have the wii allready in display but they wont start selling them until midnight tonight and there is no one outside camping out i mean whats the hype...

  • TheWii

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 5:25 pm PT

    Wii...ur ganna own ps3 no doubt.

  • Relys

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 5:25 pm PT

    Well most people here arnt "rich"... Sadly I might not beable to get it intell next summer... (If I'm REALY REALY REALY lucky I will beable to get it for christmas. But that would mean NO other presents).

  • undox

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 5:25 pm PT

    As a Nintendo fan since the Game-and-Watch days, I am hoping that the Wii will put Nintendo back on top. By the buzz that is being generated, it looks like that it will happen.

    There is one thing that makes the Wii launch better than the PS3 launch--no violence. Nintendo fans seem to be more rational than Sony fans. This might possibly be a Mario influence. In any case, I doubt that there will be many people that will be selling the system on eBay.

    See you guys tomorrow. I'll be busy at Nintendo World.

  • PolishPunisher

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 5:26 pm PT

    Im just about to go out with my friends to make fun of the people getting the Wii.

  • Relys

    Posted Nov 18, 2006 5:26 pm PT

    That's probaly because if you get a PS3 you can get rich on EBay lol!

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