Until now, the mention of Nintendo in regards to the next-gen console race has been conspicuously absent from statements made by Microsoft. But Microsoft, which has focused most heavily on competition in the form of Sony and its PlayStation 3, has shifted gears and is declaring a new entry to the race for game console leadership: the Wii.
Bill Gates stated in an interview broadcast from Japanese television station, TV Tokyo, that "The strength of Nintendo has been very impressive and surprised a lot of people. And when [Microsoft considers] the strength of the Wii, we see Nintendo as our toughest competition".
The remark by Gates can be considered a slight to Sony and a confirmation that the Wii is being viewed by the competition as a legitimate entry into the console wars. This sideways stamp of approval for Nintendo is an indication that the success of the Wii is something that is of serious concern to Microsoft, whereas Sony–in the eyes of Bill Gates, at least–has been relegated to third place status in the next-gen console wars.
