When Nintendo announced its Wii gaming system in 2005 (then code-named Revolution), they released the above concept video. It showed no actual gameplay video, just footage of gamers gesturing as if they were actually playing the games and embellished with the appropriate sound effects, all shot from the perspective of their TV sets. It was a very inspired, Apple-esque way to communicate the vibe of their inspired, Apple-esque product without revealing any game images--and cleverly hid the fact that the Wii's graphical capabilities would in no way match those of PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360. Now Nintendo is continuing that approach with online footage of people in Japan, North America and Europe trying out the Wii for the first time (click here to see for yourself; hat tip, The Wiire.)

What's smart about this approach is that it focuses on the fun that people derive from playing the game, rather than the game itself. At a time when gamers still don't get much respect or social cachet from the world at large for their hobby, this charming online campaign puts the player in the spotlight in a way that's endearing, devoid of the usual stereotypes of overweight, Cheeto-stained teenaged boys playing "Halo 2" in their parents' darkened basements. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.) Even better, it gently encourages those who mistakenly believe that they are not ready for videogames to just pick up the "Wiimote" and jump in. Good job, Nintendo. Wii who are about to buy salute you.