VGChartz members failure rate (Wii)...

[Bodhesatva]

Legend11 said:
It's kind of ridiculous to compare failure rates between the Wii and 360. If Microsoft had simply chose to repackage a slightly more powerful Xbox with a new controller it likely wouldn't be having these issues either. It is fair to compare the PS3 to the 360 though and in that case even I'll admit that Sony did an amazing job with build quality (from the lack of complaints of faulty hardware from PS3 owners).

I think it's perfectly fair. There are several benefits to making a less powerful, cutting edge system: price is one, ease of design for developers is another, and reliability for end users is yet another. You can't claim that the Wii's graphical weakness matters and simultaneously claim that its reliability does not matter (or that it "doesn't count"). You can't have it both ways. Both are consequences of the Wii's design philosophy. 

I personally think the Wii's graphical weakness does matter -- and that it's a downside to the system -- and thus believe that its reliability matters, also -- that's an upside.