Nintendo has announced that its forthcoming games console will be called Wii. The device was previously known by its Revolution codename.

Pronounced 'we' the new name is "easy to remember regardless of the gamer's language", the company explained in a statement on its website. 

"While the codename Revolution expressed our direction, Wii represents the answer. Wii will break down the wall that separates video game players from everybody else. Wii will put people in touch with their games and each other," said Nintendo.

However, gamers on public forums mocked the name. "It's not April Fools or something is it? Wow... yea, lemme get Tony Hawk Pro Skater 17 for the Wii? Weeii? whuuhh?," noted 'SemiMaster' on the GameSpot website.

The discussion on GameSpot took up 165 pages with 20 comments per page.

The Nintendo Wii is scheduled for release later this year. The console will feature a new wireless controller which can sense its position relative to the screen.