Nintendo's Wii makes an Oscar appearance

During the Academy Awards Sunday night, host Jon Stewart came back from a commercial break playing 'Wii Tennis'

(Credit: Daniel Terdiman/CNET News.com)

It was a big night for Hollywood Sunday night, what with the biggest stars and best films being celebrated at the 80th Academy Awards.

But, unexpectedly, it also turned into a big night for Nintendo and its popular Wii video game console.

At one point in the show, as the broadcast came back from commercial, host Jon Stewart appeared on-stage playing tennis on the Wii, with the game displayed on the Oscars' giant screen.

It was a funny moment, and in keeping with Stewart's contemporary wit.

And while Nintendo must have known about it in advance--otherwise, how could the Oscars possibly have gotten ahold of a Wii--I'm sure it was a thrill for the game company's people to see their hit device get a moment in the sun during such a global event.

[jelloburn]

Speaking of Great Product Placement

The close-up on the Apple iPhone was great exposure for Apple. <br /><br />With both of these products so prominently displayed, it makes me <br />wonder if there were some advertising dollars at work...

[adasha76]

:-o

How could you suggest such a thing about the most noble of industries, with such high integrity? Shame!

[DarekMeridian]

Advertising Dollars, not so sure

I am not sure there were advertising dollars in either the appearance of the Wii or the Apple Iphone . Jon was clearly making light of both the wii and the apple iphone during the show. <br />If someone paid for product placement for these devices then they should look into getting their money back.