Wii re-design dumps backwards compatibility

[buzz_n64]

"Support for both GameCube games and hardware is being ejected by Nintendo for its upcoming Wii re-design. Merry Christmas.

[Update] Eurogamer has reported that, in addition, the existing Wii model will be phased out.

The new, slimmer, Wii included in the Family Edition bundle – pictured – will not support GameCube peripherals or games, Eurogamer has reported.

The bundle includes Wii Sports and Wii Party, both designed to make the most of the included Wii RemotePlus, but if you want to play any games with a standard, non-motion sensing pad you’ll have to shell out for the Wii’s Classic controller.

There’s no word yet on pricing for this new, even smaller box of tricks, though it will be out in time for Christmas."

http://www.vg247.com/2011/08/17/wii-re-design-dumps-backwards-compatibility/

Just more reason for people to wait for their Wii U or keep their original Wii.

[Oobgarm]

If you haven't bought a Wii yet and this news makes you angry, then you're not their target audience.

Just a a way for them to cut costs so they can continue to lower prices leading up to their next system.

This really should be a non-issue. Expecting them to continue supporting 10-year old games and peripherals is just plain silly.

[dao2]

If you haven't bought a Wii yet and this news makes you angry, then you're not their target audience.

Just a a way for them to cut costs so they can continue to lower prices leading up to their next system.

This really should be a non-issue. Expecting them to continue supporting 10-year old games and peripherals is just plain silly.

And getting a BC compatible Wii is not likely to be an issue with the giant mass of them out.

[Robocop2]

I used to froth at the mouth over BC being deleted or in a reduced capacity. Over time I've come to realize its not a make or break feature to have the next latest/greatest system be able to play games that the prior generation system plays.

While a nice feature to have as it frees up a connection on the TV; its not a necessity since most people have the console that BC is being implemented on the new system for. At least if they care about BC that is. Most people buy new systems to play new games on.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Well, Wii Motion Plus won't do a lick of good on Wii Sports considering that it doesn't recognize the technology. Not that the original Wii Sports needs to, it functions just fine with the standard Wiimote.

[Belmont008]

Still, it seems strange since the Gamecube and wii hardware are nearly identical. You're going to tell me that they haven't manufactured enough of these things to bring their marginal cost for some BC down to almost nothing. There's so many of them out there and the sales are plummeting so quickly that its seems more cost effective to just finish of their final batches of regular wiis and then end production and sell off all remaining units just as the wii U comes out. In fact it would eliminate competition between the two since the wii U is BC with wii so anyone wanting to play wii games who doesn't own a wii would have to buy one of them.

I've never really liked the re-release of any console. Usually it’s just a downgrade of the original product just to sell it at an economical price. The NES lost composite video out, SNES no longer output S-video, Genesis eventually lost 32x and Sega CD support, Playstation lost its rear expansion port and secondary video out ports, and ps3 lost BC. The slim Xbox 360 seems to be an exception to the rule. As far as I know it’s the same but with added built in wi-fi.

[kupomogli]

BC for PS2 and XBOX are important to me on the next gen hardware because they're upscaled for HDTVs. The Wii, not so much, you're still going to get a 480 picture no matter what.


You're going to tell me that they haven't manufactured enough of these things to bring their marginal cost for some BC down to almost nothing.

They're probably saving $.50 on each console by removing Gamecube backwards compatibility, but you have to look at who we're talking about here. This is something I'd expect Nintendo to do. Sony did it, but at that time, they were saving about $23(I think) off each system.

[ScourDX]

You can get the current Wii for $130. Price is not an issue. I wonder how much will Nintendo sell this for - $99?

[crazyjackcsa]

BC for PS2 and XBOX are important to me on the next gen hardware because they're upscaled for HDTVs. The Wii, not so much, you're still going to get a 480 picture no matter what.



They're probably saving $.50 on each console by removing Gamecube backwards compatibility, but you have to look at who we're talking about here. This is something I'd expect Nintendo to do. Sony did it, but at that time, they were saving about $23(I think) off each system.

Sure, but if you never got a component cable, or add the newer Cube, you never got to see 480p. Just 480i on your GC games.

[BetaWolf47]

The one bothersome thing about this: since Wii and GameCube use nearly identical hardware, they must be removing backwards compatibility by removing memory card and controller ports. This means no more GameCube controllers for VC games and Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

[RCM]

This isn't an issue for me, but it sucks the Wii U won't upscale Wii games. I'd love to see Sonic Colors or Sin and Punishment 2 in HD.

[j_factor]

I see this as a potential issue in that future Wii games will be even less likely to include Gamecube controller support.

[Flashback2012]

The one bothersome thing about this: since Wii and GameCube use nearly identical hardware, they must be removing backwards compatibility by removing memory card and controller ports. This means no more GameCube controllers for VC games and Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

Sounds like now would be a good time to pick up a back-up unit. I've long wanted to get the black colored system but jumped on board when they put out the Red colored Anniversary unit. I won't pretend to understand the decision making process that led to the removal of the GCN components and BC functions but I imagine they're trying to salvage every last possibly penny they can.

I imagine once this thing hits the market or right before, GS will be quick to announce they're no longer carrying used GC games.

[MobilityRed]

Sounds like the big N is trying to milk the Wii cow til the last drop.

[Clownzilla]

This isn't about cost savings, it's all about trying to push the Wii users towards Wii games. Nintendo dosen't make a dime from Gamecube products anymore so somebody in the boardroom thought it would be a good idea to take out BC to force gamers to buy Wii games, controllers, and accesories (where there is a chance they will buy new). It's strictly a business decision that I don't personally like as a gamer but I can understand where they are coming from.

[Oobgarm]

Suggestion: raid your local GameStops if you want to score GameCube games before they get tough to find outside of eBay.

[Leo_A]

As of right now, it's a European exclusive based on the information we have. NOA says they don't currently have any plans to release it over here. So it might be a non issue for most of us.


I see this as a potential issue in that future Wii games will be even less likely to include Gamecube controller support.

Doesn't seem to be a ton of stuff to expect in the future anyways, judging by the release schedules I've seen.

Seems like a smart move to kill off the controller and memory cart ports to reduce manufacturing cost.


Still, it seems strange since the Gamecube and wii hardware are nearly identical. You're going to tell me that they haven't manufactured enough of these things to bring their marginal cost for some BC down to almost nothing.

The GameCube and Wii are very similar, but you missed the point. They're doing this not because this Wii will be incapable of running GameCube software, but because they can decrease their cost through eliminating the physical GameCube controller and memory card ports necessary for backwards compatibility.

Looks like they've even killed off the stand to help shave down production cost.

[Nature Boy]

Over time I've come to realize its not a make or break feature to have the next latest/greatest system be able to play games that the prior generation system plays.

Totally agree.

I think it's a great idea at the beginning of a console's life cycle, to help the consumer make the decision to buy ("well, I *can* still play what I've already got so that's cool..") but at this point in it's life cycle, it should hardly matter.

(You could argue that for the Wii it barely mattered at all anyway, since so many purchases were done by families who never owned a console, but I'd stay it was still smart to hedge your bets on a new tech and keep your constant customers happy)

[BetaWolf47]

I still don't see the point of a new Wii though. Wii is already small and power efficient. It takes less power than the slim PS2 even. It just seems unnecessary.

[Lanzo]

Suggestion: raid your local GameStops if you want to score GameCube games before they get tough to find outside of eBay.

Lol even gamestop has a bad selection these days, some already stopped carrying them and when you do find them they have maybe 50 and on top of that 40 of them are in those garbage generic cases.

[Gameguy]

Gamestop/EB Games cleared out most of the GameCube games months ago, there's nothing good left. Same with GBA games, I'm glad I got to them before they updated the price stickers.

[heybtbm]

This really should be a non-issue. Expecting them to continue supporting 10-year old games and peripherals is just plain silly.

Gamecube came out 10 years ago? (Does the math) Wow. It did. How time flies.

Still rocking my purple Gamecube (with component cables of course) from 9 years ago. When it dies, I have a new black one still in the box waiting in the closet.

[wingzrow]

Expect gamestop to stop carrying gamecube games VERY soon.

[The 1 2 P]

As of right now, it's a European exclusive based on the information we have. NOA says they don't currently have any plans to release it over here. So it might be a non issue for most of us.

Thats what I came here to say since it was made abundantly clear in the story I read earlier. So this will only affect our European brethren. But seriously, even if it did happen here it's not like you can't go into your local Goodwill and find a stack of used Gamecubes for $10-15 each. They are also very plentiful at yard sales and on craigs list. But if you are in Europe and your concern is the removal of the GC controller ports then yeah you are pretty much screwed if you don't already have a Wii yet.

[SpaceHarrier]

Seems like they are just trying to squeeze any last drops out of the casual/non-gamer/family audience if they can. No big deal on the BC, there are 87+ million consoles floating around out there that do have it. I am curious what the price point will be.. but I find it strange that they would switch back to Wii Sports when Sports Resort is the superior title and really shows off the abilities of the motion+ wiimote.

I wonder if we will soon see Wii Sports Resort as a 'selects' budget title.

[goatdan]

Heh -- the guy with the first comment in that article had my *exact same thought*:

"No backwards compatibility? What games will I play on it then? :("

Having said that, there is going to be NO shortage of used Wii consoles for the next 10 years, so I'm not concerned at all, even though my composite out GameCube did just die -- and AV just isn't quite as pretty.

[Leo_A]

I still don't see the point of a new Wii though. Wii is already small and power efficient. It takes less power than the slim PS2 even. It just seems unnecessary.

What's puzzling you? The console is in it's twilight and they're trying to lower manufacturing cost to the bare minimum to get the MSRP as far down as possible to capture those last few sales.

This is happening for the same reason the Atari 2600 Jr. was released,
the same reason the top loading NES was released, the same reason the redesigned SuperNes was released, the same reason the PSOne was released, the same reason the Genesis 3 was released, and so on.

Cut the price as far as you're able to while turning a profit, combined with a budget rerelease program for popular software, and you'll capture sales that have been left on the table from consumers that considered things like a $150 Wii and $50 games like Super Mario Galaxy as still too expensive.

[bangtango]

-Unless I'm mistaken, the Wii has sold a lot more units than the GameCube. So assuming this SKU ever drifts into the US, the lack of backwards compatibility will barely cause a ripple since many prospective Wii buyers, past and present, never even bought a GameCube in the first place.

-If someone who has genuine concerns about backwards compatibility can't be bothered to cough up $29.99 (or less) at Gamestop for a used Cube, I'd suggest they keep quiet about the issue on message boards. These same people should already own the damn system (the Cube) anyway, IMO.

In prior years, I remember posters here (mostly new members under 500 posts) griping about certain variations of the PS2 not playing all PS1 games. It didn't matter to them that PS1's were widely available for $5-15 practically everywhere during that time period.

When reminded of this fact, people were usually responding by saying that they "don't have space to keep an extra PS1 laying around." Despite the fact your typical PS1 system takes up less space than a college textbook.

-Outside of their portable systems, Nintendo never emphasized backwards compatibility anyway. So the fact the Cube was supported by the Wii for several years was mostly gravy compared to their prior console history.

[goatdan]

-Outside of their portable systems, Nintendo never emphasized backwards compatibility anyway. So the fact the Cube was supported by the Wii for several years was mostly gravy compared to their prior console history.

I agree with all of your points, and I for one was really surprised the Wii had backwards compatibility to begin with. Having said that, my one concern is what someone else already noted -- that by removing the GameCube controller ports, you remove the chance of new games using GameCube controllers. I can't say I've played any Wii games using GameCube controllers, but I honestly mostly avoid Wii games because I can't *stand* the waggle stuff, and this will just make it less likely I'll play any more in the future.

[kedawa]

Hopefully the last of the original design Wiis will hit $99 when this becomes available.
The removal of all those ports and the simplification of the drive mechanism should save them a few bucks and allow for better ventilation.

I'm still waiting to pick up a Wii, which is good since it turns out that there's only about a dozen games for it that I really want to play.

I've held on to my model 2 GC because of the GB Player, but I wouldn't mind having a BC Wii so I could play my GC games with progressive scan.
On the other hand, these new Wiis might have some other improvements besides just the more streamlined design. There's nothing mentioned in the article, but HDMI support and a larger internal flash ROM would probably cost very little to include at this point.

[Leo_A]

On the other hand, these new Wiis might have some other improvements besides just the more streamlined design. There's nothing mentioned in the article, but HDMI support and a larger internal flash ROM would probably cost very little to include at this point.

They're doing this to trim production cost as far as possible with just the necessities being present. So they're not going to increase that cost by adding in things like a HDMI port.

[fluid_matrix]

On the other hand, these new Wiis might have some other improvements besides just the more streamlined design. There's nothing mentioned in the article, but HDMI support and a larger internal flash ROM would probably cost very little to include at this point.
Is the pic in the article the re-design? Because it doesn't look any different, w/ the exception of the logo, than the one I have sitting in my entertainment center.

http://images.eurogamer.net/assets/articles//a/1/3/8/9/9/1/0/ss_preview_i304113_x1200_y1200_q100_a1_r1_h4911650 115122519773.jpg.jpg

[Leo_A]

The disc drive looks different. Without getting up to check, I don't remember all that blue being there on mine. I just remember the blue light that you'll see if you turn WiiConnect24 on.

I don't really think they were out for a different look. The goal was just to make it cheaper to produce.

[heybtbm]

Hopefully...HDMI support

Considering the first two letters of "HDMI" stand for High Definition (a feature which the Wii is incapable of)...I'm going to say, "Not in this lifetime".

[Bojay1997]

Is the pic in the article the re-design? Because it doesn't look any different, w/ the exception of the logo, than the one I have sitting in my entertainment center.

http://images.eurogamer.net/assets/articles//a/1/3/8/9/9/1/0/ss_preview_i304113_x1200_y1200_q100_a1_r1_h4911650 115122519773.jpg.jpg

According to at least a couple of articles, it's slightly slimmer and is designed not to be placed vertically, but horizontally. Having said that, it doesn't look much different than my current system as far as I can tell.

[goatdan]

As far as I can tell, the difference is it says Wii horizontally on that one, where if you put your console on it's side like that it would be vertical.

[Rob2600]

According to at least a couple of articles, it's slightly slimmer and is designed not to be placed vertically, but horizontally. Having said that, it doesn't look much different than my current system as far as I can tell.

If that's true, then Nintendo is saving money by eliminating the vertical stand (lower manufacturing costs and shipping costs). Nintendo is also saving money by supposedly removing the GameCube controller ports, memory card port, and the doors to access them on the side of the Wii. I'm sure some revisions were made internally, too.

By stripping the Wii down to it's absolute essentials, Nintendo could get the retail price down to $99 this Christmas, which I imagine would result in a huge sales boost.

[fluid_matrix]

If that's true, then Nintendo is saving money by eliminating the vertical stand (lower manufacturing costs and shipping costs).

Quite honestly, I bet most people don't even realize that the Wii can actually sit horizontally on not have to go on the stand.

[heybtbm]

Quite honestly, I bet most people don't even realize that the Wii can actually sit horizontally on not have to go on the stand.

I didn't even remember there was a verticle stand...and I've had a Wii since near launch.

[Sunnyvale]

As an avid player, collector and reseller, BC is a moxed bag to me. It's BS I have to plug in my Saturn to play my Sega CDs, and I like being able to play Cube games on my Wii. The player in me loves the convenience. The collector/reseller in me hates BC with a passion. I've got a mountain of Gamecubes and PS1s that ain't worth crap. In the last 4 years, I've found 1 working SPCH-1001 in the wild. Only one, out of the 7 or 8 that I picked up. And it's worth the hefty sum of $25. The PS1 was a revolutionary console, defined a whole generation of gamers, and allowed Sony a piece of the gaming pie they may never let go of. All that history, and worthless, thanks to BC. So in all honesty, I wish the Wii never was BC to begin with.

Anyone wanna buy a Gamecube?

[Mayhem]

My Wii has been horizontal ever since I bought it. In fact I never run any console in a position where the disc is spinning anything other than horizontally...

[kedawa]

As an avid player, collector and reseller, BC is a moxed bag to me. It's BS I have to plug in my Saturn to play my Sega CDs, and I like being able to play Cube games on my Wii. The player in me loves the convenience. The collector/reseller in me hates BC with a passion. I've got a mountain of Gamecubes and PS1s that ain't worth crap. In the last 4 years, I've found 1 working SPCH-1001 in the wild. Only one, out of the 7 or 8 that I picked up. And it's worth the hefty sum of $25. The PS1 was a revolutionary console, defined a whole generation of gamers, and allowed Sony a piece of the gaming pie they may never let go of. All that history, and worthless, thanks to BC. So in all honesty, I wish the Wii never was BC to begin with.

Anyone wanna buy a Gamecube?
But isn't it good that we can play those PS1 games on newer hardware, since the original consoles are all breaking down?

[bangtango]

But isn't it good that we can play those PS1 games on newer hardware, since the original consoles are all breaking down?

Rest assured that man will never run out of his supply of gently-used PS1's that still have a lot of mileage left from local thrift stores, pawn shops, yard sales and hundreds of sources online if he wishes to play PS1 games on original hardware.

If possible, I always play on the original hardware.

[j_factor]

But it is nice that we can play those games on hardware that cleans up the graphics a bit.

[Sunnyvale]

But it is nice that we can play those games on hardware that cleans up the graphics a bit.

For some, I guess. As I said in my post, it's a mixed bag; it's far quicker to change games, but if you like having your rare stuff worth money, BC sucks.

@kedewa-- The systems that break all the time are the 1001's, not the later 101's and the jr model (whatever it's number is). Those were far more reliable machines. Bangtango is dead-on.

[heybtbm]

Confirmed for US...

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6339676.html

"Not compatible with Gamecube software or hardware".

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/8978/blackwii24462screen.jpg

[TonyTheTiger]

I guess this will officially sound the death knell for GameCube merchandise at GameStop, having been in decline of late. Get 'em while they're hot.

[8-bitNesMan]

BC for PS2 and XBOX are important to me on the next gen hardware because they're upscaled for HDTVs. The Wii, not so much, you're still going to get a 480 picture no matter what.



They're probably saving $.50 on each console by removing Gamecube backwards compatibility, but you have to look at who we're talking about here. This is something I'd expect Nintendo to do. Sony did it, but at that time, they were saving about $23(I think) off each system.

As many hardware revisions and BC eliminations as your beloved Sony has been through with the PS3 do you really want to be smarmy about Nintendo's business decisions?

[8-bitNesMan]

Suggestion: raid your local GameStops if you want to score GameCube games before they get tough to find outside of eBay.


Lol even gamestop has a bad selection these days, some already stopped carrying them and when you do find them they have maybe 50 and on top of that 40 of them are in those garbage generic cases.


Expect gamestop to stop carrying gamecube games VERY soon.


I guess this will officially sound the death knell for GameCube merchandise at GameStop, having been in decline of late. Get 'em while they're hot.

Is there really anything good left at this point in time anyway? And if they do have any AAA titles that don't look like they've been skateboarded on they want as much for one as they get for a Cube itself...

[Tempest]

Is there really anything good left at this point in time anyway?
Not around here. I picked up a handful of titles when they were on sale earlier this year, but now all that's left are kiddie/movie games. the few interesting titles are all missing their cases or are still ungodly expensive (Pikman 2 for $40? Really?)

I tried in vain to find a good copy of Eternal Darkness but gave up. I'll have to snag it off ebay.

Tempest

[Emperor Megas]

It's hard for me to relate to the whole 'hating backward compatibility' thing. As a gamer it just seems a little pretentious to me to be bothered that another console can run the same software as an older console simple because it devalues your older system. It's not like backward compatibility stops older consoles from working or anything (the fact that they're older consoles usually does this, ironically).

I can see being troubled by the feature from a retailers point of view, but as a gamer/collector, I don't really get it.


I guess this will officially sound the death knell for GameCube merchandise at GameStop, having been in decline of late. Get 'em while they're hot. There hasn't been anything 'hot' to get for the Gamecube in years.

[Leo_A]

GameCube compatibility was important for myself and many others since it was essentially a free method (if you were buying a Wii anyways) to enjoy GCN software over component cables.

Unless you ordered cables years ago from Nintendo's online store, or are willing to pay a very inflated premium to buy them now from sources like Ebay, the GameCube was basically limited to 480i via S-Video for many of us since the component option just was too expensive to be reasonable. And some later GCN owners didn't even have the option at all with the removal of that port to trim production cost late in the system's life.

I'm certainly glad my Wii has the capability to play GCN software perfectly. It gets used regularly and my WaveBird controller has been wonderful in Wii releases like Mario Kart Wii and the half dozen or so N64 Virtual Console releases I've bought (The Classic Controller doesn't work well for things like Super Mario 64, if you ask me).

The GameCube is a dedicated Game Boy Player now.

[Emperor Megas]

The GameCube is a dedicated Game Boy Player now.Yeah, same here. My Gamecube was a Christmas present (or birthday, shit, I don't remember), and I'm really glad the wife had the insight (or foresight) to get me a black system, since it matches my black Game Boy Player. I'm pretty sure that the players came in purple and silver as well, but the other colour Gamecube I was considering then was the Spice one, and I know that there's no GBP that would look good attached to it.

[Leo_A]

GBP's were only Jet Black in North America. I think Japan got different colors though.

Even made sure the Hori digital pad I bought was a black model, just so everything would match. Wish they had made WaveBird's in the same color.

[The 1 2 P]

Is there really anything good left at this point in time anyway? And if they do have any AAA titles that don't look like they've been skateboarded on they want as much for one as they get for a Cube itself...

A few stores around here still have complete copies of a few Mario Party titles. But they want $20 for them, even the ones in the generic cases. And by the time Gamestop finally starts clearancing out all their GC titles I'm sure the good ones will all be gone within the first few days.

[Korppi]

I just got Gamecube, because it's top-loading, has GBA player, is adorable, is super cheap and no Wii menus. Waiting for Wii U to play Wii games, but I don't claim my way is what most prefer, would require that you ignored this gen in the first place.

Now if Nintendo manages to implement DS player for Wii U it would be another great reason to get it.

[TonyTheTiger]

There hasn't been anything 'hot' to get for the Gamecube in years.

My area is still pretty well stocked.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I just read that this new Wii has no WiFi capabilities but haven't been able to find any clear indication that it's true.

Can anybody confirm? I assume that it can still connect via a USB ethernet adapter?

*EDIT* nevermind the BLUE bundle in Europe has scrapped that feature, the BLACK US "holiday bundle" apparently still has it.

[Leo_A]

I guess that makes some sense to scrap it. It was always fairly underused by Wii gamers with many never having taken it online and many others just using the feature on occasion.

And somehow, I doubt the person taking the plunge as 2011 comes to a close is the type with a home wireless network that has to have every piece of electronics in their house connected to the internet. I imagine a new Wii owner in late 2011 tends to be a casual fan, a younger gamer, or someone that has been away from Nintendo for a few years and perhaps wants to play a few 1st party games like Skyward Sword now that prices are going down and the generation is starting to wrap up.

I imagine the majority of people with an interest in the Wii and what it could do online have already purchased a system over the past half decade. And those that really still want to take their brand new console online can always just buy the USB wired ethernet adapter.

[8-bitNesMan]

Interesting story regarding the current state of Wii. I got the urge this weekend to pick up a black first gen Wii this weekend for my bedroom. My launch day unit from '06 is still going strong but I wanted to go ahead and grab a new original black unit with Cube BC while I still could. The funny thing is, I almost couldn't. I went to two Gamestops and two Wal-Marts and a Target store and could not find an original model. I then went to Best Buy and they had a few originals left but they wanted $149.99 for them. All summer long I saw stacks of Wiis everywhere and most stores were running sales on them between $130 and $135. I held out a little longer and went to one more Target and they had one white and two black original models left. They still had them for $134 so I went ahead and took the plunge on one of the black Mario Kart bundles. I just don't get what happened to all the old stock everywhere. My best guess is that retailers have returned it to Nintendo for credit. But why are these new stripped down models just as much as their first gen counterparts? Seems like to me the smart move would be to drop the new model to $99 for Christmas to catch the stragglers who don't have a Wii yet and also to move a few more games this year as well.

[Leo_A]

My best guess is that retailers have returned it to Nintendo for credit.

I doubt retailers would return them just because a redesign has been released with less capabilities. There's no improvement with this system from the consumer's viewpoint and most probably are unaware these changes have even been made (The system barely looks any different and they're not going to advertise the loss of some functionality). It isn't going to be any more or less desirable to the average new Wii buyer in 2011 than existing stock.

I imagine they stopped production and just let old stock start to dry up a bit in the lead up to this redesign, if older models are starting to become uncommon at retailers.


But why are these new stripped down models just as much as their first gen counterparts? Seems like to me the smart move would be to drop the new model to $99 for Christmas to catch the stragglers who don't have a Wii yet and also to move a few more games this year as well.

They apparantly think the Wii has one more good Christmas left in it at $150 with things like their new rerelease program, Skyward Sword, etc. I'd bet on a $99 Wii come next Christmas.

[8-bitNesMan]

I doubt retailers would return them just because a redesign has been released with less capabilities. There's no improvement with this system from the consumer's viewpoint and most probably are unaware these changes have even been made (The system barely looks any different and they're not going to advertise the loss of some functionality). It isn't going to be any more or less desirable to the average new Wii buyer in 2011 than existing stock.

I imagine they stopped production and just let old stock start to dry up a bit in the lead up to this redesign, if older models are starting to become uncommon at retailers.



They apparantly think the Wii has one more good Christmas left in it at $150 with things like their new rerelease program, Skyward Sword, etc. I'd bet on a $99 Wii come next Christmas.

You're probably right. It was just strange to me how hard it was to find a first gen model in several different stores yesterday. If the assumption is correct that one of the reasons for removing GC compatibility was to push consumers towards buying more Wii software then getting the old models out of stores would make sense from a business standpoint. Also it's probably true that we won't see a new $99 Wii until next holiday season when Wii U launches.

[Rob2600]

one of the reasons for removing GC compatibility was to push consumers towards buying more Wii software

That has nothing to do with it. GameCube games are barely available in most stores anymore. GC compatibility was removed to reduce the production cost of the Wii, thus boosting profit margins. It's as simple as that.

[8-bitNesMan]

That has nothing to do with it. GameCube games are barely available in most stores anymore. GC compatibility was removed to reduce the production cost of the Wii, thus boosting profit margins. It's as simple as that.

This was not my inference but I don't dispute the business sense in it:


This isn't about cost savings, it's all about trying to push the Wii users towards Wii games. Nintendo dosen't make a dime from Gamecube products anymore so somebody in the boardroom thought it would be a good idea to take out BC to force gamers to buy Wii games, controllers, and accesories (where there is a chance they will buy new). It's strictly a business decision that I don't personally like as a gamer but I can understand where they are coming from.

Like others have said how much is this really saving them? How many more Wiis are going to be produced before they transition over to the new platform? How much did it cost up front to redesign the Wii to remove GC compatibility and why do this so late in the life cycle? I also second what others said about not being able to play Brawl, Mario Kart, VC games, etc. without a Cube controller.

[Rob2600]

how much is this really saving them?

Who knows? If you add up the reduction of materials, assembly, and shipping weight (plus whatever other internal revisions were made), even if the savings only add up to $10 per Wii, if Nintendo sells 10 million more Wii consoles during the next year, that's a profit boost of $100 million in one year. Seems justified to me.

[Leo_A]

Like others have said how much is this really saving them? How many more Wiis are going to be produced before they transition over to the new platform? How much did it cost up front to redesign the Wii to remove GC compatibility and why do this so late in the life cycle? I also second what others said about not being able to play Brawl, Mario Kart, VC games, etc. without a Cube controller.

Right on the surface, we have a simpler and cheaper disc drive that doesn't have to support the smaller GCN format, the elimination of four controller ports, the elimination of two memory card ports, the elimination of two plastic flip doors, and the elimination of the vertical stand. And who knows what else has been done inside that is invisible to us to simplify production and reduce cost.

They're doing this for the same reason any other system redesign exists later in life. The same reason Atari created the Atari 2600 Junior, the same reason Nintendo created the top loading NES and the redesigned SuperNes, the same reason Sony created the PSOne and slim PS2, etc. There are millions of sales left and if they want to capture everything that is left on the table, they have to prepare for it by producing a cheaper redesign that gives them a lower range of potential prices to work with while remaining profitable..

This thing is going to be around for several years and take the Wii past the 100 million mark. It makes perfect sense to remove things like GCN support that aren't likely to be missed by new Wii owners in 2011 to drive cost down even further (Or the underused WiFi caapbilities of the system, although I guess our redesign in North America will retain it for the time being, unlike in Europe).

[j_factor]

why do this so late in the life cycle?

Is it really that late? The PS One didn't come out until the PS2 launch period, and the Wii U isn't really near release. The top-loading NES came out well after the SNES was around, etc.

[Leo_A]

Sales are so far down from the peak that some people seem to be under the impression that there's just no money to be made anymore because they're not topping the sales charts every month and setting records.

I imagine the Wii will have an extended second life as a successful budget platform well into the WiiU's lifecycle.

[heybtbm]

I imagine the Wii will have an extended second life as a successful budget platform...

Second life? Isn't that what it's first life has been for the past 5 years?

[Icarus Moonsight]

Not internally. Wii is still the highest end Nintendo home system. The fact that Nintendo managed to kick the teeth in on bigger badder boxes just means the typical trend remains intact. Technical inferiority helps more than hinders where it counts -- In the realm of pricing and profit margins.

[j_factor]

Second life? Isn't that what it's first life has been for the past 5 years?

It's cheaper than the competition, but the Wii has never been that cheap thus far. Now, PSX (PS One) from late 2000 on, that was a budget console. It cost $80 (or less, later), with many new games at $20, some as low as $10, and even the most expensive at $40, plus lots of non-new games widely available in stores at budget prices, and wide proliferation of Greatest Hits titles.

[Leo_A]

Even if you consider the Wii a budget console compared to the competition (I wouldn't call the Wii a budget console), it's still Nintendo's premier home console. There hasn't been a more expensive Nintendo game console available for the past half decade.

And I'm pretty sure when it was released that core 360's could be had for $299, just $50 more. And I recall that a new 1st party Wiimote/nunchuck combo cost slightly more than a wireless 360 controller did at the time. And most of all, the desirable 1st party titles that people actually wanted to play stayed at $50 for years on end, where as the average top rated 360 game could be had for a fraction of the price a short time later. I think this pushed the Wii well over the top where cost is concerned, unless as a 360 owner you only ever bought major games on release day for $60 and never waited a bit for a deal.

The Wii was a lot of things, but I sure as heck wouldn't call it a budget system even though Nintendo wanted it portrayed as the more economical alternative for consumers. If you wanted to play multiplayer games or actually wanted to play decent games, it was very well perhaps the more expensive option.

Heck, you even had to buy an adapter if you just wanted to plug the thing into a wired router...

[kedawa]

So... does this redesigned Wii actually exist, or is it just some elaborate hoax?
It's supposedly been out for a few weeks, but I can't find any info on it.
No comparison pictures, no unboxing videos, no teardowns, no information about its system software, nada.

[BlastProcessing402]

So... does this redesigned Wii actually exist, or is it just some elaborate hoax?
It's supposedly been out for a few weeks, but I can't find any info on it.
No comparison pictures, no unboxing videos, no teardowns, no information about its system software, nada.

Both Best Buy and Walmart have it on their website, and listed as in stock at local stores for pickup, so I assume it's no hoax. If it is a hoax, it's a big one.

[Leo_A]

So... does this redesigned Wii actually exist, or is it just some elaborate hoax?
It's supposedly been out for a few weeks, but I can't find any info on it.
No comparison pictures, no unboxing videos, no teardowns, no information about its system software, nada.

It isn't exactly a slim PS2, Xbox 360, or PS3 that we're talking about here.

It's closer to the GameCube when they removed component video capabilities in the scope of what changes have been made. I doubt the removal of GCN support and some minor appearance changes is enough to get people writing articles about it, doing photographic comparisons, etc.

It's a minor change that most buyers aren't going to care about or even really be aware of.