The Wii Mini Is Real, Arrives December 7 — In Canada [Slashdot]

[DP ServBot]

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An anonymous reader writes "Yesterday there was a rumor doing the rounds that Nintendo was set to release a brand new version of the Wii console called the Wii Mini. The new machine would be significantly smaller than the current Wii, is expected to ship with a Wii Remote Plus, Nunchuk, and Sensor Bar, and hopefully carries a much lower (sub-$100) price. Well, it looks as though this wasn't just a rumor. Best Buy Canada has it listed with an image on its front page and a December 7 release date." Also at PC Mag. http://a.fsdn.com/sd/twitter_icon_large.png (http://twitter.com/home?status=The+Wii+Mini+Is+Real%2C+Arrives+Decemb er+7+%26mdash%3B+In+Canada%3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly% 2FRgl6ZB) http://a.fsdn.com/sd/facebook_icon_large.png (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fgames.slashdot.org%2Fsto ry%2F12%2F11%2F27%2F1633241%2Fthe-wii-mini-is-real-arrives-december-7-in-canada%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dface book) http://www.gstatic.com/images/icons/gplus-16.png (http://plus.google.com/share?url=http://games.slashdot.org/story/12/11/27/1633241/the-wii-mini-is-real-arrives-december-7-in-canada?utm_source=slashdot&utm_medium=googleplus)

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[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Man, no internet connection whatsoever on this is a bummer, as this could be a nice little set-top Netflix/YouTube streaming device, then again the low resolution isn't as appealing as some other little Roku type boxes.

*shrug* is what it is. Not bad for a C-note, but you can pretty easily get a full featured Wii used for much less these days.

[Lady Jaye]

Yeah, indeed. It's a cute version of the Wii, but I think it'll only have appeal to budget-prone gift-buyers who don't want to offer a used Wii as a Christmas gift. I do like its black and red look, though. For now at least, it's a Canada-only release available only during this holiday season.

I asked the Quebec rep for Nintendo regarding compatibility with Wii games (since it doesn't actually say ALL Wii games), and basically all Wii games are compatible, although those with online features will only be compatible for their offline components.

[Jorpho]

How crazy! I might pick up one of these myself when they get cheaper. Hopefully I'll still be able to get copies of Xenoblade Chronicles and The Last Story whenever that happens. Does it keep the SD card slot, at least?


*shrug* is what it is. Not bad for a C-note, but you can pretty easily get a full featured Wii used for much less these days.I agree – for fifty or sixty, it would be awesome, but $100 is just too close to what the Wii generally sells for already. Decent of them to include a nunchuck, though.

[Rickstilwell1]

Ha I wonder if this one is still moddable? Probably is as long as it has an SD card slot.

Someone on that forum guessed there isn't but I haven't seen a picture to confirm his statement.

[Greg2600]

What was the wrong with the current "smaller" Wii that they had to go smaller? This thing smacks of Genesis 3/SNES mini.

[kedawa]

I imagine it must have its own firmware if it can't connect to the internet using the USB adapter, assuming it even has USB ports.
It's definitely an interesting design choice.
I passed on the $109 Walmart blue Wii last year, and although this seems like even less of a bargain, I am tempted.

[Bojay1997]

What was the wrong with the current "smaller" Wii that they had to go smaller? This thing smacks of Genesis 3/SNES mini.

Well, it's smaller and is missing some ports and appears to have a flip top drive which probably means some cost savings so that they can continue to squeeze profit out of the Wii even when retailers drop this unit to $80 or less.

[Gameguy]

I might buy one just to keep sealed for 20 years. It seems like it's a new version of the NES top loader, only if it actually sells well or gets released in other regions later the value would tank. The fact that it's more expensive than a used Wii and has less features with no real benefits should help keep this a rarity.

[kedawa]

It has the benefit of not using a slot-loading drive, at least.

[The 1 2 P]

They might just be using Canada as a test market to see how the system does. But at that price in the US I don't think many people would want it. However, there are plenty of Nintendo fans and casual gamers out there who just want to play Nintendo's franchises offline anyway so theres atleast a market out there for this system. I like the design but have much better uses for that $100.

[rob black]

Ill buy one just for collection purposes.

[PreZZ]

Im very tempted to buy one and keep it sealed. This could have a very limited run at retail (if its really only for canada, but i suspect its just a test market for usa) if its not selling well. I dont see the point of buying this for the average consumer since you can buy a regular wii with full features for 129 with nsmb and they will probably drop to 99$ on boxing day. But as a collector this could be very rare down the line and very valuable... I might put a couple on ebay! saw someone posting them 199 shipping included (console is 116 with tax + 30$ shipping to usa so it leaves a profit of 44$ minus ebay fees should leave around 34$). If someone wants it pm me. but when you consider nintendo is still selling wiimote for 45$ and nunchuk for 20$, its not that bad! Seriously they should price drop the wiimotes they are too expensive and are very cheap to build (bought a new one from china with nunchuk for 18$ shipping included and quality is surprisingly close to official ones)

[Gameguy]

It has the benefit of not using a slot-loading drive, at least.
I wasn't aware of that, I read a quick article about it but didn't really pay too close attention if that was mentioned there.


They might just be using Canada as a test market to see how the system does.
This is basically what they're doing, for now it's a Canada exclusive but they haven't ruled out expanding it if it's in demand. If it does get distributed to larger markets then it won't be as rare or valuable in the future. This is why I'm not sure about getting it.

[PreZZ]

I wasn't aware of that, I read a quick article about it but didn't really pay too close attention if that was mentioned there.


This is basically what they're doing, for now it's a Canada exclusive but they haven't ruled out expanding it if it's in demand. If it does get distributed to larger markets then it won't be as rare or valuable in the future. This is why I'm not sure about getting it.

yes its top loading you can see it on the picture theres an open5962 button that clearly opens the wii lettering part as the lid

[kedawa]

I'd like to know if it has SD and USB ports. It doesn't really need them, I guess, since there will be no downloading of content and it will have little use for any 1st party USB peripherals.
If they drop another $20, I might pick one up just so I can finally play Skyward Sword, SMG and SMG2.

[joshnickerson]

The lack of internet connectivity is odd, considering how they're pushing online with both the 3DS and Wii U... I can only assume they're after this "little brother" market at this point, or those who don't care about online. My sister has a Wii and I can say for a fact that she's never bothered to take it online. I will say it's rather nifty looking. I can see this becoming the next Gameboy Micro... ignored at retail, but maintaining it's value years down the road.

[joshnickerson]

Also, I propose for the advertising campaign, call it the "Mini Wii" and get this guy involved...
http://www.advancedgraphics.com/store/pc/catalog/390_general.jpg

[kedawa]

Two underpowered superstars struggling to hang on to their unlikely success. It's a match made in heaven.

[Gameguy]

yes its top loading you can see it on the picture theres an open5962 button that clearly opens the wii lettering part as the lid
Thanks, I wasn't sure about that before. I should have looked closer at the pictures.


Also, I propose for the advertising campaign, call it the "Mini Wii" and get this guy involved...
They should have named it the "Wee Wii". Perfect for playing on carpeted areas.

[joshnickerson]

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b235/joshnickerson/miniwii.jpg
You're welcome.

[PreZZ]

when i first heard about mini wii I immediately thought of verne troyer! Im sure if they did a national ad campaign with this they would sell out like in 2006!

[PreZZ]

i wish the wii u game pad had the same matte finish... it always look like someone ate kfc and played it without washing their hands!

[Leo_A]

I imagine the budget conscious customers going after this will be the segment that was least likely to ever really take advantage of online connectivity. Many won't have home WiFi networks, they're less likely to be the type that goes overboard with having every last piece of electronics they own being connected to the internet, and much of what little online multiplayer there was on the platform is either now offline, was dead even on day 1, or has had the crowds now die out.

I'm tempted just because it's so small and neat. I really thought when the Playstation 2 never reached $50 that we had seen our last $50 MSRP console with the PSOne. But I'm wondering now if maybe the Wii will reach that point officially in a year or two.


What was the wrong with the current "smaller" Wii that they had to go smaller? This thing smacks of Genesis 3/SNES mini.

I don't understand why people ask this every single time a new revision comes out when the answer is an obvious one. Cutting your production cost allows you to lower your price while maintaining (Or perhaps even growing) your profit margin. That allows you to go after customers that weren't biting at the previous price point which is an important goal.

It's Business 101.


I might buy one just to keep sealed for 20 years. It seems like it's a new version of the NES top loader, only if it actually sells well or gets released in other regions later the value would tank. The fact that it's more expensive than a used Wii and has less features with no real benefits should help keep this a rarity.

What advantages are there? People want the top loader more for practical reasons (A more reliable and traditional cartridge slot compared to the troublesome version of the original) than rarity. As such because it wasn't terribly common it has now become fairly pricey.

I see this more as a Game Boy Micro where any attraction is simply due to the low price point of it and the very small design of it that creates some novelty value. This has no significant advantages over older Wii hardware and just offers disadvantages like the loss of GB/GBC support was on the Micro. And the last I knew, there's nothing desirable or valuable with them.

So I see this as the Wii's Game Boy Micro...

[Jorpho]

I don't understand why people ask this every single time a new revision comes out when the answer is an obvious one. Cutting your production cost allows you to lower your price while maintaining (Or perhaps even growing) your profit margin. That allows you to go after customers that weren't biting at the previous price point which is an important goal.

It's Business 101.But there is also a cost inherent in designing and starting up production on a whole new unit.

[duffmanth]

This thing is gonna be a flop.

[rolenta]

I agree – for fifty or sixty, it would be awesome, but $100 is just too close to what the Wii generally sells for already. Decent of them to include a nunchuck, though.

And don't forget, because of the exchange rate, it costs even more in US dollars!

$100.00 C = $100.79 US!

[kedawa]

This thing is gonna be a flop.

Of course it will be. That's how you put games in it!

[SpaceHarrier]

I want it. Looks like a 90's flatbed scanner.

[Gamereviewgod]

Looks like the disc side of a Hyperscan.

[Leo_A]

But there is also a cost inherent in designing and starting up production on a whole new unit.

I'm sure Nintendo's staff has taken that cost into account and still project a high enough rate of return with this device to green light it for production.

[kedawa]

It's selling for $30 more than a nunchuck+wiimote, which it comes with, so it can't be too expensive to make.
I noticed the best buy site mentions 'limited quantities' so I wonder if this will be like the walmart blue wii, which was later released as the standard unit in a different colour.

[Jorpho]

I'm sure Nintendo's staff has taken that cost into account and still project a high enough rate of return with this device to green light it for production.But of course. I agree that these people probably know what they're doing. Alas, the Internet has no shortage of people who believe they know more about marketing than anyone at Nintendo, Microsoft, or Sony, which is why people ask things every single time a new revision comes out.

...Say, I wonder if they'll take out component video support again like they did with the Gamecube, just to mess with everyone.

[Leo_A]

The component port was a different port entirely on the GameCube. That's why it disappeared in a cost cutting move.

On the Wii, all audio and video goes through the universal multi-out port. So I imagine it's safe (But then again, I would've never thought that S-Video would've disappeared on the SNES Mini yet that's just what happened).

I think component is too commonly used on the Wii for them to save a cent or two on internal connections. But the budget audience they're going after aren't the sort that will be going out and spending extra money on a superior cable to connect their new console with. So you never know I suppose.

We should find out soon.

[treismac]

For me, nevermind the inability to play Gamecube games, it is the lack of Gamecube controller ports that will keep me from wanting one of these as the only reason I'd want one is to mod for emulation, and not being able to hook up original controllers for their respective emulated systems through adapters is a deal breaker.


I might buy one just to keep sealed for 20 years. It seems like it's a new version of the NES top loader, only if it actually sells well or gets released in other regions later the value would tank. The fact that it's more expensive than a used Wii and has less features with no real benefits should help keep this a rarity.

Exactomundo. Also, in twenty years, the lack of wifi on the Wii Mini will not be the collectible downgrade that the lack of AV on the Toploader is by a longshot. Whereas the infamous jailbars take away from the overall visual experience of gaming and the RF is a slight irritation, there will unlikely be a Nintendo Wii Online Shop around two decades from now to download games, so it is unlikely that many collectors will let the loss of wifi deter them.

[rkotm]

http://www.theverge.com/2012/11/27/3698060/nintendo-wii-mini-no-internet-no-future

No online + review?

[Leo_A]

The top loading NES is so desirable because of its traditional cartridge mechanism instead of the troublesome original. This offers no such improvements and will be another Game Boy Micro rather than a top loading NES.

That article is stupid. Just because there are no announced plans after a day or two since we first became aware of it doesn't mean that this isn't coming out elsewhere. There's no way they did this just for Christmas 2012 in Canada like some are saying. And if we went off these articles and similar thoughts in the past, the last redesign would still be European exclusive. And no online makes perfect sense. This is going after budget conscious customers and not the type that must have every electronic device they own be connected to the internet. What little online play there was is now largely offline or dead, the type of consumer they're going after often doesn't even have a home WiFi setup, and are the least likely to embrace DLC.

And WiiWare and the Virtual Console were neat services but something that went largely ignored by many. He's really overstating their importance to the platform.

[Gameguy]

The top loading NES is so desirable because of its traditional cartridge mechanism instead of the troublesome original. This offers no such improvements and will be another Game Boy Micro rather than a top loading NES.
Can you tell me why Game Boy Micros sell for more money than GBA SPs then? I thought it was useless when it came out but now it looks like I should have bought a new one when it was reduced for clearance.

If people only buy NES Top Loaders for practical reasons why are new-in-box ones so much more expensive than loose ones, since people apparently only buy them for practical reasons there shouldn't be much of a price difference between a used and new one as people would just be using the new ones anyway. Unless people buy new ones as a rare collectible with no intention to actually use them.

As for people questioning the new redesign, it makes sense when you would normally think that a company should be focusing on promoting their newly released upgraded console rather than getting people to just start buying their old technology. Releasing a new design for their older console just makes it seem like they have no intention to replace it anytime soon and will continue to support it for several years, making it seem that there's no reason to buy their new console now. The Wii is already 6 years old and already had a redesign just last year, why make another redesign instead of just discontinuing it entirely? Usually Nintendo knows what they're doing with marketing but these are the same people who released the Virtual Boy so I can understand why people would still question them.

[Bojay1997]

It looks like Videogamesplus is already sold out of preorders which is a bummer because it's one of the few Canadian retailers that ships to the US. I guess I'll just wait it out and see what happens.

[PreZZ]

No internet makes sense because my guess is nintendo will shut down the wii shop and not confuse the customers with the new wii u eshop. Wii point cards do not work in the new store, and vice versa. Also helps prevent to mod the consoles without usb and internet. And with no pack in games, you have to buy at least one or two! Perfect business decision, not to mention the reduction of manufacturing cost... but seriously the wiimote prices MUST go down, its 75$ including canadian taxes with a nunchuk. They should be dirt cheap being on the market for 6 years this must be a gold mine for nintendo.

[PreZZ]

It looks like Videogamesplus is already sold out of preorders which is a bummer because it's one of the few Canadian retailers that ships to the US. I guess I'll just wait it out and see what happens.
if you want one i can get you one for 200$ shipping included

[Bojay1997]

if you want one i can get you one for 200$ shipping included

Thanks, but that's Ebay pricing. I'm not gonna pay a $70 markup on this thing. There are quite a few other Canadian collectors on this site and elsewhere that I'm sure would hook any of us in the US up for MSRP plus actual shipping and a little bit of money for time and gas.

[PreZZ]

Thanks, but that's Ebay pricing. I'm not gonna pay a $70 markup on this thing. There are quite a few other Canadian collectors on this site and elsewhere that I'm sure would hook any of us in the US up for MSRP plus actual shipping and a little bit of money for time and gas.

99 is 117$ with canadian taxes + 45$ shipping... so its around 165$ with shipping

[Bojay1997]

99 is 117$ with canadian taxes + 45$ shipping... so its around 165$ with shipping

Most of the Ebay sellers are charging anywhere from $15 to $35 shipping, so it seems safe to assume that's what the actual cost will be on top of the $100 MSRP and $16-$17 in tax. So, it's really about $150 delivered. Ebay seems flooded with them already, so I'll give it a few weeks for the hype to wear off once everyone realizes they couldn't have released this without building a lot of them and it's readily available for MSRP.

[Leo_A]

Can you tell me why Game Boy Micros sell for more money than GBA SPs then?

That's news to me. It was my understanding that unless it was a desirable rarity (The NES styled SP for instance) that the only Game Boy Advance model worth anything of significance today was the backlit revision of the SP.

If the Micro is increasing in price than it's a very recent phenomenon. And if it's more expensive than a SP then it only applies to frontlit SP's. I'm quite sure that backlit SP's are easily still leading the market in terms of value since it's the ultimate version of the Game Boy line to own.


If people only buy NES Top Loaders for practical reasons why are new-in-box ones so much more expensive than loose ones, since people apparently only buy them for practical reasons there shouldn't be much of a price difference between a used and new one as people would just be using the new ones anyway. Unless people buy new ones as a rare collectible with no intention to actually use them.

Nobody ever said that there was no value there as a collectible. Any NIB console is going to go for more and if it's a older and popular platform like the NES, the difference will be even greater.

But much of its price is certainly due to its cartridge slot and I'm sure that's also led to an increase in value for NIB console's since they're a prized item because of it and that's naturally going to also increase their collectible value as a sealed system even more since the more desirable something is to own, the more value it will hold as a collectible.

The only value of significance that the Wii Mini will have is its rarity and value as a collectible. It offers no advantages over existing models and just disadvantages. That's why I don't think it will be the next top loading NES.


As for people questioning the new redesign, it makes sense when you would normally think that a company should be focusing on promoting their newly released upgraded console rather than getting people to just start buying their old technology.

Unless a console is a money loser that the manufacturer wants to dump as quick as possible, what we're seeing with the Wii has been the norm in the console world for decades. I just bought a new Playstation 2 at my local Wal-Mart less than half a year ago for an example.

It doesn't make sense to question why they're doing this...


The Wii is already 6 years old and already had a redesign just last year, why make another redesign instead of just discontinuing it entirely?

It's not hard to figure out why they're doing this. As recent sales figure show, there's still a lot of money to be made here. That's why they're doing this.

I really doubt that $100-$130 dollar Wii consoles are taking away much from the sales of $250-$300 Wii U's. Older consoles aimed by budget conscious consumers that have yet to purchase your older platform during the opening years of a new generation of expensive consoles are the norm rather than the exception. Nothing puzzling about this. It's why the Atari 2600 Jr existed, it's why the PSOne existed, it's why the slimline revisions of the PS2 existed, it's why the top loading NES existed, it's why the Sega Genesis 3 existed, it's why the SuperNes Mini existed, etc.

The Wii is a popular console with a lot of life left in it yet even if the stream of new releases has dried up. Cheap consoles and budget rereleases of popular titles along with the selling of older stock of past Wii releases should be a profitable venture for Nintendo and retailers for several years to come.


No internet makes sense because my guess is nintendo will shut down the wii shop and not confuse the customers with the new wii u eshop.

There's no way that they're closing the Wii's online shop anytime soon.

The budget conscious customers going after this will be the segment that was least likely to ever really take advantage of online connectivity. Many won't have home WiFi networks, they're less likely to be the type that goes overboard with having every last piece of electronics they own connected to the internet, they're less likely to embrace DLC, and much of what little online multiplayer there was on the platform is either now offline, was dead even on day 1, or has had the crowds now die out. So the lack of internet connectivity really isn't a big issue (And really never was hugely important even during the height of the console's popularity).

I'm sure it's gone to drive production cost down to help them lower the price they're selling it for while still maintaining the profit margin they desire. I really doubt it's a offline only console because they're preparing for an imminent shutdown of the Wii shop.

[thegamezmaster]

Just checked Best Buy's site and it states no SD card slot. From their site:

*The Wii mini does not have an SD memory card slot.
**Compatible with Wii software and accessories. Internet connectivity features are not available.

Just don't understand the point of this for the price and loss of features.

[Jorpho]

Well, it's only a matter of weeks before someone figures out how to mod it, amirite?

[PreZZ]

Most of the Ebay sellers are charging anywhere from $15 to $35 shipping, so it seems safe to assume that's what the actual cost will be on top of the $100 MSRP and $16-$17 in tax. So, it's really about $150 delivered. Ebay seems flooded with them already, so I'll give it a few weeks for the hype to wear off once everyone realizes they couldn't have released this without building a lot of them and it's readily available for MSRP.

I will go to post office and see how much shipping is gonna cost. It came out today in wal mart stores in canada.

[Niku-Sama]

is there any word on getting these things in the US?

i can drive to canada but its a long one but i'll do it. i kinda want 2 of them, one to use and one to sit on to wait till it hatches

also if it came out in walmart in canada see if you can get the UPC and the walmart item number and i might be able to see if its possible for US stores to order them

[Leo_A]

Well, it's only a matter of weeks before someone figures out how to mod it, amirite?

I suppose someone will be trying. But without a SD slot or USB ports, what purpose would it serve other than to show that it could be done?


Just don't understand the point of this for the price and loss of features.

The point of it is the price. It's $50 CDN cheaper than the MSRP for the existing bundles. A savings of 1/3 the cost. And I imagine they have room to go even further with this thing as time progresses. That's why this existed to drive down their cost as far as possible with all non essentials for playing Wii retail games stripped out.

So you honestly think that someone that hasn't bit yet after six years that now buys it at $99 Canadian (Which looking at the prices of the regular Wii bundles would indicate $79.99 or so if it were to come into the states) really cares about online that much?

[theclaw]

Of course. Some countries never got the Wii without GCN compatibility.

[Leo_A]

If someone does want to take the plunge at this late date and cares about all the noncritical features, they can buy a used Wii if they want GCN compatibility or they can buy the current Wii redesign brand new at their local retailer without GCN compatibility but with WiFi, a SD slot, and USB ports.

I've heard nothing about Nintendo discontinuing that design just because of this.
Of course. Some countries never got the Wii without GCN compatibility.

Other than Japan, I believe it was rolled out worldwide not long after it initially became available as a "European exclusive". That's why I think it's foolish to think this latest one is going to be a Canadian exclusive (And some take it even further and claim it will be a Christmas 2012 exclusive... as if Nintendo would do a whole console redesign for a single country for just a few weeks of availability).

And despite the official PR lines at the time, GCN compatible Wii's haven't been supplied to retailers for quite sometime even though they claimed at the time that the redesign wasn't a replacement (Although I imagine even now that we're in the Christmas shopping season that there are still a few BC Wii's available out there at scattered locations to buy). But I imagine WiFi is going to be more important to the console than GCN compatibility was when it was removed completely a year ago. So I suspect that the previous redesign will really coexist with this one this time to serve the individuals that want to buy a Wii and still have internet connectivity until Nintendo discontinues the platform in a few years.

Even though I think most of their market going forward will be customers on a budget that value saving several dozen dollars over internet connectivity, there's still going to be demand for replacement systems for existing owners that do want a internet connection and for new buyer's that just never got around to the system in the past that still want internet connectivity for things like Mario Kart multiplayer and to have access to DLC.

[j_factor]

Is it actually confirmed that the Wii LAN adapter doesn't work?

[Leo_A]

I imagine it doesn't have USB ports so there wouldn't be a port to plug it into.

I still wonder if no WiFi had people jumping to the conclusion that it has no internet. Everything we know seems to be coming from that BestBuy listing and it wouldn't be the first time that a retailer listing didn't have 100% correct info.

It wouldn't shock me when people get their hands on this in a few days to discover that it has a USB port and can get online via the USB adapter.

[rkotm]

Well, it's only a matter of weeks before someone figures out how to mod it, amirite?

Stop lying to yourself, m8

[Jorpho]

I suppose someone will be trying. But without a SD slot or USB ports, what purpose would it serve other than to show that it could be done?Well, yes, by modding I mean adding an SD slot or USB port, if it lacks one already. Presumably it's got to have some kind of internal flash RAM for storing saved games, so it could be feasible to wire in something removable in its place, right?

That's definitely the one unavoidable downside to no SD/USB/WiFi: unless there's a decently-sized hunk of internal memory, you're probably going to run out of space for saved games. Or are saved games just that tiny nowadays?

[kainemaxwell]

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b235/joshnickerson/miniwii.jpg
You're welcome.

Love it!

[Leo_A]

That's definitely the one unavoidable downside to no SD/USB/WiFi: unless there's a decently-sized hunk of internal memory, you're probably going to run out of space for saved games. Or are saved games just that tiny nowadays?

It has a half gig of internal storage space. More than enough for all the game saves anyone would ever want to make. Unless you bought the entire library and wanted a save for every last title there was, there's no way that's not enough room for game saves.

[kedawa]

I have over 50 game saves for my XBOX360 on a 256MB memory card, and it's only 3/4 full.
Wii game saves are generally much smaller than the ones for XBOX 360 games, so I don't think it will be a problem.

[Rob2600]

Wii game saves are generally much smaller than the ones for XBOX 360 games

Is that true?

[kedawa]

Many 360 games use less than a megabyte, but most are more than that, especially when there's an update. The Halo games are all at least 11MB, and most of the fighting games I have use between 8 and 20MB.

[Bojay1997]

If anyone in the US is looking to buy one, Videogamesplus.ca is taking preorders and they are just charging MSRP plus $20 shipping. No tax for US residents, so $120 out the door delivered. I've ordered a few games from them in the past and they have been fine although shipping can take several weeks.

[Leo_A]

Many 360 games use less than a megabyte, but most are more than that, especially when there's an update. The Halo games are all at least 11MB, and most of the fighting games I have use between 8 and 20MB.

I thought the title updates were a separate file from the game save itself when you open a specific title up in the memory management section.

Or maybe I'm mistaken. I know a game installation is a separate file that can be deleted without affecting your save.

[kedawa]

Ah, but most updates are not 'title updates'.

[Leo_A]

A title update is the only type of game update there is. The only other files for a specific game in the memory management area will be an optional game installation if you've installed it, downloadable content expansions, and the game save itself.

[kedawa]

A title update is the only type of game update there is. The only other files for a specific game in the memory management area will be an optional game installation if you've installed it, downloadable content expansions, and the game save itself.

That's simply not true. Many small patches are rolled into save games. I've updated dozens of games on my 360 and have maybe four or five title updates.

[Jorpho]

Engadget has a review up today:
http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/06/nintendo-wii-mini-hands-on/

Apparently it has a USB port after all, though they don't say exactly what it does. I was thinking keyboard, but of course that would be of limited use with no Internet access. If that does allow saved data to be uploaded into the internal memory, though, a softmod is only a matter of time.

[bigbacon]

going to have to get one of these, if I can in the states just to have it.

[j_factor]

Engadget has a review up today:
http://www.engadget.com/2012/12/06/nintendo-wii-mini-hands-on/

"Before you ask: no, you can't fudge internet access with an Ethernet-to-USB adapter. Believe us, we've tried."

That's too bad.

The only positive I see here is that maybe the cost is lowered enough that they could afford to sell it at a cheaper retail. Then maybe it will extend the Wii's life span as a budget console. And maybe as a budget console, it will get some interesting budget-release games. The last few years of the PSX brought us some nice games for $20, occasionally as low as $10. Didn't see much of that with PS2 for some reason.

[Leo_A]

Are there generic USB to ethernet adapters? Perhaps they used one of those without realizing they needed something more specific to make it work? I'm at a loss why they'd include a USB port and then not allow their own adapter to connect it to the internet.

What can you even use the USB port for then? The controller accessories all plugged in via the Wiimote as far as I'm aware (I don't own a Balance Board but I believe that's how it worked), the ethernet adapter apparently isn't supported, the Wii Speak thing for online communications in the few games that supported it clearly isn't of any use, etc.

Also puzzling is the apparent lack of component video support (Although they don't seem entirely sure of that claim in that write up). Is there an internal component in the Wii, such as the thing embedded into the GameCube's component cables, that they're saving money on here by not including? The market they're aiming this at aren't going to be the type that will be going out and buying an aftermarket cable anyways (So it's not a big deal for the vast majority of those that will be buying this). But I figured it would still support component video just the same and didn't think there was much money to save by not supporting it since they're not eliminating an entire video-out port since it's routed through their standard multi-out video/audio port that has to be here anyways.

But then again they didn't save anything by not supporting S-Video on the SuperNes Mini, yet they did it anyways...


That's simply not true. Many small patches are rolled into save games. I've updated dozens of games on my 360 and have maybe four or five title updates.

That's a smart move then if true. I'm sure there's plenty of people still playing Xbox 360 software on console's without hard drive's with hundreds of gigs of capacity. So for those people that may want to save a few dozen MB's here and there as their limited space fills up, they either are faced with either buying a large hard drive to eliminate the issue completely or deleting entire game saves to help clear limited space?

[c0ldb33r]

Can the USB be used for game patches?

[jeffg]

to the guy saying i don't think there is any value on the gameboy micro, you probably haven't looked to buy one

They sell for $50 plus on ebay all day long. Complete in box ones are $80 to $100 range.

most people i have talked to that want one, want it because it fits in their pant pocket real easy.

But yes it definately has better collector value than GBA SP's

[Rob2600]

Are there generic USB to ethernet adapters? Perhaps they used one of those without realizing they needed something more specific to make it work? I'm at a loss why they'd include a USB port and then not allow their own adapter to connect it to the internet.

From the Engadget article:

"When Nintendo said it had pulled internet access, it wasn't kidding; the only three channels are the disc, the Mii tool, and a manual for the menus. Dive into the settings and options like internet or WiiConnect24 are gone altogether."


The other thing I don't understand is that for six years, people have criticized the Wii for only outputting 480p...but now all of a sudden, people think the Wii Mini could've made a perfect Netflix streaming box. Huh?? Just buy a $79 1080p Roku 2 XD instead.

[Leo_A]

I saw that, but I don't remember what channels and settings were there on day 1 on my Wii five years ago and before taking it online the first time. So the lack of obvious online components on the dash didn't necessarily equate to zero internet access. So it seemed like it was a longshot but worth a bit of speculation on that perhaps the adapter they used just wasn't compatible.

As for Wii patches via USB, I doubt it's supported. I think there was hardly any game updates in the first place (Particularly for the offline retail releases that comprised the vast majority of the library). I certainly never encountered one and my Nintendo Channel stats show over 1,000 hours of use on my system. I only ever had firmware updates and channel updates (recently had a Wii Shop update for instance).

Closest to a game patch I've personally seen was the Skyward Sword channel save fix that I grabbed just in case I need it someday.


to the guy saying i don't think there is any value on the gameboy micro, you probably haven't looked to buy one

They sell for $50 plus on ebay all day long. Complete in box ones are $80 to $100 range.

most people i have talked to that want one, want it because it fits in their pant pocket real easy.

But yes it definately has better collector value than GBA SP's

I haven't looked in the past year or two. And I really doubt they're more valuable than backlit SP's today.

[theclaw]

backlit gba sp was available in significantly fewer countries than the gameboy micro. Parts of europe didn't get them, nor japan.