The Official Nintendo Wii Thread.

[hezeuschrist]

I don't think it'll be an overnight shift in state-of-mind for the world, but I think in a couple of years, if Nintendo really pushes it, it really won't be that bad.



Which is EXACTLY the reason why this is a bad name choice. Thank you for pointing that out. In "a couple of years" this generation of systems will be half done.

I still disagree. Nintendo, if they stayed the present course, would be nowhere. No one would care about GameCube 2, even most of us.

They HAVE to make people care about a new brand, a new idea, and with that comes a new name. You can't build an empire around a brand name in a couple of months, and yes, it's going to take years to make it happen. But once they build that foundation you can expect to see the Wii logo on everything Nintendo, from renaming the GameBoy Evolution to "Wii Portable" (ok, that's really bad), to releasing a sequel to the DS designed around the Wii brand name.

As for using those dollars to attract Sony or Microsofts customers? THATS an impossible battle, no matter how much you put into it. They simply aren't running that race and the Joe Average PS3 player cares about one thing above all else: Graphics. Trying to coax a consumer with that frame of mind is going to be nigh impossible for such an "underpowered" system.

It's a whole new Nintendo, and I'd rather see them try to re-establish themselves in a new direction than to see them continue to chase their tails and waste a bunch of money on a technology race they simply can not win. This has far more implications than just the looming console generation, the is the beginning of a whole new company.

[FantasiaWHT]

Hezeus, I agree totally with your analysis of what Nintendo needs to do, I just feel that there's an incredibly large number of better ways they could have accomplished the same thing without using a word with such awful connotations.

(A handheld Wii... the Port-a-potty!)

Just to illustrate... imagine Sega had never made a 16-bit system. A system with a name like "Genesis" now would do everything you described. We have had two generations of video game systems with incredibly derivative names that follow an identical template- universally a compound word, mostly combining a gaming-related theme with a concrete object or location. A cube with which you play games. A station with which you play. A box that's an X. A cast of dreams. Something like Genesis has none of that.

Wii may catch on, but if it happens at all it will happen slowly. The esoteric reasoning behind the name is not going to win over the public majority quickly. I'm not even sure if marketing alone can do that before the system even comes out; I think it's more likely that it will not appeal until (even if) it becomes a success. Why not pick a name that's INSTANTLY catchy and doesn't force the first-time-hearer to wade through confusion, astonishment and even disbelief that it is serious?

[Bronty-2]

I dunno... different type of name for a different type of console. I can see a lot of people walking into eb or whatever, seeing the name "Wii" and asking "what the hell is that"? Salesperson explains the how different the functionality is, etc. It will definitely grab people's attention and make them ask about the system... which is when nintendo hopes to convert that curiosity into a sale, I guess. Will it work - I don't know. But it might. The different name does underscore the idea that this system is not like the others, which is what they're going for. Whether that turns into sales time will tell.

But I don't think you can discount a system that is priced affordably, appears to have a very good launch lineup, has backwards compatability and a virtual console feature. There's a lot there for your money. Whether or not people are ready for new controllers and a strange name we will see but personally I think it looks pretty promising. The fact is that it looks like they will deliver a lot of value for the price, and I think that will sell some people on it for sure. The fact that it's coming after and not before the success of the DS can't be understated either... they have proven to least a few million people that their new direction is worthwhile. I think they have a good chance of expanding on that success.

[hezeuschrist]

Actually for the handheld system I was thinking "P-Wii." Heh.


Wii may catch on, but if it happens at all it will happen slowly. The esoteric reasoning behind the name is not going to win over the public majority quickly. I'm not even sure if marketing alone can do that before the system even comes out; I think it's more likely that it will not appeal until (even if) it becomes a success. Why not pick a name that's INSTANTLY catchy and doesn't force the first-time-hearer to wade through confusion, astonishment and even disbelief that it is serious?

I don't think the "meaning" of it is going to be pushed very hard, moreso just the fact that it's different will likely be the large portion of the marketing push. They needed to have some kind of immediate rationalization behind it, and I wouldn't really be all that suprised if the only piece of it the mass market gets is the tagline, "It's not about you or me, it's about Wii."

I don't expect the name to win anybody over until the system is released at the very least. Hell, I don't expect the name to win anybody over. Pre launch advertisement will probably be slim, but it'll be there to plant the seed. I just think there is FAR too much emphasis being put on the negative connotation of the word. Much like anything that can have any number of dick and fart jokes associated with it, the public will quickly get over that. I wouldn't expect to still be hearing "wee" jokes by the time the system launches in the states. That's obviously not its strength.

It's strength is in pure simplicity and difference, not the convoluted meaning of togetherness. It needs to be totally different to represent the totally different experience you'd have with the system, and it's complete difference will prompt people to look into it. Be it amused, confused, shocked, awed, or genuinely interested, the name will make people think enough to look deeper. The reason they look deeper at that point is completely irrelevant.

It's strength right now is in the thousands of 10 page threads across gaming message boards all across the internet. It's doing exactly what it should be doing, getting people talking about the name gets people talking about the system, and come Tuesday there's going to be so much anticipation built up over what we can actually associate the "Wii" with it'll take first billing over anything to do with the PS3.

[Bronty-2]

hezeus, I salute you sir ;) We posted that at almost the exact same time - looks like our trains of thought were quite similar.

[calthaer]

They HAVE to make people care about a new brand, a new idea, and with that comes a new name. You can't build an empire around a brand name in a couple of months, and yes, it's going to take years to make it happen.

This is a good point, and one which makes it seem even more stupid for them to throw away the positive credentials and connotations that the name Revolution has been building up over the past year or so.

[Bronty-2]

I see your point, but then again, looking ahead, "revolution 3" doesn't sound so revolutionary does it? :) Kind of like Final Fantasy 12 or something ;) (guess the first 11 weren't so final). So if they are trying to establish a brand that is going to be around for 20 years or something, then I'm not sure Revolution was the right name either.

[B - Mark]

I don´t like the name "Wii" for the new Nintendo´s console.
For me the name "Revolution" causes more impact.
Because the controls and the system download games from old consoles.

We can´t forget his price is lowest in comparsion with Playstation 3 and XBox 360, according Nintendo´s preview.

[hezeuschrist]

They HAVE to make people care about a new brand, a new idea, and with that comes a new name. You can't build an empire around a brand name in a couple of months, and yes, it's going to take years to make it happen.

This is a good point, and one which makes it seem even more stupid for them to throw away the positive credentials and connotations that the name Revolution has been building up over the past year or so.

The simple answer to that is that in this day and age of global software sales, they have to have a global name, something "Revolution" certainly isn't. Anyone who has heard Iwata try to say revolution would very much understand that name wouldn't fly at all in japan... and really, I don't think it would have worked in japan even beyond the phonetic difficulties. It just doesn't seem to fit the culture at all.

Beyond it being pretty worthless in Japan, it really doesn't have the same impact Wii does, or for that matter, any other easily recognizable word would. It certainly fits better, but this is a marketing move, not a definition. The simplicity is going to be a huge part of the campaign to move the console and Revolution sounds and feels very much stuck in the current industry trends, something this console means to break completely free of.

Not to mention the only people that even know about the Revolution are people that are not in their major target audience. At this point it's pretty much an industry junkie term and anyone in the mass market doesn't have a clue. Those are the people they need to build a brand around, not us. They've already got our dollars.

[playgeneration]

The name is bad, no-one can really deny that. You can defend nintendo's choice by saying "its only a name, who cares?" or "the name has got everyone talking about it". But you know what, i would much rather them give it a bland dull name, and have some amazing new games that capture peoples attention instead. Xbox wasnt a particularly wonderfull name, but you could play halo on it, and thats all that people cared about.
E3 will really show if nintendo can back up their claims of revolutionising the industry. Will they show brand new franchises with unique control, or a different way to play yet more mario party games?.

[playgeneration]

The name is bad, no-one can really deny that. You can defend nintendo's choice by saying "its only a name, who cares?" or "the name has got everyone talking about it". But you know what, i would much rather them give it a bland dull name, and have some amazing new games that capture peoples attention instead. Xbox wasnt a particularly wonderfull name, but you could play halo on it, and thats all that people cared about.
E3 will really show if nintendo can back up their claims of revolutionising the industry. Will they show brand new franchises with unique control, or a different way to play yet more mario party games?.

[playgeneration]

The name is bad, no-one can really deny that. You can defend nintendo's choice by saying "its only a name, who cares?" or "the name has got everyone talking about it". But you know what, i would much rather them give it a bland dull name, and have some amazing new games that capture peoples attention instead. Xbox wasnt a particularly wonderfull name, but you could play halo on it, and thats all that people cared about.
E3 will really show if nintendo can back up their claims of revolutionising the industry. Will they show brand new franchises with unique control, or a different way to play yet more mario party games?.

[Richter]

like it or not, the name is here to stay

http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/04/wii-trademark-surfaces-naysayers-wiip/

[Jhonny_ParadoX]

"E3 will really show if nintendo can back up their claims of revolutionising the industry"

Nintendo is known for helping save the entire console gaming industry back in the 80s. I have been fairly disappointed with the past two consoles that Nintendo has released though, but I have a feeling that they have done a lot of research into untapped target audiences and current gamers alike, which prepared them for this console.

As for the name, I think everyone's initial response is to spit out something negative, then ask "wtf does it mean?" And THAT is exactly what they want to acheive. Nobody really likes the name, but it works for the purpose it was made for, to generate interest and curiosity. Overall the deeper meaning to the name will become apparent with time, for now, continue with the potty jokes and the play with the name. Wii will survive.

[GrandAmChandler]

I am dubbing this "The official Wii Thread"

DISCUSS!

[calthaer]

Their tag: "playing is believing..."

to which I respond:

"and weeing is relieving."

Graphics ARE deceiving, but sucky names cause grieving.

[Ed Oscuro]

LOL

[Daniel Thomas]

Having just watched Nintendo's press conference, I'm seriously sold on Wii. The name doesn't bother me anymore, thanks to Sony. Since when did they turn into The Great Gatsby?

I don't know where hardcore gamers will fall, but I see this being a big hit. It just looks fun. Everybody who sees this is going to want to give it a try. Everyone. And the best part is not having to hock a kidney in order to play.

The image of people of all ages, playing with the Wii remote, will sell. It's selling an image, a panache of cool, just like iPod. I can see the tennis game being a hit, and the new Wario Ware will be a must-own. New Mario, new Metroid, and good heavens, do I get to fight with a sword?

Do you have any idea how much money Lucasarts is going to make with their lightsabre game? You know they're making one. That's going to be a license to print money.

I'm interested in hearing what the bloggers on the E3 floor have to say about the games.

[OdSquad64]

so err um... contemporary controller announced, anyone notice this?

http://www.engadget.com/media/2006/05/wiiclassic.jpg

seems like a SNES and PS2 controller combined

http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n10/e3_2006/wii/controller.html

This seems like good news to me. Why is there a wire though?

[Rev. Link]

Why do so many people keep saying that looks like the PS2 controller? Just 'cuz of the two sticks? What kind of conventional controller these days doesn't have two sticks?

The thing just looks like a modern day SNES controller.

[NintenDk]

Why do so many people keep saying that looks like the PS2 controller? Just 'cuz of the two sticks? What kind of conventional controller these days doesn't have two sticks?

The thing just looks like a modern day SNES controller.

Probably ironically because of the 4 button array and dpad LOL :roll:

[THATinkjar]

I really enjoyed Nintendo's conference. A good mix of trailer reels (for both Wii and DS) and on-stage gameplay, which made the games look really fun.

I thought the three new franchises that Nintendo introduced briefly were actually the weakest part of the presentation. The graphics looked ordinary, the names were hardly original, etc. But I am sure they will be a ton of fun to play :)

And blimey, the GameCube got some love, didn't it?

[Julio III]

Why do so many people keep saying that looks like the PS2 controller? Just 'cuz of the two sticks? What kind of conventional controller these days doesn't have two sticks?

The thing just looks like a modern day SNES controller.

2 sticks in what looks like really awkward places to use. I hate where the sticks (left in particular) are on the PS2 pad and the one on this looks even harder to use. I also can't imagine trying to pull the trigger with my thumb on that stick.

Also, if this is meant to be used to play N64 games its going to need 2 more face buttons.

Sorry, that pad looks butt ugly to me. Looks like i'll be spending more time with my wiimote woo!

[FantasiaWHT]

Touching is good... the Wii DS!

Sorry, they just don't stop coming!

[Hep038]

Reminds me of this controller I bought and hate. It is just too small for me to use more than 30 mins. My friends love it, but I only keep it around for them to use.

http://www.nlgaming.com/games/2132/logo/logo.jpg

[Jibbajaba]

Why do so many people keep saying that looks like the PS2 controller? Just 'cuz of the two sticks? What kind of conventional controller these days doesn't have two sticks?

The thing just looks like a modern day SNES controller.

Probably ironically because of the 4 button array and dpad LOL :roll:

Which originally appeared on the SNES controller.

Chris

[youruglyclone]

I believe this round of the console war is over...

for the second coming has arrived!

http://revolution.ign.com/articles/706/706955p1.html

[GrandAmChandler]

I believe this round of the console war is over...

for the second coming has arrived!

http://revolution.ign.com/articles/706/706955p1.html

HOLY CRAP~~!!! The Dog better be in it. He made the game.

[Slate]

Now that i have heard more about this system, I'm actually thinking i'll preorder one at EB to have one at launch, not that that makes any sense because most launch units are no good.. LOL

[can_dude]

Now that i have heard more about this system, I'm actually thinking i'll preorder one at EB to have one at launch, not that that makes any sense because most launch units are no good.. LOL

well if your going to get a launch unit, it may as well be nintendo, they have (BY FAR) the best track record of launches with the least amount of defective units. FYI: the 360 set a record for most defective launch units (24% i believe was the estimate). Avg systems run a 12-16% defective rate on launch. Gamecube was very low as far as that goes. I don't have any numbers on them, but when I worked at gamestop for all three launches, the Gamecube was the only system i didn't have to take a defective unit back.

[FantasiaWHT]

Now that i have heard more about this system, I'm actually thinking i'll preorder one at EB to have one at launch, not that that makes any sense because most launch units are no good.. LOL

well if your going to get a launch unit, it may as well be nintendo, they have (BY FAR) the best track record of launches with the least amount of defective units. FYI: the 360 set a record for most defective launch units (24% i believe was the estimate). Avg systems run a 12-16% defective rate on launch. Gamecube was very low as far as that goes. I don't have any numbers on them, but when I worked at gamestop for all three launches, the Gamecube was the only system i didn't have to take a defective unit back.

I worked at EB for over a year as a manager and the ONE AND ONLY defective GC I ever saw had a sticky hood-release button. That's it.

I would have NO qualms about buying a Nintendo release system. A Sony release system? Get the replacement plan.

[petewhitley]

The simple answer to that is that in this day and age of global software sales, they have to have a global name, something "Revolution" certainly isn't. Anyone who has heard Iwata try to say revolution would very much understand that name wouldn't fly at all in japan... and really, I don't think it would have worked in japan even beyond the phonetic difficulties.

Sure it would have. It's no different than any of the other umpteen English-derived console names over the years. And mispronounciation never stopped the Japanese from adopting English words into everyday life.

[hezeuschrist]

It's still a situation they need to try to avoid, and they've done so.

[poloplayr]

At this very moment I just want to grab Nintendo and snuggle. Just for a bit. Can I? I wuv you, Nintendo.

[Avenger]

I think this is the year us Nintendo fans have been waiting for. No more being dissapointed and thoughts of whyyyyy are you doing this to us??? They are delivering huge this year, bigger than ever, totally stealing the show in a lot of people's eyes. I feel the revolution coming, and that revolution is wii.

[youruglyclone]

http://www.smashbros.com/en/movie/index.html

it's...showtime!

[Rev. Link]

Hrm... can't get that movie to play.

[hezeuschrist]

FYI: the 360 set a record for most defective launch units (24% i believe was the estimate).

Oh please. Just because the internet said so doesn't make it true. There's absolutely no way in hell there was a 24% return rate.

[slip81]

I'm curious, if the Wii is supposed to lack super high def and all the other bells and whistles, and is supposed to be a cheap system; why does EB gave the games listed at $59.99

After all the cool stuff they've announced at E3 I kinda want one, but I definately won't buy it if they're jumping on the $60 bandwagon.

[hydr0x]

FYI: the 360 set a record for most defective launch units (24% i believe was the estimate).

Oh please. Just because the internet said so doesn't make it true. There's absolutely no way in hell there was a 24% return rate.

i wouldn't bet any money at that hezeus, seriously i couldn't believe how many people had to return their launch 360 at the store i work at

[Rev. Link]

That's just EB covering their asses. Since 360 games are $60, they're guessing Wii games might be too. It's okay to guess high, then can always lower the price later. But it's bad to guess low. If they say you can get Wii games at $50, then you pre-order and later they raise it up to $60, you'd be pissed.

[Zap!]

Well, the Revolution now quite possibly goes down as the coolest codename for a system of all-time, right along with the Katana. I should make a seperate topic for this, with a poll of all codenames (Dolphin, Ultra 64, Project Reality, etc.).

[pixelsnpolygons]

Quite the epic thread to just jump into. Anyway, played Wii at E3 and loved it - especially Sonic Wild Fire and Elebits. The system sort of reminds me of the Dreamcast for some reason, which is fine by me as the DC is my favorite system ever.

[sabre2922]

Wii related: There have been rumors on the net recently about Twilight Princess for Gamecube being released within a month or soo even one sight -Gamepro.com- stating that it could release in a couple weeks :roll:

anyone have any info on this?

[UK Collector]

If Wii doesnt have a version of Samba de Amigo, it
would be a crying shame. The system is crying out for it.
And i think it would sell a lot of copies. The controller
is perfect for it, so no more shelling out for maracas.
The only problem may be you might need two controllers,
but you could still package that together and keep costs
low.

Wii is really starting to excite me now. Gamefaqs.com did
a poll, and about a quarter of the people (over 12000)
said they would ONLY be buying a Wii. I think Nintendo has
got it right this time, but I have one worry. Will developers
all make their games easier because its a new system, and
it will take the average joe a while to get used to? It already
looks like Super Mario Galaxy has been made easier, I hope
it is only the launch games which are. Still Im going to buy
one for the same reason I buy Lightgun games, I want to
feel like Im more immersed, and controllers dont do that
for me anymore.

[Mr.FoodMonster]

http://forums.nintendo.com/nintendo/board/message?board.id=revolution&message.id=1159528

Looks like the Wii at E3 ran off modified GC hardware. Those games looked nice, but they are going to look even nicer on the real Wii.

[npward.]

http://forums.nintendo.com/nintendo/board/message?board.id=revolution&message.id=1159528

Looks like the Wii at E3 ran off modified GC hardware. Those games looked nice, but they are going to look even nicer on the real Wii.

I read an article on this yesterday. I really dont think we will be seeing a graphics upgrade (ok with me) until some of the later gen Wii games start showing up. Nintendo wouldn't garuntee a Q4 launch without knowing where their system is in develpoment. If they were still working on the development of the graphics card, I really doubt they would make that launch window.

But then again, I'm not a fancy analyst.

So, yeah, what you saw at E3 is what you get folks. It's not a bad thing at all. Did you see Super Mario Galaxy?

[Icarus Moonsight]

http://forums.nintendo.com/nintendo/board/message?board.id=revolution&message.id=1159528

Looks like the Wii at E3 ran off modified GC hardware. Those games looked nice, but they are going to look even nicer on the real Wii.

OMG if this is true... (imagines Twilight Princess running on an actual Wii) I was fine with the look of what they showed @ E3 but holy shit... I'm speechless, completely floored.

The extra cord, not the nunchaku one, but the long one that trailed off frame (G4 E3 live) when some shmoe was playing, kinda bugged me. I wanted to know why a wireless control needed a cord like that. I figured with all the demo they were doing they most likely had to plug the Wiimote into an outlet for power cause batteries wouldn't hold up to hours of demo. I never thought that cord could be plugged into a Gamecube though!!!

I can see why N was kinda low key about the whole thing though. E3 was more to show the Wiimote and how it worked. I can see alot of people being very shocked when they first try out a Wii kiosk... I don't think it will be a huge difference but I'm sure it will be at least smoother and cleaner looking which is welcome.

Who would have thought that Nintendo would rock E3 and next gen gaming with a Gamecube! LMAO

[WanganRunner]

I'm not in the least bit surprised about all that stuff running on modified cubes. The cube is a damned underrated system, especially for textures. Just because it can't display in the ungodly resolutions of the Xbox doesn't make it graphically incompetent. I think some of its effect capabilities more than make up for its shortcomings in other areas. I will contest ANY claim that the cube was a failure, either technologically or from a retail standpoint.

Anyway, as far as launch units go, Nintendo is fireproof. I have *never* had a Nintendo product fail on me in any way, shape, or form. It's just a given that their launch systems will be perfect, they wouldn't sell them otherwise.

Sony and Microsoft, capable as they may be at designing hardware, still don't have the mindset of a console producer. They come from the world where revisions, patches, and fixes is okay, whereas for a home videogame console it needs to just come out of the box and work perfectly from the first time you fire it up to the last time you shut it off.

Anyway, I <3 Nintendo right now. I have no vested interest in the other consoles failing, I'll buy them both, but I'd really love to see Nintendo take back some ground this generation and put an end to the madness that has become our hobby of late.

[SkiDragon]

I think the "classic controller" should be supplemented by an adapter that allows one to connect the original controllers instead.

[npward.]

Wow, I feel dumb for disagreeing with the whole 'Wii in a Gamecube' theory. It looks like Nintendo came out today and admitted to it.

http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/feature/?id=12739&rp=49

[Muscelli]

i wonder if nintendo power will start packing in demo discs for wii games

[badinsults]

Wow, I feel dumb for disagreeing with the whole 'Wii in a Gamecube' theory. It looks like Nintendo came out today and admitted to it.

http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/feature/?id=12739&rp=49

Well, basically they are saying that it was just the Wii hardware in a gamecube shell. They aren't saying that it was modified gamecube hardware.

[kainemaxwell]

Didn't SNK recently sign on for the Wii also?

[sabre2922]

I think the "classic controller" should be supplemented by an adapter that allows one to connect the original controllers instead.

Naa

the Retro controller that Nintendo has planned for the Wii will be just fine for any of the classic legacy games from NES to N64.

In fact once I saw the "classic controller" it was the final selling point for me and now im REALLY looking forward to the Wii moreso than anything besides MGS4.

[SkiDragon]

Well, if not by Nintendo then some third party should do it.

[studvicious]

I just had an interesting thought about the "Wii" name. And it actually doesn't sound as weird to me anymore. For some reason the word, Hawaii popped into my head. And we all know that it definately sounds like "E" at the end so it really isn't far-fetched for Wii to be pronounced like WE.

That is all... :D

[kainemaxwell]

There a release date yet?

[FantasiaWHT]

This thought popped into my head last night and I couldn't get it out, so I'm sharing it with all of you.

I live in Wisconsin, so that means I get to play with my... WI-Wii!!

[Teknik_SE-R]

Wow, for the official nintendo Wii thread, it sure has gone downhill

[Teknik_SE-R]

I heard DVD playback was going to be a dongle

[FantasiaWHT]

It also hadn't been posted in in almost two months. I figure conversation is more likely to start up again with stupid jokes than any intellectual debate, so.... ;)

[atomicthumbs]

Nice size comparison for the optional classic controller.
http://www.planetgamecube.com/media/2533/1/22078.jpg
(didn't see this posted anywhere yet)

[gjb-sensei]

Man, hardware-wise, it seems everything looks sexy for the Wii.

[jajaja]

I wonder how many of the Wii games that will require you to be active with the controller. What if just want to sit in the good chair, dim the lights, get some snacks and just relax and play.

[business]

I wonder how many of the Wii games that will require you to be active with the controller. What if just want to sit in the good chair, dim the lights, get some snacks and just relax and play.

That's my only concern about the Wii, really. Most of my 'video game time' is my time to relax after a long day. If the Wii forces me to jump, kick, punch, and slide - that's really not that relaxing.

[Richter]

you are not flailing your hands around like a monkey. You move your wrists.

[atomicthumbs]

I had heard that the release date was changed from the 19th to the day after Thanksgiving. Website still shows the 19th, so I'm sure it is nothing.

[business]

I had heard that the release date was changed from the 19th to the day after Thanksgiving. Website still shows the 19th, so I'm sure it is nothing.

I haven't heard anything, and I'm sure the internet would be exploding right now if it had. So, it's news to me if they have.

[Daniel Thomas]

I see that the local EB store is setting up thier Wii display. A couple of the Wii boxes were on the floor, so I picked it up and took a good look. It's a nice packaging, very similar to the DS Lite box.

I also noticed that the "Wii Sports Included" label weren't on the boxes. I'm assuming those are stickers that are pasted on, and this pretty much confirms my theory that Nintendo will eventually offer a "core" system without any pack-in game.

I don't have any idea when such a move will be made, but it's a safe bet that Christmas 2006 is out of the question. Nintendo is likely holding this card for the inevitable Microsoft or Sony price drops in 2007. There's too much pressure for both of them to sell units and get the prices down. Sony especially.

This leaves Nintendo in a perfect position to either drop the price of the Wii hardware, or sell the core system at a lower price. Remember that the DS dropped from $150 to $120 within its first year. We'll see a $200 Wii before too long.

As always, it's probably wiser to wait a little while, until new consoles have established themselves a bit. Early adotpers get the bragging rights, but they always have to pay for it.

[jajaja]

Turns out that Wii got the most expencive standard controller in the history (atleast what i know). Here it costs $98 for a Wiimote + nunchuk. The Wii itself is about $350.

[Oobgarm]

Interesting tidbits on DVD Playback (Japan only) and how the retail price was determined...

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=20729

[Kejoriv]

Interesting tidbits on DVD Playback (Japan only) and how the retail price was determined...

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=20729

Interesting. Sounds like it will be like another Panasonic GameCube.

[atomicthumbs]

Interesting tidbits on DVD Playback (Japan only) and how the retail price was determined...

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=20729

Interesting. Sounds like it will be like another Panasonic GameCube.

God I hope not! I barely escaped my girlfriend's wrath after I purchased the Q.

[Jasoco]

I already have a half dozen DVD players and the only one that looks good on my TV is STILL my regular DVD recorder through Component. So I don't give a care if the Wii does it or not. Take it out and lower the price. I don't care. I don't need it. DVD players are a dime a dozen now. And almost as small as one.