Topic: Wii U Possibly Launching on November 11

[NWR_Neal]

A supposed screencap of a game distributor says the system will come in three bundles.

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/rumor/31535

The Wii U might be hitting stores a week earlier than expected, according to a video containing information from Video Products Distributors.

The listing states that the system will come in three different bundles. A $249.99 bundle that appears to be just the system, a $299.99 bundle that likely comes with a game, and a $349.99 bundle that likely comes with either two games or a game and an array of accessories.

Video Products Distributors works with several big-name sites, including Amazon, Overstock, Blockbuster, and NewEgg.

This information is contradictory to most rumors and reports regarding the Wii U launch date in North America, which many assume will be November 18. We will likely find out for sure on September 13 at a Wii U-focused event hosted by Nintendo of America in New York City.

We are currently waiting for a response from Video Products Distributors to confirm the validity of this screen capture.

[Glad0s]

A quote from me, on August 16:


"I'm gonna go out on a limb here, and say something a bit ballsy........the thing launches November 18, with two different bundles. One is a "casual" bundle, packed with NintendoLand and the base system, at 250$. The other is a "hardcore" bundle which includes Pikmin 3, a Wiimote +, and the base system, at 300$."

If you add 50 dollars to both of those prices, and add yet ANOTHER bundle with nothing extra for 250$, then I was pretty damn close.

[geo]

What would the bundles have if they came out?  Would they really have one without a game?  Would the higher end one have 2 gamepads?

[Bman87301]

If accurate, this would go right along with my original prediction:

$250-- console, Wii Remote+, Nunchuk, GamePad
$300-- console, Wii Remote+, Nunchuk, GamePad, NintendoLand
$350-- console, Wii Remote+, Nunchuk, GamePad, Wii Fit U, Balance Board, Pedometer

[Bman87301]

What would the bundles have if they came out?  Would they really have one without a game?  Would the higher end one have 2 gamepads?

Seeing how Nintendo generally doesn't pack-in games with their systems anymore and Wii was a clear exception, they obviously would-- especially if it were the only way they could offer an SKU as low as $250. As for the $350 one, there's no doubt in my mind that it's simply a Wii Fit U/Balance Board bundle. Nintendo would be absolutely foolish not to offer one.

As great as a 2 GamePad SKU would be, it's not gonna happen-- Nintendo already specifically stated there would be one GamePad per system, and multi-GamePad games will require one be brought over from a foreign Wii U. They stated their plan for the system, and knowing Nintendo's stubbornness, they're not going to deviate from that.

[Caterkiller]

I don't think anyone should get excited about $250 no matter what. As happy as that would make me, expect $300 at the least. I remember how many of us were when Wii was announced at $250, we all thought for sure $200 or even $150 would be the way to go and then got super pissed with the $250 price tag. Still it didn't mean a darn thing as far as we could tell since everyone and their mommas bought one, I'm some cases more than 2.

[NWR_Neal]

I always forget that Wii Fit U is likely a launch title. Talk about a stealth killer app. Wouldn't be surprised if that's a featured bundle, since billing the machine as the "new Wii Fit" could probably hit that audience they love so much.

[Fatty The Hutt]

I'll take a stab with:
 
All bundles will come with Nintendo Land
Bundle 1: the "I already have a Wii" bundle. System and Gamepad only.
Bundle 2: add in WM+ and Nunchuk
Bundle 3: Same as Bundle 2 with NSMBU, maybe a special colour.

[Bman87301]

A quote from me, on August 16:


"I'm gonna go out on a limb here, and say something a bit ballsy........the thing launches November 18, with two different bundles. One is a "casual" bundle, packed with NintendoLand and the base system, at 250$. The other is a "hardcore" bundle which includes Pikmin 3, a Wiimote +, and the base system, at 300$."

If you add 50 dollars to both of those prices, and add yet ANOTHER bundle with nothing extra for 250$, then I was pretty damn close.

There's no way they're going to offer an SKU without a Wii Remote+. Also, do you really think they won't offer a Wii Fit U/Balance Board bundle?

[Ceric]

I'll take a stab with:
 
All bundles will come with Nintendo Land
Bundle 1: the "I already have a Wii" bundle. System and Gamepad only.
Bundle 2: add in WM+ and Nunchuk
Bundle 3: Same as Bundle 2 with NSMBU, maybe a special colour.

Bundle 1: Base System (White)
Bundle 2: With Game (White)
Bundle 3: With Game, WM+, Nunchuk, Maybe Harddrive (Black)

That's how NoA could maximize there money.  There are people on this forum that would be a $100 premium for Black.  Throw in something they probably going to buy anyway (Harddrive) and you gold.  Though in my Mind I would love to see:

Bundle 1: System
Bundle 2: System + Game
Bundle 3: System + Game + Shell with Harddrive in it and Network Ports.

[Bman87301]

Bundle 1: Base System (White)
Bundle 2: With Game (White)
Bundle 3: With Game, WM+, Nunchuk, Maybe Harddrive (Black)

That's how NoA could maximize there money.  There are people on this forum that would be a $100 premium for Black.  Throw in something they probably going to buy anyway (Harddrive) and you gold.  Though in my Mind I would love to see:

Bundle 1: System
Bundle 2: System + Game
Bundle 3: System + Game + Shell with Harddrive in it and Network Ports.

I'd call that wishful thinking. You're looking at it too much from a gamer's perspective-- Nintendo doesn't think the same way as Microsoft and Sony. A network/harddrive model simply isn't Nintendo's style. As for Memory, they'll simply include an SD card, just as with the 3DS. The USB ports will always support a harddrive as an option, but Nintendo will expect you to buy it on your own.

[Ceric]

Bundle 1: Base System (White)
Bundle 2: With Game (White)
Bundle 3: With Game, WM+, Nunchuk, Maybe Harddrive (Black)

That's how NoA could maximize there money.  There are people on this forum that would be a $100 premium for Black.  Throw in something they probably going to buy anyway (Harddrive) and you gold.  Though in my Mind I would love to see:

Bundle 1: System
Bundle 2: System + Game
Bundle 3: System + Game + Shell with Harddrive in it and Network Ports.

I'd call that wishful thinking. You're looking at it too much from a gamer's perspective-- Nintendo doesn't think the same way as Microsoft and Sony. A network/harddrive model simply isn't Nintendo's style. As for Memory, they'll simply include an SD card, just as with the 3DS. The USB ports will always support a harddrive as an option, but Nintendo will expect you to buy it on your own.

With 3 Skus I wouldn't be too sure about that.

[Bman87301]

With 3 Skus I wouldn't be too sure about that.

Considering the high probability that the $350 one could simply be a Wii Fit U/Balance Board bundle, I certainly would.

[BlkPaladin]

The November 11th date could just be the day they ship it to their clients. Since the distributor would get the system before launch so it can work through its channels, I know chains such as WalMart get their shipments days a head of schedule.

[Picoli]

Would they really release it on the same day as Paper Mario 3DS?  That doesn't seem likely.

[powerclaw1]

This seems really unlikely. It would completely overshadow Paper Mario Sticker Star, which makes no sense at all.

But, let's just wait until the 13th to see what will unfold. (Get it? Unfold? Fine, I'll shut up now.)

[Ceric]

This seems really unlikely. It would completely overshadow Paper Mario Sticker Star, which makes no sense at all.

But, let's just wait until the 13th to see what will unfold. (Get it? Unfold? Fine, I'll shut up now.)

That was a good try but I would have personally went with "But, lets just wait and see what Sticks."

I do see them releasing it the same day as Paper Mario.  Ideally though they do it the week after so you have something to play while waiting in the Garden Section ><

[Vrgin X]

I still betting on a November 18th launch, but if the 3 bundlr rumor is to be believed...

$250 bundle: system + Nintendoland
$300 bundle: system + NL+ choice of NSMBU or Pikmin 3
$350 bundle : System + NL + Wii Fit U + neeed accessories

If it does come to that, I'll cancel my pre-order for NSMBU, and put the bundle on order.

[TJ Spyke]

A quote from me, on August 16:


"I'm gonna go out on a limb here, and say something a bit ballsy........the thing launches November 18, with two different bundles. One is a "casual" bundle, packed with NintendoLand and the base system, at 250$. The other is a "hardcore" bundle which includes Pikmin 3, a Wiimote +, and the base system, at 300$."

If you add 50 dollars to both of those prices, and add yet ANOTHER bundle with nothing extra for 250$, then I was pretty damn close.

There's no way they're going to offer an SKU without a Wii Remote+.

I have to disagree, I don't think there would be a SKU with a Wii RemotePlus. The most I can see happening is Nintendo dropping the price of Wii Remotes from $40 to $30.

[Bman87301]

I have to disagree, I don't think there would be a SKU with a Wii RemotePlus. The most I can see happening is Nintendo dropping the price of Wii Remotes from $40 to $30.

I can understand how it may not appear necessary, but judging by what Nintendo seems to have in mind for the system, it's clear they intend the Wii Remote to be just as standard a control option as the GamePad. If they weren't to include at least one Wii Remote with the standard package, developers couldn't work under the assumption that all Wii U owners would have access to one and it would just become a secondary accessory that would rarely be supported. Nintendo isn't going to allow that. The only way I see them having an SKU without one would be if one is packaged around the assumption that the user is upgrading from an original Wii-- in which case I'd still expect a Wii MotionPlus dongle to be included to ensure MotionPlus is the new standard.

[Bman87301]

I still betting on a November 18th launch, but if the 3 bundlr rumor is to be believed...

$250 bundle: system + Nintendoland
$300 bundle: system + NL+ choice of NSMBU or Pikmin 3
$350 bundle : System + NL + Wii Fit U + neeed accessories

If it does come to that, I'll cancel my pre-order for NSMBU, and put the bundle on order.

But in order for there to be an option of a choice of NSMBU or Pikmin 3, there would have to be a fourth SKU-- the fact that there are only three would rule that out. Besides, why bother making a separate SKU for nothing more than an additional game that could just be bought separately along side the $250 SKU for the same total price?

Here's a possibility:

$250 Lite Wii Fit U bundle (no Balance Board): White console, lite controllers (assumes buyer owns prior Wii), Wii Fit U game, Pedometer.
Standard $300 package: Black console, standard controllers, HDMI cable, no extra game.
$350 Full Wii Fit U bundle: White console, standard controllers, Wii Fit U game, Pedometer, Wii Balance Board.

Assuming Nintendo really is planning on three SKUs, I think this would be the most logical reason for them to do so. A standard black version for the general audience, and two special white Wii Fit U options for the casual crowd.

[TJ Spyke]

Standard $250 package: Black console, standard controllers, no extra game.

controllers? The supposed boxart seen at retailers say only the Wii U GamePad will be included, so no Wii Remote and no Wii U Pro Controller.

[BlackNMild2k1]

I like Ceric's idea of baiting the core that want the black unit


$250 - (White) System and uMote + $5 uShop download credit
$300 - (White) System and uMote + Nintendoland + $5 uShop credit
$350 - (Black) System and uMote + WiiFitU and Black Balance board + $5 uShop credit

WiiFitU sold separately with white balance board only

~or~


$250 - (White) System and uMote + Nintendoland
$300 - (White) System and uMote + WiiFitU and (white) Balance Board
$350 - (Black) System and uMote & ProController + NSMB2 + Zombie U + 16GB SD card


I see something like that playing out for the Triple Bundle

[Kairon]

Yeah, I too think that the idea of enticing consumers to go for the more expensive SKUs by making those the only ones that come in Black could be... dastardly.

I'm also honestly flabbergasted at the idea of THREE SKUs at launch. That is not at all what I expected from Nintendo, and also just the $50 gradations makes it really hard for me to wrap my head around what the step ups from each SKU might be.

[Chozo Ghost]

I hope at least one of the SKUs offers an integrated hard drive. This is all I ask for.