Post by: tylerohlew on November 27, 2012, 08:50:14 AM
Canada: home of poutine, three NWR staffers, and now the Wii Mini.
http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/32620
The Wii Mini will be exclusive to Canadians this holiday season, and will retail for $99.99.
The redesign, which we rumoured originally, will arrive on store shelves December 7. The system itself is matte black with a red border. and ships with a red Wii Remote Plus, and red Nunchuk.
The Wii Mini will not have any online functionality, and like current model regular Wii hardware, does not support GameCube backwards compatibility.
Registering the system through Club Nintendo will earn 100 Coins.
Nintendo of Canada is unable to comment on when the Wii Mini will be sold in the US.
Post by: Adrock on November 27, 2012, 08:57:49 AM
Post by: Plugabugz on November 27, 2012, 09:04:08 AM
First the gamecube ports (and memory card slot) goes. Now the WiFi and slot loading drive?
I wouldn't be surprised if a later redesign drops the internal memory to 32mb and removes of the USB ports or SD card slot.
Post by: lolmonade on November 27, 2012, 09:06:35 AM
Anyone else think this is a bad sign for the future of Wii Virtual Console? I was planning on having my Wii (now set up with my bedroom tv) be a glorified virtual console machine, but if they're taking Internet out of it, then I feel wary of purchasing anything from it if it won't be there a year from now.
I like the way the redesign looks, but think the lack of Internet functionality is horrible.
Post by: Pixelated Pixies on November 27, 2012, 09:11:12 AM
Post by: Adrock on November 27, 2012, 09:14:19 AM
Post by: Ceric on November 27, 2012, 09:19:21 AM
Post by: Plugabugz on November 27, 2012, 09:24:08 AM
With the loss of Internet functionality, this thing doesn't need firmware updates ever. I wonder if this also means that the Wii and by extension, Wii Mode on the Wii U will eventually no longer be able to access Virtual Console/Wii Ware. They'll probably be integrated into the Wii U eshop and the fallout of this may mean that Wii will be left out in the cold. I guess that makes sense even though I wish there was a way to handle that better.
Internet access should still be possible via the USB port and ethernet adapter.
Post by: Adrock on November 27, 2012, 09:27:45 AM
Post by: lolmonade on November 27, 2012, 09:32:18 AM
The article says the Mini lacks online functionality. I took that to mean that it just can't access the Internet entirely.
I'm wondering now if they changed the OS to only provide the option to load the game or go into settings. There's no point in having the channel menu if there's no Internet functionality.
Post by: nickmitch on November 27, 2012, 09:35:21 AM
Post by: lolmonade on November 27, 2012, 09:43:00 AM
So, is this designed for people who use their Wiis just for Wii Sports bowling and Just Dance? Are there anymore of those people left who don't have a Wii?
At first I was skeptical, but I do think there are probably plenty to Wii sporters left who couldn't stomach a price over $100 (although it seems like they'll have to buy Wii sports separately, now). I recall seeing an article a while back about how play station 2 is still selling like gangbusters in 3rd world countries and emerging markets now that its at a more reasonable price. Maybe Nintendo's aiming towards that piece of pie?
They're sending a pretty clear message with this, though: Wii is now for the casual gamer or gamer on a budget, Wii U is for the core gamer. They're targeting different markets with their consoles, and while I think it's a sound business move, I think it'll prevent me from double-dipping in the Wii pot.
Post by: ejamer on November 27, 2012, 09:48:31 AM
...
Internet access should still be possible via the USB port and ethernet adapter.
The article says the Mini lacks online functionality. I took that to mean that it just can't access the Internet entirely.
If it can still use a USB ethernet adapter, then maybe this redesign isn't terrible. But if they actually stripped out all online functionality then the price would have to drop quite a bit more (priced at $70 or less?) for this option to seem like a reasonable deal.
Netflix and other streaming services are clearly the number one feature of Wii consoles at this point... even if SD images aren't ideal for most people. Access to an extensive Virtual Console library is also appealing for many people, despite the flaws in Nintendo's online marketplace. Cutting those features out would make the system worth a lot less in my eyes. If there really is no online option, then buying the GameCube-less Wii bundled with New Super Mario Bros Wii and a soundtrack for $130 (a pretty common price) seems like much better value.
Interested to find out more.
So, is this designed for people who use their Wiis just for Wii Sports bowling and Just Dance? Are there anymore of those people left who don't have a Wii?
Willing to bet there are plenty of kids and families who don't have one, and probably even some gamers/collectors who think it's a good time to buy a system and cherry pick some of the best exclusive titles at a discount now that Wii U is out.
It's clear that Nintendo is trying to target a market that won't/can't spend much money on the console. I just don't feel like this revision drops the price far enough when new Wii consoles (with more functionality) have been flirting with the $100 mark for a while during sales and used consoles are easy to find for $70 or less.
Post by: StrikerObi on November 27, 2012, 09:58:39 AM
Post by: Miyamoto on November 27, 2012, 11:51:07 AM
Post by: Lithium on November 27, 2012, 12:00:14 PM
Post by: tendoboy1984 on November 27, 2012, 12:01:05 PM
Post by: tendoboy1984 on November 27, 2012, 12:03:59 PM
"But I just bought a $50 PS+ / Xbox Live subscription card! What do you mean it doesn't connect to the Internet?!"
Post by: Tlon on November 27, 2012, 12:13:25 PM
I really like the hardware design. Very stripped down and sleek. Reminiscent of an AppleTV. I really like the corner-cut buttons on the top.
I like the design too; it has an 80's Nintendo feel
Post by: NeoThunder on November 27, 2012, 12:15:23 PM
Will this Wii mini meet the same fate as the GameBoy Adv. Micro?
Post by: Ian Sane on November 27, 2012, 12:17:10 PM
Post by: NeoThunder on November 27, 2012, 12:19:08 PM
Post by: lolmonade on November 27, 2012, 12:27:52 PM
No Internet connectivity makes WiiWare and VC games useless. And Canada exclusive? What's the point of that? Did Iwata tell his colleagues to design a mini Wii specifically for Canadians? Nintendo is a Japanese company, so you'd think Japan would get it first...
My guesses:
1) This system is meant for the buyer who was never going to connect it online, anyway (my sister-in-law who has one for her kids doesn't have any wireless internet, and their Wii hasn't seen a day of online to it, but it works just fine for the handful of games they have). Most people on this site think it's asinine (including me) given how it's been gutted, but it isn't meant for us, it's meant for the same people who were/are buying playstation 2s for $100 or less with the newest copy of Madden on it.
For Nintendo, it's a way to (I assume) get even more profit margin out of each Wii sold while still being able to market their product to less affluent families and any holdouts that may be waiting for the last iteration of a product before buying it at the lowest price and scooping up the greatest hits on the cheap (I did this with the original Xbox, and am currently waiting to see when it'll happen for the 360).
2) Why are they choosing just Canada? My guess is so they can test it out in one market, see how it does, and determine if it's something that'll be successful in other markets.
Post by: lolmonade on November 27, 2012, 12:29:29 PM
what if you plug an Ethernet adapter into a USB port?
CNET stated in their report that it had "no online functionality". My wager would be that means it doesn't even have the menu option to access the stores.
Makes me wonder if they'll even have USB ports for the thing, honestly.
Post by: TJ Spyke on November 27, 2012, 12:35:54 PM
Post by: lolmonade on November 27, 2012, 12:46:10 PM
Stupid, stupid move. No online means no Virtual Console or WiiWare games, and you can't play games online. It looks like a piece of cheap, knock-off electronics, and it's not much cheaper than the regular Wii. I have no doubt this will come to the US too, but it will sell terribly and be a niche product that is mentioned in the notes sections of Wii history (like how the Game Boy Micro was niche and pretty much ignored when talking about the Game Boy Advance since it had no benefit over the GBA SP).
This isn't a "improve user experience" move, it's a "increase profit on sales" movie by Nintendo. The Wii is on the last breath, what purpose would it serve them to do anything but leave it out there to pick off any low hanging fruit that may have been waiting for a $100 price point?
Post by: Adrock on November 27, 2012, 12:47:23 PM
On an actual serious note, the Mini seems to lack the WiiConnect24 LED light. That might point to the console not being able to connect online at all. Seems like this might be targeted as the kids' room Wii.
Post by: TJ Spyke on November 27, 2012, 12:51:11 PM
Post by: ShyGuy on November 27, 2012, 01:02:54 PM
Post by: Adrock on November 27, 2012, 01:04:38 PM
Um, its already confirmed not to have any online functionality, so how could it connect online when it has no ability to connect online? And without online, you don't need the WiiConnect24 light.Judging by the rest of the thread, we weren't absolutely sure it was confirmed.
Post by: TJ Spyke on November 27, 2012, 01:10:30 PM
Um, its already confirmed not to have any online functionality, so how could it connect online when it has no ability to connect online? And without online, you don't need the WiiConnect24 light.Judging by the rest of the thread, we weren't absolutely sure it was confirmed.
Blame that on people being lazy. The news story says "The Wii Mini will not have any online functionality", and Nintendo's page for the console (which is linked to in the news story) says "The Wii mini console does not connect to the Internet and does not support online features in games." and " Internet connectivity features are not available.". So the news was 100% confirmed before anyone posted.
Post by: ShyGuy on November 27, 2012, 01:11:57 PM
Post by: UncleBob on November 27, 2012, 01:18:53 PM
The system is beautiful. I love the design.
It's not worth $100 though.
Post by: Stogi on November 27, 2012, 01:19:33 PM
I just don't understand who this is being marketed towards.
Post by: ShyGuy on November 27, 2012, 01:20:52 PM
hm.
The system is beautiful. I love the design.
It's not worth $100 though.
In a dozen years it will be $200 on eBay. Get one now!
Post by: Ian Sane on November 27, 2012, 01:21:33 PM
It's okay, they haven't got Internet yet in Canada anyhow. ;)
Yeah, I'm posting here using the magic power of Timbits and ketchup chips.
Post by: Adrock on November 27, 2012, 01:23:52 PM
Post by: Stogi on November 27, 2012, 01:25:17 PM
I'm asking seriously because I don't get it.
Post by: Adrock on November 27, 2012, 01:30:07 PM
Post by: sticker on November 27, 2012, 01:39:41 PM
Post by: Adrock on November 27, 2012, 01:46:11 PM
I can't speak for others. I don't have a problem with it existing per se. I am, however, baffled by its existence.
Post by: UncleBob on November 27, 2012, 02:00:15 PM
If you're in the market for another Wii Remote Plus/Nunchuck, then it's a pretty decent deal.
In fact, if you live in Canada and want another Wii Remote/Nunchuck, PM me. :D I think we could split the cost on this one. :D
Post by: KeyBilly on November 27, 2012, 02:17:45 PM
If anything, a more useful move would be to make a really tiny and inexpensive Wii that is online ONLY (no disc slot). They could market it as a set-top box, for VC, and release their first party games for it as downloads.
Post by: Adrock on November 27, 2012, 02:22:18 PM
Post by: ejamer on November 27, 2012, 02:44:54 PM
Something to think about. A new Wii Remote Plus, regular price, runs $40. Nunchuck runs $20. So, you're paying $40 for the system, extra sensor bar, etc., etc.
If you're in the market for another Wii Remote Plus/Nunchuck, then it's a pretty decent deal.
In fact, if you live in Canada and want another Wii Remote/Nunchuck, PM me. :D I think we could split the cost on this one. :D
That does go a long way to explain pricing. Leaving room for some sales and/or markdown, Nintendo would be hard pressed to sell for anything less while keeping a straight face when asked if controllers are really worth the price they are asking.
Post by: ResettisCousin on November 27, 2012, 03:03:41 PM
Post by: TJ Spyke on November 27, 2012, 03:08:18 PM
Post by: ResettisCousin on November 27, 2012, 03:13:36 PM
Of course it doesn't have HDMI, the Wii can only go up to 480p. I wish they would at least put component cables in it (they don't). I don't think they intend for this to be used to transfer stuff from it to the Wii U, though maybe they might have the Wii U Transfer Channel already installed.
Umm..
480p works dandy over HDMI. And it only uses one connection instead of five. And many little TVs being sold today don't have component inputs.
And how would you use a Wii U Transfer Channel without a USB dongle (speculation) or Wifi (confirmed omission)? That was my very point.
Post by: UncleBob on November 27, 2012, 03:16:44 PM
Post by: ShyGuy on November 27, 2012, 03:22:20 PM
Post by: UncleBob on November 27, 2012, 03:28:23 PM
Post by: ShyGuy on November 27, 2012, 03:58:35 PM
Post by: UncleBob on November 27, 2012, 04:00:50 PM
Post by: TrueNerd on November 27, 2012, 04:11:23 PM
Post by: ShyGuy on November 27, 2012, 05:11:42 PM
Post by: Mop it up on November 27, 2012, 06:10:26 PM
Post by: Kytim89 on November 27, 2012, 06:28:49 PM
Post by: Shaymin on November 27, 2012, 07:04:27 PM
This is the 2nd Wii for a kid's bedroom that will basically have the "Automatically run Disc Channel" set to yes in the firmware. And in a place where you've got a better than average chance to have a cap on Internet and Netflix is just shy of useless (even their CEO admits that), nobody's going to care about that functionality.
Post by: ShyGuy on November 27, 2012, 07:14:01 PM
KYTim89's bottom line: No go with the Wii mini.
(http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k302/shyguy70/Austin-3-16.jpg)
Post by: Crimm on November 27, 2012, 07:27:12 PM
Post by: motang on November 27, 2012, 09:34:48 PM
Post by: Shaymin on November 27, 2012, 09:48:38 PM
Post by: Lithium on November 28, 2012, 01:58:28 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/zTH3w.jpg)
the
too bad we never saw colours like this
I AM A GREAT WIZARD
ahhh... I get it now
Post by: ShyGuy on November 28, 2012, 02:12:12 AM
Post by: UncleBob on November 28, 2012, 02:18:07 AM
No blue, no gold? and you call yourself the King Nintendo Collector!
I do hope no one calls me that.
But yeah, I forgot - I do have a Gold/Zelda Remote. I don't have the blue/pink ones though.
Post by: AnGer on November 28, 2012, 02:40:55 AM
Post by: Adrock on November 28, 2012, 08:03:26 AM
Post by: Lithium on November 28, 2012, 11:37:38 AM
That box holds a Big Mac!
bottom two looks like famicoms to me, but i dont eat at mcdonalds so i guess i never made that connection
Post by: pyrokamileon on November 28, 2012, 10:22:47 PM
Post by: Kairon on November 28, 2012, 10:27:45 PM
Post by: UncleBob on November 28, 2012, 10:51:14 PM
Post by: ShyGuy on November 28, 2012, 10:52:49 PM
That box holds a Big Mac!
bottom two looks like famicoms to me, but i dont eat at mcdonalds so i guess i never made that connection
What a clever brag/insult! +1
Post by: TJ Spyke on November 28, 2012, 10:55:59 PM
I really like this redesign (the first actual Wii redesign) but I think they can't charge $99 for a system that can't go online and costs the same as a Wii that can or at least close to that price (I have seen Wii's go for $99)
The only time new Wii's have ever been $99 have been stuff like Black Friday sales.
Post by: BeautifulShy on November 29, 2012, 09:42:47 AM
