Official Release of Wii Details

Wii

September 14, 2006, 7:15 am EDT
Total comments: 21

Info on Japanese and North American details - from Europe, oddly enough.

Nintendo Announces Launch Date And Price For Japan And The Americas

Affordable System for Gamers, Newcomers and Families

14th September 2006 - Nintendo will reshape the home entertainment and video game landscape with the launch of its heralded Wii™ home video game console. Wii will go on sale in the Americas on November 19th and Japan on December 2nd - European launch date, price and software line up will be announced at a press conference in London tomorrow (Friday 15th).

Wii will be sold as an affordable, mass-consumer product at an MSRP in the US of just $249.99. The price includes one wireless Wii Remote controller, one Nunchuk™ controller and the groundbreaking collection of five different Wii Sports games on one disc, which anyone can play using simple physical movements, experienced or not.

Every Wii console will include another distinctive feature: a series of on-screen “channels" that make up the Wii Channel Menu, which makes the console approachable and customizable for everyone, from the most avid gamer to people who have never played before. The Wii Channel Menu is the starting point for all of the console’s functions. The “channels" offer a gateway to a rich variety of entertainment options. When connected to a TV, the Wii Channel Menu offers a simple interface letting users pick games to play, get news or weather, upload and send photos or even create playable caricatures of themselves to use in actual games. The variety of options available through the Wii Channel Menu motivates both gamers and non-gamers to turn on Wii’s power every day.

Wii is creating worldwide excitement with its unique control system, an inventive, first-of-its-kind controller whose position can be detected in a 3-D space. The new controller allows users pinpoint target in games or move through the Wii Channel Menu with precision and ease. This intuitive control system will be understood immediately by everyone, regardless of their previous experience with video games. With this one small controller, Wii makes games both easier and more intense than anything previously experienced. For example, in the Wii Sports tennis game players swing the Wii Remote like a racket to hit the ball, as in real life. They can add topspin or slice the ball just by angling their hands and wrist like they would in a real match.

“Wii reinvents games for the devoted player," says Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. “But more importantly, Wii breaks the wall separating players from non-players by delivering the best game experiences for the most affordable price. We believe the next leap is games for the masses – young and old, gamer or non, alone, with a friend or with the whole family."

Fils-Aime made his remarks in New York, shortly after Nintendo executives in Japan announced Wii will launch there on Dec 2nd priced at 25,000 yen. Both announcements come ahead of a European press conference during which Nintendo will unveil specific detail around the console’s launch in Europe.

Between launch day and Dec. 31, Wii owners across America will enjoy a robust lineup of 30 software titles, with selections for everyone from video game veterans to newcomers. Some top Nintendo launch titles include Wii Sports, a compilation of tennis, baseball, golf and bowling; The Legend of ZeldaÆ: Twilight Princess; and EXCITE TRUCK™. While publishers are free to set their own prices for games, first-party Nintendo titles will have an MSRP of $49.99. Wii’s self-loading media bay also can play the entire library of more than 530 Nintendo GameCube™ titles from day one.

Third-party developers around the world have lined up to provide unprecedented support for Wii, “I believe the Wii will attract new and casual gamers to the world of interactive entertainment," says Larry Probst, Chairman and CEO, Electronic Arts. “It’s a fun, easy and economical system that will become a bridge to gaming for mainstream audiences. At EA, we are putting more support behind the Wii than any Nintendo hardware launch since the Super NES."

Additional information about the list of Virtual Console games and the pricing structure will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Talkback

PlugabugzSeptember 14, 2006

It's a little misleading to say that "simultaneous events" are being held on the same day, when everything except the european details are being announced don't you think?

LouieturkeySeptember 14, 2006

Anyone else notice that WiiSports Boxing is now included with the WiiSports package? So there will basically be 5 games bundled with the Wii in the US at launch. Too bad it's only one controller included. That means I'll be spending an extra $20 on the classic controller (possibly two) and $40 on the second Wiimote.

TJ SpykeSeptember 14, 2006

$250? That means I will only be able to afford 1(or MAYBE 2) launch games.

KnowsNothingSeptember 14, 2006

I feel bad for everyone who thought it was going to be $150

Granted, I am a little dissapointed that there's only one Wiimote, and as such I do feel it is overpriced. I honestly thought Nintendo would include two controllers because the console focuses on social playing, but alas I must pay for an extra controller. If it's $40 for the controller it isn't really that bad of a price for the controller when compared to the 360- the 360 wired controller costs the same, and it's WIRED, plus uses much less advanced technology. I haven't looked over all the news yet though, so I don't know if that price is correct.

Ian SaneSeptember 14, 2006

"I feel bad for everyone who thought it was going to be $150"

I don't. That was a silly assumption to begin with. I do feel sorry for those thinking between $200 and $230. Saying "under $250" and then setting the price at $249.99 is rather deceptive.

"However, $40 isn't really that bad of a price for the controller when compared to the 360"

The 360 controller works with EVERY game for the console though while the $40 remote doesn't. In reality the controller price for the Wii is $60 since without both parts you're limited regarding the games you can play.

"Anyone else notice that WiiSports Boxing is now included with the WiiSports package?"

Yeah, that looks pretty cool actually.

KnowsNothingSeptember 14, 2006

Yeah, I just read that you buy the nunchuck seperatley for $20 bux. That's pretty shit.

I'm sure Nintendo could afford to price the Wii at 200 bux. They'd sell more units, as well. $199.99 is more of an impulse buy than $249.99, even though it's only a fifty dollar difference it seems like a lot more, to me at least. Plus, and here's the part where Nintendo should REALLY listen, they'd sell more games and accesories at $199.99. THAT'S where companies make the most money, NOT on hardware. If it were $200 I'd use the extra 50 bux to buy another game or controller or something, but at 250 I won't. I'm sure a lot of people will be giving up a game just for the hardware.

So yeah, kind of angry right now. I'm ESPECIALLY angry that BIG DAMN TRUCKS and METRHONDA aren't launch titles.

TP looks AWESOME though, so I can't get too angry. Metroid and mario look fantastic as well

ShyGuySeptember 14, 2006

Excite Truck is for launch.

KnowsNothingSeptember 14, 2006

Ahaha, I've got to stop getting my information from random forum posts LIKE YOURS?.

OverHeatSeptember 14, 2006

Tip for fellow gamers: Nintendo games will be import friendly. In Japan Nintendo is releasing that "My First Wii" game. 9 games and a remote for the price of the remote. That way, you have your two controllers and a butt-load of "non-gamer" games (My First Wii and Wii Sports) that you can share with your "non-gamer" friends and family! Fun! Of course, you still need to get that extra nunchuck attachment for some 2-player action (for games that will require it), but hey! I am just trying to give you guys some ideas on how to lessen the financial blow. I would cry about it, but it seems that there are already more than enough people posting on this site to cover that. Cripes! Wading through all the tears to get to this thread nearly got me electrocuted!

I am sorry that the rest of you didnt see this expensive controller thing coming. Nintendo did say that most of their R&D went into making this "hi-tech" controller instead of making "hi-tech" graphics for the system itself. Wouldnt that lead you to believe that the controllers would be more expensive? Although honestly, I feel that the $20 price tag is a bit hefty for the nunchuck, especially if you are going to buy the remote with it. So here's a thought; Why not have a deal? If someone buys a remote and nunchuck at the same time, they get and instant rebate (ie no mail in crap) of, say, $5-$10 off the total price? That way, Nintendo wouldnt have to spend extra money creating an "all-inclusive" package, but still have a discounted price for those of us who WILL want to buy both! Of course, you all HAVE to know that anything like that isnt happening anywhere near launch time... not when they know most folks are gonna buy regardless.

OverHeatSeptember 14, 2006

Quote
Originally posted by: Ian Sane
Saying "under $250" and then setting the price at $249.99 is rather deceptive.

AAaaaahahahahahahha. Sorry, I live in a world of logic and reality (unfortunately). If you count out the number, I think you, if you double check your figures, will find that the number 249.99 is in fact less than 250. Yet so many, many people do feel the same way as you. So, perhaps Nintendo is responsible for some blantant deception here? Or perhaps, after reading re-reading and re-re-reading the insane amount of info that have been posted by countless amounts of people all speculating on the price and "insiders" saying they know the price, you and many others decieved yourselves? If someone gives you a product and says it will be "under this target price", here is a marketing tip from the real world; Expect that price to be just a tad under the given estimate. I'll be honest; of course I was rooting for a cheaper price than that and was a little bummed at the announced price. But Nintendo "decieved" us with that price?? Come on.
Yeah, ok realistic. In the next month TONS of posts will surface saying they "know" Nintendo will drop the price. From "reliable" forum users and purported employees ranging from EB Games to Nintendo itself. Within the month it will largely be considered fact because everyone who inhabits any kind of forum will know someone who they believe to be trustworthy say something similar. It wont happen and everyone will get all pissy with Nintendo for not doing it. Except me. Only my wallet will be pissy.

Ian SaneSeptember 14, 2006

"Sorry, I live in a world of logic and reality (unfortunately). If you count out the number, I think you, if you double check your figures, will find that the number 249.99 is in fact less than 250."

If your boss promised you a raise and then raised your annual salary by one cent would you defend it because he technically didn't lie to you?

OverHeatSeptember 14, 2006

It depends on what he initially said my raise would be. Besides, raises at a job and marketing products are two completely different beasts.

But to answer your question, I would quit.....unless of course I was already making $50+ an hour, hehehehe.

side note: I actually had a experience very similar to that happen to me at my last job. Of course, NO one gives 1 cent raises. It was actually no raise. So yes, I quit. And again these are two totally different beasts, job raises and marketing a product. At a job, your time with the company and ability to do your work quickly and efficiently are paramount to your actual raise. So then are you suggesting, that since we all have been playing Nintendo products all our lives, and have gotten damn good at them, we are entitled to some kind of lower-than-announced price? Hmm? Are you?? Hmm?! HMM?!!! Because if you are, I am with you 100%.

razorpitSeptember 14, 2006

Quote
I'm sure Nintendo could afford to price the Wii at 200 bux. They'd sell more units, as well. $199.99 is more of an impulse buy than $249.99, even though it's only a fifty dollar difference it seems like a lot more, to me at least. Plus, and here's the part where Nintendo should REALLY listen, they'd sell more games and accesories at $199.99. THAT'S where companies make the most money, NOT on hardware. If it were $200 I'd use the extra 50 bux to buy another game or controller or something, but at 250 I won't. I'm sure a lot of people will be giving up a game just for the hardware.

Not to pick on your quote (and please don’t take it personally Knows Nothing), but to every one who is a bit upset at the price, why should Nintendo price their system at $200? Especially when the next closest system; the cheap version none the less is $50 more?

Think about it from a business standpoint, why would Nintendo give up $50 on every unit right from the get go? I read somewhere that Nintendo was planning on selling 4 million units between Nov 19th and Dec 31st. (I can’t find the article I read so if I’m wrong about that number I apologize in advance.) That is the same as giving up $200,000,000. Why would they do that? If it was your business and you just spent untold money on R&D of a product would you give up $200,000,000? If you said yes you are either a liar or never owned a business. Who knows what these things actually cost to manufacturer for all we know Nintendo can and probably is taking a loss on each unit at the start. Best case scenario is they are coming close to breaking even.

Who out there is not going to buy one of these because it is now officially $250 and not your dreamed-up $200? Do you really think Reggie or any one else at Nintendo is going to loose sleep over the one or two people out there who don't bite on the system at launch because of it? Do you not think these are going to be sold out at launch? I bet you Nintendo would have a sellout even at $300.

ArbokSeptember 14, 2006

Quote
Originally posted by: razorpit
Who knows what these things actually cost to manufacturer for all we know Nintendo can and probably is taking a loss on each unit at the start. Best case scenario is they are coming close to breaking even.

Well, Reggie did state they were making a profit off each sold:

http://www.planetgamecube.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=28&threadid=17408

So we have some idea, at least.

BlackNMild2k1September 14, 2006

Wasn't the GC and the N64 originally announced to be priced at 249.99 and then come launch day they were all being sold for 199.99?

I remember it specifically on the N64 lauch, but I'm not too sure about GC since I never bought the basic unit(I own the Q)

ArbokSeptember 14, 2006

Quote
Originally posted by: BlackNMild2k1
Wasn't the GC and the N64 originally announced to be priced at 249.99 and then come launch day they were all being sold for 199.99?

I remember it specifically on the N64 lauch, but I'm not too sure about GC since I never bought the basic unit(I own the Q)

I know that was the case for the N64 (it being planned for that price, selling in Japan for that price, and then NOA having to convince the rest of the company that it needed the $200 price point in the US), but I can't recall that being the case for the Gamecube. Could just be my memory, though.

SheckySeptember 14, 2006

Quote
Saying "under $250" and then setting the price at $249.99 is rather deceptive.

Except that it's common practice for marketing. Under X price means it esentially costs X....

Quote
"However, $40 isn't really that bad of a price for the controller when compared to the 360"

The 360 controller works with EVERY game for the console though while the $40 remote doesn't. In reality the controller price for the Wii is $60 since without both parts you're limited regarding the games you can play.

Use apples to apples here at least please. Wireless Xbox controler is $50, and the tech in the Wii controler is more complex than the simple wireless of an Xbox controler.

Quote
"Anyone else notice that WiiSports Boxing is now included with the WiiSports package?"

Yeah, that looks pretty cool actually.

It looks like the character faces are used.

Ian SaneSeptember 15, 2006

"Use apples to apples here at least please. Wireless Xbox controler is $50, and the tech in the Wii controler is more complex than the simple wireless of an Xbox controler."

Well the comparison wasn't mine to begin with and I think comparing controllers to controllers is fair. Plus everyone remarks how the PS3 is so much more expensive than the Wii and like the Wii controller it's because the PS3 is more complex. Somehow when the argument is against Sony it's okay. I think both comparisons are fair. We're not tech experts and neither is the general buying public. All I see is two products in direct competition with each other and different price models. I don't care what a controller does, $60 is too expensive for a "standard" controller.

The fact that Nintendo makes a profit on all of this is pretty irritating. We're all pissed off about the price so finding out they make a profit off the hardware is just pouring salt in the wound. All these "we're trying to cut costs down" excuses for gimping hardware was for THEM to save money, not US. I'm not suggesting Nintendo take a loss on the hardware but with controller prices that high they should aim for breaking even and rely on game sales for the profits. This is totally going to gimp multiplayer. The extra multitap costs totally screwed up the PS2's multiplayer so there is precedence for high costs screwing that up.

KDR_11kSeptember 15, 2006

I'm not suggesting Nintendo take a loss on the hardware but with controller prices that high they should aim for breaking even and rely on game sales for the profits.

This sounds like they're making sure they'll remain profitable even if the Wii fails. We know the internet loves Wii but how is the general public going to react? Perhaps the truth is really stranger than fiction and everyone will buy a PS3?

BloodworthDaniel Bloodworth, Staff AlumnusSeptember 15, 2006

I don't think the remote is overpriced - we are talking about bluetooth, rumble, accelerometers, an IR receiver, a speaker, and all the standard buttons. The classic controller at $20 isn't a big deal either. The nunchuk though - I don't know why that isn't $10. There's really nothing to it.