Live at Nintendo's NYC Wii press conference
9:20AM EST - Perrin Kaplan is on stage doing an introduction.
9:23AM - "Our strategy is based on one core belief: brining gaming back to the masses. It's literally that simple. Appealing to current gamers as well as broadening the market. Four landmarks we've brought to market. Today marks the fifth. The first, the Nintendo DS."
9:26AM - "How we changed the user interface, with two screens, voice activated microphone, changed the definition of what a video game could be. 2nd: Introduction of touch-sensitive games. Nintendogs, Brain Age. DS supplements your life instead of replacing it. Is it working? Definitely. New Super Mario Bros. exclusively for DS. Sold to 1M players in less than two weeks. What's driving growth are new players enjoying new types of games. In past four months, New Super Mario Bros. represents 35% of first party sales. Touch-generation represents 39% of sales."
9:27AM - "So far in 2006 everyone is pleased with industry revenue growth at 8%. Nintendo DS is up 142% over last year. Take away DS, industry only at 2% growth. Nintendo WiFi Connection is the 3rd. 4th, the Wii controller."
9:29AM - "The Wii Remote. The reaction has been astounding. The 5th step is today. We're not just altering the interface between player and game, but in the household. Here's the hard news: Wii November 19th, worldwide debut happens right here in the Americas, same place as Nintendo DS. On Nov. 19th, avail. in 25,000 retailers in the Americas."
9:30AM - "MSRP: $249. One price, one config, one color: white. This simplicity allows us to maximize volume throughout the Americas. Our shipment goal worldwide is 4M consoles during the 43 days between launch and Dec 31. The Americas will receive the largest share, a continuous flow of units." Continued...
9:30AM - "Our focus is making the Wii available to the masses given the mass market price and the stellar collection of software. Wii in the box: console, cables, sensor bar. One Wii remote and one nunchuk controller. They're showing off more than two dozen games, some of which are significantly different than what they've shown at E3. Some are completely new. Wii Bowling, brand new game, part of Wii Sports. Pick up Wii Remote and start bowling strikes."
9:32AM - Eric Peterson is on stage demoing Wii Bowling.
9:33AM - No strikes so far! Just splits.
9:33AM - Reggie is back. "No doubt, this reminds you of the tennis demo we did at E3. And now, Wii Boxing, as well -- all part of Wii Sports disc -- Wii Tennis, Wii Golf, Wii Baseball, Wii Bowling, Wii Boxing."
9:35AM - Wii Sports will be included with the console. "Wii not only represents best innovation, but the best value as well. We'll also offer consumers widest range of launch titles in history of video games. The list is big, new and nostalgic, unique, bringing new type of entertainment. Signature title: Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, and Excitetruck, both available on launch."
9:36AM - "These titles represent fantastic trio of first-party titles. There's nothing like Legend of Zelda, first time we've had a Zelda title on launch. Gives us a huge boost and momentum right out of the box. We will continue to make those big masterpiece titles for the core gamer. Because of Wii remote and nunchuk, this Zelda game plays like no other. If you played all day, you'd only scratch the surface. This is the best gotta-have-it title since Mario 64."
9:37AM - "These titles are just the tip of the iceberg." There are many third-party games as well. Call of Duty 3. Tony Hawk, Trauma Center, Madden NFL 07, Need For Speed: Carbon, Elebits, Metal Slug Anthology, Barnyard, Cards, Avatar, Blazing Angels, Far Cry: Vengeance, Red Steel, Ray Man... [This is a partial list, way too many to catch!]
9:41AM - First-party titles are $49.99, we expect 30 launch titles.
9:45AM - "Beginning on launch day, until the end of calendar year, offer 30 legacy titles. Next year, ten new titles a month. 500 Wii Points for NES Games, 800 Wii points for SNES, 1000 for N64 Games. 2000 Wii Points for $20."
9:46AM - "The Wii Classic Controller will make it feel like back in the day. Games are downloaded and stored internally, and become their own channel in the menu. What about non-players? What makes them want to get involved? That's where the other channels come in."
9:48AM - "Two new channels for non-gamers, first one is the Mii Channel. A digital 3D caricature of you, your friends, your family, anyone you want to create. Three basic ways to interact. Creation, choose a look-alike, 2nd you can start from scratch." Demoing Mii.
9:49AM - Transfer Miis to Wii Remote, take them with you. Populate your games. Wii Sports, etc.
9:49AM - Demoing Wii digital photo viewer.
9:52AM - Still demoing photo viewer...
9:54AM - Nice, the photo viewer can play video clips. "The Photo Channel"
9:55AM - Reggie: "We hope you see a few of the key tenets we have for Wii. What gaming and gaming machine represents to a mass audience. Connected to internet, there are news and weather channels. With Wii, you get them instantly. News headlines constantly via Wii Connect 24 system. There is a Wii Message Board, send messages to other Wii users, PC users, or to cellphones. Leave messages for other family members on your calendar."
9:56AM - "We want to bring Wii to the masses. With Wii Connect 24 we can deliver new games and content while you're sleeping. There's even the internet channel. You can download an Opera browser using Wii points and surf the web."
9:57AM - "The TV screen can be better than your PC screen. Put info on SD card, look at it on Wii. Navigate the web from your comfy couch. When times is important, Wii Channel system is available instantly, no bootup process. Wii Channels all about ease of use functionality for everyone in the household. We want family members to rely on Wii Channels every day."
9:59AM - To conclude, this is our mantra: satisfy current players in new ways, re-engage former players, but most importantly, grow the market with new gamers. We are intent on changing the way players connect to their games and any TV owner can connect. Five things to recap: Revolutionary Play. Best of the Past. Biggest Launch Library. Wii Channels. Affordable Price.
10:00AM - Now in Q&A, main presentation is over.
10:01AM - Wii Remote has MSRP of $39.99. Nunchuk attachment has MSRP of $19.99. Someone's Q: Will unit hold photos or read from card? A: Majority of storage from SD card, though the unit does have internal storage. Zelda for Game Cube launches December 11th. For Wii on November 19th.
10:03AM - Someone's Q: What is the cost of accessing internet? A: You just need a connection at home -- Wii has WiFi and Ethernet, there is no incremental cost from Nintendo.
10:05AM - Q: Any third parties going for a $59.99 price point? A: We encourage third-party to price reasonably, we want consumer friendly price points.
10:05AM - They expect to sell, not just ship, four million consoles by December 31st.
10:06AM - Q: How many titles support widescreen? A: "All first-party, most if not all, content is widescreen. In terms of graphic power, we have a different paradigm, we want to drive entertainment, ease of use. If you want power, you're going to go someplace else. Have at it. We're doing something very different. You're going to look at Zelda and say, 'Wow!'"
10:07AM - Perrin describes the Wii as a "Ferrari under the hood." "It is plenty powerful."
10:08AM - Q: Integration for DS and the Wii? A: No details now, you will hear much more about that in the future.
10:10AM - Q: Online competition? A: What's been announced in Japan is that first online multiplayer game will be a Pokemon title for Japan. Someone's Q: When will it here in the States? a: Shortly thereafter.
10:11AM - Q: Wii Points in other currencies? A: "In Canada we'll be doing translation, 2000 Wii points will be roughly $24 Canadian."
10:12AM - Q: Plans for in-game advertising? Branded Wii Channels? A: "In terms of first-party, something we're looking at, but our strategy is different. In-game branded content as way to make game more real, not necessarily as revenue source. Right now we don't have plans for branded channels, but that's right now. Who's to say what the future will bring." They're wrapping things up.
10:13AM - That's it, thanks for reading everybody!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Smeagol @ Sep 14th 2006 9:23AM
Perrin is a fox!
Randall @ Sep 14th 2006 9:23AM
I wonder if they'll talk country-quotas and DVD playback?
How do i know us euro's are going to get stiffed?
SR
ben @ Sep 14th 2006 9:26AM
Wow, this info could change the game industry for a looong time. Come on nintendo, don't let us down!
Smeagol @ Sep 14th 2006 9:28AM
PRESS RELEASE
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 Zelda®: 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.
critter42 @ Sep 14th 2006 9:34AM
Only one Wiimote included? That's not real conducive for the group gaming experience.
Yixian @ Sep 14th 2006 9:38AM
$250 is a little too much. Nov 19th is a lot too late. This doesn't fit with my expectations and personal circumstances, so I will no longer be buying.
Perhaps sometime mid-next year.
Launching above $200 won't lose them many customers. Launching later than the PS3 and so much later than necessary (if they wanted too they could launch it as early as next week) will lose them a lot more.
It'll still be a success in the long term but this was very disappointing.
Aaron @ Sep 14th 2006 9:43AM
Everyone that is upset because the Wii only comes with one remote needs to realize that Nintendo is still a corporation with shareholders and is out to make money.
Leo @ Sep 14th 2006 9:45AM
Well considering that historically Nintendo launches in November most all their consoles, and the price point sounds about right considering most launches have been in the $200-$300 and up, it's no big surprise to me. I'll be getting one and enjoying it this holiday.
BMEdin @ Sep 14th 2006 9:45AM
I agree, just a little too much money and a little too late. And white only? They did the same thing with the DS Lite here in the US. We just got the black ones this week. Still haven't upgraded from my old DS because of that, looks like I won't be upgrading my GameCube for a while either.
Huh? @ Sep 14th 2006 9:46AM
$250 is too much!!!??? What, are you on crack?! Compared to the price of the XBox 360 and Playstation 3 this is a steel!
Alex @ Sep 14th 2006 9:47AM
That wand is so stupid
@Aaron @ Sep 14th 2006 9:48AM
And Nintendo needs to realize that I'm a customer and I'm out to save money ...
DJ @ Sep 14th 2006 9:48AM
"Launching later than the PS3 and so much later than necessary (if they wanted too they could launch it as early as next week) will lose them a lot more."
Launching after the PS3??? When in the hell is the PS3 launching....maybe Novemeber 17th??? Sony doesn't even know the TRUE answer to that question! Besides, that's only TWO days before Nintendo....
BMErdin @ Sep 14th 2006 9:50AM
At $250, I need to wait for hands-on experience and hopefully a friend to buy one first. At $199.99 I would have signed up to have one launch day.
shlomo @ Sep 14th 2006 9:51AM
No mario at launch?! WTF. I think this shows a lack of dedication or planning. Mario is nintendo's mascot, and mario games represent the most innovative and fufilling gamepay experiences. Including the Wii sports title is awsome, and a smart move for nintendo to prove the Wii's worth out of the box, but no mario? come on. The gamecube didn't launch with a mario title either (luigi's mansion doesn't count) and look how mediocer its lifespan was. The NES, (gameboy?) SNES, 64, all launched with mario. I would like to see every Nintendo launch with a mario title that shows off the system's capabilities. Despite this error - I have to give nintendo props for only coming out with 1 system - at one price - lower then competitors - with a 'free' game.
Scoonie @ Sep 14th 2006 9:52AM
Yixian, are you kidding me? You obviously aren't very familiar with console launches... $250 is too much? I think $600 is too much, which is what the PS3 is intended to launch at. Nov. 19th too late? How is that too late? Put it in your book now, the Wii will outsell the PS3 and Xbox 360 from Nov. 19th through the Q1.. GUARANTEED! They may have lost you as a customer until next year but to say that this news is very disappointing? Come on get a life you PARTY POOPER!
Kyon @ Sep 14th 2006 9:53AM
Only one color? :(
idiot @ Sep 14th 2006 9:54AM
you can use your avatar IN games? that's pretty slick.
And does that disc channel mean online storage? bc he said the games are downloaded and stored on the channel? I can't see more than 1 or 2 games stored on the unit?
exciting
Michael @ Sep 14th 2006 9:54AM
I'm a little disappointed with the price ... Although I know I shouldn't be. Compared to the Xbox 360 (300/400) 250 is affordable ... Although the graphics are Standard-Def and the quality of the gameplay has yet to be determined. Still, I'll pick one up at that price, eventually.
The problem I see is the release date. I was hoping for a mid-October launch. I expected Nintendo to beat PS3 to the punch. Instead, it looks like they're attempting a "steal their thunder" tactic of launch righ after ... There's no way I'm going console shopping that late in the year ... again. Too much trouble; too much stress. I'll wait until Spring or Summer '07.
Ben @ Sep 14th 2006 9:54AM
What's the general feeling on the VC prices? I'll admit I'd rather see 1-2 dollars for NES games and go up from there.
$5 for an NES game sounds like a lot, but if you say 4 NES games for $20, it sounds a bit better. At least to me.
Bill @ Sep 14th 2006 9:55AM
Alright, I guess this must be a bunch of teenagers posting here who saved up their money from mowing lawns this summer and didn't save an extra $50. Seriously folks a $50 difference is going to keep you from buying this console... Try a $350 difference from the PS3... Take your $200 and buy a PSP or DS Lite and wait till next summer to buy your latest console...
Pmindeman @ Sep 14th 2006 10:02AM
Every Nintendo home console in history has sold for $199 when it was first released (yes, even the NES, when it had the robot and the light gun). So $250 seems a little high, especially when you consider they're basically using off-the-shelf components for the processor and video card. Add in the fact that it won't be coming out until 11/19 AND the fact that it won't ever output in high def (this is crucial), makes these one too many deal-breakers for me. And I'm a 'Cube owner, so that's a shame. I'll be buying a PS3.
Cellsior @ Sep 14th 2006 10:04AM
For the zelda release, is that the november 19th release date or december 19th?
Ben @ Sep 14th 2006 10:06AM
$60 for a controller with nunchuck? Ouch.
Wonder what the ratio of games just using remote to games needing add-ons will be.
alu @ Sep 14th 2006 10:07AM
zelda for wii comes out at launch
zelda for gamecube comes out in december
gamemasterbm @ Sep 14th 2006 10:07AM
"You can download an Opera browser using Wii points and surf the web."
So the Opera browser does cost money? Nintendo sure made it sound bundled from everything else we've heard.
PJ @ Sep 14th 2006 10:07AM
Shame that the opera browser is not included by default.
I wonder how much it will cost.
And Pmindeman; go troll somewhere else.
$250 is a LOT cheaper now then $199 was all thoose years ago.
And there are hardly any "or the shelf" components in the Wii. Unless you count the powercord...
dhruv @ Sep 14th 2006 10:08AM
sheesh this is 2 much 4 a modded gamecube. besides how long can u stand and wave your arms in front of a TV . huh ?
Alex @ Sep 14th 2006 10:09AM
Ohhh $250 is way too much, so I'll go buy a $600 console that doesn't come with the HDMI cable, that sure makes a whole lot of sense.
$250 is a steal, think of it as $200 with an included $50 game if you want to think about it like that. If this were sony, the sensor bar and stand would be sold seperate, some people need to relax and look at this in comparison to what else is being marketed right now.
mlschop @ Sep 14th 2006 10:10AM
Gamecube was $250...ppl always make that mistake...
DeShaun @ Sep 14th 2006 10:11AM
So, let's get this straight.
People are complaining because:
1)It's launching "too late"
2)It's not cheap enough.
3)It only comes with one remote.
Let's address them, shall we?
1)Too late? For who? You think that a $600 monster of a machine that is going to be in RIDICULOUSLY short supply is going to get that much of a headstart on Wii? Please. PS3 is slated to have what...500,000 units in the US at launch or something? That's 500,000 for an entire country. They haven't even broken down (to my knowledge) what percentage of those units will be 20GBs and what will be 60GBs. Wii will be in much higher stock. A plus for Wii. By the time Wii comes out, you won't be ABLE to purchase a PS3, even if you could afford one.
2)Not cheap enough? Come on, this isn't new guys. Systems have been launching at over $200 for quite some time now. The PSX and Saturn were $500 when they launched. Hell, aside from the Gamecube and Dreamcast, few systems launch under the 250 mark. Not to mention, you are getting a game compilation with it, which is unheard of in the gaming industry these days. It would've been sweet if they went back to the days of old and had the Action Set, the Super Set, etc like they did with the NES.
3)Why is this a problem? Oh no, one controller. Again, not new. The time to bitch about this was when PS, Saturn, and N64 launched, not now. It's been 11 years since then, we should all be used to the one controller deal. "But they're promoting group play..." Okay, so did the N64, Gamecube, Dreamcast, XBox, and XBox360, and they came with a whopping ONE controller. It's cheaper than the competition, so I think we can dig a little deeper to pick up a controller and nunchuck. I do wish that the remote and nunchuck came bundled instead of needing to make a separate purchase, but that's alright.
I'll make sure I have one reserved. It should be great.
Lectoid @ Sep 14th 2006 10:12AM
Smeagol: Perrin is a fox!
correction, Perrin is a cougar.
dingus macgee @ Sep 14th 2006 10:13AM
"Every Nintendo home console in history has sold for $199 when it was first released (yes, even the NES, when it had the robot and the light gun). So $250 seems a little high,"
Ever hear of inflation?
"the fact that it won't ever output in high def (this is crucial)" Ah, grasshopper, one day you will learn that graphics aren't critical at all.
I can't wait for this thing to come out in Europe, its gonna PWN!1!!!
R0SENCRANTZ @ Sep 14th 2006 10:17AM
the 19th isn't late, it's perfect for nintendo. take a look at your calendar, it's the weekend directly BEFORE Thanksgiving, i.e. the biggest shopping day of the year, duh. that's why we're getting before japan i would wager. and 250 is great. 350 less than the PS3 is the smartest move. less than half the price of your main launch competitor with a better version of the technology they're rolling out. perfect. and of course 60 for the nunchuk and wiimote. it's wireless, and two pieces, a 360 wireless is 50 and i'll bet you that the PS3's controllers will be at least 50, although with the way sony is pulling their prices it could be 80 for all we know. and i love that they traded mario at launch for zelda, good change of pace as far as i'm concerned. i am very excited and count me in for as close to launch as i can get.
Jove @ Sep 14th 2006 10:18AM
Why would they ship a console on a Sunday? Does that make any sense to anyone else out there?
R0SENCRANTZ @ Sep 14th 2006 10:19AM
nintendo always launches on sunday
Cory Hendrickson @ Sep 14th 2006 10:20AM
"10:10AM - Q: Online competition? A: What's been announced in Japan is that first online multiplayer game will be a Pokemon title for Japan. Someone's Q: When will it here in the States? a: Shortly thereafter."
So no online multiplayer for any of the launch titles? Not even the FPS's?
Stephen @ Sep 14th 2006 10:23AM
"$250 is a LOT cheaper now then $199 was all thoose years ago."
Right on
What cost $199 in 1986 would cost $340.89 in 2005
I will buy this on the 19th, I am going to wait at least 6 months to 1 year on ps3. With all the problems Sony has been having, $600 is too much to risk on getting a lemon. Also, first I have to come up with $800 to buy a hi-def TV to play it on.
Mike @ Sep 14th 2006 10:24AM
$250 is ok but not great. I tend to agree with the others, $250 is a little too high for a next gen gamecube. No HD, No DVD playback without dongle, lower graphics than the Xbox 360, and PS3. For $250 there should be 2 remotes and free points to try out the wii channel. I would rather have the Wii points than the sports disc. Maybe I am just growing up and losing my love for Nintendo. Does anyone feel the same way? Also what’s with the white only I have nothing near my TV that’s white, it’s going to stand out next to my TV especially that sensor.
Ferris @ Sep 14th 2006 10:24AM
Meh . . .
Who needs it? That controller is just plain stupid. I saw a demo on TV some time ago, showing people using it to play some sort of tennis game. The controller was supposed to make playing the game more like actually playing tennis.
Here's an idea: If you want to play tennis, GO OUT AND ACTUALLY PLAY THE REAL GAME. Besides, you won't have the problem of looking like an idiot swinging this little white controller wildly through the air in your living room.
JinKazama @ Sep 14th 2006 10:25AM
WOW! I am completely underwhelmed. No way is this thing worth $250, even with Wii Sports packed in. Those of you who purchase it will realize what I did while playing, once the novelty of the controller wears off and you spend a couple of hours with it you realize the console is basically a Gamecube+. They could have easily priced this thing at $199.00 with 39.99 games and destroyed MS and Sony out of the gate.
MS and Sony are taking losses on their consoles, Nintendo will be making a nice profit off Wii sales from day one since it's basically a gamecube with more RAM and a new processor. They didn't even need to sell it at a loss, they could have sewn up the console
war today if they would have just taken a smaller profit margin and priced this thing between $150-$199.
josh @ Sep 14th 2006 10:26AM
"Wii Remote has MSRP of $39.99. Nunchuk attachment has MSRP of $19.99"
whoa is that a typo? thats one expensive controller
Brian @ Sep 14th 2006 10:30AM
Sorry if I totally missed it, but has Nintendo now released all the tech. specs.? I am curious on what video outputs it has? I'm assuming a proprietary output port on the one end to component video ends on the other? Any chance of a HDMI end as an upgraded cable, and would it result in a better display on a HDTV?
Thanks!
Saif @ Sep 14th 2006 10:31AM
I made a similar comment on a Joystiq thread earlier...
People, $250 is not *so* much more expensive than previous consoles. When adjusted for inflation, it actually makes the Wii less expensivethan most past consoles. Look at these prices, adjusted for inflation, in 2006 dollars:
1985 NES - $200 in 1985 = $378.25 in 2006
1991 SNES - $200 in 1991 = $298.83 in 2006
1996 N64 - $200 in 1996 = $259.40 in 2006
2001 GCN - $200 in 2001 = $229.81 in 2006
2006 Wii - $250 in 2006 = $250.00 in 2006
So in reality, Nintendo's consoles have overall been getting cheaper. If Nintendo kept pricing their console at $200 at launch, eventually inflation would make that unreasonable.
I got these numbers from this handy inflation calculator from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
http://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/cpicalc.pl
Ian Jay @ Sep 14th 2006 10:37AM
Another word on the launch date: I think that not only is it not a mistake for the Wii to launch after the PS3, but by launching just a couple days after, they get to ride on the coattails of the excitement generated by the PS3. It's also totally possible that, for example, Mom would go to Best Buy to pick up a PS3 for little Kevin, see that the PS3s are sold out (since there won't really be any available at launch), and pick up a Wii instead. Not that I'm assuming that's Nintendo's strategy, but it could definitely wind up helping them.
joey @ Sep 14th 2006 10:39AM
And just one more thing ....
Seriously this press conference thing slowly building up to the big announcement is very Apple. It's too bad so many people were talking $199 before because now they're gonna whine about the $249 final price. I don't care about Mario at launch, as long as Zelda is ready to go.
Christopher @ Sep 14th 2006 10:39AM
$250 would be a good price if it was close to that in the UK - barely more than the DS Lite - but we all know it won't be. It'll probably be about £200 ($375) and they'll delay it until at least late December, probably next year, especially now there's no PS3 release to stand against. The European market is as big as the US market, but companies continually treat it like a minor side interest.
will @ Sep 14th 2006 10:40AM
for £425 you can get a ps3 with recycled games from the ps2...
for £150 you can get an inovative new games console - truely a next generation
KilgoreTrout XL @ Sep 14th 2006 10:41AM
They could run a campaign that would really piss Sony off:
"Yeah, we're launching a couple days later than the PS3- BUT- We're launching out console in /stores/! Not on Ebay with a 300% Mark-up. Cheers!"
ben @ Sep 14th 2006 10:43AM
I kind of agree with Yixian.. Kind of.
I think that it is a let down that it costs that much. And that it is coming out in Nov. and not tomorrow as some had hoped.
But, keep in mind. Out of all the bad news the PS3 has received, the Wii only has had two. I think that's pretty good. Even with the 360, it had more than just two intances of bad news.