Nintendo confirms Wii DVD playback only for Japan, for now

We really hate going back on stuff that we reported on just days ago, but that's how things go in this business sometimes. So, first it was a maybe, then a definite yes, but now we're very sorry to tell you that it appears Nintendo will not be confirming DVD playback for the US and Europe -- at least for the time being. Our sister blog, Wii Fanboy, has the story, and reports that only Japan will be getting a Wii with DVD playback sometime in 2007. However, don't lose hope just yet DVD player-free Wii fans (seriously? you're out there?), because GamesIndustry.biz also reports that Sonic Solution, the company that's providing Nintendo with the appropriate DVD playback software, said that it signed a "worldwide agreement" for its new software to be included on the Wii, and that the software would be released in the "latter half of 2007." So, that could mean American and European Wii zealots will get what you've been yearning for -- or it could just mean that Nintendo and Sonic Solution are conspiring to tease you.

[Via Wii Fanboy]

[hesureistall @ Jul 13th 2009 7:51PM]

Well, once again here it is. July 2009 (if anyone bothers reading this.), and still no DVD playback. Just sad.

[patrick @ Nov 17th 2006 6:21AM]

Of course they are going to deny the DVD version of the Wii. With the launch just a few days away they don't want anyone not buying one and waiting for the better version. Watch in about a month they will announce that the DVD version will be coming to The US soon. Seems reasonable to me why risk turning away potential customers, smart move really.

[MPG @ Nov 17th 2006 6:40AM]

You think there is really ANYONE who'd wait for the Wii because of an upcoming DVD version? A DVD player costs $20 or less. Is there really anyone who is planning to buy a Wii who doesn't have a DVD player yet???

[humpty @ Nov 17th 2006 6:28AM]

Why would they confirm it for Japan then?

[DM @ Nov 17th 2006 7:05AM]

umm, because they made it?

[patrick @ Nov 17th 2006 7:19AM]

That's just my take on it, but I do seem to remember an "exclusive" black DS Lite that was going to only released in Europe. And now you can go to almost any electronics store in the US and get one. Just seems to be the same song and dance to me. I didn't wait to get a Wii as I don't use my game consoles to watch movies I have a stand alone DVD player for that.

[Semi @ Nov 17th 2006 6:40AM]

will they make a cricket game for the wii?

[Digitalosh @ Nov 17th 2006 12:36PM]

I was wondering the same thing! I think that would be a great idea!

[chenry @ Nov 17th 2006 7:02AM]

Again: eh. I a DVD player, a PS2, a laptop, and a computer with a DVD drive. Do I really need a 5th DVD player?

[Johnnie Walker @ Nov 17th 2006 7:08AM]

I don't have a DVD player!

There's only room under my TV for one device (it's an old B&O model with integrated stand), and that device is currently a Digital PVR.

If I'm going to ruin the simplicity of this setup, I'd rather do so with a single pretty box (Wii) rather than a Wii + some ghetto $20 DVD player.

[par @ Nov 17th 2006 7:13AM]

Almost everyone also has a digital camera. Why do they still integrate them in mobile phones?

Everyone has a CD player, why do they integrate it in DVD players.

Everyone has a watch, why do they integrate one in almost every electronic device.

The list goes on. Nintendo has no excuse for not including DVD playback when only the software needs modification.

[DM @ Nov 17th 2006 7:15AM]

question is, is it hd dvd or just regular dvd? wii is definitely a great looking console, but are there any reports of anyone accidentally poking the eyes of player 2 with that wii controller or worse, some overzealous player hitting the tv screen with that thing out of frustration? I'm still undecided.

[jimmy @ Nov 17th 2006 7:17AM]

who says the gene pool doesn't need a dose of clorine?

[jimmy @ Nov 17th 2006 7:16AM]

I really hope people are turned off by this. if this gets me a better chance to cop a wii on sunday morning, I'm all for it

[Flipper @ Nov 17th 2006 7:18AM]

DVD playback is not a killer feature of the Wii and it's not even new technology. I suppose there may be a few kids who would like a DVD/Wii for their bedroom but I think this will make zero difference to their sales.

[Jason @ Nov 17th 2006 8:23AM]

Are you nominating yourself?

[Ihar `Philips` Filipau @ Nov 17th 2006 7:30AM]

I'm target audience and I do not care.

I have actually two DVD players: one works as DVD player, second is CD player. It is very compfortable when you do not need to re-insert CD every time.

So having additional DVD/CD "drive" - Wii - dedicated to games is perfectly Okay. Even more, I think I would definitely paid more for ability to insert several game discs into Wii. It's convenient for music. And for games that fits my playing habits: I simultaneously play one action game (Doom3) and one strategy/rpg (NWN1). (Same goes for DS Lite: Tetris + Nanostray.)

[humpty @ Nov 17th 2006 7:32AM]

A Wii with a DVD player isnt enough of an upgrade to a lot of people, and probably a waste of Nintendo's engineering resources.

Basically, they need to different it more than just Wii + DVD.

So, most likely they will release a media-centric Wii with DVD + other features. This is why there isnt a standalone MP3 player on the Wii (its a cripple player widget which only enabled in photo slide show mode). I doubt it will be a next gen. disc format, but, it may offer upscaling through HDMI or at minimum optical out for audio.

They will release this in fun colours with 100 different limited edition... and their fans will buy it again.

[Tom @ Nov 17th 2006 7:53AM]

Will they use DVD for games?

That is my only concern. I dont want to have to buy a new external DVD drive for my Wii (XBOX 360 style).

[Gaz @ Nov 17th 2006 8:06AM]

Do Wii games come on DVD? If that is the case then the laser technology is already in there, Sonic is providing the SDK, and I see no reason why DVD playback cannot be purchased in the future as an optional extra via WiiConnect.

[Jeffrey @ Nov 17th 2006 8:20AM]

why do nintendo continue to advertise the blue light on the Wii when there is no light when powered on or off???. please answer that.

[SKI @ Nov 17th 2006 8:27AM]

Wii DVDs are proprietary.

[Trauts @ Nov 17th 2006 9:58AM]

For me, the only reason I'd want a game console that played DVDs is that they're portable.

There are times where it's inevitable: You're at a TV with no DVD player, and your original purpose was just to play games.

I've done that with my Xbox 360 before.

The question isn't whether you have another DVD player. The question is whether you'd prefer to bring just your console, and not a separate DVD player.

[bert @ Nov 17th 2006 9:39AM]

Tis confirmed for the U S of A
http://uk.wii.gamespy.com/articles/745/745955p1.html

[kerunt @ Nov 17th 2006 5:06PM]

No DVD in Wii? Big deal... Not like there's a shortage of DVD-readers/writers in my place: laptop, desktop1, desktop2, desktop3, dvd player. Plus, a DVD burner is like $40 these days...

[Jason @ Nov 17th 2006 11:32AM]

I don't understand the comments about people not having a DVD player. Think outside the box to the environments this system will be used in. I can see why Japan would welcome this, with their limited space. Also, think about simplicity and, like the guy said above, portability. This is great for a kids' room. Sure, it's not a killer feature, but it's a welcome one all the same.

[Malion @ Nov 26th 2006 9:32PM]

Well... as a dude with a complicated wiring system (GC in the front) VHS in the back, with a dvd hooked to the back of the VHS. (I don't have a R/F mod... and the VHS works as one.)

But, if the Wii had DVD... then I could throw out the first three... and just have a simple Wii hooked to the front of my TV... it would be much less of a hassle... and I'd have a whole lot less remotes lying around.

[Daniel @ Apr 22nd 2007 7:51PM]

Some people might want a wii+dvd because that way if your still living at home, when you move out you'll already have a dvd player, you won't have to buy one. I don't see what the big deal is. Not everyone has a dvd player. Chill! It will just be like nearly every other gamesystem. I really hope it's an add on or somehow downloadable(yeah right) because I want it. I wish it came out with it. Not that I need it since I already have two systems that can play dvds(ps2 and dvd player). It would just be cool.

[Christopher @ Oct 8th 2007 9:04PM]

THIS ISINT FAIR.Nintendo thinks they can replace us.We been the ones who bought the wii so that way they make more money earlier.Weve been buying the games more often.And there not gonna let dvd playback too old users thats just wrong there spending more money on pepole who hasent spent any money yet except there 250$.This is stupid.I hope they can do it through firmware upgrade but it would take more then a firmware upgrade.So that means a new version of the wii.Im not wasting no more 250$ again just to get a dvd player.Besides there choosing sonic so we might not get a firmware update.

[scifiguy @ Nov 10th 2007 8:36AM]

Well, here it is - Nov 2007 & there's been no DVD player. If a device were to play DVDs, wouldn't it need to output at resolutions higher than 480i? That would require totally new hardware.