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Wii: last minute rumors [update 1]

alisha karabinus
Updated ·3 min read




It's almost time, fanboys and girls, for the big announcement that is almost certain to bring us the launch details on the Wii. What does that mean for Wii Fanboy?

Rumor roundup time! Yee-haw!

After the jump, we not only bring you a rumor compendium, but we also offer the official (!) Wii Fanboy predictions on launch and release date.



This week, the big discussions have centered around a few key things: launch package, price, and of course, release date. We've already told you that it looks like Wii Sports is going to make it into the box, but what else will you cradle lovingly on launch day?

What we know:

  • Well, there'll be the Wii and at least one Wiimote, as well as a sensor bar in the box.

  • The console will have an online service dedicated to playing older titles from Sega and Hudson, as well as games on past Nintendo consoles called Virtual Console.

What we've heard:

  • We could see many different bundles, or SKUS, from Nintendo, varying hardware and software included as well as price.

  • All of the above, plus two Wiimotes and an SD card, as well as Wii Sports.

  • A lengthy list of Virtual Console titles.

What we think:

  • We want it all! And perhaps a slick Red Steel or Twilight Princess bundle. We think Wii Sports will be bundled, and that the launch package will include enough coins to purchase a game or two.

When it comes to price, rumors have been flying since we were still talking Revolution. Our big daddy site, Joystiq, has a helpful chart on all the pricing rumors. We'll break it down for you.

What we know:

What we've heard:

  • What haven't we heard at this point? The most likely range has the price falling anywhere between $170 and $249, and some rumors have even gone as low as $99.

  • Vibe magazine recently reported a $150 price point.

  • EA says $170.

  • IGN shoots for $229.

  • A 7-Eleven contest lists the console's worth at $299.

  • There are a bevy of predictions for Europe, Australia, and Japan.

What we think:

  • Out of all the rumors, hopes, prayers, and abject speculation, we like a price of about $200 - $230. Our lord and master, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata, told us not to count on the $250 price (it's a cap, not a price tag), and we listen when he speaks.

As for the launch date? Well ....

What we know:

  • Not a damned thing! Except that we can expect the console in the 4th quarter of this year.

What we've heard:

  • The ballsiest idea for launch date is November 17 -- the same day as the PS3.

  • A trade mag "confirmed" a release date of November 24.

  • EA slips and says Need for Speed: Carbon will street November 10. Was it a clue? They later corrected themselves and said November 3. Curiouser and curiouser.

  • Nintendo's Fusion Tour will be promoting the Wii until November 11, when it ends. Will the release date come after that?

  • Sports Illustrated for Kids claimed that November 6 was the big day.

  • IGN speculated that November 2 or November 12 seemed likely.

  • Leaked game lists from various sources point to October.

  • CNN says October.

  • 4th quarter starts October 1, so why not October 2?

What we think:

  • After putting our heads together (our shackles reach that far here in the Fanboy "offices"), we're going to call it for late October, though the idea of Ninty taking Sony head-on with a November 17th launch date is just delicious. What with the Wii being ready to go, however, we think an early launch is more likely. Our money is on October 23. You heard that one here, fanfolk!

With the Japan, U.S. and European events dominating this week, Wii Fanboy will be packed with info. Keep your rumor checklist ready -- it's almost time to trade up for facts!

[Update 1: Incorporating some additions and minor cosmetic changes.]