Live at Nintendo's NYC Wii press conference
By Peter Rojas 
posted Sep 14th 2006 9:57AM
posted Sep 14th 2006 9:57AM
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!
Perrin is a fox!
I wonder if they'll talk country-quotas and DVD playback?
How do i know us euro's are going to get stiffed?
SR
Wow, this info could change the game industry for a looong time. Come on nintendo, don't let us down!
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.
what?!? November 19th? I wanted it sooner! Oh well, I guess I will wait even longer if it means it will be worth the buy.
Which brings me to my next thing, price. I wish it was cheaper! Around $200. That's the one thing Nintendo could have done that would have put them at a serious advantage. If some regular joe walks in and sees a $150, and a $399 console, he would have gone with the $150. But atleast it is cheaper a little bit..
Only one Wiimote included? That's not real conducive for the group gaming experience.
$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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
$49.99 for first party? That is VERY good news. That alone may keep a leg up in the price area. 360 is $59, and the P$3 could be even more(if sony can get away with it, they will).
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.
$250 is too much!!!??? What, are you on crack?! Compared to the price of the XBox 360 and Playstation 3 this is a steel!
And Nintendo needs to realize that I'm a customer and I'm out to save money ...
"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....
That wand is so stupid
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.
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.
Only one color? :(
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
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
For the zelda release, is that the november 19th release date or december 19th?
$60 for a controller with nunchuck? Ouch.
Wonder what the ratio of games just using remote to games needing add-ons will be.
"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.
"Zelda for Game Cube launches December 11th. For Wii on 19th."
Releasing a game on the 19th of December?! Something tells me that wasn't the planned date.
$250 sounds about right, but I'm betting that translates into £200 using the crazy conversion that goes on with these things, which would put it on par with the XBox360. It's the Wii's games that have me intrigued though.
zelda for wii comes out at launch
zelda for gamecube comes out in december
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...
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 ?
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.
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.
Gamecube was $250...ppl always make that mistake...
"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!!!
$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.
Smeagol: Perrin is a fox!
correction, Perrin is a cougar.
Why would they ship a console on a Sunday? Does that make any sense to anyone else out there?
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.
"Wii Remote has MSRP of $39.99. Nunchuk attachment has MSRP of $19.99"
whoa is that a typo? thats one expensive controller
nintendo always launches on sunday
"10:10AM - Q: Online competition? A: What's been announced in Japan is that first online multiplayer game will be a Pokemon title for Japan. Someone's Q: When will it here in the States? a: Shortly thereafter."
So no online multiplayer for any of the launch titles? Not even the FPS's?
Meh . . .
Who needs it? That controller is just plain stupid. I saw a demo on TV some time ago, showing people using it to play some sort of tennis game. The controller was supposed to make playing the game more like actually playing tennis.
Here's an idea: If you want to play tennis, GO OUT AND ACTUALLY PLAY THE REAL GAME. Besides, you won't have the problem of looking like an idiot swinging this little white controller wildly through the air in your living room.
The problem with the 250$ tag is you cant compair this to the ps3 or the 360 even the core 360.. why you ask simple... its a gamecube inside... even ibm said that the broadway chips are about 1.5x the speed of the gamecubes original chips...
I love the wii and will be getting one but i have to agree with the price disagreement... 250$ is just a little too high 199 would have been the sweet spot for this... it will sell great but i think it could have really been even more killer at 200$ ...
Most people dont realize nintendo isnt going head to head with sony or MS this generation... in fact nintendo will moste definitly sell more than microsoft and sony ... but then again its not targeting the same sort of market either....
It's funny nintendo says they are trying to get into targeting more adult audiences yet there games are still childish (yes fun but childish) and even there serious games have a tint of childish flair to them.
$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.
Go to a mall in japan on a Friday, then go on a Sunday. you will figure it out real quick. Many people only have to time to shop on sunday in japan so the Stores are all packed. So it is just a common ship day, it gets then more porfit. So it became a trend.
yes lol the Wii online is great, except for the fact that few ... very few games will even support multiplayer uggh
"$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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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
I'm gonna have to agree with all of you that are underwhelmed with this announcement. If it had two nunchuck wiimotes and launched in October, then I would more than likeley buy it. It's just too rediculous that they market the console's purpose as "a coming together of people" if there is only one remote! Yes lets come together but be sure to buy your own $60 controller before you get here!
Sorry Nintendo, you just lost me on this one.
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!"
Scoonie: "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!"
I think you're the one who needs to get a life, why are you defending a transnational coproration when it makes negative decisions like this?
The actual value of the technology in the box is only marginally more than the price it costs to produce a GameCube, so Nintendo are taking a VAST margin on $250. $200 would have been a little expensive but forgivable considering the amount of R&D no doubt went into it. $250 is theft.
As for the release date, they're simply failing to capitalise on Sony's supreme blundering. I mean, really, deciding to release this late in the US, when there are enough Wiis out there, ready enough to be shipped and sold within just a few weeks, is bordering on actual stupidity. More likely it's just overprecaution, but it's a mistake, and a large one.
Both the price and the launch date were the two main revalations that were to come from these events; both have been, at best, slightly disappointing. Losing Metroid and Mario to "some time in 2007" and the lack of a second controller for that price means, well, not only have Nintendo broen their streak of pleasent suprises, but started to reverse it.
But so long as there are obsessive fanboys like you around who'll gobble up whatever bullshit PR they churn out and hand over your cash without considering the economics of the situation, I guess they can get away with it.
You guys keep lookign back on past price and saying that 250 is good. Thats retarded. Here is how you SHOULD be looking at it. This thing is on par with the original Xbox in terms of power and capabilities. An Xbox right now goes for what? $129! This thing should have cost $200 at most. It doesn't even support HDTV which the original Xbox did. I'm probably still going to buy it because I dislike sony even more right now, but this just isn't cool.
Why dont they make BLACK consoles anymore....... really really upsetting.
*Crosses fingers for a Black Wii eventually and a Black Ps3 and a black 360 w/ built in HD-DVD*
I know the whole Apple Modern Type appeal thing is "in" but when you have a black HDTV on a black stand and then a WHITE WII AND SPACESHIP XBOX360 it just.......meh....
Does anyone know which cables exactly are included? Will it come with component and/or composite?
To all those saying $250 is a good price:
I don't think people have a problem with the price because its too high, I think we have a problem with the price because of what we are getting for $250.00. one controller, an upgraded gamecube with no DVD playback, a web browser to be bought separately, and no online play from day one.
Yeah the high end PS3 is $600 but I'm getting, HD video playback, wi-fi, next gen graphics, 60G Hard Drive, and on-line play from day one.
Would I rather pay $399 for that...yeah, but considering that the next closest competitor (Xbox360) is selling these components separately for about the same price of the complete PS3 system minus HD video playback, the PS3 looks pretty attractive.
I think, like the DS Lite, if you wait long enough there will be more colors available.
I'll probably be waiting for that first price drop myself, hopefully in mid-2007.
I think the price point is pretty good strategically. First, it's affordable for many people. I'd easily lay down $250 on a console that also included a game. It's also clearly cheaper than the competitors and has exclusive new features that other don't have.
Just remember that you'll have to take a look the lifecycle of the console. Like someone said, they're probably not losing as much money per console because of the technology. So, they'll be able to drop the price to $200 by next year, $150 by year 2, and $120 by year 3. I'd be surprised if the PS3 will be even $300 in 3 years.
No one else bothered by the lack of online gaming? I am not going to buy the Wii if I can't play Call Of Duty 3 online against my buddies. That is one of the best experiences I have had with my 360.
What about region lock ?
$250 seems about right, granted that if you had just gotten the system and remote, and sensor bar, it probably would have cost $200. But the Nunchuck attachment ($20) and Wii sports (I would say around $30) that comes with it, make it about $250.
Granted the N64 and the Cube cost $199 but they didn't come with a game or attachments, did they?
As for the 2 days later, I don't believe that was the set day on day one. I think Nintendo saw it as an advantage to come out 2 days later.
Think about it, with the shortage of PS3's (only 400,000 in the U.S.) PS3's will go quickly by fanboys buying them quick. With a price that is half of the PS3 and with a free game that is titled "Wii Sports", parents and other buyers will see it as a substitute.
When people see other people playing Wii Sports and how easy the interface is, they will want to try it out too, thus increasing the Wii fanbase without the general public realizing that they are unconsciously becoming fanboys of simplicity.
LOOK AT THE IPOD!
What makes it the #1 MP3 player in the world right now?
Is it the fact that it has no FM radio support and that it is more expensive than most MP3 players?
NO.
It is because of its SIMPLICITY of it's interface.
Ummm...sorry got on a tangent...what was I thinking?..
Oh yeah...$250 is completely justifiable.
Post your opinion back, if you like it, hate it, but if you just flame with no logical reason, I don't want it and it just shows how much of a sheep you really are.
FEEDBACK OPINIONS NOW
$250 is too much for the Wii. Don't compare it to the 360 or PS3; the Wii is underpowered compared to those systems. You pay $100,000 for Lamborgini proformance or pay $25,000 for Honda proformance. Same scenerio when comparing the PS3 and the Wii. Also, that price is too close to the 360. For an extra $50 you can get HD game play on a 360 (trust me HD games is worth the extra $50.)
I will buy a Wii, but at $250 I'm not in a rush to get it. (actually I intend to have all three. already have a 360 already and will get both PS3 and Wii)
Out of all the next gen systems, Nintendo is the only one offering a pay and play SKU. You pay 250, you come home, you hook it up, and you can play. Simple as that. For 300 bucks, can you play a core Xbox 360? Nuh, you gotta buy a game. For 500 bucks, can you play a core PS3? Nuh, you gotta buy a game. For 250 playing right out the box, this is a deal. Would I have preferred 199? Hell yeah. Wouldn't you prefer a 250 core Xbox 360? A full PS3 for 500?
Oh ... I thought so.
Of course they only release one color so in six months they can release more and have everyone rebuy it. Why not just do all the colors at the start?
Look 250 is a great price Ive dropped more on an Ipod 5th generation 30gig! With that price Im getting games new and old a diffrent gaming and online experience. Guys bitching about no online for games all that stuff can be patched in a few months down the line most likely from companies like ubisoft,EA that want to make a few more dollars from you instead of giving them to you right out the box. Its the new way for these companies tobe be more profitable on these home machines. They learned it from pc game patches and add on levels. Calm down pay your cheap ass 250 and wait for the good stuff to keep rolling in most of us guys are 20,30 plus we can afford 250 what I cant afford is 600 plus 60 to 70 for a game 60 to 70 for a second controller 40 for an hdmi cable and price goes up because I cant get the system in stores and have to get it on ebay no fn way. I'll buy my wii and play with my kid and friends for alot less.
I think the cost of Wii is too high, not because it is $250 out of the box but because of the cost to make it truly multiplayer. 250 + 40 (2nd wiimote)+20(second numchuck)+50 (real game)+ 60 (2 standard controllers for non Cube owner) = $420. And why does it launch so late? The hardware has no tech. The only tech is in the controller and does it actually take that long to develop the wii controller tech?
I thought it was supposed to be under $200.
Controllers are $40 and doesn't come with the nunchuck. Now I'm getting worried.
Buying an extra controller along with a game or two puts it way over $300.
I thought it was supposed to be more cost effective.
To all the whiners out there:
1. You have jobs, $50 more isn't that much.
2. I don't remember any consoles launching with more than one controller in the past decade.
3. "Oh no! It's only in white! It won't match my TV/Living Room/Whatever and people walking down the street will look through the window and laugh at me and my girlfriend will leave me because I have no fashion sense and then I'll have to kill myself!"
4. "I have to pay money for DVD playback and Opera?" Obviously all of you have Web browsers since you're posting on this site and I doubt a single one of you is without a DVD player. This was a smart idea. Now you aren't paying for shit you don't need.
I'm getting a Wii and all the information revealed today has made me want one even more.
tbh its really $200 as you are getting the Wii sports whcih they would probably sell for $40-50!!!!!
so stop complaining
also you can sownload Opera browser free until next june !!!!! - i beleive
@Timerider
Nintendo has always said it would be under $250. The $200 mark is from people who where spreading rumors/false hopes. And compared to the 360, it is more cost effective.
"I think the cost of Wii is too high, not because it is $250 out of the box but because of the cost to make it truly multiplayer. 250 + 40 (2nd wiimote)+20(second numchuck)+50 (real game)+ 60 (2 standard controllers for non Cube owner) = $420."
Roid, you are exactly right. The extra controllers themselves are more that a game. I don't have that much money. I bought my gamecube for $150 and a game for $50. Look at this, this is more at launch than the gamecube, and extra controlers were $25 (wired) and now you have to buy the nunchuck separately making it $60 for a single controller.
I thought they had it underpowered to make it cheaper.
I'm a huge Nintendo fan, but I'm acually considering getting a xbox 360.
Rurohhhh, looks like Europe´s getting shafted...
http://www.argos.co.uk/wcsstore/argos/images/wii_sm.gif
http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ArgosBrowseCounts?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&categoryId=42746&languageId=-1&top=N
Hopefully they stick to their promise of 10 legacy titles a month. The xbox360 has been slow on their promised titles. I recall that streetfighter was promised for either the end of January or the end of February, and it didn't deliver until last month.
Geeez guys can you possibly whine anymore?? You sound like 16 year old girls crying to there Daddy’s wanting the convertible Beetle instead of the regular one. It’s called a launch. You knew there was only going to be one freaking color, you knew there was only going to be one freaking controller and the $250 price mark has been speculated for months. Nintendo is not stupid enough to price them at $199 regardless of how less powerful it is. They are going to have a great holiday season this year and I’m sure they want to be able to take advantage of a $50 price drop (hopefully) by next Christmas. You forget business is about making money not pleasing the consumers every whining wish.
The launch date is a mistake, because: If they launched in October, stores would have a chance to re-order and re-stock between the launch-sales and Christmas-sales.
Releasing only one-colour is a mistake, because: People know it will eventually come out black, and some people will wait for the color they want.
I´ve read all the posts here (yes, all the 100 of them) and I am impressed with the amoutn of people disapointed with the price and launch...
Nintendo NEVER said that it would cost 199 or even less, this was all internet Bullsh!t and most of you knew it. Second is the Launch date, its not "too late". Its all because of the same lame internet bullsh!t that has been around for some weeks now. People should stop believing every singe sh!t they read until the real source says the real thing...
I cant belive people that are saying "if it were 199 I would buy it but at 250 its too much"... Get a life! 50 bucks is nothing... You can get that working a little harder or saving to buy it on Christmas... No one is forcing you to buy it at launch... If you dont have the 250 at launch (assuming you had 199) just save 50 buck for the next month or wait until you have enough to buy it...
You guys make this sound as it were the most expensive thing in the world but fail to realize that a PS3 is coming out at 600 bucks with NO GAMES Whatsoever so you will still have to buy another controller and some games (that wont be cheap either)... Im not comparing the PS3 to the Wii technically but Im just comparing what comes within the box when you buy it at the store, so for me having a game coming with the console is a big plus even if I wouldnt bought the game if it were sold separetely... At least know I now that with the money I saved for just the console, now I will get a game to play with it as soon as I get home...
And BTW, I doubt that the opera browser will be that expensive... Trust me... I think that with 2000 Wii points youll get to buy the browser and a few NES games... Remember that Nintendo wont be charging you for the connection as the Xbox does or like the PS3 probably will... We just need to relax and enjoy the games untill the online multiplayer modes come...
One thing everyone need to realize that Nintendo is purley focusing on games, not extra crap that Sony and MS are trying to include like downloadable content, PC - XBOX360 Media Sharing, for all that extra support that rarely 15% of people use. If you don't have all the clogging up your Processor, you don't need to bump it up. If your complaining that the processor speed is just 1.5X of the GC, Yeah the gamecube lacked in game wise but if you look at the visuals in the 1st party games, it outdid Xbox and PS2 if you wanted to techincal. Nintendo consoles have always been made to do one thing, Play games and let the user enjoy them. Nintendo has learned their lessons with the GC, Now they are going to be ahead of the game.
What's with the whining? How in hells name can people be 'dissapointed' with the price? It's been known for a long while that the Revolution would cost 250.
As for arguments that extra controllers will add to the cost...erm...name me one console (this gen, last gen or the gen before that) where that isn't the case?
And launching 'too late'? Too late for what? For you to get one? That doesn't make sense. Too late for christmas? No... . Too late for...wtf? Where does timing come into a console launch except before christmas?
It's out in two months time, for a price you knew and which is much lower than ps3 (which is still pretty much vapourware, really) and the xbox360 (and any add-on price arguments are moot, because they apply equally to any other console), with an innovative controller and cool games. WTF is the problem?
Ferris said,
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.
So I should shoot arrows at green monster in the GAME. I should go out and shoot some real monsters in real life. The controller is just that, a controller. It was never announced as a real life situation simulator. I play softball, but I know this is going to improve my batting swing. But if I wanted to, I could play some baseball on the Wii for fun.
And if I can have fun playing it, then that's what it's all about. Who cares if I look like an idiot? Americans take themselves too seriously.
Can we confirm that first party games will still be FREE and that these Wii points are prices for third party games?
Give it 6-8 months. With luck, you'll have a price drop, more colors, and (fingers crossed) a bundle with 2 controlers w/ nunchuks.
Everybody
You nerds
Listen up:
There were like 100 comments here, and many of them are whiners all "I hate Nintendo! :(" or "The price is too much!"
So let's look..
A: Nintendo is trying to expand their market.. Nintendo isn't all about pleasing whiners stuck in their ways.. they're looking for people who'll see a new, cheap game console and say, "I could bring this home".. not.. "Does it offer a Mario at launch? How pricey is it compared to previous models in the line?"
B: The wide audience is into the whole "White cool iPod" look. I'm sorry you're enough of a fashion nerd to obsess over color-matching your electronic purchases together (case modders are excluded!)
C: Finally, I must admit that from a price standpoint, I really wish the controllers and games were cheaper..
But the console is still reasonable. This console for being "1.5 times the Gamecube" has incorrect assumptions:
Gamecube didn't have a whole Content-management-system built into it, or for that matter a GUI for server/internet interactivity.. The $50 or is probably like buying the Operating system for your Gamecube... (Which you probably pay for with what the 360 comes with via XBox live, as well)
So this is more than just a console: you're getting software and a customized user experience..
On the other hand, hey everybody: the system will still work with a GC controller.. for, like.. uhh.. Smash bros Wii I think.. :3
I love how everyone is whining about the price. Sure, its disappointing but everyone seems to have this idea that Nintendo said "The Wii will cost $200 or less". Maybe I missed something, but I don't recall them saying that specifically ...
Yeah, I'd rather see it at $199.99, but its $50 people, with a game (xbox will cost you 59.99 for a game). Please, bitch all you want, just make sure when you do, you get the hell out of my line so I can get one.
I got a ps3 on the first day, it died in 3 months! everything thats new has problems, dont buy any thing untill they have time to fix the glitchs. Or throw your money away!
Playing is believing. Don't hate or appreciate it until you do. Then call it a POS or praise it for all it's glory. Until it's played, I really don't think anyone has a right to say anything. Let nintendo prove their promise. If they don't, well I guess they'll pay for it.
$249.99 is a bit higher than I expected. I think it should have been at most $229.99 --$100 more than the DS. Now it is only $50 less than the 'core' Xbox360. hmmm...
Hey WTF, you spelled "their" wrong. Dumbass. You sound like nintendo fanboy.
Anyway, I am underwhelmed as well. A lot of hush hush and nothing to realy show for it. I think the GCN had the one of the best looking games for it's generation. RE4. Nintendo in a way, is doing something somewhat like AMD vs. Intel. Even though AMD's CPUs are lower in actuall speeds then Intel, but still pack just as powerful of a punch, that are more cost effective. HD does matter to a point, I personally don't care for it. That's all hype as well. Something I am upset about is the wii-mote and the nunchuk. should piece them together in package and sell it for 45-50 instead of 40 for one and 20 for the other. I have friends who are getting one, I'll play it, and decide from there.
do you think i will have to buy a "classic" controller to play downloadable games such as Sonic? how much more will i have to pay for that? can i use the remote to play SNES games?
So what exactly are the party games for the Wii? (Excluding Sports)
My main disappointment has to be the lack of extra controller at that price point.
This whole time Nintendo has been talking about Wii, two i's, people playing together. They bundle in the sports pack and then..
Extra controller(nunchuk and remote) for 60 bucks??
So now we're talking realistically 310 for a system with two controllers and some mini-games..(is anyone really comparing the value of those games to Super Mario World?)
At some point, you have to ask where the value or even parity is in terms of cost.
Ok, graphics not as good as competitors, fine
Ok, can't play DVD's, kinda of weird, but ok.
Ok, no hard drive(meaning any significant storage extra), fine.
Ok, your biggest launch title is essentially a remixed Gamecube title(Zelda). It's Zelda, fine.
If they wanted to follow through on the plug in and go community aspect like they show in all of their materials, make it ready to go. Or make a bachelor kit for 200 with one controller..
Definite hold for me until Nintendo gets their head out of their ass and includes an extra controller. That's just silly.
So if Wii supports wide-screen games, can we presume that it will be able to provide a proper HDTV signal? It doesn't matter how fun the games are if they are eyesores on modern televisions.
It's kind of funny to see some of the comments.
$250 dollars is a great price. That's around the price of a PSP!
What's more, people are like $250! No that's too much! I'll get a PS3 (Which is like double the price).
Also, to those complaining about 1 wii-mote, umm... since when did you see most consoles come with more than one controller.
For all that they include for free, I'm happy.
Here is a little bit of good news; according to http://wii.nintendo.com/hardware.html, Wii will at least be able to provide component output.
"Output: an AV Multi-output port for component, composite or S-video"
Component output made standard-definition PlayStation 2 output look tolerable--but not actually good, mind you--on my HDTV (I have never tried a GameCube on this particular television). If Nintendo wants my money this generation, they are going to have to do better than standard-definition. It is 2006 and by the time Wii is available for purchase, 2007 will be just a few weeks away. I am not saying that they should abandon standard-definition support, but they should make sure their games look good on modern televisions.
I have a Standard def TV with a 4:3 aspect ratio. If the games are in wide screen 16:9 , I hope there is an option to change the aspect ratio or have the games available in wide screen and full screen formats. I don't want to see black bars at the top and bottom of the screen :