Nintendo confirms DVD-enabled Wii in '07

We were a bit skeptical when we first heard of the possibility of a "premium Wii" with DVD playback coming to Japan next year -- why would Nintendo announce such a console now and risk cannibalizing their sales? Well, Nintendo, who just confirmed just such a console for both Japan and North America in 2007, is spinning it exactly so: "If DVD movie playback is so important, people can wait for the later model next year. For most consumers it'll be about the games, so they'll likely not want to wait to purchase the new system." That way nobody is bitter about a 3x sexy console mere months after the original... not like that ever happens. As much as we'd love to gripe about the current absence of this fairly common-sensical feature, and though we still can't figure out why Nintendo didn't at least figure this out as a firmware-update (they're still citing cost concerns for the current exclusion), we can't really see this standing in the way of most Nintendo fanboys and their unabated Wii lust. We suppose we'll find out soon enough.

[Dave @ Nov 14th 2006 2:02PM]

At least they're telling people now. If they just up and released it in a year, people would bitch that they didn't know before hand and weren't given the choice to wait. Now it's pretty clear cut.

[Elvis @ Nov 14th 2006 2:33PM]

Yeah, they are telling us now, but when they release it will probably look 3x better.

I don't like how Nintendo does this with everything they release. I'm surprised they didn't release a upgraded Gamecube.

[james @ Nov 14th 2006 2:07PM]

COST???? freaking add a $5 laser that reads DVD as well you know the programming is in there...Charge me $260 or $265 who cares....

[Jonathan Sundy @ Nov 14th 2006 2:12PM]

It's the cost of the licensing fee, not the laser. I'm pretty sure they're using a red laser for the GC disks, which is the same thing DVD uses.

The problem is the licensing fee charged to each device that can play dvds, which iirc is around $20 per unit. Could be completely off though, haven't heard it even mentioned for years.

I agree that it should be a downloadable firmware update. Using cd distribution would probably make it too easy to pirate.

[Danny @ Nov 14th 2006 2:07PM]

Sweet, I hope this leaves more boxes on shelves so I can snag one.

[Mahil @ Nov 14th 2006 6:17PM]

my thoughts exactly

[Alex Padilla @ Nov 14th 2006 2:08PM]

This is actually pretty awesome, despite the fact that Nintendo has effectively screwed their launch over. It's about games, yes, but it's also about what else can the console do for you. Right now, people will wait for the DVD Wii (rhymes!) instead of purchasing it right away. Parents, however, will get it now, they don't care about technology.

[Qweltol @ Nov 14th 2006 2:24PM]

"...despite the fact that Nintendo has effectively screwed their launch over"

C'mon, Alex. Hardly.

"Right now, people will wait for the DVD Wii (rhymes!) instead of purchasing it right away. Parents, however, will get it now, they don't care about technology."

I'm not sure I follow your logic. Are parents not people? Seriously, I doubt people will wait just to have ANOTHER DVD player. They practically give those damn things away. Sure, I understand that it would be nice if the Wii played DVDs, but I seriously doubt that many will postpone until late next year. My feeling is that if someone is the type to even want to buy a console, then they probably already have a DVD player (a better one at that) in their home already.

And, BTW, I'm a parent and I care a lot about technology. That's why I will be buying a Wii on launch. The fact that I care about technology is what makes me not care about owning another DVD player. I've had several DVD players since I bought my first during the original national rollout in 1997. It's just not enough for me to care anymore.

[Jon @ Nov 14th 2006 2:47PM]

They did in Japan .. Played dvd's etc ..

[Spasticthinker @ Nov 14th 2006 2:11PM]

Why don't they just sell the firmware update if it's a cost issue? I personally don't care about DVD playback, but for those who do, maybe they can pay to simply download and enable DVD playback on their unit.

[james @ Nov 14th 2006 4:24PM]

I wasnt aware thats how it works...but i cant image its that much...SO on my PS2 i purchased for $99, $20 of it went to a licensing fee?

[TVGenius @ Nov 14th 2006 2:14PM]

I never understood how a dongle was allegedly going to be the solution to play DVDs... makes it sound more like it is a firmware thing... though I guess they might add some sort of digital audio outs later... mebbeh?

[Raj @ Nov 15th 2006 5:51AM]

Seriously, do you really care that much about DVD playback? I mean how many DVD players do you already own? I have 3 under my TV already (xbox, DVD player, PS2 DVD), do you really want another one?

If your delaying getting a wii to buy a dvd model then you really have missed the whole point....

[WizarDru @ Nov 14th 2006 3:22PM]

This just in: Some people actually were planning on buying the Wii for GAMES and had no actual intention of ever playing a DVD on it. Rumor has it they join the long, proud tradition of gamers NOT-playing DVDs on the Xbox and Playstation 2, when they already had a half-dozen DVD-capable devices in their house.

More on this story as it develops.

[Gordy @ Nov 14th 2006 2:15PM]

I can see why such an add-on wasn't deemed necessary Nintendo. With them, it's always been about gaming. Hell, this will be the first console they put out that even uses a comparably sized disc.

[Xizor @ Nov 14th 2006 2:18PM]

Ah, I don't know if I should get this. Don't really wanna play DVD's off the wii, but this could open more doors for playing backed up games :\
Hmmm When I go to college next year I'll buy my own wii with the dvd player but get the one on launch for now, sound good?

[Padriac @ Nov 14th 2006 2:21PM]

The only people who need a DVD-enabled Wii are people who meet the following criteria
a) You don't already own a DVD player (!?)
b) You plan on ONLY buying the Wii and refuse to own ANY other videogame system (PS2, PS3, Xbox, Xbox 360)

To all 6 of you, have fun waiting. Seriously, if anybody has decided to wait and NOT purchase a Wii because of this news I want to hear from you because I think you might be crazy... prove me wrong.

[Sean P. Aune @ Nov 14th 2006 3:59PM]

I don't meet any of the criteria you listed. What I meet is a consumer who thinks it is silly to purchase an item when they pre-announce an upgrade. "Oh please allow me to buy what may amount to an inferior product with less features when you have bluntly told me a higher-end model is coming next year!" If they upgrade it to DVD playing, don't you think their might be a few other tweaks done at the same time?

[Nick @ Nov 15th 2006 2:45AM]

I actually fit both of those criteria! I don't understand the relevance of the second one though (oh wait, those consoles plays DVDs, huh? ok nevermind)

But yeah, I haven't had a console since sega genesis! And I don't have a DVD player (play em on my comp which is hooked up to my TV)

I really would like the Wii to have a DVD player. But I don't think this will be the deciding factor of whether or not I get one now, later, or never.

[Daniel @ Nov 14th 2006 2:28PM]

My guess is Nintendo will roll out the DVD-capable Wii at the same price and hope that manufacturing efficiencies created since then will cover the difference.

Personally, I've already got a cable box and dvd player running components into my receiver, so there are no other slots. I'm not going to buy a new receiver just to play the Wii at 480p. I'll wait until the DVD-capable Wii is out and replace my current DVD player with it.

[Alex Padilla @ Nov 14th 2006 2:32PM]

Qweltol, I hear what ya mean, but what I'm trying to say is that parents with younger kids or those who are ignorant (the good kind of ignorant) to things of this sort aren't going to bother waiting until after Christmas to get their kid a Wii. At least, I don't think they would, I know I wouldn't.

And about the launch comment. The way I see it, I would hold off on purchasing a Wii for its DVD capabilities, and I assume that many other people would agree with that. Now, if I had the money to purchase a Wii now and then get a new DVD-enabled one in the future, I would. But seeing as I have VERY limited monetary flow, if I were to hypothetically get a Wii, it would be when the DVD version was released.

And wow, that was long. Sorry.

[Jason @ Nov 14th 2006 2:26PM]

Sweet now Im going to buy one... Oh wait, I already have 3 other DVD players, and I want HD capability instead. Now if they all of a sudden announce HD support, that would be cool. Otherwise, who still doesn't have a DVD player? You can get them for $20 at the grocery store during the holidays.

[Jeremy @ Sep 19th 2007 12:25PM]

well its not about how much a Dvd player is or if you have one or not...if they released the DVD player as an update, it would prob. be a little more convenient for some people. i have a few friends that have to unhook their wii to hook up their DVD player.
but your right...a HD player would be pretty nice...but at the same time you still have to have a HDTV and spend the extra $10 for a HDdvd. and for the people that don't have that luxury yet...it wouldn't be that useful.

[mespinosam @ Nov 14th 2006 2:25PM]

Wooooooooooooooaa !!!! nintendo just realized the existence of a 11 years old media !!!!!!!

and i just shit on my pants !

this must be a joke... c�mon ... HD ???

[Ward @ Nov 14th 2006 2:29PM]

Who doesn't have a DVD player already? Who'd rather wait a year than pick up a Wii and a $30 DVD player? I just don't get it.

[hesh @ Nov 14th 2006 2:38PM]

Personally I don't think the Wii needs the ability to play dvds. I think pretty much everyone already has a standalone dvd player or a PS2 or Xbox or Xbox 360 that can already play dvds.

A nice feature, yes, but I don't think it's necessary.

[Alex @ Nov 14th 2006 2:38PM]

W H A T I S T H E P O I N T ?

See, the irritating thing is that you know the DVD enable Wii is going to be head and shoulders better than the original (think DS Lite).

I'm pissed off already and I haven't even bought one

[Dark Morford @ Nov 14th 2006 2:39PM]

While I admit having DVD playback on the Wii would be handy for travel purposes (given the device's compact size), this is a total non-issue for me. I have no less than 4 devices in my room already that play DVDs; the lack of that functionality in my Wii is no deal-breaker.

[Concura @ Nov 14th 2006 2:47PM]

looks like I'll have Wii DiiViiDii to look forward to next year :)

[Jeff @ Nov 14th 2006 2:55PM]

Could they put bigger games on a DVD? That'd suck to have a Wii and not be able to get any new games six months after you bought it.

[hydrogen_wv @ Nov 14th 2006 3:01PM]

The only device I have to play DVD is my Laptop and a 20" TV with a built in DVD player. Now that I have my new TV (27" Flat screen SD), this will be a good deal. I'm a poor college kid, so anytime I get an extra feature makes me happy. This works for me though, since I'm broke now. I was going to wait until next year to buy a Wii anyway.. now I can get a Wii w/ DVD.

Anyone saying that this is lame is... well... lame. Why complain about an extra feature? Do you complain when they release a "Special Edition" of a game that has the shiny case? or a bonus disk? or trading cards? Or what about that slim PS2....

It's better for them to tell us now than have people pissed off in the future when they release it. Besides... With Sony and Microsoft, production costs will lower and they will profit more. Nintendo, on the other hand, is going to relay that money back to us instead of pocketing it when production costs lower.

[Austin @ Nov 15th 2006 3:53PM]

emedia has the details from sonic solutions

"Sonic Solutions, the leader in digital media software, today announced that Nintendo, the worldwide innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, has chosen Sonic CinePlayer CE DVD Navigator to bring high-quality DVD movie viewing to a future version of the company's Wii gaming console. Nintendo plans to release this version of Wii in the latter half of 2007"

http://www.emedialive.com/Articles/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=12074

[spoonperson @ Nov 14th 2006 3:21PM]

i dont know why every1 is moaning i mean several people i know already own a several dvd players (HDMI UPSCALER,XBOX,PS2) and they werent bothered at all about getting a xbox 360
personally im going 2 wait 4 this because
1.all of my local shops refuse to take any more pre-orders
2.its pretty obvious that if this one plays dvds it will play cds as well (ripping function imminent?)
3.this will probably hav component cable in the box with it
4.more games will be available when this is out
5.i am a casual gamer who cant be bothered to spend $600 on a new console ( mention no names "cough sony cough") and i dont have much money to spend on myself so i need a console with integrated dvd
u may think im a cheapskate but i think myslef normal

[James @ Nov 14th 2006 3:39PM]

It's typical of Nintendo. It's how Nintendo makes more money off the same product over and over again. How many different iterations of Gameboy? Apple is doing the same thing with the ipod.

[riley @ Nov 14th 2006 3:45PM]

i agree with some of the people out there saying that any new (optional) feature is a welcome one. but i think they could have spent their time on some more worthwhile upgrades, like a rechargeable Wiimote or HD support.

also, i hereby nominate the name WiiVD for the DVD playing version.

[CM @ Nov 14th 2006 7:53PM]

WiiVD? Um, you might want to research that first:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=define%3A+vd&btnG=Google+Search

[Lord Dark Moon @ Nov 14th 2006 4:02PM]

THE Wii IS A JOKISH TOY MEANT FOR MOM, GRANDMA AND THE KIDDIES! DVD IN 07 IS THE BIG UPGRADE?! ARE YOU KIDDING ME! WHY NOT HD-DVD OR BLUE RAY?? ONE FANCY CONTROLLER DOES NOT A NEXT GEN CONSOLE MAKE! I CALL GAME CUBE 2.0.

--------------
LDM
Water-bending Master
http://www.eternal-champions.com/images/ldm_master_builder!.jpg

[Jeff @ Nov 14th 2006 4:07PM]

Seriously, who DOESN'T own a DVD player already anyway? I'm pretty sure my grandmother has one. Heck, even my grandfather probably has one, and he's dead.

[j.lee @ Nov 14th 2006 4:21PM]

Awesome! I was totally holding out for a function that I never use on any of my other consoles! Finally!

[Alain @ Nov 14th 2006 4:37PM]

Whats this DVD they talk about, is it a new format? Must be still in development, since ... u know its gonna take a whole year for even a company like Nintendo to get it into their console.

Take that SONY AND MS.

[Mike Browning @ Nov 14th 2006 4:45PM]

Meh, I don't care. I never used my PS2 as a DVD player, and I wouldn't use the Wii as one either. All I want is Zelda.

[shazam @ Nov 14th 2006 4:47PM]

I honestly expected this to happen, and together with the xmas rush I havent even started saving for the wii, even though I will buy one for sure.

This is great news. Time to save up and a much needed DVD player (currently watch all movies on desktop ;)

If we are lucky it might even be cheaper by then too!

[Chuck @ Nov 15th 2006 10:26AM]

Anyone that wants to transfer their pre-order to me, let me know.
I can't get over this urge of console makers to keep packing in tangential functionality. Focus on making the thing play games and let me play on line and I'm happy. I have DVD playing capabilities on no less than 8 other devices in my home, I really don't need a 9th.

[Andrew @ Nov 14th 2006 5:46PM]

I'm curious, is it just a firmware crippled laser that won't let it play DVD? or actual laser itself?? Because I'mm sure if it's just the firmware due to licensing issues that will be hexed in about a month after people start working on their Wii's. (no pun intended) If every console can be hacked why not this one eh?

[greg @ Nov 14th 2006 6:50PM]

no one will wait for a wii that plays dvds
DVD PLAYERS COST $30!!! but yes it would be nice to have it in the first place

[total idiot @ Nov 14th 2006 6:53PM]

To anyone who thinks 'dvd playback' will increase hackability:

You are noobs.

All of the games are already on dvd disc format, this issue is just over DVD MOVIE playback.

[Matt @ Nov 14th 2006 7:08PM]

If it's just DVD movie playback, it's not really a big deal. It would be smart if they sold it as a download, or perhaps gave it away for free to people who buy a certain number of games.

[ravitek @ Nov 14th 2006 7:50PM]

Surprised nobody has brought this up yet, but what will control DVD playback? The Wiimote has such a limited amount of buttons. I could imagine Nintendo releasing a full function DVD remote for the upcoming Wii. Unless you think tilting your controller to skip a scene or fast forward seems acceptable.

[Samuel McConnell @ Nov 14th 2006 11:28PM]

It's not like my PS2 and XBOX and XBOX360 and TiVo and every computer in my house can't play DVDs. I don't need anything else to play DVDs.

[m-p{3} @ Nov 14th 2006 10:22PM]

What they can do is release a downloadable add-on (like virtual-console games) which you can choose to pay for it or not. This way you only have one Wii version, and you pay the license fee at the same time.

Sounds logical that way.