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Wii installed base growing more quickly than PS2's did
During E3, Nintendo gave a presentation to analysts about the company's new offerings and its current status. Reggie Fils-Aime presented the above slide, which shows the startling truth about the Wii's installed base in the United States: in its fourth year on the market, it's larger than the ubiquitous PlayStation 2's installed base at the same point in its life, by a margin of almost five million units. Of course, the PS2 has had a spectacularly long lifespan after that, with Sony announcing 7.2 million units sold just last year. Later in the presentation, Reggie revealed that around 300,000 units of the black Wii console have been sold since its May 9 introduction in North America, and Super Mario Galaxy 2 is "approaching 900,000 units here in the U.S."
Nintendo's black Wii console arrives early at Best Buy and Sam's Club
Typical, isn't it? A full four days before these things are supposed to go on sale to the North American masses, an image of Nintendo's black Wii console has leaked from none other than Best Buy. This here shipment was actually received in the Great White North, but we're more than confident that similar packages are hitting the shipping docks of Best Buy stores everywhere here in the US, too. You'll notice that giant "Do Not Sell Before 05/09/2010" sticker there in the lower-right, but as we've seen in the past, all it takes is a pinch of airheadedness, a touch of charm and false sense of urgency to snag one early. Godspeed, Earthlings. P.S. - The "old" Wii bundle is now on sale at Best Buy for $179.99 ($20 less than yesterday), and we suspect this will be a trend that continues to other retailers as the new packages roll out. Thanks, David! Update: Seems these are arriving at Sam's Club locations as well, though they aren't to be sold until May 9th. %Gallery-92381%
Black Nintendo Wii bundle to include MotionPlus, Wii Sports Resort; available May 9
Nintendo of America has finally announced the availability of a new colored Wii for North America. First spotted in a leaked GameStop ad, new Nintendo Wii bundles -- available in black or white -- will include a Wii MotionPlus and Wii Sports Resort. This is essentially the same bundle that has been available in Europe since late last year. The enhanced bundles will be available at retail stores beginning May 9th for the same price as the current Wii package: $199.99. While it may not be the price drop some have been waiting for, Nintendo's Reggie Fils-Aime thinks the new bundle adds even more "value." In a press release, he stated: "By including even more of our top-quality hardware and software in the basic Wii system package, we're extending that commitment to entertainment and value. Now more than ever, consumers can count on Nintendo to deliver inclusive fun and advanced motion controls at a mass-market price."
Rumor: Leaked GameStop ad reveals black Wii bundle
If you've been waiting for a chance to buy one of those lovely black Wii systems that every region in the world except for North America has, your chance may come soon. An image of a purported GameStop display ad acquired by Kotaku shows a bundle, containing a black Wii, a Wiimote and MotionPlus, and both Wii Sportses, for $200. Kotaku asserts that this ad was not to be placed in stores until May 4. Earlier rumors suggest that the black Wii would be released in the U.S. on May 9 and in Canada on May 23, a timeline that roughly fits in with the supposed timing of the GameStop ad. When we spoke to Nintendo yesterday about those rumors, the company told us only that it "does not comment on rumors or speculation." Additionally, an Amazon rep told Joystiq, "There has been no official announcement from Nintendo" about the black system's release date in North America.
Nintendo Australia drops Wii price
Nintendo of Australia is dropping prices left and right! That is, if you imagine a DSi on the left and a Wii on the right. The company announced a substantial price drop for the Wii console today, from its original AU $399.95 (US $369) down to AU $299.95 (US $277). The new price is still painfully expensive compared to other regions, but it's better. And EBGames is sweetening the deal by throwing in The Bigs 2 and Overlord: Dark Legend. The price drop is taking place concurrently with the release of Monster Hunter Tri, making Capcom's ARPG essentially the unofficial "launch" game for the new, cheaper Wii. If you buy that and the black Wii, it's sort of like you bought a bundle! [Thanks, Alejandro]
New DSi bundle, Q1 games dated in Europe
Much as it did for North America, Nintendo just tossed out a huge list of release dates for Europe in Q1. And right at the top of the list is a new DSi hardware bundle, to be released on February 12. If you don't feel like holding out one more month for the out-sized DSi XL, you can get a pink DSi with a copy of Nintendo Presents Style Boutique. In other hardware news, the company announced that it will continue offering the previously limited-edition black Wii bundle, which includes both Wii Sportses, a Wiimote, a Nunchuk, and a MotionPlus. As for the games, there's a lot coming up on Wii and DS in the next few months, including both Tatsunoko vs. Capcom and Ace Attorney Investigations from Capcom, Silent Hill: Shattered Memories, Phantasy Star Zero, Excitebike World Rally and more. Source (PDF link)
Black Wii, holiday demand lead to big sales boost in Europe
The black Wii system, originally released concurrently with Monster Hunter Tri in Japan, is now in stores across Europe. And Nintendo is doing its best to keep it there, despite increased demand. According to MCV, demand for the console has risen 60% in the last week, and distributor Nindie.com is working "round the clock" to keep shipments going briskly. "Of course it would be wrong to attribute all of this to Black Wii as we're all starting to see a natural peak season uplift on all hardware," senior Nintendo product manager Rob Lowe said. But Wii sales have apparently doubled following the release of the smart-looking black system. And, Lowe reminds buyers, "It is a limited edition version of the console so currently we only have plans for it to be available in 2009." That should have some effect on demand as well.
PAL PSA: Black Wii bundle now available for pre-order, discounted in UK
We've got some welcome news for European readers who somehow don't already own a Wii -- or for those of you who already have one, but just can't resist the temptation of the new black model. Amazon.uk has opened pre-orders for the new Wii Sports Resort bundle, which includes a Wiimote, a Nunchuk and a MotionPlus all dressed in black, along with both Wii Sports games. The bundle will ship on November 6 and is available on additional Amazon branches, as well; though the release dates for other European territories is November 20.The UK pre-order price is even discounted a bit to £164.99 (roughly $270) -- the same bundle in boring old white normally retails for £179.99. (The black and white bundles are priced the same, at €209.99, elsewhere in Europe.) The white bundle, however, includes your choice of two additional games -- a small sacrifice for that spooky black coating, we say.As for you importers, we suppose this could be the ideal time to pursue a PAL model, if you simply can't wait for the black system to be announced for North America. Then again, in doing so, you'll also have to import all of your games. Patience.[Via Engadget]
Black Nintendo Wii bundle listed on Amazon UK for £164.99
That black Nintendo Wii bundle Nintendo is gifting to Europe on November 6th has found itself home amongst the Amazon UK listings. Recommended price is £179.99 but the online retailer is knocking off eight percent to make it an event £164.99 -- that's about $269 to the US gamers who still don't have a shot at getting this. What makes it interesting is that the identical bundle in white doesn't have that £15 discount, but Amazon is sweetening the pot with the choice of two free titles, including FIFA10. Of course there's still the £142.99 white, non-bundled Wii for a lot less. Our money's still on the black bundle -- or it would be, at least, if Nintendo would give the US writers on staff, and the country at large, a stab at the new console color. [Thanks, Ian] Read - Black Wii bundle with Wii Sports Resort Read - White Wii bundle with Wii Sports Resort and two free games
Nintendo shipping black Wii to Europe in limited edition bundle
Why, Nintendo -- why? Americans have been buying your underpowered, kid-centric console faster than you can ship 'em here for years now, and yet you ignore our innermost desires to see a Wii in some color other than white. Have we not made ourselves clear? Are our voices going unheard? Clearly, you've an ear for those in Europe, as folks in the UK and Ireland will be able to procure a dark Wii starting on November 6th as part of a limited edition bundle that includes Wii Sports Resort and a Wii MotionPlus dongle. The rest of mainland Europe will see the same bundle on November 20th, and as if that wasn't enough, a black Classic Controller Pro and a slew of black Wii accessories will also accompany the package for those looking to stock up. Naturally, there's no mention of a price, but considering that you'll pay anything to join the still-limited black Wii party, it (likely) matters not.[Via Engadget Spanish]
Black Wii system going to Europe as part of Wii Sports Resort bundle
Nintendo UK will release the black Wii system on November 6, as part of a limited edition bundle including matching Wii Remote, Nunchuk, and MotionPlus peripherals, and both Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort. This bundle will be available elsewhere in Europe on November 20. Along with the black bundle, Nintendo is releasing the black Classic Controller Pro accessory. No price has been announced for any of these items. Nintendo of America has yet to announce any plans to release any of these items -- in fact, it has announced that there are no plans. But, really, it's waiting until every holdout gets impatient and buys a white system.
Black Wiimote, MotionPlus, and Nunchuk out before Black Friday
If you've been holding off on inviting friends over because you've been waiting to pick up some cool black controllers, good news! You'll be able to remove yourself from multiplayer exile and play some Wii Sports Resort next month. On November 16, Nintendo will release the black Wiimote and MotionPlus bundle for $50, and the matching black Nunchuk for $20. From then on, it will be a race to be the first person to reference Wesley Snipes' signature line from Passenger 57 in multiplayer games. Of course, you'll then also have to win or you'll sound stupid.
Black Wii now available from importers for $333
Yeah, we were pretty bummed that Nintendo's super-hot black Wii wasn't coming to the US, but fear not, fanboys -- it looks like the stealth console has hit the gray-market import scene. Sure, you'll have to pay a bit of a premium at $333, but surely that's a reasonable price for exclusivity, no?[Via DCEmu UK; thanks Craig]
Nintendo shatters dreams, has "no plans" to ship black Wii console in USA
Seriously Nintendo, what is it? Do you hate freedom? Are you still bitter about the US reception to your underwhelming GameCube? Whatever the case, we're never going to forgive you for this one. After waiting for years for a Wii in any color other than glossy white, it seems that only the Japanese will be able to enjoy the sleek, sexy and altogether drool-worthy black Wii console. In fact, a rep for the Big N informed GameDaily that there are "no plans to have other colors of the Wii in the United States." As for us? We're plugging our ears and pretending this "individual" has no idea what he / she is talking about. And weeping, uncontrollably.[Via Joystiq]
Nintendo has no plans for black Wii in US
Nintendo has stated it has no plans to release other colors of Wii in the US -- including the sleek black Wii launching in Japan on August 1. A Nintendo rep informed GameDaily of the devastating news, which we, of course, will take with a brick of salt. We know Nintendo to be a lie factory about its products, so we'll wait and see.Once -- if -- Wii sales ever drop off, we expect a freakin' deluge of Wii colors that'll make a gay Pride parade look like a drab, colorless scene out of Killzone 2.[Thanks, Ash!]
Black Wii packaging looks as good as its contents
We've already gotten quite a few glimpses of Nintendo's forthcoming black Wii but, with that August 1st launch date in Japan now fast approaching, things are now starting to get even more real. Real like packaging. Of course, while the box is nothing more than a black version of the existing Wii packaging, we have to agree with our pals at Joystiq and say that it only makes the system all that more intriguing. Unfortunately, there's still no word on a release 'round here, but we assume / hope that's only a matter of time considering the reception this thing has received.
Black Wii system comes in a black Wii box
The black Wii hardware launches in Japan on August 1. Amazon.co.jp's listing for the item features the box that it comes in, which is, naturally, similar to the existing Wii hardware packaging, but in black instead of white. Like the hardware itself and the controllers (particularly the Nunchuk) the change in color scheme makes the box look so much more interesting.After the break, we've posted the original white box for comparison. Is this new system worth the double-dip now that it also includes a display-worthy box? Still no, but it sure is nice to look at on the internet. The only downside for this new color scheme is that it'll be even more prone to the "dust" jokes that console warriors like to throw around, since it will actually show dust.[Via NeoGAF]
Black Wii, blue controllers spotted in the wild, behind glass
We've already seen both the black (or kuro) Wii and blue Wii remote and nunchuck in the form of promotional photos, but it looks like both braved the trip to this past weekend's World Hobby Fair, where they were on display for all to see, but not touch. As you might expect, there aren't a ton of surprises but, as Joystiq notes, the contrast between the glossy and matte portions on the Wiimote and nunchuck is much more noticeable on the black version (pictured after the break), and the black Classic Controller Pro also looks like it has an extra coat of gloss compared to the white version. Unfortunately, it looks like Nintendo is still saving word of a release date 'round these parts for another day.
Black Wii, blue controllers on display at World Hobby Fair
During this weekend's World Hobby Fair, both Capcom and Nintendo had booths set up, showing off the new Wii colors and accessories. Capcom's booth had the Monster Hunter 3 bundles as part of its Monster Hunter display, and Nintendo had the blue Wiimote and Nunchuk, of course, to promote Wii Sports Resort -- which, incidentally, was also the inspiration behind a very nice set of giveaway items.The Nunchuk has always been shiny on top and matte on bottom, but it's much more noticeable, and nice-looking, on the black version. Somehow, the Wiimote jacket also looks cool in matte black, despite being a Wiimote jacket. The Classic Controller Pro, as well, looks like much more of an upgrade in shiny black plastic. Head past the break to see the blue Wii Sports controllers.
Another look at Nintendo's kuro Wii, jet black Classic Controller Pro
We know, it's just another angle -- and one that we're not quite sure the origin of -- but considering just how many years we've been waiting for the Wii to be anything other than glossy white, we'll take every opportunity we can to relish this moment. Hop on past the break for a more official look at the jet black controllers. Hey Nintendo, you do realize that North Americans love new hues too, right? Cool, just checking.[Thanks, Craig]Read - Kuro WiiRead - Black controllers
