UK stores to get Wii countdown clocks?

A memo sent to UK Virgin megastores has been "leaked" onto the internet. Purportedly, Nintendo will be contacting selected stores today to discuss installing Wii countdown clocks. That doesn't mean the release date will be known tomorrow, though -- it just means, if this leak is to be believed, that Nintendo will be contacting stores about the installation, which could occur at a later date.

Nintendo's "Wii Prove our Promise" presentation at the Leipzig Games Convention will take place early August 23rd (4:15 a.m. EST). With no Space World and a promise to reveal launch details by the end of September, this seems like the likely platform for announcements.

And, if this memo is true, the clocks will likely be installed the same day, or earlier and then activated. Still, these "leaked memos" do nothing but incite fanboyism and instill generally false hope. The rumor derived from a post by an administrator on the Nintendo Wii Chat forum and quickly made its way to the top of Digg's gaming section. Don't get too caught up in the hype; while countdown clocks would be a smart marketing move, these rumors rarely work out.

The memo has been transcribed below, or you see the original scan here.

Nintendo Wii Countdown Clocks

As the launch of the Nintendo Wii approaches please be aware that your store will be receiving a Nintendo Wii Countdown Clock to help instore activity and pre-awareness.

Nintendo will be contacting your store to arrange the installation of the countdown clocks from the 14th August.

Please see below for the list of stores receiving the clocks.

• Megastore

• Piccadilly

• Liverpool

• Cribbs Causeway

• Kings Road

• Bournemouth

• Leeds

• Meadowhall

• Birmingham

Kind regards,

[name erased]
Head of Games