cocacolakid said:rakswp said:slinkydooky said:rakswp said:Nintendo's Wii demos were basically modified gamecubes.

Sure it's getting a new chassis, but it's fundamentally the same system with a few changes.


Nope. You're thinking of what they showed at E3. Not final product.

You're missing the point I'm trying to make.

They are using the gamecube's circuitry and adding the remote functionality to it. Sure the final product may look different, but the gamecube technology has matured to a point where they can really get the board size down.

How else can they come out with a "next gen" system that is only two dvd cases thick? Look at the sizes of the PS3 and the 360. Both are completely different designs from their predecessors and need that much space for parts.

You're right from the standpoint that they are re-using some of the chipset from the Gamecube, but people need to stop thinking of the Wii as "Next Gen," even Nintendo says it's not Next Gen and isn't meant to directly compete with the 360 and PS3. It doesn't have HD output and all of the bells and whistles of the other systems. It will be interesting to see how all 3 systems sales are a few years down the line. Nintendo is doing the exact opposite of Sony, instead of trying to cram everthing into a system (and also force consumers to buy a new media format most have no interest in), Nintendo is going low tech and aiming for just a fun experience. I have a 360 and do not plan on buying a PS3 or Wii, but will watch with great interest from the sideline, and if the Wii comes out with some cool exclusive games that catch my eye I'll pick one up. My only complaint with Nintendo for the last decade plus is that they keep recycling the same small group of characters and games. I'm not interested in Zelda 27, Super Mario Apprentice, or Donkey Kong SimMallBuilder. And that would still be fine if Nintendo was making other 'new' games, but their own in-studio games seem to only focus on those characters.

Nintendo needs to win people like me as well to be a true success. Niche markets don't work for consoles.

I don't think Nintendo needs to win "people like [you]" in order to be a true success. If what you were saying is true, the 360 would be the clear cut winner because they have obviously "won" you. And Nintendo does update their core games (Mario, Zelda, etc), but they do make "new" games as well. See Pikmin, Eternal Darkness, Geist, Brain Training, etc etc.

Thanks for the tip on FYE. I just swung by one in Austin and placed myself on their list. $50 + tax later, and I'm fifth in line.

The gentleman I spoke with mentioned that FYE:
1. Didn't know the price
2. Didn't know the release date
3. Didn't know if it would be a standalone console or a bundle

We'll find out as the launch date gets closer, I suppose. Also, the local EB Games told me they're not forming a list, and won't be until late September when they get more launch details. YMMV there, I suppose.

G'day folks,
~ Mike

any ideas?

I'm not sure if you guys/gals noticed all the buzz on the PS3 forum about the state of chip development and production for the Wii, but here's the news story from Joystiq.com

Joystiq News "Flash"

Pretty funny because they said they had big news regarding next generation consoles (not specifically about the Wii) and posted stuff on the PS3 forums. However, it was only about the Wii. Enjoy the raging comments at the bottom! Good for a few laughs

Regardless of that, apparently the release date should be pushed up sooner due to the near ready-to-ship consoles. Perhaps within the next couple of months?

im sure there'd be a market. but the wii unlike the ps3 and xbox360 will be available in overdose supply at stores

JazzyfromCO said:what is the difference between preordering and waiting in line. If you preorder, are you sure that it will be instock the day it's release, or only that once the store has them it will hold it for you?

It covers your rear in case the system is in short supply and high demand. Your pre-order guarantees you a system once that store gets enough in stock to get to your number in line. Example, if you are the 3rd to pre-order, and they only get 4 systems total at launch, you get one. The people who are standing outside waiting for the store to open don't get one at all, because they are already sold to people who pre-ordered.

There is no word yet on how many units Nintendo will ship at launch/post launch, but we already know demand will be high. On Thursday Nintendo is having a press conference where they are expected to announced more details including price, release date, and other tidbits. Once the price and release date are announced most of the other stores that haven't started pre-ordering will go ahead with it.

If you really want a system at launch, try and get a pre-order in. It's just a guess, but I think you'll be able to find them at the big box stores without a pre-order, but nobody knows, hence all the questions.

some news on the Wii launch from Joystiq: the Seattle PI had claimed earlier in the night that the Wii would launch at $250 in the U.S. with Wii Sports included on November 19th. The Seattle PI claimed their source was the NY Times via Nintendo, but that seems like it is wrong based on what Nintendo announced a few minutes later in their Japanese press conference:

Famitsu is reporting a December 2 Japan launch and 25,000 yen ($215.51) price for Japan.

joystiq link

EDIT,they now say there is no pack in game. Seems like Nintendo is missing out on something by not including Wii Sports and getting the entire family into the system at launch. And a December release? Seems awful late, the closer to the PS3 launch/shortages the better for Nintendo.

^not confirmed at all in Japan.

They don't get Wii sports bundled.

IGN has a full transcript available. November 19th launch in US (Dec 2 in Japan). $249.99 with Wii Sports, 1 Wiimote & Nunchuck. Virtual Console games will be $5, $8 or $10. First party games will be $49.99. 4 million units expected by year end. Zelda and Excite Truck confirmed launch titles. Metroid Prime is pushed back to 2007 (I assume to work through everyone's complaints on the FPS controls).

Forgot to add that web browsing will be available through Opera Web browser (which is not included and must be purchased).

I called EBgames and Gamestops yesterday, and they said they have to sit down with Nintendo and talk to them about it first. So... I don't know, if they start taking them, post ASAP.

Also, do they really expect 4 million units? Shouldn't they have already started making the Systems, or was that the PS3 that was delayed?