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Wii Launch and Price Revealed

http://wii.ign.com/articles/732/732669p1.html

I don't know.

Price seems high.

Date seems late.

WiiSports pack-in is coool though.

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

I was pretty shocked by this news, and therefore dissapointed. But I think that's just it. We all had come to expect from all the developer comments and assorted rumors that a much cheaper price and a much sooner launch were in order. Once those expectations weren't met, anything else seems like terrible news. But is it really? Is a $250 Wii launched two days after PS3 all that bad? Or does it just sound bad because we expected something else?

Well for me the answer is no, this news isn't that bad. $250 and the Sunday two days before my Thanksgiving break starts is actually pretty nice.

However I'm gonna buy this thing no matter what (barring a price tag much more than $250).

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

I think it's good news. I have something to look forward to now. And one of greatest experiences a video gamer can partake in is the waiting/purchasing of a console on release day. I'll be doing that. I haven't decided if I'll buy just or two Wii's. I really don't need the system until Smash Bros. comes out. I was thinking seriouslyabout eBaying one for some profit.

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

You know they put the price at $250 so that they seem like better quality. To a lot of people higher price is the same as high quality. If they priced to low, people would think "it's cheap because it's crap" and its true.

Good price point when comparing it to competitors.

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

This was based on a online newspaper article which was promptly taken down. IGN is basically chomping at the bit with this article and I would take it with a grain, no, a rock of salt.

The Japanese pricepoint is around $215, though, for your information. The conference is on right now. It's releasing there November 12th.

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dyne

I see that Dyne has reached the step of denial.

It is ok.

And think Japanese release is Dec 2nd, no?

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dyne

This was based on a online newspaper article which was promptly taken down. IGN is basically chomping at the bit with this article and I would take it with a grain, no, a rock of salt.

Same info in today's NYTimes though.

Quote:

In a move that may allow Nintendo of Japan to take advantage of stumbles by its main rival, the company plans to announce today that it will release its new Wii video game console in North America and South America on Nov. 19, just as the holiday shopping season begins, and that the machine will cost $250 in the United States.

The Wii from Nintendo aims to draw an audience beyond typical gamers by offering channels that provide news and weather, for example.

A scene from Wii Sports, to be played on a new video game console that Nintendo created to be more accessible than other machines.

Nintendo executives said this week that the company would also announce today that more than 25 new games would be available for its video game machine this year, a substantial portfolio from several genres that is intended to help the company broaden the appeal of its console. The company plans to ship four million of the Wii consoles worldwide this year.

Nintendo will also explain today a plan to expand the video game market beyond its core of young men.

Today’s announcement comes as Nintendo’s main rival, Sony, has been forced to delay and scale back the introduction of its own game machine, the PlayStation 3, at least twice amid serious troubles with that company’s new Blu-ray Disc technology.

Last week Sony said that the PlayStation 3 would not be introduced in Europe until 2007 and that it would ship millions fewer units worldwide this year than it had promised. The top version of the PlayStation 3 is expected to cost around $600.

Another competitor, Microsoft, has sold more than five million Xbox 360 game consoles since their introduction in 2005 and hopes to sell more than 10 million by year’s end.

Nintendo’s Wii (pronounced we) is less technically ambitious than Sony’s PS3, which is why it will cost far less and be far more available in stores this holiday season. To market the Wii, Nintendo hopes to make up in innovation and accessibility what the machine lacks in sheer silicon horsepower.

Nintendo is No. 3 in the console video game market, behind Sony and Microsoft. But while those competitors have largely focused on appealing to hard-core gamers, Nintendo is now trying to appeal to a broader audience.

“Our goal is to bring gaming back to the masses,” Reggie Fils-Aime, president and chief operating officer of Nintendo of America, said in a telephone interview. “You see that in our pricing, you see that in the number of units we plan to make available this year and you see that in how we are positioning the Wii to appeal to every member of the household, including but not limited to the hard-core gamer.”

The Wii’s major innovation is a wireless controller that the user can tilt and point to produce action on the screen. In a sword-fighting game, for instance, the player can simply swing the controller to thrust and parry with an on-screen blade; there is no need to master the complicated combinations of buttons and triggers that make many video games so intimidating to the reflex-challenged.

Nintendo intends to announce today that every Wii will come with a game compilation called Wii Sports — including tennis, golf, baseball and bowling — meant to show off the machine’s intuitive controls. (Most consoles, including Nintendo’s GameCube, do not come with games included.)

Nintendo plans to say that 25 to 30 top-tier games will be available for the Wii this year. The most-anticipated game comes from Nintendo itself: an installment of the long-running Legend of Zelda series, Twilight Princess. Nintendo will also deliver a driving game called Excite Truck this year, but will provide a minor disappointment to gamers in saying the next version of the popular Mario franchise will not arrive until 2007. Nintendo intends to charge $50 for its Wii games, $10 less than the standard price for Xbox 360 titles and the same price generally charged for GameCube games.

Top games expected to be introduced for the Wii this year from third-party publishers include a version of Madden pro football from Electronic Arts, the sword-fighting game Red Steel from Ubisoft of France, an addition to the Sonic action series from Sega of Japan and a Tony Hawk action-sports game from Activision.

While Nintendo is certainly counting on the success of top-tier games sold at retail, many gamers may be at least as excited by the Wii’s Virtual Console, which will allow players to download versions of older Nintendo games from the Internet.

Nintendo plans to announce today that about 30 classic games will be available for download when the Wii is released, including ones from the Zelda, Mario and Donkey Kong franchises. Downloadable games will cost about $5 to $10 each.

More broadly, Nintendo hopes to make the Wii a living-room centerpiece by including various media channels meant to appeal to and draw in people who do not consider themselves gamers. There will be a photo channel that will allow users to use the Wii to display digital photographs on television. There also will be an easy-to-use interactive news channel and weather channel.

Perhaps most intriguing, the Wii will make it possible to browse the Web on the television. Microsoft’s Xbox 360 does not permit this because that could negate the need to buy a Windows PC.

“We are including all of these capabilities as part of our overall strategy to expand the gaming market,” Mr. Fils-Aime said. “Broadening the market is important because it will breathe new life into this business. Otherwise, this industry is moving down a path of being more and more limited to the hard-core gamer. We value the hard-core player, but the future of our industry has to be in reaching out to new audiences. We think we have the tools and the strategy to do that.”

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

Ah, well let me just revel in my moment of glory for a second...

I said all along, even when they started hiring people to pack systems, that there was NO WAY this thing would release in October. And I was right.

Jonbo can back me up on this one, I just discussed it with him last night.

Anyways, I was expecting a slightly cheaper price. 200 bucks wouldve been my guess there...

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

It seems to be too high for a "Gamecube 1.5". Release date is more of the shocker because every rumor seemed to say "Shipping earlier then you expect!" only to find out its not coming until November.

But oh well, gives me time to save up for something I feel isn't probably worth $250 but I'll still buy it. Time to buy some more 360 games in the mean time :p

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

It looks like they're trying the same strategy as they did with the DS. It had a pretty high launch price compared to the PSP, but once the early adopters had bought it, Nintendo dropped the price and the thing took off like a rocket.

I'm not too sure it will work this time around, though. For one thing, when Microsoft drops the price of the Xbox 360, Nintendo is going to be forced to follow suit. Dancing to another company's tune is no way to be a market leader.

That said, I'll be getting one. And I think the initial shipment will sell out just fine given that the PS3 will only have 400,000 units at launch anyway. I just wish Nintendo's PR department had handled this better. They should have noticed how everybody thought the price would be lower than this and started taking some damage control measures.

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xantar

I understand the strategy, but the handheld and console markets are two completely different animals. Nintendo dominates handhelds like no other. People trust the Nintendo brand name on a mass-consumer scale when it comes to that market.

The console market is much different. Both MS and Sony have better brand names in consoles in terms of visiblity and market share in the west. They aren't going to have that automatic trust outside of their hardcore fanbase.

All said and done, though, I'm conflicted about the price point. True, its higher than we'd like, but its also quite different from the other consoles and still priced lower for a full system, and not a half-assed one like the low rent, HD-less abortion MS tried to sell with little effect. I don't even see advertisements for that version much anymore.

All in all, I think they would push more consoles at $200, but a $250 pp might actually be more profitable in the long run, and Nintendo has always been very smart about remaining profitable.

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

If you want to play a 2 player game that uses the nuchuck it'll cost you $60. In conjunction with the console price itself that's a bit too much. Since you're really buying the system for the controller more so than the console, the standard console price should be lower to accommodate the hefty controller price. Or throw in a 2nd controller rather than include Wii Sports. I can't imagine that being much fun single player.

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teuthida

Last I saw the $60 was a conversion from yen to USD. Is that still where you're getting your figures from?

If so, I'm hoping that price comes down a bit. Even a cut down by $10 down to $50 would be nice.

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

Hmmm Dyne might be right about the Wii launching for $212 in Japan. Look at this picture recap page of the Japanese conference video.

http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/topics...tation/13.html

The last three pictures at the bottom give what I guess is the Japanese release date and the launch price of the Wii and the Wiimote. So that's Wii launching on December 2nd, 2006 (like was said) for 25,000 yen. The Wiimote is 3,800 yen, and the nunchunk and the VC controller (look on the next page) are each 1,800 yen.

So? Well according to the conversions from XE.com...

25,000 yen = $213
3,800 yen = $32
1,800 yen = $15

So what the hell is going on? I assume XE.com's conversion ratios are updated. That seems a helluva lot cheaper than what every other source has said.

Note that the video recap page I linked above comes straight from IGN article's here. http://wii.ign.com/articles/732/732669p1.html They link to it in (currently) the last paragraph.

EDIT: Hah, those are the same yen numbers in the IGN article. I saw the difference in conversion price and got excited. So why are IGN's conversions from yen to USD so different?

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

5% japanese tax maybe.

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

Wait a bloody minute. So that's $300 Canadian? Isn't that the same price as the core 360 pack? :unsure:

I'll be holding off on next-gen purchases for a while then. Until the big titles start coming out, I just can't justify the price point for any of the next-gen consoles.

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkMaster

I'll grab a PS3 on it's way out of the generation. Just like my 1999 Saturn. Wooh

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

Read my posts here...

http://www.gametavern.net/forums/showthread.php?t=15691

Sorry, I just couldnt resist :D

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

I read somewhere that they delayed the release of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, and that they pushed the Gamecube version of Twilght Princess into December, while the Wii version comes out on the same day the Wii itself does. I'd still rather get Twilight Princess for Gamecube. They owe us that. So in conclusion, I won't be getting Wii until next year, when Metroid Prime 3: Corruption comes out.

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

I can understand pricing the controller as high as they are (seeing as that's the new technology), but coupling that with a system that pushes Gamecube graphics at $250 US is a joke.

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkMaster

Is it now? That's funny, I didn't know we rounded up hundreds. Futureshop.ca:

Quote:

XBOX 360 Core Console
The XBOX 360 from Microsoft delivers the most powerful console, the best games, the next... More Info
Price: $399.99

Before tax. The Wii will be around $275, and $300 after tax. Also, never, ever get the core model. It's bloody crippled.

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

Say what? 360 Core not $300?

It's a $50 (USD) difference, but I don't know how Microsoft and Nintendo decide their Canadian prices... whether they convert directly or just make nice, round, buyer-friendly prices.

Perhaps DM implies that he has seen such a Core without being price converted.

Oh yeah, and then there's that rumored price drop coming up.

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spasmolytic

It's just speculation.

Anyways, comparing the core to the Wii is ridiculous. The wii comes with a whole game. That's as ridiculous as comparing the premium 360 model (which is a great deal) to the really crappy core PS3. It's just not the same. I don't know what the hell drives these conclusions.

If anyone feels like complaining, take it out on the damn PS3. You know they recently announced "online plans" with Xfire, and everyone was excited because it was free, and then it turned out it was only for one game? Yeah. PS3 literally has no good news about it. Wii news compared to PS3 news is like Hawaii compared to the slums of Chicago.

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dyne

Yeah. PS3 literally has no good news about it.

That's a lie, the good news about PS3 is that it's going to look damn sexy as Sony's market share drops like a rock...

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dyne

Ya come ON guys, get back to the PS3 bashing. :distress:

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

OMg its teh suxxor :p

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perfect Stu

Ya come ON guys, get back to the PS3 bashing. :distress:

:rofl:

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dyne

That god damn PS3. I knew it, right from the beginning I f*cking knew it. The high price of the Wii, the delay of Metroid Prime 3 and Zelda Twilight GCN, it all makes sense now.

Like seriously man, did you know the PS3 uses spider-man font? That sh*t is doomed.

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

http://www.nintendo.ca/cgi-bin/users...=en&id=4251894

Well seems like the Canadian version is only 280 bucks.

So still cheaper than the core 360.. and of course.. pack in game

Though I must say, after seeing some of the features the Wii will feature especially Mii. I don't mind the price so much.

Also.. well Wii Sports packed in with Boxing and Bowling. :D

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

Quote:

Originally Posted by BreakABone

$280? Excellent.

I love how Darkmaster still categorizes it as the same even though it's now a $120-220 difference.

Seriously, if you work a part-time 30-hour week somewhere and then quit, you'll have enough.

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dyne

$280? Excellent.

I love how Darkmaster still categorizes it as the same even though it's now a $120-220 difference.

What the hell are you talking about? That was nothing more than a little side comment. What is up with all this defensive bullsh*t, man? Do you own shares in Nintendo Corp. or something?

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

No, and frankly I don't see how it should upset you if I make little side comments myself. It's all perspective, right.

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teuthida

http://today.reuters.com/news/articl...c=66&type=qcna

Greedy greedy.

No sh*t the Wii will be profitable right out of the box. Your charging $250 for going on 5+ year old technology with a few little "bells and whistles" added. Hell, they are probably still making a profit off the Gamecube at $99.

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

Thats nothing new, hasnt nintendo always made a profit off their systems? I actually dont care, they do what they do, because I know their big games wont become 5 million plus sellers like they did in the old days.

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

I saw this tidbit on TheInquirer.net and just kinda laughed at it

Quote:

Nintendo have also announced that the Wii console will not offer DVD playback, stating that most people already have a DVD player, whilst also allowing them to reduce costs

So to cut costs they removed DVD Playback? How much would it have been if they left it in then?

ahh, the smell of bull**** in the morning

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonbo298

I saw this tidbit on TheInquirer.net and just kinda laughed at it

So to cut costs they removed DVD Playback? How much would it have been if they left it in then?

ahh, the smell of bull**** in the morning

Well if the Xbox is any indication, $30-40 per console. Remember the ridiculously expensive DVD playback remote and sensor that "automatically" triggered DVD even though the console didn't technically need it? Yeah.

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dyne

i think he's talking about cost, not price...but I could be wrong

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

It couldn't possibly cost much of anything to stick a DVD drive in... Hell, they could probably add in DVD capabilities, keep the price at $250, and still be making a profit on each console sold :p

But quite frankly it don't mattuh... Last generation it was somewhat of a selling point, but I'm sure every house has a DVD player by now... Hell, multiple DVD players... There are probably very, very few people out there who can honestly say they're dissapointed with the lack of DVD playback on the Wii (not to say that people would be happy... Just more along the lines of indifferent)...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dyne

Well if the Xbox is any indication, $30-40 per console.

But if the PS2 is any indication, $0 - $??, since the system launched for $300 (same price as Xbox a year later) and didn't require an extra device to activate it...
SPIN!!!

Re: Wii Launch and Price Revealed

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeathsHand

But if the PS2 is any indication, $0 - $??, since the system launched for $300 (same price as Xbox a year later) and didn't require an extra device to activate it...

Right, but if you'll think back, Sony also lost hundreds of thousands of dollars within the first couple months of releasing the PS2 in Japan. Sony was underselling the system and expecting to make the money back on game software; but since the PS2 was cheaper than most available DVD players in Japan at the time people were just buying the system and not buying games (a situation that became worse during the two day period that people found out they were region free "by accident" before they could pull them from retail shelves).

Obviously this wouldn't be echoed with the Wii, but it is an indication that it costs a bit. I mean, it's not the actual cost to make Wii's play DVD's, it's the cost of buying a license to be allowed to make millions of Wii's that play DVD's.