Revolution hitting North America by Thanksgiving

by Blake Snow { Jan 18th 2006 at 2:15PM }

Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has confirmed today that the next-gen console will launch in the US by Thanksgiving, this according to an interview with a Japanese newspaper. He said, "We can't disclose the Revolution's release period yet, but we have no plans to miss out on the year-end sales battle. As for North America, we need to release it by Thanksgiving, or otherwise we won't receive support from the retail industry. So the Revolution will be released prior to that period."

Though no specific launch price was mentioned, Iwata reiterated that the console will be reasonably priced. "The amount of money that people are willing to spend on videogames is getting less every year," he said. "Even if it's a superb machine, it's not going to sell if it's 50,000 yen ($434). We plan to make [the Revolution] an affordable price." Prior statements made by the company affirm that the next-gen console will retail for "under $300."

[Thanks to all who sent this in]

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Ryan @ Jan 18th 2006 2:22PM

Thanksgiving '06. $249.99. That's what I'm guessing. I have no evidence to back that up, but that's what I've been thinking all along.

sam @ Jan 18th 2006 2:32PM

Does anyone know how this thing is going to be cooled?
I'm guessing there will be an external power supply, ala the 360. But this looks like an entirely closed box? How do you cool it! If it runs slow enough (gHz) to not need cooling, think of the cool overclocking that could be done with a couple fans. Sweet.

PodMonkeys @ Jan 18th 2006 2:33PM

I better start saving now to be ready for the pre-order! :D $250 seems about right to me, although I'd prefer $200. This is the system I'm really excited about.

unreal mccoy @ Jan 18th 2006 2:34PM

I think Thanksgiving at $199. They'll really send a message by halving the price of the PS3 and 360.

vidGuy @ Jan 18th 2006 2:37PM

I was just going to say the same thing, Ryan.
November 24th (Black Friday), 2006 for $249.99. I don't see Nintendo launching any later or more expensive than that, especially how they are laying low on hardware.

RS @ Jan 18th 2006 2:37PM

Every other Nintendo console launched at $199 US (I believe), so I'm betting on that.

Chuck Norris @ Jan 18th 2006 2:42PM

This is great. no way the PS3 is even out then, and with people pissed off about the 360, hopefully they can have a pretty decent launch.

Ptaaty @ Jan 18th 2006 2:43PM

$199.

Also he is not right that people are willing to pay less for videogames...they are willing to pay more, esp for multifunctional devices (not that this is a good idea usually)

I am really excited about the controller and some completely new gameplay.

Kinda pissed about lack of HD, actually very pissed.

cvcxx @ Jan 18th 2006 2:48PM

every system was launced at 199, but dont forget about inflation. 199 ten years ago is like 300 today

Ryan @ Jan 18th 2006 2:49PM

#5, I believe the N64 was $249 at launch.

frankybones @ Jan 18th 2006 2:52PM

I cant wait! Im going to take a stab and say the end of October(pre-orders) and 249.99. I just hope they have at least 4 good first party games that use that awesome controller.

Exo @ Jan 18th 2006 2:53PM

Well som early developers comments said it could be 150. But i think it might be anywhere in between 150-250 Depending on what they pack in with it.

Blizz419 @ Jan 18th 2006 2:56PM

incorrect RS, gamecube was $249 at launch

AJ @ Jan 18th 2006 2:58PM

"Nintendo console launched at $199 US (I believe)"
The NES cost more.

Actually, this means nothing. It will be out before Thanksgiving- that is all we know. It won't be out on or near, but anytime before. It could be out anytime from January 19, 2006-Thanksgiving 2006. We know nothing.

Brian @ Jan 18th 2006 2:58PM

I'm betting on a July launch in Japan, with an American one in August, maybe.

Oh, and N64 was $199.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_64

Mullinator @ Jan 18th 2006 2:59PM

I expect Sony will now give something of an update for when the PS3 will be out. I think Sony and Nintendo were having a little game to see who would announce an updated time frame first.

I still expect the PS3 will come later than this however.

Ryan @ Jan 18th 2006 3:00PM

Now the big question is: bundled shell or no bundled shell?

Ryan @ Jan 18th 2006 3:03PM

#12, in the States, the GCN retailed for $199.

Blizz419 @ Jan 18th 2006 3:04PM

AJ no way in hell will it be ouit in january period that is known, it will not be out before E3 thats a fact becouse E3 is when they are gonn completely unveil the system.

PS3 Enthusiast @ Jan 18th 2006 3:05PM

PS3 will cost less than Revolution. Don't let Nintendo fool u, the Revo will be the most expensive system not PS3. The controller technology alone used in the Revo has to cost more than a X360 core. Factor in cost of other components and we immediately have a system that cannot sell for so cheap; Nintendo will not take that kind of loss.

I got a X360 because it really is a great system and it works perfectly contrary to the what haters say. And Xbox Live a blast to use. I'll also get PS3 because it will be cheaper than Revo and have better games. Nintendo is finished this time; they better hope Sony doesn't decide pull their head of their ass and start pushing the PSP to be what it was meant to be... a truly next generation portable. If Sony does wake up, man, Nintendo portable market will be in jeopordy. Soon thereafter, no more Mario and his boyfriend. Zelda will have to retire and and settle down with Link after all these years.

Blizz419 @ Jan 18th 2006 3:07PM

wrong Ryan, GCN was $249 at Launch in the U.S. it dropped down to 199 shortly afterword though

Ombre @ Jan 18th 2006 3:10PM

Thanksgiving 2006. I can wait til then. I could be a belated b-day gift. :D Or I'll just get it myself, so it's all the more gratifying.

Blizz419 @ Jan 18th 2006 3:13PM

PS3 Enthusiast wow are you stupid if you seriously think PS3 will be the cheapest system and rev the most expensive then you are in fact the dumbest person i ever seen on joystiq. PS3 at the very least will be 349 i'm willing to bet probably much more than that, Rev will be cheaper than a 360 core system Nintendo has said that themselves so it is official it will be less than 300

Mullinator @ Jan 18th 2006 3:13PM

#20

I know you are obviously joking because otherwise are extremelly ignorant. The technology required to make the Revolution controller is not expensive at all, I have made electronics using accelerometers, tilt sensors, and bluetooth. Even when buying these components from retail in small quantities(much more expensive per unit than how Nintendo would buy them) it was still fairly cheap, much cheaper than a 360 core system.

I wouldn't be surprised if the manufacturing costs for the controllers is about $30 or less.

Rhine @ Jan 18th 2006 3:18PM

Flame Bait in Post 18 lol

Are you seriously think the ps3 will be sub 300 then you need to get your head examined.

Im going here and hoping it comes out summer at about 199-250 but not less then that.

SymetriX @ Jan 18th 2006 3:20PM

I could care less if it's bundled with a "shell" controller; I only intend on using this for the new controller games, or the retro games that can be played "sideways".

Would anyone really get a Revolution to play Madden on?

32_Footsteps @ Jan 18th 2006 3:22PM

Wait a minute, PS3 Enthusiast - We're talking a controller that uses the same basic components as those TV sword fighting games, albiet a bit more precise, and this is somehow going to cost more than the internal workings of any console currently out? That makes no logical sense.

I believe that the MSRP for the GC started at $249 and the rest started at $199. However, supply and demand being what they are, quite a few Nintendo consoles were sold for more than the MSRP at launch (I remember seeing SNESes in South Jersey for $249 shortly after its launch).

I'm mostly hoping that in this generation, someone will finally decide that consoles don't need to be region locked.

AJ @ Jan 18th 2006 3:46PM

*goes and finds recipte for GC*

$200 November 20th, 2001 from Best Buy.

Paul Gale @ Jan 18th 2006 3:49PM

This is excellent news to start the day off. Although it was pretty much a given that Nintendo would release the Revolution in the US before Thanksgiving, now having an official statement on it is very reasuring. I see a December 18th, 2006 launch in Europe as the latest country entry for Revolution, which'll be great for Nintendo to have the system everywhere in the world this year, and withing 3.5 months of one another.
Shigeru Miyamoto, Satoru Iwata...make me proud!
- Paul Gale -

Paul Gale @ Jan 18th 2006 3:50PM

AJ @ Jan 18th 2006 3:52PM

*goes and finds recipte for GC*

$200 November 20th, 2001 from Best Buy.

Joshi @ Jan 18th 2006 3:55PM

The Nintendo Gamecube launched at $199. I promise.

You might have paid more, if you lived in an area of high demand, but the MSRP for the Gamecube was $199 at launch.

I think the Revolution will cost $199, as well.

duerra @ Jan 18th 2006 3:59PM

Well all I'll say is this: I bought 2 GameCube's at midnight on the release day, and I got them both for $199 per console. Not $249.

And of course, I subsequently sold one on eBay for $450.

David @ Jan 18th 2006 4:11PM

The idea that someone actually believes the ps3 will be cheaper, and the Revo the most expensive of the three...gotta be a joke, right? Seriously? So we were lied to by the official press release by Nintendo saying it will be cheaper than $300?

Seriously. Nintendo has said, over and over and over and over again, they want to be at an affordable price. Compare DS to PSP. Gamecube to Xbox and PS2. It's been cheaper every time.

Seriously, you're joking right? Hardy har, let's all have a quick laugh? If it is, work on your sarcasm. If it's not....god help you.

David

Ryan @ Jan 18th 2006 4:12PM

#21, this is where I got the launch price of the GCN.
http://www.cyberiapc.com/vgg/nintendo_gamecube.htm

Ryan @ Jan 18th 2006 4:19PM

In fact, I think the receipt for my Gamecube purchase one week after launch is buried in my game drawer. I'll see if I can find it because it seems I remember paying more as well...maybe that was with tax...

livefrompiladelphia @ Jan 18th 2006 4:35PM

Launch prices from IGN:
http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/643/643170p1.html

Atari VCS launched in 1977 for $249.99
Nintendo Entertainment System launched in 1985 for $199.99
SEGA Genesis launched in 1989 for $249.99
NeoGeo launched in 1990 for $699.99
Super Nintendo launched in 1991 for $199.99
Jaguar launched in 1993 for $249.99
3DO Interactive Multiplayer launched in 1993 for
SEGA Saturn launched in 1995 for $399.99
Nintendo 64 launched in 1996 for $199.99
SEGA Dreamcast launches in 1999 for $199.99
PlayStation launched in 1995 for $299.99
PlayStation 2 launched in 2000 for $299.99
Xbox Launched in 2001 for $299.99
GameCube launched in 2001 for $199.99

So, Nintendo has yet to launch a console for anything other than $199. I'm guessing that's exactly how much Rev will cost.

Interestingly enough, Sony hasn't launched at anything other than $299....

phantom42 @ Jan 18th 2006 4:36PM

sorry, #21 and #13 - but i paid $199 at the midnight launch at babbages in the US. that said, there may have been some places that had them jacked up.

vidGuy @ Jan 18th 2006 4:46PM

Let's all remember how Nintendo says the Rev will be cheap, and how that crazy Sony guy Kutargi (sp?) says you'll need an extra job to buy the PS3. Seriously, with the hardware in the PS3 I'd expect it to launch no lower than $399, more like $499 if they can manage it.
I'll refine my prediction: $199 core (lol), $249 for a bundled shell and disc with mini-games for the controllers new uses.

simon @ Jan 18th 2006 4:57PM

i hope "prior to that period" means not Nov. ;_;

but it probably does mean Q4, sadly for me....T_T

Bob Johnson @ Jan 18th 2006 5:18PM

I havn't read up on any specs for the Rev controller but it has a "station" mounted on each side of the television. This leads me to guess that the positioning system uses rf for orientation and not accelerometers. The "remote" would need four directional antenaes to sense motion in 3 dimensions while also monitoring directional attitude; it's position in X-Y-Z coordinates and also the orientation or "aim". I suspect that the revolution controller will be nearly as accurate as a PC mouse, but in all spatial directions, and will be comparable to a 360 controller with respect to manufacturing costs.