Wii won't be more than $250 says Nintendo
by Christopher Grant 
{ May 25th 2006 at 9:35AM }
"At a news conference in Osaka, Nintendo senior managing director Yoshihiro Mori said the Wii would sell for 25,000 yen ($220) or lower in Japan and $250 (£133) or lower in the US."That statement from the BBC is about as cut and dry as they come. It won't be $300, it could be $200, we'll have to wait and see.
Nintendo also took the opportunity to discuss their current financial numbers, warning of lower profits for the current fiscal year although they plan on shipping 6 million Wii consoles by March 2007. For their fiscal year that ended March 2006, Nintendo experienced a drop in profits related to the poor sales of Gamecube systems that even the brisk business of the DS couldn't make up for.
[Thanks to everyone that sent this in; image credit: Wii60.com]
(Update: added a link to Nintendo's press release and changed the shipping number, which didn't match up)
Read - Nintendo warns of weaker profits (BBC)
Read - Nintendo Forecasts Annual Profit Drop on Stronger Yen (Bloomberg)
Read - Nintendo Announces Wii Information, Worldwide Shipments
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Mooks @ May 25th 2006 9:41AM
Anything higher than 199 is WAY too high for a fancy gamecube with a cool controller.
Paul P. @ May 25th 2006 9:44AM
I'm pretty confident they'll lower it. I have $15 riding on this.
PodMonkeys @ May 25th 2006 9:44AM
Haha! I love that "O Wiily?" pic! :D
I think $220 is about the highest I'd go really want to go for a Wii. $250 would really be pushing it, but then again, it just might be worth it. I'm expecting some good stuff out for Wii.
DarkSol @ May 25th 2006 9:46AM
Just remember, Nintendo has stated that they are trying to cater to "non-gamers", so of course the price is going to be much lower than the 360 or the PS3.
White Rose Duelist @ May 25th 2006 9:47AM
Anything higher than 199 is WAY too high for a fancy ps2 with a cool disc drive.
Whatever the haters may say, it's good for gamers and good for gaming that a next gen system can be had for a reasonable price. The Wii is likely to grow the player base, which means more opportunity for developers to make new and interesting games. Even for the expensive consoles with the eleventy billion polygons.
Alex K. @ May 25th 2006 9:50AM
this could be good or bad:
bad - just the console and the nunchuck and wiimote controller
good - console, wiimote, nunchuck, classic controller, maybe two of each, and a pack in virtual console game / included virtual console points/dollars/whatever
duerra @ May 25th 2006 9:52AM
Fancy PS2? I think you need to do your homework.
Paul P. @ May 25th 2006 9:53AM
I think $250 is too high for the mass market "non gamer" they claim to be targetting. I'm guessing the current anouncement is strategy to keep the other two from feeling they need to lower their price.
The N64 was also announced at $250, but released at $199(some stores didn't seem to get the memo and sold at $250 anyway, but most stores went to the $199 price).
Jeremy @ May 25th 2006 9:55AM
There goes my NTDOY stocks :(
Dave @ May 25th 2006 9:58AM
Do his homework on a fancy PS2? You're right, the PS3 is in actuality just a fancy PS1.
Hell, they're ALL the same man, it's only been 20 years. They're really all just fancy NESes if you look at it the right way. Christ, the word "subjectivity" is so lost on a fanboy.
NOT-WORTH-OVER-$200.00 @ May 25th 2006 10:00AM
The Wii is not worth anything over $199.00. In fact I would say the console should be priced at $149. I saw the actual clips of the games at G4 and the graphics were nothing better than the gamecube. This wasnt a stream from some computer, this was real time on my television and the Wii in fact looked inferior to the Xbox graphically. I know that some people say it is a gamecube on steroids however I was not impressed.
The Wii has an interesting controller however it is not worth $220-$250.
That is only $50.00 less than the Xbox 360 core which is a much more capable system. I wouldnt be suprised to see Microsoft do a price drop.
Furthermore I don't see Nintendo selling 7 million systems by March. If the console comes out in 4 quarter of this year you mean to tell me it is going to sell 7 million units in 6 months which equates out to about 14 million units in a year. Gimme a break.
Anything over $199.00 wont fly. I was debating getting it at $199. $149 and I would pick it up definitely. $99.00 and you got a mass market price.
I just dont see non gamers spending $200.00 or more on a gaming console that has limited functionality besides the controller that is starting to look more like a gimmick.
Ryan @ May 25th 2006 10:02AM
$249.95. And throw in some goodies like the classic controller, a second remote w/nunchuk, some classic game downloads, and a Wii game of my choice! Let's get back to the good ol' days of stuff coming with the system standard.
AssemblyLineHuman @ May 25th 2006 10:02AM
@White Rose Duelist: I'm sorry, a fancy PS2? Sure, it's not going to be as powerful as the other two next-gen consoles, but we already know that it is more powerful than the original Xbox, and since the Xbox was already more powerful than the PS2, comparing it to the PS2 is a bit ridiculous. Fancy Gamecube? Maybe, but not fancy PS2.
When you think about all the technology that is going into the controller and all the little accessories that will have to come with the Wii, $250 is a reasonable price. Besides, even nongamers aren't going to be wandering through Wal-Mart and accidentally make their way to the videogame section, then get ecstatic because there is finally a $200 video game console that they can afford. They're going to have to give it some time, either because the advertisements interest them and they go to the section of the store to try it (not likely, unless they're somewhat into videogames anyway) OR play it at a friend's house. If they become convinced that it is something that they want, they'll pay anything for it. Does the iPod's (I know people are tired of Apple comparisons, but that's all I can think of right now) price prevent people from buying it?
At $250, the Wii would be $100 less than an Xbox 360, even if they do a $50 price drop this holiday season. Also, with the PS3 selling at $500 for the cheap version, anything under $400 looks like a deal. Wii already know (sorry) that the Wii will cost no more than half the price of the stripped down PS3. Comparatively, that looks like a good price. I'm hoping for a $200 launch price, but if it's $250, I'll still be one of the first in line at EBGames (it's across the street) to pick up my preordered Wii.
Jeremy Wright @ May 25th 2006 10:07AM
While I'd love to see it under 200$, I think a 250$ price tag could work for the first year.
IAMGETTINGANXBOX360 @ May 25th 2006 10:08AM
Thats it! I have had it! At first I thought well the Xbox 360 looks cool however I am going to wait. Maybe the the PS3 will be much more powerful and at the same price. Then I thought maybe I will get the Revolution/Wii because it is supposed to be inexpensive like at $99.00 to $149.00. Now Nintendo is saying the console will be over $200.00 and possibly as much as $249.00.
THAT IS NOT CHEAP!
I am going to get an Xbox 360 today. The console has great games, is out now, and is way more powerful than the Wii and far less expensive than the PS3. Furthermore the PS3 only has like 17 launch titles. The Xbox 360 will have over 100 games before the PS3 debuts. I will now be playing Gears of War before the year is over. Ahh I can rest easy.
At least I now I am comfortable in saying that I wont be playing with my Wii Wii.
I am Xbox 360 all the way.
PEACE!
Isurus (at work) @ May 25th 2006 10:08AM
"At $250, the Wii would be $100 less than an Xbox 360, even if they do a $50 price drop this holiday season."
Actually, it is only $50 less than the Core Xbox 360, which can still play all of the games the Premium can. If MS has a price drop this holiday, the price of the core could end up being the same as the Wii. Personally, I think only a $50 difference between the Core 360 and the Wii is so negligible that price becomes a non-issue. It will come down to games and mass appeal.
SJ @ May 25th 2006 10:09AM
I would pay $250 for Wii in a heartbeat. I don't think non-gamers would. If it came with a game like Warioware or Wii Sports(games everyone can enjoy) though, the Wii would sell a lot.
Momus @ May 25th 2006 10:13AM
I think 199 looks fabulous next to such news-making pricetags as $499 and $599.
Paul P. @ May 25th 2006 10:14AM
No, $250 is too much for what you're getting. That's almost more insulting than a $500 PS3.
New controls fine, I'm really looking forward to that, but prove to me through games that this thing is even marginally more powerful than the Gamecube. Nothing has proved that yet. A Gamecube with a built in wifi, special controller, and pretty small built in memory is not worth $250. If that is the price it had better come with a lot of extra stuff.
Vik @ May 25th 2006 10:15AM
I'm going to chalk this up as a marketing strategy. Where Sony and MSoft fretted over how much money they would loose per console, Nintendo is trying to determine the ideal pricepoint for maximum profit. 1.75 Billion dollars in strictly console sales is a nice profit I think (at 250/console and projected 7 million sold by March 2007). It'd be interesting to see how many more consumers will inflate the market with a 199 149 price tag. If the number of projected sales go up by at least 25%, you've got a megaton on your hands.
diddydiddydid @ May 25th 2006 10:15AM
damn it! a fancy Gamecube? I LOL'ed at you sir. We know all off next gen are just a bunch of fancy upgrades. but just when somebody tries to be different some *exclusive* people tend to mock them more. a pity that is.
idioteraser @ May 25th 2006 10:18AM
What was shown at E3 wasn't even running on the Wii hardware. Btw the gamecube couldn't do real time physics. That was in the game demos shown. What was running was some enhanced gamecubes. The graphics chip hasn't been finalized and those enhanced gamecubes didn't even have the processor chip that the wii does.
Nintendo doesn't beleive in spending 99% of their effort on E3 game demos or trailers. Compare a lot of Sony E3 showings to what was released and you will see a drastic drop in quality. Now compare what Nintendo has shown and you will see the quality drastically increase.
Again I go unnotice @ May 25th 2006 10:19AM
To be honest I think its worth alittle more than current gen consoles. I'm not a fond of the console, so I dont really care, it hasnt wooed me yet.
White Rose Duelist @ May 25th 2006 10:20AM
I do believe you missed my point, AssemblyLineHuman. I am celebrating the price, with a (too-)subtle jab at Mooks.
The Wii will do everything the GameCube does, plus play a new disc type, have a motion sensing controller and better graphics and sound, and a (presumably free) online service. It will cost up to 25% more than the GameCube did when new.
The PS3 will do everything the PS2 does, plus play a new disc type, have a motion sensing controller and better graphics and sound, and a (presumably free) online service. It will cost up to 100% more than the PS2 did when new.
Ryan @ May 25th 2006 10:21AM
#20, Nintendo officially confirmed the use of Gamecube shells for showcasing the Wii, but the hardware was all Wii.
Mullinator @ May 25th 2006 10:23AM
Anyone claiming that the PS3 or 360 is more than a mere "upgrade" from their respective predecessors has automatically lost the right to claim that the Wii is "Nothing more than an upgraded gamecube technically".
If the Wii is just an upgrade technically from the Gamecube then that is all the PS3 and 360 are. Sorry but it really is the truth.
Paul P. @ May 25th 2006 10:24AM
It doesn't matter what things "might" be like, all I know is that what they have actually shown is not worth $250.
And yes, of course Gamecube could do real time physics. Wii just happens to have the Havok physics engine licensed into the SDK, it is no inherent ability of the Wii that the Gamecube didn't have.
oblongmouth @ May 25th 2006 10:24AM
i'd totally buy it for £200, All the sweeet old games to play, I really fancy getting my hands on the wiiimote & poncey graphics don't float my boat.
£200 in the age of overpriced iPoos is nothing.
frenchtoast @ May 25th 2006 10:25AM
So to all you complainers, $249 is too much? Yet you go on to say that you will then buy an Xbox 360 or PS3 which are more expensive. And for what reason? because its a "fancy Gamecube". Well try and respond to these:
A) Nintendo haven't made complete the Wii specs and what was at E3 was just a "DEMONSTRATION" of what its capable of. Better graphics will be coming along with revolutioned gameplay. If the Wii is revealed closer to launch to be capable graphically far beyond the Gamecube will you then be interested?
B) Considering that the Wii price is anounced as $249 or "LOWER!" will you then be interested in the Wii if it is cheaper? Remember even at this price you can buy a Wii, another controller, a few games, and still save money compared to the PS3 by itself no games, etc
C) If you own an iPod or something like that how much did you pay for it considering its functionality ?(for some models just playing music)
flymolo @ May 25th 2006 10:25AM
"saw the actual clips of the games at G4 and the graphics were nothing better than the gamecube. This wasnt a stream from some computer, this was real time on my television and the Wii in fact looked inferior to the Xbox graphically."
I saw a lot of the trailers and clips of the Wii games at E3 on my computer and yea, a lot of them were sub gamecube level, But some were very very comparable to 360. Nintendo said originally that they didn't think there would be much difference visually between the systems on a standard television and I think it might end up going that way. Nintendo has always been able to pump out great visuals with weaker than expected hardware (look at the gamecube).
cyberfrog @ May 25th 2006 10:26AM
The hardware can't be all wii (at least what the final consumer version will be), the processor and graphic chip have yet to be finalized. The gamecube shell is basically the developer's kit that developers have recieved.
Art Guy @ May 25th 2006 10:26AM
It's basically a GameCube with the new controller for $250. Ouch. but they still haven't said what all is included for that $250. Do we get the standard "classic" controller and the lightgun in the package? Maybe we get two controllers! That would be cool. But if all that is included is the wand and a nun-chuck, I'll just wait till the system is a more reasonable $199.
Anyone know if there will be a ethernet adapter? I really don't want to have to buy a new modem just to get my Wii connected to the net. Maybe they will have a $199 version without the WiFi, I'd buy that at launch.
Mullinator @ May 25th 2006 10:26AM
@Paul P.
I'm sorry, I didn't realize that graphics were the only method of judging a GAME systems worth. If you just didn't like the games graphics aside well then thats a different story.
Jurgen @ May 25th 2006 10:29AM
So possibly $250 for a new controller for a console that's already $99 and has been coming bundled with games to beg people to buy it?
Isurus @ May 25th 2006 10:29AM
"What was shown at E3 wasn't even running on the Wii hardware."
I thought that this was already debunked. I'm fairly certain it was determined that it was finalized Wii hardware in a Gamecube casing.
"Btw the gamecube couldn't do real time physics."
Er, this comment doesn't make a lot of sense. All games simulate physics at some form, some are just more advanced than others. Even Mario jumping is simulating physics to a degree.
I just don't think $250 gives them much of a price advantage over the 360. At $250 it becomes a not-so-easy choice for a second console (not all of us can afford all three or have time for all three for that matter).
Layle Baker @ May 25th 2006 10:32AM
For those complaining about the high price tag of the Wii and only getting a marginally better power:
Remember, IBM is providing a new CPU for the system (the original was based on the G3, though not directly a G3 processor). The new one is rumored to be closer to a G5 in power. ATI has created a new graphics processor to go into the system. For what I have read, both are upgrades of the GC versions with new features for the Wii to provide more power graphics.
Didn't like the graphics at E3. Remember, those were BETA and ALPHA versions of the software AND hardware. 360 demos are easier to look "pretty" becuase, while the software maybe beta or alpha, the hardware is in full-production mode. PS3 showing were scant at E3, since they are pushing a $500-$600 console already they are already more powerful then the Wii in beta/alpha form (and probably close to 360, being a full-production mode cosole now).
What do you get for $250? I gather you get the console (yes it WILL be more powerful, just not 360 or PS3 more-powerful), a flash memory drive, a Wii controller AND nunchuck (seeing how many games are dependent on the nunchuck), Wi-Fi capabilities (or wired network capabilities via USB), and 512MB flash memory for saved games (expandable via more SD memory AND/OR - only rumored - an external USB drive of your choice), backwards compatibility for GC games and controllers, the Opera web-browser (not determined how it will be packaged or delivered with Wii, but Opera confirmed that the browser for Wii will be offered at no extra charge), and the Virtual Console System (as you all know to buy and download NES, SNES, N64, Genesis, and Tubro-Grafix 16 games and play them on the Wii).
Is $250 much? Maybe streching it a wee bit. But for those "pinchin pennies" at X-Mas, the Wii will still be a very tempting offer for many regardless of the price point at or below $250.
Another thing, as some of you may realize, that if you look at Nintendo last console release prices (US prices in whole dollars, and dates):
NES: 1985 - $199
SNES: 1991 - $199
N64: 1997 - $199
GC: 2001 - $199
Wii: 2006 - ? (geez, wonder would would MORE THAN LIKELY GO HERE????)
Cloud @ May 25th 2006 10:34AM
Even though this is still speculation and its all up in the air on how much it will really cost upon launch, I am still willing to pay $249 for the system. Don't look forward for the lightgun to be added with the console... They are still feeling embaressed for selling lightguns to children 20 years ago. :P
DG @ May 25th 2006 10:35AM
I watched the E3 trailer again and got excited. Sony and MS are offering nice computers for the living room that control games with joysticks instead of keyboards and mice.
Nintendo is offering what feels like something completely different. I think that will resonate and I think the American public, at least, while hold off on the newest iPod to buy Wii. It just seems like that kind of market.
Londoner @ May 25th 2006 10:36AM
Differences between GCN and Wii:
1. Faster processor (rumoured to be anywhere between 700Mhz to 1.1Ghz)
2. Faster GPU
3. WiFi
4. Bluetooth
5. 512MB Flash Memory
6. New smaller case design
7. SD card slot
8. 2 USB 2.0 ports
9. WiiMote (wireless too)
10. Progressive scan
josh @ May 25th 2006 10:37AM
Honestly. To say that 250 is too expensive when placed next to 2 other machines that are double that makes me wonder. We are talking about nintendo. They make the best games in the world. The complete specs on the machine are not even released yet. I am not saying it will be the best graphics we all know that. Nintendo is about experience and quality. They are going to Have Zelda, Metroid, and Mario(hopefully) at launch. Not to mention other games. Also you get all the classic games (for a small price) right out of the box.
Again 250 is half of 500 just in case you dont understand math.
AssemblyLineHuman @ May 25th 2006 10:41AM
@White Rose Duelist: Oh, sorry about that. ^^; I just woke up. Hehe... Then that first post can be directed at Mooks. >>;
@NOT-WORTH-OVER-$200.00 First of all, about Red Steel (and possibly other third-party titles), Ubisoft said Nintendo only gave them two weeks to port the game from the Gamecube devkits to Wii-representative hardware. There was basically no time to make it look like the final game will look like. I suspect it was the same for other third-party developers as well. If you're saying that ALL of the games looked worse than your Xbox, I would have to disagree with you there. Super Mario Galaxy was a beautiful game, and it is far from being complete.
Nintendo probably WILL sell about 7 million units by March 2007. First of all, you have to take in a lot of factors. This is a worldwide figure. In Japan, it is very likely that the Wii will sell out nation-wide on launch day. Even outside of Japan, I'm sure there are enough Nintendo fans/eager Ebayers/people excited about what Nintendo has shown out there to buy all the consoles they put out there too (except maybe Australia, I've heard Nintendo isn't the most popular company over there). The initial launch has a tendency to move a lot of units in a short period of time, so as long as Nintendo makes 7 million by March 2007, that is not an unrealistic figure.
As for nongamers, I've already stated what I believe about pricing it low for them (and yes, I know Nintendo disagrees with me on that). Non-gamers don't care about "limited functionality" when it is just a slight (or even slightly noticeable) difference in graphical power. I think non-gamers will probably find games like WiiSports where you can create a custom avatar then jump into quick, fun sports titles more fun than a lot of the games we enjoy (at least when they first pick up the controller) anyway, and it certainly isn't the most demanding game. As for the Wii being a gimmick, people said that about the DS. Non-gamers seem to enjoy the little gimmicky games that I have over the other games anyway (people ask me if they can see my DS at school to play Warioware and games like that). Just wait and play it if you don't believe it will be an effective control system for real, fleshed-out games, but I have a feeling that Nintendo is going to prove you wrong.
@Isurus (at work) I don't count the Core console because of everything it leaves out and because even Microsoft does not seem to count it as the "standard" console. Note that the more expensive Xbox 360 is just labeled Xbox 360, while the Core is labeled Core System. That infers that the more expensive version is the real standard, and the cheaper one is a watered down version for people with less money to invest in a next-gen console.
The Core console also lacks a lot of the features that make the Xbox 360 a great console: wireless controllers, the ability to download game demos and Xbox Live arcade games, no backward compatibility, and pretty much everything that makes the Xbox Live experience unique. Sure, you can solve a lot of the problems by getting a hard drive, but Microsoft is going to charge you $100 dollars for it anyway.
AND finally, for the sake of trying to get everyone to read this. RED STEEL WAS technically running on Wii hardware or something close to Wii hardware, BUT Nintendo only gave them (and I suspect a lot of other third parties) TWO WEEKS to port the game from the Gamecube devkit to the Wii hardware. The truth is that Red Steel will probably look a lot closer to those GameInformer scans than you would expect.
LovingMyXboxNow @ May 25th 2006 10:44AM
The Wii is not worth it. The Xbox 360 is a much more capable system. Furthermore the Xbox 360 has mainstream appeal. Check out the Xbox Live arcade. Hexic is like the new Tetris.
Media Center, State of the Art Gaming System, Retro style games, and soon you will be able to get the old school Street Fighter to download to your harddrvie.
The Xbox 360 is more refined. Furthermore Xbox Live trumps the Wii's Wifi. Do you realize that you need to punch in a password code to play with your friends???
THAT IS HORRIBLE!
What about building an online community. Nintendo doesnt have it.
It pales in comparison. Fanboys need to stop defending Nintendo and need to just move on to better gaming. They were good in their heyday however have made a long line of mistakes. Nintendo is done.
JodyAnthony @ May 25th 2006 10:44AM
wow, am i the only person reading joystiq today willing to spend $250 on something that will give me years of enjoyment?
so its a "souped up gamecube"
who cares? It's still Nintendo, and nintendo will always make games that push their system to the limits.
I'm not trying to convince anyone, so don't be calling me a fanboy (even if I am)
I just dont think $250 is really that bad of a price, if that is in fact what it launches at.
also, before people attack me and call me stupid or whatever: this is MY opinion, and it will be MY money that I earned, so I have a right to spend it how I want, so does everyone else. I just find the price to be pretty reasonable, especially judging by the price of the ps3 or xbox360 (people talk about how the xbox 360 core is only $50 more expensive, but as far as I knew, one of the main draws of the 360 is downloading stuff on live, which you can't do with the core system, at least as far as I know. feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. (oh, and for the record, it actually IS possible to correct someone without calling them stupid)
But it doesnt really matter. We all know that it could launch at $250 and will be sold out everywhere the first day, just like the 360 was and the ps3 (even at $500) will be
gameclu @ May 25th 2006 10:44AM
There are enough fans and converts out there that will buy a wii for $249. After the first phase of selling to early adopters, Nintendo will most likely drop to the price to $225 or less. And it'll probably happen by the following xmas.
KimiSan @ May 25th 2006 10:46AM
Those saying the Wii isn't more powerful then an Xbox are dumb.
Well, it's not alot more powerfull, but it is, maybe I'm one of the only one who thinks that because I actually have IGN insider and gamespot total acesses
I saw HD videos of Super Mario Galaxy and Sonic Wild Fire and there's no way a current gen system can do those sort of graphics.
flymolo @ May 25th 2006 10:51AM
LovingMyXboxNow we know NOTHING about the Wii wi-fi service yet, so half of your arguement is moot.
"Media Center, State of the Art Gaming System, Retro style games, and soon you will be able to get the old school Street Fighter to download to your harddrvie."
State of the art games, and retro style games are also a feature of the wii. And how is street fighter an argument?
so basically you are willing to pay 150-200 for a "media center".
superguido @ May 25th 2006 10:54AM
FYI.
GameCube launch:
Japan: 25,000 Yen
U.S. $199
Just so you know.
32_Footsteps @ May 25th 2006 10:54AM
"It doesn't matter what things "might" be like, all I know is that what they have actually shown is not worth $250."
Wait, is this comment about the PS3 or the Wii?
Now, I actually got to play both the Wii and the PS3. While neither was all that impressive, the Wii is alot closer to justifying its price tag (partly because it has a smaller tag, but that's only a part of the reason).
Ultimately, though, it's all about the games. And so far, no next gen system has really proven itself worth the purchase - and that includes the 360.
Wes Frazier @ May 25th 2006 10:58AM
The Gamecube launched for 25,000 Yen in Japan and $199 here in the U.S. So I still think $199 is a very realistic possibility.
I won't begin to believe any price untill it appears on amazon.com though.
Ianc02 @ May 25th 2006 10:59AM
Know your daddy.
The industry crashed years ago.
Nintendo and Mario saved the industry.
Deal with it already.
You can argue over a few dollars because of Nintendo and Mario. Always remember that boys and girls.
£200 is cheap for 5 consoles i think, no actually atm its 7 consoles. Genesis, turbografx,nes,snes,n64,gcn and Wii. Cheers Nintendo for 7 consoles for £200. A bargain. Knock knock has anyone thought of it like that? Pre-ordered ages ago thank you.