Wii to get Super Paper Mario, lose DVD playback? [update 1]

88 Comments by Kyle Orland Sep 7th 2006 9:55AM
Filed under: Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo Wii

IGN's Matt Casamassina is reporting that Super Paper Mario, currently planned for the GameCube, will come out for the Wii instead. The comment came in response to a question on the IGN Wii mailbag, along with a rather cryptic hint about "reading between the lines" of the rather direct statement that "Paper Mario will be headed to Wii and not GameCube."

Super Paper Mario was one of the bright spots for GameCube owners in a largely 'Cube-free E3 for Nintendo. Since the game's announcement, there has been next to no additional information released, save a couple of leaked videos from Japan's World Hobby Fair. With that game's official release date of Oct. 9 quickly approaching and no Japanese release or additional information from Nintendo forthcoming, many sites have updated their projections for the game's release to Q4 '06 or even Q1 '07.

In the same mailbag, Casamassina also points to a blog post where he speculates that the Wii will not ship with previously-announced DVD-playback. The feature is not mentioned on Nintendo's official spec sheet for the system, and the Nintendo big wigs refused to answer Casamassina's questions about the issue.

We've put in a call to Nintendo for an official comment on these rumors, and we'll be sure to update once we hear back.

[Update: A spokesperson for Nintendo has given the stock reply that they do not comment on rumors or speculation. However, Casamassina has reiterated to Joystiq that his statement was not pure speculation and was based on information he's heard from insider sources.]

Tags: DVD, mario, paper mario, PaperMario, super paper mario, SuperPaperMario, wii

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(Page 1) Reader Comments

Petrie: Sep 7th 2006; 10:05AM

It makes sense for Nntendo to move the title over. All the new Wii owners are going to be looking to buy Wii games this holiday. Mommy and Daddy don't understand that it plays GameCube games as well, and will be looking for that all important Mario title to go with their new Nintendo system, not one that says it's for the GameCube.

Toothy: Sep 7th 2006; 10:05AM

nooo.. ! I was looking forward watching dvds on my revo.
truth to be told, i dont have a dvd player, and i accidently locked my ps2 parent control setting and i dont know the password.

the only dvd player i have is in the living room, but i dont want to haul it back to my room everytime i want to watch a movie. augh !

C. Grant: Sep 7th 2006; 10:08AM

Yeah, but what about Gamecube owners who've been left high and dry by a company that considers them expendable? Nintendo is cutting their losses and leaving the Cube for dead. If this was Sony, fanboys would be grabbing their pitchforks and torches right about now.

LordIcarus: Sep 7th 2006; 10:09AM

Not that this will affect my decision to purchase a Wii... but I think the lack of DVD playback will definitely hurt them big time. As for Super Paper Mario... meh...

Martin: Sep 7th 2006; 10:10AM

I dont think we lose that much regarding the loss of dvd playback. I dont know what a dvd player cost in other countries, but in mine they are very cheap, and anyone who is interessed in playing dvd already has a player.

Derbeste: Sep 7th 2006; 10:12AM

Not having DVD playback would seem like a monumental waist considering the controller is essentially a DVD REMOTE CONTROL.

However, I just have to ask....

Would you navigate through the DVD OS with bottuns or gestures? Finally, for the first time...TRUE freestyle DVD control!

....and now for something completely different.

Brandon: Sep 7th 2006; 10:12AM

A lack of DVD playback will not hurt Wii at all. Everyone who will buy a Wii already has a DVD player. Besides, it's all about the next generation DVD players now - haven't you heard?

Paul P.: Sep 7th 2006; 10:16AM

Nintendo can't leave the Cube for dead, because the Cube already IS dead. I say don't feed the cadaver.

Josh*: Sep 7th 2006; 10:17AM

How hard would it be to brand the boxart with "Wii / Gamecube" or similar? I can't think of any significant Wii functuonality they'd add. Maybe a few gimmicky minigames that do nothing but ostracise GC gamers.

It'd sell much better as a crossplatform effort, a way to smooth the transition.

socrates: Sep 7th 2006; 10:17AM

Toothy - the PS2 parental code can be reset.

Either enter in a restricted disc, or go to the DVD setup menu and select parental control under custom setup. Then press select, and put in the code "7444" (I forget if you have to hold down select or not).

A DVDless Wii would be amusing, if just for all of those folks who love to get frothy at the mouth when accusing Sony of all of that "lying" they've done (since just not saying anything is vastly superior to being honest about development plans).

dvdguy: Sep 7th 2006; 10:18AM

Nintendo lied! And more recently than Sony!! So therefore in retarded fanboy logic: back to the PS3 for me!

Moogle: Sep 7th 2006; 10:22AM

I'm getting a Wii, I don't have a dvd player, and I'm insterested in playing DVDs on my Wii.

I used to use my computer to play DVDs, but since I got out of college, it's too much of a pain to move my computer from the office so my s-video cable reaches the TV.

It'll annoy me a bit if it doesn't play DVDs, but I guess I'll live. My TV has hardly been turned on in the past year anyway, except for some Metroid Prime Echoes and Geist deathmatch with the GF's kid brother when he visits.

Vancaeyzeele: Sep 7th 2006; 10:23AM

wasn't the speculation that there would be a core and a lite system with only the Wii core system being able to play dvd's?

I won't care, i have one already that is meant to play dvd's, can play divx etc and only costed 40€. I would however be dissapointed if the Wii costed 250€ and could not play a dvd, it it costs 200€ or less i'd understand.

I am more concerned about paying for games that i already own (retro) then playing dvd's...

john: Sep 7th 2006; 10:24AM

I don't remember Nintendo ever promising DVD playback. In fact I seem to recall something about a dongle to support DVD video (something about licensing fees, like the XBOX remote).

32_Footsteps: Sep 7th 2006; 10:24AM

I already have five different devices in my house that play DVDs (two computers, two DVD players, and my PS2). I'm not going to shed a tear if I don't get a sixth. Considering that you can get a workable DVD player these days for $50-$75 (depending on where you are), I don't think it'll hurt Nintendo all that much.

Unless Nintendo is really going to overhaul everything, though, pushing this to the Wii makes no sense. After all, Wii owners will be able to play this just as easily as GC owners.

Jason: Sep 7th 2006; 10:25AM

How do people not have DVD players? If you don't own a DVD player you should probably purchase one of those before you spend $250 on a Wii this year.

whiskers: Sep 7th 2006; 10:31AM

fucking nintendo!

Evan: Sep 7th 2006; 10:32AM

I wonder if Nintendo could create Wii-enhanced GameCube games, the way some GameBoy Color games were "GBA-enhanced"?

Josh*: Sep 7th 2006; 10:32AM

Buh, I always thought DVD playback would be an optional extra...?

Chris: Sep 7th 2006; 10:33AM

Why wouldn't it have dvd playback?

A 12" optical disc is a dvd. A gamecube disc is basically a dvd encripted for GC.

Amir: Sep 7th 2006; 10:34AM

Boo for no DVD playback.

I was hoping (in vain) that it could do some natty divX decoding so I could watch all my compressed stuff on the telly, because I don't give 2 shits about HD, not on an Argos special telly.

Bob Johnson: Sep 7th 2006; 10:37AM

The reason it needs to have DVD playback is because it will use the only video input available on the majority of televisions that it is hooked up to making a DVD / Wii combo a pain because of cable swapping.

Zell: Sep 7th 2006; 10:40AM

I honestly can't say I care if they pull DVD playback, but that's because I have a DVD player in my living room right where I plan on putting my Wii (teeheeee!). My Gamecube'll stay in my bedroom (where I also have a DVD player). Can't say it bothers me either that the title will be moved over. I think it's essentially a good move considering, dare I say, most 'Cube enthusiasts probably plan on getting a Wii anyway.

Paul P.: Sep 7th 2006; 10:41AM

The Majority of TV's only have 1 video input? What is this, 1985? It's your kids Marty, something's gotta be done about your kids!

The Intangible Fact: Sep 7th 2006; 10:42AM

On the Negative side: WTF!!! The Wii better cost only $150 for that BS.

On the Other side: Its a video game console not a dvd console.

Still: It better be f***ing cheap. I have been bitching about Sony screwing us and now I think I had a change of heart!

Nintendo is screwing us to! The Wii better be cheap for what we are getting. $150 at the most. Im not getting ripped off for dated hardware and graphics.

Tobor: Sep 7th 2006; 10:42AM

Nintendo is not leaving anyhting out. They have always said that DVD playback would require a dongle(that will not be free). This way they do not have to raise the cost of the Wii to pay for the DVD licenses. The licenses would be covered in the cost of the optional dongle. This is exactly how Microsoft did it for the original Xbox. I have no problem with this, as I want the cost of the Wii to be as low as possible.

If you actually read Matts blog entry, he is speculating that they won't release the dongle at all. They can always release it later if there is a demand for it(which I doubt there will be).

christopher7xii: Sep 7th 2006; 10:42AM

"20. Why wouldn't it have dvd playback?

A 12" optical disc is a dvd. A gamecube disc is basically a dvd encripted for GC."

The same reason the Xbox doesn't have DVD playback out of the box. They want to milk you for more $$.

Really sucks that they yanked paper mario. Lord knows if Sony had that happen, there'd be an outrage of how horrible sony is. Say if God of War 2 was announced PS3 only like 2 months before its scheduled release... Yet nintendo does it with possibly the only interesting game coming to the GC within the next year (or I guess forever), and nobody even bats an eye.

Roddie: Sep 7th 2006; 10:43AM

Chris, I think you mean 12cm disc ;)

epobirs: Sep 7th 2006; 10:44AM

Hadn't it already been announced the Wii DVD playback would be enable by an add-on license token, very similar to the Xbox? THus only those desiring to play DVDs pay the license fee?

Rushg60: Sep 7th 2006; 10:44AM

Not having DVD will definately hurt the Wii! DVD is par for the course for (at least) this generation. You may have a DVD player at your home or your parents home. But what if your 18 and moving to a dorm. If your technically inclined you may bring your setup with you. But what if you just want to live "light" and want some entertainment? I don't want to get the fanboys up in arms here, but believe it or not, the Wii is competing a lot with the PS2Slim on cost and audience.

OOOOPs: Sep 7th 2006; 10:48AM

Only Nintendo can get away with repackaging a GameCube with a new controller, and charging more for it to boot.

And not having DVD playback; if this were Sony, all the Wiitards and xbots would be saying crap like 'final nail in the coffin for PS3' etc.

-Dom: Sep 7th 2006; 10:49AM

Have to remember that this is still a "rumor." Don't care either way myself since I like a few people on here have a last generation console and a dvd player at the house. Plus like others said dvd players are ridiculously cheap now a days. I bought one on "black friday" the day after thanksgiving for $9 and it will play everything I throw at it, even converts PAL to NTSC so the lack of dvd support is not going to make or break the Wii.

-Dom: Sep 7th 2006; 10:51AM

@ 31 Now remember Sony is not including an HDMI cable to utilize that shiney new technology known as blu-ray that is "must have for HD gaming" so I think Nintendo charging $20 to watch dvds is not that big of a deal.

computer gamer: Sep 7th 2006; 10:57AM

I've had a Cube for ages (the only last gen console I have in fact) and have enjoyed quite a few first party and some third party games on it (RE4 anyone?). However, I think this makes perfect sense, it really is up to Nintendo to use what ammo they have to make Wii a success for every gamers sake (including cube players).

If this makes one more person buy a Wii instead of hanging on to a cube then it's worked, and from the software sales point of view the audience for Wii is surely going to be far larger than the dwindling audience for Gamecube.

I still love my GC and won't get rid of it, but just as I moved from GB to GBA to GBASP to DS I can move from GC to Wii so there really is no big deal here. Anyone who absolutely MUST play Paper Mario is going to want to own a Wii anyway for all their other favourite games in the next gen.

gbxr: Sep 7th 2006; 11:00AM

Loosing DVD would go with the Nintendo policy of having "pure" gaming consoles, but hay Nintendo - having a console with a remote that plays Game DVDs and not Film DVD is like ridiculous.

delerious: Sep 7th 2006; 11:07AM

Didn't Nintendo say, at first, that DVD playback would be optional? Why is there being a fuss about losing it when it's suppose to be optional. Nintendo hasn't said anything else regarding the matter, so I will wait 'til the 14th for more information.
If they don't include it, it's fine by me, I have a stand alone DVD player. But if they do, I'm tossing that old JVC POS.

I will speculate an USB attachment that will enable playback, if they are still considering it as being optional.

My focus on Wii is the games, and I won't be watching movies with that thing around, unless it's on the Wii.

The Intangible Fact: Sep 7th 2006; 11:09AM

Bottom Line...greedy....Capitalism! I don't know who is the WORST, Microsoft, Sony OR Nintendo.

Who do you think is?

Judd: Sep 7th 2006; 11:13AM

Ok, now there really is no reason at all to keep a Gamecube. I was thinking of getting either Twilight Princess, or Super Paper Mario, but if I'm getting a Wii give me one reason to keep the system. I suggest everyone trade their systems ASAP before Gamestop starts giving us 5 bucks for the system.

Leper Messiah: Sep 7th 2006; 11:14AM

As someone who plans to and has the money to buy a Wii at launch, this Super Paper Mario news is pretty good, granted it turns out to be true. Hopefully, with the little time they have to upgrade it will at least not make it suck, but I doubt they could pull off a huge mario gameplay revolution when its only been in development for the Wii for a small number of months. Having a mario platformer at launch is never a bad thing though, and I think thats the main reason Nintendo chose to do it for the Wii, granted this is all true.

And as far as the DVD playback goes, its dissappointing, but not as dissappointing as something that would have affected gameplay being ommitted. Honestly, how much could another DVD player around the house hurt?

Meddow: Sep 7th 2006; 11:15AM

*yawn*, Nintendo said months ago about the dongle

Derbeste: Sep 7th 2006; 11:20AM

Dear hell, People....

CHILL OUT!

This isn't even a rumor! It's ONE guys SPECULATION.

"Casamassina also points to a blog post where he SPECULATES that the Wii will not ship with PREVIOUSLY-ANNOUNCED DVD-playback."

We we have a blog...posting speculations of ANOTHER blog even though both state that Nintendo has already announced DVD playback.

Tell you what...name me ONE announcement Nintendo has made about the Wii that they have not been able to deliver. Just ONE.

You can't. Cuz unlike certain "other" companies, Nintendo keeps their trap shut until they know what they can and can't do. They announced DVD playback. So it will be there in one form or another.

It will probably be a dongle which makes SENSE. Don't gamers bitch all the time that they should have a CHOICE? Don't Nintendo/MS-bots flame Sony for including a BD player they may not use thereby jacking up the PS3 price $200?

Seems to me Nintendo is being smart by not making the same mistake.

bm: Sep 7th 2006; 11:24AM

Wow, you fanboys sure are quick to jump the gun, jesus christ. Read the fucking article, it's *speculation* by some website guy.

reefdog: Sep 7th 2006; 11:24AM

"Read between the lines" + "released for Wii" + "unchanged Oct. 9 release date" = Wii on 10/9? One can only hope.

bm: Sep 7th 2006; 11:25AM

"Ok, now there really is no reason at all to keep a Gamecube. I was thinking of getting either Twilight Princess, or Super Paper Mario, but if I'm getting a Wii give me one reason to keep the system. I suggest everyone trade their systems ASAP before Gamestop starts giving us 5 bucks for the system."

Well duh, if you're getting a Wii there is no reason to keep a Cube around no matter how many awesome games it has, because they all play on the Wii anyway. Just like there's no reason to keep a PS1 if you own a PS2, or an Xbox if you own an xbox360 (if all your games are on the BC list anyway). What was your point?

If you mean to imply "the cube has no games lol" well then, I could make a list of all the Cube exclusives that no self respecting gamer should go without, but if that's what you think then you're beyond reason anyway, so whatever.

reefdog: Sep 7th 2006; 11:26AM

And yeah, the DVD playback may or may not surface. If it doesn't, poo on N for not keeping a promise. If it does, I just hope it's not standard so those of us with DVD players don't have to pay the extra scrilla for the DVD licensing fees.

"Chill" is, indeed, the word of the hour.

Marc: Sep 7th 2006; 11:27AM

Guys, this IS just a rumor.

My guess is that the Wii still has DVD playback, but Nintendo hasn't said anything about it because it isn't a big deal right now.

They are probably much more worried about when to release the Wii, if they can have enough units at launch, and if the controller will work properly.

Worrying about if the Wii plays DVD movies is definately at the bottom of their "Get-this-done-before-the-console's-launch" list.

Bowser: Sep 7th 2006; 11:29AM

Losing the DVD playback functionality may be a cost-cutting measure. I'm pretty sure that if the Wii came with DVD playback functionality out of the box Nintendo would have to pay royalty fees to the MPAA for every Wii sold. But, if they sell DVD Playback seperately as an addon, then Nintendo can pass on those costs to the consumers who really want to play DVDs on the Wii, while keeping the cost of the base system low for people who just want to play games on it.

Besides, you can get a DVD player for about the same price as a DVD movie nowadays, so who cares.

LaughingTarget: Sep 7th 2006; 11:32AM

I know this is bias coming from a competing review outlet, but guys, it's IGN. That should be enough to ignore.

Ultimatallica: Sep 7th 2006; 11:34AM

Considering that the Wii can do everything the GC can do using the same equipment, it's time for Nintendo to drop GC support. I know it alienates some gamers, but honestly, the Wii isn't going to be too incredibly expensive, and it's more than worth it to upgrade.

GregZ: Sep 7th 2006; 11:39AM

If it means taking $20 off the price, Nintendo should scrap the feature. Everyone* already owns a DVD player of some fashion, so Nintendo isn’t really letting anyone down here. This might have been a different debate when the Dolphin was prepping for release, but today it’s not a loss.

*not including my grandmother, who is quite content with her VCR.

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