The only Wii post you'll ever need [update 3]

by Kyle Orland { Sep 15th 2006 at 1:25PM }

With the whirlwind of news and announcements swirling around the Wii over the past few days, we thought it might be handy to collect all the newly released information in one place for easy reference.

This round-up will be updated as more information continues to leak out and be collected. Notice anything we forgot or got wrong? Send us a tip.

(All information from Nintendo unless otherwise noted)

[Update 1: added Canadian price]
[Update 2: updated region-protection details]
[Update 3: A/V output and Mexican price added]

Launch Details	N. America	Japan	Europe / Britain	Australia
Date	Nov. 19	Dec. 2	Dec. 8	Dec. 7
System	$249.99* / $279.95CAN	¥25,000	€249 / £179	A$399.95
Games	$49.99** / $59.95CAN	¥4800-6800	€49-59 / £34-39	?
2000 Wii Points***	$20 / $24CAN	¥2000	€20 / £14	?
Remote	$39.99	¥3800	€39 / £29	?
Nunchuck / Classic Controller	$19.99	¥1800	€19 / £14	?
Launch games****	20 - 30	16 (list below)	15 - 20	?
Launch "window" games****	52 (full list)	27	?	20

* - One Mexican retailer is advertising the system for 4,490 pesos (Approx. $402) [Update 3]
** - Only confirmed for first-party games. Third-party games may be priced differently.
*** - Virtual console titles will cost 500 points (NES), 800 points (SNES) and 1000 points (N64)
**** - Numbers are tentative and subject to change. For our purposes, launch window is launch through Dec. 31, 2006

Included in the box: (all regions unless otherwise noted)

Wii Console (white)
Wii Remote with strap
Nunchuk
Wii AC Adapter
Wii Stereo AV Cable
Wii Stand
Wii Stand Plate
Wii Sensor Bar
Sensor Bar Stand
2x AA Batteries
Wii Sports (not included in Japan)

Hardware news:

~~First party Wii games will be region free. For third-party games it will be up to the publisher.~~ Nintendo has confirmed that Wii games will actually be region-encoded. [Update 2]
The system has "an AV Multi-output port for component, composite or S-video" according to wii.com. It is not clear what standard(s) the included cable supports [Update 3]
The system will not feature DVD playback as previously stated.
Internet connectivity is free, but the Opera browser will need to be bought and downloaded for an undisclosed price.
Newly unveiled Wii Channels will allow online news and weather reports, e-mail and message boards, as well as photo viewing/editing and avatar creation.
Nintendo aims to sell 4 million systems worldwide by the end of the calendar year and 6 million systems by the end of March '07

Game news:

Full list of planned Wii games in North America
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess will be available at launch for all territories. The GameCube version goes on sale Dec. 11.
Marquee Nintendo franchises Mario, Metroid and Smash Bros. are not expected until 2007.
Anywhere from 15 to 60 virtual console titles will be available by the end of the year (depending on the report/region). Nintendo promises ten new virtual console games per month after that.
Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario World and Super Mario 64 will be available for the U.S. virtual console at launch.
Metroid Prime 3 has a new control scheme geared towards expert players.
Wii Sports has two new sub-games, bowling and boxing.
UbiSoft revealed five previously unannounced games for the U.S. launch: Blazing Angels: Squadrons of WWII, Far Cry: Vengeance, GT Pro Series, Monster 4x4: World Circuit, and Open Season

Japanese launch games from Nintendo Japan

Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Wario Ware: Smooth Moves
Wii Sports
Wii Play
Red Steel
SD Gundam Revolution
Tamagotchi
"Ennichi no Tastsujin"
Trauma Center: Second Opinion
Elebits
Necro-nesia
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz
Pangya Golf
Wing Island
"Kororinpa"
"Machariku Domino"

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)

Caoz @ Sep 15th 2006 1:34PM

Has anyone preordered ? Where ?

jordan @ Sep 15th 2006 1:34PM

one update you need,

Opera browser is FREE until June 2007 for ALL territories...

Nice summary though guys, good job

.ed @ Sep 15th 2006 1:36PM

You will be able to message cell phones and computers from Wii Message Board.

more: http://my.opera.com/n

Lou D @ Sep 15th 2006 1:38PM

Shouldn't it read "promised to SHIP" not "promised to sell" 4 million units? No sale is guarranteed...

obo @ Sep 15th 2006 1:38PM

You forgot subsidization of the console.

/ducks

Austin @ Sep 15th 2006 1:39PM

I'm really hoping for a package deal on the remote and nunchuck, because $60 is ridiculous for a controller. (And is basically only is a "controller" with both, the way I see it.) Thankfully it's the only price I'm worried about, though. Everything else seems pretty reasonable.

mykie @ Sep 15th 2006 1:39PM

Wii Channels including the Mii creator, Photo Channel, Wii News, Weather, and Wii Shopping.

I just wish they would have called the virtual console currency Coins or Rupees. Points is used elsewhere...

Harry @ Sep 15th 2006 1:41PM

to Caoz-

I dunno, I called a few EB Games in Columbus, OH yesterday and none of them even knew a release date had been announced.

Could we get a "Where to PreOrdera Wii" Post going??

Derbeste @ Sep 15th 2006 1:40PM

Shouldn't you list the NA confirmed launched titles since the Wii is being launched in the U.S. first....and cuz...you know....very few of us are IN JAPAN? ;)

Jeremy @ Sep 15th 2006 1:41PM

How about no DVD playback?

Also you can preorder now at Amazon.com

Top Rope Suplex @ Sep 15th 2006 1:44PM

So if the systeme can check the weather... how long do you think until Nintendo utilizes that in a game? Thinking along the lines of the GameBoy game that used the sun...

Maybe this is the gimmick for Forever Blue (the diving game) - the conditions of the ocean are based in real-time?

Joel G @ Sep 16th 2006 5:55PM

Just for comparison sake [on the Controller price], the Xbox 360 controller is $50 new. So with that in mind, $60 is in the ballpark.

Chris @ Sep 15th 2006 1:49PM

Anyone hear anything about a component cable?

Nodnetni @ Sep 15th 2006 1:49PM

Still says they will email you when it becomes available at amazon.com.

Russell @ Sep 16th 2006 1:52AM

What I want to know is when (and if) I'll be able to find the Wii in a color other than white. I've already got a white 360 and I don't want too much of the same color.

Designerbradr @ Sep 15th 2006 1:52PM

Actually Lou D, #4, I believe Perrin Kaplan (if my memory serves) was quoted at the US event saying Nintendo is promising 4 Mil "sold". In other words, they forecast selling through that many by year's end. Listen to VGM Daily's podcast here. I think they mention it:

http://www.vgmfusion.com/index.php?id=151

I think this is a back-hand at Sony and MS, who usually use numbers "shipped", which they believe is as good as sold. Of course it depends on the perspective. "Sold" could mean to retail or to consumers.

cringer8 @ Sep 15th 2006 1:52PM

Yeah, I heard about that free browser 'til June story, too. Where did that originate? Is it true? If you download it *before* June, will you then have to pay for it after June, or are early adopters getting it straight up free?

bassbeast @ Sep 15th 2006 1:55PM

The Wii is officially $279 in Canada, for those who care.

White Rose Duelist @ Sep 15th 2006 2:06PM

Pokémon Revolution is also a Japanese launch title.

faboo @ Sep 15th 2006 1:57PM

they should have called Points, Coins... to pay hommage to all the Super Mario games. if i could transfer the number of coins i've collected over the years playing Mario, i could purchase any of the VC games!

Lou D @ Sep 15th 2006 1:58PM

@Designerbradr

You are referred to reporting sales figures. There are no sales figures and since predicting the future is impossible...it should read "promise to SHIP" and the 4 million number is the dig at Sony (and MS), not to mention the real worldwide launch.

Biggie @ Sep 15th 2006 1:58PM

CDN MSRP is $279.95 for the console and $59.95 for first party games.

http://www.nintendo.ca/cgi-bin/usersite/display_info.cgi?pageNum=5&lang=en&id=4251894

Probot @ Sep 15th 2006 1:59PM

The rumor about the browser being free until June is based on info from the Japanese website. 1up has a full story on it:

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3153671

Jay @ Sep 15th 2006 2:00PM

This is my favorite piece of info!

30 Turbo Graphix16 Titles at launch

Cobalt Dragon @ Sep 15th 2006 2:03PM

This link is the official release for canada for anyone that wants it.. http://www.nintendo.ca/cgi-bin/usersite/display_info.cgi?pageNum=5&lang=en&id=4251894

basic summary is Wii = $279.95 and first party games are $59.95 no price for extra wii-motes though

israfel555 @ Sep 15th 2006 2:04PM

I am 100% behind Austin (post #6) - I need a good bundle deal.

When anyone gets wind of any bundle deal at a B&M, please let us all know. I figure that they'll have plenty of that happening soon at online-only stores, but I need my Wii fix on Day One so the transaction has to take place in the Real. Hell, I'll even camp outside of Wal-Mart if I have to for a Wii + extra controller and Zelda package (maybe shave $20 off for me, pretty please).

Let's see some links, people! LINKS! LINKSSSS!!!

schtum @ Sep 15th 2006 2:04PM

One question I haven't seen addressed anywhere: Is there a way to obtain "points" other than paying for them? e.g. 500 points for every game you register at Nintendo.com?

NATO_Duke @ Sep 15th 2006 5:06PM

I still haven't found anyone I would trust to pre-order from yet. No on Walmart, EB/Gamestop, Amazon, Target, and a bunch of others.

gameclu @ Sep 15th 2006 2:11PM

I'm personally happy about the initial price of the system. Then again, I assumed it would be $250 all along. The controllers, yeah, a bit pricy. But they'll come down eventually. And considering a lot of new tech resides in the wiimote, I can sorta understand the $60 price tag. Wii Sports is a bonus.

ill trooper @ Sep 15th 2006 2:13PM

Looking forward to it. I miss the DVD playback however. Yes, it's a big deal, no you won't convince me by saying a $20 DVD player is available, especially if, in the same breath, you're complaining about a $20 nunchuck.

WAIT A MINUTE... 'DIVING GAME?' Like "Aquanaut's Holiday?"

bassbeast @ Sep 15th 2006 2:14PM

I also doubt that the 2000 Wii Points for $24CAD is real, as it was a throwaway statement by Reggie. The important point would be that they were "pricing it appropriately based upon currency conversions" was the important part. That's not a fact set in stone, and mark my words, it'll be $22. Sure, I'm splitting hairs, but if this is to be "definitive" then dammit, that's what it's going to be!

kip @ Sep 15th 2006 2:17PM

Anyone know if the A/V cable will be the same as the one they used on SNES/N64/GC? I don't see any reason why they'd change that.. And what about component cables, will the GC component cables work on the Wii?

32_Footsteps @ Sep 15th 2006 2:19PM

You know, it just occurred to me to ask - what do people think is the likelihood of the third-party titles being more than $50?

On one hand, they're seriously restricting their market if they release games appreciably more than the first-party titles. Why buy the newest Capcom game for $60 when Nintendo is selling new games for $50? It behooves Capcom to also sell for $50.

However, things get dicey with cross-platform titles. If the next Madden was $50 on the Wii, but $60 on the other two consoles, they'd naturally see a stampede towards the $50 version (I think this is where ceretis paribus comes into play). However, I could see Sony and Microsoft both trying to take action against EA (or any other manufacturer that would try the same thing) and basically bullying the company into making the Wii version $60 as well.

Maybe it's just me, but I see lots of potential areas for legal issues (predatory pricing, blackmail, conspiracy, etc.) that could arise from the possible tier structure.

Dracula Jones @ Sep 15th 2006 2:21PM

The biggest missing info, in my opinion, is the component cable. Availability? Price?

Lou G @ Sep 15th 2006 2:33PM

What about thecolors. Are they going to come out with the different color wii's?

Mike @ Sep 15th 2006 2:26PM

So will the label on the box be "Wi" to signify the fact that you only get one controller?

Anonymous Hero @ Sep 15th 2006 2:27PM

you can pre-order them from www.lik-sang.com. of course, it's a crapshoot there but I DID get a navy blue DS lite at least three or four months in advance of US release for $200. worth it for the jealous looks on the subway. I personally trust them, but then again, I've had my 2 wii pre-orders there since April, so good luck suckers!

whitefinger @ Sep 15th 2006 2:27PM

#12 - A report on CNET said that the included AV cable would include composite AND component connections. I haven't seen this anywhere else, so I'm pretty doubtful.

Mike @ Sep 15th 2006 2:29PM

@Dracula Jones

I was thinking the same thing man. Does this thing even support 5.1? I doubt it.

Matthew @ Sep 15th 2006 2:29PM

Sorry to break it to you but apparently wii WON'T BE REGION FREE!
See here for details: http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/732/732982p1.html

Andrew @ Sep 15th 2006 2:37PM

Can the Wii only connect to internet wirelessly, or can I use a wired connection? (I really don't feel like buying a wireless router for just this thing)

whitefinger @ Sep 15th 2006 2:32PM

Here's the story, by the way:
http://reviews.cnet.com/4531-10921_7-6637970.html?tag=cnetfd.mt

Designerbradr @ Sep 15th 2006 2:32PM

@ Lou D,

No, I'm referring to Nintendo's benchmark they've set for themselves. Their GOAL is to sell 4 million consoles by year's end worldwide – that's only 43 days to do so. That this falls in line with their expected shipping numbers means they expect to sell out of ALL the inventory they provide.

When Nintendo issued a press release right after Sony's delay restating their commitment to 6 million units shipped worldwide by end of fiscal year, THAT was a slap at Sony's numbers.

If you know Nintendo, they usually report numbers sold to consumers. So I think by stating Nintendo's goal to "sell" rather than "ship" during a launch period, Nintendo pulled out the white bitch-slapping glove on the competition.

Probot @ Sep 15th 2006 2:34PM

32_footsteps,

Again, nothing else is equal. Madden on the Xbox 360 has online play, which won't be in the Wii version. That alone could justify the extra money for some people.

I think EA doesn't need any bullying from Sony or MS to raise the price of their games. They have seen that despite the increase, Madden is still the top selling game. Why shouldn't they increase the price if the demand is there?

The Wii version is cheaper to develop for, so they can't fall back on "increased dev cost" excuse. If EA just came out and said "We find this console transistion a good time to increase our profit margins, so games are now more expensive," would anyone really be offended.

Changing topics, wouldn't it make sense for Nintendo to up their price on games? They consistently sell better than any 3rd party games. Wouldn't that help others compete with Nintendo. I know the fan backlash would never let this happen, but the argument for it could be made.

Thryon @ Sep 15th 2006 2:35PM

@ 32_Footsteps
"the next Madden was $50 on the Wii, but $60 on the other two consoles, they'd naturally see a stampede towards the $50 version (I think this is where ceretis paribus comes into play)."

You need not wait for the Wii to have such a price structure. I just picked up NHL 07 and NHL 2K7 for the Xbox 360. They cost me $58.98 and $54.99 respectively. I could have purchased the same games for the regular Xbox at $34.99 for the EA NHL 07 and $19.99 for the 2K Sports version. So I paid an extra $58.99 just to have the "next-gen" versions....

Also, when the Xbox 360 came out, first party games by Microsoft sold for $59.99 and all others sold for $69.99. This did not stop CoD2, Oblivion and GRAW to sell a million copies each.

The Wii is more expensive than I expected, but I remember paying close to $800 for my SuperNES back in the days (this included 7 games mind you).

Michael @ Sep 15th 2006 2:37PM

How much are component cables going to cost? Can't do widecreen with regular composite.

BakaBaka @ Sep 15th 2006 2:40PM

I'm just wondering, did anyone ever confirm or deny a mic being on the remote? Also, was there ever any mention of interaction between the DS and the Wii?

hilker @ Sep 15th 2006 2:40PM

Cnet is reporting the AV cable will handle both composite and component video.

http://reviews.cnet.com/4531-10921_7-6637970.html?tag=cnetfd.mt

Amazon was taking preorders for a few hours this morning. Don't know if that was a glitch or if they only took them until they pre-sold their initial allotment or what.

Zell @ Sep 15th 2006 2:50PM

I just hope the Nintendo store takes preorders because that's the only place I really want to preorder from. They're usually good about having things in stock though. I'm so frickin' excited over the Wii, it's crazy. It's the first console I really want on launch day without even touching it.

October will fly by!

jason @ Sep 15th 2006 2:43PM

I am still curious if the Wii will support WPA PSK because I don't want to have to make my router less secure just to connect my Wii to the internet and WEP is useless.

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