Enhanced DVD-capable Wii coming in '07 [update 2]
by Christopher Grant 
{ Oct 30th 2006 at 2:25PM }
[Update: We've been able to confirm that this information does appear in the December issue of Edge Magazine.][Update 2: A Nintendo spokesperson told GamesIndustry.biz, "There are currently plans to release a version of Wii in Japan featuring DVD playback," continuing, "There are currently no plans to bring this model to Europe or the US." Uh, okay. Why wasn't this built-in in the first place, or at least an optional upgrade?]
We know Nintendo loves to update their hardware. For evidence of this trend, we direct your attention to the top-loading NES, the redesigned SNES, the Game Boy Pocket, the Game Boy Color, the Game Boy Advance SP, the Game Boy micro, and the DS Lite. Can we agree? Good. They do it to encourage fence sitters to get on down off that fence (it's gotta hurt anyways), and they do it to get those hardcore fans to buy two of what is essentially the same product. And, according to the new Edge magazine, by way of an unsubstantiated NeoGAF post, Nintendo will release an "enhanced Wii" capable of DVD movie playback in Japan in 2007.
If this sounds familiar, it's because they sort of did just that in 2001 when they partnered with Panasonic to release the Japanese-only Gamecube and DVD-playin' Q. With the Xbox 360 and PS3 playing not only DVDs but high-def DVDs as well, perhaps Nintendo is considering such an option, but why not a dongle or paid software update for existing Wii owners, to absorb the DVD licensing costs while giving every Wii owner the option?
According to GamePro, Reggie Fils-Aime teased at a Gamestop retreat that there would be "another big Wii revelation around launch time." We doubt they're going to announce an enhanced model around launch time, which means there's still a chance the virtual reality helmet will finally come to fruition*.
Also rumored in the same post: CNN will provide the "news content in the News Channel" (is this thing gonna have RSS?) and Sega is moving devs off the PS3 to the Wii. We'll see ... anyone have their copy of Edge yet?
[Via Engadget]
*Made you look! Seriously though ... it's a holographic projector.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Eaode @ Oct 30th 2006 2:34PM
Seems kinda fishy. Good thing I don't care about DVD playback
Risse @ Oct 30th 2006 2:34PM
Pretty typical Nintendo. ^^ I don't think I'm going to buy, since we already have 2 dvd players and 2 computers in the house. That's enough for me. HD-DVD is another thing then...
Btw, does Wii have RSS reader? That would be really handy.
diego @ Oct 30th 2006 3:33PM
What Reggie might be reffering to is a secret launch title no one knows about. Remember diddy kong racing?
Mullinator @ Oct 30th 2006 2:47PM
Not going to happen but it would be absolutely hilarious if a movie enabled Wii was released that had one of those HD-DVD and Blu-ray all in one players.
crono141 @ Oct 30th 2006 2:42PM
Maybe the "really big announcement" is the technical specs, and they'll actually be 3 to 5 times better than what everybody thinks...
Or 720p support (upscaling w/ AA)
Or Dreamcast and/or Saturn games on VC (that would be huge)
Or it plays PS1 games too (no chance in hell :)
Or it runs homebrew code with no hacks required. (probly not)
Who knows... not me. I just like rumor-mongering.
Bonanza Bill @ Oct 30th 2006 2:43PM
Yes, I read this in EDGE as well. They didn't make a big deal out of it...just sort of mentioned it.
As they tend to do.
Tob3z @ Oct 30th 2006 2:50PM
Does the Wii that retail have that cool blue glow LED around the disc drive like in the picture?
Matt @ Oct 30th 2006 2:45PM
This is why I'm not buying a Wii at launch. I will at least wait for a black console (which will probably be 1.5 years for america) and those rechargeable controllers.
Agent MOO @ Oct 30th 2006 2:46PM
Why do you need a dvd player function in a game console?
Colon D @ Oct 30th 2006 2:48PM
Oh ffs; I was thinking about picking up Edge when in Tesco today. Bollocks!
ill trooper @ Oct 30th 2006 2:46PM
Another SKU, huh? Well, my prediction is a BLACK housing on this one...
I wish they would just put it in the Wii that's coming out in a few weeks... SOOO stupid to not include it in my opinion. NO good reason, although I'm sure someone here will go on and on (and on) about how they own 4 DVD players already, etc...
...but how many inputs do you have on your TV? What kind of family system ships in 2006 without the ability to play 'The Incredibles' or 'Finding Nemo?'
And RSS would be cool!
Nintendo_Fanboy @ Oct 30th 2006 2:51PM
Dear Nintendo,
If you don't make the DVD reader a software download or a peripheral to the launch day Wii, nobody will buy it.
The only fanboy with half a brain,
Nintendo_Fanboy
P.S. I know that Nintendo isn'g reading this, but I still like the idea of a reply in the form of a letter.
Chris @ Oct 30th 2006 2:54PM
Well, since the Wii-discs are based on DVDs I can't see why they can't just "sell" the DVD-drivers with Wii-points.
CR @ Oct 30th 2006 2:51PM
The only thing I wish the Wii would do is what's known as "free anti-aliasing". This would instantly make everything on the Wii look a lot nicer without any effort on the developers.
Too bad this is asking for the moon
Psaakyrn @ Oct 30th 2006 2:55PM
The only "really big announcement" they need is the release schedule for Metriod, Mario, SMBB, Wario Ware, and any other big games they have planned. (My opinion, so do not be mistaken for general opinion.)
Flit @ Oct 30th 2006 2:55PM
12. Dear Nintendo,
If you don't make the DVD reader a software download or a peripheral to the launch day Wii, nobody will buy it."
What? Total flamebait. The only reason someone would buy a Wii is for DVD playback? Boy, if this were true, sony=Explosive Genious!
I know all i care about in a game system is... wait for it...
Games.
Night Elve @ Oct 30th 2006 2:57PM
Nintendo_Fanboy,
Dear Nintendo_Fanboy we really like to ripoff our customers because we know that they will buy another Wii even if the only difference is the color and the logo is a bit more shiny.
Truly yours Nintendo.
Bonanza Bill @ Oct 30th 2006 2:59PM
It'll probably be another Panasonic Q as mentioned in the post (Qii?) and as such, won't see the light of day outside Japan.
crono141 @ Oct 30th 2006 2:59PM
Flit, I think he meant that nobody would buy the launch wii if there is a DVD wii coming in a few months OR he meant that nobody would buy the DVD wii unless it were just a software/firmware upgrade.
One of those...
DWells55 @ Oct 30th 2006 3:00PM
There's no hardware update required to playback a DVD. The Wii's drive is just a standard DVD drive, the only reason it doesn't play DVD movies is because of the licensing fees associated with the DVD movie format. This is why Mircrosoft chose to make the DVD playback optional for the original Xbox - so that consumers would not have to pay a higher price for DVD playback unless they were actually going to use it, and Microsoft paid for the fees for each peripheral sold.
All the Wii would need to do is release a firmware or software update. And, based on the disc included with the Wii (Wii Start-Up Disc), I would assume that it is entirely possible. If anyone manages to get homebrew running on the Wii, it would be as simple as porting a program such as VLC, which decodes DVDs on the software level.
The idea of a hardware changed Wii is absolutely rediculous. The most likely outlet would either be a disc distributed or digital distibuted firmware update for the system. And befor eyou poin tot the Panasonic Q, the only reason for that is because the GameCube couldn't physically fit a DVD disc.
ill trooper @ Oct 30th 2006 3:25PM
Flit, relax... He was referring to this rumored "Wii with DVD playback" - he's saying if it's not an optional upgrade for the launch-day wii units, no one will buy this new 'rumored' one.
Nytemare @ Oct 30th 2006 3:05PM
*Made you look! Seriously though ... it's a holographic projector.
JodyAnthony @ Oct 30th 2006 3:04PM
Most updates to previous nintendo items were pretty big things though (in other words, things that really upgraded the playing experience [notice I say MOST, not ALL])
*Top loading NES - more comfortable 'dogbone' controller, better contact with games (less blinking power light episodes)
*Gameboy Color - actually a slightly more powerful system, made so games could be more detailed (there were a handful of games that were gbc-only)
*GBA SP - Added lit screen, rechargable battery, screen protection
*DS Lite - brighter screen, better screen protection (system closes more), smaller size (supposedly more portable, although I had no time carrying my regular ds in my pocket. inside jacket pocket = best)
redesigned SNES? probably just because they could save money making it smaller? I don't know. Gameboy micro? Trying to make money off of idiots (see, I calls 'em like I sees 'em).
As it is, I don't see them releasing a new Wii in 6 months or a year or whatever just to add in DVD playback. Just my opinion, though.
Nytemare @ Oct 30th 2006 4:45PM
*rofl
Rabish12 @ Oct 30th 2006 3:11PM
Seems to me that they've never added anything in a remake of a system that hasn't simply made existing formats for the platform easier to deal with, improved the aesthetics of the system, or simply made it smaller. I can't see them adding support for a new medium entirely in a new version of the Wii.
I'm still expecting that dongle.
Jonn @ Oct 30th 2006 3:13PM
>I wish they would just put it in the Wii that's coming out in a few weeks... SOOO stupid to not include it in my opinion. NO good reason,<
Here's two: added cost and licensing fees.
>...but how many inputs do you have on your TV? What kind of family system ships in 2006 without the ability to play 'The Incredibles' or 'Finding Nemo?'<
And why is it no one who thinks the Wii should play DVD's refers to it as a video game console?
Daniel @ Oct 30th 2006 3:18PM
Psaakyrn - it's official that Wario Ware Smooth Moves is coming out on January 17, 2007.
PSWii360 Fanbot @ Oct 30th 2006 3:21PM
I think this could be considered interesting if the Wii had an optical audio out. Since it does not, I will continue to watch DVDs on my standalone player in DD 5.1. Although, navigation through menus could be very handy if the Wii controller were used. Imagine, pushing the A button while in the middle of the movie and icons for "pause, play, stop etc" come up and you just have to point and click. If there was optical out, it would instantly become my number 1 DVD player. But alas, this is unlikely.
As for the "other surprises" I would like to speculate on one point. Humor me if you will.
On the virtual console you can download your favorite Gamboy/Gameboy Color games, and then downlaod them onto your DS and then save them onto a flash cart. Imagine having 50 games on a cart. Now that would be sweet.
Perhaps it is just information on new virtual console games like Super Mario World, Zelda, Super Metroid, etc.
Knowing nintendo it will just be a lot of hype for a small announcement. Robert Summa anyone?
crono141 @ Oct 30th 2006 3:24PM
Yeah, nintendo's next big announcement:
Production of the GPU is well underway and on schedule :)
Blizz419 @ Oct 30th 2006 3:38PM
you guys do realize that it is only assumed that the Wii discs are DVD format, there has not been any official word on that, Nintendo has only stated that they are optical discs, and DVD, HD DVD nad Blu-Ray are all optical discs, though i'm sure they will be a variation of standard or dual layer DVD's its just not official yet, if i'm wrong please post a link proving otherwise.
32_Footsteps @ Oct 30th 2006 3:33PM
To be fair, most video game hardware gets at least one revision. The Sega Master System did, the Genesis did, the Saturn did, the first two PlayStations did... heck, even the TurboGrafx-16 did. In fact, looking over the history of the video game industry, it's really odd to find a console or portable that didn't completly bomb that didn't undergo a revision (Xbox and Gamecube, take a bow).
I have no idea what the surprise could be. But for those clamoring for DVD playback, I ask this - how many people bother with the DVD playback on the Xbox or PS2 at this point? If the number is sufficiently low, why bother adding it?
Sniper @ Oct 30th 2006 3:49PM
So wait i can play games AND movies on a game system my god where do i sign up
DarkTetsuya @ Oct 30th 2006 3:49PM
But Reggie, what happened to "And you probably already own a DVD player anyway"?
JodyAnthony @ Oct 30th 2006 3:56PM
Sniper and DarkTetsuya, you don't even have to "RTFA" as they say, the first word in the topic is "Rumor"
thrillho @ Oct 30th 2006 4:02PM
"30. What Reggie might be reffering to is a secret launch title no one knows about. Remember diddy kong racing?"
i remember that DS game... i also remember that DK bongo blast was taken off the GCN and moved to the wii, maybe thats the one you meant..
ill trooper @ Oct 30th 2006 5:29PM
Joe, not trying to argue with you, but
"Here's two [good reasons DVD playback isn't supported]: added cost and licensing fees."
Get realistic - DVD players are $40 and DVDs are in sale bins for $5. You want to go on the record saying a $250 console price can't cover any 'licensing?' You think Nintendo has saved us any money by not including it? I really doubt it.
I have nothing against lower prices, but it's getting to a point where Nintendo may be underfunding the 'revolution' that this awesome little device can be.
As for the $40 players, someone here might say 'Whyz Not buyz 1 of thozors and leave the Wii for us who only want to play teh Gamez?" No I don't want to go buy 'another DVD player,' I am looking to lower the amount of space taken up by boxes around my TV, streamline things as we enter into a 3-box video game era... If the Wii is so awesome, why make me leave the experience to watch a movie I bring home? Out of the 3 consoles out this year, the Wii is the one I am thinking I want to leave on as the default device/default input, it has the cool little weather and news, maybe an RSS, etc...
I'll put it this way, if the device can have a DVD or audio CD stuck in it, why not expect it to play the disk? It's a simple, logical conclusion in 2006 and beyond... I have to chuckle when I read allegorical posturing like "Why doesn't the group who wants DVD playback ever refer to the magical box as a gaming console? Could it be that said group doesn't understand the purity of the magical box? Lost souls, they be..."
If Nintendo themselves are putting RSS, messaging, web browsing, picture storage, etc. in the box, encouraging the always-on, "hub" aspect of this 'Gaming and Beyond' console, is it that weird to want DVD playback? I'm looking forward to getting one, but really...
Let me turn that on you: why do people who love the Wii, often without ever playing one (yes I've played on one), overlook (and then DEFEND with wild reaches in logic) such glaring curiosities such as 1) lack of large storage capacity, 2) no wired ethernet, 3) no DVD playback support despite using DVDs for storage? I won't mention the cap at 480p, as the Wii faithful tend to assume no games can be fun if the resolution goes higher, and why rile the luddites?
The lengths people go to defend these companies...
? @ Oct 30th 2006 4:20PM
If any of you all can read the article it states that retailers pushed Nintendo to raise the price. Anyone's response?
JodyAnthony @ Oct 30th 2006 4:37PM
#36, ?
Obviously everyones response is "Ya rite! y wud stores wan 2 sell gamecube1.006 4 mo munee? Nintedno FTL"
xdrewfacex @ Oct 30th 2006 4:44PM
26: i agree. DVD playback on wii would be sort of a waste to me without a digital audio out of some sort (optical or coax, i don't care).
for anyone not using a surround receiver for their gaming, however, DVD playback would be a plus.
i really really wish the wii had better audio options, though... there's really no reason it shouldn't.
Mr. Khan @ Oct 30th 2006 5:06PM
You guys do realize that IF Wii discs are just DVDs with a little extra "tag" to differentiate between Commercial DVD 9s, it would be a simple matter for the homebrew community to construct a small program that could be "run" as a virtual console game, and hence, DVD playback (of course, you could do the same thing to port Emulators to the Wii and have all sorts of cross-platform fun (as long as your SD Card could hold it)
And I do pray that they will give the release dates for Super Mario Galaxy, Metroid Prime 3, and Strikers: Charged (its online!)
Jim @ Oct 30th 2006 5:20PM
Seems odd that nobody else brought this up..
Nintendo will probably wait until there is a clear winner in the HiDef DVD war before they package something in the Wii.
diego @ Oct 30th 2006 5:38PM
"30. What Reggie might be reffering to is a secret launch title no one knows about. Remember diddy kong racing?"
i remember that DS game... i also remember that DK bongo blast was taken off the GCN and moved to the wii, maybe thats the one you meant..
Diddy kong racing was for the N64. and nintendo never announced it and there wasnt ANY press coverage until it was released.
Nintendo more than anyone, are notorius for droping "Megatons".
Alan Wii @ Oct 30th 2006 5:38PM
Wii games are on proprietary discs. Unique Nintendo made discs, just like the gamecubes except dvd size with more space. This allows for better security of the discs. So Wii games are not on dvds like the 360.
I don't think that Nintendo would release a newer model with dvd playback as they know that would anger a lot of people.
I hope they put Saturn/Gameboy and GBcolor games on the Virtual Console.
----Mii Want Wii----
xdrewfacex @ Oct 30th 2006 5:41PM
41: i think not including high-def gaming is fine because that would require significant hardware beef-ups which would raise the price. also, the lack of large storage capacity is the same. by including the usb and sd card ports, wii can potentially provide as much storage as a particular user wants, while not forcing those who will most likely not need it to pay for it. the no wired ethernet: nintendo is going to sell a usb/ethernet adaptor. problem solved there. wireless is more convenient, anyways.
as far as DVD playback goes, wii game discs will be proprietary. sure, they're the same size as a DVD, but i believe they will be read differently, similar to how gc discs were read differently. i guess i'm sort of on the fence about how i feel about the lack of dvd support in wii, but as i stated earlier, it would be useless to me anyways without some sort of digital audio out, which is so mainstream nowadays that nintendo should have included it.
FSK405K @ Oct 30th 2006 5:50PM
Actually, Nintendo likes to GIMP their hardware. The new NES couldn't use the Game Genie, the new SNES doesn't output in S-Video, and the new Gamecube doesn't allow component video. Watch out for a gimped Wii coming soon to a retailer near you.
Logan @ Oct 30th 2006 6:28PM
@ 42 "Nintendo more than anyone, are notorius for droping 'Megatons'."
Yes, such as the fact that the production of the GPU is well underway and on schedule...
striderhayasa @ Oct 30th 2006 6:53PM
DVD movie playback on Wii? "yaaawn" Whatever. I already have two DVD players and get a all region player for like...40 bucks. Pass.
Sega moving devs from PS3 to Wii? Sega can we Pleeeeeeease get a continuation of Shen Mue on Wii? Or a Virtual Fighter 5....oh gawd, THAT would be a megaton. Virutal Fighter 5 on Wii would turn me into a giddy schoolgirl. I know it's only rumor but that would make my year. I hate the fact that VF5 is only on PS3. Screw that, at least make it for 360 but seeing how that's dead in the water in japan...
Saturn games on VC would rock hard too though as would GBA games.
Jonathan @ Oct 30th 2006 7:08PM
Personally I think Sega moving more devs to Wii is the bigger story here. It seems like more developers are anticipating the Wii to sell really well.
I guess we'll all find out in due time...
Jonn @ Oct 30th 2006 8:12PM
It's "Jonn". Believe it. :)
>I'll put it this way, if the device can have a DVD or audio CD stuck in it, why not expect it to play the disk? It's a simple, logical conclusion in 2006 and beyond...<
Expectations=!reality.
>"Why doesn't the group who wants DVD playback ever refer to the magical box as a gaming console? Could it be that said group doesn't understand the purity of the magical box? Lost souls, they be..."<
That's inferred, not implied. I wanted the Wii to have a DVD player-I'm going off to college soon-but I can just buy the dongle or use my laptop. It ain't a dealbreaker. Not to say I'm not disappointed.
>If Nintendo themselves are putting RSS, messaging, web browsing, picture storage, etc. in the box, encouraging the always-on, "hub" aspect of this 'Gaming and Beyond' console, is it that weird to want DVD playback?<
No. No, it isn't.
>1) lack of large storage capacity,<
a. What, pray tell, would be taking up that half Gb? b. SD cards go for pennies on the meg.
>2) no wired ethernet<
Pushing Nintendo WiFi. Other than that mercenary decision, I can't see it, except possibly trying to reduce the amount of cables people would have in their living room.
>3) no DVD playback support despite using DVDs for storage?<
That hasn't been confirmed. All I've seen is "10cm Wii discs", not "Wii DVDs".
>I won't mention the cap at 480p, as the Wii faithful tend to assume no games can be fun if the resolution goes higher, and why rile the luddites?<
The market Nintendo's going for largely doesn't care about HDTV.
I can understand the reason, but it doesn't mean I agree with them.
Are You Serious? @ Oct 30th 2006 8:28PM
Personally, I would love for Game Boy inclusion in the virtual console. All of them too, from the OG to GBA. Or since GBA is still supported by its own machine and the DS, maybe make a USB attachment that plays every game boy game. That would be sweet. Nintendo has always had some kind of Game Boy player except with N64 (I think) so it could be possible.
Also, the news about Sega is huge. Bigger news would be support for Dreamcast and Saturn games.
Honestly though, I'm sold either way. Literally, as I've already pre-ordered a Wii. But whatever they do at this point is icing on the cake.