Joystiq

Wii installed base growing more quickly than PS2's did

JC Fletcher — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

During E3, Nintendo gave a presentation to analysts about the company's new offerings and its current status. Reggie Fils-Aime presented the above slide, which shows the startling truth about the Wii's installed base in the United States: in its fourth year on the market, it's larger than the ubiquitous PlayStation 2's installed base at the same point in its life, by a margin of almost five million units. Of course, the PS2 has had a spectacularly long lifespan after that, with Sony announcing 7.2 million units sold just last year.

Later in the presentation, Reggie revealed that around 300,000 units of the black Wii console have been sold since its May 9 introduction in North America, and Super Mario Galaxy 2 is "approaching 900,000 units here in the U.S."

Wii installed base growing more quickly than PS2's did originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Black Nintendo Wii bundle to include MotionPlus, Wii Sports Resort; available May 9

Andrew Yoon — Mon, 03 May 2010 08:08:00 EST

Nintendo of America has finally announced the availability of a new colored Wii for North America. First spotted in a leaked GameStop ad, new Nintendo Wii bundles -- available in black or white -- will include a Wii MotionPlus and Wii Sports Resort. This is essentially the same bundle that has been available in Europe since late last year.

The enhanced bundles will be available at retail stores beginning May 9th for the same price as the current Wii package: $199.99. While it may not be the price drop some have been waiting for, Nintendo's Reggie Fils-Aime thinks the new bundle adds even more "value." In a press release, he stated: "By including even more of our top-quality hardware and software in the basic Wii system package, we're extending that commitment to entertainment and value. Now more than ever, consumers can count on Nintendo to deliver inclusive fun and advanced motion controls at a mass-market price."

Black Nintendo Wii bundle to include MotionPlus, Wii Sports Resort; available May 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 May 2010 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Leaked GameStop ad reveals black Wii bundle

JC Fletcher — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST

If you've been waiting for a chance to buy one of those lovely black Wii systems that every region in the world except for North America has, your chance may come soon. An image of a purported GameStop display ad acquired by Kotaku shows a bundle, containing a black Wii, a Wiimote and MotionPlus, and both Wii Sportses, for $200. Kotaku asserts that this ad was not to be placed in stores until May 4.

Earlier rumors suggest that the black Wii would be released in the U.S. on May 9 and in Canada on May 23, a timeline that roughly fits in with the supposed timing of the GameStop ad. When we spoke to Nintendo yesterday about those rumors, the company told us only that it "does not comment on rumors or speculation." Additionally, an Amazon rep told Joystiq, "There has been no official announcement from Nintendo" about the black system's release date in North America.

Rumor: Leaked GameStop ad reveals black Wii bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo Australia drops Wii price

JC Fletcher — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:30:00 EST

Nintendo of Australia is dropping prices left and right! That is, if you imagine a DSi on the left and a Wii on the right. The company announced a substantial price drop for the Wii console today, from its original AU $399.95 (US $369) down to AU $299.95 (US $277). The new price is still painfully expensive compared to other regions, but it's better. And EBGames is sweetening the deal by throwing in The Bigs 2 and Overlord: Dark Legend.

The price drop is taking place concurrently with the release of Monster Hunter Tri, making Capcom's ARPG essentially the unofficial "launch" game for the new, cheaper Wii. If you buy that and the black Wii, it's sort of like you bought a bundle!

[Thanks, Alejandro]

Nintendo Australia drops Wii price originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New DSi bundle, Q1 games dated in Europe

JC Fletcher — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST

Much as it did for North America, Nintendo just tossed out a huge list of release dates for Europe in Q1. And right at the top of the list is a new DSi hardware bundle, to be released on February 12. If you don't feel like holding out one more month for the out-sized DSi XL, you can get a pink DSi with a copy of Nintendo Presents Style Boutique.

In other hardware news, the company announced that it will continue offering the previously limited-edition black Wii bundle, which includes both Wii Sportses, a Wiimote, a Nunchuk, and a MotionPlus.

As for the games, there's a lot coming up on Wii and DS in the next few months, including both Tatsunoko vs. Capcom and Ace Attorney Investigations from Capcom, Silent Hill: Shattered Memories, Phantasy Star Zero, Excitebike World Rally and more.

Source (PDF link)

New DSi bundle, Q1 games dated in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Black Wii, holiday demand lead to big sales boost in Europe

JC Fletcher — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST

The black Wii system, originally released concurrently with Monster Hunter Tri in Japan, is now in stores across Europe. And Nintendo is doing its best to keep it there, despite increased demand. According to MCV, demand for the console has risen 60% in the last week, and distributor Nindie.com is working "round the clock" to keep shipments going briskly.

"Of course it would be wrong to attribute all of this to Black Wii as we're all starting to see a natural peak season uplift on all hardware," senior Nintendo product manager Rob Lowe said. But Wii sales have apparently doubled following the release of the smart-looking black system. And, Lowe reminds buyers, "It is a limited edition version of the console so currently we only have plans for it to be available in 2009." That should have some effect on demand as well.

Black Wii, holiday demand lead to big sales boost in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PAL PSA: Black Wii bundle now available for pre-order, discounted in UK

JC Fletcher — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:02:00 EST

We've got some welcome news for European readers who somehow don't already own a Wii -- or for those of you who already have one, but just can't resist the temptation of the new black model. Amazon.uk has opened pre-orders for the new Wii Sports Resort bundle, which includes a Wiimote, a Nunchuk and a MotionPlus all dressed in black, along with both Wii Sports games. The bundle will ship on November 6 and is available on additional Amazon branches, as well; though the release dates for other European territories is November 20.

The UK pre-order price is even discounted a bit to £164.99 (roughly $270) -- the same bundle in boring old white normally retails for £179.99. (The black and white bundles are priced the same, at €209.99, elsewhere in Europe.) The white bundle, however, includes your choice of two additional games -- a small sacrifice for that spooky black coating, we say.

As for you importers, we suppose this could be the ideal time to pursue a PAL model, if you simply can't wait for the black system to be announced for North America. Then again, in doing so, you'll also have to import all of your games. Patience.

[Via Engadget]

PAL PSA: Black Wii bundle now available for pre-order, discounted in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Black Wii system going to Europe as part of Wii Sports Resort bundle

JC Fletcher — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:32:00 EST

Nintendo UK will release the black Wii system on November 6, as part of a limited edition bundle including matching Wii Remote, Nunchuk, and MotionPlus peripherals, and both Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort. This bundle will be available elsewhere in Europe on November 20.

Along with the black bundle, Nintendo is releasing the black Classic Controller Pro accessory. No price has been announced for any of these items. Nintendo of America has yet to announce any plans to release any of these items -- in fact, it has announced that there are no plans. But, really, it's waiting until every holdout gets impatient and buys a white system.

Black Wii system going to Europe as part of Wii Sports Resort bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Black Wiimote, MotionPlus, and Nunchuk out before Black Friday

JC Fletcher — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:45:00 EST

If you've been holding off on inviting friends over because you've been waiting to pick up some cool black controllers, good news! You'll be able to remove yourself from multiplayer exile and play some Wii Sports Resort next month.

On November 16, Nintendo will release the black Wiimote and MotionPlus bundle for $50, and the matching black Nunchuk for $20. From then on, it will be a race to be the first person to reference Wesley Snipes' signature line from Passenger 57 in multiplayer games. Of course, you'll then also have to win or you'll sound stupid.

Black Wiimote, MotionPlus, and Nunchuk out before Black Friday originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo has no plans for black Wii in US

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:45:00 EST

Nintendo has stated it has no plans to release other colors of Wii in the US -- including the sleek black Wii launching in Japan on August 1. A Nintendo rep informed GameDaily of the devastating news, which we, of course, will take with a brick of salt. We know Nintendo to be a lie factory about its products, so we'll wait and see.

Once -- if -- Wii sales ever drop off, we expect a freakin' deluge of Wii colors that'll make a gay Pride parade look like a drab, colorless scene out of Killzone 2.

[Thanks, Ash!]

Nintendo has no plans for black Wii in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Black Wii system comes in a black Wii box

JC Fletcher — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST

The black Wii hardware launches in Japan on August 1. Amazon.co.jp's listing for the item features the box that it comes in, which is, naturally, similar to the existing Wii hardware packaging, but in black instead of white. Like the hardware itself and the controllers (particularly the Nunchuk) the change in color scheme makes the box look so much more interesting.

After the break, we've posted the original white box for comparison. Is this new system worth the double-dip now that it also includes a display-worthy box? Still no, but it sure is nice to look at on the internet. The only downside for this new color scheme is that it'll be even more prone to the "dust" jokes that console warriors like to throw around, since it will actually show dust.

[Via NeoGAF]

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Black Wii system comes in a black Wii box originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Black Wii, blue controllers on display at World Hobby Fair

JC Fletcher — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:15:00 EST

During this weekend's World Hobby Fair, both Capcom and Nintendo had booths set up, showing off the new Wii colors and accessories. Capcom's booth had the Monster Hunter 3 bundles as part of its Monster Hunter display, and Nintendo had the blue Wiimote and Nunchuk, of course, to promote Wii Sports Resort -- which, incidentally, was also the inspiration behind a very nice set of giveaway items.

The Nunchuk has always been shiny on top and matte on bottom, but it's much more noticeable, and nice-looking, on the black version. Somehow, the Wiimote jacket also looks cool in matte black, despite being a Wiimote jacket. The Classic Controller Pro, as well, looks like much more of an upgrade in shiny black plastic. Head past the break to see the blue Wii Sports controllers.

Continue reading Black Wii, blue controllers on display at World Hobby Fair

Black Wii, blue controllers on display at World Hobby Fair originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Capcom bundling Monster Hunter 3 with black Wii in Japan

JC Fletcher — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EST

Not only will a new black Wii be out in Japan this summer, prospective owners will have the option of buying it in a bundle with what will undoubtedly be 2009's biggest game for that region: Capcom's Monster Hunter 3 (Tri).

The Monster Hunter 3 bundle will be released on August 1, concurrent with the standalone version of the game, and will include the game, a black system, and a black Classic Controller Pro for 33,000 yen ($342). In addition, a black version of the MH3/Classic Controller Pro bundle will be sold for 8,490 yen ($88).

Despite the fact that the red DSi is coming out on the same day as Dragon Quest IX, no bundle has been announced for that yet.

[Via GAME Watch]

Capcom bundling Monster Hunter 3 with black Wii in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo releasing black Wii, red DSi this summer

JC Fletcher — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 03:05:00 EST

Our bingo card was off by just a couple of days. Nintendo didn't bother to introduce a new color for the Wii system during its E3 press conference ... or anywhere else in North America, for that matter. Japan got its own mini-megaton tonight in the form of a new black Wii system, which will release in Japan on August 1. In addition, accessories including the Wiimote, Classic Controller, and Classic Controller Pro, will also be released in black to coordinate with the new system and extract money from people who already have Wiis.

In addition, Nintendo announced that a red DSi system will launch in the region on July 11. No announcements have been made for any other region.
[Via Kotaku]

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Nintendo releasing black Wii, red DSi this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 03:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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