Nintendo Wii launch dates and pricing

[RicoRoyal]

NA Price: $250
NA Date: Sunday, November 19th

Looks like The New York Times got ahead of Nintendo by just a bit.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/285027_nintendo14.html
http://wii.ign.com/articles/732/732669p1.html
http://www.gamespot.com/news/6157572.html?tag=topslot;action;1
http://www.gwn.com/news/story.php/id/10307/

More info to come (one would assume) from Nintendo between now and tommorow during their various press events.

EDIT: Following info added to accommodate those of you not wanting to click on the links.

- Virtual Console games will cost between $5 and $10 each.
- Wii Sports will come bundled with the US Wii console.
- Some stuff about having news and weather channels.
- "Photo Channel" feature can be used to share digital photos via televisions.

EDIT 3:
Seattle Post article back up (deleted 2nd edit).
Japanese launch date CONFIRMED for December 2nd.
Japanese Press release available (http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n10/news/060914.html).
"Wii contents: Console, Wii remote with strap, Nunchuck attachment, AC adaptor, A/V cable, console stand, sensor bar, sensor bar stand, and two AA batteries" (Source: GWN)

EDIT 5:
Edit 4 deleted. Seattle Post News confirmed.
Once again, Wii Sports WILL come bundled with the US Wii.
No word yet on whether ALL NA Wiis will come with Wii Sports.

EDIT 6:
European Wii will be available December 8th.
Estimated retail price: £179 (249 Euros)

Thoughts and opinions encouraged.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: RicoRoyal on 2006-09-15 14:30 ]</font>

[Skett]

Thought I'd chime in with some info. No direct pictures to save dial-up users. Keep in mind that all this is from Nintendo of Japan's conference. The North American and Europe conferences might have other new information and will have info about prices/dates for their respective regions.

www.wii.com launched.

PICTURES:

Console Box:
http://www.famitsu.com/blog/express/mobimg/photo-20060914-064302-0-728fcdf2ae8d8626676c8324bb2b0ec4.jpg

Companies Supporting Virtual Console:
http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/topics/wii_preview/presentation/img/slide23.jpg

Pay for VC games w/ credit card or pre-paid cards:
http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/topics/wii_preview/presentation/img/slide81.jpg

VIDEOS:

Games Lineup Video (Wii Boxing/Bowling! RE Wii! New Zelda Footage! And More!):
http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/topics/wii_preview/movie/lineup.html

Wii OS Footage (Appears customizable!):
http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/topics/wii_preview/presentation/06.html

Tons of Picture Viewer Footage (take a look at the advanced stuff it can do!):
http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/topics/wii_preview/presentation/07.html

Forcast Channel Footage (plus one Oprah web browser video):
http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/topics/wii_preview/presentation/08.html

Oprah Web Browser/Message Service Footage:
http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/topics/wii_preview/presentation/09.html

Mii (avatar creator, speculated to be linked with online Buddy List) Footage:
http://wii.com/jp/movies/miichannel/

Message Service/Mii Footage:
http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/topics/wii_preview/presentation/10.html

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Skett on 2006-09-14 01:39 ]</font>

[Saiffy]

Shame I won't be able to afford one right away, albeit, I don't really want it right away.

Still, looks very cool so far. When I heard the US launch was in November, and that Pokemon Battle Revolution was being a launch title(Japan), on the 2nd, I kinda "wtf'd", but, now it makes sense http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_wacko.gif

[space_butler]

any word on europe yet?

[RoninJoku]

On 2006-09-14 06:45, space_butler wrote:
any word on europe yet?



Not until 07... Jk! I actually have no idea http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif Not sure if it was mentioned or not.

Damn, I was kinda hoping it would launch just a wii bit sooner, for just a wii bit less... But I'm still good for launch! http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

[Neith]

Hopefully the EU release will be Christmas, at least then I have SOME hope of affording one http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_wacko.gif

[RicoRoyal]

So, here's my take.

I was expecting the price to be a bit lower. With Wii Sports and all, I suppose the price makes plenty of sense. Still, I don't much care for the fact that Nintendo is forcing the game onto the North American audience whilst the Japanese get to decide for themselves what it is they want. Of course, that's not to say the decision was a bad one on Nintendo's part. If Wii Sports didn't come bundled with the system, I could easily see the game bombing in stores.

With regard to the release date, I'm happy. I think it's a very well thought-out release date. Two days after PS3 but still right before Thanksgiving. *thumbs up* Of course, I would have loved an ealier release date, but who's to really complain? I mean, we are still getting it before Japan.

Major complaints here are that Metroid Prime 3 got pushed back. I was actuallly looking forward to MP3 more than I was Zelda. Nonetheless, I'm still very glad that we are getting Zelda on launch day. The fact that the gamecube version got pushed back to december should serve as some serious incentive to pick up a Wii and Zelda on launch day.

Overall, I'm pleased with the information, albeit not ecstatic. Also, I can't wait to find out more about the Virtual Console.

[TheOneHero]

What's this of GC Zelda being pushed back, and MP3? ;-;

[RicoRoyal]

GC Zelda is scheduled for December 11th whereas the Wii version will be available at Wii launch, November 19th. Oh, and Metroid Prime 3' release date is now a vauge 2007.

On the plus side though, IGN is reporting that MP3 got a control-scheme makeover. It's called "expert" control mode and it's supposed to kick alot of ass. They have some brand new videos of MP3 at IGN as well and a whole 1 brand new little picture at gamespot.

[Sharkyland]

Because Japan doesn't have a day called 'Black Friday', that's why its later than the US version.

[TheOneHero]

Blah, December 11th. ;-; I can't wait that long. *Will be getting Wii version*

And 2007 for Prime-3? Well, I'm sure it'll be worth the wait and from what I've read on the "expert" control, it'll rock my socks.

Btw, does anyone know if any news has been released on the pricing of extra controllers? Or the release of the Retro Style Wii-mote?



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: TheOneHero on 2006-09-14 11:55 ]</font>

[RicoRoyal]

On 2006-09-14 11:11, TheOneHero wrote:
Btw, does anyone know is any news has been released on the pricing of extra controllers? Or the release of the Retro Style Wii-mote?



"Nintendo revealed that Wii's various controllers would be available to buy separately at launch. The Wii remote will cost $39.99; the nunchuck $19.99 and the classic controller about $20." - IGN

Alright price for the classic controller. I think the nunchuck attachment is way too expensive though. If you wanted a whole new Wii controller you'd actually end up paying close to 60 bucks for the two-part thing. Hmmm, wonder if Nintendo will choose to make a controller bundle kit w/ both wiimote and nunchuck available for a lower total price.

Also, check out IGN's new MP3 videos. Voiceacting in one of 'em (not Samus, of course).

[Sinue_v2]

A couple questions:

#1: The Wii picture viewer - will it stream pictures from a PC the way Xbox360 does via Media Center extensions - or will you have to save them off to a memory card type deal?

#2: I know you have to point the Wiimote to the sensor bar, but is there a calibration tool which allows you to off-center the calibration so that you CAN point at the TV?

#3: I noticed the Opera browser in the OS. I do hope that Nintendo plans to release a wireless KB peripheral. (The Wiimote will act nicely as a mouse) Though I think a web-browser on the Wii is (forgive the texan vernacular) like tits on a bull. The Dreamcast web brower proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that web surfing on a non-HDTV sucked ass. It was only really useful for downloading and sharing savegames. How, if in any way, does Nintendo plan to improve this?

[TheOneHero]

Sadly Rico, this hunk of junk I'm on can't play videos, and just barely for some. See, our good computer is having hard-drive problems and so we're on a 9-10 year old, windows 98...thing. http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_disapprove.gif

And holy crap! Controller prices are high. (With the exception of classic <3 ) I wanted to grab another Wii-mote on launch to play some two player in Wii Sports with friends/family. But it looks like money is gonna be a problem. =/

Oh, curse you National Amusements and your damn shift cuts! *shakes fist*



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: TheOneHero on 2006-09-14 11:56 ]</font>

[Leviathan]

I'm a little mad its only coming out in white. Just watch Japan get 20 more colors than the U.S. Because when you get a white electrical device such as a phone I have it turns yellow after a while. I would just take any color than the white.

[ShadowDragon28]

I really want to get a Nintendo Wii, the onyx black one. I pray I don't have to wait too long for the onyx colored Wii. *crosses fingers" please have the onyx black Wii available a.s.a.p.*

I'll get the onyx DS Lite to tie me over until the black NWii is out. *sigh*

[Tomoki]

Despite how low the 'Classic' controller's price may seem, you have to plug it into a Wiimote for it to work. Either way I'd say you're pretty screwed.

[Rei-San]

I was saving for a Wii about a month ago. Still nowhere near having enough http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_cry.gif . I'm trying to get it the moment it comes out. Gonna try and reserve it.

I want mine in Black. I hope they release all the colors they announced at once.

[VioletSkye]

I'm totally stoked for the Wii, and I also would prefer to have it in black http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

[Leviathan]

Would most people prefer it in black?

My guess: Yes. Definately.

[HAYABUSA-FMW-]

http://www.cdrinfo.com/images/uploaded/Nintendo_Revolution3.jpg

I'll want one of the non standard colors shown a while ago, which may or may not be released.

Spice Orange GC Controller but no console released in US type of deal again? Platinum "Special Limited Edition" not being limited at all also was a bit of a tease/marketing ploy.

$250 seems a bit much knowing it isn't much of a leap forward, and yikes @ $60/per extra full controller functionality.

The virtual console game pricing is nice compared to Xbox Arcade $10 per (ex: Castlevania, SF2HF, etc.).

[ShadowDragon28]

As much as I love the control system and the Wii, i still won't buy the system until the black toned one is available in the U.S. Seriously, white clashes with my asthetic tastes in so many ways.... hurts my eyes to look a bright white objects too. ^_^;

I *may* import the black NWii, i hope there'll be a Freeloader disk to allow it to play US Wii games *crosses fingers* If I have to get the import NWii...

At least college, PSU, Okami, Final R-Type, etc will occupy me until I can find & purchase a Onyx NWii...

[RoninJoku]

On 2006-09-14 18:52, ShadowDragon28 wrote:
As much as I love the control system and the Wii, i still won't buy the system until the black toned one is available in the U.S. Seriously, white clashes with my asthetic tastes in so many ways.... hurts my eyes to look a bright white objects too. ^_^;

I *may* import the black NWii, i hope there'll be a Freeloader disk to allow it to play US Wii games *crosses fingers* If I have to get the import NWii...

At least college, PSU, Okami, Final R-Type, etc will occupy me until I can find & purchase a Onyx NWii...



~~~EDIT~~~ Due to misinformation on NoA's part, the following info is now considered FALSE~~~

Don't fret too much about colors available in the U.S.

Wii will be region free! http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif So import away!

However, as Nintendo reps have stated, 3rd party developers are free to add region coding to their specific games, but not encouraged.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: RoninJoku on 2006-09-15 10:30 ]</font>

[T0m]

Are you sure it will be region free? I've just been reading some vague comments (http://www.nwiizone.com/nintendo-wii/nwii/nintendo-wii-will-be-region-free/) from Perrin Kaplan (vice president of marketing and corporate communications, Nintendo of America). Based on that I'm not entirely sure.
Then again, Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii#Region_locking) tells the same thing as you do. (First party is region free, but third party may, or may not be region free).
That would be good enough for me. http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_wink.gif

-Whoops! Didn't read your post carefully enough http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_no.gif

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: T0m on 2006-09-15 00:27 ]</font>

[Skett]

On 2006-09-14 11:41, Sinue_v2 wrote:
#1: The Wii picture viewer - will it stream pictures from a PC the way Xbox360 does via Media Center extensions - or will you have to save them off to a memory card type deal?

#2: I know you have to point the Wiimote to the sensor bar, but is there a calibration tool which allows you to off-center the calibration so that you CAN point at the TV?

#3: I noticed the Opera browser in the OS. I do hope that Nintendo plans to release a wireless KB peripheral. (The Wiimote will act nicely as a mouse) Though I think a web-browser on the Wii is (forgive the texan vernacular) like tits on a bull. The Dreamcast web brower proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that web surfing on a non-HDTV sucked ass. It was only really useful for downloading and sharing savegames. How, if in any way, does Nintendo plan to improve this?


#1: Photos will be viewable via SD memory cards. The only Wii/PC interaction will be the ability to send messages to PCs or cell phones.

#2: The sensor bar is appearently designed so all you have to do is place it above or below your television and you'll be able to point it at the TV. (In fact, some games, like Zelda, actually ask you to point the remote at the TV.)

#3: No plans for keyboard, wireless or otherwise, though the Wii does have to USB slots in the back. In theory, you could plug in a wired keyboard and simply use that. You can also zoom-in/out of pages and I think I heard that text can be enlarged.

[SubstanceD]

I'll post again when I get some info on the European Launch but for the moment I am a little bit dissapointed.

At $249.99 ( that's before tax ) the Wii is a bit more expensive then I thought it would be. I know it's not much of a price reduction but I was expecting somthing like $229.99 ( of course I was hoping it would be under $200.00 ).

The console is also coming out a little later then I thought it would. A couple of months ago there was alot of Speculation that the Wii could launch before the PS3. November 19th for the US, December 2nd for Japan and as of yet no news on Europe ( although Nintendo should be holding a press conference later on today with this info ). So far the PS3 has a very slight headstart on the Wii.

It is also a bit annoying that the Classic Controller isn't being bundled with the Wii. It has been speculated for some time that the Classic Controller wouldn't be included with the Wii but still, it would have been nice if Nintendo could have surprised us.

Last but not least. The only color available for the US launch is White? Don't get me wrong, the white Wii look svery sexy but I rather buy the Onyx Black version.


I still like the Wii and I still plan on buying one but alot of the info revealed in the press confress has been rather anti-climatic, at least to me.

[Rainbowlemon]

Damn I've been waiting all day so far for the results of the London press event....I wanna find out when we get it! We'll be shoved to the back as usual, but if its towards modular exam-time in december...I wont be happy >.>

[TheOneHero]

On 2006-09-14 16:47, Tomoki wrote:
Despite how low the 'Classic' controller's price may seem, you have to plug it into a Wiimote for it to work.


...What?

I'm a little confused on why that is, care to explain? >_>;;

[Rainbowlemon]

Apparently, Europe has been given the shaft once again:

http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/wii-launches-dec-8-in-europe-for-gbp-179/

December 8th, £180. Not only is is being released latest, but it is the most expensive. The US release translates as £133. Ok, so that's not got tax on...but put tax on it! Go on, feel free. We still get the shaft by a good £25-£30.

I was expecting possibly £130...maximum £150. But £180....I just hope I can get my deposit back, and get it shipped from the states instead.

I'm actually surprised they remembered to have a conference for Europe. >.>

[SubstanceD]

December 8th. To be honest, I was expecting it to be worse. It's nice to know that we will be getting the Wii before Christmas after all although I am still bumded about the price.

The list of games available for the European launch looks horrendous. The only game worth getting is The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Whatever happened to Metroid prime 3, Final Fantasy: Cystal Chronicles and that new Dragon Quest game.

[RoninJoku]

Well, despite what Perrin Kaplan said earlier (she is kind of an idiot), looks like Wii games WILL be region-coded (http://wii.ign.com/articles/732/732982p1.html)... Which, needless to say, sucks... So I retract what I said earlier about importing a cool colored Wii from Japan, since obviously it wouldn't be able to play your region games :/

And I really had my hopes up for importing too -w-;



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: RoninJoku on 2006-09-15 10:29 ]</font>

[Tweengo]

On 2006-09-15 08:55, Antimony wrote:
Apparently, Europe has been given the shaft once again:

http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/wii-launches-dec-8-in-europe-for-gbp-179/

December 8th, £180. Not only is is being released latest, but it is the most expensive. The US release translates as £133. Ok, so that's not got tax on...but put tax on it! Go on, feel free. We still get the shaft by a good £25-£30.

I was expecting possibly £130...maximum £150. But £180....I just hope I can get my deposit back, and get it shipped from the states instead.

I'm actually surprised they remembered to have a conference for Europe. >.>



I'm from UK amd know exactly how you feel. I want a Wii, the black one, too, but this time I hope Nintendo treats us fairly instead of releasing all the greats in the US. I swear, if they treat us like a dumping ground, just like they did when they decided to release Animal Crossing here 2 years later only after numerous people complained AND Official Nintendo Magazine did petitions, I swear I will gladly save up when I get a job (crap being unemployed), take my Wii into Gamestation, and swap it for a PS3. That's how much I hate Nintendo for treating us like crap http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_rant.gif

[ulyoth]

On 2006-09-15 10:45, Tweengo wrote:


On 2006-09-15 08:55, Antimony wrote:
Apparently, Europe has been given the shaft once again:

http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/15/wii-launches-dec-8-in-europe-for-gbp-179/

December 8th, £180. Not only is is being released latest, but it is the most expensive. The US release translates as £133. Ok, so that's not got tax on...but put tax on it! Go on, feel free. We still get the shaft by a good £25-£30.

I was expecting possibly £130...maximum £150. But £180....I just hope I can get my deposit back, and get it shipped from the states instead.

I'm actually surprised they remembered to have a conference for Europe. >.>



I'm from UK amd know exactly how you feel. I want a Wii, the black one, too, but this time I hope Nintendo treats us fairly instead of releasing all the greats in the US. I swear, if they treat us like a dumping ground, just like they did when they decided to release Animal Crossing here 2 years later only after numerous people complained AND Official Nintendo Magazine did petitions, I swear I will gladly save up when I get a job (crap being unemployed), take my Wii into Gamestation, and swap it for a PS3. That's how much I hate Nintendo for treating us like crap http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_rant.gif



Everything is more expensive over here, get over it.
£180 is still not bad for a Launch price of a Console, ok so i may end up importing anyway. Id still buy it if it was £200-250, im still going to end up spending alot of cash, with a few games etc.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: ulyoth on 2006-09-15 12:17 ]</font>

[Wyndham]

I think I'll wait for the black Wii to hit the states.

[Kizaragu]

On 2006-09-15 12:12, ulyoth wrote:


On 2006-09-15 10:45, Tweengo wrote
I'm from UK amd know exactly how you feel. I want a Wii, the black one, too, but this time I hope Nintendo treats us fairly instead of releasing all the greats in the US. I swear, if they treat us like a dumping ground, just like they did when they decided to release Animal Crossing here 2 years later only after numerous people complained AND Official Nintendo Magazine did petitions, I swear I will gladly save up when I get a job (crap being unemployed), take my Wii into Gamestation, and swap it for a PS3. That's how much I hate Nintendo for treating us like crap http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_rant.gif



Everything is more expensive over here, get over it.
£180 is still not bad for a Launch price of a Console, ok so i may end up importing anyway. Id still buy it if it was £200-250, im still going to end up spending alot of cash, with a few games etc.

He's very sorry for speaking his mind.
We're paying considerably more than everywhere else so why should we stay quiet about it? Regardless of "180 not being bad for a launch" it's still a hell of a difference. It's not fair on any front.

But it's ok. It's always more expensive over here, I should get over it. Then again, maybe it's that attitude that is the problem?


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Kizaragu on 2006-09-15 13:59 ]</font>

[Leviathan]

On 2006-09-14 18:32, HAYABUSA-FMW- wrote:
http://www.cdrinfo.com/images/uploaded/Nintendo_Revolution3.jpg

I'll want one of the non standard colors shown a while ago, which may or may not be released.

Spice Orange GC Controller but no console released in US type of deal again? Platinum "Special Limited Edition" not being limited at all also was a bit of a tease/marketing ploy.

$250 seems a bit much knowing it isn't much of a leap forward, and yikes @ $60/per extra full controller functionality.

The virtual console game pricing is nice compared to Xbox Arcade $10 per (ex: Castlevania, SF2HF, etc.).



Electric Blue would be nice, or even a orange, pink, or purple. I just don't like a white Wii because it will stain easy.

[Rainbowlemon]

On 2006-09-15 12:12, ulyoth wrote:
Everything is more expensive over here, get over it.
£180 is still not bad for a Launch price of a Console, ok so i may end up importing anyway. Id still buy it if it was £200-250, im still going to end up spending alot of cash, with a few games etc.


See, that's not what bothers me - compared to all the other consoles currently out, £180 is DAMN GOOD. However, you fail to see my point - Japan get their Wii for the equivalent of about £125. Ok, so they don't get a game with theirs, but that's what...£20 extra? £30 maximum? So really, about £155. We're paying £25 more, for being in Europe. That's basically how I see it.

Another of the reasons I'm disappointed is that it was promised the Wii would be directed towards CASUAL GAMERS - And, let's be honest, £180 is definately not a "casual" price. Between uni work and my job, that's at least a month of work to pay it off, not even counting games.

£120 is casual gamer...just. £180 just plain isn't. Not that it won't put me off - I'm so eager to get one, I'll buy it if it goes to £250 (Touch wood...), but then again, that's probably why it's priced higher. Because they can.

[Atayin]

I'm actually looking forward to the Wii. This is the first time in ages that I've actually been excited about a console system. Not only do some of the retail games look appealing to me, but I keep in mind that they are LAUNCH games. There is so much immersive potential with this system that I can only begin to imagine what ideas developers may come up with down the road.

Not to mention that the actual system interface is very nice as well. It always comes down to gaming for me, but having the weather, photos and a few other interesting features will be a nice extra. I'm looking forward to downloading some of my favorite classic games onto the Wii as well.

I only hope that the system catches on. If it does, it will most likely mean new and interesting things for gaming. I'm really sick of always feeling like I'm playing the same old games, just in new packages with shinier graphics and different gimmicks. It'll be nice to have something fresh.

[Neith]

£180 isn't bad, but it is a bit annoying that it's more expensive than everywhere else.

Mind, I can't say I was expecting £140, that's too cheap for Europe. (because we ALWAYS pay more)

Good thing is, Dec 8th is right before my birthday, so I should have enough (if not, wait til Christmas) for one. I'm loving the fact they integrated weather/news/message boards into it too, that's really useful.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: UrikoBB3 on 2006-09-15 16:49 ]</font>

[McLaughlin]

As eager as I am to get a Wii, if they aren't launching with different clolours, I'm going to have to wait. I have my sights set on the Grey or Green Wii, and I'm not going to give into temptation when they took away Metroid Prime 3, and Fire Emblem and SSBB are slated for 07 anyway. PSU can tide me over till then anyway.

[HAYABUSA-FMW-]

On 2006-09-15 15:28, Antimony wrote:
Another of the reasons I'm disappointed is that it was promised the Wii would be directed towards CASUAL GAMERS - And, let's be honest, £180 is definately not a "casual" price. Between uni work and my job, that's at least a month of work to pay it off, not even counting games.

£120 is casual gamer...just. £180 just plain isn't. Not that it won't put me off - I'm so eager to get one, I'll buy it if it goes to £250 (Touch wood...), but then again, that's probably why it's priced higher. Because they can.


The thoughts on that around I've read seem to lean towards saying perhaps the GC was too cheap and thus cheap equipment might mean cheap quality to someone who doesn't know much about gaming consoles.

Its a larger price than all other Nintendo consoles have been launched at, but now they can sustain that they are also a part of the group, rather than a cheaper/"child oriented"/etc. console; while being the cheapest of the 3- therefore its more reasonable to be able to justify the purchase compared to the other 2 consoles.

Lucky Nintendo to be able to raise prices nearly insignificantly for more profits and still be able to sell all their consoles to every early adopter/hardcore type willing to go through a hectic holiday season to get one. The same as any other launch though.

$50 more (than previously thought) for Wii sports/only one controller packed in isn't soo reasonable, but the thinking behind that might be towards, yes, casual consumers. How many parents/grandparents/etc. might go through hell to get one of the new toys their kids want during the year end Holiday season and not buy a game with it, (for a numberof reasons)?

This solves the problem for them opening up this thing Christmas morning and plugging it in expecting to play something right away. It also shows some capabilities of what the system can do to everyone, including developers if they need more ideas.

It does take out the educated consumer's ability to pick and choose the launch title they wanted and save a bit of money though on a game they might not have wanted-that was forced on them through purchasing the console.

[SubstanceD]

The problem with the Wii's price is that it is only slightly less expensive then a XBox 360 ( The Core package, not the Premium Console ). Given the difference in performance between the 2 consoles, the Wii doesn't come off looking all that great. As others before have said, the Wii was suposed to be an affordable console for everyone, it was also supposed to appeal to hardcore gamers and casual gamers. I don't think alot of casual gamers are going to walk into a game store this Christmas and are going to see the Wii as a cheaper alternative to the XBox 360, especially if Microsoft slashes the prices on the the 360 before Christmas. Your practically paying the same money for much less performance, that's how alot of casual gamers are going to look at it.

[Rainbowlemon]

On 2006-09-15 21:33, HAYABUSA-FMW- wrote:
The thoughts on that around I've read seem to lean towards saying perhaps the GC was too cheap and thus cheap equipment might mean cheap quality to someone who doesn't know much about gaming consoles.

Its a larger price than all other Nintendo consoles have been launched at, but now they can sustain that they are also a part of the group, rather than a cheaper/"child oriented"/etc. console; while being the cheapest of the 3- therefore its more reasonable to be able to justify the purchase compared to the other 2 consoles.

Lucky Nintendo to be able to raise prices nearly insignificantly for more profits and still be able to sell all their consoles to every early adopter/hardcore type willing to go through a hectic holiday season to get one. The same as any other launch though.

$50 more (than previously thought) for Wii sports/only one controller packed in isn't soo reasonable, but the thinking behind that might be towards, yes, casual consumers. How many parents/grandparents/etc. might go through hell to get one of the new toys their kids want during the year end Holiday season and not buy a game with it, (for a numberof reasons)?

This solves the problem for them opening up this thing Christmas morning and plugging it in expecting to play something right away. It also shows some capabilities of what the system can do to everyone, including developers if they need more ideas.

It does take out the educated consumer's ability to pick and choose the launch title they wanted and save a bit of money though on a game they might not have wanted-that was forced on them through purchasing the console.



Absolutely. I also reckon putting the game with it is a good move because honestly, how many people would actually go out and buy Wii Sports if it wasn't already bundled with it?

I think for the technology that is being used for the console, and the sheer effort that seems to have been involved in producing such an innovative piece of equipment justifies the price tag. It's just the fact that everywhere gets it cheaper than the UK that annoys me! Sure, you can blame the government for such high tax, but they're not all to blame - I basically reckon it's because we're probably willing to pay more.

EDIT: Really, I just said that for the sake of it. I can't think of any other reason why it costs more here.

I just hope, like with the Gamecube, the price drops before launch. That would be awesome! Still annoyed it's being released so close to my exam time...

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Antimony on 2006-09-16 05:57 ]</font>

[Tweengo]

My earlier post wasn't about the fact it costs more in the UK, to the person who told me to get over it. It was about the fact that us EU folk either have to wait for 6+ months for a game 'cause it keeps getting delayed and the US has had it 6+ months before us, or Nintendo releases all the great games in the US and skip the EU completely. It was an insult when I found out they released Animal Crossing in the US, and then Australia, the latter using PAL 'Cubes like the rest of the EU. We had to wait 2 years for it.
If Ninty treat us like that again, I'm gonna defect, prob to the 360 'cause it's cheaper than PS3.

[space_butler]

On 2006-09-16 07:42, Tweengo wrote:
My earlier post wasn't about the fact it costs more in the UK, to the person who told me to get over it. It was about the fact that us EU folk either have to wait for 6+ months for a game 'cause it keeps getting delayed and the US has had it 6+ months before us, or Nintendo releases all the great games in the US and skip the EU completely. It was an insult when I found out they released Animal Crossing in the US, and then Australia, the latter using PAL 'Cubes like the rest of the EU. We had to wait 2 years for it.
If Ninty treat us like that again, I'm gonna defect, prob to the 360 'cause it's cheaper than PS3.



simple answer is import the thing. its what Im doing.

[T0m]

On 2006-09-16 07:42, Tweengo wrote:
It was about the fact that us EU folk either have to wait for 6+ months for a game 'cause it keeps getting delayed and the US has had it 6+ months before us, or Nintendo releases all the great games in the US and skip the EU completely. It was an insult when I found out they released Animal Crossing in the US, and then Australia, the latter using PAL 'Cubes like the rest of the EU. We had to wait 2 years for it.

Hey hey now, don't generalize. Not all games lag 6 months before they arrive on the EU shores. And some games are released here first, before the US release http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_wink.gif Yes, I am thinking about The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (http://gameboy.ign.com/objects/499/499614.html), not a obscure game no one ever heard of. If you follow up on that Link ( http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif ) then you can check the respective release dates yourself.
I'll grant that this is an exception. However, don't be so fast to point to Nintendo. (Allright, it is their decision when to release a game...)

There are two major reasons for games appearing here last, or at times not at all.
The reason for the delay is the need to localize games for several regions.
You mention Animal Crossing. For Australia, Nintendo only had to make minor changes. After all, the US (NTSC) game was already localized.
But for Europe, they have to translate vast amounts of text into at least French and German too. I don't know, maybe Spanish and Italian version were made too. Localizing costs time. And obviously, if there is more to change, it takes more time too.
And, localizing costs money, which takes me to the second major reason.

Nintendo is a company bend on making money. Not to make people happy. Luckily for all us Nintendo fans, they accomplish the first, by doing o good job of the last.
Remember that the EU is the smallest market for games (after North America and Japan). And this goes double for the Gamecube.
So whenever Nintendo estimates that a game will make less money than the localizing costs, then they will simply not release the game ;}
I think for Animal Crossing it took a lot of fans asking for the game, to convince Nintendo it would be profitable.

Anyway, if you want to blame anyone for games being released later here, then look to the Germans, the French and the Spanish people first, cause it's for them that games have to be localized http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif
(Please disregard that last sentence, I didn't have my chocolate yet today.....)

[ulyoth]

On 2006-09-16 12:18, T0m wrote:


On 2006-09-16 07:42, Tweengo wrote:
It was about the fact that us EU folk either have to wait for 6+ months for a game 'cause it keeps getting delayed and the US has had it 6+ months before us, or Nintendo releases all the great games in the US and skip the EU completely. It was an insult when I found out they released Animal Crossing in the US, and then Australia, the latter using PAL 'Cubes like the rest of the EU. We had to wait 2 years for it.

Hey hey now, don't generalize. Not all games lag 6 months before they arrive on the EU shores. And some games are released here first, before the US release http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_wink.gif Yes, I am thinking about The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (http://gameboy.ign.com/objects/499/499614.html), not a obscure game no one ever heard of. If you follow up on that Link ( http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif ) then you can check the respective release dates yourself.
I'll grant that this is an exception. However, don't be so fast to point to Nintendo. (Allright, it is their decision when to release a game...)

There are two major reasons for games appearing here last, or at times not at all.
The reason for the delay is the need to localize games for several regions.
You mention Animal Crossing. For Australia, Nintendo only had to make minor changes. After all, the US (NTSC) game was already localized.
But for Europe, they have to translate vast amounts of text into at least French and German too. I don't know, maybe Spanish and Italian version were made too. Localizing costs time. And obviously, if there is more to change, it takes more time too.
And, localizing costs money, which takes me to the second major reason.

Nintendo is a company bend on making money. Not to make people happy. Luckily for all us Nintendo fans, they accomplish the first, by doing o good job of the last.
Remember that the EU is the smallest market for games (after North America and Japan). And this goes double for the Gamecube.
So whenever Nintendo estimates that a game will make less money than the localizing costs, then they will simply not release the game ;}
I think for Animal Crossing it took a lot of fans asking for the game, to convince Nintendo it would be profitable.

Anyway, if you want to blame anyone for games being released later here, then look to the Germans, the French and the Spanish people first, cause it's for them that games have to be localized http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif
(Please disregard that last sentence, I didn't have my chocolate yet today.....)



It is true though, why not include us with the American shipments, or just after, change some words (colour etc.) and do the others later?
I didnt mean to be nasty towards anyone, and i certainly dont accept that we have to pay more (which is why i import alot) But with the pound being quite strong against the Yen and the USD we end up paying more, there are companies however that purposefully exploit this and mark up their products (Apple)
But i do still belive that £180 is not bad at all, and if casual gamers cant stretch to that then the PS3 is officially screwed.

[Tystys]

NVM, loli.

Yeah, I got them confused. AND NO, no Oprah fetish here....

Atleast I hope not....god I hope not....


SO ANYWAYS, ISN'T THE WII JUST ABSURDLY AWESOME?! AMIRITE?! LOL!


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Tystys on 2006-09-16 22:24 ]</font>

[T0m]

Clearly you have a Oprah fetish, cause the Browser is called Opera http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif
Check it, or get it here (http://www.opera.com/).

(No, I didn't really mean it about you and Oprah)

[tank1]

The reason for the delay is the need to localize games for several regions.
You mention Animal Crossing. For Australia, Nintendo only had to make minor changes. After all, the US (NTSC) game was already localized.
But for Europe, they have to translate vast amounts of text into at least French and German too. I don't know, maybe Spanish and Italian version were made too. Localizing costs time. And obviously, if there is more to change, it takes more time too.
And, localizing costs money, which takes me to the second major reason.

If thats the case then how come a handful of people can fan sub an anime in a week but a multi million pound/dollar company like nintendo takes 6 months on average to basically do the same thing.
Also how come aswell EU tends to get screwed out of getting some games full stop do you know how hard i had to look to get a copy of the "Megaman collection" or "Custom Robo"?

[McLaughlin]

There's a big difference between adding subtitles and changing gamecode,recording Voice Actors and translating game manuals and packages.

Plus they have to make it PAL compatible, and change the region coding.

It isn't "basically the same thing".

[Skett]

I have a question for our gamers from Europe: I always see hate towards Nintendo because it takes considerably longer amount of time to get games to you guys, but what about the competition? Doesn't Sony and Microsoft have this problem too?

I'm not trying to remove some of the hate off Nintendo. I'm just been wondering this for a while.

[Rainbowlemon]

There's hate for all of them for shunning us. Just, it seems Nintendo consoles and games are wanted more here =)

[therealAERO]

On 2006-09-16 15:33, tank1 wrote:

The reason for the delay is the need to localize games for several regions.
You mention Animal Crossing. For Australia, Nintendo only had to make minor changes. After all, the US (NTSC) game was already localized.
But for Europe, they have to translate vast amounts of text into at least French and German too. I don't know, maybe Spanish and Italian version were made too. Localizing costs time. And obviously, if there is more to change, it takes more time too.
And, localizing costs money, which takes me to the second major reason.

If thats the case then how come a handful of people can fan sub an anime in a week but a multi million pound/dollar company like nintendo takes 6 months on average to basically do the same thing.
Also how come aswell EU tends to get screwed out of getting some games full stop do you know how hard i had to look to get a copy of the "Megaman collection" or "Custom Robo"?



Ok first off there is way more dialogue in a game, and if its an RPG well than...lets just say you have your work cut out for you. A localization team has to work on all that dialogue, change it with in the game, and on top of that make it make sense to the Region its going to. ie, if there is a japanese culture joke Nintendo will normally change it to something the region its intended for will understand. Oh and if there are voices, audition, choose, and than hirer the appropriate actor, than they commence in recording said voices.

Oh and EU you got quite a few games before US. Legend Of Zelda: Minisch Cap for one.

In short I dare these handful of fan translators to translate a full game in a week. Its only a game, maybe 10-30 hours tops to play till completion. I mean jesus a week is quite a lot of time for the little bit of japanese dialogue that is in a 26 minute anime.

[tank1]

Im aware that code has to be changed etc and its not a simple case of just changing Text. But lets be honest a small group of people can translate 26mins of an anime but a team of hundreds of programmers, scripters and writers take six months and also the only games ive heard of being released in the EU first where Doshin (goody) and the Minish Cap. Theres also the point i brought up that some games simply dont see light of day over here. Also i bet if anyone in Japan or NA had to live in EU hell for a few months you will all have change your opinions i can almost gurantee that.

[T0m]

Well, for Sony: That one Final Fantasy Online game, I think it's still not released here. And we get things like Resident Evil Outbreak, but, -online not supported- (which is the selling point of the game). Not sure the Hard Disk was even released here..

I don't have a Xbox, nor do I play PC games. But I guess MS treats the EU a bit better. Because there are more games on the Box that originated in the EU or US, and subsequently more that are aimed at these regions. And with the limited succes of the Xbox in the East, I would certainly guess that the EU is a bit higher on MS' list of priorities.
Still, I repeat that I don't own a Xbox, and as such I rarely check their release dates and such.

A reason why you see more complaints about Nintendo than Sony, could be that at any time there are more games for Sony's console. While arguably at times the Cube's library seemed a bit shallow. Cube players may be anticipating the next triple A game more, because of this. (And any delay will be a bit more painful).

@tank:
There are games that never see the light here, because Nintendo (or Sony) assesses the profits will be less than the costs. For both Japanese giants, the EU is the smallest market to begin with. And while there is a small hardcore group that would like to buy and play any quirky Japanese game, fact is that almost any given month, the UK softare list is topped by (what I view as) mediocre games, mostly even updates. (Fifa 2005, 2006, worldcup, junior league and all those other footy games for instance http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_wink.gif ).

There are several games that never made it to the EU, which I guess I would have liked to play.
But if I am honest, there are more games here (in the EU) than I can ever hope to finish. (This is partly because there's enough quality games, and partly because I'm an awfully poor games-player ._. )

And that's from someone who spent all his live in the EU hell http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif




<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: T0m on 2006-09-17 05:04 ]</font>

[space_butler]

On 2006-09-16 20:08, Zeta wrote:

Plus they have to make it PAL compatible, and change the region coding.

It isn't "basically the same thing".



because that takes a long time...hell, the only reason it even needs to be done is because someone decided to region code the hardware.

hopefully datel can release a wii freeloader soon after release, just in case I somehow manage to find PAL games cheap. (unless the region free rumours are true)

[Tomoki]

On 2006-09-15 07:23, TheOneHero wrote:


On 2006-09-14 16:47, Tomoki wrote:
Despite how low the 'Classic' controller's price may seem, you have to plug it into a Wiimote for it to work.


...What?

I'm a little confused on why that is, care to explain? >_>;;


There's a cord on the Classic Controller. From what I've gathered, (I swear I saw it confirmed somewhere, too) You have to plug it into the Wiimote for it to work. That way, it stays wireless... but with wires.

Its like the nunchuck. You plug it in and it works.

I could be wrong about this whole thing, but I doubt I am. I remember reading about it back around E3. http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_disapprove.gif

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Tomoki on 2006-09-17 11:05 ]</font>

[Skett]

On 2006-09-17 04:40, tank1 wrote:
Im aware that code has to be changed etc and its not a simple case of just changing Text. But lets be honest a small group of people can translate 26mins of an anime but a team of hundreds of programmers, scripters and writers take six months and also the only games ive heard of being released in the EU first where Doshin (goody) and the Minish Cap. Theres also the point i brought up that some games simply dont see light of day over here. Also i bet if anyone in Japan or NA had to live in EU hell for a few months you will all have change your opinions i can almost gurantee that.



First of all, developers rarely number in the hundreds. The most common amount of people in development teams usually range from 50-100 people.

Second, developers do next to nothing when a game is translated. The publisher from whatever continent the game is going to be released in does the translating, packaging, ect. I'm not sure how many people are involved with this portion of the process though.

Third and already mentioned, but translating an anime with subtitles and publishing a game in another region are two very different things. It's like saying that planting a small garden in your background takes as much time and effort as running a small farm.

They have to update codes, translate it, bring in voice actors for whatever language it's being translated to, update the box, translate the manual, sending it in for final go-ahead, manufacture, and ship it to retailers. I'm willing to bet that there is even more they have to do, as well.

[Tweengo]

I know they have to translate the game and stuff. But the only reason the majority of the EU hardly know about the more weird games is 'cause Nintendo are so rubbish at adverstising http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_frown.gif If they advertised more around the EU then maybe the weirder games will do good. Oh, just to prove my point that Nintendo hates EU, I saw this morning that the US will have 30 available games to download on the Wii's virtual whatever you call it, while we only have 15. Plus it's not region free, so importers can't play games from Japan or US. Bet the games we can't download are games that were never released here. I may just save up for a 360 http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_rant.gif

[TheOneHero]

On 2006-09-17 11:04, Tomoki wrote:

There's a cord on the Classic Controller. From what I've gathered, (I swear I saw it confirmed somewhere, too) You have to plug it into the Wiimote for it to work. That way, it stays wireless... but with wires.

Its like the nunchuck. You plug it in and it works.

I could be wrong about this whole thing, but I doubt I am. I remember reading about it back around E3. http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_disapprove.gif



That's...just stupid. D:

I thought it would work like the Wavebird; and just be awesome.

I suppose I'll put off buying one (if at all) depending on what the final verdict is. ._.

[Firocket1690]

On 2006-09-18 04:34, Tweengo wrote:
Bet the games we can't download are games that were never released here. I may just save up for a 360 http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_rant.gif

IMO, the main selling point of the VC is to advertise all the old retro stuff, and to enlighten the ... 'newer' generation of gamers, as well as to show off all the old Japan only games that never went international.

What I mean, is to enlighten the young kids (born into N64 era) about the older games.

Secondly for the older gamers to play the old stuff that never released elsewhere. Starfox, Mother/Earthbound, Starfi, and a handful of other old games fall under this category. This goes 2x for europeans, who claim to be deprived of said games. Then again, who cares about the third largest continent in the world? http://www.pso-world.com/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_wacko.gif

[Tomoki]

Stafy was never released on anything other than GBA, and the recent 4th on DS. It wont be showing up on VC unless they recently added GB/A games to their act.