Wii preorders opening soon

[shmokes]

Likely in two days, in fact.  Sept. 14 is where the smart money is being placed on when Nintendo announces a final price and release date.  There's a pretty good chance that stores will open up preorders as soon as they have that info.  Just thought I'd give ya'll the heads up, even though it doesn't look like Nintendo will have too much trouble meeting demand for the system (unlike Sony) between now and Christmas.

[somunny]

You don't actually think there will be a surplus, do you?  I'm thinking they'll sell all they can make this year.  Of course, the real Holy Grail will be the PS3, regardless of the bad press and high price.

Thanks for the heads up.  I'm definitely down for one.

[SithMaster]

Only one?

[shmokes]

It's not that demand is low.  I think the Wii will be flying off the shelve.  It's that supply will be high.  The Wii is not made up of state-of-the-art technology.  Reports are putting yields of PS3 chips at below 30% (Meaning that for every good, useable chip produced, two duds are produced that can't be used in a PS3) and the blue diodes for the Blu-Ray drive are in equally short supply.  The PS3 is filled with bleeding edge technology that's never been made before.  The Wii, on the other hand, is filled with technology that's been around at least a couple of years so manufacturing won't be a problem.  Sony is allocating just 400,000 units to the entire U.S. and 100,000 to Japan this year.  Nintendo will be putting millions of Wii's on store shelves in the same time period (they are planning to ship 6 million by the end of March).

It'll be very popular, but much MUCH easier to find than the PS3.

[Stingray]

Has a list of release day games been published anywhere yet?

-S

[shmokes]

Here's a list that is a few weeks old.  These are actually "launch window" games rather than launch day games, meaning they'll all be out in time for the holiday season.  At least one game, Splinter Cell: Double Agent, has been confirmed as a launch window games that is not on the list.

[shmokes]

Well, that's that!  New York Times broke the story and beat Nintendo to their own announcement.

November 19.  $250 (it'll launch in Japan Dec. 2)

According to Nintendo 4 million will be shipped by the end of the year (as opposed to $500,000 worldwide for PS3)

It comes with one complete controller (Remote + Nunchuck), and PACKS IN Wii SPORTS !!!

Extra controllers sound pretty expensive (unsurprisingly, I suppose).  From what I understand the remote and nunchuck will sell separately at $40 and $20 respectively, and the classic controller will also cost $20.  So plan on another $180 if you want a full set of 4 controllers.

Check out this page.  It's part of a 14-page presentation about the Wii.  It's all in Japanese, but there are some cool videos.  Especially the second one down on this page, though.  It's an incredible little weather forecast utility that will ship with the Wii.

Lots of other interesting videos in there too if you click onto some of the other pages.  For example it looks like it's going to have a really cool photo browser that will allow you to view and even edit your photos with the Wii Remote.  It looks pretty slick.  There's also a video of the included Opera web browser in action.  It looks like it works pretty well for casual browsing.

I think the price is a little disappointing considering all the talk of it coming in under $200, but the packin of a game softens the blow.  And it's still cheaper than its competitors (even if only by $50 for the X360 core package).

[Hoagie_one]

I was really hoping for a second controller included.  Now i need to get a second controller, a wireless Gamecube controller, and probably another game.  I think I'll be waiting for the xmas bonus to get one.

[Hoagie_one]

oops

UPDATE: Heads-up! Our source claims that Schiesel's article in The New York Times was just pulled out. Apparently, it wasn't that credible, so you guys better hold on to your seats regarding the Wii's US release. However, we got word on the Wii's release date in Japan, which is slated on December 2, with a

[bleemus]

Wonder when we'll get confirmation on this.  7:30AM CST and I can't find anyone that says they have confirmed the US launch date from another source other than Schiesel.

I'm still pumped that they are seemingly going to hit their pre-turkeyday launch in the US.  I'm going to visit EBGames everyday until they have preorders

[shmokes]

yeah . . . that'd be cool if some of the NY Times info was inaccurate -- particularly the price.  There most likely will be corroboration or correction some time today as Nintendo has a big event planned (the biggest for the month) and they already said that the price and release date would be announced in Sept.  Today is the most likely date for it.

[SNAAKE]

what are the specs of wii ? I know I could search but if anyone has a link post it here !

[bleemus]

"Here's the hard news: Wii November 19th, worldwide debut happens right here in the Americas, same place as Nintendo DS. On Nov. 19th, avail. in 25,000 retailers in the Americas."

During the NYC press conference.  I'd call that confirmation.  Woot.

linky

[escher]

what are the specs of wii ? I know I could search but if anyone has a link post it here !

They haven't really discussed the specs (that I've seen) in terms of clockspeed, RAM, etc.  All of that is fairly irrelevant for the Wii's direction and they don't want to get into a numbers match with Sony/MS (who would stomp them).

EDIT:  I lied.  Here's some:  http://www.ebgames.com/gs/wii/wii_signup.asp

[bleemus]

what are the specs of wii ? I know I could search but if anyone has a link post it here !

All the info you need should be at http://wii.nintendo.com/hardware.html

Edit:

There is also some info here at EBGames, probably slightly outdated now

[horseboy]

There's also a video of the included Opera web browser in action.  It looks like it works pretty well for casual browsing.

Browser isn't included. Must be purchased. 

[Hoagie_one]

price and date are correct

$40 for extra wiimote
$20 for extra nunchuck

Yuck

[horseboy]

price and date are correct

$40 for extra wiimote
$20 for extra nunchuck

Yuck

At least 1 set is included. I can't remember the last time a console did that.

[shmokes]

I don't think a console has ever been released without at least one controller.  In fact, I seem to remember the NES coming with two and it seems like the SNES might have as well.

I'm kindof dumbfounded that the browser won't be included, though.  That's kind of dumb.  I hope that it is at least inexpensive and can be stored on an SD card so you don't have to get up and put a disc in to use it.

[horseboy]

I don't think a console has ever been released without at least one controller.  In fact, I seem to remember the NES coming with two and it seems like the SNES might have as well.

I know the old school stuff included them. I am talking about the newer stuff. PSX and PS2 I am almost positive didn't include a controller at launch, as well as most (if not all) of the newer ones. They used to come standard, but not anymore. One comes with the 360 premium package, right? That doesn't count though (in my eyes) because it costs more, and therefore it's kinda like buying another anyway.

But hey I look at it as... Wii has a $60 controller included, so the actual launch price is about $190. Pretty good.

[clanggedin]

I remember that the PS2, Dramcast and Xbox all came with one controller on launch day. But they didn't include a game.

The Wii is the first console to come with a game since the SNES, it will have Wii Sports included. The Japanese Wii will sell for less ($212) but does not include Wii Sports. The controller price is steep, but I believe there aren't many games where you willl need the Numchuck for the additional players.

I really like the Mii idea and how I can take my controller to my brothers house and play with my character over there.

According to IGN.com the Opera web browser will be shipped with the console.

I was hoping information would be released about the Wii Glove, but I guess I'll have to wait until TGS to get info.

[pointdablame]

I know the old school stuff included them. I am talking about the newer stuff. PSX and PS2 I am almost positive didn't include a controller at launch, as well as most (if not all) of the newer ones. They used to come standard, but not anymore. One comes with the 360 premium package, right? That doesn't count though (in my eyes) because it costs more, and therefore it's kinda like buying another anyway.

But hey I look at it as... Wii has a $60 controller included, so the actual launch price is about $190. Pretty good.

Nope, sorry... totally wrong


Every console I can remember has come with at least one controller.   The PSX did, the PS2 did, Xbox, Dreamcast.... they all had controllers.   The X360 Premium has a wireless controller, the standard has a wired one.   They all have controllers.

In fact, I can't think of a single "mainstream" console that has ever released WITHOUT a controller.

[horseboy]

Looks like you are right. I guess I was thinking about pack-in games. That must have pissed me off enough to sour on everything. I haven't bought a console at launch since DC, so I guess I forgot. 

[pointdablame]

Oh by the way Shmokes.... let's play hypothetical for a moment:

If you were going to go preorder Nintendo's new console... what exactly would you call it, now that the launch is official??


 

[Stingray]

I don't think a console has ever been released without at least one controller.  In fact, I seem to remember the NES coming with two and it seems like the SNES might have as well.

I don't know about at launch, but I bought the SNES that had DK Country as the pack-in and it only had one controller. At least it had a GOOD game and not some shovelware sports game. Great, the first console in ages that comes with a pack in and it's a game that I have less than zero interest in. I guess I can't buy one without the game I don't want.

And where is the new Mario game? I want a new Mario game!

-S

[pointdablame]

ya know.. on the surface Wii Sports looks pretty stupid, but I bet it winds up being really fun.

my .02

[Hoagie_one]

I guess this launch is right in line with previous launches, but what bothers me the most, and it might of been all the hype, is that they targeted the wii for the casual gamer, then priced the casual gamer out of it.

I'm not buying during their launch window.  I'm going to wait for the first price drop or new pack-in items.

[escher]

I guess this launch is right in line with previous launches, but what bothers me the most, and it might of been all the hype, is that they targeted the wii for the casual gamer, then priced the casual gamer out of it.

$250 is out of the range of the casual gamer?  O.o

Every other Nintendo console has been at $199 at launch.  This controller is obviously more expensive, plus the pack-in that wasn't included with the GC or the N64.  I think it's very reasonable.

[Hoagie_one]

I'm just saying that they are marketing this thing as a family device, then charge $60 for each extra controller.  I'm hoping there are some quality 3rd party control setups asap.  I'll get it sometim in '07 for sure

[clanggedin]

Actually you only need to pay $40 for extra controllers. Most if not all of the multiplayer family games will only use the Wiimote. If you want to play Red Steel or Metroid multiplayer, then you'll need the numchuck.

Most racing games as well as Wii Sports won't use the numchuck. It's used for more FPS type games.

[somunny]

Oh by the way Shmokes.... let's play hypothetical for a moment:

If you were going to go preorder Nintendo's new console... what exactly would you call it, now that the launch is official??

It's not out yet.  There's still time for them to change it. 

[pointdablame]

Oh by the way Shmokes.... let's play hypothetical for a moment:

If you were going to go preorder Nintendo's new console... what exactly would you call it, now that the launch is official??

It's not out yet.  There's still time for them to change it. 

ok buddy, whatever you say   

[elvis]

what are the specs of wii ? I know I could search but if anyone has a link post it here !

From Wikipedia:

Technical specifications

Nintendo has, at present, released very little technical specifics regarding the Wii console. The known details include:[1]

Processor:

    * CPU: IBM PowerPC processor codenamed "Broadway" running at 1.2 ghz single core (made with a 90 nm SOI CMOS process)

GPU

    * GPU: ATI "Hollywood" (made with a 90 nm CMOS process [20]).

Memory:

    * 1T-SRAM [21]

Ports and peripheral capabilities:

    * Up to four Wii Remote controllers (connected wirelessly via Bluetooth)
    * One SD memory card slot
    * Two USB 2.0 ports
    * One Sensor Bar port
    * Four Nintendo GameCube controller ports
    * Two Nintendo GameCube memory card ports
    * Compatible with optional USB 2.0 to Ethernet LAN adaptor

Storage:

    * 512 MB built-in flash memory
    * Expansion available via SD card memory and USB mass storage[8]
    * Slot-loading disc drive compatible with:
          o 8 cm GameCube optical disc
          o 12 cm Wii optical disc
    * Mask ROM by Macronix[22]

Built-in content ratings systems:

    * PEGI, ESRB

Video:

    * Up to 480p and will work with a computer monitor as well as any TV or projector[23]
    * Component (including Progressive scan), S-Video, or composite output
    * 16:9 widescreen support

Audio:

    * Main: Stereo - Dolby Pro Logic II-capable[24]
    * Controller: Built-in speaker

According to internet rumour, the Wii will spit out a max of 480p.  Nintendo have opted to keep the price as low as possible and as such have held back on bleeding edge specs rather than competing with the other big boys at the high end.  Whether the gamble pays off or not with the public at large will remain to be seen.  I know for me personally, the 360 and PS3 are way out of my budget range, so the Wii gets my money thanks to it's affordability (as well as the fact that I'm a huge Nintendo and retrogaming whore).

Pre-orders here in Australia began around 3 months back at "Toys R Us" as well as other locations.  Anyone who pre-ordered got an extra game with the console on launch.  I slapped my money down 3 months ago, and have been eagerly awaiting release ever since.

[bishmasterb]

I was really hoping for a second controller included.  Now i need to get a second controller, a wireless Gamecube controller, and probably another game.  I think I'll be waiting for the xmas bonus to get one.

Will the Wii support existing Wavebird controllers?

[shmokes]

Yes.  The area with the gamecube ports is totaly flat so a Wavebird receiver will fit on it just fine.

[somunny]

I guess Amazon *was* taking pre orders?   No option for that now, however.

Anyone aware of other retailers taking orders for the Wii?  I called GameStop and the answer was (a rather irritated) negative.

Steve

[AmericanDemon]

 stopped in at an EBGames today to pre-order and they said that they will open Pre-Orders next week once they get their stores allocation in the PC.  So in essence once they know how many they are getting on launch they will then take pre-orders.

However, they were taking Zelda pre-orders.

[hypernova]

I'm elated that we'll be able to buy the remote separate from the nunchuk.  If the stick on the nunchuk is manufactured anything like the cube's sticks, they'll go bad in a year or so of constant smash brothers.  Which I suppose is good overall, I just loved their previous three systems' controllers and their longevity.

However, they were taking Zelda pre-orders.

Wii version, right?

[AmericanDemon]

Both actually, but I initially inquired about the Wii version. 

[Santoro]

We got a preorder in at Amazon this morning.