Wii Mini to be released? Did not see that one coming...
That was quick. Scarcely two hours after Best Buy spoiled the party, Nintendo is launching the Wii Mini. The crimson console is billed as a Canada-exclusive for now -- we're reaching out to confirm if and when it might go elsewhere -- and is clearly meant to catch those families that find the Wii U (or even a regular Wii) too pricey. To get there, though, they'll have to make some big sacrifices. The Wii Mini cuts out both GameCube compatibility (seen in some regular Wii variants) and, more importantly, internet access; unfortunately, this won't be your budget Netflix box. Still, when gamers in the Great White North can pick one up on December 7th for $100, it might be the ideal fit for that TV in the basement or the occasional party.
Well in fairness the wii takes up soooo much space
Not sure it's a wise move, given that they should be trying to sell people on the merits of the new system and incentivising them to purchase the Wii U rather than opting for the cheaper Wii mini, which in the eyes of most developers is already dead. It's hardly going to convince jaded third parties that Nintendo is pulling out all the stops for the Wii U is they are already muddying the waters.
Edit... nevermind seems to be a Canadian exclusive
It's a Canadian exclusive for now - but you can bet your boots it will go worldwide. Why bother spending all the money on developing a smaller console for such a restricted market? To be honest, it's typical Nintendo to not just launch in all regions, or at least announce dates.
I'm also not convinced on the timing. Little Johnny asks for a "new Wii" for Christmas, and his parents buy a Mini Wii, not a WiiU, because they don't know better, and both are new. We've already had a version of the Wii that strips GCN function, do we really need another that strips internet multiplayer? (Bearing in mind how bad the Wii is at this anyway). No eStore either?
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Ugh that thing is UGLY from the sides. Looks like a toy from the 80s, and it is yet another top-loader like the PS3 Super Slim.
Exactly, given the pi55 poor advertising campaign they are running for Wii U (it looks like they are advertising an expensive peripheral to the wii rather than a new console) and with this 'new wii' with a cheaper price when parents are still reeling from the economic downturn the last few years all it really does is cause confusion and mess. Typical Nintendo...
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I do like the Matte black though, I wish they had used that for the Wii U.
It looks like an external HDD more than a console
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The Wii U I've seen all over, but not had a chance to see what it really is. I'll admit to not understanding what it is.
Is it a separate console? A portable? A tag along?
The WiiU is a new console, not an accessory.
And here in is the proof that I was right that Nintendo's advertising and marketing of the Wii U is totally messed up. Even the TV commercials here make it look like an accessory rather than a new console, with the advert telling customers to go to a website address for more information ? I'm sorry but WhoTF does that when watching a commercial ?
Adding another wii into the mix just adds to the confusion. Nintendo need a slap on the wrist.
Somebody in marketing needs to get fired.
The reason the Wii Mini exists is because I'm sure by this point it's pure profit for Nintendo.
I mean, Sony kept the PS2 around long after the PS3 launched, but I don't remember them getting particularly **** on about it.
I loved the original Wii at the time but couldn't believe Nintendo thought they could milk it for as long as they did. I really expected an HD Nintendo console a couple of years ago. Lame.
The thing that makes the Wii U an absolute no-go for me is the GamePad controller, only one of which is supported at this time (and additional GamePads down the road are sure to be expensive). My kids fight enough about who gets controller #1. With the Wii U they'd always be fighting over who gets the GamePad. Unlike the original Wii, the Wii U doesn't appear to be designed for groups or multiple players.
Sorry Nintendo, but this console is a no-buy for me.
The other issue sounds more like a parenting issue than a issue with the system.
Do you have kids? If so, you should realize that one kid holding the touchscreen controller while the rest have Wiimotes is simply not going to fly. Parenting has nothing to do with it.
The thing that makes the Wii U an absolute no-go for me is the GamePad controller, only one of which is supported at this time (and additional GamePads down the road are sure to be expensive). My kids fight enough about who gets controller #1. With the Wii U they'd always be fighting over who gets the GamePad. Unlike the original Wii, the Wii U doesn't appear to be designed for groups or multiple players.
Something is definitely wrong if having the Pad actually decreases enjoyment of a game...
So CPU is finally confirmed (i'm not surprised really)
1.25 GHz Triple Core Broadway Chip
Let the damnation commence I can understand developers concerns. No matter of shifting to GPU lead development can over compensate for a bottleneck in the CPU going forward. Remember GPU is great for graphics, but that CPU is needed to drive the game engine and the physics systems and AI etc..
Not sure why they couldn't have at least pushed it to 2ghz tbh.
1.25 GHz is horrible but I'm wondering if it's negated by the GPGPU capabilities of the system. GPGPU computing can actually outperform CPU computing in areas like physics and AI if there's a large amount of parallelism.