Gamesindustry has the scoop that finally gives us a clue as to how much a Nintendo Wii will set us back come later this year. At a full-year financial report given recently by Nintendo's Yoshihiro Mori, it was announced that the system will retail for $250 USD or less when it is released in the fourth quarter of this year. They also will ship out 6 million units of the system by March of 2007.
Obviously this is in stark comparison to Sony's Playstation 3 which will release around the same time for literally double the price, if not more. Nintendo is banking on the low price point and innovative software and hardware that the Wii will offer to bring in new customers. Both Microsoft and Sony admitted that the Nintendo Wii would be viable as a "2nd console" and as such Nintendo could be in a position to capture a huge market share. By not getting involved in the escalating hardware war between Microsoft and Sony, Nintendo is in a unique position and can sit by and nab up everyone else who won't shell out $599 USD for a decked out Playstation 3 or even $399 for an Xbox 360.
Now while this is great news for Nintendo fans, I must also bring up some not so hot news on the Big N front that came out of that same financial report. Nintendo's annual operating profit fell 19% and this was due in part to the continued decline in Gamecube and GameBoy Advance demand, and also because of the startup costs for the Nintendo Wii itself. But there was also good news! Nintendo saw a 12.5% rise in its net profit, mostly due to the terrific demand for the Nintendo DS handheld. Nintendo aims to sell another 16 million DS units and over 70 million software units for the handheld this year, which would equate to a 22% increase in operating profit for this fiscal year.
All in all, great news today. We get a somewhat firm price point for the Wii. At least we know it won't cost over $250 USD or €195. We also know that the Gamecube and Gameboy Advance aren't doing that well for Nintendo, and the DS is making it up for them.
Obviously this is in stark comparison to Sony's Playstation 3 which will release around the same time for literally double the price, if not more. Nintendo is banking on the low price point and innovative software and hardware that the Wii will offer to bring in new customers. Both Microsoft and Sony admitted that the Nintendo Wii would be viable as a "2nd console" and as such Nintendo could be in a position to capture a huge market share. By not getting involved in the escalating hardware war between Microsoft and Sony, Nintendo is in a unique position and can sit by and nab up everyone else who won't shell out $599 USD for a decked out Playstation 3 or even $399 for an Xbox 360.
Now while this is great news for Nintendo fans, I must also bring up some not so hot news on the Big N front that came out of that same financial report. Nintendo's annual operating profit fell 19% and this was due in part to the continued decline in Gamecube and GameBoy Advance demand, and also because of the startup costs for the Nintendo Wii itself. But there was also good news! Nintendo saw a 12.5% rise in its net profit, mostly due to the terrific demand for the Nintendo DS handheld. Nintendo aims to sell another 16 million DS units and over 70 million software units for the handheld this year, which would equate to a 22% increase in operating profit for this fiscal year.
All in all, great news today. We get a somewhat firm price point for the Wii. At least we know it won't cost over $250 USD or €195. We also know that the Gamecube and Gameboy Advance aren't doing that well for Nintendo, and the DS is making it up for them.
My concern lies with the system specifications.
My concern lies with the system specifications.
Why? You don't go out and get a game that has specs, you get something fun. Specs are meaningless, as the Gamecube proved.
My concern lies with the system specifications.
Why? You don't go out and get a game that has specs, you get something fun. Specs are meaningless, as the Gamecube proved.
People seem to care about how powerful the system is rather the games that run on them. I hope Nintendo the best of luck.
Also, putting tomorrow's graphics aside, I really hope Nintendo doesn't do what it did with GameCube. While I loved the GameCube, it never had many great games for it (aside from their usual sequels), had little use of their internet adapter, and didn't really rocket off as Nintendo planned it to. I'm just hoping Nintendo follows through with their promises.
That said, I'm hoping Nintendo can pick up a few quality third party developers. God knows they need it more than the Xbox ever did. ;(
Come on. It costs $250, do you expect it to last more than a couple of years?
The PS3 costs proabably about $600, do you expect it to last a couple decades?!?
otherwise i don't see 6 million units sold by 2007,perhaps by 2008 or 2009
It's a great idea, IMO.
And some kids do care for HD. Stop basing it on just what you like. I know plenty of kids (nephews and their friends) that prefer HD gaming over the regular look. Yes, it's mom and dad who buy the systems, but kids do like HD and graphics power.
The only problem I have with Nintendo is that they have to make 20 different versions of Mario for every console they create. Mario is getting really old. IMHO the last good Mario game ever released was Super Mario for the Nintendo 64. they ned to stop making 20 different versions of the games that only appear on their systems and start creating some original material. Especially for their adult fanbase.
otherwise i don't see 6 million units sold by 2007,perhaps by 2008 or 2009
OK it has the best graphics in the world, yet the contoller is a piece of crap would you buy it?
That was justing wasting your time and hating on Nintendo.
You really have no idea what you're talking about do you?
You really have no idea what you're talking about do you?
No he does not. Dont even pay attention...
Zelda is a great game. Mario continues to be attractive to people all ages. Stop hating on a console that has planned everything correctly without spending grand amounts of money or using firepower. They have the creativity.
Anyway good price, I'll be in the launch queue.
Exactly. They're aimed at your mom that always told you to stop playing games, your grandparents that always thought it was too complicated. Everyone they possibly can.
It's working for DS. I sold 2 DSes and 2 copies of Brain Age to a couple of 60 year old women last night. And the systems and games were for them.
Why can't website and people post what was really said.
They said that the WII will be 25,000 yen or less wich is about $223 - $229 dollars. They didn't state an exact price.
This did not say anything about what the exact price would be.
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/05/25/ni...icing_revealed/
Consoles aren't priced the same everywhere. wink.gif"
quoted from the forum
i have been a long time nintendo fan and will love to pick this up as and when it becomes available! nintendo has been making great gaming consoles since the 80's. would love to get my hands on the latest!
Brain Age is a learning/mental tool. That's not a good example to use to try to get your point across. Now if they had bought Brain Age along with Metroid or Mario and it was for themselves, then you'd have a good point, but they didn't now did they? :wink:
How is it not a good example? They bought a game that appeals to them, and there will be more.
The idea isn't to get people like that to buy Metroid. It's to give them other games that they will like, and get them to buy the system.
The same mentality will hold for the Wii. Nintendo will market to a wide demographic. If that means releasing something like Brain Age for the Wii, they'll do it, and sell Wiis to people who wouldn't own a game console otherwise.
His example is quite valid.
1.) The 3DO had a very similar controller. It's nothing new by Nintendo. the only thing Nintendo has done is made it wireless.
2.) You've never laid a finger on the controller and don't say you have. You can't say it's the best thing since analog sticks when you've never used it yet.
The fanoboys need to stop commenting in here. You can't judge a controller that few people have even touched. You're saying it's the best thing simply because you're a Nintendo fan and don't like anything else. Give it a rest
You know. You're probably right.
**goes back to his Xbox 360**
The very concept of the controller is unlike anything on the market today, so no one here actually has to use it to say it's the biggest change since the analog stick.
Yeah, because no one played it at E3. There were no lines with hundreds of people waiting their turn...
The ignorance of some people in here is astounding.
My concern lies with the system specifications.
Why? You don't go out and get a game that has specs, you get something fun. Specs are meaningless, as the Gamecube proved.
Still, but I'd really like the thing to have an HD output, considering how crappy SDTV look on my tv...
WRONG, it has Gryoscopes, Accelorometers, senses its location in any 3d space, has a IR pointer, speaker, rumble (which the PS3 controller will not have). Its a Significant piece of technology, just because its not 'Uber Pixel Shaders 10.9!??!1one' doesn't mean its any less advanced.
If you stop worrying about 'Uber Graphixx!' and just play the games with the new controller, then im 100% sure you have one hell of a blast.
Not to mention the extension port at the bottom of the controller, which allows for so much more (wireless classic controller, Zapper gun shell, nunchuck etc)
far from a 'motion sensor' indeed.
Amen.
Features can only offset an astronomical cost for so long.. I think Nintendo might emerge from this whole debacle looking very good indeed and more power to them. They've stuck by a tried a tested formula for a long time, and whilst Microsoft and Sony have been beating their chests and screaming in each others faces, Nintendo have just plodded along in the background getting ready to launch another masterpiece of a console.
Lets hope that the stupid name doesnt put people off, and lets hope that this console gets the recognition that it will (hopefully) deserve!
I've not had a Nintendo console in my house since the SNES (well excluding my DS!
$200 for a newly released console.
All other consoles did the same.
Nintendo Entertainment System - 1986 - $200
Super Nintendo Entertainment System - 1991 - $200
Nintendo 64 - 1996 - $200
Gamecube - 2001 - $200
Wii - 2006 - $200?
Another trend is every 5 years another console comes out :p
$200 for a newly released console.
All other consoles did the same.
Nintendo Entertainment System - 1986 - $200
NEWSFLASH: the NES was $100
and it came with two games, two controllers, and a light gun
http://curmudgeongamer.com/imgdisplay.php3...es-absolute.png
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/5831/imgd...ileconsolep.png
Heh, and has anyone noticed the jokes about the name completely died off after E3?
Maybe because it's much funnier to make fun of Giant Enemy Crabs ^^
icethegreat
My concern lies with the system specifications.
Why? You don't go out and get a game that has specs, you get something fun. Specs are meaningless, as the Gamecube proved.
Actually, the Gamecube totally proved that wrong seeing as it came in third. Alot of people want realistic games. I personally don't think a motion sensor is that innovative and is no incentive to myself to even look at that console.
Actually, the Gamecube totally proved that wrong seeing as it came in third. Alot of people want realistic games. I personally don't think a motion sensor is that innovative and is no incentive to myself to even look at that console.
The Gamecube came in third because the specs-monkeys don't actually care about the game as much as they care about how it looks. The system actually was more advanced than the Playstation, but people couldn't wrap their heads around the physical design either.
And the point I made was about the graphics. Which were great on the Cube.
Then I saw the PS3 which looks to be probably close to $800 Candian for the model I will get. As a College student this is a little pricy to me. Do I go to school for a year or do I buy a console.
I then see Nintendo's console. Cheap, innovative and the ability to play all the games I played as I grew up as a kid. What more can I possibly ask for?
So what if it won't display in HD on my TV (when I get an HDTV). Did the NES have HD with it? Did my original Xbox use HD? No. So why would I really need it now to ENJOY a game. I have to say that Super Mario World was one of THE BEST games I have ever played. Was it online? Did it support HD Graphics? What about hard drive information storing? Video Camera Responses? Nope, Nope, Nope and Nope. Was it a fun game which I could play for days on end? Yes.
Sadly I never owned a SNES. So I can't play Super Mario World on a TV. With the Wii I can finally play it (legally) on my television for days at a time if I would like.
I don't want to bash Sony or Microsoft for their consoles. They both have some amazing future plans. But as a consumer, I want the best BANG for my money. Nintendo is providing it.
Of course I may want BlueRay, hard-drive gameplay, etc, etc, etc in the future. But it's not in my plans of "NEED" right now. I bought a palm pilot and I bought a cell phone. In total I spent roughly $300. If I were to have combined them into one package I would have been paying $500 or more (Canadian). Plus I didn't get them at the same time cause I didn't need them at the same time. Why do I need a BlueRay movie player combined with my gaming console when I don't need one yet.
Sony will be the "bragging rights" console. Xbox 360 will be the "Halo Console" and Nintendo will be the "Gaming Console".
Firstly - I don't have a HDTV, nor can I afford one. We can't even RECIEVE HDTV here in the UK without special subscriptions (with additional costs), so whats the point? I'm not going to buy a TV specifically for a next gen console so forget that one.
Secondly - I don't want Blu-Ray! DVD's are already sharp enough for me and I already have an extensive DVD collection.. i've no interest in moving to another format yet!
I think you've hit the nail on the head and I think they are points that the big companies just can't seem to understand.. all these features might be what they want to justify the high prices for the hardware but what if we don't actually want all that stuff? Then it just becomes layers of pointless garnish which end up making the whole package completely unattractive.
Having played on a friends Gamecube (Wario Ware.. oh my word!!
I would like a PS3 for games like MGS4 and FF13... but those games alone are not worth the $600 price tag imho.
A lot of people on this forum might have a HDTV but guess what? HDTV penetration in the US market is far from even 50%. It was estimated that in 2004 there was only 11 million households in the US with HDTV. So even if the amount has doubled between 2004 and now it would bring the amount to around say 25 million; still a VERY small number.
So when I am considering buying a game system I don’t want to think about how the $400 I just spent will not look as good if I don’t have that T.V. over on aisle 10 which costs over $1000. That is a pretty depressing thought for us working stiffs with a family to feed. I would never pay $400 for a game system; let alone buy a TV that costs at least $1000 dollars just to accessorize that $400 + system.
So what is Nintendo trying to do? They are attempting to target the largest market share in America. Sounds like a smooth move to me.
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So what is Nintendo trying to do? They are attempting to target the largest market share in America. Sounds like a smooth move to me.
It's not like the Xbox 360 can't output a standard-definition signal. Games (with the exception of King Kong at launch -- which was then later patched) still look spectacular through a non-HD signal on a standard-def TV.
But I get your point about targeting the largest market share. I just don't see how it's wrong to throw in some goodies like HD if they still include support for SD.
Long live Nintendo! I want Mario Kart on that system! I still break out Mario Kart 64 every once in while.
Still, I will buy a Wii as soon as I can. I expect great things from the console. I just wish I could say the same for the PS3.
Okay, simply put: Nintendo did a horrible market targeting job with the GameCube. Sure, kid games are fun and all, but those same kids that grew up in NES and SNES had little to play on GameCube. I mean, the amount of games that I have for PS2 topple the amount of games I have for GameCube. And it's not because I'm a damn fanboy, or anything of the sort, but because it has games for everyone whether it was Kingdom Hearts or Metal Gear Solid games.
I'm not saying Nintendo isn't great. I loved the NES, the SNES, the N64, and should have loved the GameCube. I woke up at 6AM to stand in line at Walmart just to get the system for $75 with the 4 Zelda games included. My point is that after I had it, there were little games left to buy for it(Windwaker, Metroid, Super Smash Bros. Melee to name a few). So what if it played smoothly? It didn't offer as many quality games that Sony did. Hell, I've never owned an Xbox, and if I had the option to go back and choose an Xbox or GC, I'd go with an Xbox.
Also the idea of being a "spec-monkey" and not caring about game quality is very far off. I love all the old school games. Personally, I don't care what the system specs are. As I stated earlier in a reply to Joel's post, I just want the Wii to be able to play the games that are out as well as the games that are to come ahead. I'll most likely be buying a Wii. I just don't want to waste my money like I did on the GC.
GameCube came in third because it had such a limited variety of games. There were very few RPGs and FPSs as compared to the PS2. SNES was famous for having so many RPGs and some of the first quality shooter games. The N64 lacked in RPGs, leaving Sony to take a big step up in the market, but still had some good FPS games. Then, you get the GC and you have Metroid.. and Crystal Chronicles..? Skies of Arcadia(originally on DreamCast)? I think that Nintendo needs to focus back on its old roots and bring back the shooters and RPGs into it's new console. They've got the ability with that new controller, I just hope they can do it right this time.
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