Rumored Wii Launch Date + Price + Details

By jerry
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Grand Master

jerry

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It's like I said...when Sony sells out of it's initial batch (likely, despite Sony's blunders), and the PS3 isn't on the shelves for X-mas, look what two consoles will be in abundance on the shelves...

-Spenser

I'm guessing there will be shortages for both PS3 (massive) and 360, unless Microsoft has been secretly stockpiling (cough*Spartan*cough).

Great launch library + Cheapest price point + Good availability = :devil:

Grand Master

The Teej

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A handheld with GameCube discs would be a pretty stupid idea. The discs are too big for a handheld, there's no casing on them, they're programmed for a higher resolution than a Nintendo portable screen would have, and would have a battery life worse than PSP. With that said, I doubt Nintendo would do it.

As for the $229 price, well, that's an expensive controller. GameCubes sell for $75 with a game over here. If Microsoft bundle a memory card with the Core 360, it may turn some potential buyers. If there is a game or two controllers bundled with the Wii, then the price would make more sense. Then again, the price is still a rumour.

Also, the article is back on IGN, albeit minus the CPU talk.

Actually you're thinking of a Gamecube Handheld, not a handheld that uses Gamecube discs.

The format doesn't determine the resolution, the hardware does.

Grand Master

AlphaPrime

Posted
Posted

Actually you're thinking of a Gamecube Handheld, not a handheld that uses Gamecube discs.

Is there a difference? Surely the idea of a handheld that uses GameCube games is to play the entire collection.

The format doesn't determine the resolution, the hardware does.

Yes, but GameCube games are made to optimise a higher resolution (just like DS games are made directly for a much smaller resolution). On a small screen and a resolution half the size (or less), things can get too small, such as text and HUD. There's also the other problems I mentioned.

Grand Master

PL_ Veteran

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Heh, there was talk of Nintendo wanting to do a "portable gamecube" as their new gameboy. Personally, I think it'd be great. You could play the new GBE games either on the GBE, the Wii or the Gamecube all out of the box. At the same time, you could play Gamecube games on the GBE.

Lets face it. The Gamecube Interface is roughly the same as the DS's with the exception of two analogue sticks and a Z button, which would could easily be added.

Personally, I'm actually more intrested in the portable gamecube handheld then the Wii price XD

Y'know what I would love?

Something along the lines of the DS, that was backwards compatible with Gameboy.

Grand Master

spenser.d

Posted
Posted

A handheld with GameCube discs would be a pretty stupid idea. The discs are too big for a handheld, there's no casing on them, they're programmed for a higher resolution than a Nintendo portable screen would have, and would have a battery life worse than PSP. With that said, I doubt Nintendo would do it.

As for the $229 price, well, that's an expensive controller. GameCubes sell for $75 with a game over here. If Microsoft bundle a memory card with the Core 360, it may turn some potential buyers. If there is a game or two controllers bundled with the Wii, then the price would make more sense. Then again, the price is still a rumour.

Also, the article is back on IGN, albeit minus the CPU talk.

What's wrong with that price. It's probably the cheapest you'll have gotten a console for at launch in ages (inflation adjusted). That's pretty sweet-looking to a lot of people.

-Spenser

Grand Master

AlphaPrime

Posted
Posted

What's wrong with that price. It's probably the cheapest you'll have gotten a console for at launch in ages (inflation adjusted). That's pretty sweet-looking to a lot of people.

I can't blame Nintendo for wanting to make a profit on the hardware. But when you see current gen consoles producing the same graphic quality for half the price or less, it's just not that great value. When you compare it to the competition, it's cheap. It's just that the price for the technology is a bit much. Let's hope the remote is worth it.

Grand Master

The Teej

Posted
Posted

Is there a difference? Surely the idea of a handheld that uses GameCube games is to play the entire collection.

Yes, but GameCube games are made to optimise a higher resolution (just like DS games are made directly for a much smaller resolution). On a small screen and a resolution half the size (or less), things can get too small, such as text and HUD. There's also the other problems I mentioned.

1) Yes, there is. You don't know for sure what Nintendo is up to. Besides, even if it is a GCN handheld, so what? It's obviously based off of the Wii hardware (as indiciated by the "Reduced powered version" tag in the article), and Satoru Iwata states that the Wii is very power consumption friendly. Considering this won't be released until at least Xmas 2007 (although you're more likely lookng at Xmas 2008), Nintendo could easily find a way to make batteries a hell of a lot more powerful. Right now, The DS Lite Battery stands at 6-9 hours play on the brightest setting, and 19 hours on the lightest. Now, while I realise the DS is now Gamecube handheld, who's to say Nintendo won't figure out a way to make the DS Lite battery last longer, or slightly bigger to allow more power consumption? Who's to say the new GCN Handheld could potentially allow two batteries?

2) Fair enough, although I feel that looking into a 5" screen on a handheld is a bit different to looking into 5" TV (you pay more attention to detail). Besides, this is IF Nintendo plans a GCN handheld. They might just wanna use it as the new Nintendo handheld medium.

Grand Master

AlphaPrime

Posted
Posted

1) Yes, there is. You don't know for sure what Nintendo is up to. Besides, even if it is a GCN handheld, so what? It's obviously based off of the Wii hardware (as indiciated by the "Reduced powered version" tag in the article), and Satoru Iwata states that the Wii is very power consumption friendly. Considering this won't be released until at least Xmas 2007 (although you're more likely lookng at Xmas 2008), Nintendo could easily find a way to make batteries a hell of a lot more powerful. Right now, The DS Lite Battery stands at 6-9 hours play on the brightest setting, and 19 hours on the lightest. Now, while I realise the DS is now Gamecube handheld, who's to say Nintendo won't figure out a way to make the DS Lite battery last longer, or slightly bigger to allow more power consumption? Who's to say the new GCN Handheld could potentially allow two batteries?

I think Nintendo would make a handheld as powerful as the GameCube in a couple of years, but I don't see it using GameCube discs. GC discs are around 40% bigger than UMD discs and they would push the unit to around 10cm by 10cm (that's assuming it would be a clam shell, much wider if it isn't) which is somewhat fat for a handheld. Wii hardware is based off GameCube hardware, so it makes sense to use a lower clocked Wii CPU. DS doesn't use optical discs so it's battery life is much better. Nintendo could include a bigger battery since the handheld would be a lot bigger than normal. Although fitting two analog sticks and all the controls in a square shape could really cramp the hand when playing.

2) Fair enough, although I feel that looking into a 5" screen on a handheld is a bit different to looking into 5" TV (you pay more attention to detail). Besides, this is IF Nintendo plans a GCN handheld. They might just wanna use it as the new Nintendo handheld medium.

Well a 5" screen is quite big for a handheld console, especially considering that it would need to be in 4:3 to play all of the GameCube games properly. 4" would have to be the maximum.

Basically GameCube was not meant to be turned into a portable system. I do not see Nintendo using GC discs for a new handheld, because they're just not handheld-friendly. If Nintendo do turn to discs (oh the irony) they should be 6cm maximum. Although, 1GB flash cards are getting much cheaper, in two years time they may only cost like $5-$10, which would be the better alternative.

Grand Master

PiracyX

Posted
Posted

$230 = ?120 AMAZING.

I dont think it will be a straight conversion, as we in UK always get crippled with excess charges on top meaning we will pay more for it, something like ?130-?140. who knows.

I am looking forward to this considering its going to be so cheap. I wonder how much the games are going to cost tho.....

Grand Master

morficus

Posted
Posted

i already have my Wii fund ready and i'll be buying it as soon as they release it :)

I'm glad Nintendo made their console quite affordable. I'll definately buy one at the launch day.

Yup yup yup. I'm looking out for pre-orders as well.

I'll be sitting at the door when this baby hits the market :yes:

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